In August of 2004, Greg Maddux took the mound wearing the Cubbie “C” he first broke the majors in. Armed with nothing more than a 85 m.p.h. fastball, an arsenal of pitches and his extensive baseball knowledge, Mad Dog took the mound against the San Francisco Giants and finessed his way into the record books, becoming the 22nd pitcher to notch 300 wins.

Just over a year earlier, Roger Clemens and his 95 m.p.h. gas hurled his way to 300 W’s and his own seat in Cooperstown.

Twenty other pitchers have tallied 300 wins, the most recent being Clemens’ idol, Nolan Ryan, who accomplished the feat at the age of 43 in 1990.

Maddux’s long-time teammate in Atlanta, Tom Glavine should become No. 23. At the ripe age of 41, the Southpaw has 290 wins, and if he pitches anywhere near the level he has last few years, and with the way the Mets can score runs behind him, Glavine should surpass the 300 mark around July or August this season (incidentally, it could come against the Braves, who the Mets play two series against in the last months of the season). Unless he goes down with a career ending injury, Glavine will join his former teammate in the 300 club this year.

Looking at the near to not-so-near future, who will be next to 300?

Randy Johnson is the next closest after Glavine with 280 wins and still throws hard. Back in the desert with a great pitching staff around him and a better than anticipated line-up, he should be able to easily get 300 wins within the next two seasons. Even 20 wins against the NL this season is not impossible for the Mullet Man (he had 17 pitching for the Yankees last season). He’ll be No. 24.

But after that, who will be No. 25, 26, 27 … ?

You could make the argument that Mike Mussina and his knuckle curve sitting at 239 wins has a chance, but at 38, its unlikely Mussina, who has never won 20 games in a season (19 twice in the mid-1990s), will reach 300.

No one else with 200 wins has a very good chance (except maybe Jamie Moyer at 216 wins just because he’ll pitch until he’s 60). Pedro Martinez (206 wins, 35 years old) will never pitch at the same level again after the recent injuries he’s had, which is a shame because he had a good chance. Curt Schilling (207, 41) is too old, as is Kenny Rogers (207, 43) and David Wells (230, 43).

So who does have a chance?

Read the rest of this entry »

Nearly a month and a half has passed since Jamar Smith crashed his Lexus into a tree after a night of drinking, nearly killing teammate Brian Carlwell. But like the Chief, the story just won’t go away.

I originally reported the story with basketball beat writer Erin Foley that ran in The Daily Illini when charges were filed against Smith on Feb. 22. During the course of our reporting, we sought out a police report of the incident from the University Police. To get one, we filed a Freedom of Information request with the University, and patiently waited a week for the records.

A letter arrived from Robin Kaler, Associate Chancellor and Public Records Officer, telling me that my request for the police records had been denied. Kaler cited two sections of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) that deny me access to the records. The first reason stated that giving me the records would “constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy…” The second reason stated that disclosure of the records would “interfere with pending … law enforcement proceedings.”

The first reason is ridiculous on its face as police reports are a matter of public record. The second reason seems to be a moot point considering charges were already filed against Smith. The investigation was already complete. What was the University hiding? The DI was just about done reporting on the Smith incident at this point, but wanting to satisfy my own curiosity, I appealed the decision to University President B. Joseph White, as I’m legally entitled to do.

In the appeal to the president I formally cited the sections of the FOIA that entitle me to the records. Under section 140/7(1)(d)(i, ii) of the act, I am entitled to “chronologically maintained arrest information, such as traditional arrest logs or blotters” and “the name of a person in the custody of a law enforcement agency and the charges for which that person is being held.” On March 8th I got an answer from President White:

“My review of your February 22, 2007, request leads me to conclude that Robin Kaler’s denial of your request … was appropriate,” White said. “…I must hereby deny your appeal of this matter.”

