That's pretty much it.
There were quite a few moves this off season which included Jeremy Lin going to the Rockets, Dwight Howard and Steve Nash going to the Lakers, and the Nets moving from New Jersey to Brooklyn after realizing that the smell couldn't be helped with Febreeze. Howard and Nash to LA are definitely the biggest among them shifting the power quite a bit in the Western Conference. It realistically gives the Lakers a fair chance of getting back to the finals but nothing is guarenteed as the Thunder are still a good team, even without James Harden. Sure, the Lakers lost their first game of the year to the 'Dirkless' Dallas Mavericks but it will take any team some time to get adjusted with their players. The time to panic is later.
The Eastern Conference still has the Miami Heat as the favorite and perhaps much more so now that Ray Allen has taken his talents to South Beach from Boston. The Celtics are still a playoff team (for what it's worth) but they are no longer contenders with the Heat for a spot in the NBA Finals. Heck, I thought they weren't Finals contenders last year.
Quite frankly no team in the East hold a candle to the Miami Heat. The Sixers improve with Andrew Bynum but they aren't ready for the challenge. The Nets will just be happy getting into the postseason in order to sway some fans. The Knicks aren't contentious either and will just be happy to win another playoff game. Lastly, the Bulls only have Derrick Rose on a team that can't win a playoff series without him. The Eastern Conference is a joke and the NBA should just hand the title to the Miami Heat now. Fans of any other Eastern Conference team shouldn't even go to a single game this season just to show their displeasure with how blatantly one sided their conference is.
Looking at the NBA year after year, it's too predictable for me. There are only three legitimate contenders for the NBA title: the Heat, Lakers, and Thunder (Dark horse HA HA HA). The other 27 teams have no chance. For a disclaimer warning: I also don't like Basketball that much, watching it (NBA Finals as well) or playing it. My point is still accurate.
Who is my pick for the NBA title of the Lakers and the Heat? The Heat. Enjoy wasting your time watching regular season games fools.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
GIANTS WIN 2ND WORLD TITLE IN 3 YEARS WITH SWEEP!!!
The San Francisco Giants were dropped from the playoff discussion entirely nationwide when Melky Cabrera got suspended for 50 games and then the Dodgers made a monumental trade to make LA look like the favorite in the NL West. Looks can be deceiving, can't they.
In fact, the Giants made it to the World Series and were beating the Detroit Tigers into the ground with a big game 1 win and then two shutouts to follow. Game 4 was earlier tonight in Detroit and it was close to sweeter end.
The Giants started off the scoring in the 2nd inning with Hunter Pence getting on with a ground rule double and then Brandon Belt hitting him in with a triple to right. The Tigers answered back in the bottom of the 3rd with a 2 run home run by Miguel Cabrera to give them their first lead in any game of the World Series. Buster Posey finally came alive with a 2 run shot of his own in the 6th inning to get the lead back. Delmon Young of the Tigers, however, would tie the game with a solo shot in the bottom half of the 6th. After that, Matt Scherzer and Matt Cain would leave the game to their respective bullpens which caused the game to go into extras.
Top of the 10th came along with Giants DH Ryan Theriot getting a lead off single off of Phil Coke. Brandon Crawford would then sac bunt him over to 2nd base. After Angel Pagan struck out swinging, Marco Scutaro came up with 2 outs and Theriot on 2nd. He delivered a base hit to center with Ryan Theriot sliding into home off the hit. Austin Jackson's throw was not in time.
Sergio Romo then came out to close out game (because we need a beard to end every World Series). He struck out Austin Jackson swinging. He struck out Don Kelly swinging. All that was left was the Triple Crown Winner Miguel Cabrera. STRUCK OUT LOOKING!!!
GIANTS WIN 4-3 IN 10 INNINGS AND SWEEP THE TIGERS IN THE WORLD SERIES!!!
They have done it again. For the 2nd time in three seasons, the San Francisco Giants are World Champions. The amazing season ends in Detroit with champagne for all.
Truly a team effort all season long as there was no one player that had got them there. They had a great rotation, a solid lineup with players all over delivering at different times, and great defense making the difficult look routine. Pablo Sandoval was named MVP of the series for batting .500 throughout the series and the three home runs hit in game 1. He deserves the World Series MVP trophy (and the car) as one of the big guys stepping up in this series.
As for the Tigers, they fall just short again of a title with Jim Leyland as their manager. I did like the Tigers too for eliminating the Yankees but all 'likes' were off for the World Series match up. They still have a solid team and are likely going to be contenders again next season.
