Revenge upcoming, in the “NFL Picks” segment of todays broadcast. But first…

I would like to thank former major leaguer (and member of the one-ball club), John Kruk, for basically summing up everything that was on my mind for the recent chair-tossing incident involving the Rangers’ bullpen. Until it comes out what was said and how it was said and how often, I don’t think either side can be held totally at fault (furniture aside). This guy who’s wife got popped said himself that they bought those particular season tickets so they could be close to the game and get on the visiting team’s bullpen. I don’t think you drop season ticket money on those seats without coming to the game armed with more than “Hey #35, you look fat in those pants!”. And if its true that something was said (and repeated time and again) about a personal tragedy in one of the pitchers lives, the commissioner’s office should repeal the suspension to that player and hold the jackass fan down for repeated shots to the groin.

Two examples of classic heckles (okay, one is classic in my mind only, though I believe Tom will back me up on it) I’ve witnessed or come up with:

At an Indianapolis Indians game, 300+ pound former Atlanta Brave Randall Simon swung and missed horribly at a third strike. On his way back to the dugout, one of the college age kids in front of us yelled (from 3 rows back next to the dugout) “Hey Simon, I bet if it was a buffet you wouldn’t have missed it!” Or something to that effect. Now this is the same guy that was called a “fat monkey” by former major league reliever and Sons of the Confederate flag-waver John Rocker, so the kids get extra credit for taking the heckle in a totally different direction.

The second came at an MLS soccer game (hey, the ticket was free, or otherwise paid for, the beers were cold and so were the brats!). Sitting at midfield, front row, and whoever the guy was that was playing closest to us was greeted by semi-cordial “hellos” and “nice plays” and such, until I let loose with “You play like your sister… (pause, pause, pause) …and for half the price!” I looked away to finish a beer, but I guess the heckle was met with a sort of amused smirk across the guy’s face. I win. Of course, if the guy’s sister really was a high-cost whore, then I could see where he might want to come beat the crap out of me.

Anyway, onto the football…

After a 7-9 debut, I’m only one game back of Pete, who’s chilling at 8-8. I had tossed around the idea of making this a challenge to everyone that reads this site and/or is on my blogroll, but I have to beat Pete first. (Though if anyone that reads this site and/or is on my blogroll wants to join the fun, then by all means go ahead! Just drop a comment and point me to your picks!)

This week, I’m going to go without the comments, unless incredibly necessary. I mean, after 16 weeks, how many more ways could I say “Arizona sucks”, anyway?

(Once again, team picked is in caps)

San Francisco @ NEW ORLEANS
WASHINGTON @ NY Giants
DENVER @ Jacksonville
Pittsburgh @ BALTIMORE
St. Louis @ ATLANTA
HOUSTON @ Detroit
Chicago @ GREEN BAY
Indianapolis @ TENNESSEE
Carolina @ KANSAS CITY
SEATTLE @ Tampa Bay
Cleveland @ DALLAS – Until the Browns can A) prove that they really can move the ball against a good defense, or B) prove that picking against them really isn’t a jinx, I’m picking against them.
Buffalo @ OAKLAND
NEW ENGLAND @ Arizona
NY JETS @ San Diego
Miami @ CINCINNATI
Minnesota @ PHILADELPHIA (high scoring game of the week, 38-27 Philly)