Jockeys may come in threes for 'Bird'

News item: Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird might run in the Belmont Stakes with his third jockey in three races because Preakness rider Mike Smith was already committed to a race in California that day.

My take: I guess when you come out of nowhere to win the Derby and come within a length of running down the best filly in decades at the Preakness, you just have to take pot luck. The only thing that could make this story better would be if trainer Chip Woolley Jr. threw away his crutch and rode the horse himself in the Belmont.

News item: Rachel Alexandra became the first filly to win the Preakness Stakes since 1924 and appears to be this year's best 3-year-old, but she was never in play for the Triple Crown because her previous owners chose not to make a run at the Kentucky Derby.

My take: Maybe that was for the best, since Mine That Bird captured the imagination of sports fans at the Derby and "Rachel" created a whole new story line for the Preakness. Horse racing can use all the good headlines it can get right now.

News item: Top Orioles prospect Matt Wieters could be promoted to the big club just about any time now, though the most likely date appears to be June 9, after the Orioles return home from their next road swing.

My take: There's some thought that he might be better off making his debut on the road, which I guess would be all right. It's not like the Orioles need to do anything - LIKE MAKE A BIG SPLASH WITH THEIR BEST PROSPECT IN DECADES - to pump up attendance at Camden Yards.

News item: NBA legend Jerry West, who as Lakers GM was responsible for turning teenager Kobe Bryant into a household name, said in an interview this week that LeBron James has eclipsed Bryant as the best player in the game.

My take: West was no slouch himself. He was such an iconic player that his silhouette still graces the NBA logo.

News item: The Los Angeles Clippers beat the odds and won this year's NBA draft lottery on Tuesday. They're likely to choose college Player of the Year Blake Griffin of Oklahoma with the No. 1 pick.

My take: It's the third time the lucky pingpong ball has bounced the Clippers' way. Maybe they're in the wrong sport.

News item: Suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick was released from prison Wednesday morning and will complete two months of home confinement in time to report to camp with an NFL team if commissioner Roger Goodell lifts his indefinite suspension for funding an illegal dogfighting ring.

My take: Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank says he thinks the American public should give Vick a second chance, even though he and the Falcons have no intention of doing the same.

Bonus take: I really have no problem with that. The Falcons obviously have moved on with new QB Matt Ryan, and that organization already has suffered enough from the Vick scandal.

Double-bonus take: Somebody will give Vick a chance, but does anybody truly believe he'll still be a special player after two years on ice?

Related news item: There already are rumors that Vick might make his comeback with the Minnesota Vikings.

My take: Sounds logical enough, since the Vikings are the last team in the NFL who would worry that a 28-year-old QB might be over the hill.

Possibly related news item: Brett Favre reportedly was planning to undergo surgery to repair a torn biceps tendon earlier this week but now reportedly is backing away from a surgical option in favor of nonsurgical approach.

My take: If this kind of thing keeps up, Brett is going to get a reputation for being indecisive.

News item: The Preakness drew nearly 35,000 fewer fans to Pimlico on Saturday after instituting a new policy banning fans from carrying their own alcoholic beverages into the infield. Maryland Jockey Club officials are standing behind the decision and claim attendance will rebound over the next two or three years.

My take: I'm just hoping the Preakness will be around in two or three years so we can find out.

Listen to Peter Schmuck weeknights at 6 on WBAL (1090 AM) and check out his blog, "The Schmuck Stops Here," at baltimore sun.com/schmuckblog.

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