Yanks Get Berkman

The Astros would trade more of their franchise away just before the trade deadline. Lance Berkman has been traded to the New York Yankees. The Astros got rid of Oswalt and Berkman in the same week. Talk about starting over. The Yankees made this move to improve their already impressive offense. More importantly, they made it to help them deal with the ever surprising Rays which seem to be getting closer to the Yankees every day. Berkman, though, doesn't exactly have great numbers batting .245 with 13 HR's and 49 RBI's this season but a new team that is a playoff contender may boost his confidence and give him some lift.

P.S. Steinbrenner is dead and they are still adding more pieces. DAMN IT!!!

Phillies Trade for Oswalt

Back in the off season, the Phillies has both Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee on their team. Instead of taking a better shot at a title, the Phillies traded Cliff Lee away thinking that Roy Halladay would be enough for them. Apparently, they made a mistake. Yesterday, the Phillies acquired Roy Oswalt in a trade just a few days before the trade deadline. Oswalt has been begging to get out of Houston and get on a team that has a chance of winning a title. He finally got his wish with this deal.

When looking at this trade, you can't help but think of why the Phillies got rid of Cliff Lee in the first place. Lee has been better than Oswalt this season and has been doing it in the American League. The reason for getting rid of Lee in the first place was because his contract was going to expire at the end of the season and the Phillies were afraid they weren't going to be able to resign him. Oswalt, on the other hand, still has a couple years attached to his current contract.

Still, it would've been wiser to keep Lee in the first place and have a better chance of winning it all now. The Oswalt move seems to be for both now and the future. However, this move doesn't do enough for either cause.

The Red Devils Take Down MLS and My Boycott

I must say that this year's MLS All Star Game was a complete success. over 70,000 fans showed up to cheer for the best players in MLS. It shows that this country is ready to accept MLS as a legitimate... What? They were there to see Manchester United? AH CRAP!!! Believe it or not, the MLS All Stars actually do well against Premier Teams. We've beaten Chelsea, Fulham, and West Ham in the past. But this was different. This was Manchester United, one of the best Clubs in the world. They showed that in Houston by destroying the MLS All Stars, 5-2. Although it was a disappointment, this was actually the MLS All Stars first loss to a foreign club. They lasted this long? Miracles are real!!!

Yes, I do realize that I covered this All Star Game and not the MLB All Star Game. I'm currently boycotting the MLB All Star Game for two reasons. One: It really goes downhill after the player introductions. And Two: I hate the fact that Home Field Advantage in the World Series is being decided by a game that has nothing to do with it. It's supposed to be an exhibition game between the best overpaid players in baseball and that's it. Nothing should count in a game where a pitcher isn't on the mound for longer than a couple innings. Home Field Advantage should be decided by the Win-Loss record of the two teams in the World Series. And Yes, I do realize that MLB has enacted this stipulation to attract more viewers to watch the All Star Game. It's just funny that the 2010 MLB All Star Game had the lowest ratings of any All Star Game. Need to change the rules again, Bud Selig (HA HA HA).

P.S. I will be boycotting all MLB All Star Games and their coverage until the Home Field Advantage stipulation is taken down. It should be pretty easy as they are all boring anyway.

P.P.S. Go ahead and check. The MLS All Stars have actually beaten those clubs.

T.O. and Ochocinco? Oh No!!!

Terrell Owens, the miss congeniality of the league (HA HA HA), has been looking for a new home to crash at. His tenures at San Francisco, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Buffalo haven't worked out to say the least and T.O. has been looking for work all summer. He's finally found some with the Cincinnati Bengals. He has agreed to a one year $2 million deal to play alongside Ochocinco at the WR position. These two big WR personalities with try and share the ball as Carson Palmer passes it. Owens has had many grudges with teams and QB's in the past which may leave Palmer feeling a little uneasy. Sure he can deal with one WR Diva like Ochocinco but another like T.O.? Maybe he better just hand the ball off to Cedric Benson instead.

P.S. But then T.O. will complain about Palmer handing the ball off too much.

