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In the hands of the wrong people, reality TV can be a very dangerous thing (see "The Anna Nicole Show"). But when it's focused on the hopes and dreams of regular folks, reality TV can be extremely compelling. The Sports Guy says that's why he's standing and cheering for ESPN's behind-the-scenes look at the Oakland Raiderettes.
SIMMONS: 'THE SEASON' & 'HARD KNOCKS'




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It's less than 500 miles to the Missoula County fairgrounds race track from the Seahawks training camp in Cheney, Wash. But as Page 2's Jim Caple discovered on his I-90 journey in search of the soul of American sports, it might as well be in another universe. On Day 3, Caple visited with jockey John Dillon, who, to fulfill his sports dream, risks his life for gas money.

Eric Neel Who's the Boss?
The death of legendary Lakers announcer Chick Hearn left the normally laid-back fans of Los Angeles devastated. As one of those fans, Page 2's Eric Neel explains what was lost ... not just one of the great sports announcers of all time, but a man whose voice was constant during changing times.
Bruce Springsteen is everywhere these days, doing every talk show imaginable to sell his new album. This all-out media blitz reminds us of another "Boss" who will do anything imaginable to get what he wants. Page 2's Jim Wilkie compares the rocker to George Steinbrenner.

SPORTOON
He has struck the pose 599 times and counting, but can you recognize all the moves of Barry Bonds' home-run trot when you see them? Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe tests your knowledge of Bonds' balletic dance at home plate in the latest Sportoon Quiz.


Page 2 presents our list of the 10 worst deadline trades in baseball history. After checking out our list, send us a note with your picks for the worst baseball deadline deal. Then later this week, we'll compile our readers' top 10 along with a poll to pick the No. 1 worst deadline trade in baseball history.

10]  Blue Jays send David Cone to Yankees for pitchers Marty Janzsen, Jason Jarvis and Mike Gordon (July 28, 1995)
The Yankees' most recent dynasty began in 1995, and Cone was a key ingredient in the Pinstripers 1995 playoff push.
9]  Reds send Hank Sauer and Frankie Baumholtz to Cubs for Harry "Peanuts" Lowrey and Harry "The Hat" Walker (June 15, 1949)
The Cubs were awful in 1949, but a third of the way through the season they did something right, sending Lowrey and Walker to Cincinnati in exchange for outfielders Sauer and Baumholtz.
8]  Mariners trade Randy Johnson to Astros for Freddy Garcia, Carlos Guillen and John Halama (July 31, 1998)
Mariners fans and players were furious about the trade -- all they got in return for the ace of aces were three minor-leaguers. But Mariners GM Woody Woodward looked pretty smart, in retrospect.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


VEGAS' ODDS TO WIN 2003 SUPER BOWL
Rams 4-1   Dolphins 15-1
Steelers 10-1   Colts 15-1
Eagles 11-1   Packers 15-1
Buccaneers 12-1   Broncos 15-1
Raiders 15-1   Patriots 20-1
Complete line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2? Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.

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THE WATER COOLER
The dawn of another NFL exhibition season has Page 2's Brian Murphy running for cover.

'SKINS GAMES
Will Steve Spurrier thrive in his first season in the NFL? Page 2's Ralph Wiley offers a game-by-game forecast for the 'Skins.

CAGED HEAT
Dan Shanoff details the six themes for one-on-one success -- hip-hop soundtrack optional, but recommended.

THE SPORTS GUY
ESPN Classic looks back at the career of Hollywood serial killer Michael Myers, star of the "Halloween" movie franchise.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's the Phillie Phanatic, who was honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame this year, and comedian Bruce Vilanch of "Hollywood Squares" fame. This match was requested by Bill Winter of Wacounda, Ill. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.


Tennis: ATP Masters Series Cincinnati
11 a.m. ET, ESPN2; 1 p.m. ET, ESPN
Hoping the Michael Chang comeback continues.
 
A's at Red Sox
7 p.m. ET, ESPN (regional)
Or Royals at Yankees.
 
Braves at Diamondbacks
10 p.m. ET, ESPN2 (regional)
Or Cubs at Giants.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Tues., Aug. 6: Water Break
• Mon., Aug. 5: Road Trip!
• Fri., Aug. 2: Spurrier of Moment
• Thurs., Aug. 1: Brain Freeze
• Wed., July 31: Easy Listening

Other featured content:
• Bizarre & Bogus
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• Makin' It Better: New unis & logos
• 10 Burning Questions with The Bachelorette
• Mystery Photo responses
• The Power Poll
• Being Dr. Evil
• 10 Burning Questions with Tom Brady
Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002
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