The latest edition of Tomatoes climbs the vine of sports topics and touches upon many recent stories including football legends and their sons, golf legends faltering at another major, former NBA stars dreaming of a comeback and much, much more.

So as the headlines continue to get generated, more stories of sports frustration emerge.  Don’t sweat it, The Wife Hates Sports has them covered – in lycopene, that is.

Throwing Tomatoes: July 18, 2010

Nate Montana

…for being an apple that falls far from the tree.

Will Nate Montana be like his Dad, or just a "regular Joe"?

Nate Montana – a backup QB for Notre Dame and the son of Hall of Fame QB Joe Montana – was arrested for underage drinking over the weekend.

Fine, most college kids drink underage, I get that – but when you carry that name and family reputation for the Irish, one has to be smarter.

It’s not just making some critics think that the apple falls far from the tree, but instead of fruitful beginnings in South Bend, Irish fans are left thinking sour grapes.

Tiger Woods and the Media’s Crush

…for challenging my gag reflex.

A few years ago, I understood the media’s crush on Tiger Woods, even though I still felt it was a little much to show his every shot – even when out of contention during a major tournament.

Any chance we can tone down the Tiger coverage?

But now that he’s had his name dragged through the mud for months and months – and he’s failed to take a major or win a tournament all year, it’s about time that we take a step back in the Tiger coverage – just a hair.

Either that, or replace it with some more press conferences featuring Tiger and the British media – that would be the ‘bees knees’.

Pacquiao-Mayweather

… for being a sports topic with little punch.

It certainly feels like an eternity that this dream match between Pacquiao and Mayweather has been discussed.

In the end, it’s all bark and no bite.

As the deadline passes, it’s “blah blah blah”, trash talk stacked on top of trash talk – and in all likelihood, no match was decided upon because there wasn’t enough millions to go around for the two of them.

If you ask me, this story needs a permanent TKO.

Wendi Nix

…for botching a well-known sports movie line.

So I’m minding my own business watching coverage of the British Open championship, when Wendi Nix comes on to interview Rory McIlroy during coverage of the third round.

In the middle of the interview, Nix drops the line, “There’s no crying in football, so we’ll say there’s no crying in golf either…”

Hello, Wendi?

Talk about being in a “league of your own” – a female sportscaster that botches arguably one of the more famous lines in a sports movie featuring mostly females.

Maybe, I’m being a little overcritical – who knows.  I don’t know, what do you think, Tom?

Penny Hardaway

…for wanting to ride the coat tails of LeBron, D-Wade and Bosh.

I’ve already pitched in my two cents on this story, but it simply deserves a tomato, too – as Penny Hardaway has made it known that he’d like to come out of retirement and play for the Miami Heat this upcoming season.

Sure, if I had a penny for every person like Penny that said this, then… well… nevermind.

Joe Girardi

…for giving away an opportunity at home-field advantage in the World Series.

Joe Girardi could have handled the AL All-Star lineup better.

It’s no doubt a challenge when dealing with an All-Star lineup – and both Charlie Manuel and Joe Girardi were faced with a number of challenges in Anaheim a few short days ago.

But it’s Girardi that made the biggest blunders late in the game, leaving no speed on the bench and not pinch-running for Big Papi during a crucial time in the 9^th inning – one that could have made all the difference between earning home-field advantage and not.

Baseball and Mark Cuban

…for being a match made in hell.

Listen, I understand that Mark Cuban can be a strong personality, but he’s a passionate person and a great owner that puts a lot into his sports franchises.

The first part of that statement is why I understand why Major League Baseball continues to ignore him – first when he expressed interest in buying the Chicago Cubs, and recently when he “offered to help” with the Texas Rangers – a team that has had recent financial troubles and will be up for auction on August 4^th.

But wanting to win very badly and put blood, sweat and tears into his franchise… what’s wrong with that?

So, c’mon MLB – give “Cubes” a chance – this really could be a match made in heaven.

