In an ocean of miscreants, he'd be an anchor

Sporting News, The, March 25, 2005

As Dan Rather prepared for his final newscast on the CBS Evening News last week, a CNN-USA Today-Gallup poll indicated that only 23 percent of people still believed most or all of what he had to say. Wow, what a sad way to go out. But on the bright side, Rather now has an unbelievable opportunity for a second career as a player agent.

FORECHECKS AND BALANCES

In just a three-week span under the direction of Howard Dean, the Democratic National Committee raised $3.4 million. At this pace, the Dems should be able to mount a serious challenge to the Republicans in 2008. Or buy the NHL in 2006.

A fish tale from the White Lox

Frank Thomas says he lost 15 pounds in the offseason by eating a lot of fish. Once the season begins, look for the Big Hurt to return to a heavy diet of beefs and whines.

TEAM PHYSICAL INCLUDES PROSTATE EXAM

Thanks to an offseason makeover, the Giants appear to be the class of the N.L. West. But the big question surrounding the team: Can it hold up over a long season considering the average opening day age of the regulars is 36 and the youngest of that group is Edgardo Alfonzo at "31?" In fact, the Giants are so old that this spring they are known around the Scottsdale area as the J.T. Snowbirds.

Remembering the "Wild Thing"

It has been a tough go recently for a onetime phenom with a live arm who gained notoriety for flinging fastball after fastball to the backstop. Seriously, who didn't think Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards were meant to last?