Cline's Corner
Volume I, Number 6, May 31, 1998
written by Chris Cline
Welcome to Cline's Corner... a potpourri of commentary,
analysis,
predictions and insight regarding
the world of sports! You may disagree with me and I may be wrong from time to time, so feel free to click on the email
link below and send me your comments,
criticism and even praise.
The loyal readers of Cline's Corner have been clamoring for a new issue for some time,
unfortunately, we've been lax in keeping this column updated. For that,
we apologize...
Let's start with predictions:
NHL...The Sabres have lost 3 tough games in a row (2 in overtime),
but they still boast the best goaltender
on the planet. I predicted that they would win The Cup at the beginning of the playoffs and I am going
to stick by them. I think they will beat the Caps in 7 games and beat Detroit in the Finals.
NBA...We are just a few hours away from Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Pacers and
the Bulls and I have put in my order for a little Divine Intervention on behalf of the Pacers. Why not?
I'm sick of the Bulls and pray that Jordan,
Pippen and Rodman will all miraculously have bad games
on the same day. I'm going with my favorite Bird to inspire a Travis Best buzzer-beater to launch
the Pacers into the finals.
Now the commentary:
Tennis...Sampras is just about cooked. His head just isn't in the game anymore. It's a free-for-all for the top spot.
Golf...I am sick and tired of hearing about Tiger Woods, but thankful that the hoopla has subsided
since last year. Talk to me in 10 years if this guy wins more than a few majors. He will win a lot of money
because the purses are so big
but I doubt he will win anymore than a handful of major championships
at best. An excellent golfer? Yes. Great?????
Figure Skating...I believe Tara Lipinski felt very fortunate to have "beaten" Michelle Kwan for the
Olympic Gold Medal and thought that she better turn professional now, duck Kwan at future
competitions and make the money now before she hits puberty, puts on weight and starts to flounder. I felt that Lipinski's
presentation marks at the Olympics were way too high and that Kwan should have won. Kudos to Kwan for the classy way
she handled herself and for hanging around to compete in the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake. P.S...Tara's
agent should tell Tara's mother to keep her trap shut or risk further tarnish to her gold medal.
Baseball...the best for last!
Mark McGwire...should have at least 40 HRs by the All Star break and coast to a new home run record.
Nobody could have possibly hit more home runs FARTHER than McGwire. He doesn't get cheated often.
I usually don't care for old records to be beaten, but in this case I will make an exception since McGwire
is a quiet, classy pro who loves the game and plays hard every day.
Roger Clemens, Jose Canseco, Blue Jays Manager Tim Johnson and Mo Vaughn (the next loser to become a Blue
Jay)...I am hoping that the Sox DO NOT sign Mo Vaughn, currently the BIGGEST mouth and SECOND BIGGEST
waistline (pathetic Rich Garces #1) in Boston. Roger Clemens used to be #1 in both categories before
he started to get in shape for his free agent year (he was AWOL while making millions for 4 years!).
Canseco was a close second in the big mouth category while he was here...he also is well known for beating women. The BEST
thing the Sox ever did was to let Clemens walk...the guy's ego is bigger than the planet (giving names
to all his kids beginning with the letter "K") and his IQ hovers in the teens. I bet he spells class with a "K."
Mo Vaughn talks about being a role model and a man's man... I guess that entails driving drunk and going
to strip joints..another "klassy" guy! Finally, the ever-so-mediocre
Tim Johnson, a/k/a the Tony LaRussa wannabe manager for Toronto,
made some negative comment about Pedro Martinez the other day when comparing him to Clemens.
Message to Tim Johnson... Martinez will have shed more goodwill and genuinely helped more people
in 1 year, without benefit to himself, than Clemens, Vaughn, Canseco and Johnson helped combined
in their entire Boston careers. It is very rare that a professional athlete gives so much time and money (while
enjoying it!) and promotes oodles of goodwill without expecting anything in return... Martinez is that kind of
athlete. I can only hope and pray he breaks every record Clemens owns. For Clemens, Canseco and Vaughn it's "what's in it for me?" and "how much can I get for my autograph?" Don't forget, Vaughn was about to sign a
contract he was happy with (10 million per year) until the Sox gave Martinez 12 million. It was no surprise to see Vaughn yucking it up with Canseco and Clemens when
the Blue Jays played Boston last week...3 selfish ballplayers with huge egos...a great bunch of guys for a very mediocre manager! Let Vaughn walk to Toronto!
J.D Drew...who the #$%@&% does this guy think he is??? This guy has yet to prove he can perform
at the major league level and he wants 11 million! I think the owners should all get together and agree
NOT to sign him (yes, I know it's collusion). Teach this egomaniac loser a lesson! When he does make the majors,
I hope he is the biggest bust since David Clyde.
Well, that's it for this week... Keep those e-mails rolling in!
Click here to read the previous edition of Cline's Corner!
Click here to read the January 1998 edition of Cline's Corner!
Return to Chris and Teresa's Web Page!!