Quick Hits: John Kerry, More Roger, This and That...

Politicans sure love baseball: I’ll give props to the blog, Babes Who Love Baseball for this one, as I was out last night and spent some the morning finishing up the San Francisco Giants review along with my Black History article & didn't check the news wire until very late.

It seems like John Kerry and other politicians love to get into the business of baseball, and the whole debate about Direct TV and the Extra Innings Package is no different.

Kerry says that he wants to bring up the DirectTV with the Federal Communications Commission at a hearing this Thursday, stating he is "opposed to anything that deprives people of reasonable choices." As well, he opines, "In this day and age, consumers should have more choices - not fewer. I'd like to know how this serves the public - a deal that will force fans to subscribe to DirecTV in order to tune in to their favorite players. A Red Sox fan ought to be able to watch their team without having to switch to DirecTV."

That’s quite peachy.

While I agree that Kerry has a point, he may not have a leg to stand on this one. I think a lot of this deal with private enterprise, not an entity that has governmental oversight; therefore, in the end, basically one company outbid another one for a product. In other words, DirecTV has exclusive right to a product and there may not be a thing anyone can do to stop it.

A lot of fans are really upset about this move, and may force some of the more hardcore fans to switch to DirecTV and dump their provider. As well, some communities don’t allow DirecTV, such as some living in apartment housing or in homeowner associations.

Roger, Roger, Roger: The biggest mercenary in sports, Roger Clemens says he’s no closer to deciding whether he’ll play baseball or not.

"I'm nowhere near ready to play baseball at this time," Clemens, 44, said at the New York Athletic Club before he spoke at the St. John’s University baseball dinner. "I'm in good shape, but nowhere near the playing shape I need to be in to play another season."

I’m sure he’ll change his mind around May, and we’ll all be talking about endlessly.

Also, from the NY Times Article”

He threw 45 minutes of batting practice Monday and Tuesday at Minute Maid Park in Houston and said he would go to the Astros' spring training as part of his personal-services contract.

Clemens said that he and Andy Pettitte speak often, but he did not say whether Pettitte had tried to persuade him to rejoin the Yankees.

"I still think I could pitch at a high level," Clemens said. "I wish this was an easy decision. I guess I'm just failing at retirement."

Um, let’s see. He’s have come back every year since 2004, and his ERA was in the high 2’s last season (if not for the lack of run support, the Astros would have won the Central with him in the fold), and he’s used the same dance steps over and over. As well, at the tune of at least $3 million per month or more, could he say no?

He’ll be back. Of course the standing will determine where he ends up, but right now it looks like it will be between the Astros, Yankees and Red Sox.

This and that: Thanks to everyone who left comments for me this past week on the team reviews, as they were kind of tough to accomplish. I need to give thanks to those from Chicago who gave their input, I appreciate it greatly.

As well, if there’s anyone who wants to be a guest blogger, or whatever, let me know by sending an email to mdguy2415@aol.com.

Next on the docket are the Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers & then the Detroit Tigers; thereafter to finish up the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Devil Rays.