Another No Hitter and Dan Haren's Painful Angels Debut

Tampa Bay has known for a while now that it's the year of the pitcher being victim to 2 no hitters already this season: Dallas Braden's perfect game and Edwin Jackson's no hitter. Now it was their turn to make history. Matt Garza of the Rays went out with his best fastball and threw the 5th no hitter of the season and the first one ever for the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays won by a final of 5-0 over the Detroit Tigers. Garza threw 120 pitches, 6 k's and 1 BB in his historic bout. Maybe not as newsworthy as it once was earlier this year but still impressive.

Meanwhile, Dan Haren made his debut for the Angels against the Red Sox. Haren was just acquired by the Angels through a trade on Sunday and was already pitching for his new team the next day. It didn't go so well. He allowed 2 runs when in the fifth inning he got hit with a line drive shot from Kevin Youkilis and had to leave the game with a bruised forearm on his pitching arm. His arm will be further examined today. Meanwhile, he got the loss as the Red Sox won, 6-3. The Angels traded 4 guys including Joe Saunders to get Haren and their investment almost goes down the tube on the first day. The Angels might be looking at snake eyes this year if Haren is placed on the DL for a long period of time, though it doesn't seem likely.

Carry Your Own Pads!!!

Training Camp has arrived and that means Football is just around the corner. However, we already have some controversy, minor it may seem, appear in the Cowboys training camp. Dez Bryant has refused to carry Roy Williams pads saying "I feel like I was drafted to play football, not carry another player's pads." Roy Williams replies with the mentality that every rookie has to go through it. This tradition seems to be a form of hazing to some degree. While I don't agree with hazing in general, I keep getting told that it helps build unity in a team or an organization like a drunk frat house that keeps telling their hopefuls to drink. However, this incident wasn't at all dangerous to anyone and while I agree with Dez Bryant on principle, I think he should've carried the pads. It seems like he rubbed everyone the wrong way by not doing this and a rookie does not need to do that. Carry the pads and help unite your new team, not divide them.

P.S. Also, Roy, don't get offended so much if someone won't carry your pads. It's not as big a deal as it seems and you've haven't done much more than Bryant on the pro level. BURN!!!

Alberto Contador Wins The Tour De France

Perhaps not as well covered this year, because Armstrong soon became irrelevant, still deserves to be talked about. Okay, at least we need to know who won it. The Winner of this year's Tour De France is Alberto Contador of Spain. This was actually his third Tour win ever, all coming within the last 4 years. Looks like someone else has taken over the dominance of Cycling since Lance's so called retirement. As for Lance himself, he has stated this was his last Tour De France. Then again he did leave the sport before and might pull a Favre again.

Chris Paul Wants Out of New Orleans and The New NBA Trend?

Chris Paul, beloved point guard for the New Orleans Hornets, has stated recently that he wants out of New Orleans and wants to be traded. While the Hornets do not want Paul to leave, Paul has likely destinations already in mind with the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic. An attraction to New York is Amar'e Stoudemire and a possibility of getting Carmelo Anthony at the end of the 2010-2011 season. Orlando's attraction is big man Dwight Howard and the team around him. Of course Paul's plans are influenced by the Trio in Miami and wanting to be around other stars to have a chance of winning a title, something that he sees cannot be done in New Orleans.

Paul has the right to want to win no matter how bad his request seems to be. There is a bunch of negative feelings toward the Triple Heat (sticking with that nickname) for coming together and wanting to win, especially with LeBron James and the way he announced his decision. Older Athletes like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson seem to have a problem with stars coming together and teaming up for title bids. I respectively disagree with Jordan and Johnson. While I don't know if the Triple Heat will be successful in Miami, I don't blame them for teaming up on one team. If you're career priority is to want to win a title first and foremost, which is what it should be anyway, why shouldn't you want to team up with players you think you can win with? Jordan may not admit it, but he had some pretty good players helping him win titles like Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman. There's another trio.

If Paul wants to leave so bad because he wants to win, who are we say that it is a bad thing? It's a team sport and these athletes finally realize that. If Jordan and Magic want a sport where individuals win titles, then I recommend watching Golf or Tennis.

