Sports Notes

-Why is it that the spot on Kenny Rogers' throwing hand is such a big story now when a similar spot marked his hand in the ALDS, the ALCS, and even in a regular season game in July? Why is the press making such a big deal about it when the players, coaches, and umpires aren't? Even if it was a bit of pine tar, pitchers claim that 60-70% of pitchers use it at one time or another in cold conditions. Peter Gammons noted that there wasn't enough on his hand to have much affect on the movement of the ball. There was only a slight amount which would be effective in feeling the ball. Also, why make such a big deal about it since Rogers shut the Cardinals down for the 7 innings after he washed it off his hand? He shut them down for one inning with the mark and 7 innings without it.

-Shawn Merriman tested positive for steroids, eh? Isn't he the same guy who claimed he was the best linebacker in the league, even better than Baltimore's Ray Lewis? What's he have to say about that now?

-For everyone who was on Dallas' head coach Bill Parcell's back about starting Tony Romo over Drew Bledsoe, after tonight's performance, what are your thoughts now? Romo took over for Bledsoe in the second half and in just 30 minutes of action, the guy threw three interceptions.

-I guess hockey started. I didn't know they still had a league...

-Is Ben Roethlisberger cursed? A motorcycle accident, an emergency appendectomy, and now a concussion? Geesh. What could be next?

-It's official. Any NFL team can beat another on any given Sunday (or Monday). Arizona blows a game against the unbeaten Bears and they lose to the winless Raiders. Houston beats Jacksonville by 20. Philly falls to Tampa. Crazy!

-How are Vick critics responding to the quarterback's 4 touchdown performance on Sunday against the Steelers? "Pittsburgh's defense isn't very good this year" or "It's just one game. He has to do that consistently." What, throw four touchdown passes? Give me a break. Who consistently throws 4 touchdown passes? Peyton Manning and Donovan McNabb may be the closest to do that and they play in pass-oriented offenses. Vick does not. Before the game, I heard many say that Pitt's defense was too good and quick for Vick, but after the game? Oh, the Pitt defense isn't very good. Uh-huh. Tell Bill Cowher that.