The University, and White, must be withholding these records from the public for a reason. Perhaps they hope that I, as well as the DI, will forget about the incident and move on. I’m not sure, but this is why I write this today. So that it doesn’t get forgotten.

But, what started out as mere curiosity for me has turned into outright skepticism. What is the University hiding? What could the records possibly say that could be so incriminating? And what could they include that we don’t already know about the incident?

This isn’t a matter of being right or wrong. It’s not even a matter of trying to find out more information about a crime — anymore. It’s about precedent.
Until the matter is dealt with, this story can’t go away. It shouldn’t go away.

The Big Ten is a weekly look at the headlines in sports (with a touch of local flavor).

11. Phelps swims through record books.

What a disappointment at the last summer games, though. He only won like, what, five medals?

1o. Urbina gets 14 years in Venezuelan prison.

Former MLB player Ugueth Urbina was convicted of attempting to murder five of his ranch workers. Next to see time: Juan Uribe for allegedly killing a farmer in his home country of Dominican Republic, begging the question: WHY?

9. No small fry in McDonald’s All-American game

It’s depressing to watch 30 kids younger than you are who can dunk, hit NBA range threes and are less than four years away from making millions while competing in jerseys of the only restaurant you can afford.

8. The DL–coming to an ace near you.

Kerry Wood, Kenny Rogers, C.C. Sabathia (maybe), Kris Benson, etc. The season hasn’t even started and the disabled list is killing (fantasy) teams everywhere.

7. Former Illini Amer Delic upsets No. 4 tennis player at Sony Open

Dee, Deron and Delic. The Fighting Illini play on!

6. The Boss needs new “Prince”

Steve Swindal’s divorce from George Steinbrenner’s daughter means he’s no longer the successor to the Evil Empire. Steinbrenner has two sons so why was Swindal the go-to guy in the first place?

5. Briggs still barkin.

Only now he’s got agent Drew Rossenhaus doing his whining for him, putting the Bears in a tight spot: Trade Briggs to the Redskin, get the No. 6 pick overall and win the Super Bowl next year or draw a hard line and keep a guy who refuses to play for you, just to be stubborn. Tough call.

4. Four for Four teams left

The Final Four is all set. Florida, UCLA, Georgetown and Ohio State. Two 1s and Two 2s. And Joakim Noah’s annoying yelling.

3. Countdown to Opening Day begins.

Less than 100 hours to the first pitch, and less than a week before the Royals are already out of it.

2. Dirk goes Down

Even without the big guy, the Mavs can coast through the rest of the season to the playoffs, where they will choke, again.

1. Spring football begins.

How is this worthy of No. 1? Well, it means Illinois gets to start sporting its top 10 recruiting class. Bowl game or bust, baby.

Non-conference results:

• Prior starts season in AAA
• NFL Owners meeting pushes more discipline, keeps overtime setup
• Penguins stay put in Pittsburgh

In light of Kobe’s four-game streak of scoring 50 or more points, Espn.com has been pushing comparisons between Jelly Bean’s son and The Greatest Basketball Player of All Time. They say Kobe hasn’t been judged fairly. They say Kobe is better.

Nonsense. Let’s start with the numbers.

Points

30.1 - Michael’s career average (these numbers include two sub-par seasons in Washington)

24.5 - Kobe’s career average

Assists

5.3 - Michael

4.5 - Kobe

Rebounds

6.2 - Michael

5.2 - Kobe

The numbers are close, but it is clear that Michael has the statistical edge. A few other things to consider:

- In his first 10 seasons Jordan compiled eight All-NBA First Team honors, seven NBA All-Defensive First Team nods and three league MVP awards. Kobe (in his ten completed seasons) has won four, four and zero respectively. Keep in mind did this playing only 18 games in ‘85-’86 (out with a foot injury) and 17 games in ‘94-’95 (after returning from retirement).

- Michael never played with a dominate big man, a key ingredient to any NBA championship team. I’m thinking back now, and I think the only title winners in the past twenty years winning a legitimate inside scoring presence have been the Pistons and the Bulls. Kobe has not been back to the finals without Shaq.

