The Queue > The List

In other Xbox Live-related news, the whole deal is getting a system update in the near future. There's a video preview here that shows off the new features. Chief among them are Netflix improvements and purchasable avatar items.

Personally, I've been trying to get rid of my Netflix membership for months because there just aren't that many movies that I'd like to queue up. Right now, I'm down to seven, but three of those seven won't be released until August 11^th or later. The only reason I justified Netflix anyhow is the instant streaming movies, though I was instantly disillusioned when I was able to look at the list of available streaming movies – only after officially subscribing. The Xbox support is definitely a plus, especially if it continues to improve, but the instant movie selection just isn't that impressive. However, my entire Netflix subscription, which is probably nearing 10 months, was made worthwhile with the discovery of Californication, only made possible with instant movies, Xbox support, and a bored day with Austin. Season 2 comprises two of the DVDs in my queue that have yet to release.

As for the new avatar items, they're about as exciting as the rural Midwest. I did design my own avatar when that option became available but immediately felt as if I'd wasted five minutes of my life. Soon, I'll have the option of paying internet monies just for the opportunity to waste five minutes of my life. I can't say I'm surprised.

I'm not entirely sure what Carson Daly and the Red Sox are doing. I was originally confused by the trade for Adam LaRoche, considering they already possessed two multi-million dollar corner infielders and a multi-million dollar DH who only ever played first base. Did they think it was like the Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game where every player bats even if they're not in the field? Now they're looking to get Victor Martinez even though they have a multi-million dollar, All-Star, and captain catcher in Jason Varitek. And if that doesn't work, they're also interested in Adrian Gonzalez, another corner infielder.

So maybe this is what happened: the Red Sox organization leaked the information about Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz being "on the list." I'm sure they'd leak Manny's name just for spite, since he's become a beloved and integral part of the Dodgers since leaving Boston. Perhaps they named Ortiz just so they could get him out of the way, so to speak, clearing up room for their soon-to-be-acquired DHs – who can actually play in the field – without looking like the bad guys for benching fan favorite Ortiz. If this plan works, Big Papi may just Mo Vaughn his way out of baseball while the Red Sox lineup would be pretty well setup for the future, though their pitching future would certainly suffer since they'll probably lose Clay Buchholz in any deal.

It's not a very likely scenario, but it could work in the Sox favor, even if they're not behind it. Either way, it sucks to be an AL East team right now.

QotD:

Which sports franchise has the least room for error?

My take: This is a tough question. I'd like to name a New York franchise, but all of them have made enough errors in the past few years to really invalidate that answer, since they've clearly had plenty of space to err. I'm going with the Cleveland Cavs right now, since they're literally on the clock until LeBron James signs his next, possibly billion-dollar contract after next season.