THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Besides Albert Pujols, which sluggers would you most like to see perform in the year’s Home Run Derby?

BERNIE MIKLASZ
Let’s back up a moment. Actually, I DON’T want to see Albert Pujols in the HR Derby. He’s The Franchise. He has a partially torn elbow ligament. I don’t see how it makes sense whatsoever to put Pujols at risk by having him take multiple sets of maximum-intensity swings, just to give Chris Berman something to scream about on ESPN. Cardinals fans may want to see Pujols in the HR Derby; I’d rather see him play first base for the Cardinals for the remaining games on the schedule. Because if he snaps the elbow ligament, the Cardinals are doomed. Done. Finished. If the public has such an insatiable desire for homers, then give ’em what they want. MLB should turn the Home Run Derby into a showcase for the juicers. Invite Bonds, Sosa, McGwire, Palmeiro, A-Rod, Ramirez, Sheffield and let’s have a freak show.

JOE STRAUSS
Aaron Miles, Cesar Izturis, David Eckstein, Brendan Ryan and Ryan Freel. Perhaps then the longest, most sponsor-driven night in American sport would take less time than the Game itself. This year’s selection process suggests that at least one player, Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, was named to the NL All-Star team to ensure his participation in the Derby. Sounds like the tail wagging the dog to me.

JEFF GORDON
Start with the hometown kid, Ryan Howard. He would want to put on a big show, right? A pure hitter like Justin Morneau is fun to watch in an event like this, too. Josh Hamilton is a freak show. If he is healthy enough to answer the bell, that would be great fun. Evan Longoria and Adrian Gonzalez are on my fantasy baseball team, so I would rather they skip the event and save themselves for second-half statistical glory.

DERRICK GOOLD
Chiefly, Ryan Howard. It is, after all, the biggest reason he’s coming here as an All-Star — because he can flat crank with light-tower power. Howard was a manager’s pick for the National League team, a favor pick, if you will. There are more deserving bats in the NL (read: Pablo Sandoval) but there aren’t any more fitting bats for an All-Star Game than the slugger back home to hit homers in St. Louis. A duel between him and Pujols would be the Must-See TV that ESPN is certainly salivating over. You could argue that the derby should be exclusively first basemen, but others who should be in the derby, taking aim at “BIG MAC LAND” are: Ryan Braun (one of the best righthanded hitters in the league), Evan Longoria (young star on the rise), Mark Teixeira (see how he does outside of new Yankee Stadium) and … Ichiro Suzuki. Word is he can put on a show during batting practice with his pop. Time to flash that 5 o’clock power under the lights of the 7 o’clock derby.

DAN O’NEILL
Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Henry Aaron, Willie Mays, Harmon Killebrew, Ted Williams, Joe Adcock, Frank Howard, Ralph Kiner, Ernie Banks, Dick Stuart, Dick Allen, Frank Robinson, Mickey Mantle, Willie McCovey, Willie Stargell, Jimmie Foxx, Reggie Jackson, Rocky Colavito, Yogi Berra, Duke Snider, Stan Musial and Johnny Mize.

Because with today’s bats and today’s balls, they would put on one heckuva show. And best of all, none of it would be chemically enhanced.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: On the eve of Manny Ramirez’s return to the Dodgers I ask the following … do you think the average fan really cares about players using performance-enhancing drugs, or do you think fans just want to be entertained and don’t care about PEDs as long as their teams are winning and their favorite players are performing well?

RICK HUMMEL
I think many fans care about players associated with PEDs, but largely when they play for the other team. The more knowledgable ones will note that PEDs are not indigenous to baseball. But, in football, for some reason, a suspension for one-quarter of a season because of a violation of the drug policy, is treated much like a hamstring injury.

JEFF GORDON
I’d say most fans are pretty indifferent about PEDs right now. Most fans can figure out that abuse was rampant and that baseball is making a real effort to clean it up now. Some fans were turned off, of course, and some may have quit coming to games. But Manny Ramirez will get a mostly positive reaction when he returns to action for the Dodgers. The LA fans just want a winning team, like teams elsewhere. ManRam has been a force for that franchise during his brief time there, so most fans will rally behind him.

