What's Wrong with Baseball

Alright. About the worst news a Red Sox fan can get occurred today. After spending weeks courting free agent Mark Teixeira and offering one of the highest contracts in baseball history, at the last minute today the Yankees swept in with 12 million dollars more and landed the big fish. Nevermind that I am a Red Sox fan and am feeling quite a bit of jealousy right now. I can acknowledge that. Never mind that the Red Sox had just as much of an opportunity to meet Teixeira's demands and fell short because they wouldn't give 1.5 million more to an already overpriced contract.

The Yankees have once again proved what is wrong with the current state of baseball operations. They have shown once again that they are the best team money can buy. They have shown that they are more concerned with flaunting their enormous revenue stream than they are with fair and balanced competition. After all, aren't greed, indulgence, buying your way to power the new American way? Isn't it just sound economics to build your own empire without regard to how your decisions affect your competitors. It's the Wal-Mart way!

So far this off-season, the Yankees have signed three high price free agents and have committed $400 million dollars over the next 8 years. They have pulled out of their deep pockets and snagged the big ones. Some will say that fans shouldn't be upset because the Yankees are just taking their profits and putting it back into the product for their fans. They say that the Yankees actually cleared $88 million off their payroll this year and have only spent $65 million. They say that the Yankees are just trying to reward their fans with the best baseball team they can. To that I say "Bull Butter!"

Let's first remember that the $88 million that the Yankees cleared off their payroll is twice as much as the payrolls of teams like the Rays, Royals, and other small market teams. Those teams can't clear that much off. Let's also remember that the Yankees have more income than any other team. With their YES Network, their large (and increasing) ticket prices, and their other business means that they have more revenue to spend than any other team. Their payroll last year was over $200 million dollars and they just paid a $26 million luxury tax (Something that Bud Selig seems to enjoy). They just finished a $1 billion stadium and in the process received millions of dollars from New York city residents through taxes.

Let's remember that the Yankees now currently own the 4 highest paid contracts in professional baseball (ARod, Jeter, Sabathia, and Teixeira). 4! The Yankees have 7 of the highest 10 contracts in the history of professional baseball. That just sounds wrong. It's not about fairness, it's about balance and making sure that every team that suits up in March will have an equal opportunity to compete. It's about fans in Kansas City, and Cincinnati, and Oakland actually having a something to root for other than a .500 record. There are fans in some cities that have grown up without knowing what a playoff team looks like for most of the last 20+ years. No team has taken advantage of the Free Agent system than the Yankees.

I heard it said today that George Steinbrenner "showed the world that you have to spend money to make money." I understand that principle. Big Daddy George did a good job of helping all teams to evaluate the product they put on the field. He also made the game more about greed than competition. He made it possible for snakes like Scott Boras to make millions of dollars giving small-market teams the shaft. Boras and the Steinbrenners represent all the worst of sports.

Some will say, "Matt, your team has one of the largest payrolls too." I know. I realize that the Red Sox spent $130 million (far short of the Yankees $200 mill). I know that their free agent spending enabled them to compete and win 2 World Series in four years. I know that they are sometimes exploiting the system too. But not this time. This time John Henry and Theo Epstein refused to play Boras' game. And they paid for it too. However, I feel they escaped with a little class. They showed that they were willing to bet on the 2007 World Series MVP and the third best player in the American League (Youk) last year rather than be held hostage to big contracts.

What will be the result? The Yankees will probably be a better team and could (definitely should) have a great record with their monster lineup. The Yanks might even make the playoffs. (You should with the best team money can buy) They may even buy their way to a championship. However, they will not gain respect. They will gain little admiration.

Again, some will say, "You're just jealous Matt. The Yankees gave the Red Sox the shaft again. They did the same thing they did with ARod." I cannot plead innocence. Whenever the Yankees pull one over on the Sox, my jealousy does rise. But so does my hatred for everything the Yankees stand for. I have not always been a Red Sox fan. I have always been a Yankee hater. In the 70's, I was a Reds fan because Pete Rose, George Foster, and Joe Morgan played baseball hard and with class. In the 80's, I was mostly a Tigers fan because I loved the way Alan Trammel and Lou Whitaker played the middle and Kirk Gibson and Jack Morris played with heart and talent. However through all my baseball fandom, I have always had a vitriol for the Yankees. Not because they win, but because of the way they do it. Now, I think I have enough fuel to advance my hatred for many years to come.