- During the playoffs, Jordan’s scoring average rises to 33.4. Kobe’s drops to 22.9.
Kobe is a great player, maybe even the best the league … and with LeBron James, Gilbert Arenas, Dwayne Wade and Steve Nash, that’s saying a lot. Kobe is not unlike Jordan, he’s just not as good. Like Jordan his scoring ability and passion to success are scary. Like Jordan he can take over a game on his own. I mean the kid dropped 81 points in one game. And like Jordan his competitive fire makes him hard to coach and hard to play with. Maybe will a little more charisma and one less suspected rape case Kobe would be more liked … and be more like Mike.

Kobe is one of the NBA’s all-time greats, but he is not Michael Jordan.

1. Fives always beat twelves?
2. You win as many games as the number of Krugers on your team.
3. Good free throw shooting is a dying resource.
4. Kevin Durant can’t beat a whole team by himself.
5. USC is not just a football school.
6. Memphis wasn’t that overrated. 
7. Cinderella must be home by midnight (or at least by the end of the Sweet 16).
8. Patrick Ewing Sr. has an awful sense of fashion.
9. Those OSU jerseys are still really ugly.
10. Bruce Pearl looks better painted orange than coaching it.
11. Good looking tennis player + Gorgeous former Miss Sweden = One ugly athletic basketball player (but we learned that last year, didn’t we?).
12. Dick Vitale is still annoying.
13. Duke can lose in March.
14. The Big Ten is pathetic … but still manages a team in the Final Four
15. Vanderbilt has athletic programs.
16. CBS does a great job of covering the tournament.
17. Illinois can’t score.
18. Your bracket will get busted.
19. Southern Illinois is for real … someday
20. North Carolina, UCLA, Kansas–great programs always find ways to go deep.
21. Ohio State is really, really lucky.
22. CBS instudio analyst Seth Davis always has that creepy smile.
23. UCLA cheerleaders/dance squad have THE BEST uniforms EVER.
24. Texas A&M - Acie Law IV = Texas A&M CC
25. This is the best time of the year … and we still got two rounds to go.

With oft-ridiculed Tubby Smith headed to Minnesota, the Golden Gophers pick up a great coach. Maybe he can finish what Clem Haskins started.

With Kelvin Sampson and now Smith, the face of Big Ten coaching has changed dramatically.

The Big Ten is a weekly look at headlines in sports.

Sorry for the break in action. The Big Ten will recontinue its weekly publishing.

11. La Russa falls asleep at the wheel, charged with DUI.

I couldn’t find the mug shot, so I went with this lovely pic instead. Just as incriminating.

10. Ron Guenther not disciplined by UI for sideline actions.

Apparently, the AD was pounding on tables, yelling at Bruce Weber and calling Warren Carter an idiot during the Virginia Tech game. Guenther could not be reached for comment because he was attending a special seminar by Mark Cuban.

9. Spring Training heats up.

Ahh, the smell of new leather, pine tar, freshly mowed grass and Ben Gay baths with Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. Baseball is here!

8. Duke bounced in first round.

Glorious.

7. Candace Parker to go pro?

If the Bulls get a lottery pick from the Knicks, look for them to pass on Durrant and snag this local product. But seriously, Parker could make people interested in the WNBA in the same way Jennie Finch has created a market for softball. Check back in three years.

6. Steve Alford leaves the Big Ten for New Mexico.

Too nice of a guy to be an Iowa coach. He’ll be staying in Bobby Knights’ retirement home for the time being.

5. Calvin Johnson impresses at combines.

Not only is this guy an all-around top talent, but he’s a class act as well. Think TO body, Moss’ speed and Ricky Proehl’s humility. Should be everybody’s number one.

4. Mavericks keep on rolling.

Dirk has his squad on pace to clash with Duncan’s Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Hasn’t this story been written already?

