Where are they now? Mike Gansey

Mike Gansey was a key component of West Virginia's sweet 16 and elite runs in 2005 and '06. Like a typical white guard, Gansey was a lights out three point shooter, but unlike a typical white guard, Gansey constantly hustles and played respectable defense. Suprisingly, Gansey went undrafted after graduatinf from WVU in 2006. He played in the summer league for the Miami Heat, but did not make the team's final roster after suffering a serious staph infection. After a season in Italy, Gansey is currently playing for the Erie Bayhawks of the NBA's Developmental League.

Forza New Jersey?

In the opening round of the Confederations Cup in South Africa, the United States was defeated 3-1 by defending World Cup winners Italy. Two of the Azzuri's goals were scored by Giuseppe Rossi, a native of New Jersey. The question must be asked, why is Rossi, an American citizen who was born and raised in the United States, playing for Italy? Situations like this are common in international soccer. Manchester United's Owen Hargreaves, a Canadian with British parents, chose to play for England over his native Canada. However, Hargreaves can be forgiven, as Canada is highly unlikely to qualify for a World Cup in the forseeable future, so playing for England was his one chance to play on the biggest stages. Freddy Adu is currently in the U.S. side and was born in Ghana. However, Adu emigrated to the U.S. at a young age and became an American citizen, so his choice of teams is perfectly legitimate. In contrast to these two cases, Rossi's choice of teams is nefarious. Rossi could've made a real difference playing upfront for the U.S. team that is almost always assured of World Cup qualification due to the weakness of CONCACAF. Italy's team may have a brighter spotlight and better chances of winning trophys, but aren't national teams supposed to be about representing your country?

MLB Umps: Does your incompetence know no bounds?

The officiating in all pro sports has come under criticism lately, but while NBA refs such as Nova's own Tim Donaghy can at least claim that they are fixing games, MLB umps are simply incompetent. Friday night's Phillies/Red Sox game was a new low for the league. In the bottom of the 11th in a tie game, Phillies' pinch hitter Gregg Dobbs hit a drive over the right field foul pole, seemingly a walk-off homer. However, umpire Jim Joyce had different ideas, and called the ball foul. (The fact that this loser has the same name as a a great Irish author is a travesty in and of itself). The league has recently instituted a rule that instant replay can be used in plays such as this, so one would think that a potential game changing play such as this would be the perfect oppurtunity to use instant replay. But Joyce would have none of it, claiming he was sure it was foul so he didn;t need the replay. How is it humanly possible to be that arrogant? Are the ups really that afraid of being proved wrong that they won't allow replays to be checked? Joyce obviously got cut from his high school baseball team and now wants to take it out on major leage players, that's the pnly plausible explanation.

Where are they Now? Jason "Apollo" Fraser

Jason Fraser (class of 2006) entered Villanova with very high expectations. As a high school player, he was a McDonalds All-American who was very much on NBA scouts' radars. In a national tournament, he once outplayed LeBron James head to head. Unfortunetly, his Villanova career was derailed by injuries; he underwent seven surguries during his four years, icluding two on each knee. Sfter graduating, Fraser initially played professionally in New Zealand; where he had some success but continued to be hampered by injuries. Jason is currently playing for the legendary Harlem Globetrotters, and displaying some newly found ballhandling skills.

Mediocre Middle Reliever of the Week: Rheal Cormier

Every week this blog will be featuring a mediocre middle reliever; this week we look at the legendary Rheal Cormier. In a career spanning from 1991-2007, Cormier was living proof that there's no Canada like French Canada. Cormier's began in St. Louis, and included stops in Boston, Montreal, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati. His best season was 2003 with the Phillies, in which he posted a 1.70 ERA. Cormier continues to be an important role model for crafty French Canadian lefthanders everywhere.

#250!

Phillies lefthander Jamie Moyer, still going strong at 46, recorded his 250th career win today in a 4-2 victory over the Washington Nationals. In an age where the news is dominated by egomaniacs and steroid users, Moyer is a consummate professional; a refreshing throwback to when baseball was merely a game. With his 81 mph fastball, Moyer relies on his location and vast knowledge of pitching to make batters get themselves out. He has struck out Tony Perez, who was born in the 1940's, and now strikes out players born in the '80's. He struck out both Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. If he continues playing next year, it will the fourth decade he has pitched in. Moyer is a dedicated family man with seven children, and is renowned for his work in the community, both in Seattle and Philadelphia. An astute observer of the game, Moyer has provided invaluable mentoring to young pitchers such as Cole Hamels. After winning 16 games last season, Moyer pitched a gem in game 3 of the World Series while suffering from nausea and explosive diarrhea; a feat much more impressive than drama queen Curt Schilling's bloody sock. For one day let;s forget the madness surrounding A Rod and Manny Ramirez, and give a round of applause for Jamie Moyer, a true ballplayer.

Peavy on the Block

Padres pitcher Jake Peavy has been the subject of much speculationfollowing his rejection of a trade to the Chicago White Sox last week. Sources say Peavy was intimidated at the prospect of playing for tempermental manager Ozzie Guillen. Peavy has a no trade clause and therefore has veto power over any trade. Sources say he would like to remain in the National League, and he is seemingly perfectly content to remain in San Diego. On the one hand, one can harldy blame peavy for wishing to remain a Padre; playing for the Padres has to be one of the best jobs in the world. You're a professional baseball player. you live in San Diego, and you have no pressure or expectations. However, one would think that an elite athlete would thrive on competition and the chance to prove yourself on the biggest stages, which is why it would make perfect sense for Peavy to move on and pitch for a contending team. Rumors claim that Peavy does have the psyche to play in baseball hotbeds such as New York, Philadelphia, or Boston. If this is the case, Peavy needs to take a deep hard look at if he really wants to be a professional athlete.

If Peavy does accept a trade to a conteder, where would he best fit in? The best answer lies in the team visiting San Diego this week, the Philadelphia Phillies. The defending champions have a core group of stars such as Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins who are all at the peaks of their careers right now; it is best to go for another title while the window remains open. Additionally, starter Brett Myers is undergoing hip surgery that likely leave him out for the remainder of the season. With a stable of young arms in the minor league system, the Phillies have the pieces to get the deal done. It's up to you Jake, are you content with mediocrity, or do you want to win a championship?