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where no tears were shed in the writing of this post.

The latest edition of Tomatoes covers a smorgasbord of sports topics, from hot dogs and Major League Eating, to NBA free agency, to the World Cup and more.

So as the headlines continue to get generated, more stories of sports frustration emerge.  Don’t sweat it, The Wife Hates Sports has them covered – in lycopene, that is.

Throwing Tomatoes: July 5, 2010

Takeru Kobayashi

…for biting off more than he can chew.

The Coney Island Fourth of July hot dog contest has become a bizarre, yet famous event – featuring two headlining Major League eaters in Takeru Kobayashi and Joey Chestnut.

Well, except for this year, when Kobayashi wanted more freedom, and therefore refused to sign a new deal with Major League Eating.  He still showed up to the event, and after chants from the crowd to let him participate, Kobayashi rushed the stage – and after refusing to be removed, he was arrested and spent a night in jail.

What a wiener.

JaMarcus Russell

JaMarcus Russell arrested on possession of a controlled substance

The former Oakland Raiders top pick is at it again.

JaMarcus Russell has been arrested for being in possession of a controlled substance – specifically codeine syrup.

With months of speculation as to whether Russell will catch on with another NFL team, it’s now safe to say that a playbook will not be the type of book that gets thrown at him.

Charlie Manuel

… for ignoring Stephen Strasburg as an NL All-Star representative.

Leaving Joey Votto off the original list of NL All-Stars is a crime, but the most talked about omission should be Washington rookie Stephen Strasburg, who was a topic for discussion heading into the voting’s final days.

I understand the argument that others should get a shot over a kid who has six starts under his belt for the season.

At least, I understood that a few years ago – when the All-Star was an exhibition that meant nothing.

Now it means home field advantage in the World Series, and therefore Strasburg’s 2.45 ERA and 53 K’s in 36 2/3 innings is that much more valuable – and should be All-Star worthy.

Atlanta Hawks

…for signing Joe Johnson to a max deal.

So I’m thinking that perhaps the Atlanta Hawks felt they had to sign Johnson to a max deal – so that they could keep the star in town, and they thought they likely couldn’t attract two other stars with the same kind of money.

I’m speculating.

But still, even though Johnson clarified his nasty comments to Atlanta fans – saying that he did love it in Atlanta – it’s possible that the locals are still not pleased with this signing, especially the way he and the Hawks showed up in the playoffs.

Who knows, but from this point of view – Johnson has a lot to prove to earn the Benjamins that are being placed in front of him.

LeBron James

…for “pulling a Brett Favre”.

Please LeBron, no more dates on when you will sign!

Listen, I’m all for LeBron taking his time when making such a major decision in his career – Ireally am.

But what I’m not a fan of is James going in the direction of Brett Favre – and leading everyone along a stretch of indecision – albeit in its early stages.

First, he says he’ll have a decision made before the holiday weekend is over with – and now, James has gone on to say that he’ll decide by July 8^th – the official day that NBA teams can begin to get contracts with players finalized.

C’mon King – just tell the media (and the world) that you’re weighing your options and don’t place a date on it.  If you keep tossing out dates, you’ll be starring in a Sears commercial with Brett Favre himself.

Fernando Torres

…for not showing up to the World Cup.

There are a number of teams and players that have not lived up to their potential in this year’s World Cup – but none is more glaring than Spain’s Fernando Torres – who not only hasn’t scored a goal in the World Cup, but spanning across five games (four started), Torres only has two shots on goal.

His lack of production has gotten to be so alarming, Spain has actually considered benching him in the team’s semifinal match versus Germany.

Oakland Athletics

…for creating t-shirts regarding the Braden-Rodriguez incident from a few months ago.

For starters, does everyone even recall the incident back on April 22^nd – when Oakland starter Dalas Braden got into a verbal spat with New York’s Alex Rodriguez, all after A-Rod chose to childishly walk over Braden’s pitching mound?

