C'mon, Let's Play

...and the kid's got the flu, but it's been sure nice talkin' to you - Harry Chapin, Cats in The Cradle

...writing early today as The Kid's got the flu...

The Diamondbacks and Suns won exciting games last night in downtown Phoenix, separated by little more than the Jefferson St Parking Garage. The Lakers series reminds me, however, of why - in part - I prefer professional baseball to the NBA.

The extent to which NBA refs favor home teams is a scandal.

What particular players are allowed, and not allowed, to do can be predicted based solely on the game's venue with distressing consistency. Umpiring complaints surely abound, but rarely if ever dwell on home/away trending.

*** The Diamondbacks actually outdrew their garage-abutting, high-flyin' brethren, 23,198 to 18,422.

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Shawn Green's clearing of fences, with glove and batted ball, made the highlight reels - but it's easy to overlook other assertive moves he made last night.

Down 5-0 early, Green stole second off Odalis Perez. Although stranded, I like the unconventional decision to chip away at the Dodgers lead on the bases.

Also, as three triples dropped amongst Eric Byrnes in straightaway CF, Green was right there on each one, backing up, like they teach you in Little League. Byrnes, to his credit, eventually retrieved each triple he missed, but Green's decisive hustle was a welcome sight.   

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