Boo Scott Boras. Boo Hank Steinbrenner. Boo the spineless baseball commissioner Bud Selig. Boo the MLB Players Association.

Family Disney Vacation Report - Part 2

Here's some more info on the recent Haines' vacation. On our third day we went to Hollywood Studios. Our first stop was a jump on the Tower of Terror for Alison, Nathan and Drew then a jump on the Rock n Roller Coaster. Later on I got to ride both of these with the boys. The Tower of Terror takes you up about 10 stories and then drops you suddenly, picks you back up, drops you again, and so on and so on. The Rock n Roller Coaster takes you on a ride from 0 to 60 in 2.8 seconds, then it takes you in a loop and on a fast ride through twist and turns. Drew and I rode it twice!

One of the highlights of Hollywood Studios was the animation studio. Nathan, Drew and Alison got to take a drawing class with one of the Disney animators. Another great ride was the Toy Story Mania 3D ride where you go through a fun shooting gallery throwing pies, balls, darts, etc. We also got to see the Indiana Jones Stunt Show which Nathan liked a lot.

The trip to Hollywood Studios ended early so that we could prepare for the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party that night. We staked out our spot right in front of Cinderella's Castle about 5. Alison did some shopping and the boys and I rode a few rides and waited on the Christmas show. It was full of singing and Christmas magic. The parade was awesome and colorful. They even had "snow" coming off the roofs on Main Street. We didn't get back to the room till late and slept in a little the next morning.

The fourth day we made our trip to the Animal Kingdom. Highlights of it included "It's Tough to Be a Bug" - a 3D show about being a bug that encompases the audience. Lots of fun. We also went through an animal exhibit and a bird sanctuary. Alison and Nathan rode Everest - the big roller coaster. It had an 80-foot drop. We rode a couple of other ride, but we left Animal Kingdom early. That night we went to a Polynesian Luau. Awesome food. Ribs, Chicken, Pineapple, rice, and cool dancing.

More cool pics:

Family Disney Vacation Report, Part 1

Alright, it's been a long time coming, but here is some pictures and reports from our trip to Disney. We arrived at the Disney complex about 10:00 on Sunday, November 30 to find our room was already ready (very pleasant surprise!). We dropped our stuff off at the room, got our tickets, and headed off for Day 1 at EPCOT. EPCOT was first because TourGuideMike.com said it would be a low crowd day there. The kids had no idea what to look for. When we passed by a hotel, John David said "Is that DisneyWorld?"

We entered through the gates wide-eyed and staring at the giant Spaceship Earth that symbolizes EPCOT. We moved quickly thoughout the day to the space simulator, Mission: Space, to the Test Track that sends you around curves at 60 mph, and to Soarin' that sends you up to an IMAX screen giving you the sensation of hang gliding. We also saw the 3D show "Honey I shrunk the audience" which scared John David. Loud noises and his first experience of things jumping at you in 3D.

The only downer the first day is that it rained most of the day and soaked us and our shoes. We left for a couple of hours to go back to the room and change clothes. When we got back to EPCOT, the Christmas lights were turned on. WOW! We went to the Mexico pavilion and then a couple of other world showcase exhibits. We had an awesome dinner at the San Angel Inn and then watched the fireworks show. It was probably the best fireworks show I had ever seen. All in all, great first day to the week despite the rain.

Day 2 brought our first trip to the Magic Kingdom. We hit the Pirates of the Caribbean and Magic Carpets of Aladdin early. Crowds were really low and the wait was seldom more than 10-15 minutes. We also hit the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Splash Mountain. Those two rides were probably the kids' favorites all week. We did some rides in Tomorrowland and then had a character dinner at Crystal Palace with Pooh, Tigger, Eyore, and Piglet. That afternoon we hit the rest of the rides we missed including Space Mountain and the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. We truly had a magical first couple of days. We were tired when we left that night though.

Here are some pictures of the first couple of days:










John David got called up on stage to participate in a game.










Drew was amazed at how small the food was and said "Honey I Shrunk the Flauta"










Mom and Nathan on the Magic Carpets of Aladdin










Dinner with Tigger










Hanging in front of the castle decorated for Christmas

Update coming soon

Sorry for the lack of updates about the Disney trip and life in general lately. I had planned on providing daily updates and pictures from Disney, but the internet was $10 a day and since we had already paid enough for the trip to finance the gross national product of many third world countries, I decided to wait. Then when I got home, I had lost the cord to download the pictures from the camera to the computer (auggh!). I found it Thursday but I had to leave my computer at the church this weekend because we are updating servers and IT companies.

