DetroitTigers.com: Maroth excited for family Christmas

Jason Beck of MLB.com sat down with Mike Maroth to talk about the holidays.

DetroitTigers.com: Maroth excited for family Christmas

Hockey's 11th Hour

The 2004-2005 NHL season is in jeopardy. NHL club officials will meet on January 14, and it is expected commissioner Gary Bettman will ask permission to cancel the remainder of the season.

This can be seen in two lights. The first light being a silent threat to get the players union to accept a hard cap. The second light being they're about to accept that it is too late to get a season going.

I tend to think that maybe there is a possibility that yet they see the time window to play hockey closing, not only preparing for it, but throwing it out to the union might bring something positive. I'm still going to stick to my opinion that until Bob Goodenow negotiates, there will not only be no hockey season this year, but there stands a chance that either replacement players will be used next season, or they won't have a next season.

The sad state of this all is the pointless rederick coming from the veteran players. I've heard countless players demand they won't stand for a cap, yet they propose a 24% cut back that included a cap for how much a rookie makes.

It all comes down to greed, and the money behind it. The more you make, the more you take. Millionaires bickering with millionaires over $2 billion. Who gets how much, and what will we stand for.

If there are replacement players, and the NHLPA goes away in the future, I hope the new union is one based around reasonable salaries, and working to make hockey a viable product.

FOXSports.com: NHL - NHL board of governors set to meet Jan. 14

Big Ten Pitches Replay

The Big Ten was completely satisfied with its instant replay experiment this past season, and has asked NCAA officials to approve it for all conferences. "After a full season, we believe that instant replay adds to the effective administration of this great game of college football," Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany said Thursday.

Out of the 43 times replay was used, 21 calls were overturned. The only calls that could be overturned were those with indisputable video evidence. Game time was not noticeably affected, only adding three minutes to each game.

Expect the Big Ten to "experiment" again next year if the instant reply is not accepted by the NCAA.

SI.com: NCF - Big Ten asks NCAA to approve nationwide replay

Brown Fined

Larry Brown was fined $15,000 after verbally abusing an official. The incident occured last night after Detroit's loss to Chicago. Brown had to be restrained during the argument.

FOXSports.com: NBA - Brown fined $15,000 for verbal abuse

Breaking News: O'Neal Will Play

A federal judge has upheld the arbitrator's ruling on Jermaine O'Neal. O'Neal will play Saturday against the Pistons.

Yahoo.com: Judge OKs return of Pacers star for Pistons rematch

Three Lions Off To Hawaii

Eddie Drummond, Shaun Rogers, and Dre Bly have been named to the Pro Bowl team. Kevin Jones, Cory Schlesinger, and Damien Woody have been chosen as alternates.

The Pro Bowl is February 13 in Hawaii. "We're excited to have Eddie (on the NFC team). He's been the most exciting returner in the league this year, and we're very happy for him," Mariucci said. "Because he's earned it...it's only right that he's in it."

Dummond was their most potent offensive force until he went down with an injury a couple of weeks ago.

DetroitLions.com: Lions Have Three Pro Bowlers, Three Alternates

Pistons Stumble

I find it hard to imagine the Pistons in the NBA finals again this season. It isn’t that I want to be negative, and try and draw more readers to my flaming controversial column that other journalists find pleasure in.

The problem is that I want to do the opposite, and the Pistons are making it difficult.

Detroit lost to Chicago at the Palace, their home court, last night 89-82. Their bench contributed just eight points, and the starting five shot a miserable 36%.

Two bright spots were on the court last night. Point Guard Chauncey Billups – who earlier in the week said his team was underachieving – stepped up with 32 points, and seven assists. Ben Wallace scored 12 points with 15 rebounds on a bad ankle.

Rip continued to struggle. He shot 5-15 with 12 points. Rasheed started off well in the first half and then went cold in the second half. Prince shot 3-13 with six points. The only word that comes to my mind is dismal.

The Chicago Bulls aren’t a bad team; however, they are also not a good team. At best, they have a couple young solid players, a good center, and some hope for the future. The Pistons should have been able to beat this team.

The bench just has to get better. There is no other way to say it than that. If Hunter can play the backup guard role, replace him. If Darvin Ham can’t be a factor, replace him. We already know Darko won’t be a factor this season, so you really only have an 11 man team to work with. Championship teams are 9-10 players deep. This team is barely six players deep.