The moment goes to the Giants, however, with a 2nd World Series title for San Francisco. It's their 7th World Title overall for the franchise. Congrats to Manager Bruce Bochy and the team he led. They are once again Giants of the World.
P.S. Happy Birthday, Sis.
In fact, the Giants made it to the World Series and were beating the Detroit Tigers into the ground with a big game 1 win and then two shutouts to follow. Game 4 was earlier tonight in Detroit and it was close to sweeter end.
The Giants started off the scoring in the 2nd inning with Hunter Pence getting on with a ground rule double and then Brandon Belt hitting him in with a triple to right. The Tigers answered back in the bottom of the 3rd with a 2 run home run by Miguel Cabrera to give them their first lead in any game of the World Series. Buster Posey finally came alive with a 2 run shot of his own in the 6th inning to get the lead back. Delmon Young of the Tigers, however, would tie the game with a solo shot in the bottom half of the 6th. After that, Matt Scherzer and Matt Cain would leave the game to their respective bullpens which caused the game to go into extras.
Top of the 10th came along with Giants DH Ryan Theriot getting a lead off single off of Phil Coke. Brandon Crawford would then sac bunt him over to 2nd base. After Angel Pagan struck out swinging, Marco Scutaro came up with 2 outs and Theriot on 2nd. He delivered a base hit to center with Ryan Theriot sliding into home off the hit. Austin Jackson's throw was not in time.
Sergio Romo then came out to close out game (because we need a beard to end every World Series). He struck out Austin Jackson swinging. He struck out Don Kelly swinging. All that was left was the Triple Crown Winner Miguel Cabrera. STRUCK OUT LOOKING!!!
GIANTS WIN 4-3 IN 10 INNINGS AND SWEEP THE TIGERS IN THE WORLD SERIES!!!
They have done it again. For the 2nd time in three seasons, the San Francisco Giants are World Champions. The amazing season ends in Detroit with champagne for all.
Truly a team effort all season long as there was no one player that had got them there. They had a great rotation, a solid lineup with players all over delivering at different times, and great defense making the difficult look routine. Pablo Sandoval was named MVP of the series for batting .500 throughout the series and the three home runs hit in game 1. He deserves the World Series MVP trophy (and the car) as one of the big guys stepping up in this series.
As for the Tigers, they fall just short again of a title with Jim Leyland as their manager. I did like the Tigers too for eliminating the Yankees but all 'likes' were off for the World Series match up. They still have a solid team and are likely going to be contenders again next season.
The moment goes to the Giants, however, with a 2nd World Series title for San Francisco. It's their 7th World Title overall for the franchise. Congrats to Manager Bruce Bochy and the team he led. They are once again Giants of the World.
P.S. Happy Birthday, Sis.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
NOW the Lakers are the Favorite in the West
As the meaningless NBA season starts sometime in the next few days (does it even matter?), a major trade has been executed among two western conference teams.
The Oklahoma City Thunder send James Harden to the Houston Rockets as part of a multi-player trade. The Thunder get Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb along with 2 first round draft picks and a 2nd round draft pick. The Rockets get James Harden along with center Cole Aldrich and forwards Daequan Cook and Lazar Hayward. Harden and OKC had been negotiating a new long term deal to keep Harden but couldn't come to terms as Harden wanted a max contract. Harden will seemingly get that with the Rockets.
No more room in OKC long term meant that the team had to trade away a key component to their offense. Sure Harden wasn't the biggest star on the team but he sure seemed to be a difference maker with team averaging +9.1 with him on the court as opposed to +1.7 with him off of it. I'm sure the Sixth Man of the Year will do fine in Houston playing with Jeremy Lin but we will have to wait and see how this move will affect the Thunder going forward.
P.S. Someone wake me when the Conference Finals are here.... or when Hockey returns, whichever comes first.
P.P.S. Might go back to sleep if the NBA Conference Finals come first.... just saying.
The Oklahoma City Thunder send James Harden to the Houston Rockets as part of a multi-player trade. The Thunder get Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb along with 2 first round draft picks and a 2nd round draft pick. The Rockets get James Harden along with center Cole Aldrich and forwards Daequan Cook and Lazar Hayward. Harden and OKC had been negotiating a new long term deal to keep Harden but couldn't come to terms as Harden wanted a max contract. Harden will seemingly get that with the Rockets.
No more room in OKC long term meant that the team had to trade away a key component to their offense. Sure Harden wasn't the biggest star on the team but he sure seemed to be a difference maker with team averaging +9.1 with him on the court as opposed to +1.7 with him off of it. I'm sure the Sixth Man of the Year will do fine in Houston playing with Jeremy Lin but we will have to wait and see how this move will affect the Thunder going forward.