DAN O’NEILL
I think the latter part of the question is most true. Ultimately fans want to be entertained and want to watch a winner. They have become nearly immune to scandals, steroids, outlandish salaries, off-field shenanigans, etc. Do they frown on performance-enhancement, yes. Do they prefer players not use them, yes. Are they disappointed when the integrity of the competition is compromised, yes. But in the end, it’s not a make-or-break issue. If it turned out Albert Pujols was a user, would the majority of St. Louis baseball fans scorn him? C’mon. You know better.

REID LAYMANCE
I care. I get mad at the players and all of baseball for letting it go on for so long. I loved watching Barry Bonds play for the Pirates and even in his early years with the Giants. One of the game’s best. But in his final transformation in San Francisco (and despite his vows of doing nothing wrong), it has made it hard to still like the Bonds from the early years. Same with Roger Clemens, who’ve I seen play since high school. I still cheer for the players I like, but sometimes not as loudly. And that makes me mad. So I care.

KATHLEEN NELSON
Depends why you watch in the first place. I think fans who love Manny or enjoy the cult of personality don’t care much about performance enhancing drugs. I think fans who love baseball care that the use of PEDs damage the integrity of the game.

LUKE THOMPSON
I don’t think PEDs are a huge concern for the average fan. At this point, it seems like most people are getting tired of hearing about the steroid mess. Some are even attacking the media for blowing things out of proportion or speculating too much, while at the same time lashing out at them for not finding the original story sooner. For most people, the success of their team is paramount, and most fans are willing to overlook mistakes, especially when they can tell themselves things like, “Well, he had to do it to keep up.” But one potential problem that the steroid era created is that fans no longer have the same connection with players and respect for the sport as a whole. They can still root for their favorite team, but they may be less inclined to watch the Fox game of the week or a playoff series once their team is eliminated, because PEDs have distanced players even more from the fans who adore them.

THE WATERCOOLER

QUESTION: Today’s Super Bowl edition of Round Two asks our writers a three-pronged question.

1. Who will win the Super Bowl and why?
2. Final score?
3. Who wins MVP?

Here’s what they say:

JIM THOMAS
PITTSBURGH: Too much defense and more offense than given credit for.
FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 31, Arizona 20
MVP: Ben Roethlisberger

BERNIE MIKLASZ
ARIZONA: It will be a game of pressure. All week, the Steelers have stressed that their No. 1 priority is to get after Cards QB Kurt Warner and disrupt the timing of the AZ offense. The Steelers linebackers will apply pressure by banging those AZ receivers as they come off the line to get into their patterns. The Cardinals will apply pressure by spreading those WRs out, finding the middle seams in the 3-4, and exploiting the open spaces created by the blitz. It’s all about Warner making quick reads and getting the ball out of there, and I think he’s on top of his game right now. FINAL SCORE: Arizona 24, Pittsburgh 20
MVP: Kurt Warner — I have to go with Warner. Predictable, I know. But the man does hold the record for most passing yards in a Super Bowl (414) and he’s going to have all kinds of opportunities to make plays in this one.

BILL COATS
PITTSBURGH: The Cardinals haven’t seen the likes of the Pittsburgh defense. And I’ll take a great defense over a great offense in any championship game.
FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 24, Arizona 17
MVP: Steelers safety Troy Polamalu becomes a two-pronged weapon, helping to snuff the Arizona run game and helping keep the passing attack in control.

JOE STRAUSS
PITTSBURGH: Warner outplays Big Ben but turnovers lead to two Steeler scores. They’re the difference in a compelling Circus Maximus.
FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 26, Arizona 21
MVP: Troy Polamalu

RICK HUMMEL
PITTSBURGH: The Steelers win because noted defensive coach Dick LeBeau will have had two weeks to prepare for the Cardinals.
FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 19, Arizona 13
MVP: James Harrison

JEFF GORDON
ARIZONA: Real experts expect the mighty Steelers defense to stuff Arizona’s ground game, pound Kurt Warner, force a million turnovers and win going away. But I prefer to keep my seat on the Warner Bandwagon.
FINAL SCORE: Arizona 24, Pittsburgh 20
MVP: Kurt Warner

GERRY FRALEY
PITTSBURGH: Go back to late September, when Arizona played at the New York Jets. Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner came apart in the face of the Jets’ relentless pass rush. Warner took five sacks and threw three interceptions and had four fumbles in the 56-35 loss. That could happen again on Sunday. In James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, Pittsburgh has the best pair of outside linebackers in the Super Bowl since the New York Giants turned Lawrence Taylor and Carl Banks loose on Denver in 1987. Harrison and Woodley combined for 27 ½ sacks in the regular season. They have five in the post-season, four by the super-charged Woodley.