Antonio McDyess will continue to improve, and find his role with the team. He’s been up and down, but I tend to think that he hit a bump in the road with his injury. Ronald Dupree is still very green. He has come a long ways so far, but he needs more time to work it out. That leaves Darvin Ham, Lindsey Hunter, and Elden Campbell. We learned last year that Campbell isn’t going to be a factor. We’re learning this year that Darvin Ham was better coming off the bench behind Corliss Williamson. One surprise is Lindsey Hunter. Is it a slump? I’m not so sure. Maybe he reached his peak last a couple seasons ago, and his decline has taken him below what the Pistons need from him this year.

I don’t think all is lost. They’re still playing .500 ball, and will make the playoffs. I’m sure Dumars is working on fixing his bench situation, and I know Larry Brown will get his team together eventually.

How about trading Billups for another starting PG, and another bench guy? Would you do it?

ESPN.com: NBA - Recap - Bulls at Pistons

Wolverines Head West

The Michigan football team headed to Los Angeles today to get ready for Texas and the Rose Bowl. Among the usual practices, film studies, and meetings, the team will also take some rec time and head out to Disneyland, the movies, bowling, and the traditional feast at Lawry's Beef Bowl.

Last year, Michigan lost 28-14 to USC, an experience the returning players don't want to repeat. "I think it was more that we were just happy to be here last year," Michigan senior cornerback Marlin Jackson said. "It was guys saying, 'We're at the Rose Bowl, we're Michigan at the Rose Bowl, oh, it's so fun!'"

Michigan will face Texas for the first time in school history on January 1, at the Rose Bowl. Michigan comes into the game an underdog. The great match up will be running backs Michael Hart and Cedric Benson -- both coming off heisman caliber seasons.

Michigan will need to be on top of their running game, get a good passing game going, and hold Texas on the line.

Texas will need to focus on their running game, and exploite Michigan's special teams weaknesses.

I'll post a full review, and prediction for the Rose Bowl next week.

MLive.com: U-M plans for a balanced bowl trip

Brown Not In The Christmas Spirit

Apparently Larry Brown was more upset about the brawl than some of us may realize. Brown joined Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser for a segment of PTI on ESPN, and said "I never thought I'd feel that way about going to work," Brown said. "I never thought I'd feel that way about my sport."

Brown also went on to say the Christmas Day rematch makes him sick, and he thought about quitting afterwards. "Obviously, it was one of the ugliest scenes I've ever been a part of," Brown said.

The Pistons and Pacers play on Christmas Day. The players aren't thrilled to be working Christmas, and there is much hype that a rematch of the brawl will take place. I wouldn't count on any such brawl.

ESPN.com: NBA - Brown tells PTI he thought about quitting Pistons

More BCS Mayhem

As if the controversy surrounding the national title game each year wasn't enough, the AP has removed its poll from the BCS ratings. This move basically nullifies the whole point of the BCS -- to crown ONE national champion.

It all started at the end of the 1997 season. One poll picked Michigan, the other picked Nebraska. Outraged, the NCAA decided to form a Bowl College Series (BCS). This included four BCS bowls, Orange, Rose, Sugar, Fiesta, and would rotate them each year, designating one as the National Championship game.

The first year the BCS snubbed Oregon. After that, its been one thing after another. The Coaches voted against the BCS title game winner last year, and this year the big talk is how Auburn got the shaft.

So is the BCS really a mess, and needs to go? I sure think so. I did not see any problem with the way the bowl system was setup in the first place. The BCS is designed for the top eight teams; however, teams like #12 Michigan will be going to the Rose Bowl this year, not #4 California. With automatic bids, and at large spots, what's the point of the BCS?

Unless there is going to be a playoff system -- which we know according to the university Presidents that there never will be -- the BCS must be abolished. Two teams splitting a National Title is not anywhere near as controversial as the mess the BCS has created. End it now, admit it didn't work, and go back to the bowls.

CBS SportsLine.com: NCAA Football AP removes its poll from BCS ratings

Breaking News: O'Neal Suspension Reduced

Arbitrator Roger Kaplan has decided to reduce the suspension of Jermaine O'Neal 10 games, possibly signalling his return on Saturday against the Pistons. Kaplan upheld the other suspensions.

ESPN.com: NBA - Arbitrator reduces O'Neal penalty, keeps others

Tigers Woes, Or Not?