Thierry Henry's Big Red Bulls Debut

Thierry Henry made his New York Red Bulls debut today as one of the starting strikers. However this wasn't technically his MLS Debut as the Red Bulls played a exhibition match with the Tottenham Hot Spurs of the English Premier League. Henry has gone up against Tottenham in the past having been a part of Arsenal for several years. Henry reminded Tottenham how good he still is as he managed to score his first Red Bull goal in the 25' off a pass from Joel Lindpere. Henry shows the New York fans he can still strike for goal. Though it turned out to be a 2-1 loss for the Red Bulls, this performance is a positive sign for the Red Bulls as Henry can perhaps lift them to their first MLS Cup Title.

The 'Pimps' of Football

There are more recruiting scandals involving NCAA teams and it's not USC. It's with several SEC teams and it actually involves players already in school and looking forward to the NFL. Players from Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Florida have implicated in illegal behavior with agents that represent players in the NFL. Accusations range from accepting money from agents to attending parties arranged by agents. The schools, themselves, seemed to not be the offenders while the current rules only allows the NCAA to punish the schools involved and not the agents or the players. Nick Saban has commented on these events comparing the agents to the role of a pimp. Perhaps a little harsh to call agents pimps but they had it coming.

It would seem unfair if the NCAA were to punish the schools for these violations. These alleged acts were made between players and agents, not the universities. They might get a slap on the wrist for appearances sake but I wouldn't expect anything too serious. While the NCAA can't punish the agents or players now, they can still do something. The NCAA can change the rules and make it punishable for the players to sign with these agents too early and accept gifts. As for the agents, I'm not sure what the NCAA can do but the NFL could step in and help the NCAA by punishing agents involved in this sort of thing by suspending their license for a period of time. These changes must be made in order to maintain fairness in the NCAA.

USC Cleaning House... and the Trophy Room

USC will make a few changes to their athletics department. First, the Athletics Director will be changed from Mike Garrett to Pat Haden. Haden already has history with USC being one of their former QB's. The second thing they will do is return their copy of Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy. Meanwhile, Reggie has not been asked to give his copy of the trophy back. A few things to comment on. First: They give out a Heisman to both the winner and the school? Didn't know that. Second: Good move changing Athletic Directors. The school probably wants to restart fresh and the way to show that is changing bosses. And Third: Tough move deciding to give back the Heisman. Definitely a good move but many would've been tempted in keeping an award like that.

Last: Should Reggie Bush give up his Heisman voluntarily? Should the Heisman Trophy Trust ask for it? Neither should happen. This was mainly the school's fault and the player shouldn't have to pay because of it. I wouldn't blame Bush if he does give it back or not but I don't expect him to.

P.S. Think USC will give back the National Title as well?

Last Year for Lou

Lou Piniella has been in the majors for around 40 years with just over half of that being a manager of one team or another. That career, however, will come to an end. Lou has announced that this will be his last season as he will retire at the end of year. Lou has over 1800 wins and 1 World Series Title (1990 with the Reds) as a Manager. Lou will be remembered for his yelling matches with the umps and his fiery personality. It is regrettable that he didn't get more Titles over his Managerial career, especially when he was with the Cubs. Of course, Lou will join Bobby Cox on the retirement bandwagon this year leaving two managerial vacancies. If you're a manager looking for a new scene, would you pick the Cubs or the Braves? I'm looking at you, Joe Torre.

P.S. Then again, Joe is getting old and might just call it quits after finishing his last contract year with the Dodgers. It could be the Three Retirees.

The US Open and The Open Championship Winners

Because Golf is barely a sport, I don't cover it a lot. So I decided to wait until a couple Majors passed by until another I made another posting about it. The US Open was a month ago and won by Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland. This was his only Major win so far in his career. The Open Championship just finished today and was won by Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa. Louis was brilliant on this rough course and managed to win being 16 under par at 272. The next best score was Lee Westwood being 9 under par. Coincidentally, this was Nelson Mandela's birthday. Where was this South African coincidence during the World Cup. The only Golf Major left to play is the PGA Championship in August. Thank Goodness.

