Reap the Wild Wyn on Thursday

It is Thursday. Do you know where your children are?

When I started doing these pieces the goal was to have them posted before 9:00 am EST. This week the world informed me habits will need to change in order for that to continue. The upside of a delayed posting has been access to stories that would have otherwise been missed. So if you have been irritated by my lack of consistency regarding the time these hit, my apologies.

The following sentiment may not be popular, but I am going to say it anyway. I do not like baseball. Maybe that is an inaccurate statement. Let me massage it a bit. I do not like the unwritten rules of baseball, and because of this I do not like baseball. Case in point. On May 26, 2001, the Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Curt Schilling was pitching a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres. In the eight inning Padres catcher Ben Davis laid down what is known as "The Bunt", breaking up the no-hitter. The baseball community was enraged. Some may have supported Davis, but the vast majority loathed it.

The game was close: 2-0. Isn't the goal to win a game? To me it would not matter if the score was 10-0.

How about the Jose Bautista bat flip in last year's ALDS? It was brought up again on ESPN's Around the Horn. Sarah Spain called out baseball players for have fragile egos. I could not agree more. Again we are dealing with an unwritten rule: do not show up the pitcher. Good grief! Get over yourself!

Consider the sport of rugby. I am not aware of any unwritten rules in that sport. My friend who played club rugby at Auburn University qualified the sport compared to soccer. Rugby is a hooligan sport played by gentlemen. Soccer is a gentleman's sport played by hooligans. I do not know how true that is, but I do know anytime I have ever played or watched rugby there is no complaining about unwritten rules. Give me a sport that plays by what is written rather than what is implied.

Let's kick the ball.

Newcastle's Rob Elliot on why he is forgoing a holiday this summer in order to aid his rehab

According to the article, Elliot is scheduled for a September/October return. The question is whether this goal is simply full training or actual playing time. Definitely a position to watch.

Alan Pardew reveals why he alternated between playing Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba out wide

Ironic. This was a similar question I asked about how Mousa Sissoko has been used, and whether playing out of position affected him. If you had forgotten why Pardew frustrated you this will remind you.

Alan Shearer urges Rafa Benitez to give Adam Armstrong a chance at Newcastle

Coventry director of football Mark Venus thinks Armstrong would benefit from another season in League 1. Of course he does.

Report: Newcastle United keen on reuniting with ex-midfielder Mehdi Abeid

HITC references the Portuguese publication O Jogo as the original source. I do not speak Portuguese, but if you do please let us know if there is additional information to be had. Is Abeid another player Pardew mismanaged?

Interested in a game worn Newcastle jersey signed by a player?

This link will take you directly to the eBay site. There are shorts as well. This is to raise money for the Newcastle United Foundation. Solid local cause.

Defoe signs contract extension

Rival Sunderland made a move that should keep them competitive in the coming season. The 33 year old Jermain Defoe has netted 22 goals in 53 appearances since coming over from Toronto FC of the MLS. Oh to have that level of production from a striker. The extension is for three years.

Newcastle youth coach admits lack of victories is affecting 'confidence' of young United players

This article is not as sad as the headline would lead you to believe.

Florida Man Charged After Calling 911 Over Lack of Vodka

His explanation is short, but classic.