The Detroit Tigers came into the free agent market with guns blazing. They scored closing pitcher Troy Percival almost immediately, and then sent out contract offers to Troy Glaus, Steve Finley, Carl Pavano, and others. Since Percival, they have been turned down by all the rest.

The first let down came with Troy Glaus. Glaus signed a four year, $45 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. When I saw this offer, the name Brandon Inge came tearing through my head. Inge had a much higher batting average, and has a much stronger arm. Glaus has been the victim of shoulder problems, and a repeat of Dean Palmer could have been on the horizon. So why was Glaus a let down? I have no idea, to be honest. When I saw the deal he signed, the word overpaid came to mind. Thank you, Mr. Dombrowski, for having sense not to match it.

The winter meeting started, and the Tigers aggressively pursued Carl Pavano. Pavano had visited Comerica Park, and came away saying he could “..play for that guy (Trammell)...”. The Tigers outbid the Yankees for Pavano, offering a reported five year deal. Pavano saw more in the Yankees than the Tigers, and signed with them instead. I was utterly devastated. The #1 thing the Tigers needed was a solid ace. I’m still recovering, hoping they acquire a good pitcher, even if he’s not the ace.

After I got over my devastation enough to continue life, I turned my eyes to Derek Lowe. Lowe wasn’t the greatest pitcher, but he seemed to have some success in the past, and maybe he could help the Tigers. His agent Scott Boras then gave 12 million reasons not to sign him. To top it all off, he wanted that each year for four years. I again applauded the Tigers for not making this signing. Maroth, Bonderman, and Johnson all had far better ERAs than Lowe’s 5.42 ERA.

So where do the Tigers go from there? How about Steve Finley filling center field until Granderson is ready to make his MLB debut? Finley didn’t seem to think this was such a hot idea, and signed with the Angels. This prompted the Tigers to re-sign Alex Sanchez. I think it is a fine move. If he gets hurt, Nook Logan can come back and fill in for him again. Both have a lot of speed, and can hit very well. The idea was to improve in center field, but that does not mean the Tigers were bad in this position. In fact, they were good. The fielding could have been stronger, but the hitting was very good. Be ok without Finley in Comerica Park. The Tigers will not suffer without him.

Another tragedy for the Tigers came at the expense of a man named Adrian Beltre. Beltre is reported to have been offered up to $90 million from the Tigers. Beltre, instead, chose the Mariners at $65 million. Why? Well, simply, they don’t have a decade of losing tradition. They’ve had ups and downs, but not all downs. I believe that Brandon Inge can play third base well for us, but it would have been nice to have him in the outfield, and have a .330 hitter guarding third base.

So why aren’t free agents coming to Detroit? They are offering very competitive contracts, and their staff seems liked by all the visiting players. I believe there is more than one reason.

Let’s start out by reminding ourselves that Comerica Park is not a hitter’s ballpark. It’s big, and awkward, and has a huge gap in left-center field. Yes, this generates a lot of triples, but in general it is not a very homerun-friendly place to be. Players like Adrian Beltre could potentially view it as a threat to his style of hitting. Can you blame him and others? I can’t. If I were a power hitter, I would have to really think about coming to Comerica Park to play.

Have you ever been to a game in April, May, or September? Have you noticed the cold weather? A lot of players aren’t going to want to leave the warm weather to head north; however, the Tigers were wise to not build a dome. The idea of playing baseball indoors just isn’t appeasing for most of us. The game was born outside, and should remain outside.

The last ten years have been atrocious. Losing over 100 games on several occasions, and turning over players with bad contracts year after year sure isn’t helping that losing either. It wasn’t until the last year that the Tigers started being wise with their signings. Pudge at $10 million per year was really a bargain if you compare his numbers to others getting more.

So it appears it’s too late for the Tigers. They can’t sign anyone, and will never improve.

Nonsense!

They just have to keep working at it. They have to keep adding one or two pieces here and there, and start to bump their wins up to the 80-85 mark each season. The closer they get to that mark, and the longer they sustain it, the better the team will look in the off-season.

Let’s also not forget the growing farm system. Dombrowski has worked out deals each year to add more depth to the minor league system. While it has a ways to go, it is starting to offer potential future players, and future trade bait. If you can’t win in free agency immediately, you can turn to trades that will improve your team now and for the future.