P.S. See, a golf posting without mentioning Tiger Woods... wait?

Will We Ever See Pacquiao vs. Mayweather?

A fight involving Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been hyped since late 2009. However, neither side has been able to come to an agreement for the fight. A fight of this magnitude will no doubt involve tens of millions of dollars yet there is no fight. Both camps seemed to have agreed to terms, even the drug tests that Mayweather's side wanted for Pacquiao. However, the deadline set by Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, has passed without any word from the Mayweather camp. Pacquiao will still fight someone in November but it won't Mayweather.

Why does this fight keep stalling? Will it ever happen? Why is Mayweather being a chicken all of a sudden? He's worse than those pitchers that intentionally walk a slugger like Barry Bonds. But like the pitchers, Manny does think his opponent has been juicing. In the end, he comes out looking like a coward until he agrees to the fight. Even if he wants to preserve that unbeaten record, it means nothing if he is not willing to take on the biggest competition out there.

P.S. Okay, technically he has already taken out the "biggest" competition. He beat the Big Show at Wrestlemania XXIV. HA HA HA!!!

HANDS OFF DONOVAN!!!

After the US' World Cup exit, there were rumors that Donovan would get transferred from the Galaxy to a European Club like Manchester City. He would've gotten more money and more experience playing in Europe. However, Donovan will not be leaving the US. MLS has stated that they have no intention of transferring Landon Donovan. I was a bit confused myself until I found out that Players in MLS make contracts ultimately with the league. Donovan staying is the best thing for MLS and US Soccer. Donovan is the US' biggest Soccer star and MLS cannot afford to let him go. Keeping the country's biggest soccer star will keep attraction high. Not to mention that it will drive concession sales, especially for Donovan apparel. He is too important to the league to be transferred away.

P.S. Loaned in the off season, no problem. But no transfer.

Thierry Henry Comes to the NY Red Bulls

MLS is about to get another hand me down from Europe. Thierry Henry, who most previously played for FC Barcelona, has signed a multi year deal with the New York Red Bulls. Thierry Henry, of course, is past his prime as he hasn't scored over 20 goals in a season for a long while. Henry has come here as another attraction for MLS to show. He and Beckham now showcase European talents on both coasts. Now Henry is a improvement for the Red Bulls and will turn some heads to MLS but he far from the actual solution. The US still needs to form their own stars that can compete with the likes of Henry and Beckham in their prime. This starts with better youth soccer programs. Of course these soccer programs will have more kids joining if they see a premier players like Thierry Henry. So for that, I thank you, Henry.

P.S. Still not enough but thank you.

George Steinbrenner 1930-2010: The Ultimate Owner

George Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees, died today at age 80 from a massive heart attack. George bought the Yankees back in 1973 for $8.8 million. He has taken that out of luck team and over time made them a multi billion dollar franchise. Many knew George as eccentric, out of line, and over the top when it came to his dealings. George would let it be known to all that he was the boss, especially when it came to his managers. He was also known for his huge payrolls for the Yankees which totaled $206 million this year alone (according to CBS Sports).

But one thing you could definitely say about him: He always tried to win. He was the kind of guy who wasn't afraid to spend money to make his team better. Many owners are just happy to own a sports team for profit but not George. Not that George has been short of money lately what with the creation of the YES network. He was the kind of guy who fans want as the owner of their favorite team, including myself. You always knew that with George at the helm, the Yankees seemed within striking distance of a title. In fact, the Yankees won 7 World Series Titles and 11 pennants with George as their owner. George Steinbrenner was truly a great businessman and leaves us as the owner of the World Series Champion, New York Yankees.

Big Papi Wins the Home Run Derby

The only valid event during the All Star Break (to me anyway) was played today with the Home Run Derby. That's right, the Home Run Derby is better than the All Star Game, the Futures game, and the Legends/Celebrity game combined. Yet, it still boring after the first five minutes. Many folks look forward to seeing the derby because of all the big name sluggers hitting the ball as hard and far as they can. Regrettably, many of the big name sluggers would not participate this year as they feared that their batting stats would dip during the second half of season because of it. It is a legitimate concern but the derby now gets stuck with guys who aren't as well known. Who wants to see Nick Swisher over Ryan Howard?

