MICHAEL KIRAL

2001 Class adds class to the Hall

Things to ponder while listening to George W. Bush’s inaugural speech today… When it comes to class, the Baseball Hall of Fame could not have two better inductees than Dave Winfield and Kirby Puckett. Puckett was especially an example of all the good the game can be. Now all the Veterans Committee has to do is select Bill Mazeroski to the Hall. He’s been overlooked too long.

What’s all the fuss about the Lakers having problems? They are still 25-12 and just three games out in the Pacific Division. And come on, do you think Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman got along all those years with the Bulls? When crunch time comes, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant will put aside their differences and the Lakers will again be in the hunt of the NBA championship.

The fight during the San Antonio-New York game Monday was about as ugly as it gets in basketball. Instead of complaining about the punishment given out, all involved should be grateful it wasn’t harsher.

Kudos to the Jets for picking Herman Edwards as head coach. He has been deserving of a chance for years. And kudos for them going in the opposite direction of the trend to keep hiring the same coaches over and over.

Speaking of coaches, welcome to the frying pan (otherwise known as the Ohio State head coaching job), Jim Tressel. Two bits of advice – beat Michigan and win a bowl game.

The NFL Draft should be a deep one this year, especially after the recent infusion of underclassmen. Six of the top 10 picks could be underclassmen, dropping some very good players down to he later picks. The decision of Michael Vick to come out all but decided the question of who will be the first overall pick. But don’t look for it to be San Diego which will probably go for a more experienced quarterback in free agency and trade the pick. Oh and one of those quarterbacks may not be Trent Dilfer. If Dilfer leads Baltimore to a win in the Super Bowl, how can the Ravens afford not to bring him back?

From the looks of it, March Madness will not last long for Louisiana teams. Oh well, there is always college baseball to look forward to.

Looks like Tiger Woods is going to let the other players have a turn on the swings on the PGA Tour playground this year. That is until the majors start.

This just in. New York has again scored on Minnesota.

BassMasters has once more confirmed what sportsmen in Louisiana already know – that the area is one of the best for fishing – by bringing its championships back this year for the second time in three years.

Boxing needs to distance itself from Mike Tyson and the sooner, the better.

The Super Bowl is all fine and dandy but the real news of the day – only 26 days till pitchers and catchers report.