Long and short, I have been very disconnected from the blogosphere for about three weeks now. Updates and opinions coming soon.

Leaving for Disney tomorrow

First thing in the morning, Alison, the boys, and I will be leaving for a week in Disneyworld. We've been looking forward to this for a while. It's a great time of year to go with the Christmas decorations. It's also a great time for the boys. Nathan is 9, Drew is 7, and JD is 4. They should all have something they like.

I will try to post updates throughout the week depending on internet connectivity and times. If I don't, I'll see you next week.

Mark Driscoll on the theology of Joel Osteen

Here is a great clip from a sermon by Mark Driscoll on some of the theological flaws in the ministry of Joel Osteen. Definitely worth a look. It is my solid conviction that the culturized church in America today has long lost the art of biblical discernment that has allowed profiteers like Osteen to make millions of dollars with their Christian, humanistic, self-help mush.

No Shave November

At our church some guys in the Children's Ministry declared a "No Shave November". Speedy took the challenge to the Rick and Bubba Show and the guys on the staff there and Les and I set down the challenge to the guys on the staff at Westwood. None of the other guys (besides Les and me) were man enough to give it a try. (Kevin doesn't count since he looks like a modern-day Nazarite anyway.)

I thought I would post a photo for those of you to keep up with it. Most of you will not be too surprised since I usually don't shave but once a week anyway. Here is a link to the Rick and Bubba guys and their progress. I'll keep you posted. I'll be shaving probably on our trip to DisneyWorld in December!

If I can get a photo of our Pastor, I'll post it too!

Interesting Thoughts in the Reformed Theology Debate

Excuse the little theological aside for a moment. I have often wondered how much of my blog to devote to my personal ramblings on Red Sox baseball, MSU football (or lack thereof), and my family events; and how much to devote to my thoughts on theology, leadership, and church life. I read an interesting post today from Justin Taylor on his blog "Between Two Worlds". The blog dealt with a his reactions to some statements made at the John 3:16 Conference recently held and put on by Jerry Vines Ministries. Justin's blog are particularly directed at some statements made by Dr. Steve Lemke who is the Provost at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Justin's post can be read here.

While I have spent a lot of time talking and observing friends and colleagues from both sides of the aisle on this debate, this is of particular interest to me. First, I have long admired both Jerry Vines, long-time pastor at FBC Jacksonville, Johnny Hunt, pastor of FBC Woodstock and current president of my beloved Southern Baptist Convention, and Charles Stanley, long-time pastor at FBC Atlanta. All of these men are great expositors of the word and soul-winners. They have done much over the last few years to bring many into the kingdom of God. They deserve and have my utmost affection and respect. They are also representative of a generation of pastors who have helped shaped the SBC for many years. They have always been, first and foremost, men with the heart of pastors and soul-winners and their theology reflects that.

Secondly, Dr. Lemke is one of my professors at NOBTS and one that I have grown to respect, despite some of our theological differences. He is an extremely intelligent man. My first doctoral seminar was "Theological Issues for Ministry in the 21st Century" in which we covered the doctrine of God's providence and it's role in prayer. It was a challenging time. I spent hours in reflection for my paper and Dr. Lemke was very fair in grading my paper even though he disagreed with my conclusions.

Third, I have a huge amount of respect for pastors and leaders on the reformed side of the aisle such as Mark Dever, Al Mohler, John Piper, and C.J. Mahaney. These men have inspired me and given me much to think about regarding this topic. In addition, they have helped me to look deeper to God's Word for my answers and not just to the traditional upbringings of my church life or convention.

I have long said that one day I will post a blog entitled "Why My Calvinists Friends think I am Arminian and Why My Arminian Friends Think I am a Calvinist." That is for another day. I do think you should read Justin's blog and his reaction to Dr. Lemke. (This is mostly for my friends Dave, Jason, Michael, and you other Calvinist homers) Much to think about and much to debate - as long as we keep it civil and within the confines of in-house debates over coffee. One thing we can agree on is that there is a lost world that needs desperately to hear the message of Christ and we musn't get sidetracked from that mission.

The Best Decision I Ever Made

This past Saturday, I celebrated the best decision I ever made in my life. 11 years ago, my heart was stolen by a beautiful red-head as I sat across the dinner table from her at her dad's house. I was instantly captured. When I returned to Alabaster three weeks later as the youth minister of Westwood, I had two things I was excited about. First, I was about to begin a fresh start in ministry at a growing church. Second, I was about to ask out a beautiful woman for the first time in 5 years. Our first few dates were exciting and fresh. I knew quickly that I wanted to be with this woman for the rest of my life.