Now, as reported by Andrew Merchand of ESPNNewYork.com, the A’s haven’t let go – and plan to try and make a buck off the incident, selling t-shirts that simply state, “Get Off My Mound.”

Geez Louise, are the A’s still selling “Bash Brothers” shirts, too?

C’mon Oakland – no one cares about this incident anymore… they barely did to begin with.

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where we take our dogs with extra ketchup.

It’s been a wild crazy stretch in the sports world.

College football saw a mid-June shakeup that could have been much more dramatic.

The Lakers are NBA champs and the Chicago Blackhawks are hoisting the Stanley Cup for the first time in decades.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup is in full swing and the U.S. Open is nearing its conclusion, with both Tiger and Phil lurking on the leaderboard.

As the headlines continue to get generated, more stories of sports frustration are right there in the mix.  Don’t sweat it, The Wife Hates Sports has them covered – in lycopene, that is.

Throwing Tomatoes: June 20, 2010

Koman Coulibaly

…for becoming the most famous name in this year’s World Cup.

If you haven’t heard of Coulibaly, then you simply haven’t been following the World Cup.

Koulibaly is the goat of the 2010 World Cup

Yes, he’s the referee that single-handedly stole away a comeback victory for the United States(against Slovenia) a few short days ago.

In the end, hopefully he won’t also be stealing away the Americans’ ticket to the next round.  That fate can be erased simply wilth a U.S. victory over Algeria on Wednesday morning.

On the bright side, he may have sparked more red, white and blue interest in the World Cup.

French Soccer

… for doing what they do best.

Forget Spain losing in its opening game, or England underachieving in the World Cup – because France has been the biggest disappointment of the tournament so far.

It all started when striker Nicolas Anelka was dismissed from the team after having an argument the team’s coach, Raymond Domenech.

Next, the team’s fitness coach and Domenech got in a spat – and now the team director has resigned.

What teamwork!

On top of all that, the French haven’t scored a goal in its first two games – managing one point thanks to a 0-0 draw with Urugay in the team’s first game.

Should we have expected any less than to see the French surrender so easily?

Probably not…

Albert Haynesworth

…for being the highest paid crybaby in sports.

Forget the ongoing Brett Favre retirement saga… because the Albert Haynesworth story is by far the most annoying in the NFL right now.

The guy signs a mega deal (which yes, I agree was a mistake by the Redskins in the first place) – and does nothing but complain ever since.

He’s a clubhouse cancer and a complainer.  It has to get to a point that who cares how much talent a guy has in this day and age – there’s always a valuable replacement.

If the Redskins are lucky enough to move him, then let it be done.  If not, just cut your losses and cut your ties – and no one else should sign the guy, either.

Florida Marlins

…for spreading and supporting the vuvuzela nightmare.

In a home game against in-state rival Tampa Bay, the Florida Marlins handed out 15,000 horns that were considered to be “vuvuzela-like”.

Yes, the Fish were looking to feed off the World Cup – and obviously handed these out intentionally.

Only, perhaps the Marlins weren’t really paying attention – because if one were to focus on the feedback regarding the vuvuzelas, they would discover that the majority of people can’t stand the damn things – present company included.

Instead, I would have recommended some kind of Marlins-US soccer t-shirt combination giveaway – something significantly more silent.

Andrej Komac

…for not providing a money back guarantee.

Don’t think for one second that as an American, I’d let this one slip through the cracks.

It has happened countless times in the United States – a player guaranteeing a win, but can’t back up his bold prediction.

Andrej Komac of Slovenia guaranteed a victory over the Americans – and as we all know by now, that didn’t happen.  In fact, the Slovenians were lucky to end the game in a draw.

Bravo, Andrej… any other big predictions?  Semifinals, maybe?  C’mon man – aim high.

The Powers of the World Cup

…for creating a March Madness atmosphere.

