News item: The Kansas City Chiefs fired coach Herm Edwards on Friday after a 2-14 season and are rumored to be interested in former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan.
My take: Edwards didn't have much to work with, but he's a classy guy who didn't try to take anyone down with him.
News item: The youngest brother of Mark McGwire has gone public with the claim that he injected Big Mac with steroids and human growth hormone, and reportedly is trying to get a book deal.
My take: Now, I actually feel sorry for Mac, who already has paid dearly for his squirrelly performance during that congressional hearing. Obviously, you reap what you sow, but this is ridiculous.
News item: Former Orioles pitcher Erik Bedard has been cleared for spring training after undergoing surgery late last year to remove a cyst from his shoulder and smooth his labrum. He signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners worth $7.75 million.
My take: Here's a prediction. He'll have a good year and bolt for free agency in November, and a rebuilding team will convince him he can help get it into contention. I'll let you guess which rebuilding team that might be.
News item: Jeff Kent announced his retirement Thursday at Dodger Stadium. He holds the all-time home run record for second basemen and is considered by some to be an odds-on Hall of Famer.
My take: I don't know whether his numbers make him a first-ballot guy, but I would send him to Cooperstown just for the big chunk of his career he spent feuding with Barry Bonds.
News item: Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney and his son Jim personally gave a game ball from the AFC championship game victory over the Ravens to President Barack Obama.
My take: Obama should be honored. The only other one they awarded was to Daren Stone.
Listen to Peter Schmuck on WBAL (1090 AM) at noon most Fridays and Saturdays.