The show went on, anyway, and it turned out alright. Cory Hart (who?) of the Brewers would hit 13 homers in the first round setting the bar high. Rounds 1 and 2 had David Ortiz and Hanley Ramirez pass Hart scoring a total of 21 home runs each. Hart would be too tired to hit anymore home runs and would be eliminated. Hanley and Big Papi dueled with Ortiz winning in the final round hitting 11 home runs. Hanley would only hit 5. Ortiz finished as the Home Run Derby Champion for 2010 with 32 total home runs, the most for anyone in the competition. Ortiz proves that he can still hit the long ball despite being clean.

SPAIN WINS THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP!!!

Two years ago, the Spanish National Football team won their first European Championship in 44 years. It was then that many started to believe that Spain had a real shot at the 2010 World Cup. In fact, many had Spain as the favorites to win the First World Cup on African soil. They played a great tournament up to this point with David Villa's goals and a great heading goal by Carles Puyol to put them into the final. Now they played in their first World Cup Final going against the Netherlands.

The game was rather sloppy throughout as both sides took turns trying to put it into the back of the net. The first half had a bunch of yellow cards being handed out as both sides, especially the Netherlands, made questionable challenges. Excitement was high in the 2nd half as there were better shots on goal for both teams, especially Arjen Robben of the Netherlands getting two breakaway chances where one was deflected away by Iker Casillas' foot. Regulation ended with still no goals scored forcing the 2nd straight extra time World Cup Final. Spain came out with a desire to score and had ample opportunities to do it. Relief would finally come in the 116' when Andres Iniesta received a pass from Cesc Fabregas and managed to kick the ball, mid air, to the left part of the net and just out of reach of Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg. GOAL GOAL GOAL!!! Iniesta scores the game winning goal as Spain wins their First World Cup Title, 1-0 in extra time.

Madrid is partying in the streets celebrating the win. Spain has won a lot of close games with all the wins outside the group stage coming at 1-0. They won with superb passing, a tough defense, and iron wall of Captain Goalkeeper, Iker Casillas. It was Casillas 3rd World Cup tournament as he finally lifts the trophy. As for the Dutch, it turned out that the third time was not a charm for them. They leave disappointed knowing they had chances to win this game and failed to capitalize on them.

As I look back at this World Cup their are many things to remember: Both France and Italy failing to get by the group stage; the Jabulani ball that everyone criticized; the bad officiating that haunted this tournament, especially England and Mexico; the miraculous goal by Landon Donovan to put the USA into the Round of 16; the Vuvuzelas and not being able to hear anything in the stadium. I will remember these things along with the most important thing: I GOT THE RIGHT PICK!!! Congratulations Spain. You are on top of the World.

P.S. Only 1433 days until the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Is it here yet?

Germany Wins the Consolation Game and A Special P.S.

The World Cup's Third Place Game was today as both Uruguay and Germany fought for pride. Both were eliminated earlier this week for a chance at the Cup and... Okay, let's face it. Even though it is a football game, it really means nothing. These teams weren't playing for the World Cup anymore. They were playing to see who was the better loser not to make it to the final which is sad to see. It still was a good game with Germany winning 3-2 and Diego Forlan just missing the game tying goal, hitting the cross bar at the end of the game. Still, the only real meaning to this game is a reminder that the World Cup Final is tomorrow: Spain vs. The Netherlands.

P.S. As for the Comments from my readers, I can finally read them... somewhat. I have found out using Google translations that the Asian Characters were Chinese. This dumbfounds me a bit as I now wonder how much the whole world uses blogger.com. I mean many sites have different country of origins like .uk and many are in different languages. It also makes me wonder how much of American Sports, which is what I mainly blog about, is being shown and discussed in different countries. The comments themselves, though, can be a little confusing. The translations may be off for me to completely understand them. So I will try my best to read all your comments using the translations aid from Google. But, if you can, write in English please.