It’s great for World Cup fans – as this tournament appears to be wide open, what with Brazil having trouble escaping with a win, Spain losing already, Germany falling in its second match, France falling apart, England struggling and Italy managing two draws, including in its second match against New Zealand.

But for all of those aforementioned soccer powers – what a disappointment so far…

For the fans: Do we have a March Madness situation coming our way?  One can only hope.

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where one can toot his own horn, but just as long as it is not vuvuzela-like in nature…

For those that may have noticed a slight decline in material here at TWHS, first I say… thanks for noticing.  Second, I will say that there has been some vacation time affecting the volume of posts here, but don’t fret – there will be much more to come very soon, so please don’t give up on us.

Meanwhile, in the world of sports – the NBA and NHL seasons are almost over and done with – and currently, there’s little to hate on regarding each of those two leagues.

Baseball, however… that’s a different story – so let the tomatoes be harvested and hurled.

Throwing Tomatoes: June 2, 2010

Jim Joyce

…for crushing a dream and single-handedly affecting baseball history.

First, I’ll be nice… because at least Jim Joyce apologized to Detroit SP Armando Galarraga, who was an out away from a perfect game.  The veteran ump admitted to screwing up the call at first – where Cleveland’s Jason Donald was called safe.

Still, this wasn’t even a “tie goes to the runner” situation.

Nice guy time is over.  It’s inexcusable, and how can a guy let such a thing happen with history on the line?  Just like that, you crush a dream of a kid like Galarraga – who likely as a pitcher has had times where he’s dreamed about throwing a perfect game.

Now his dream is gone and baseball history has been affected for good.

Baseball’s future should be affected too – in the form of a much more involved instant replay plan going forward

The End for Ken Griffey Jr.

…for being not what we as fans deserved.

For me, it seems like ages ago that “The Kid” entered the baseball world – not just becoming a star almost instantly, but being such a likable player on and off the field.

Then, the injuries came – and some latter-career underachieving came around as well.

Finally, Griff was back in Seattle to finish up his career – what seemed to be a situation set to be a fairytale ending.

Then, the snoozing in the clubhouse story came around – and the struggles, too.

Now… retirement – not even halfway into the season.  The story went from hat backwards to ass backwards – and it’s a damn shame – and as a baseball fan, I can say that Griffey Jr. will be sorely missed.

See you in the Hall, Junior.

Jose Canseco

…for being a bad penny regarding the steroids story in baseball.

So let me get this straight… Jose Canseco is going to be defending Roger Clemens when he testifies before a grand jury?

Is anyone else surprised by this?

Or more importantly, does anyone continue to wish that stories like this would just go away – because while it may continue to become news in “bad penny turning up” fashion, the fans of the game would rather be the head guy behind BP oil than hear another steroids story in baseball.

Talking about this so much is about as pointless as the see-through shirt Canseco was somewhat famous for a few years back.

The Orioles, Astros and Pirates

…for having offenses that are downright offensive.

Three teams in baseball have been too ugly to this point – especially on offense… so bad that it has to be noted here.  Look at the Orioles, for example – who have been mentioned here before, and continue to not put crooked numbers on the scoreboard… so much that the lack of production has the O’s already 20 ½ games back just 53 games into the season.

Somehow… two teams have scored less than Baltimore to this point in the season.

Baltimore Orioles (177 runs – 15-38 record)

Pittsburgh Pirates (171 runs – -128 run differential)

Houston Astros (168 runs – worst record in NL)

Something’s gotta give with these teams – as it’s just gotten ugly.  We’re just over 50 games into the season – not even a third of the way.

Jobs have to be lost – not just for managers, but on the rosters, too.  It’s getting to the point where the trade deadline is becoming more of the focus, and each team’s minor league prospects need to get more attention, too.