Pittsburgh’s Dick LeBeau, a master defensive coordinator, will do everything possible to enable Harrison and Woodley to harass Warner. The more often they get to Warner, the more likely he is to cough up the ball. In his last 33 games, Warner has 24 fumbles when sacked, losing 13. He also has seven multi-interception games in that span.

Arizona backers are thinking with their heart. Pittsburgh backers are thinking with their wallet. The wallet wins.

FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 30, Arizona 13
MVP: LaMarr Woodley

REID LAYMANCE
PITTSBURGH: The Steelers have just as many playmakers as the Cardinals, except Pittsburgh’s are on defense.
FINAL SCORE: Pittsburgh 21, Arizona 17
MVP: Troy Polamalu

****

MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

THE TEN WORST: It warmed my heart to run across this piece in the New York Daily News where they explore the ten worst Super Bowl teams of all-time. First, because a Patriots team was included. Second, because it was the 1986 version of the Pats that my beloved Chicago Bears slapped, battered and bruised to the tune of a 46-10 beatdown. I can still hear the Super Bowl Shuffle … “You’re lookin’ at the Fridge and I’m a rookie, I may be large but I’m no dumb cookie …” They just don’t write lyrics like that anymore. But I digress, take a look at Daily News ten worst and cast your vote.

EX-TEAMMATES TURNING ON BONDS? ESPN is reporting that Bobby Estalella, a former teammate of Barry Bonds in San Francisco, is expected to provide testimony during a trial next month that supports the government’s contention that Bonds knowingly took steroids. Don’t be surprised to see a few more subpoenas issued to guys from the Giants clubhouse … or, perhaps even guys coming forward on their own. Remember, Bonds wasn’t the most popular guy on the team. His private TV and reclining lounger in the clubhouse, not to mention his reported arrogance even with his own teammates, irked many. This could end up being a case of what goes around comes around.

****

THINGS TO PONDER

IT’S COOL, MON: According to the Associated Press, Japanese sumo wrestler Shinichi Suzukawa was arrested and accused of marijuana possession today, the fourth wrestler in the country’s ancient sport to be implicated in a widening drug scandal.

What, you thought those guys got that big naturally? It takes a whole lot of Twinkies and Doritos to put on those kind of pounds.

COBWEBS ON THE BRAIN: I think I remember seeing the Blues give up two late goals and losing a game last night. Perhaps I’m just having recurring memories from a season-long pattern of games lost late. Or perhaps my memory is fuzzy because I hoisted two extra cold ones to mourn those two late goals at an Edwardsville establishment known as Mr. Norton’s Basement. I’m not really sure what happened, but I do know when I put my head on my pillow last night I had visions of John Tavares donning the Blue Note dancing through my head. The glass remains half-full in my little fantasy world.

****

SUPER BOWL STAT

1 — Number of athletes to appear in a Super Bowl AND a World Series. Neon Deion Sanders. He played with the Cowboys in the Super Bowl on this date in 1994. “Primetime” also appeared in the 1992 World Series with the Atlanta Braves.

THE WATERCOOLER

Question: With two weeks remaining in the regular season, who are your NFC and AFC picks for the Super Bowl?

JIM THOMAS
NFC: Carolina — If the Panthers win Sunday’s showdown with the New York Giants and earn home-field advantage in the playoffs, they will be tough to beat.
AFC: Indianapolis — The Colts will have to do it as a wild-card, but they keep quietly winning games and gaining momentum.

BILL COATS
NFC: Carolina — The Giants are fading in the NFC and the Panthers seem to be hitting their stride at just the right time.
AFC: Indianapolis — The Titans could be in big trouble in the AFC if DT Albert Haynesworth’s knee injury is serious. And the Colts, like the Panthers, are just hitting their stride.