P.S. Someone wake me when the Conference Finals are here.... or when Hockey returns, whichever comes first.
P.P.S. Might go back to sleep if the NBA Conference Finals come first.... just saying.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Giants Take Game 1 of 2012 World Series
Going into the World Series, almost every analyst, former players, and their mamas said that Justin Verlander was in a zone that no hitter could solve. Curt Schilling said he was on another planet. It seems that Pablo Sandoval and the Giants brought him back down to earth.
Game 1 of the World Series took place earlier tonight with the Detroit Tigers coming into San Francisco to face the Giants. Despite having nearly a week off, the Tigers still felt pretty good seeing that Justin Verlander was starting game 1 for them and he was going against Barry Zito who has been a down player since joining the Giants in 2007. Who did better in Game 1? Surprisingly Zito. Barry went 5 2/3 innings allowing only one run in the 6th inning. After that, Timmy came in for a solid 2 1/3 innings out of the pen.
What happened to Justin Verlander? He got shook up to say the least. Pablo Sandoval hit a solo shot off of him in the 1st inning to start the scoring for the Giants. Then in the 3rd, Marco Scutaro hits in Angel Pagan to tack on another. Pablo then hits a 2 run home run after that. All that 3rd inning scoring with 2 outs and off of Verlander. Even Zito got into the hitting with an RBI single to score in Brandon Belt in the 4th inning... WITH VERLANDER STILL ON THE MOUND!!! Verlander allowed 5 earned runs in 4 innings of work, including two home runs by the Panda. Sandoval would hit another home run in the 5th off of Al Alburquerque. Pablo finished 4-4 on the day with 3 HRs and 4 RBIs.
Giants take the first game 8-3 with Barry Zito getting the win the and Justin Verlander getting the loss.
A stunner across the baseball world as Justin Verlander, who was 3-0 with a .74 ERA in this postseason, gets lit up by Pablo Sandoval and the Giants. The Kung Fu Panda becomes the 4th player in history to hit 3 Home Runs in a World Series game, joining Babe Ruth, Reggie Jackson, and Albert Pujols. Perhaps a bigger shocker was that Verlander wasn't up to par as he has now lost his first 3 World Series starts.
Game 2 of World Series is tomorrow night with Doug Fister of the Tigers facing Madison Bumgarner of the Giants.
P.S. Keep going, Giants. One at a time.
Game 1 of the World Series took place earlier tonight with the Detroit Tigers coming into San Francisco to face the Giants. Despite having nearly a week off, the Tigers still felt pretty good seeing that Justin Verlander was starting game 1 for them and he was going against Barry Zito who has been a down player since joining the Giants in 2007. Who did better in Game 1? Surprisingly Zito. Barry went 5 2/3 innings allowing only one run in the 6th inning. After that, Timmy came in for a solid 2 1/3 innings out of the pen.
What happened to Justin Verlander? He got shook up to say the least. Pablo Sandoval hit a solo shot off of him in the 1st inning to start the scoring for the Giants. Then in the 3rd, Marco Scutaro hits in Angel Pagan to tack on another. Pablo then hits a 2 run home run after that. All that 3rd inning scoring with 2 outs and off of Verlander. Even Zito got into the hitting with an RBI single to score in Brandon Belt in the 4th inning... WITH VERLANDER STILL ON THE MOUND!!! Verlander allowed 5 earned runs in 4 innings of work, including two home runs by the Panda. Sandoval would hit another home run in the 5th off of Al Alburquerque. Pablo finished 4-4 on the day with 3 HRs and 4 RBIs.
Giants take the first game 8-3 with Barry Zito getting the win the and Justin Verlander getting the loss.
A stunner across the baseball world as Justin Verlander, who was 3-0 with a .74 ERA in this postseason, gets lit up by Pablo Sandoval and the Giants. The Kung Fu Panda becomes the 4th player in history to hit 3 Home Runs in a World Series game, joining Babe Ruth, Reggie Jackson, and Albert Pujols. Perhaps a bigger shocker was that Verlander wasn't up to par as he has now lost his first 3 World Series starts.
Game 2 of World Series is tomorrow night with Doug Fister of the Tigers facing Madison Bumgarner of the Giants.
P.S. Keep going, Giants. One at a time.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Marlins Fire Ozzie Guillen After Troubled Year
When the beginning of a managerial tenure starts with the guy praising Fidel Castro in a part of the country that would take exception to that comment the most, you are not going to last long, especially when the team is that bad.
