Ryan Dempster throws at Ryan Braun.  The league doesn’t bat an eye.  In fact, Ryan Braun has been drilled a National League leading 5 times.  Bobby Jenks throws behind Ian Kinsler, admits it, and only gets slapped with a $750 fine.  Kevin Jewkilis is 4th in the American League in being hit by pitches.  And why was Jason Marquis traded away from the Cubs last season (besides that he was overpaid and a sub-par pitcher)?  Also NQTC reader Ethan pointed out to me that perhaps Contreras was really sent down to the minors to hunt down Shawn Green.

Is this all a bit paranoid and ridiculous?  Yes.  Bud Selig is a Jew so it doesn’t all add up…yet.  Keep your eyes on this disturbing trend as it develops.

***UPDATE: NQTC Reader Big Bri points out that the Cubs have also eliminated Kosher dogs at Wrigley.  No answer on when or if they will be returning.

• Baseball’s biggest tax cheats.  Not many surprises on this list. [Home Run Derby]
• Wow on that Hawks OT win.  Playoffs baby. [Sun-Times]
• The Garnett Effect. [Blog a Bull]
• It didn’t take long for Bradley to go all “Milton Bradley” on us.  [Zoner Sports]
• Danks looked sharp yesterday, leading the Sox to a 3-2 win. [Sun-Times]
• Some whiny Jews are mad at the Jets for putting the first two games at home on the Jewish High Holidays.  Boo hoo. [Deadspin]
• Blago had some advice for Lou a couple years ago: Bat Soriano 3rd.  It might be the only thing he was right about ever. [Chicagoist]
• John Madden has retired.  As mediocre as he’s been the last 5 years, I do not look forward to the Chris Collinsworth era. [NBC]
• A great roundup of the Bulls-Celtics series from different viewpoints. [Ball Don't Lie]
• By the way, the Cubs got beaten by the Cards.  1 down, 3 to go. [BCB]
• Danny Ainge, Celtics GM, had a mild heart attack.  I’m not going to be the one to make the joke about how Garnett’s injury was involved, but you know we are all thinking it.  Am I going to hell? [Tribune]