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.

Michael Jordan coming back to the NBA and signing with the Wizards was just a drop in the bucket.

Alexander Ovechkin didn’t brew anywhere near this kind of hype and status in his early days with the Capitals.

Joe Gibbs returning to coach the Washington Redskins wasn’t even this big.

In fact, the only hyped up story in the nation’s capital that could top the arrival of Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg is President Obama himself – upon being elected the first black president in the history of the country.

Sure, it’s not a fair comparison to tie in politics with sports, but let’s face it – D.C. is as passionate about their politics as they are about their sports franchises.

That’s what brings us to the big day… Tuesday June 8^th, where the wait is over for Nats fans… for Washington D.C…. and for the game of baseball.

The talented triple-digit fireballer is here – making his debut at Nationals Park against Jeff Karstens and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Once the news hit officially, the game was sold out in two hours.

So now that Strasburg’s time is here, the question remains as to whether the hype is worth it.

Well, is it?

Many critics may chime in to say no way – but I beg to differ.

It is worth it, and I truly believe that, even after hearing about and watching Mark Prior as he put an early stamp on the game of baseball – dominating daily for the Cubs – until it all came crashing down.

It’s a fair realization to understand that baseball can be a fragile game – that injuries can and do occur.

It’s also fair to point out that the major league level is a big difference from AAA – and that even after posting gaudy minor league numbers (7-2, 1.30 ERA, 65 K’s in 55 1/3 IP across AA and AAA), that doesn’t mean that Strasburg will be an instant hit.

In fact, he could be instantly hit upon.

Yes, even that 100mph heater, too.

But the hype is deserved and it’s legitimate, because for a long period of time, Strasburg was presented as the consensus top pick in the draft – and that his stuff was so nasty, that he would force his way to the majors sooner rather than later.

That statement has held true.

The hype is also necessary and deserved because no one else in the nation’s capital has been able to steal away the spotlight from Strasburg.

The Redskins have underachieved in recent seasons, and while the McNabb-Shanahan combo has brought excitement, neither has played a game – therefore not showing D.C. that the duo will bring new life, instead of being just the next in a long line of hyped up disappointments.

The Presidents Trophy winning Capitals have upped their game during the NHL regular season, but underachieved in the postseason.

The Wizards won the lottery, but John Wall is still just a pipe dream, and not a talent signed and ready to play.  That, plus the Arenas gun story still continues to leave a dark cloud over the D.C. pro hoops world.

That leaves the Nationals – a team that since returning to the nation’s capital as the “artist formerly known as the Montreal Expos”, this newer DC baseball franchise still hasn’t posted a winning season (since its debut in 2005).

Source: Getty Images

Enter some significant improvement in 2010, with a record near the .500 mark as the midway point approaches, plus add in the most hyped pitcher in the game in Strasburg.

So that’s why the hype is deserved – because Strasburg can flat out pitch and because no one else can swipe that hype away.

Now it leaves the question as to how the kid will perform with the entire country watching?

My take is that Strasburg will put in a quality start against the Pirates, and be a serviceable starter as the season continues.  He won’t put up gaudy Ubaldo-like numbers just yet, but he will continue to grow, and Washington D.C. will continue to love their brand spankin-new franchise player.

And after that… they’ll open their arms again for another can’t-miss guy in Bryce Harper – who was recently drafted by the Nationals with the top pick in the 2010 MLB Draft.

Well, that is… if they can manage to sign him.

But for now, the spotlight is all on Strasburg.

“Get your popcorn ready.”

As the famous phrase goes, “Chicks dig the long ball.”

While that may be very true, what’s most often overlooked in the game of baseball is overall spectacular defense.

The most noteworthy defensive plays are often made by the athletic and talented shortstops of the game, which feature some of the best range in the field, combining their skillset to make diving plays, backhanded stops or the ever-so-famous jump and throw maneuver.

So who are the most spectacular and flashy of the shortstops in today’s game?  Certainly, there’s a varied opinion – but specifically, here’s a countdown of my top ten:

KP’s Top 10 Most Spectacular Defensive Shortstops

10. Alex Gonzalez – Toronto Blue Jays

For those that want to accuse Gonzalez of being overrated with his defense, I give you this little nugget: he was acquired by the Boston Red Sox not once, but twice for a pennant chase.  If you look at the guy’s career hitting statistics, you will know it’s not for his bat.

