Sports Shorts - Opinions to go Online

The U.S. flamed out early in the (basketball) FIBA World Cup in China that was won by Spain. Yes, it’s startling and humbling, even if marquee NBA players opted out. It’s still BASKETBALL, and the USA–we would have thought–should have been able to beat Serbia with John Calipari’s next one-and-done Kentucky class. The “upside”: no awkward announcements or optics over a White House invitation had the U.S. won gold again.
Too bad MLB, unlike its basketball, football and hockey counterparts, doesn’t have a salary cap. It creates a double standard, even with a luxury tax. This year’s payroll rankings: Boston Red Sox ($228 million); NY Yankees ($225 million); Chicago Cubs ($217 million); and Los Angeles Dodgers ($201 million) are the top four. Number 30—and last: the Tampa Bay Rays ($66 million). That the Rays are post-season contenders—despite poor attendance, Montreal distractions and some blindsiding injuries–speaks volumes about their front office and manager Kevin Cash.