FanHouse TylerWalker

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Team who someone predicted would win the World Series last year. Seriously. When you stop laughing, you can check out the link (he's the top one listed -- though when you see his other atrocious picks you won't be surprised). Was I any better? Glad you asked. I actually took Mr. Downey to task before Opening Day. You can check the rest of my stuff if you wish, as there were some misses in there.

Anyway, it's safe to say expectations are a slight bit lower heading into '08.

Sweet, sweet irony. The team that is overperforming at 11-15 does not believe that the team that made it to the playoffs and subsequently added Dan Haren to the rotation is real. That's right, the San Francisco Giants do not believe that the Arizona Diamondbacks start to the 2008 season is legit. Witness superstar Ty Walker:

'There's still, what, 137 games left? It's definitely too early ... In my opinion, they'll come back down to earth a bit ... They're a good team, don't get me wrong ... But I think they can't keep up that pace, especially when most of their games have been intradivision."

But it's not just the talent. Veteran Rich Aurilia got in on the action too, although he was decidedly more conservative in his assessment that the Diamondbacks would likely run into some trouble in the future.

'At this point in the season, anything can still happen ... At the same time, if they keep playing the way they're playing, of course they can run away with it and that's not good for anyone in this division. But anything can happen to any team. Injuries, slumps, losing streaks -- anything can dictate what the rest of the season can hold.'

Now, in fairness, it would appear that the Giants players were asked about the D-backs running away with the division. And it's only April. So, kind of a silly question (even if it is true). But let's be honest here -- the Giants are probably more miffed that no one is noticing their hot start (it's all relative) and instead is focusing on the superb play of the Baby Snakes. But there's no need to be bitter guys. Just take a lead from Barry Zito and be chill, brah.

If I thought it would mean anything to anyone, I might have written the headline as "NASCAR Suspends Walker Indefinitely." But Tyler Walker is hardly a respected household name--even among NASCAR fans.

And now it's likely he never will be. Memorable maybe ... kind of like we all remember Shane Hmiel, but respected? Er ... not this season.

Walker, a driver in the Craftsman Truck Series for Bill Davis Racing, has been suspended from competition indefinitely by NASCAR, for violating the sanctioning body's substance abuse policy. He was tested following the May 18 race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

2007 Pre-Season Flashback

Walker: "I've waited for an opportunity like this for a long time, and I plan to make the most of it. I know that chances like this don't comealong every day, and I feel really lucky to be involved with BDR and have backing from 360 OTC. Bill Davis' entire organization is top-notch, and the Bill Davis Racing NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program is, in my opinion, the best one out there. With trucks from BDR, and teammates like Johnny Benson and Mike Skinner and 360 OTC behind me, I can't imagine how I would ever have a better shot at success in NASCAR."

A lifetime of racing got him there. And he threw it away for what? I really wish NASCAR didn't have a policy of not naming the substance. I'd really like to know which one Walker thought would taste better than success.

And did ya'll catch the part that he was tested after the race?So whatever substance this was was in his system when he was on the track? with 42 other drivers? Lovely ... I wonder if that will have any bearing on NASCAR offering him second and third chances ...

Update

Is Walker's future at BDR in question? BDR Statement:

"We agree with the vigilance that NASCAR is taking in this instance. We also have a zero tolerance substance abuse policy at Bill Davis Racing and will take the appropriate action concerning Tyler's future status with our company."

Armando Benitez was nearly un-hittable saving 47 games for the Marlins in '04 while allowing only 10 earned runs in over 69 innings pitched (good for a 1.29 ERA). That stellar season led him to sign a three-year $21.5 million deal with the Giants prior to the '05 season. That deal unfortunately hasn't worked out too well; in the past two years with San Francisco, Benitez has thrown just over 68 innings, saving only 36 games while battling injuries. But 2007 is a new year, and Captain Cranium and the Giants are looking for a fresh start with Benitez.

"He's set on putting everything behind him. It's a new year and a new slate for him, and he's said that. That's important. There's no point getting distracted with what happened last year."

Benitez is pretty stoked too

"I'm ready to rumble ... I'm hurt last year, the second year too. But ... give me an opportunity to be in the game. Now it's different. Believe it. You watch me. You haven't seen the real Armando yet."

You mean to tell me that injured and out of shape for the better part of two seasons isn't the real Armando? I'm intrigued. What a total bust thus far. How many games have the Giants blown with a combination of Tyler Walker, Tim Worrell, and Mike Stanton trying to close over the last two seasons instead of Benitez?

Then again, Brian Sabean traded one of the best closers in baseball (Joe Nathan) along with Francisco Liriano and Boof Bonser to the Twins for A.J. Pierzynski, so I guess it's somewhat his fault. If Sebean had given Nathan the chance to close things would probably be a lot different.