Elton Brand has two movies coming out in 2006:

Red Dawn (producer)

Bottoms Up (executive producer)

Other than being a moviemaker, he has been on plenty of rap albums.

I can't wait to see the movies.

I am not really much of a suns fan, but watching Grant his later years, so far with the magic, I've really become a fan of him. I think the suns are a good fit for him: If he performs, he starts, but if not, he still has a secure 6th or 7th man position. I know he probably has the same ideas. I hope it works out for him.

I'm an incoming freshman to a high school with a nationally ranked baseball team... and it will be extremely hard just for me to make the freshman squad, although, being a pitcher, i will have less competition. The baseball team is so good that some of the best baseball players from my middle school aren't even thinking about trying out. I have been working constantly on pitching: control first, velocity second, pitch development and movement third, and pickoff last.

here is my repertoire

*4 seam fastball- 75-88 mph... depends on whether I'm starting or not. Out of the bullpen i can throw harder because i don't have to conserve energy.

*Slider- various speeds... i think it is my best pitch. i get plenty of movement, whether starting or not, and i can change speeds well with it. i have good control of it, but i still need to develop it

*Changeup??? i dont think there is a name for the grip i use for my changeup, but it is very effective because it is controllable at the same time it just slides out of my hand no matter how hard i throw it.

I can use suggestions on ways to improve my pitching... i want them- that is why i posted this blog.

I've been watching the angels be so successful this year, especially with the help of all the young guys. It's great to see players like willits and kotchman shine in the light of the MLB. But I worry what is going to happen to those young players once the angels became healthy. We've already seen Saunders up and back down... what about when Anderson and Rivera become healthy and the trade deadline is done. It will be mighty hard for Mike S. (how do you spell it?) to keep guys up, keep the pitching staff full, and balance playing time for good chemistry... i believe he can do it, but i believe it will be hard. Evans, Aybar, Willits, Haynes, Mathis, Saunders all belong in the majors. maybe some dealing? i hope not...

what are your thoughts???