Pujols to Cubs: Sorry, but it’s still hot in Hell

Pujols, a Cub? Please God No

Albert Pujols is the belle of the ball right now, with very good reason.  As I stated earlier this week, Pujols is one of the greatest ballplayers of all time & deserves an astronomical contract.  He’s as close to a Cyborg as any human could possibly be.

I still stand strong with other believers like ESPN’s Tim Kurkijan, that Pujols will remain a Cardinal, but am aware the North Siders are crossing their fingers St. Louis doesn’t pull the trigger.

Current ESPN commentator and Chicago native Michael Wilbon recently wrote about the possibility of Prince Albert playing at home in Wrigley Field.  Wilbon and many other Cubs fans I’m sure are thrilled at the possibility of having a future Hall of Famer join the roster, but it frustrated me on two different avenues.

Trout: the next Salmon?

Trout may soon be a fish out of water

The baseball world is buzzing about #1 rated minor league outfielder, Mike Trout, who may or may not make his highly anticipated debut this season with the Angels.  Doesn’t it seem fitting that Trout would play for the Angels, a team once led by a player with another gill-bearing surname.  No, not Kevin Bass

In the last 10-15 years, the most notable Angel player has to be Tim Salmon, having played his entire career with the Halo’s.  Imagine if Trout, Salmon, and former all-star centerfielder, Chet Lemon were to bat 3-4-5 in the same lineup.  Salmon-Lemon-Trout, sounds like a delicious lineup.  It got me thinking about the other great food names in sports.

The Sports Minion decided to take the time to pay homage to some of the most savory characters in sports, and who were the most successful in the game.  Here’s our non-baker’s dozen…

Pay That Man His Money

Albert Pujols is Half-Man Half-Amazing

I’ve never stated that I know how to run a franchise or have experience in negotiating professional athletes salaries, but how in the world don’t you give Albert Pujols whatever he wants.  I don’t care what the Cardinals have to do to keep Pujols on the team, but they need to do it.  It’s time to start collecting cash from any means necessary.  Start selling your own property, cars, first born childs, collect from your bookies, what have you.  Frankly put,  Pujols is the best hitter I’ve ever seen, and St. Louis needs to do whatever it takes to keep him there. 

Aaron Rodgers Has A New Ring

The New A-Rod

The latest in a line of successful A-Rods, is Super Bowl XLV MVP, Aaron Rodgers.  As told by many sports writers, analysts, and the John Clayton’s of the world, Green Bay has had a love/hate relationship with Rodgers since he was drafted out of Cal in 2005.  Using their sole first round pick on a replacement for an aging Brett Favre, led to chants of off with your head to the decision makers in Green Bay.   Fans were perplexed that their team used a first round draft choice to replace a guy who just finished the season throwing for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Defenses Collide

Troy Polamalu will showcase some big hits

Green Bay will win Super Bowl XLV.  For the sake of Peter King being wrong, I am going with A-Rod III and the Packers to beat the Steelers on Sunday’s big game.  Let’s say 28-24.

Praising the Paesans: Top 10 Italian-Americans in Sports

Al Capone was great, but could he hit a jump shot?

In wake of Rocco Baldelli’s retirement, having viewed Rocky IV for the 270^th time, and with St. Joseph’s Day vastly approaching, I thought it was only fitting to acknowledge and celebrate Italian-Americans in sports.

From a stereotypical stand point, most Italians are well known for their Mob ties or their acting in movies about their connection to the mob.  Also, their love of macaroni, lasagna, and deep dish pizza often overshadows the success Italians have had in the world of sports.  For every Al Capone and Robert DeNiro, there’s also a Rocky Balboa and Mickey Morandini.

Without further ado, The Sports Minion brings you the Top 10 Italian-Americans in Sports History.