3. Trading Spaces

Thomas Jones to Jets for pick, Matthew Schaub to Texans for picks, Adam Archuletta to Bears for pick. More picking then a kindergarten in cold weather.

2. Mike Modano reaches 500 goals, No. 1 American goal scorer of all time.

I’ll give you props, Mike, even though Nashville stiffed you in the ceremony.

1. MARCH IS MADNESS

Sweet 16 comes with a few surprises, but the biggest one might be that Kansas hasn’t choked yet. I guess my Bill Self voodoo dolls isn’t working this year.

Out of conference results

• LSU women’s coach scandal
• A-Rod, NY hug … the kind where you stick your butt out and roll your eyes.
• NIT FEVER!

Two years after replacing his predecessor, Mike Davis took his team national championship game and lost. The title run seemed to affirm the athletic director’s decision to hire him and ensure Davis would be a lasting figure in Indiana basketball.

Two more years and Davis was just fighting to return to the NCAA tournament.

Sound familiar?

Two years after his own title run, Bruce Weber loses in the first round of the NCAA tournament, knowing that it was by the grace of God that his team made it to the tourney in the first place.

Davis was given four more years after his title run. Weber has just completed his second.  Two years after, though, Davis finished with a losing record—the first in 35 years of Indiana basketball. One year later he finished 15-14 and was issued a warning from Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan.  The 2005-2006 campaign Indiana returned to the NCAA tournament, but lost to Gonzaga in the second round.

As painful as it has been, Illinois’ fall from reputable standing is not as drastic at Indiana’s was. It took the Hoosiers two years to drop from the NCAA title game to first-round NIT exit. While Illinois was no better than an NIT team this year, they did finish with a winning record.

Indiana, with five national championships, is understandably hard on their coaches. The question is: how does Illinois’ administration compare?

How much time does Weber have? For better or for worse, I imagine Illinois will give Weber a longer grace period than Indiana gave Davis. When it comes down to it, NIT sounds a lot worse than NCAA, and would have been the catalyst to accelerate Guenther’s decision.  As it stands, Weber should be sending thank-you notes to the selection committee for giving him a few more years to work with.

The problem is, I don’t know how much longer I watch us imitate a ’90s Purdue team. With the defense he can instill in his teams, Weber will keep Illinois “competitive” for years without contending for a Big Ten title. His teams will stay above .500, make it hard for opponents to win at the Assembly Hall and regularly make first- and second-round NCAA exits.

It’s a horrible way to run a program, but if Weber can’t bring in talent soon, it’s what we’re left with.

I hope I’m not right.

It’s nice being home. Spring break has been relaxing this year–10 hours of sleep each day, catching up on the movies I missed and, most importantly, I can get a haircut from my barber. Getting your hair cut by a stranger at school just doesn’t cut it for me (no pun intended). I’m faithful to my guy and have avoided campus cutteries, choosing to let friends just cut my hair with clippers in the mean time. Now, though, my mop is getting unruly and I need the professional touch of my top-notch barber.

But alas! In the time I’ve been away, he’s jacked up the price of a cut from $14 to $20! I thought $14 was unreasonable, but I figured I was paying for the company as well. This guy’s personality isn’t that great. And he’s not that great of a hair cutter. I can find someone better, someone cheaper and someone who is loyal to the people who’ve been coming to him for many years.

The Chicago Bears should do the same with Lance Briggs.

The Pro Bowl linebacker has gone on every ESPN talkshow, has spoken to every online sports syndicate and has complained all offseason long saying the same thing. “I am now prepared to sit out the year if the Bears don’t trade me or release me,” Briggs told FoxSports.com on March 12, and he’s repeated it manytimes since then to anyone who will listen.

