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Right back at you
Tigers outfielder Bobby Higginson was ejected twice by the same crew last week and called John Hirschbeck the worst umpire in the American League
“I consider the source,” Hirschbeck replied. “Higginson is the biggest crybaby in the league.”
Who does this not remind you of?
Angels general manager Bill Bavasi didn’t pass the buck after Anaheim was unable to swing a major deal before the trading deadline.
“As a general manager, you know the guys in the clubhouse are counting on you to get something done,” he said bluntly.
“I had a job to do and I didn’t get it done. The effort we made was second to none, but we just didn’t get the job done. We had the bullets. Maybe I just didn’t use them in the right order or the right combination.”
Just when you thought it was safe in the water
The view is frightening enough from a 10-meter tower when diving alone. Imagine what it’s like to plunge into the water below with a partner just inches away, matching your every move.
Welcome to the burgeoning sport of synchronized diving.
“The 10-meter tower is like Russian roulette as it is,” said diver Chris Mantilla of Boca Raton, Fla. “Synchro is like Russian roulette with two bullets in the chamber.”
Synchronized diving, recognized since 1995 and quickly becoming popular with the fans, involves pairs taking off side by side from either the 10-meter platform or from parallel 3-meter springboards. Divers are judged on their individual technical skills and the ability to coordinate their movements and enter the water together.
“There’s definitely a greater chance of smacking into something,” Mantilla said, grinning. “Maybe that’s why the crowds like it so much.”
Call it synchronized fielding
Ken Griffey Jr. was handed a Toronto paper in the clubhouse on Tuesday that had a photo of his spectacular catch in Detroit on Sunday - and broke up teammates for much of the afternoon showing it off.
“Look at that form - toes pointed, feet together,” he said. “And look at the way I’m ducking my head to avoid hitting the overhang at the peak of my jump. Magnificent arm extension.”
Driving home a point
After a poorly attended Indy Racing League event at Dover Downs in Delaware, Angelique S. Chengelis of the Detroit News commented: “The series took another step to a name change - the Irrelevant Racing League.”
Rocky leader
Struggling Colorado Rockies ace Darryl Kile sums up his season:
“I feel like all my teammates are stuck in this major traffic jam, and I’m in the car in the front that got in the accident and caused it. It’s my fault we are where we are.”
The last word …
“They need to start changing the measurement system for him. Using feet is getting too ridiculous. Quarter miles would be nice.”
- Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Doug Glanville about Mark McGwire