Rain, rain, go away

Wimbledon is known perfectly manicured courts. Perfectly mannered ball boys and girls. Perfectly served strawberries and cream.

But what Wimbledon hasn't perfected is the retractable roof, at least not until 2009. That's when Centre Court is slated to get some shelter from the storms plaguing the All England Club.

For now players, fans and line judges alike have to run for cover every time the sky opens up. Only the grounds crews have to face the elements in their mad dashes to cover the grass. (Have you ever seen a member of the grounds crew get taken out by the tarp? It's no joke (well, maybe a little one) and happens every year...)

I just find it ridiculous how this tournament gets paralyzed by rain. As of Tuesday there was a backlog of 177 matches including 13 in singles.

Now Rome wasn't built in a day, but you think Wimbledon could come up with enough scratch and know-how to get a dang roof on Centre Court. Then at least the big names could move on.

OR...everyone could save a lot of trouble and hand over the Wimbledon Trophy to Roger Federer.

SIDE NOTE: Yes, that's what the trophy is called. No Claret Jug or Vince Lombardi trophy or Stanley Cup. Just the Wimbledon Trophy.