The Miami Marlins were looking to make a huge splash this year with a new look, new players, a new manager, and a new stadium. It was going to be a new era of baseball in Miami and put the city (possible the state) to the test on whether there can be baseball in South Florida. Needless to say, it didn't go so well this year.
The team looked awful for most of the season with the Marlins finishing last in NL East with a 69-93 record. The attendance numbers were not that bad with averaging 27400 per game which is definitely an improvement from the old stadium. However, according to an online article in The Palm Beach Post, Marlins Stadium's first year is the lowest first year attendance of new ballparks that have opened since 2001 (Joe Capozzi).
The easiest thing that the team can do? Fire Ozzie Guillen that had rubbed the Cuban American Community in South Florida the wrong way since the beginning. So they did just that. Changing managers is an easy thing to do and after the season they had no one is going to complain. However, this team needs improvements across the board. Changing the manager is a nice start but if they want to attract fans or see if a consistent successful team can even attract fans in Miami, they will have to do more than that.
The Miami Marlins were looking to make a huge splash this year with a new look, new players, a new manager, and a new stadium. It was going to be a new era of baseball in Miami and put the city (possible the state) to the test on whether there can be baseball in South Florida. Needless to say, it didn't go so well this year.
The team looked awful for most of the season with the Marlins finishing last in NL East with a 69-93 record. The attendance numbers were not that bad with averaging 27400 per game which is definitely an improvement from the old stadium. However, according to an online article in The Palm Beach Post, Marlins Stadium's first year is the lowest first year attendance of new ballparks that have opened since 2001 (Joe Capozzi).
The easiest thing that the team can do? Fire Ozzie Guillen that had rubbed the Cuban American Community in South Florida the wrong way since the beginning. So they did just that. Changing managers is an easy thing to do and after the season they had no one is going to complain. However, this team needs improvements across the board. Changing the manager is a nice start but if they want to attract fans or see if a consistent successful team can even attract fans in Miami, they will have to do more than that.
Monday, October 22, 2012
GIANTS WIN NLCS AND NOW SIGNIN' IN THE RAIN!!!!
It was similar to the NLDS in that the Giants had to win three in a row to move on or be eliminated. They were not deterred... again.
The Cardinals and the Giants went into game 2 with Kyle Lohse and Matt Cain taking the mound for their respective teams. Lohse had been fantastic for the Cards so far this postseason while Cain has been sketchy for the Giants. It seemed that the roles were reversed tonight. Kyle Lohse got lit up by the Giants failing to go beyond the third inning after allowing 2 runs in the first two innings and then leaving the bases loaded with no outs for Joe Kelly. Hunter Pence then came up and hit a double with a broken bat that unloaded the bases for 3 more runs. The Giants would end up scoring two more runs in the inning.
Meanwhile, Matt Cain shut down the Cards. Despite some hits, he was able to leave Cards on base and pitch 5 2/3 shutout baseball before being pulled in the 6th in favor of Jeremy Affeldt. He and the rest of the bullpen did their work pitching the shutout to the Cards. The 9th came with the rain coming down hard throughout. With two outs and two runners in scoring position, Sergio Romo came in for the Giants and got Matt Holliday to pop out to the 2nd baseman and NLCS MVP Marco Scutaro to end the game and the series. Giants shutout the Cards 9-0 in game 7 and win the series 4-3.
THE GIANTS ARE HEADED TO THEIR 2ND WORLD SERIES IN THREE YEARS!!!
The remarkable run continues for the Giants as they get by the Cardinals to now face the Tigers. Marco Scutaro was the man to watch in this series batting .500 with 14 hits (tied LCS record), 4 RBIs, 6 runs, 2 BB, and 3 doubles. Definitely the MVP of the series. The fans had a ball despite the rain coming down in the 9th and so did the Giants players.
Game 1 of the World Series is Wednesday night with the Detroit Tigers vs. the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park.
P.S. LET'S GO GIANTS!!!
The Cardinals and the Giants went into game 2 with Kyle Lohse and Matt Cain taking the mound for their respective teams. Lohse had been fantastic for the Cards so far this postseason while Cain has been sketchy for the Giants. It seemed that the roles were reversed tonight. Kyle Lohse got lit up by the Giants failing to go beyond the third inning after allowing 2 runs in the first two innings and then leaving the bases loaded with no outs for Joe Kelly. Hunter Pence then came up and hit a double with a broken bat that unloaded the bases for 3 more runs. The Giants would end up scoring two more runs in the inning.
