So you think free agency, skyrocketing salaries, and tantrum-prone players are ruining professional sports? You ain't seen nothin'. The "Black Sox" scandal of 1919 had the Chicago White Sox throwing the World Series to benefit gangsters and gamblers. In Eight Men Out, the underappreciated Sayles looks at baseball under the influence of money, corruption, and gambling. While the film may appeal primarily to baseball fans, there are also some fine performances from Michael Rooker and David Strathairn. Look for writer/director Sayles as legendary sports writer Ring Lardner.

Chris Hodgdon