N ews item: : Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird might run in the Belmont Stakes with his third jockey in three races because Preakness rider Mike Smith was already committed to a race in California that day.
My take: : I guess when you come out of nowhere to win the Derby and come within a length of running down the best filly in decades at the Preakness, you just have to take pot luck. The only thing that could make this story better would be if trainer Chip Woolley Jr. threw away his crutch and rode the horse himself in the Belmont.
News item: : Rachel Alexandra became the first filly to win the Preakness Stakes since 1924 and appears to be this year's best 3-year-old, but she was never in play for the Triple Crown because her previous owners chose not to make a run at the Kentucky Derby.
My take: : Maybe that was for the best, since Mine That Bird captured the imagination of sports fans at the Derby and "Rachel" created a whole new story line for the Preakness. Horse racing can use all the good headlines it can get right now.
News item: : Top Orioles prospect Matt Wieters could be promoted to the big club just about any time now, though the most likely date appears to be June 9, after the Orioles return home from their next road swing.
My take: : There's some thought that he might be better off making his debut on the road, which I guess would be all right. It's not like the Orioles need to do anything - LIKE MAKE A BIG SPLASH WITH THEIR BEST PROSPECT IN DECADES - to pump up attendance at Camden Yards.
News item: : NBA legend Jerry West, who as Lakers GM was responsible for turning teenager Kobe Bryant into a household name, said in an interview this week that LeBron James has eclipsed Bryant as the best player in the game.
My take: : West was no slouch himself. He was such an iconic player that his silhouette still graces the NBA logo.
News item: : The Los Angeles Clippers beat the odds and won this year's NBA draft lottery on Tuesday. They're likely to choose college Player of the Year Blake Griffin of Oklahoma with the No. 1 pick.
My take: : It's the third time the lucky pingpong ball has bounced the Clippers' way. Maybe they're in the wrong sport.
News item: : Suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick was released from prison Wednesday morning and will complete two months of home confinement in time to report to camp with an NFL team if commissioner Roger Goodell lifts his indefinite suspension for funding an illegal dogfighting ring.
