Of Course, Ferrari Has This All in Perspective

Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher is still clinging to the top spot in the Formula One standings, but his poor performance at last weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix put his lead in jeopardy and had some Italian observers preparing for the unthinkable.

By finishing more than a lap behind the winner, the three-time defending champion is in danger of losing his title. With three races remaining, Schumacher is one point ahead of Juan Pablo Montoya.

“We accept a terrible wound with respect and dignity,” said an editorial in Gazzetta dello Sport, mourning Ferrari’s results.

Not to be outdone, an editorial in Corriere dello Sport said, “The days of the crucifixion have arrived, the revenge of the deprived, the joy of the jealous.”

What’s left to say if Schumacher loses the title?

Trivia time: The University of Miami’s football team has the best record over the last five years -- 53-9, an .855 percentage. Which school is second?

Bogged down: ABC was hoping this evening’s season-opening college football telecast of Washington vs. Ohio State would feature Husky Coach Rick Neuheisel and Buckeye running back Maurice Clarett. Veteran broadcaster Keith Jackson clearly isn’t happy with the way it turned out.

“It’s a damned aggravation, that’s what it is,” he said. “We are in a position to cover what we think will be one of the signal football games of the season, and there’s so much muck to rake from the off-season.”

On the move: Tennis guru Nick Bollettieri, describing the game of American James Blake on the USA network: “He’s really improved his backhand, he’s got that big forehand and he runs like the police are after him.”

Bad losers: The Detroit Tigers must win eight of their remaining 29 games to avoid breaking the 1962 Mets’ record of 120 losses. Rod Kanehl, a member of that fabled Met team, told Jayson Stark of ESPN.com that if the Tigers break the record, “Everybody in the front office ought to be fired.”

Said Kanehl: “We didn’t have a farm system. We didn’t have 100 years of background. And we didn’t have any pitching. The only people we had were people the other teams didn’t want. At least we had an excuse.”

Lefty update: Maybe the Tigers should turn to Phil Mickelson, who threw batting practice Friday to 18 members of the Toledo Mud Hens, Detroit’s triple-A affiliate.

Nobody homered off the 21-time winner on the PGA Tour, but most of the players he faced were pitchers. He did have to duck to avoid getting hit by Steve Avery’s line drive.

Mickelson and Toledo Manager Larry Parrish said Tiger General Manager Dave Dombrowski would decide whether to add the golfer to the triple-A roster.

“I know I don’t have the talent the players here do, but this is a lifetime dream,” said Mickelson, who throws right-handed.

Trivia answer: Marshall (54-10, .844).

And finally: St. Louis Ram rookie fullback Chad Kuhns, who spent the last year working out when he wasn’t selling cars to make ends meet: “I don’t want to sell cars anymore. Half the people that talk to you think you’re evil.”

-- John Weyler