JEFF GORDON
NFC: Carolina — I would have gone with the New York Football Giants, but the Plaxico Incident apparently derailed that bid to repeat. They looked bad Sunday night. So I’ll go with Carolina, trusting that a strong ground game and a solid “D” still counts for something.
AFC: Pittsburgh — The Steelers have won five in a row despite taking some injury hits in the ground game. Ben Roethlisberger keeps finding ways — although Sunday’s game-winning “touchdown pass” looked pretty bogus on the replays. Haunting Kerry Collins flashbacks prevent me from remembering the Titans when picking favorites this year.

KATHLEEN NELSON
NFC: N.Y. Giants — Despite a two-game losing streak, the Giants should beat Carolina on Sunday. The Panthers (3-3) aren’t the greatest road team. As long as they don’t face the Cowboys in the playoffs, the Giants should have an easier path to the Super Bowl than their AFC counterpart.
AFC: Pittsburgh — The Steelers have the momentum. Tennessee will have its hands full with the Steelers on Sunday. Indy’s on a roll, too, and could cause problems for playoff opponents.

****

MIDDAY NEWS AND THOUGHTS

BERGLUND THE BEST OF ROOKIES: At least that’s what Scott Cullen of TSN believes. Cullen ranks the top 50 rookies in the league and has the Blues’ Patrik Berglund as No. 1. Here’s what Cullen has to say about Berglund, who has nine goals, 10 assists and is plus-10 in 23 games played: “Skilled Swede has the size and skill to be a prototypical No.1 centre. (Centre, by the way, is Canadian for center.) There are four Blues players on the list. The next might surprise you, as B.J. Crombeen comes in at No. 19. Cullen says the Stars must be kicking themselves for letting Crombeen go on waivers. Check out the entire list. (And let me know what you think about No. 50 on that list.)

CADDIE SMACK: Tiger Wood’s caddie Steve Williams appears to not only be carrying the bag, but carrying a grudge, too, against the world’s third-ranked golfer Phil Mickelson. According to the Guardian newspaper of Britain, during an event over the weekend in New Zealand, Williams said, “I wouldn’t call Mickelson a great player, ‘cause I hate the [expletive].” In another paper the next day, Williams said, “I don’t particularly like (Mickelson). He pays me no respect at all and hence I don’t pay him any respect. It’s no secret we don’t get along either.”

Mickelson didn’t take the bait and said simply that he’s glad to have a “class act” like Jim MacKay on his bag. As for Tiger, he was at home rehabbing and enjoying life. It’s good to be Tiger.

****

THINGS TO PONDER

AFL SHUTS IT DOWN IN 2009: The Arena Football League is expected to officially announce today that the league is shutting down for the 2009 season but hopes to return in 2010 with a new business model. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the 16-team league voted to shut down because too many big-name owners or teams in big cities say they would not return. The big-names include NFL owners include Jerry Jones (owner of the Dallas Cowboys) and Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons.)

First, I didn’t realize the AFL was still in existence. Second, I was shocked to learn that the AFL has been around for 22 years. Third, I wonder if the Rams would give any thought to joining that league if it reopens in 2010.

DOPEY QUOTE OF THE DAY: According to the Associated Press, shortstop Adam Everett and the Detroit Tigers finalized a one-year contract today worth about $1 million. “We’ve talked about improving our defense, and we think Adam obviously does that,” Tigers president Dave Dombrowski told the A.P. Alright, I have no problem with that. Everett’s always been known to have a solid glove. But check out the rest of Dombrowski’s statement … “He also can help us offensively — he can get the big hit.”

It’s here where I must point out that Everett batted just .213 with two home runs and 20 RBIs in 48 games for the Minnesota Twins last season. And Everett, who will be 32 in February, has a recent three-year average of just .233 at the plate, with 31 RBIs and 3 homers. Exactly how is it that Everett is going to help the Tigers offensively? Sometimes I think baseball front office types just think that fans are stupid. You can check out Everett’s career stats for yourself and tell me if you think I’m wrong.

****

STAT OF THE DAY

762 — Career home runs hit by 44-year-old Barry Bonds, who told the L.A. media this weekend, “I’m not retiring. I’m not retiring.” Perhaps league owners have already made that decision for Bonds, since no one came calling for his services this past season. Now if he could only produce the kind of offense of someone like, say, Adam Everett, perhaps he could find a place in the game.