Patience is today’s key word. Give the Tigers time, and look positive at them. If Johnson can’t be the ace, Maroth most likely can. If they can’t sign anymore bullpen pitchers, they still have Urbina to setup Percival. Sanchez and Inge hitting .300 is also not a bad trade-off to not signing Beltre, Renteria, or Finley.

The Tigers will have a successful season. It may not include the playoffs, but there is still a chance at that. Who knows, maybe J.D. Drew can be signed. We just have to figure out a way to bankrupt the Dodgers first.

-Dan Joseph

Preview - NCB - UCLA vs Michigan State

UCLA visits the Breslin Center to challenge the Spartans to a game of basketball. UCLA (6-1) is coming off a win over Michigan. Michigan State (6-2) is looking to go 5-0 at home.

Paul Davis is the question for this one. Davis has been up and down this year. A good Davis could fuel the Spartans to a win. A bad Davis could leave them with a loss. I have no doubts that UCLA will be at the top of their game.

Game time is 9 PM. TV: ESPN2, Radio: WJIM (1240 AM/97.5 FM)

MSUSpartans.com: Men's Basketball Hosts UCLA On Tuesday Night

-Dan Joseph

Cold Stove Report

It appears that the Tigers could be on the verge of not signing free agent outfielder J.D. Drew. Drew is, instead, reportedly being sought for the outfield in Los Angeles. The Dodgers are working on finalizing a three team deal that would send Randy Johnson to the Yankees, relieve them of Shawn Green's $16 million contract, and make way for an $11-12 million per year offer to Drew.

I am not shocked by this news. I am not even phased by it at this point. I have come to the realization that the Tigers are going to have trouble signing free agents until they can show they are ready to win. This starts by getting up to the 80 win mark. Win 80 games, and you are right behind the Twins. That will maybe start to turn some eyes to Detroit.

With the re-signing of Inge and Sanchez to $1.35 million one year contracts, they have options. They have two good bats, and decent fielding at third base and center field. The loss of Drew would be harsh at first, but since they didn't have him in the first place, I think it is something we can get past.

Reaction? Disappointed? Happy? Different angle?

-Dan Joseph

Watson Will Graduate

Gabe Watson, defensive tackle for Michigan, will return for his senior year.

"Basically, it's unfinished business," said Watson, an All-Big Ten player. "I've been here three years, been going to school close to 15 years, I'm like, 'Hey, I'm this close. I might as well finish it out and get a degree.' "

Watson had a career high 36 tackles, two sacks, and forced a fumble. Watson wants to add the Rose Bowl title against Texas on January 1. Considered the team's most dominant lineman, Watson says there is room for improvement. "I can improve," he said. "There's a reason why I didn't make it." What he didn't make is any All-American teams. Fundamentals will be the main focus for improvement.

I am glad to see Watson return to the Wolverines. He is a big part of the defensive, and the extra year could help him smooth out his game, and slip into the NFL easier.

Reactions?

-Dan Joseph

Little Transition Brings Pistons' Woes

The Detroit Pistons have struggled offensive lately. Point Guard Chauncey Billups says they’re underachieving, and Larry Brown says the transition game is suffering because of it.

"Our transition defense would improve more if our offensive execution were better. The other night (against Portland) we get 25 offensive rebounds and get just 12 points; that's a terrible stat. We were struggling defensively at the beginning, and we've kind of corrected that. Now we have to correct the other area."

Brown is right. The Pistons often get the rebounds, and then spend 10-15 seconds throwing the ball up and down, failing to score. They rush shots, and the ones that aren’t rushed are setup poorly.

It all comes down to shifting some of the defensive energy over to the offense. For starters, grabbing the offensive rebound, calming down for that split second, and putting the ball in the net would be nice. If the net isn’t open, then pass it back out to your small forward, or your point guard. If you can’t get it back out, draw a foul, and get the free throws.

"A lot of times we're getting good shots, but we're just not knocking them down," Billups said. "In order to shoot a good percentage, you have to get out in transition and get some lay-ups or some easy ones. When you're just shooting jumpers and not hitting a lot of them, you're going to shoot a low percentage. We haven't been getting fast-break baskets or transition baskets. We definitely feel like we've underachieved to this point."

Some of the transition problems I’ve noticed are Rasheed Wallace being to unselfish with the ball. Yes, I commend anyone in the NBA with this skill, but sometimes you have to take the ball in.