But You Just Got Here?

Cliff Lee was just traded to Seattle this last off season after the Phillies acquired Roy Halladay. And yet Lee is on the move again as he has been traded to the Rangers. Lee has posted a 8-3 record with a 2.34 ERA but the Mariners are the worst team in the AL West and just can't resign Lee after this year. Lee now joins his fourth team in the last two seasons. With this addition, the Rangers might actually win the AL West, not the Angels. The Rangers now have a good pitcher to go with that solid hitting.

P.S. TAKE THAT STEINBRENNER!!!

The King Goes to Miami to Form the New Big Three

The one time Lebron Show came and went as the King decided where he will be next season. The country watched the interview special for wait seemed to be a lifetime, struggling through all the buffer questions that help legitimatize the broadcast and the charity donations. Finally, LeBron spoke on the future... the answer is... any minute now... here it comes... eventually... MIAMI!!! Lebron will join Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat.

Miami now becomes most attractive team in the league. Immediately you want to say they are the best team going into the new season but I would offer a word of caution. The Heat still need some good support players to go around the Three Heats and they have some spots to fill. It may be a bit tricky trying to work in some viable players with the cap room they have left. Getting Lebron and Bosh, however, have effectively moved the Heat into the NBA Title discussion. Let's face it, Wade couldn't carry Miami to the Finals alone.

As for the decision itself, it became clear that winning a title was most important to the King and also being able to win a lot of them. It wasn't all about money to James as he would've gotten the most money by staying in Cleveland or at least working a sign and trade. If titles is what he wants, I don't blame him for leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers. The only reason that team was anywhere close to getting to the NBA Finals was because of Lebron. Cleveland, though, has nothing to fall back on. This organization will not make the playoffs this season and may fall to last place.

This decision will certainly shake up the Eastern Conference to a large degree. Move aside Garnett, Allen, and Pierce. The Miami Triple Heat are here. Good luck to everyone else in the East.

P.S. Any other names for this trio? I can't think of any good ones.

Spain's First World Cup Final

Before the Semifinal match between Spain and Germany, there was a report of a Octopus in some sort of German restaurant that had successfully picked the winner of all of Germany's games. His pick this time around was Spain. Was the Octopus right?

Spain came out in the game controlling the ball well with their superb passing. However, the German defense held back Spain for a considerable time waiting for a chance to strike. Germany actually managed a couple of breakaway chances in this game but couldn't capitalize on them. The first half ended without a goal for either side. Spain came out of the half with more ball possession, again, and looked for their chance and got close a few times in the box. Finally a break would come for Spain in the 73' when a corner was shot and Carles Puyol headed the ball into the back of the net making up for his missed header earlier in the match. Spain led and then managed to hold Germany back for 20 minutes to get the win, 1-0. The Octopus was right again. Erie, uh?

Spain has prevailed over the mighty German offensive force and manage to shut them out. They now go on to their first ever World Cup Final. It will be Spain vs the Netherlands as neither side as ever won the tournament. A new winner for the World Cup awaits for this Sunday.

P.S. I'm guessing that Octopus is now on the menu for that German restaurant.

Free Agency: Weird Moves, Wade and Bosh Together, and The LeBron Show?

NBA free agency has been exciting and some heads have been turned in the process. Joe Johnson has agreed to comeback to the Hawks for a max contract. Not exactly the person that you want to give max money to as Johnson is good but he is not a championship leader. Meanwhile, the Knicks and Amar'e Stoudemire agreed to a 5 year, close to a 100 million dollar contract. Stoudemire is a good player but unless he gets someone to help him score (like Nash did in Phoenix), he will fall in terms of performance quite considerably.

Of course the top free agents have some news as well. Bosh and Wade have come out and said that they will sign with the Miami Heat. Bosh will come to Miami either by Free Agent or a sign and trade through the Raptors (more money this way). There was speculation that Wade was going to Chicago because of family but it now seems like Chicago has missed on both of these players and maybe even Lebron James.

