Those Were the Days
Remember when the U.S. dominated all four "major" sports? Me neither. I was born in 1975, but my dad assures me that we did. In the last 35 years or so our great land has gone from lead-pipe-cinch to top contender to also-ran in international competitions. Two recent failures, Team USA's miserable hockey performance in the Winter Olympics and a mediocre showing in the World Baseball Classic, have forced me to wax nostalgic about the basketball bronze medal Allen Iverson and Co. brought home in the 2004 Summer Games. We could go through an intense self-examination period to get to the root of this problem, but who has the time or attention span for that? Instead, I'll blame Saddam Hussein.

Close, But No Cigar
It was just over a week ago that Cuban baseball players were media darlings as their national team charged to a second place finish in the WBC. Largely unknown to the American press, they were a breath of fresh air with their unassuming egos, unique playing style and lack of millionaire bling. Stuck being Fidel Castro's political pawns, however, they have been shuttled back home to toil in anonymity. Unfortunately for them, they're stranded on the Island unless they risk their freedom and leave their families behind to defect. Unfortunately for us, the game won't truly be major league until all of the world's best players are free to compete.

Too Little, Too Late
Last week former Cubs first baseman Mark Grace dropped a bombshell. I hope you're sitting down. He accused former teammate Sammy Sosa of using steroids! Grace claimed Sosa and Mark McGwire were "red flag guys" and that dozens of other minor players juiced as well. Wow, Mark. That didn't seem to bother you when you embraced McGwire with a bear hug after his 62nd home run in 1998. Not to single out Grace (OK, I just did), but am I the only one that is getting sick of these self-righteous former players piling on after the fact?