On Nov. 1, 1997, I stood before the church and made the commitment to love, honor, and cherish this woman for the rest of my life. Life has never been the same. She has blessed me by being a wife that holds me up too high most of the time. She has given me three incredible boys who bring new adventures everyday. She is my biggest believer and most vocal cheerleader.

Happy Anniversary Alison. I love you.

Wow! What a comeback!

Last night I witnessed the largest comeback by a team facing elimination in a baseball postseason. My boys from Beantown came back from seven runs down with seven outs left in the season to win it in the bottom of the ninth. I started the night with the guys from my Top Gun group at church. About 7:15, my brother sent me a text message complaining that the Rays had already hit a two-run hr in the top of the first. This was the pattern the last three games - the Rays getting out to an early lead with the long ball. We finished our group early and headed off to Buffalo Wild Wings to get a bite and watch the movie. On the way my brother sent another text complaining that the Sox struck out with 2 on and 2 out in the bottom of the second. I sent a simple text back - "Come back in the 7th, my prediction."

As I got into BWW, I saw the hr by Pena and Longoria to make it 5-0 Rays. Then after heading home, I got there in time to see Francona bring in Papelbon in the top of the 7th with two on. B.J. Upton hit a double to make it 7-0 Rays and all hope seemed lost. However, I had a good feeling about the bottom of the 7th. My brother, on the other hand, took some Tylenol PM and went to bed.

Then...the Fenway magic kicked back in. Pedroia came up with runners on 1st and 3rd and roped a single to right. Then Big Papi jacked a low fastball into the right field bleachers ending a 61 at bat streak in the postseason without a hr. 7-4 Rays. Papelbon shut down the Rays in the top of the 8th. Bottom of the 8th - Jason Bay (the guy who we got for Manny who has done way more this postseason than Manny did last) walked.

My boy J.D. Drew came up and slammed a fastball over the right field fence. 7-6 Rays. Fenway was going ape! You just started getting that feeling. I was sending my brother messages but getting no response. Then Mark Kotsay laced a double over center field. Coco Crisp fouled off 6 pitches in a 10 pitch ab before lacing a single to right. Ball game tied! I sat in my living room laughing my head off at what I was seeing. Never count the Red Sox out, especially at Fenway.

Masterson got Pena to ground into a dp to end the top of the 9th. Bottom of the ninth, Pedroia grounds to short, Papi strikes out, Youk fouls off several pitches and then grounds one to potential gold glove third baseman Evan Longoria. Bad throw! Youk to second. Bay intentionally walked. Now comes up the 8th inning hero and new Boston icon J.D. Drew. Drew laces a ball over Gabe Gross in right! Red Sox win! Ball Game! Back to Tampa!

It was a great ballgame to witness. Don't know if my Sox will win game 6 tomorrow night or the series. I like our chances with Beckett and Lester. Whatever the case, the Red Sox reminded me again why I love them so. I've seen this too many times in the last 5 years. Hopefully they can keep their momentum going and get a big lead in Topicana Field. Either way, thanks Red Sox for another magical night. Best part about it was when my brother called me in the bottom of the 8th asking me "Dude what happened? Am I dreaming this?"

I'm the guy who passed up on...

Let me tell you one of those interesting/funny/I wish I hadn't done that kind of story that will forever haunt me in ministry. It was early Spring of 1994 or 1995. I was the Minister of Students at First Baptist Church of Greenwood, MS - a sprawling metropolis in the Mississippi Delta. FBC ran about 350-400 people on Sunday morning on a good day. I had about 35 good core kids in my ministry and had been there a little over a year and was starting to see some good momentum. I always had a vision to do some kind of big community rally/concert to reach kids in the area. I had a budget that would fit on a toothpick, but big dreams of that one rally that would see hundreds of kids show up and dozens of students prostrate on the floor confessing their sins of smoking, drinking, and sleeping with their girlfriend (mostly like their parents were doing...just kidding)

Anyway, I had picked up the debut CD of Jars of Clay and it was hotter than a MS Delta summer night. All my kids loved it. Jars had just won the New Artist Spotlight at some Christian gig and were playing all the major summer concert circuits. I thought "What the heck." and called their manager to see what it would take to get them to come and do a concert in my town. Their agent told me that their booking fee was something like $7500 which was almost my whole youth budget. He also said they weren't booking anything smaller than a certain size venue which shot me down like a quail on opening day. "However," the agent said, "I do have another band I think you would like." He went on to tell me about this new band he had signed made up of a bunch of young guys who were former youth workers. He said they had a good rock/country sound. He said these guys had a real heart for ministry and the local church. They were down to earth, regular guys who liked to play music. He even said these words, "I think they will be bigger than Jars of Clay one day." I thought "What a great sales pitch. No way. Jars were fresh and hot. He was giving me the old sales line and I wasn't buying." He then told me I could have this band come and play for $1500 and a hotel. He was sending me a CD.

