Carney's Convos and Sports Talk

Debate has arisen on whether the injuries sustained by Buster Posey due to his collision with Scott Cousins this past weekend, should prompt Major League Baseball to change the rule on barrel rolling the catcher. You can argue either way, yes or no, but I can see the argument for both sides. I am going to analyze the argument for the 2 sides, and give my vote.

Yes: This is understandable, the risk for an injury to a catcher rises to a great extent when barrel rolling. Buster Posey is an exciting young player, along with plenty of other catchers in Major League Baseball. Safety of Players is #1 when it comes to play. As Nomar Garciaparra said "Buster Posey is a great young player, and an exciting player to watch, I don't want to see players like him getting hurt." I agree with Nomar, players should not have to be in the ER; however, that's a risk of being on the field everyday. The goal is to make that diving catch, leap into the crowd, dodge the broken bat. Injuries are becoming a commonplace more and more over the years in baseball, and preventing them has been a procedure highly observed over the past few seasons. This procedure needs to be updated by looking at this situation.

No: The game is changing too much. Too disallow barrel rolling in baseball, would take away an element of the game that has been around since the game began. Ty Cobb destroyed some catchers in his time, and there were never any complaints. What are you supposed to do if your out at the plate? Jump, and play pattycake? No. Barrel rolling has been a part of the Great American Pastime for as long as anyone can remember, and catchers have gotten destroyed in the past. Need we call Ray Fosse or Pat Borders? We've never complained or argued to this point in the past, why change it now?

My Opinion: As much as I don't want to see the great and exciting players of this game get hurt, I can't help but disagree with the proposal to change this rule. The game is changing too much. I'm all about preserving the historical elements of this game, with the exception of Instant Replay and Remodeling of Wrigley Field. Buster Posey is an amazing catcher, and having him potentially out for the rest of the year is a big blow to baseball, but think of all the other great catchers who have gotten knocked down. There is not one catcher in the Baseball Hall of Fame who didn't get barreled over and caused such an ordeal such as this one. We've never changed the rule before, no matter how many greats and big hits there have been. No reason to do so now...

This past week, a friend of mine asked me about the athletes I have had the honor of meeting recently. "Did Butkus want to kill you for wearing a Marino jersey", "Did you ask Marino to throw you a pass." Then there was the one queston, "Is there any athlete you've met that has changed the way you look at a sport" I answered quickly and easily...Danielle Moinet.

Danielle Moinet is member of the Lingerie Football League's Chicago Bliss, and currently plays Safety/Cornerback. I had the opportunity to meet her when she was making an appearance to promote the Bliss at a Chicago Slaughter game this past year, and she was one of the nicest, intelligent, and interesting women I have had ever had the pleasure of meeting. No she's not just a pretty face, just the presence of her can inform you that she's also athletic. I had a thought or two of her being able to tackle. Speaking with, signing autographs, and posing for fans she demonstrated an amazing personality unlike no other. That time I got to speak with her, and find out a little more about the Bliss is some of the most valuable time I have ever had in my life. Now I knew the girl was nice, but the real question was, "Can she get it done in the field?" I guess I would have to figure out myself...

I took in an LFL game with my friends where the Bliss were facing off against the San Diego Seduction. I remember speaking to one of them pregame, and said "Keep a lookout for #7, I've met her" and he looked and me and responded "How hot is she?" and I said "that's not the reason, I'm telling you. WATCH." A few plays later, my friend and I looked at each other, I said "WOW", he said "Holy Crap" Never do I want to hear the stereotype that women cannot play football again, I'm dead serious. This woman can play the game. She has the combination of Brian Urlacher tacking, and Troy Polamalu game changing abilities, no I'm not over exaggerating, she's that good. Always pumping her teammates up, and all over the field, she really is what this league is all about. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, she has more athleticism than some NFL players I have watched, and made tackles look easy. If she tackled me, I would probably be dead. She was one of the main reasons that scoreboard read 50-12 at the final whistle.