Meanwhile, Matt Cain shut down the Cards. Despite some hits, he was able to leave Cards on base and pitch 5 2/3 shutout baseball before being pulled in the 6th in favor of Jeremy Affeldt. He and the rest of the bullpen did their work pitching the shutout to the Cards. The 9th came with the rain coming down hard throughout. With two outs and two runners in scoring position, Sergio Romo came in for the Giants and got Matt Holliday to pop out to the 2nd baseman and NLCS MVP Marco Scutaro to end the game and the series. Giants shutout the Cards 9-0 in game 7 and win the series 4-3.
THE GIANTS ARE HEADED TO THEIR 2ND WORLD SERIES IN THREE YEARS!!!
The remarkable run continues for the Giants as they get by the Cardinals to now face the Tigers. Marco Scutaro was the man to watch in this series batting .500 with 14 hits (tied LCS record), 4 RBIs, 6 runs, 2 BB, and 3 doubles. Definitely the MVP of the series. The fans had a ball despite the rain coming down in the 9th and so did the Giants players.
Game 1 of the World Series is Wednesday night with the Detroit Tigers vs. the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park.
P.S. LET'S GO GIANTS!!!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Ryan Vogelsong and the Giants Force Game 7 in NLCS
The Giants so far have not taken the easy road in this postseason.
In the NLDS vs. the Reds, they fell behind two games and were facing elimination going into Cincy for 3 games. They some how won all three of them and moved on to the next round. They then fell behind the Cardinals 3-1 in the NLCS. They won game 5 in St. Louis with Barry Zito pitching spectacularly. Now in Game 6 it was up to Ryan Vogelsong.
Vogelsong went out there and pitched the game of his career. He pitched 7 innings , striking out 9 (career high), allowing 4 hits, one run, and one walk. Meanwhile, the Giants score 5 runs in the first two innings off Chris Carpenter with Marco Scutaro blowing it open with a 2 run double in the 2nd inning to make it a four run lead. The bullpen for the Giants took over in the 8th inning and closed out the Cardinals to win it 6-1. The series is tied at 3-3 with game 7 tomorrow night.
An absolutely great performance by Ryan Vogelsong who had a quite a journey up to this point. A trip to the World Series is now on the line tomorrow night as Kyle Lohse goes out there for the Cards while the Giants send out Matt Cain.
In the NLDS vs. the Reds, they fell behind two games and were facing elimination going into Cincy for 3 games. They some how won all three of them and moved on to the next round. They then fell behind the Cardinals 3-1 in the NLCS. They won game 5 in St. Louis with Barry Zito pitching spectacularly. Now in Game 6 it was up to Ryan Vogelsong.
Vogelsong went out there and pitched the game of his career. He pitched 7 innings , striking out 9 (career high), allowing 4 hits, one run, and one walk. Meanwhile, the Giants score 5 runs in the first two innings off Chris Carpenter with Marco Scutaro blowing it open with a 2 run double in the 2nd inning to make it a four run lead. The bullpen for the Giants took over in the 8th inning and closed out the Cardinals to win it 6-1. The series is tied at 3-3 with game 7 tomorrow night.
An absolutely great performance by Ryan Vogelsong who had a quite a journey up to this point. A trip to the World Series is now on the line tomorrow night as Kyle Lohse goes out there for the Cards while the Giants send out Matt Cain.
Red Sox Hire John Farrell as Their Manager
The Red Sox for a second time in a row have to start their off-season hiring a new manager.
The lucky guy to be the next manager for the Boston Red Sox is John Farrell who was the manager of the Blue Jays until a deal was made to bring him to back to the nation (both US and Red Sox). Farrell goes to Boston (and possibly an unnamed Blue Jays player as well) while Mike Aviles goes to Toronto. Now the news isn't official yet but unnamed sources seemed to be confirming this report. Before becoming the Blue Jays manager back in 2011, Farrell was the Red Sox pitching coach from 2007-2010. While the pitching the coach, the team was 1st in Opp Batting Average, Strikeouts, and Shutouts in the AL while also maintaining the 3rd best ERA in the AL.
It seems that the Red Sox got the guy they wanted. Farrell seems to be a pretty good choice as he has experience in the Red Sox dugout and will be able to get a grip over these players. Plus, while the pressure will be added being in Boston than Toronto, it will still be less than the pressure than Bobby Valentine had as the immediate successor to Terry Francona. This doesn't solve all the problems of the Red Sox but what it does do is bring some stability back to clubhouse and perhaps bring that pitching staff back to form.
The lucky guy to be the next manager for the Boston Red Sox is John Farrell who was the manager of the Blue Jays until a deal was made to bring him to back to the nation (both US and Red Sox). Farrell goes to Boston (and possibly an unnamed Blue Jays player as well) while Mike Aviles goes to Toronto. Now the news isn't official yet but unnamed sources seemed to be confirming this report. Before becoming the Blue Jays manager back in 2011, Farrell was the Red Sox pitching coach from 2007-2010. While the pitching the coach, the team was 1st in Opp Batting Average, Strikeouts, and Shutouts in the AL while also maintaining the 3rd best ERA in the AL.
