The Starting Five

Sporting News, The, Dec 20, 1999

What the sports world is talking about this week

1 Adrian Beltre, The Dodgers signed him too early, and they'll pay for it. If recent history's an indicator, they'll overpay for it.

2 The Gold Club, NBA players' favorite Atlanta strip joint may have mob ties. First clue: The face on the comp "Gold Bucks" was John Gotti's.

3 College tournaments, Few are scheduled now because of finals. Right, and Santa's on his way, too.

4 Charles Barkley. He averaged a double-double, even playing most games with a foot in his mouth.

5 Baseball's Hall of Fame, Pete Rose was interested in its holiday showing of It's a Wonderful Life, until he realized the `F' wasn't a mistake on the marquee.