Rasheed is not only unselfish in transition; he’s often too unselfish on the first drive to the net. There are times when he has a mostly clear path to the basket, but chooses to pass the ball. I know Rasheed is a tough player, and he’s not afraid of anyone in the league, but it does make you think, why wouldn’t he challenge them?

Chauncey Billups is another problem that could easily be corrected. Billups needs to be more involved in getting the offensive to score. He often takes rushed shots, and fails to setup plays. At times his ball movement is to be applauded, and other times you just have to cringe.

I think it comes back to the point of bad shots, and underachieving. The team is obviously being too liberal in their shot selection, and it’s possible that guys like Rasheed and Chauncey are trying to curb this. They’re apparently aware of the situation, and given Brown’s history, he won’t stand for it much longer. Antonio McDyess is shooting over 50%, and I would expect him to become more of a presence on the court.

Pistons Fan Sues Pacers

The latest saga in “Pacers vs. Fans” has unfolded. Charles Haddad, who was last seen being pulled to the court by Jermaine O’Neal, has filed a lawsuit against O’Neal, Anthony Johnson, and the Pacers organization.

Haddad was clearing in the wrong being on the court, and will be dealt with by the Oakland County Prosecutor. Haddad, though, was beating several times after his altercation with Artest had ended, and, when being helped up, was punched again.

There has to be some repercussions for all of the November 19 brawl events. Players must realize they can’t go into the stands, Fans must realize they can’t throw things at the players, or step on the court.

We can only hope the suspensions hold up, the charges hold up, and the lawsuits are justified.

-Dan Joseph

More NHL Players Head Overseas

More NHLers will head overseas to join hockey teams. Among the latest is Detroit backup goalie Manny Legace. Manny drew criticism on this blog last week for his brilliant efforts to explain the lockout.

I like Manny, don't get me wrong, but I don't understand his logic. Yes, he's the union rep for the Red Wings, but c'mon, the rederick just gets old.

When this is all said and done, and the Wings have to retain a netminder, and if CuJo is just to expensive, I hope Manny is the guy. I really do. For now, he's lost all respect. Good luck overseas.

TSN.ca: Naslund, Theodore to play in Sweden


-Dan Joseph

Fan Sues Pacers, O'Neal, Johnson

Charles Haddad, the fan that came out onto the court, only to be beaten do by Ron Artest, Anthony Johnson, and Jermaine O'Neal, has sued Johnson, O'Neal, and the Pacers organization.

"Before he could get up, and while he was still face-down, (Haddad) was jumped upon by ... Johnson and pounded repeatedly in the back of his neck, head (and) kidneys," the suit said.

The myth goes that the robber that fell threw the skylight of the house he was breaking into, won $5 million in a lawsuit from prison for the injuries sustained when he hurt himself. The glass was at fault.

What is different about this case? Anthony, and O'Neal started swinging after Haddad was done threatening Artest. Does it make him right for being on the court? No, but that's the law. You have to abide by the law. There is no room in our judicial system for revenge. I'm sure this will be drug out for years.

CBS SportsLine.com: NBA Basketball Pistons fan charged with trespassing sues Pacers

-Dan Joseph

Inge, Sanchez Re-signed

The Detroit Tigers have signed Brandon Inge, and Alex Sanchez to one year contracts. This signals a plan B movement by the Tigers. The Tigers have struck out in the free agent market in which they outbid for Pavano, and Beltre, coming up with neither.

My reaction to this was ok. I like Sanchez, I just want him to settle down a little bit. He's agressive, but a little overly agressive. I was very happy to see Inge back. I felt he did a GREAT job last season, and deserved another shot. He offers a solid arm, and a good backup solution behind the plate.

These signings, however, do not make the Tigers better. The only area that has improved is the bullpen, and even at that, it's only improved in two areas. Closer, and Setup. The Tigers must continue to shop for an ace.

Reactions?

-Dan Joseph

Ducks Replaced With Huskies

Oregon delayed coming back to the big house for a couple years making room for Michigan to schedule a game against Northern Illinois. The non-conference schedule is now Northern Illinois, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan.

I was a little disappointed to see such a weak team take the spot. I would have liked to have seen a much better school play Michigan, and test them. Why don't they go for broke and schedule someone like Auburn to come in? I realize we're in the BCS era, but if you believe in your football team, then challenge them one game.