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where Jim Joyce doesn’t have to tell us that we’re not perfect…

Sports can be really frustrating for the die-hard fan – especially those that have to watch their teams blow a lead, choke in the playoffs, or continuously underachieve.

Hell, only a few teams win championships every year… so that means the majority of us go home unhappy when it comes to our sports fandom.

Don’t sweat it – venting helps… and throwing tomatoes can too – so go ahead, “Rock the Red” this week – and I don’t mean that popular playoff slogan coined by the Washington Capitals…

Throwing Tomatoes: April 28, 2010

Washington Capitals

…for setting a new playoff record.

The Washington Capitals had a lot to brag about heading into the NHL Playoffs: The Presidents Trophy (most points in regular season – 121), the best home record in hockey (30-5-6), most goals (318) and highest goal differential (+85)… need we go on?

After a shocking opening round exit, the Caps now own a new record: that being the first ever #1 seed to lose to an 8-seed when leading the series 3-1.

It just goes to show you that just like in every other major pro sport, defense (and in this case, great goaltending) wins championships – and NOT flashy, potent offense.

Let’s just say that the phrase “Rock the Red” is taking on new meaning tonight.

Alexander Ovechkin

…for becoming the Tracy McGrady of hockey.

Yes, I went there.  Listen, I give all the credit in the world to Montreal’s defense and goaltending – but on top of that, when you’re a superstar, you have to find a way to get it done during clutch playoff games.

Kobe has… Jordan did…Sid the Kid did.

Ovie didn’t – and hasn’t as of yet… plain and simple.  For those counting, that’s two crushing playoff Game 7’s now for the nation’s capital.

Mike Tomczak

…for keeping the tradition alive for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks.

As discussed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the former Steelers QB has been charged with assault after a domestic dispute.

First, the Steel City couldn’t get Big Ben out of the news, and now this.

Something tells me, there are a few Pittsburgh locals that almost wanted their hometown team to draft Tim Tebow… just to have a borderline choirboy in town.

Mike Brey

…for the rumors out there – that potentially could wind up true.

RUMOR ALERT: OK, call the rumor police – as this one isn’t set in stone yet, but enough places have touched upon it – including here via Chicago Now.

Still, at this point – with all the ways that people of any level in the sports world are getting negative press, would we really be shocked at this point?

The rumor involves Brey being involved with a TV news reporter – and well, if it winds up true, then I guess the ol’ coach has been scoring a lot more than his team did during March Madness.

Count it… albeit in bad taste.

Jeff Ireland

…for using ridiculously bad judgment when questioning WR Dez Bryant.

By now, you know the story with Miami Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland, who during an interview asked WR Dez Bryant if his Mom was a prostitute.

OK, so for one – bad judgment.  But two, I get tough questions to judge a player’s character, but how is this one relevant – or in any way coming close to being tactful?

On top of that, in the article link above, Bryant mentions how others asked if his Mom still did drugs.  IMO, test the kid and grill the kid, but leave his Mom out of it – if anything, his troubles in life have only made him stronger.

And Jeff, “do you still think you’ll have a job in a week?”  What, wrong question to ask?

To Any NBA Prognosticator

…that hated on the Milwaukee Bucks.

Many people out there didn’t give the Bucks much chance to knock out the Atlanta Hawks after Andrew Bogut got hurt late in the season.

But with a 91-87 win earlier tonight, Milwaukee is now up 3-2 in the series.

How’s the Haterade taste?

Baltimore Orioles

…for their abysmal and embarrassing 4-17 start.

It can’t get much worse for the Birds.  I said it once and I’ll say it again – the O’s need a change.

Trembley seems like a good guy, and certainly the injuries and other struggles haven’t helped the team out of the gate, but I said it before – it comes down to accountability.

Someone has to take the fall, and the head honcho needs to find ways to keep a team from getting to this point – and that hasn’t happened.

So “for the birds” is exactly right…

This has been Throwing Tomatoes, where “rockin’ the red” is NOT a good thing…