9. Adam Everett – Detroit Tigers

He’s not going to give you any of these acrobatic hops, jumps or flashy moves, but what Everett does give you is nothing but consistency with his glove.  Backhanded, diving or routine – if it’s within reach, Adam Everett is gobbling that grounder up.

8. Jack Wilson – Seattle Mariners

Two things keep this guy from being near or at the top of many lists under this category.  First, most of his playing career was with the Pirates, where he got limited exposure.  Second, he’s been an injury prone player throughout his career – but when he’s on the field, talk about some spectacular defensive playmaking.

7. Jose Reyes – New York Mets

From time to time, the speedy Reyes can get a little careless, trying to make an acrobatic play.  However, his speed allows him to get to balls that many other shortstops can’t – eventually leading to some highlight reel defensive plays.  His near top ten fielding percentage at shortstop in 2008 is further proof that Reyes does in fact have moments of brilliance.

6. Marco Scutaro – Boston Red Sox

Scutaro has been a steady glove for years in the AL East, most recently signing with Boston for this year.  You know what you get with Scutaro, and that’s a bat at the bottom of the lineup that can add streaky production, coupled with a plus glove that will certainly help a pitching staff keep runs off the board.

5. Cesar Izturis – Baltimore Orioles

Often overlooked due to his quiet bat, Izturis continues to earn starting jobs because of his glove.  The Orioles shortstop is a model of consistency, finishing fourth in the majors in fielding percentage at the position over the last two seasons.

4. Troy Tulowitzki – Colorado Rockies

Many gloss over him in favor of some of the flashier players like Reyes or Jeter – but on the contrary, Tulowitzki is quite the defender – finishing 1^st among major league shortstops in fielding percentage in 2007 and 2^nd last season.

3. Derek Jeter – New York Yankees

He isn’t just the captain… he’s fearless, too.

Even the biggest Yankees hater in all the land should appreciate Jeter’s hustle – most notably the time he dove into the stands face first, sacrificing his body to try and record an out.  That flash and fearlessness alone bumps him up this list significantly.

2. Omar Vizquel – Chicago White Sox

At the ripe old age of 43, some may not even realize that Vizquel is still active in the majors.  While it’s somewhat of a utility role now in Chicago, Vizquel still can flash the glove.  The 11-time gold glove winner – second only to Ozzie Smith – will go down as one of the best defensive shortstops in history, and still belongs on this list until he decides to retire.

1. Jimmy Rollins – Philadelphia Phillies

It’s a tad extreme to refer to him as a modern day Ozzie, but Rollins has won the National League gold glove three straight years, all while peppering in a significant amount of flashy plays, coupled with being a fiery player, offensive weapon and a speedy leadoff man.

AP Photo | MATT SLOCUM (Also featured on home page)

There’s only one better way to kick off the baseball season than Red Sox and Yankees on opening night – and that would be having a double header combining Sox and Yanks, along with the Cubs and Cardinals.

Let’s make that happen, Bud!

Next time, OK?

Anyway, I digress into a peanut and Cracker Jack food coma – and wash it down with a cold beer… watching as the boys of summer are back for yet another year on the diamond.

To celebrate the 2010 MLB season, The Wife Hates Sports is going to put out some season predictions in another segment of “Pick Your Knows”.

But enough chit-chat, let’s get back to the disgusting habit… time to “pick your knows”…

Pick Your Knows: 2010 MLB Season Predictions

American League Division Winners:

Boston Red Sox

Chicago White Sox

Seattle Mariners

AL Wild Card Winner

New York Yankees

KP’s Take: Why not the following teams?

Twins – Losing Joe Nathan hurts the bullpen and shutting the door on close games

Rays – Don’t get me wrong, they’re good – but the Yanks and Sox are better.

Angels – An aging team with not as much starting rotation depth as the Mariners

National League Division Winners:

Philadelphia Phillies

St. Louis Cardinals

Arizona Diamondbacks

NL Wild Card Winner

Atlanta Braves

KP’s Take: Why not the following teams?

Dodgers – Cash strapped and unable to fill necessary holes due to ownership’s divorce issues.

Mets – Injury issues – what else?

Giants – I love their pitching, but still don’t they have enough pop in the lineup to get it done.

Teams That Will Surprise You

American League: Baltimore Orioles

National League: Arizona Diamondbacks

KP’s Take:

In the AL, I think the Orioles will be much improved – but not a playoff team.  They have a great young OF featuring Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Felix Pie and Nolan Reimold, combined with a ton of young arms – headlined by Brian Matusz, who I see as this year’s AL rookie of the year.