I told him that I would listen to the CD, but that I really had my heart set on a big time concert and that I just didn't think a no-name band would work. He sent me the CD and I thought it was a great sound. So did the kids in my youth ministry. However, at the end of the day I couldn't figure out how to get the money and didn't think anyone would come to the concert so I passed. That group later on went to win 3 Grammy awards and 22 Dove Awards including 4 times for Group of the Year and Artist of the Year. (What a bonehead!)

Late at night I still sit up during SportsCenter commercials and berate myself for being the doufus youth minister who passed up of booking...

Third Day

...for $1500 because I couldn't make it work. (Go ahead...have a laugh...sometimes that's all you can do.)

You gotta go see this movie!

What a great day...Postseason without the Yankees

Today is the first day of the Major League Baseball postseason. As it begins, the Red Sox are in and the Yankees are...out. For the first time since 1995 Major League Baseball will play the second season without the Yankees. It feels so strange to watch baseball without having two teams to root for, the Red Sox and whatever team is playing the Yankees. It's the first time that Derek Jeter has not made the playoffs and been playing baseball in October. Now I hate the Yankees and will shed no tears for their demise but I must admit that I like Jeter and somehow it doesn't feel like playoffs without Jeter's postseason play.

I have long felt like the Yankees were the best team that money could buy. They filled their roster every year with the latest high-priced free agents and sacrificed young talent for the desire to win now. It paid off for a while, but since 2000 it has not produced any significant postseason results. One of the best books I have ever read is Buster Olney's "The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty". In it he cronicles the greed and poor management that the Yankees displayed during their World Series run from 1996-2000. However, when Luis Gonzales blooped that beautiful hit into left center in 2001, the Yankee slide began. They continued to pound the baseball offensively and make the playoffs, but their lack of pitching depth was masked by high priced free agents like Carl Pavano, Mike Mussina, and Randy Johnson. They continued to be beaten every year by teams taht had enough pitching to win a seven game series.

Now the Red Sox are the banner team for MLB. They have developed a first-class farm system that has produced youngters like Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, Jon Lester, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Jed Lowrie. These youngters have carried the team the last couple of years. They have struggled a little more than I want this year. The Angels and the Rays look much better than the Red Sox at this point. The Red Sox have been ravaged with injuries to stallwarts Curt Schilling, Mike Lowell, and J.D. Drew. Big Papi missed a lot of the early season and continues to play with a torn tendon sheath that pops and causes discomfort. The Sox were forced to get rid of a cancerous relationship with Manny Ramirez this year. In doing so, they got rid of one of the best clutch hitters in baseball. The Sox picked up Jason Bay who has been awesome so far, but Varitek has struggled all year and the clutch hitting behind Ortiz has not been there.

So the postseaon begins...time to see if the character and fight of the Red Sox will prevail or if they are just overmatched. Right now it's 0-0 in the third inning in Anaheim. Let's go Red Sox!

Turning 40...

We'll today was the big day...40! People have been teasing me about this day for several weeks now. My brother asked me this morning if I felt 40. I told him I was just as overweight and my blood pressure was just as high as it was when I was 39, so not much different. Had a pretty quiet day for the most part here at the house with the wife and kids. Went to Outback Steakhouse with the fam on a very generous gift card I received and then came home to watch football.

Overall, my 40 years to this point have been blessed. God is gracious and have been more so to me than I deserve. I have an awesome wife who makes me a hero every day. I have three boys who show me more love than I ever thought possible. I am scared each day as I watch them grow up as I think about the responsibility I have to lead them into authentic manhood. Too many moments go by too fast. I try to remember what was going on in my head at 9 or 7 years old. I was probably looking for a baseball game to play. All of a sudden, I was in middle school - then high school and still looking for a baseball game to play. I know that they will face some serious challenges very soon and I pray that I will be more proactive to prepare them.

