Vote for Pedro

K

"It's what you all been waitin' for ain't it..."

Kanye West - Barry Bonds

In sports across the board, there are several athletes that are as respected as they are feared. In numerous cases they are known by their first name, which is the ultimate sign of respect. For example, Tiger, Venus, Kobe, and Pedro.

Dominant

The Philadelphia Phillies top brass were in the Dominican Republic today (and Tuesday) to watch right-handed hurler Pedro Martinez pitch in a simulated game. The reining champs are in the market to add a strong arm to the rotation...and even if they sign him...they are still in the hunt for Roy Halladay.

In a perfect world they acquire both players and they pitch well...at this point its a waiting game with high stakes. As a former 3-time Cy Young winner, and world champion with the Red Sox, Martinez has the mettle to make a come back...his fastball was clocked at 93-mph...so if he can keep that form, every 5th day, then I expect the Phillies to make another run for the pennant.

Photo: Sport Illustrated-John Nelson/REUTERS

Glory

Winner

"So if you gonna do it, do it just like this..."

Kanye West - Champion

The Williams sibling rivalry ended on Saturday with younger sister Serena defeating Venus in straight sets 7-6, (7-3), 6-2.

Sister to Sister

Serena is the no. 2 ranked player in the world, however she stands head and shoulders above the competition upon winning three of the last four Grand Slam titles. In a consolation for the no. 3 ranked Venus, she teamed up with her sister to win the doubles match against Australian duo Sam Stosur, and Rennae Stubbs 7-6, (7-4), 6-4.

The Williams sisters are as synonymous with the WTA as Derek Jeter is with the New York Yankees, and that ladies and gentlemen is saying a lot. To watch these women compete against each other is not only commonplace...it's an expected yearly event. Women's tennis, or shall I say, tennis in general is better off for having this first family of champions.

Photo: Professional Sport / S Wake

Illumination

Victory

Heart

Success

"Let you know girl, you're looking good...your outta sight..."

Earth, Wind, & Fire

Serena Williams shrugged off a slow start at the beginning of the week to win the Australian Open in a swift fashion.

Two Can Win

Serena defeated Dinara Safina 6-0, 6-3 early this morning for her 10th Grand Slam title. The win also returned her to top world rank at number 1. 

Her older sister Venus lost early in the women's singles tournament, but proved victorious in the doubles, as the Williams sisters continued their dominance on women's tennis.

I love tennis, and even though I'm not any good at it, the game brings me joy, and with Serena playing at such an immaculate level, I can aspire through her court prowess.

Serena and Venus are tennis icons, and great examples of true professionals to us all, and on behalf of GAME TIME, I salute them both!

Photos: Ezra Shaw, Scott Barbour, Mark Kolbe/Getty Images