Over in the NL, while many have the Rockies, Dodgers or even Giants taking the AL West – I see the D’Backs getting back on the map and stealing the division crown.  Why?  Well, again – youth on offense, headlined by Stephen Drew and Justin Upton.  Plus, they have a deadly starting trio of Dan Haren, Brandon Webb (returning from injury) and newly acquired Edwin Jackson.

Most Valuable Player

American League: Kevin Youkiilis – Boston Red Sox

National League: Albert Pujols – St. Louis Cardinals

KP’s Take:

Until Pujols retires, I’ll probably take him as the NL MVP – because the guy just keeps putting up gaudy numbers.  That, plus it doesn’t hurt to have Matt Holliday as protection in the ineup.

In the AL, Youkilis, has been a clutch player for Boston ever since first setting foot on the field – and not just at the plate during key moments, but also playing solid defense.  He’ll be a steady force in the Red Sox lineup while Ortiz’s career continues to show a steady decline due to age and general wear and tear.

Rookie of the Year

American League: Brian Matusz – Baltimore Orioles

National League: Jason Heyward – Atlanta Braves

KP’s Take:

Matusz pitched some for the O’s late last season, but didn’t log the necessary innings to be considered a sophomore in 2010.  He has the experience and the stuff.

Meanwhile, Heyward is one of the most hyped up bats heading into the season.  The power hitting 20-year old will start on opening day, and should post good enough numbers to outlast Washington’s Stephen Strasburg, who will likely be called up later in the season.

Comeback Player of the Year

American League: Adrian Beltre – Boston Red Sox

National League: Chris Young – Arizona Diamondbacks

KP’s Take: For more on comeback seasons, I wrote a separate post a few days ago that can be found here.

2010 MLB Playoff Predictions

Red Sox OVER White Sox

Yankees OVER Mariners

Phillies OVER D’Backs

Cardinals OVER Braves

KP’s Take: While the Mariners and D’Backs make it due to deep starting rotations, the Yankees and Phillies have the full package, combining pitching and hitting across the board.

Red Sox OVER Yankees

Phillies OVER Cardinals

KP’s Take: Everyone knows how much fun a Red Sox-Yankees battle is in the ALCS, but having Cardinals with Carpenter and Wainwright against the Phillies with Halladay and Hamels – now that would be good theater.

2010 World Series Prediction

Red Sox OVER Phillies in 6

KP’s Take:

I have the Phillies representing the National League for the third consecutive year – almost Bills-like in nature – even though they did win one title.  The Phils just have so much depth and talent, combining defense, offense, power and great pitching – headlined by new acquisition Roy Halladay.  Now if they had kept Cliff Lee, too – I’d have them taking another title home to cheesesteak country.

As for the Red Sox, they gave the Yankees a good run last year – and this year, made some quality additions to the roster, bringing in another ace in John Lackey (to go along with Beckett and Lester).  On top of that, Boston added some great defensive talents in Mike Cameron and Adrian Beltre.  Each of these players will also see a spike in offense, as they not only play in a stacked lineup, but also bat in the hitter-friendly Fenway Park.

For these reasons and more, I have the Boston Red Sox as your 2010 World Champions.

KP Predicts the Red Sox to Celebrate 2010 with a World Series Title

Now, it’s your turn – go ahead… pick your knows!

If you’re a die-hard fantasy geek, then you’ll know that more often than not, leagues are won by the sleeper picks and late draft selections that pan out.

In particular, those mid-to-late round picks often feature potential comeback of the year candidates.  Here’s a top ten list of predictions for fantasy players that either struggled last year or dealt with injuries – and could easily have a bounceback year in a big way.

Fantasy: Top Ten Comeback of the Year Candidates

10. Ty Wigginton – Baltimore Orioles

Wigginton (11 HR, 41 RBI, .273 AVG in 2009) is the darkhorse on this list, especially considering that he’s not a starter entering the season.

However, if Garrett Atkins can’t have a turnaround season (or Miguel Tejada struggles at the hot corner), Wigginton could step in and get more at bats.  With more at-bats, Wigginton could reach his 2007 or 2008 form, where he hit 20+ home runs.

Wigginton could also wind up a trade deadline candidate, meaning a boost in productivity playing for a contender after July.