Here are some things I want to do in the next year:
1. I have to lose some weight. Too much weight and too much stress will cost me time later on. Need to drop about 30 pounds.
2. I need to turn the tv off more and take the boys fishing and to the driving range more often.
3. I need to get a trip somewhere with just my wife.
4. I need to get out of the office and into the marketplace more often.
5. I need to spend a lot more time in God's Word and a lot less time on Facebook and PS3.
6. I need to invest in the men that God has placed in my life on a deeper level. Men need Men to be what God has called them to be.
7. I need to take a one-on-one trip with Nathan and Drew each somewhere.

So 40 is not so bad so far, but I guess now it's time to grow up. :)

Presidential Politics - Something you might not hear on liberal NBC or CNN

I normally try to stay out of politics a whole lot for many reasons. However, here is an interesting post "Why I Am Ticked at Joe Biden" from Tim Stevens, executive pastor at Granger Community Church about an important and under-heard topic regarding this year's presidential election. You won't hear this one much on today's liberal biased media, especially since it critcizes the Obama campaign. With all the attack levied on Sarah Palin after her candidacy was announced, why wasn't this one brought up with respect to Joe Biden at all?

Yesterday I had a guy ask me my thoughts about the presidential race. My answer was, "I am glad that my faith and trust is in the Lord Jesus Christ and not on any presidential candidate."

USA Takes Back the Ryder Cup!

Ok, so it's a little late for my blog: Lots going on earlier this week. But, I was so stoked Sunday afternoon to watch the final matches of the Ryder Cup at Valhalla. When I arrived home, Andrew Kim had already defeated Sergio Garcia and the U.S. was up in most of the matches. Some of the major highlights of Sunday were Hunter Mahan's putt on 17 to insure at least a half point, J.B. Holmes sticking it right up on the pin on 17, and of course Boo Weekley disposing of his opponent and giving Lee Westwood some "shut-up juice" in the process.

If you aren't a big fan of golf, this event takes place every 2 years between the best golfers from the U.S. and the best golfers from Eur. ope. The Red, White, and Blue won without the world #1 in Tiger Woods. This was the first time the U.S. had won the event since 1999, just one month before Payne Stewart died. It was a great historic moment that I was pumped to watch.

Congrats to the good ol' USA!

Ryder Cup Update - Day Two

The Euros moved a little closer today, but for the most part the USA team played real well. They blew a lot of the morning matches and let Europe make up some more ground. In the afternoon matches Boo Weekley and J.B. Holmes continued as crowd favorites and beat the snotty brit Lee Westwood. The other three matches were back and forth. I thought Fyruk was going to single-handly bring his team back by putting his irons right up against the pin, but they lost. Mickelson and Mahan help on for the halve in the last match.

End of Day Two - USA 9-7. Need 5 1/2 points in the 12 matches tomorrow. Come on boys!

Ryder Cup Day 1 - USA leads 5 1/2 to 2 1/2

After the first day, the US took a big lead in the quest for the Ryder Cup. Justin Leonard and Hunter Mahan continued their dominance and took down Sergio Garcia and Miguel Angel Jiminez. Lefty Mickelson and Anthony Kim came back from 3 strokes down to beat Padrig Harrington and Grahame McDowell by 2 holes. Finally, the good ol' boys J.B. Holmes and Boo Weekley sprayed it all over, but still managed to come away with a half. The only USA team that lost was Steve Stricker and Ben Curtis. Early on this afternoon, the Euros had three flags on the board and the USA only had one. By the end of the day, the US had two flags, Euro had one, and there was one tie.

Tomorrow will be a new day and hopefully this young team will keep on prevailing. It doesn't get much better than this.

Ryder Cup Time

It's time for one of my favorite sporting events to watch. Ever since the US team took the cup in 1999, I have been hooked every two years on this event. Although the U.S. hasn't won the cup since then, I get sucked in every time in this competition.

After the morning round, the U.S. took a 3-1 lead on the Europeans. I think this was somewhat of a surprise. I watched most of it from the house this morning while waiting on a guy to install my new shower door. Justin Leonard and Hunter Mahan came back from being down and put a spanking on Stenson and Casey. Mickelson and Kim went blow for blow with Harrington and Karlsson and came out with a half point, and Stewart Cink and Chad Cambell came back and beat Justin Rose and Ian Poulter. Looks like it may be a fun weekend!

Jack Is Back

Here's what you and I have been waiting 18 months for!