It seems that the Red Sox got the guy they wanted. Farrell seems to be a pretty good choice as he has experience in the Red Sox dugout and will be able to get a grip over these players. Plus, while the pressure will be added being in Boston than Toronto, it will still be less than the pressure than Bobby Valentine had as the immediate successor to Terry Francona. This doesn't solve all the problems of the Red Sox but what it does do is bring some stability back to clubhouse and perhaps bring that pitching staff back to form.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Anyone Want Overpriced Talent?
The Yankees were so awful during this postseason but one guy stood out and that was Alex Rodriguez. A-Rod had a drop during the regular season batting .272 with 18 home runs and 57 RBI's in 122 games. He was worse in the postseason. He went 3-25 with no HR's or RBI's, 2 BB, and struckout 12 times. Now Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano seemed to be just as bad or even worse but A-Rod has always been the lightning rod for the Yankees because of his past and how much he gets paid.
Now with the season over for the Yankees (heck, even the game before the season was over) speculation has risen that A-Rod will not be on the Yankees next season and that he will be traded. A-Rod, however, is a very expensive player with five years and $114 million remaining on his contract. If he is traded to some other team, the Yankees will have to eat most of the money remaining to make him appealing and A-Rod would have to approve the destination. Miami is right now the rumored destination to be despite the denial of Yankees GM Brian Cashman saying he hasn't had any trade talks with anyone about A-Rod. Alex says he wants to be a Yankee next year.
So the question is simple: Will Alex Rodriguez be on another team next season? It seems like he will end up somewhere else. There is not much more benefit for A-Rod staying in New York with the media hounding him all the time. He will want to move on from that spot and find a place with less pressure. As for finding him a team, if the Yankees are willing to eat enough money then some franchise will negotiate for A-Rod. I could see a team with a good pitching staff looking to make a postseason run with an average lineup getting him. It could be other teams looking for someone to draw in the crowds but that doesn't seem like the stronger selling point.
Whether he stays with the Yanks or goes somewhere else, Alex Rodriguez is going somewhere he wants to go now: away from the attention.
P.S. I'd stay away from the Super Bowl, hot celebs, and popcorn while you're at it. Maybe just watch it at home... with the curtains closed.
Now with the season over for the Yankees (heck, even the game before the season was over) speculation has risen that A-Rod will not be on the Yankees next season and that he will be traded. A-Rod, however, is a very expensive player with five years and $114 million remaining on his contract. If he is traded to some other team, the Yankees will have to eat most of the money remaining to make him appealing and A-Rod would have to approve the destination. Miami is right now the rumored destination to be despite the denial of Yankees GM Brian Cashman saying he hasn't had any trade talks with anyone about A-Rod. Alex says he wants to be a Yankee next year.
So the question is simple: Will Alex Rodriguez be on another team next season? It seems like he will end up somewhere else. There is not much more benefit for A-Rod staying in New York with the media hounding him all the time. He will want to move on from that spot and find a place with less pressure. As for finding him a team, if the Yankees are willing to eat enough money then some franchise will negotiate for A-Rod. I could see a team with a good pitching staff looking to make a postseason run with an average lineup getting him. It could be other teams looking for someone to draw in the crowds but that doesn't seem like the stronger selling point.
Whether he stays with the Yanks or goes somewhere else, Alex Rodriguez is going somewhere he wants to go now: away from the attention.
P.S. I'd stay away from the Super Bowl, hot celebs, and popcorn while you're at it. Maybe just watch it at home... with the curtains closed.
Tigers Sweep Away the Yankees in ALCS
While the NLCS is not going the way I would've hoped, the ALCS ended just the way I wanted it to: with the Yankees not winning it.
The New York Yankees haven't been themselves in this postseason and this ALCS for that matter. Their hitting has been atrocious. Actually, they would need a ladder the size of a New York skyscraper to get to atrocious.
Anyway, the Tigers were killing the Yankees with pitching and had a 3-0 lead in the series heading into yesterday. They were trying to avoid the sweep going against Matt Scherzer of the Tigers. Scherzer pitched an good 5 innings until he had trouble in the 6th and let the bullpen take care of it. By then, it was 6-1 with runners on the corners for the Yankees. Alex Rodriguez came in as a PH for Raul Ibanez in the DH spot and flied out to center to retire the side.