The mission of the Lingerie Football League is to prove that women can play football, and be amazing at it. Moinet is more than amazing, she's unreal. You have got to meet this girl, she will change the look you have on the game of football. If you don't believe me, go see for yourself. Bliss season begins September 2nd, at their new location, Toyota Park. They have 2 home games this year on the 2nd vs Las Vegas and October 7th vs Green Bay, a new Chicago-Green Bay rivalry. The Bliss do a good amount of promotional appearances, including stopping outside to tailgaters. If I would tell you one person to meet, go meet Danielle Moinet, meeting her made my day, my week, my month, and she can do that for you too, she is someone you should know.

Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry pulled off a small trade with Frank Wren and the Atlanta Braves Thursday afternoon by sending Single A southpaw pitching prospect Ryan Buchter in exchange for veteran Rodrigo Lopez.

Buchter, 24, has solid numbers so far this season. So far he has compiled a 4-0 record, with one save, and 3.38 ERA. Even for a Single A pitching prospect, those numbers are solid, and should not be ignored by any means. Of course, a great number of players have solid numbers in the minors, and then are garbage in the majors. However, Buchter, in my opinion has the potential to be a good young player in Atlanta.

Lopez, 36, was in AAA ball with the Braves Organization, located in Gwinnett. The only reason I can see Jim Hendry having interest in Lopez is his performance in the minors this year, where he is 6-1, with a 2.59 ERA. The reason I say this is because his major league numbers are not great. 75-82 in 9 years on the big stage. Most recently, last season he was 7-16 with an era of 5.00 with the Diamondbacks. Lopez has had many stops in his major league career which include San Diego, Baltimore, Colorado, Arizona, and now the north side of Chicago.

I always hesitate the dealing of prospects, especially of lower class ones, due to the fact that they are very young and the potential of them are so enormous. With the Cubs sending some of their best prospects and biggest potential ones this off season for Starting Pitcher Matt Garza, they have already sent me up a wall when it comes to minor league management. Even with this being a Single A player, not known by many, every major leaguer starts somewhere. This move was obviously made due to the poor performance of the bullpen this season, which has been a complete joke. I really liked what Buchter has to offer the Cubs in the future, but I guess it wasn't enough for Jim Hendry. Rodrigo Lopez step on the rubber, and lets see what you can do!

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

After 6 hours of grueling play of the Great American Pastime, the Philadelphia Phillies emerged victorious over the visiting Cincinnati Reds. What first started out with Roy Halladay vs Travis Wood, turned into second basement Wilson Valdez vs Mike Fisher. Locked in a 4-4 tie, for 8 and 1/2 innings, a good sized amount of Phillies Fans remained at Citizens Bank Park. Little did they know when they gave their tickets to the usher at the gate, they would be in for an extra 9 innings, and then some.

The game appeared as any normal thrilling classic, as Roy Halladay threw 7 good innings giving up 11 hits, and 3 runs. While on the other side of the field, Dusty Baker's starter Travis Wood threw 6 high quality innings surrendering 3 runs on only 6 hits, which included a 2 run homer to Phillies right fielder, Ben Francisco, in the first inning. After 9 innings the game remained tied at 3, Jay Bruce strolled to the plate in the 10th, and hit a moon shot off Antonio Bastardo, into the crowd. This left Phillies fans in a state of worry, but optimism was around the ballpark. In the bottom half, Reds closer Francisco Cordero took the hill looking to grab his 10th save of the year. Confident and Positive, Cordero was in a great state of mind throwing his warm-up pitches; however, that would not last long as Ryan Howard would club an offering to him into the crowd, sending Cordero into a state of shock...and for about 3 hours, that would be it.