I am atleast glad to see Notre Dame is still on the schedule. Even not as good as they were years ago, they are still a tough team, especially at home. One bright spot in the pre-conference schedule.

Agree? Disagree? Other ideas?

MGoBlue.com: Addition of Northern Illinois Completes 2005 Schedule

-Dan Joseph

Muhlbach’s Misery? Joey’s Rise?

The Lions put forth an effort not seem in quite some time. After starting ahead 3-0 against the Vikings, they trailed most of the game. With eight seconds remaining in the game, Harrington hit Williams for a touchdown. It was then 28-27, with Hanson coming onto the field for the extra point.

The Lions setup, Hanson got ready, and the snap bounced. Bounced? That’s right, it bounced, and bounced again, and then Harris grabbed it, and got tackled. Game over. Lions lose. Rookie Don Muhlbach had mis-fired the snap that would have tied the game, and likely put the Lions into OT. Muhlbach choked at the line when his team needed him the most. Muhlbach should be benched, and never allowed to wear a Lions’ uniform again. What a disgrace.

Let’s ease up on Muhlbach. Before today, did you even know who he was? He’s a rookie from Texas A&M, was picked up mid-season, and he’s a fine long snapper. Of all the blunders of the Lions, have you ever seen a snap go this wrong? Of course you didn’t. The Lions do one thing right, and that is kicking. Muhlbach is a good part of that kicking. Hanson and Harris rely on him to snap the ball well, so it can be setup for a punt or a field goal.

The real problems with the Lions still remain on the offense, and specifically with the passing game. Yes, Joey looked pretty good most of the game yesterday. Let’s also not forget that he had two interceptions near the end zone. Converting just one of those to nothing more than a field goal would have turned that final touchdown into a win.

The passing game has to get better. It made great strides yesterday, but I fear this is only a one game progression, doomed for more demise next week. Az Hakim, four catches, 108 yards, had several dropped balls. Not only is this a trend, it’s a complete history of how Hakim has played, even before he joined the Lions.

To sum it all up, I do not fault Muhlbach for the loss, and I hope he gets by this, and continues to grow as an NFL player. Joey was better, but must continue to work on getting the interceptions down. The receivers, Hakim mostly, must learn to catch the ball better. Fix the offense, and you can get by mistakes that only cost you one point.

What is your take? How do you feel towards Joey and/or Muhlbach now?

-Dan Joseph

My Sports-Fan Christmas List

Dear Santa:

I came to you a couple of weeks ago with my Christmas wishes. I had confirmed that I was on the "nice" list, and you asked me what I wanted. I asked for only one thing, Carl Pavano. I realize that you can't offer everything, so I put that aside, and asked for J.D. Drew and Adrian Beltre. I am thinking maybe my requests were to greedy, and you gave one to the people of Seattle instead. I would still be interested in J.D. Drew. Today I am writing you to tell you that I have a new and improved Christmas list.

1. A bottle of the Flu. Not to inject in myself, but to inject in Joey Harrington, QB for the Detroit Lions. You see, yesterday Joey had one of his best games as a professional QB. Joey threw 25/44, with 361 yards, and 2 TDs. Joey did this with the flu. I would like the bottle of Flu to inject in Joey each week.

2. Snow in Pasadena. Michigan is playing Texas in the Rose Bowl. Michigan doesn't do as well in warm weather out west as they do in the cold east. It would be nice to take Texas out of their element.

3. Confidence : How Winning Streaks and Losing Streaks Begin and End, by ROSABETH MOSS KANTER. I want to read this to Paul Davis. Paul plays basketball for MSU. He's often got problems with confidence. If I read this everyday to him, maybe he could smooth out, and MSU could win more games.

4. Trip to the Bermuda Triangle. I'd like to send George Steinbrenner on a vacation as a way of rewarding him for all his hard work this off-season. I should also tell you, so that I'm not lying and end up on the naughty list, that my reward is not of the friendly nature either. I want him to disappear so that he never can buy another World Series again.

5. Pack of diapers, and two rattles. These are gifts to teach me how to share better. It would be a great honor to present these gifts to Gary Bettman and Bob Goodenow. In addition, the diapers would help them be more comfortable.

I can't wait for your visit! Please don't disappoint me, Santa!

Sincerely,

Dan Joseph