Floyd Landis, Tiger, Donovan McNabb, Danica Patrick: Three Men and an Anna Kournikova

Floyd Landis’ performance yesterday in the Tour de France is perhaps the greatest athletic performance I have ever seen. It was truly remarkable to watch him do what everybody thought was impossible. How anyone in America can not be caught up in his story and rooting for him to win the Tour this weekend (which I believe he will) is beyond me. Landis’ remarkable day was made possible the day before, just after his woeful stage 16 ride, in which he kept his chin up, put no blame on anyone but himself, and got himself into the right frame of mind for a Championship ride and his first ever stage win.

Speaking of comebacks, I guess Tiger has bounced back pretty well from missing the cut at the U.S. Open. 12-under through two rounds, and the greatest front runner in the history of golf, Tiger will be very difficult to beat this weekend. Lost in all the Tiger-mania, however, is that very quietly David Duval, ranked as the #1 player in the world earlier this century, is -4, and will make the cut for the second straight major. The fact that Duval’s demeanor has never cracked during his tailspin, which has been worse than the Phillies season after their 13-1 spurt.

Eagles rookies and selected veterans are in camp. The Birds have signed all their draft choices except first rounder Broderick Bunkly, which everyone seems to think will get done soon. The Birds are flying under the National radar for the first time in about 6 years, so a productive training camp combined with no attention, little pressure, and an easy schedule out of the chute could lead to talk of the Birds at midseason and McNabb as a comeback player of the year and MVP candidate. I am not declaring this yeat, just saying that the stars seem to be aligned if things go well. Stay tuned for further analysis as we get closer to September.

Why the Phillies will not go out and get Shea Hillenbrand is a mystery. Hillenbrand, while not selective enough at the plate and a below average fielder, provides some pop at the plate and a fiery clubhouse presence, which this team needs desperately. On top of everything, Toronto has waived the guy (meaning they have to trade, release or send him to the minors in 10 days) so the price will likely be less than market value, even with other teams trying to work a deal. This guy is an upgrade at third over the pathetic David Bell and a much needed veteran leader in the clubhouse. Make it happen Gillick!

It is amazing to me that racing leagues are fighting over Danica Patrick just because she is an attractive woman. It is clear to me that the teams involved in any bidding are worried more about dollars and cents than winning. What has she proved in her two years, other than she is good enough to be in a car and be an average competitor, and not good enough to win races or championships. If she were a man, she would be happy to get a ride in the big leagues, not get fought over. She is the equivalent to a Casey Mears in the Nascar world. The funny thing is, she will probably go to Penske or Ganassi and have such an equipment and team advantage that she will be able to compete and get even more popular and undeserved praise next year. Ted?

Have a good weekend.