After the 18th, Wilson Valdez rushed over to Phillies manager, Charlie Manuel, to inform him that he was capable of throwing from the rubber. Manuel responded with "Are you sure?" and Valdez nodded. Talk about pressure, Valdez's first opponent was reigning MVP Joey Votto. Votto stood in strong, and eventually smacked a pitch which ended up being a flyout. As Votto trotted back to the dugout, the roar of the Philly Faithful emerged in large cheers, and they continued for the next 2 players who also flew out, Jay Bruce and Mike Fisher. Fisher, surprisingly, was the one who displayed the most frustration after popping out to the 80+ mph hurler Valdez. Somewhere in America, Mark Grace was smiling. In the bottom of the 18th, Jimmy Rollins who started the game in the first inning, and scored the first run, would end the game in the final inning with the final run. After a walk to Domonic Brown, Placido Palanco sacrafice bunted over the runners. After an intentional walk to Phillies slugger Ryan Howard, the bases were loaded and Raul Ibanez had the opportunity to send the tired and groggy Philly fans happy. Ibanez hit a deep fly to center, which was ran down by Reds' centerfielder Drew Stubbs, but there was absolutely no chance at a play at the plate.

After cream pies to both Valdez and Ibanez, smiles and laughter was taking place all over the ballpark. Valdez has become the first position player to start in the field, and then go on to pitch for the win, since Babe Ruth on October 1, 1921. As for the Reds, you have to tip your cap to them, to keep a game close for 19 innings is no easy task. It's one of those games where it sucks to lose, but someone has too. May 25, 2011 An amazing night for fans of baseball...

I know I don't talk about NASCAR often, but I wanted to speak on this issue that does interest me quite a bit. Reports are swirling about the news that Danica Patrick will be racing full-time NASCAR starting in 2012. There's no question about the excitement and fanhood Patrick will bring to the table, as she has done so well with IndyCar Racing, but the question is, Can she compete with the likes of Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, and rising stars such as Daytona 500 winner, Trevor Bayne? She has posted 1 win in 67 career races for IndyCar, so the critics definitely have a platform and an argument. DanicaMania fans, which includes myself, definetly have her back, but can she makes us not look like were supporting a worthless idea?

In my opinion, Patrick can compete on the track for NASCAR, and why not? I don't see an interesting and more appealing option that can potentially get it done than her. I am not just saying that, because I'm a big fan of Danica. I seriously believe she can get a great number of W's. Sprint Cup in 2013? Ehh maybe that's a stretch. Critics are going to target that 1 win in 67 ratio, but how are you going to improve that? Getting on the track and winning races. Also, look at her number of Top 10 Finishes that go unnoticed, its unbelievable. NASCAR wins are valued a lot more than IndyCar wins I have noticed, so that ratio can potentially become nothing within weeks, if Danica has a great stretch of races. NASCAR is the single most boring sport on television, and how are you going to solve it? By putting a beautiful woman on the track who loves to race? Now were talking.

There is no doubt it my mind the appeal in NASCAR has dropped over the past few years, and what Patrick offers to the table is too good to pass up. She can potentially bring thousands, even millions, back into the sport. Ever since her entry into IndyCar, she has gained popularity and support unlike any athlete I have ever lived to see, and with that kind of fanhood, anything is possible. I strongly believe Danica will be able to build her career even more, and become a person to reckon with in the sport. Green Flag for Danica in Nascar....

As the Chicago Bulls board the plane back to Chicago for Game 5, the sense of frustration among the members of the #1 seeded 12 men from the Windy City continues to grow at a pace unlike no other. After going 3-0 versus the Miami Heat during the course of the regular season, the Bulls have dropped 3, including a rare loss at home, to trail 3-1. With questionable calls from the officials, and poor mental mistakes, such as Luol Deng and Joakim Noah's miscommunication on a crucial fourth quarter inbound, not helping the cause. That being said, the Bulls had opportunities to win this game, even with the errors and troubles on the court. Derrick Rose had two opportunities to shut the door, including the last shot in regulation. The shot by Rose was potentially the worst look on a two point shot I have ever seen, and the question has come about of "Why not dish it out, and having someone else shoot?" If I'm Tom Thibodeau I want the MVP on my team taking that shot, the leader of our basketball team. He did it, and I'm not going to argue with him for that. The execution was poor, so I guess the only one to blame is Rose for the look he decided to shoot from.