After that, no more hits for the Yankees this postseason. They managed to get one walk the next inning which did nothing while the Tigers tacked on 2 more runs in the 7th and 8th. Phil Coke came in for the last two innings of the game and finished off the New York Yankees no problem. Tigers win 8-1 and take the series in a 4 game sweep.
And so ended the worst postseason hitting performance in MLB history (at least 7 games played). Seems ironic it happened to the Yankees.
The Yankees batted a horrible .188 batting average this Postseason. Their hitting was so bad that NL pitchers felt sorry for them. Every player on the Yankees couldn't swing the bat and A-Rod was just one of them. The home run clobbering Yankees had their bats fall silent with much better Postseason pitching making less mistakes for the hitters to capitalize on. That means less chances to score runs as the Yankees relied on the Home Run ball. The Yankees definitely have some work to do in the off-season.
Meanwhile, congrats to Detroit Tigers on winning the American League Pennant. Despite what the team had to go through during the regular season, they are still on track with what's expected of them.
P.S. When you ask a front office guy of the New York Yankees if they ever considered getting some small ball talent, the reply is always the same: "What is Small Ball?"
The New York Yankees haven't been themselves in this postseason and this ALCS for that matter. Their hitting has been atrocious. Actually, they would need a ladder the size of a New York skyscraper to get to atrocious.
Anyway, the Tigers were killing the Yankees with pitching and had a 3-0 lead in the series heading into yesterday. They were trying to avoid the sweep going against Matt Scherzer of the Tigers. Scherzer pitched an good 5 innings until he had trouble in the 6th and let the bullpen take care of it. By then, it was 6-1 with runners on the corners for the Yankees. Alex Rodriguez came in as a PH for Raul Ibanez in the DH spot and flied out to center to retire the side.
After that, no more hits for the Yankees this postseason. They managed to get one walk the next inning which did nothing while the Tigers tacked on 2 more runs in the 7th and 8th. Phil Coke came in for the last two innings of the game and finished off the New York Yankees no problem. Tigers win 8-1 and take the series in a 4 game sweep.
And so ended the worst postseason hitting performance in MLB history (at least 7 games played). Seems ironic it happened to the Yankees.
The Yankees batted a horrible .188 batting average this Postseason. Their hitting was so bad that NL pitchers felt sorry for them. Every player on the Yankees couldn't swing the bat and A-Rod was just one of them. The home run clobbering Yankees had their bats fall silent with much better Postseason pitching making less mistakes for the hitters to capitalize on. That means less chances to score runs as the Yankees relied on the Home Run ball. The Yankees definitely have some work to do in the off-season.
Meanwhile, congrats to Detroit Tigers on winning the American League Pennant. Despite what the team had to go through during the regular season, they are still on track with what's expected of them.
P.S. When you ask a front office guy of the New York Yankees if they ever considered getting some small ball talent, the reply is always the same: "What is Small Ball?"
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Andy Reid Fires Juan Castillo
Did Juan Castillo suddenly turn into a goat?
The Eagles this season have been a .500 team that look like a disappointment. Michael Vick has been sloppy, the offense is under-producing, the fans have become agitated, and the owner hasn't made it a secret that this must be a playoff season for Andy Reid and the Eagles. There's a lot of pressure on this team none of this is helping them. They just lost a game to the Lions in which they were ahead by ten points in the 4th quarter. A change has to be made... at defensive coordinator.
Eagles head coach Andy Reid fired Juan Castillo and put Todd Bowles, the teams secondary coach, in charge of the defense. Castillo spent most of his time in Philly as the offensive line coach until he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2011. Since the move, the Eagles have never quite been the same basically being a .500 team since then with the inability of blocking for Michael Vick.
I'll never quite understand this move of firing Castillo or even promoting him in the first place. It seems like a weird transition from offense to defense like that. Even so, it seemed to be working to a degree. The only reason that the Eagles are 3-3 is the defense for the most part. The offense has looked awful with Michael Vick turning it over routinely. The Eagles have a turnover differential of -9 with the Chiefs being the one worse team in the NFL with -15. The Eagles right now are also the 2nd worst points per game team averaging 17.2 points a game. The only team that is worse are the Jacksonville Jaguars with 13 a game. If anything needed changing, it was the offense in one way or another.
Instead, the team fires Juan Castillo which doesn't make sense. He might not have been the best defensive coordinator in the league but he was at least doing his job.
The Eagles this season have been a .500 team that look like a disappointment. Michael Vick has been sloppy, the offense is under-producing, the fans have become agitated, and the owner hasn't made it a secret that this must be a playoff season for Andy Reid and the Eagles. There's a lot of pressure on this team none of this is helping them. They just lost a game to the Lions in which they were ahead by ten points in the 4th quarter. A change has to be made... at defensive coordinator.