9. Jake Peavy – Chicago White Sox

Peavy (9-6, 3.45 ERA, 101 1/3 IP in ‘09) would be higher on this list, but fantasy owners should remain tepid on his promise considering he’s not only moving to the American League, but also from pitcher-friendly PETCO Park to the hitter-friendly U.S. Cellular Field.

However, Peavy should get plenty of support from a playoff-caliber team – and in three late season starts with the White Sox – he proved that his move to the AL actually might not cause a bump in the road at all.

Expect the Peavy of old in 2010.

8. David Wright – New York Mets

Wright (10 HR, 72 RBI, .307 AVG in 2009) didn’t have a horrible year in 2009 – but did see a significant dropoff.

In 2007 and 2008, Wright posted 30+ HR and 100+ RBI seasons, so he was easily a fantasy disappointment in ’09, considering many took him in the first round.

His dropoff was for a variety of reasons – one being the added pressure hitting in a lineup that lost most of its stars due to injury.  None however are major alarms – and Wright should see a boost in his numbers heading into 2010.

7. Stephen Drew – Arizona Diamondbacks

Drew (12 HR, 65 RBI, .261 AVG in ’09) had a lingering hamstring issue during the first half of 2009, which resulted in a decline of his productivity.

Entering 2010, Drew is healthy and has played well in the spring, batting .390 in 59 AB’s.

Expect this season to bring numbers closer to that of his breakout 2008 season – where he posted a .291 batting average and hit 21 home runs.

6. Cole Hamels – Philadelphia Phillies

Like Drew, Hamels (10-11, 4.32 ERA in ‘09) also had lingering injuries entering last season. 2009 was a major disappointment, featuring an ERA over a run higher than 2008, where he helped push the Phillies to a World Series title.

With one of the best offenses in baseball by his side, Hamels should have plenty of run support and opportunities to post a lot of victories – let alone add in 200 K potential.

5. Geovany Soto – Chicago Cubs

Soto followed up his rookie of the year 2008 season (23 HR, 86 RBI .285 AVG) with what many would call the exact definition of a sophomore slump.

In 2010, many fantasy managers are taking a pass on Soto after batting .218 with 11 HR and 47 RBI in 2009.

While Soto may not match his rookie numbers, all signs point to a quality year.  In fact, he could easily crack the top 5 in fantasy catchers – so don’t sleep on him.

4. J.J. Hardy – Minnesota Twins

Hardy struggled in 2009 – batting .229 with only 11 HR and 47 RBI.  This was a major decline from the 50 combined HR’s over the previous two seasons.

In the end, his struggles made it easy for the Brewers to trade Hardy away to make room for SS prospect Alcides Escobar.

The 27-year old Hardy joins a stacked Twins lineup that features Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Michael Cuddyer and Jim Thome.  There should be plenty of protection and men on base that should lead to a bounceback year.

3. Chris Young – Arizona Diamondbacks

Young has seen some of the larget declines of any hitter in Major League Baseball, falling from 32 HR in ’07, to 22 in ’08, to only 15 in 2009.  Combine that with the high strikeout totals (and low walk totals), and Young has slowly turned from promising young star to major disappointment.

Don’t give up on him just yet, as he’s only 26 years old and is showing a lot of promise this spring – batting .316 with 3 HR and 12 RBI as of April 1.

A bounceback season is a major possibility.

2. Francisco Liriano – Minnesota Twins

Many forget how nasty Liriano was just a few seasons ago.  In 2006 – at the age of 22 – Liriano was 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA and 144 K’s in 121 IP.

In 2007, he was out for the year due to injury, and has since struggled to regain elite form.  Last season, Liriano struggled – posting a 5.80 ERA.

It’s likely many fantasy owners will pass on him – but that doesn’t mean you should.

Many reports have stated the bite is back on one of Liriano’s best pitches – his slider.  That, plus this spring, Liriano has 30 strikeouts in 20 IP, adding in a 2.70 ERA.  Expect a solid season, sitting in the 5^th starter position and having a solid offense backing him up.

1. Adrian Beltre – Boston Red Sox

Beltre has spent a lot of his career fending off the criticism of being an underachiever.  Even with all the criticism, he’s still put on a defensive show and hit 250 HR in his 12-year career.

Last year, Beltre posted the worst offensive season since his rookie year – batting .265 with 8 HR and 44 RBI in 111 games.

In 2010, he joins the Boston Red Sox, and will be hitting in a powerful lineup at the very hitter-friendly Fenway Park.

Expect the biggest turnaround this season to come from Beltre – as long as he can stay healthy.