The Green Phone column runs every Friday and was invented for
local fans to voice their opinion on just about anything that is
going on in the sports world. So if you haven’t given it a try,
dial the toll free number and let us know what’s on your mind.
1-800-687-0836
Caller No. 1: “I can’t believe Terrell Owens has the audacity to talk about Jeff Garcia, that he’s gay. I just find that totally ridiculous. Garcia’s not the one that cries like a little school girl every time things don’t go the right way. I think that’s Owens’ deal right there, maybe he should be looking in the mirror before making comments like that.”
First of all, as Owens acknowledged when he was confronted about the issue, Garcia is currenty dating a woman and has had girlfriends in the past. But who cares? Why are we even talking about this? As much as he has given back to the Gilroy community, we could care less whether the hometown kid is gay or not.
By now, though, shouldn’t we be expecting this type of absurdity from T.O.? Like my boy tells me: “If it talks like an idiot and acts like an idiot, by golly, it is an idiot.”
Caller No. 2: “Yeah, recenty Felipe Alou said – and I quote – “I always think about leaving the starters in a little longer. But when the game starts, I manage the way I always manage. I can’t change it. I always believe that the guy I’m bringing in is going to get the guy out. And if they don’t, bring another guy.” Please tell me I’m not the only one who thinks that statement is stubborn and just plain stupid. Thank you.”
No, Caller No. 2, the Green Phone is just as mystified. “I can’t change it?” That must give you Giants’ fans great comfort. Let’s get this straight … Alou admits he is tempted to keep the starters in longer, but refuses to follow his gut because it differs from his set strategy? Whatever happened to a little in-game/in-season improvisation? You know, reacting to what’s going on around you?
The Giants lead the majors in pitching changes and are near the bottom in blown saves and E.R.A. Yet Alou continues to “always believe” that pitchers like Matt Herges are going to get guys out.
It’s a nice concept, but just not the current reality. Good managers should be able to tell the difference. And if they don’t – in the words of Mr. Alou – “bring another guy.”
Caller No. 3: “I saw that you guys had a picture of Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero in your paper this week. I was just wondering when his next fight is? Any title fights scheduled or anything? I’d love to see him fight locally.”
As he showed with his appearance at Gilroy’s Ultimate Cardio Combat class Monday, “The Ghost” hasn’t forgotten where he comes from. With that said, though, it’s unlikely he’ll be fighting around here anytime soon. Guerrero (13-0-1) hit the big-time after his June TKO of Enrique Sanchez on Showtime. And there’s simply no big-time boxing stages around this area.
As for a title fight, Guerrero’s publicist Mario Serrano said to look for it by the end of the year. In a recent interview, Guerrero said if he had a choice of his next opponent, it would be either current WBA/IBF featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez or former champ Marco Antonio Barrera.
Keep reading The Dispatch for the latest news on one of boxing’s rising stars.
Caller No. 4: “Hey, I know the high school football season is getting underway soon. And I was just wondering when you guys were going to print the schedule for Gilroy. I’d love to know who they face. I heard they’ve got an early game this year. Can you let me know? That’d be great.”
Football is indeed just around the corner. GHS begins with a Aug. 27 scrimmage against Santa Cruz. Make sure to check out our paper’s special football preview section, which hits newsstands Tuesday, Aug. 31.
As for now, here’s the Mustangs’ reguiar season schedule:
Sept. 3 Burlingame
Sept. 10 at Gunn
Sept. 17 at Watsonville
Sept. 24 San Lorenzo Valley
Oct. 1 BYE
Oct. 8 N. Monterey County
Oct. 15 Hollister
Oct. 22 at Palma
Oct. 29 at North Salinas
Nov. 5 Salinas
Nov. 12 Live Oak