I say, “Good ridance.” If only he would shut his mouth so his trade value wouldn’t keep dropping, I’m sure GM Jerry Angelo would be happy to get rid of him. Instead, he keeps griping, making it hard for the Bears to unload him. Teams want to see how desperate the Bears are to send him packing. Briggs has dropped from near-first round trade bait to late third just because he can’t be quiet. Everyone realizes having someone whining like Briggs is not good for the clubhouse, and, if the Bears choose to call his bluff, that’s a roster spot they lose each week he sits.

What have the Bears done to deserve such a bad haircut price, I mean, disloyalty from Briggs?

Granted, the Bears organization has had issues with players as recent as this offseason. But Thomas Jones handled the issue quietly, we sent him to the Jets, got a good second round pick (even though I think we could’ve got more) and all ties were severed. No hard feelings. Football is a business.

But the matter in which Briggs has handled his grief is unwarranted. Briggs wasn’t a star, the Bears made him a star. He was a third round pick and could still be practicing with the kick off team if the bears didn’t give him a chance. Starting next to Brian Urlacher, Briggs was able to blossom as teams focused on the more savy, veteran Urlacher. Now, he claims the $7.2 million the Bears are giving him with the franchise tag isn’t enough. He wants long-term (even though he rejected a five-year deal last offseason). Just say what you really mean, Briggs, you’re sick of being in Urlacher’s shadow. You want to prove you are a star.

I can’t wait for the Bears to send this ungrateful guy packing. He would choose to sit out next season then play under the franchise tag, then fine, leave. Anything we trade you for will be a steal for us because you’re not that good. You’re slow, you can’t rush the passer and you’re not a very smart player. Plus, you’re expensive. And I think you’ve proven this offseason that you’re not very loyal.

You and my barber should get a cup of coffee together. In the meantime, does anyone know how to cut hair?

Quick, I need a fix.

After four days of some of the best college basketball games in tournement history, the crash down to Monday had me sitting on my couch in my boxers, unshowered, with my hand lying in Sunday’s leftover buffalo wings. I stared at the screen on my first official day of Spring Break at 11:10 a.m., waiting for the madness to begin again.

But it never did.

ESPN tried to settle my cravings, throwing me lighter stuff like Cold Pizza and four reruns of Sports Center, but it just wasn’t the same. I wanted to jump up and down, run around my house like a crazy man, make random phone calls to people and chant unwillingly ”U-N-L-V!” Cold Pizza barely made me scratch my nose. I grabbed for a wing, but threw it back in angst, missing the bucket worse than a Brian Randle freethrow.

Then, ESPN even tried throwing me placebos in the form of NIT games, but I could feel the difference. I attempted filling out a NIT bracket, but it only made things worse. It wasn’t the same. I wanted five-star recruits against five-star recruits. I wanted future NBA stars being humbled by a football school. I needed some Acie Law IV and I needed it fast.

I tried turning to one of my favorites, something I hadn’t binged on in a long time: Baseball. But it was weaker than I remembered. Pitchers only went four innings, games were played in stadiums that only seated 5,000 people and most of the players I’d never heard of. I must’ve been going crazy because I even saw the same team playing twice, against two different teams! O, well, maybe in a couple of weeks it’ll change.

Finally, I sat back and turned on a NBA game. Here we go. This is the good stuff. All my favorite former college standouts playing in one room. That’s gotta spell excitement, right? Wrong. The game dragged on forever, never reaching a high. It was sloppy, it was slow. I forgot players don’t try until the playoffs starts. I felt cheated. Where was the Saluki hussle? Where was the Oregon teamwork? Where was Greg Oden? Wait, that’s next year.

How could they do this to me? Four days of bliss followed by a week of nothing. I can’t take it. My arms itch, my mind can’t concentrate. All I can think about is, “Will my Final Four be right?” And I want to find out, NOW. GIVE IT TO ME! I CAN’T TAKE THIS ANYMORE! I TRIED OTHER THINGS, IT WASN’T AS GOOD. PLEASE, JUST GIVE ME THE GOOD STUFF.