GENERAL: Some Last-Minute Shopping

Being the last-minute shopper that I am, I'm scrambling to complete my holiday shopping list with shopping days dwindling away at light speed. If money and time were no object, however, my shopping list might be expanded to include these items:

For Alex Rodriguez, ultra-protection sunscreen. A summer under the Arlington sun will be quite a climate shock from 81 games per season in the Pacific Northwest under the clear skies or retractable roof of Safeco Field. Perhaps A-Rod could donate a portion of his salary to fund the construction of a retractable roof in Arlington.

For Vince McMahon, access to medical records for Steve Young and Troy Aikman (among countless others). The mastermind of the XFL, Mr. McMahon contends that the NFL stands for the No Fun League and that the league has become too "kind" and "gentle." Privacy issues aside, a look at medical records or injury reports for any NFL team would reveal just how "gentle" the league is. With the protection (or lack thereof) granted to quarterbacks in Mr. McMahon's XFL, one can only hope that each XFL team can carry a battalion of signal-callers into each "real" football game.

For Gunther Cunningham, a 2001-02 Kansas City Chiefs calendar. Cunningham has frequently been questioned and second-guessed for a multitude of things ranging from poor play calling to failed coaches challenges. While there is merit to some of the second-guessing, some growing pains had to be expected as Cunningham undertook a youth movement which has resulted in two rookies starting in the secondary alone. Cunningham's Chiefs played like the Chiefs of old in last week's victory over the Broncos, and a resurrected running attack and staunch defense might be a sign that the Chiefs are on the right track. I hope Cunningham is brought back for the 2001 season and a possible return to the playoffs. He deserves the opportunity to follow through on his plan for at least one more year before the organization and fans call for a move in a different direction.

For Josh Heupel, a Heisman Trophy ballot recount. True, being overshadowed by Chris Weinke in Heisman balloting might help to propel Heupel and his Oklahoma Sooners to an emotional victory over Florida State in the Orange Bowl. However, Heupel's underdog story of leading the Sooners from the lower tier of the national poll to back-to-back-to-back victories over Texas, Kansas State, and Nebraska and into the national title game is just too tough to pass up … and besides, I think I found a missing ballot box in my closet.

For Bud Selig, Mark McGwire's sensibility. McGwire has publicly stated that he will retire if Major League Baseball experiences another work stoppage. With the virtual inevitability of such a work stoppage in 2002, the upcoming season might be the last chance for baseball fans to enjoy one of the game's greatest sluggers. If a stoppage cannot be avoided with so much awareness of the problem at this stage of the process, Selig and other top officials should follow Big Mac's lead and walk away from the game as well.

Wow, virtual/fantasy shopping can be fun, but it can also take a lot out of you. Maybe I should start thinking about next year's list a bit earlier … like December 21st.