Speaking of James, the King has announced that he will make his decision on where he play tomorrow on ESPN at 9 PM eastern. Apparently James will have a hour long special of some sorts and give the money made from it to charity. While a nice gesture, it does present him as a person that has a tremendous ego. Of course this means that Lebron has made up his mind on where he will go. Possibilities: Stay in Cleveland, Miami with Bosh and Wade, New York with Amar'e, or Chicago with Derrick Rose.

P.S. My prediction: Miami. A lot of talent that is hard to pass up.

The Dutch to Play For the World Cup

The World Cup Semifinals started today with Uruguay vs. the Netherlands. Uruguay's Luis Suarez wasn't able to play for Uruguay because of a red card against Ghana and may have been needed in this one. The Dutch would strike first with a brilliant goal with a hard angle and long range shot from Giovanni Van Bronckhorst in the 18'. Uruguay would make another comeback, however, thanks to another great shot from Diego Forlan in the 41' to tie the game at 1-1. The second half came and the Dutch would strike again with Wesley Sneijder in the 70' making a questionable goal at best (another Dutch player may have help it go in and he was offsides; wasn't called offsides anyway). The Dutch then scored a few minutes later (73') with Arjen Robben scoring with a header off a cross. Uruguay tried to comeback and even scored a goal in added time but it would not be enough as the Dutch win, 3-2.

The Netherlands now move on to their first World Cup Final since 1978. They have been to the final round twice and have failed both times. Maybe a third time will be the charm for the Netherlands. The World Cup will be an all European Final as the Netherlands will face the winner of tomorrow's match: Germany vs. Spain.

Rafa Chews Another Wimbledon Trophy

The Men's Wimbledon Final was today with Rafael Nadal, who had won Wimbledon back in 2008, facing against the man who had eliminated Roger Federer earlier this week, Tomas Berdych. Nadal owned this match, as predicted, and won it in three sets; 6-3, 7-5, and 6-4. With this win, Rafa claims his second Wimbledon Title and his 8th Grand Slam Title. Rafa will definitely enjoy this win but his career Grand Slam Achievement is staring him right in the face. The only Grand Slam event he hasn't won is the US Open. He could win it as well with Federer weaknesses being shown but Nadal has yet to reach the Final round at any of his US Open appearances. Still, congrats to Nadal. Try not to ruin your teeth too much on that trophy.

P.S. I must say good show for Tomas Berdych. You didn't win but you manage to beat Federer and get to the Final. That will definitely turn some heads.

Who Wants Some Hot Dogs?

Happy Independence Day everyone. This is the one day of the year where Americans sit down and enjoy one of the finest traditions ever: the Annual Fourth of July Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest. What can be more American than seeing adults try to scarf down as many Hot Dogs as they can. It's the best example of Gluttony that sports has to offer.

This year's contest, however, seemed less competitive. Apparently 6 time champion, Takeru Kobayashi, refused to sign a contract with Major League Eating and was denied a spot in the event. This left 3 time defender, Joey Chestnut, going virtually unopposed. He won again this year having eaten only 54 hot dogs (he ate a record 68 last year) in ten minutes. Some drama was added afterwards, though, as Kobayashi apparently rushed the stage and was arrested. Though maybe not won with the greatest competition, Joey Chestnut retains the Mustard Seed Belt for a 4th year in a row.

P.S. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some hot dogs to cook. Who wants Mustard?

Germany Takes Out Argentina and Spain Wins In Dramatic Fashion

Germany has had a knack for destroying their opponent already in the World Cup. They beat out Australia 4-0 in their first game of the group stage and sent England home after beating them 4-1. Argentina was thought to be a tougher opponent what with the maddening Diego Maradona leading them. Germany, though, walked all over Maradona's team despite his insults. They would win 4-0 with the first goal coming in only 3' by Thomas Muller. Three more goals would be scored in the second half with two of them coming from Miroslav Klose. Klose now has 14 Career World Cups goals only being one behind the leader, the Legendary Pele. Germany moves on to the Semifinals.

