Deep Thoughts

By Dalton Del Don – Senior Writer

Major League Baseball gone crazy – Not sure what is more ridiculous, the MVP award winners or the insane contracts being handed out recently. Since the writers get it wrong more often than not, I’m going with the cash giveaways. Let’s start with the awards:

Ryan Howard beats Albert Pujols for NL MVP – Howard did play in 16 more games, but how obsessed are people with home runs? Pujols beat him in average, OBP and slugging percentage, while striking out 131 fewer times. He plays a far superior defense, is more of an asset on the basepaths, hit in the weaker lineup and led MLB in game-winning RBIs by a sizeable margin. With RISP, Pujols had a 1.337 to .942 OPS advantage. Everyone says Howard carried the Phillies’ lineup, but that’s exactly what Pujols did into the playoffs.

Justin Morneau wins AL MVP – I actually don’t have as big of a problem with this one as most, mainly because I didn’t love any alternatives. Sure, Morneau was only the third most valuable player on his own team, but no way did Derek Jeter unanimously deserve this; after all, the Yankees would have easily made the playoffs without him.

Juan Pierre signs a 5-year, $44 million contract – He has a .328 OBP and five home runs over the last two seasons. If you take the 37 times he was caught stealing into account, his OBP drops even further. This isn’t fantasy baseball – his steals aren’t all that valuable. No one in baseball produced more outs last year than Juan Pierre.

Gary Matthews Jr. signs a 5-year, $50 million contract – Someone did tell the Angels that he’s 32 years old and coming off by far his career-year, right? By the way, he did it while playing in Ameriquest Field. He does play good defense, but A’s fans are rejoicing.

Carlos Lee signs a 6-year, $100 million contract – I guess sabermatricians underrate the ability to knock in runs at times, and this is something Lee has a knack for. Still, he’s never even posted a 900 OPS, and his body type doesn’t exactly point to him aging gracefully. I get that there is a lot more money to throw around in MLB these days, but these signings just aren’t very smart.

K-Mart Special – Never again should Kenyon be referred to as K-Mart. Kevin is the most-improved player in the NBA this year and a future All-Star. Although he sports the third ugliest shot in the game (barely behind Josh Childress and Desmond Mason), this kid is legit.

The Seattle Sonics don’t play any defense. Rarely do people play matchups in fantasy basketball, but if a tough decision ever comes up, go with the guy facing Seattle.

If the season ended today, the 5-9 Knicks would be in the playoffs.

Almost everywhere I look, the Atlanta Falcons are the unanimous pick this week. While I agree in theory (they’ve dropped three straight, playing at home and desperate), I can’t shake just how much better football New Orleans has played this year. When the Saints “upset” Atlanta on Monday night earlier this year, I was shocked and thought I had underestimated the re-opening of the Superdome; on Sunday, I’m taking the 3 points.

It’s ironic that Michael Richards is, in fact, crazier than Kramer.

Not sure what’s wrong with the Bulls, but Ben Wallace is clearly far from his former self. I still think they’ll be fine. Luol Deng is the best player no one talks about.

Orlando’s hot start should come to the surprise of no one; Detroit still looks like the Eastern Conference favorites to me, and the Heat are the worst defending champs ever.

Hope you got great odds on Utah when I gave you them before the season. 12-1?! This team is for real, too.

The Southwest may be the best division in the NBA, but there isn’t a more exciting one than the Pacific.

Al Harrington might not be a bad guy to try to buy low right now; he isn’t off to a great start, but just became center eligible in Yahoo leagues – go float some offers.

Call me crazy, but I thought “Casino Royale” was good. Admittedly, I’m no Bond fan and had my doubts about Daniel Craig, but he came through, and it was some good action fun.