The NBA big market problem

I'm tired of NBA players deciding that they just can't play for the team that drafted them. Dwight Howard is the latest in the line of many. Seriously, just suck it up and play. Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Deron Williams all seemed to want out of smaller markets. Anthony in particular wrecked most of the Nuggets' season last year.

I for one, would like to see the Magic just make Howard play out his contract and if he doesn't like it, just de-activate him. I realize the Magic would prefer to get something in return for Howard. But, it sure would be cool if they just took a stand. NFL teams have done stuff like this before when athletes have been training camp holdouts. Keyshawn Johnson, Joey Galloway and Michael Crabtree all come to mind. I don't think any of those three came out of the situation in a more favorable public light than when they entered in. I wouldn't mind some of the public humiliation come to NBA players who are crying and moaning while still under contract.

LCS and NBA lockout thoughts

At left: Albert Pujols has looked locked in during the playoffs, and that was on display last night against the Brewers.

Thoughts from both LCS and on the NBA lockout:

- The Brewers aren't exactly making a lot of friends with their "Beast Mode" antics this postseason. Sure, it looks like fun and it looks like they are having a good time. But, I thought from the first time I saw it that opposing teams wouldn't look too kindly on it. The Diamondbacks certainly didn't, even countering with a snake bite type of antic that appeared to be in direct response to Beast Mode.

The Cardinals looked extra amped for Game 2 of the NLCS last night, after the Brewers won Game 1 Sunday afternoon and displayed their Beast Mode celebrations throughout the game. These teams already didn't like each other from the regular season. Last night's lopsided St. Louis win seemed like a statement to me from the Cards. They seem extra motivated to not allow Milwaukee to celebrate in front of them.

- I have tweeted this, but Albert Pujols looks particularly dialed in this postseason. He's been one of the top players in the game for several years now and always seems focused. However, it seems like he has taken his focus and determination to another level during the playoffs -- I wouldn't have really thought that was possible. Pujols made a great defensive play against the Phillies that I don't think a whole lot of first baseman would even try. He seemed especially locked in last night against the Brewers. Maybe it's his impending free agency and the uncertainty of whether he will return to St. Louis, but Pujols seems very motivated right now.

- Big match-up tomorrow at 2 p.m. MT on FOX tomorrow in Game 4 between the Tigers and Rangers. I still think that series goes seven games and I feel like the NLCS is headed in that direction as well. If Adrian Beltre of the Rangers or Victor Martinez of the Tigers are unable to play for any significant amount of time, though, it could sway the ALCS toward the opposing team. I feel like Martinez's impact is more important, not because Beltre isn't good, but because Texas' lineup has a lot of sluggers in it. Detroit needs Martinez to protect Miguel Cabrera in the batting order.

- The NBA lockout looks like it will be in effect for a while. The sides don't seem terribly close to an agreement. I thought it was a bit of a joke when commissioner David Stern threatened to cancel the entire season a couple of weeks ago. That is the definition of a threat without legs -- the league wouldn't turn down the revenue playing games brings if the players agreed to a deal. However, I think the NBA will miss about half of the season before getting this thing resolved. Of course, I don't rule out the possibility of the entire season being wiped out.