Whitt's End: 7.27.12
Whether you've reached the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End:
*Never heard a great player – we're talking the 2010 AL MVP – admit to being in such a funk physically and mentally. In the midst of an 11-week slump that has seen his batting average plummet from .407 to .287, the Rangers' Josh Hamilton talks of swinging at questionable pitches and admits to at times "losing focus" on the field. His historic 4-homer game in Baltimore feels like last season doesn't it?
*Despite attorney Royce West's "press conference" – i.e. 1 minute, 40-second dog and pony show – I'm told the District Attorney's office is moving forward with its charges of domestic violence against Dez Bryant. Prediction: Plea bargain down to a Class C misdemeanor and Dez walks away with a fine and probation. Those of you who thought the case would be dismissed because the victim, Dez's mom Angela, didn't want to press charges, sorry. That ain't happening. And this may take a while. West is currently on vacation with his family in Turkey. Insert your own punch lines.
*No doubt Dez will be suspended at least 1 games by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Remember, the NFL's conduct policy clearly states that punishment can be levied without a conviction of a crime.
*Yesterday on the radio I passed along a Rangers' trade rumor I'd been told by someone who is consistently right about local baseball news. It was a rumor. A possibility. Something that had been talked about, but certainly not consummated. Didn't report it as fact or breaking news. Just another scenario to ponder. Elvis Andrus and Mike Olt to the Brewers for Zack Greinke and Yovani Gallardo. I don't think I'd do it, even though the Rangers have Jurickson Profar waiting in the wings at shortstop. My radio buddy Greggo says do the deal.
*Former Cowboys' offensive lineman Leonard Davis tells me he's signing with the San Francisco 49ers. Is it just me, or would he still look good in Cowboys' camp considering guys like Phil Costa and Kevin Kowalski might be forced into starting roles?
*HOT
*NOT
*I wished I still got excited about The Olympics. But I don't. And regarding South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius, the guy with springy carbon blades for legs, I wonder if we'd be so sympathetic if he was trying to enter the high jump?
*So Martellus Bennett now hates the Cowboys and seeks revenge on them. For what exactly? Drafting him in the second round, giving him millions of dollars and not cutting his ass way before his contract expired? He should be eternally grateful. Jackass.
*Almost every media member is excited to head to Oxnard, California, where high temps regularly top out in the 70s. But I'm a Texan. In the summer I like it hot. Give me San Antonio over Southern California any day. Packing jackets for a summer vacation just ain't right.
*In case you missed it, this week I ranked the 50 Most Powerful People in Metroplex Sports.
*Any doubt that Pleasant Grove has overtaken Oak Cliff as Dallas' most dangerous 'hood?
*Talk to Cowboys' personnel and 1 name that inevitably comes up: Cole Beasley. I think the undrafted receiver from Little Elm and SMU actually has a chance to make this team as … something.
*Saw a guy at Walgreen's on Oak Lawn yesterday waltzing to his car, casually opening some candy and a pack of smokes. Problem? As he tore open the packages he just tossed the trash over his shoulder. Lazy begets littering, and I hate both. The guy drives a black BMW with a personalized New Orleans Saints-framed license plate that reads "YALLAH." If you see him, toss him a trash bag.
*According to a Washington Post study, this much we know about America and guns: The U.S. has more guns and is the most violent country in the world outside Mexico; The South is the deadliest part of the country (Louisiana); States with stricter gun-control laws have fewer gun-related deaths (Washington). Despite those facts, a Gallup Poll in 2011 revealed that a majority of Americans – 56 percent – are in favor of loosening gun-control laws. Main reason? "The government is trying to take away our guns, and take away our freedoms." Seriously, how stupid are we?
*For those of you asking why the Rangers don't trade for Felix Hernandez. It's because he isn't on the block. Unlike Cliff Lee a couple years ago, Hernandez has a contract with Seattle through 2014. He's one of the best pitchers in baseball. And he's 26. Smart teams just don't get rid of assets like that.
*Mavs have constructed a pretty attractive consolation-prize roster in the wake of losing out on Deron Williams. Come Oct. 30 when they open the season at the Lakers, I'll be watching. More importantly, this season will be about hoping Dwight Howard doesn't get traded to the Nets or Lakers. If not, his camp says he'll sign with Dallas as a free agent next summer. Fingers crossed.
*Facebook is a great idea. Facebook is a horrible investment. In May the stock debuted at $38. Today it is at $23. Ouch.
*Jackson, my 11-year-old Make-A-Wish friend leaves Wednesday for a week in Maui. Enjoy!
*In case you missed it and want to see how truly dorky RAGE is, our TV commercial is right here.
*This weekend? Saturday we fly to California, have a little fun in LA and then head north to Oxnard for three weeks of Cowboys' training camp. Don't be a stranger.
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