a few things to check out while Matt Stafford finishes counting up his money…

+ If you’re the person who shrugs your shoulders at the mention of steroids thinking the only people it hurt were the dopes who doped, you should read this fantastic Jeff Pearlman article on catcher Sal Fasano. (Though the article doesn’t mention Sal’s faith, he became a Christian through former teammate Keith Lockhart) I’ve got an indirect connection to Sal, as one of my good friends from college was an undergrad with him at Evansville. Sal actually got us free tickets to Fenway one time back in the late 90s when he came through with the Royals. And who doesn’t love a good fu-manchu? (Reader’s Digest)

+ Jon Copper is a linebacker from the University of Virginia who didn’t get picked in last week’s draft. In the blog he has been contributing to at the Washington Post, Copper talks about the expected and unexpected ways that pride can work itself into your heart and affect how you handle situations. Copper is headed to Green Bay to try out for the team as a free agent, he has this to say:

So as I’m getting mentally ready for the opportunity this weekend, I have one thing to remind myself of — a deep breath. You do it, take a second, and inhale. . . . Now let it out. From where did that come? I believe it is a gift, and all of life is a gift. After a deep breath, I’m thankful, self-forgetful, and I’m looking forward to the strength the Giver supplies over each of the next five days for a needy receiver like myself. (LongShots)

+ Guideposts has an interesting Ron Berler piece up about Lance Niekro’s departure and return to baseball, and how it all hinged on whether or not he felt his late father would have been proud of him. (Guideposts.com)