My take: Sidney says he is taking his comeback very seriously, and I think he means it. He has pitched twice and given up just two earned runs in 13 1/3 innings.
News item: Steroid canary Jose Canseco has stopped paying the mortgage on his $2.5 million home in Encino, Calif., allowing it to go into foreclosure.
My take: Don't get too choked up. He blew a lot of money on bad marriages and performance-enhancing drugs over the course of his career, but I don't think he has to worry where his next meal is coming from.
News item: Police reportedly are investigating whether mild-mannered Indianapolis Colts star Marvin Harrison was involved in a shootout outside his bar in Philadelphia.
My take: The Colts don't seem very concerned. Even if Harrison is charged with a handgun violation, they'll still be well under the NFL's arrest cap.
News item: Charlotte Bobcats managing partner Michael Jordan chose Larry Brown on Tuesday to be the team's new coach.
My take: Jordan reportedly wanted an experienced coach, but settled for Brown, who has coached only eight other NBA teams.
News item: The Atlanta Hawks have pushed the heavily favored Boston Celtics to the limit in their playoff series, forcing Game 7 today at TD Banknorth Garden.
My take: The supposedly invincible Celtics have won their three home games in the series by an average of 22.3 points, but don't be surprised if the weight of their postseason expectations keeps them from running away from the Hawks today.
News item: Julio Franco officially announced his retirement Wednesday after spending 23 years in the major leagues and playing in several other countries.
My take: That made my day, considering he's only 3 years younger than me ... and that's if he has been telling the truth about his age.
peter.schmuck@baltsun.com
Listen to Peter Schmuck on WBAL (1090 AM) at noon most Saturdays and Sundays.