Chants of "Choke" have risen from the hometown crowd of the MVP, as disappointment and panic has grown in a city that has embraced Rose and the Chicago Bulls these past few months. I don't appreciate that, considering Rose has been the one carrying this team primarily, and the ones saying it have jumped on the bandwagon during the playoffs. The series isn't over yet, but the ones who've jumped on the bandwagon are the first ones to quit, and it's obvious to spot them.

You have to tip your cap to the Miami Heat, they played a great game on both sides of the floor. LeBron, Bosh, and an awesome performance off the bench from Mike Miller led them to victory. That being said, I don't approve of Lebron and Bosh's constant complaints to the officials of foul calls, and potential foul calls. Let the ref's do their jobs, their being paid to call a game, not to listen to you cry. Dwyane Wade had an off night, clearly shown by his 17 point performance.

Rose led with 23 points, Boozer and Deng followed with 26 and 14 and also combined for 25 of the Bulls 41 rebounds. Chris Bosh had a monster performance with 34 points, as he continues to heat up during playoff action. 32 Total Rebounds for Miami, as they continue to trail Chicago on the rebound game, which is one of the reasons I still have hope for the Bulls in this series.

While the odds are against the Bulls, I still believe that can make a comeback. They are going to back to Chicago ,where they were absolutely unstoppable this season. While today was bad game, there are some bright spots. The rebound game continues to be consistent, and ball movement continues to be a key to success in this series, which the Bulls are doing magnificently. 85 points is not going to get it done, hopefully after a day off, and a good practice session, the Bulls will find their stride and send this back to Miami. The 1981 Celtics did it, why not us?

Chicago Blackhawks Legend, Stan Mikita, was diagnosed with Stage One Oral Cancer on Tuesday. The Blackhawks made the announcement this afternoon, with a positive mood as the prognosis was quoted as "Excellent." Mikita's cancer deals with his tongue, and radiation treatment will be used to eliminate the possibility of it worsening. Mikita's legacy in Chicago is huge, and the news of this will not go unnoticed. While I was walking today, people were already discussing it, expressing their worries and best memories of "Stosh." The Blackhawks faithful are hopeful to seeing him in the box at the UC this fall.

Even though the prognosis is excellent, nothing is completely safe. Due to this, we still wish the best to Stan, and the Mikita family as this can be a challenging time. There are not many legends like Stan, and we wish him all the best during this period in time.

Hey everyone,

Just wanted to post a message saying that I'm back and ready to discuss the hottest sports talk, and bring you the greatest interviews with sports personalities I can. I'm looking forward to hearing your opinions, and getting other people involved.

For Now, Follow Me On Twitter For My Game Updates, and Immediate Reaction to Daily Topics.

http://twitter.com/#!/SportsCarney

Thanks and All The Best,

Steve

I got the chance to interview THE nicest player in Major League Baseball, Pat Neshek. For those who don't know, Pat Neshek is a pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who never hesitates to give a fan an autograph whether it be in-person or through the mail. Neshek runs a site, patneshek.com, in which he conducts contests for autographed and game used memorabilia, including his. Due to Neshek being a big collector of autographs himself, he likes to trade autographs and memorabilia with other members of his site, which has over 6,000 members.

Thought I was kidding about not being hesitant to sign?

In 2007, Neshek was regarded as one of the best relievers in baseball pitching over 70 innings and recording a 7-2 record with a 2.94 ERA. In 2008, Neshek suffered a torn UCL which caused him to have Tommy John surgery to repair the tear. Due to this, Neshek missed the entire 2009 season.

Pat agreed to answer a few questions for me

1. Who was your inspiration growing up?

Pat: "Tony Gwynn and Kirby Puckett"

2. Why do you play baseball?

Pat : "It's my favorite game"

3. How hard did you work for your goal of becoming a pro baseball player?

Pat: "Worked hard all my life"

4. What is your favorite movie?

Pat: "Rad"

5. Any advice to Little Leaguers out there on reaching the majors?

Pat: " Never forget what you want to do when you are older"

Guess you could this interview, short, and too the point. Pat has a busy schedule, so I am grateful he was able to respond to my questions for me. Thanks a lot to Pat for taking the time, and also being so great to his fans. He is a great example of how the professional athlete should treat his fans during his career.

