What’s the buzz from the world of sports? Here are some items that will have people talking:
1
Every year there are a few hard-luck pitchers in Major League Baseball who have lousy records despite performing well. Seattle right-hander Doug Fister is on the list for 2011. He boasts a 3.18 ERA and just a 3-8 record. In his last start, he gave up one run in eight innings, hit a double and scored a run, and still got no decision.
The M’s have score two runs or fewer in 12 of his 16 starts.
“At the end of the day, it’s not about personal stats. It’s about how we’re doing and the morale in the clubhouse,’’ Fister said.
What else can you say when you’re 3-8?
On a related note, Fister and left-hander Jason Vargas are considered potential trade pieces as the M’s try to acquire a hitter. Vargas makes $5 million a year, which is quite a bit for a back-of-the-rotation starter. Fister does not yet make even $1 million and is a year away from being arbitration eligible.
Fister’s low salary and recent string of seven- and eight-inning starts makes him a player with trade value.
2
Portland is only one of two teams getting rated an “F’’ for their draft day performance from aol.sportingnews.com. The other was New Orleans.
Here’s what Sean Devaney writes regarding the Blazers: “Huh? Does trading for Felton fit in with Nate McMillan’s slow-it-down style? Why give away Fernandez and Miller for a marginal starter at point guard? And to stretch for Nolan Smith at 21?’’
Nbadraft.net was kinder, giving Portland a “C.’’ Author Mike Misek writes: “Both with a bigger need in the frontcourt and with players such as Kenneth Faried available, drafting Nolan Smith is a head scratcher.’’
3
The Buffalo Bills have a new look, and the consensus is there’s a throwback feel to the new red, white and blue uniforms. The most distinctive change is the helmet, which is now white with a hard-charging Buffalo for a logo.
“The uniforms remind me of back when we played which is a big plus,’’ said former Buffalo QB Jim Kelly.
Because players are not allowed at team facilities due to the lockout, the Bills used members of the armed forces to model the new look.