The second game had a much more competitive feel to it as Spain faced Paraguay in a classic. This game had it all: rough hits, bad calls, penalty kicks, and Vuvazelas. Despite one Penalty kick for each side (actually two for Spain but the goal for the first didn't count because a Spanish player entered the Penalty area too soon), the game was still scoreless. But in the 83', after a rush by Spain and some brilliant passing, Pedro shoots one for the team and it goes of the left cross bar. David Villa would be there for the rebound and got another shot off. The ball hit off the right cross bar and then off the left, then finally went into the net. A GOAL!!! Spain would hold on, thanks to couple of quick saves from Iker Casillas, and win 1-0. Spain advances with Villa's fifth goal in the World Cup. They move on to face Germany in their first Semifinals appearance.

We are down to the Final Four Nations: Uruguay, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain. Still think March Madness is better, America?

P.S. Anyone else relieved that we won't see Maradona go streaking?

Serena Williams Wins a 2nd Straight Wimbledon Title

The Ladies Final of Wimbledon was played today with Serena Williams defeating Vera Zvonareva in 2 sets, 6-3 and 6-2. Serena wins her 13th Grand Slam Title overall, her 4th Wimbledon title overall, and 2nd Wimbledon Title in a row. In fact, the Williams sisters have taken the last four Wimbledon Championships with two to Venus and two to Serena. Ladies tennis usually has the Williams sisters dominating for most of the year though it seems like it is more Serena than Venus. Venus' last Grand Slam title came at Wimbledon back in 2008. Serena, meanwhile, has won five Grand Slams since that time. Anyway, Serena is the top winner for Ladies at the Championships.

P.S. Why is it that the ladies winner gets a plate while the Men's get a trophy? I'm sure they get the same monetary prize but why not the same award equipment?

Brazil Falls to the Orange and Africa's Last Team is Eliminated

The Quarter Finals of the World Cup started with a upset to remember. The Netherlands face mighty Brazil who have the most World Cup Titles with 5. Robinho of Brazil would score first in the 10' after getting a nice pass up the middle. Brazil, though would fall apart as a own goal would be scored against them, the first own goal for Brazil in World Cup history. On a Dutch cross, the Brazilian keeper misses it and Felipe Melo of Brazil would accidentally hit it in as he tried to clear it. Wesley Sneijder later scored a header off a corner to put the Dutch ahead. The Netherlands would win, 2-1, and are now in the Semifinals. Brazil loses their first World Cup game in which they lead at half time.

The second game was Uruguay vs. Ghana. This was Africa's last team in the tournament and Ghana wanted to be the first African team to advance to the World Cup Semifinals. Ghana struck first with Sulley Muntari hitting a goal from way outside the penalty box in added time of the first half. However, Diego Forlan of Uruguay scored a beautiful game tying goal in the 55' with a free kick outside the penalty box. The two teams would fight hard into extras and Ghana had a chance to win it at the end of extras getting a penalty kick after Luis Suarez blocked a shot with his hands (not the keeper). He would get a red card. Asamoah Gyan would take the Penalty and miss it with the ball going of the top cross bar. Truly a spirit breaking miss. Now officially in penalties, Uruguay's keeper, Fernando Muslera, managed to stop two shots to help Uruguay win the game, 4-2 in penalties, and advance to the Semifinals.

A heart breaker for Ghana and a shocker for Brazil. Not a bad day. Uruguay and the Netherlands will face each other in the Semifinals.

Doc and Phil to Stay Where They Are

Also added to the free agent drama was wondering if Phil Jackson and Doc Rivers were going to leave. The thought was Doc Rivers was going to spend some time at home while Phil might retire because of health problems. However, neither scenario happened. The Doc will finish his contract obligations through 2011 and Phil will come back for at least another year. Interestingly enough, Phil will try and win his 12th title as coach and if he is successful this coming season, he will have won all 12 with 3-peats dating back to his days with the Bulls and Jordan. Doc Rivers though seems to have a high risk situation returning to Boston what with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen's returns being put into some doubt with free agency.

But who needs who more? While most of it depends on how free agency turns out league wide, the Lakers probably need Phil more. With Phil returning, they have a much better chance of getting the 3-peat than some new coach. He just knows how to coach good players.