1. Who has been the most influential person in your life and how?

I try to surround myself with positive influences and inspirational people on a daily basis because I believe that the people you associate yourself with are who you too will become. The biggest of these influences has been my dad. My dad taught me how to throw a football the proper way, a good portion of what I know about sports and most importantly he taught me by example how to treat other people. At the end of the day, our interactions with everyone from our families to the mailman to colleagues at work are what really matter. In my opinion, the way someone treats others defines their real character as a person more so than any career, money or amount of fame ever could.

2. Who is your favorite athlete of all time and why?

Bo Jackson. Not only has this guy won a Heisman trophy, set numerous records and played more than one professional sport well, but off the field he is even more inspirational. He overcame a speech impediment and is now a tremendous motivational speaker! He conquered his fear so that others could benefit from his life lessons. A lot of people can be great in more than one aspect of their life, but Bo strived to not only be great but to be the BEST at everything he did, including his education. “Set your goals high and don’t stop till you get there,” is one of his life mottos. The fact that he graduated from Auburn doesn’t hurt either!

3. How was the experience in going to school at Auburn with Indianapolis Colts' CB Jerraud Powers?

Jerraud was the first guy I met when I stepped on to the Auburn University campus. We met at Camp War Eagle, the Auburn orientation, and spent most of the time in the basement because of tornados. I then had the pleasure of working with him because of reporting on the football team and at games. He is one of the most humble and hardest working guys I know. Every person that works with him and knows him respects him as a player and as a person. I feel fortunate to have met Jerraud, and know that God has big things in store for his future.

4. How has your time at Auburn played a part in your journey to becoming a sports personality?

During my time at Auburn, I was really the only woman sports reporter for the campus news station. My good friend Josh was the sports director of the station, and between his advice, learning by trial and error and by being thrown into the locker room during spring practice I was forced to adapt and thrive in different industry situations. I was on the sidelines during the Auburn vs. LSU game when ESPN GameDay was there. Their producers saw me working and I joked with them if they had an internship available. They said they were always taking new interns each semester, and then I went through the interview process and was chosen to intern. After my internship, the reporter reel I made during my time at Auburn was passed around ESPN and I was asked to go through screening tests, and the rest is history. In my opinion it would be almost impossible to cover SEC football and not develop a passion for the game! There is something exciting and overwhelming about that atmosphere, especially Auburn Football, that is unlike anything I will ever experience.

5. What inspired you to take up a career in sports?

From as far as I can remember, sports have always been my life. From attending my brother’s little league games, where my dad was a coach, to being taken out of school early to catch Astros batting practice, sports have always played a prominent role in my life. Sports have the power to combine mental and physical toughness and to teach life lessons to kids at a young age. I cannot sit at sporting event and watch without getting chills and having an overwhelming since of pride for the guys on the field. I decided that anything that affected me this extensively was definitely worth pursuing as a career. After all, if you don’t have passion behind your work then you won’t enjoy what you are doing and others won’t enjoy watching you.


6. Which ESPN personality are you closest with behind the camera?

All of the personalities and anchors at ESPN are amazing and extremely helpful. Some have taken me to the hospital when I received a concussion and sat with me in the emergency room, some have critiqued articles and segments for me and all have been there with tremendous career advice. There isn’t really just one personality in particular that I am close with, because everyone at ESPN is such a close knit family.

7. What are your primary goals as a ESPN personality?

To continue to grow professionally, to become even more knowledgeable about the intricacies of the different games and the industry itself, to provide sports fans with a unique view of their favorite sports, teams and players.

8. What is your ultimate goal in life?

To be content in every aspect of my life at every stage in my life.

9. Do you have any words of wisdom for those pursuing the job of covering sports?

As with anything in life, make sure you love what you are covering. If people can see that in you and you have a unique perspective on the games you cover, they will want to watch you.

10. Do you have any shout outs or comments for readers?

I appreciate all of my supporters! You guys are amazing and because of you, I am fortunate enough to be able to do something I love and am passionate about!