Ichiro will address you now

You got to love Ichiro. Heck, I've always supported people with one name.

The wiry, cannon-for-an-arm right fielder apparently has another skill besides the brilliant ones he showcases on the field. That's right. Public speaking.

Evidently this profanity-laced tirade works, too. Since 2001, the year Ichiro made his All-Star game debut, his American League team has won every game except for the one we don't talk about. Who knew cursing like a sailor translated directly into inside-the-park homers?



This isn't even the best Ichiro story out there. He's also the author of the one of the best quotes in sports history. When asked about facing fellow countryman Daisuke Matsuzaka last season, he offered this gem:

"I hope he arouses the fire that's dormant in the innermost recesses of my soul," he says. "I plan to face him with the zeal of a challenger."

You just don't hear that enough these days.

All-Star game already a save situation?

Jonathan Papelbon announced today that he thinks he has earned the right to throw the 9th inning for the American League in tonight's All-Star game. In a rare sneak peak into Papelbon's fantasy baseball strategy, he boldly claimed that if he were managing, he would give himself the nod. Someone needs to find Mr. Papelbon a map so he can be shown where the game is being played tonight. Even if Papelbon's puckered-lip stare down technique might have mowed down the National Leaguers last fall, Terry Francona better hit the "easy button" on this decision and give Rivera the ball - save situation or not - or you will hear boos for the first time in an All-Star game since Bud Selig cut short a classic.

Apparently, Papelbon gets the idea now.