Young Gun(ner)s, my thoughts on C-Webb

Sorry for the delay in posts, lots of work + no 'real' sports topics = no news. Anyhow, on with the show.

Mostly when I talk of the Arsenal football team, I usually speak of their senior team (as they get the most matches, it only makes sense), but today I will be speaking of their 'B' team if you will. Many of these players only see spot action during Premiership and Champions' League matches (if their lucky), but for the two domestic cups (Carling Cup and FA Cup), Manager Arsene Wenger likes to play the kids, to get them experience, and see how far they can take Arsenal in the cup. In years past, the semi-finals of said competitions would see the senior team re-take the pitch, to see if they could bring home the hardware. But for this year's Carling Cup Semi-Final 1st leg, against hated rival T*ttenham H*tspurs, Wenger let the kids continue on this amazing run, to see if they could keep the match close (at least), and give the 1st teamers a chance to win at Ashburton Grove. Well, the game didn't start off pretty, as Arsenal were quickly down 2-0 at White Hart Lane, in front of a very hostile crowd, but they didn't let up. As a result, Arsenal will head home even at 2 goals apiece, with a very good chance to come away with the victory in the tie, and face Chelsea in the finals. And the man doing most of the damage is Julio Baptista (center of picture). Although he has taken a bit to get acclimated to the game in England (he just was transferred in from Spain this season), he has started to heat up, scoring 6 goals in the last two cup games. The 25-year old has started to show why he is so valuable, doing most of his damage from close range, but also showing that he is not afraid to fire from 20+ yards away, which is something that Arsenal really could use. His contribution highlights the entire 2nd team, who have really stepped up to play some beautiful football, and give the senior members some time to rest in between their busy schedule of Prem and CL football. And in the last 3 matches (one FA cup tie and 2 Carling Cup ties, 2 wins and a draw) the talent level of our reserves are really showing, as all 3 results came against Premiership teams, pretty much fielding their 1st teams. It really does appear that the future is looking bright, especially with Arsene Wenger's eye for talent.

Now onto part 2 of my post, the Chris Webber to Detroit experiment. My initial thought of this signing was 'Great, another jump shooting PF who doesn't play defense, in place of a pretty physical center (Nazi Mohammed) who can't stay out of foul trouble'. In retrospect, this may be the kind of deal that sparks this team. But it won't help us give up less Offensive rebounds, so it may be all for naught (plus I think the west is a better conference this year anyways. Won't stop me from rooting for my 'Stones, but I'm just saying...). Also, I think that this move maybe just the beginning of trades from GM Joe Dumars, as this team has been pretty complacent the last couple of years, and I think a major trade or two may go a long ways in helping this team succeed in the playoffs. Now if Dumars can actually get Webber to play 'D', then this column is null and void, and the Pistons' chance of winning the championship increase dramatically. But after watching his performances the last couple years in Philadelphia, I highly doubt it.

The Galaxy land one of football's biggest stars

Today, the Los Angeles Galaxy announced the biggest signing in Major League Soccer history, announcing that they had agreed to a 5 year deal with David Beckham, arguably the most known name in football in the United States. Beckham, a 15 year pro, has spent most of his career playing for Manchester United in England, and played the last 4 years for Real Madrid in Spain. But Beckham, who said he was looking for a new challenge, certainly will have his work cut out for him, as he tries to not only get his playing swagger back, but also try to push forward a sport that is currently on the back burner, due to the plethora of other sports that Americans have to choose from. I think this is a great deal for both parties. MLS has been looking for that well-known European (well, as well known as you can get for football in the states) to carry their brand to the next level, and David Beckham loves to be in the spotlight, and was looking for a long term deal to prolong his playing career, and perhaps put himself back in the running for the England squad as they try to qualify for Euro 2008.

Now the next big question is "will other older, but not past their prime players follow in Beckham's footsteps, and test the waters here on the other side of the pond?" Well, we could have our answer shortly, as FC Dallas is currently in talks with English Premier side T*ttham H*tspurs to secure the transfer of Holland international MF Edgar Davids. Davids, 33, not exactly a spring chicken either, would start to give more credibility to the league, and may continue the "David Beckham snowball effect". Now, don't get me wrong, this league is nowhere near challanging for the services of today's best young players, like Cesc Fabrigas, Cristiano Ronaldo, or Lional Messi. And they may not be close to older stars such as Ronaldo, either. But you gotta start somewhere, and you could do a lot worse than Beckham and Davids. But only time will tell if this is a good investment, or a great investment. And if I were a betting man, I think that this will be closer to the 'great' side. I hope I'm right.

Thanks, Stevie!

Last night, in a sold-out Joe Louis Arena, the number 19 was properly put away for the last time. Steve Yzerman's jersey will now hang from the rafters at the Joe Louis Arena, never to be worn again. The way it should be. This man embodied everything you wanted your superstar athletes to be. He was humble, trying never to be "The Captain" with his voice, but with the way he played on the ice. When he spoke, it was never an 'in your face' yelling way, but quietly, and to the point. And he played the sport like it was meant to be played. 100% at all time, doing whatever the team needed to win. Personal accolades were not meaningful, just championships. And money was really not that important. I'm not sure if there will ever be another player, in any sport, like Steve Yzerman, but the fact that I was able to witness first hand one of the best athletes in Detroit sports history means a lot to me. And I just want to say 'thanks'. Thanks for playing the game the right way, for giving joy to people everywhere (mostly in Detroit), and for being 'The Captain', for sticking around when maybe you could've cashed in elsewhere. And thanks to the Red Wings for recognizing that, and recoginizing you one last time.