Eagles head coach Andy Reid fired Juan Castillo and put Todd Bowles, the teams secondary coach, in charge of the defense. Castillo spent most of his time in Philly as the offensive line coach until he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2011. Since the move, the Eagles have never quite been the same basically being a .500 team since then with the inability of blocking for Michael Vick.
I'll never quite understand this move of firing Castillo or even promoting him in the first place. It seems like a weird transition from offense to defense like that. Even so, it seemed to be working to a degree. The only reason that the Eagles are 3-3 is the defense for the most part. The offense has looked awful with Michael Vick turning it over routinely. The Eagles have a turnover differential of -9 with the Chiefs being the one worse team in the NFL with -15. The Eagles right now are also the 2nd worst points per game team averaging 17.2 points a game. The only team that is worse are the Jacksonville Jaguars with 13 a game. If anything needed changing, it was the offense in one way or another.
Instead, the team fires Juan Castillo which doesn't make sense. He might not have been the best defensive coordinator in the league but he was at least doing his job.
Ray Lewis Out for the Year
The heart and soul of the Ravens has been ripped out of the team for the year.
Ray Lewis is out for the season with torn triceps sustained in the win over the Dallas Cowboys. Along with him, Lardarius Webb, a CB for the team, is also out for the year with a torn ACL. Lewis has been in the league for 17 seasons, all of them with the Baltimore Ravens. Speculation begins to circulate that it will be the end of Ray's career in the NFL, a career that includes among other honors being a 13 time pro bowler and a Super Bowl MVP.
Is this really the end for Ray Lewis? No. Lewis is not likely to going to let this injury end his career. He's a tough guy that will want to end his career on his own terms with it possibly including one more playoff run.
As for what the Ravens will do now? Worry. That Baltimore defense has already taken enough of a hit with Terrell Suggs being injured but Ray Lewis and Lardarius Webb hurt this depleted squad a lot more. It was already struggling with what they had being in the bottom third in defensive rankings. That's not going to change any time soon as a result of these injuries.
The good news is that the team is 5-1 and can likely still make a playoff run. The bad news is that it might not be a deep run. The team's other defensive players will have to step up even more as a result and Joe Flacco and that offense might need to carry this team altogether.
Ray Lewis is out for the season with torn triceps sustained in the win over the Dallas Cowboys. Along with him, Lardarius Webb, a CB for the team, is also out for the year with a torn ACL. Lewis has been in the league for 17 seasons, all of them with the Baltimore Ravens. Speculation begins to circulate that it will be the end of Ray's career in the NFL, a career that includes among other honors being a 13 time pro bowler and a Super Bowl MVP.
Is this really the end for Ray Lewis? No. Lewis is not likely to going to let this injury end his career. He's a tough guy that will want to end his career on his own terms with it possibly including one more playoff run.
As for what the Ravens will do now? Worry. That Baltimore defense has already taken enough of a hit with Terrell Suggs being injured but Ray Lewis and Lardarius Webb hurt this depleted squad a lot more. It was already struggling with what they had being in the bottom third in defensive rankings. That's not going to change any time soon as a result of these injuries.
The good news is that the team is 5-1 and can likely still make a playoff run. The bad news is that it might not be a deep run. The team's other defensive players will have to step up even more as a result and Joe Flacco and that offense might need to carry this team altogether.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Falcons Still Undefeated, Texans Are Not, Pats Upset by Another NFC West Team and More
Week 6 was a wake up call for a few teams.
One of those teams was the Houston Texans. The Packers came to Houston to take on the Texans and told them and the rest of the league that they can still destroy another team. Aaron Rodgers unloaded on the Texans with 6 TD passes and 338 passing yards. Rodgers and the Packers jumped to an early lead and never let the Texans catch up. Matt Schaub did poorly throwing 2 picks and no TDs. The Texans just didn't play up to par before their fans or the country. Packers win 42-24. Texans are now 5-1 and no longer undefeated.
There is only one undefeated team left in the NFL and even they had a scare in week 6. The Atlanta Falcons hosted the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders should be an easy opponent to get by but they made it a bit difficult. Matt Ryan got picked off three times in this game and threw one TD in this game to Roddy White in the 2nd quarter. Meanwhile, the Raiders had 474 total yards on offense while the Falcons only had 286. The Falcons still were able to win it in the end with the Falcons making a quick drive down the field to score a 55 yard FG by Matt Bryant with one second remaining. Falcons win barely 23-20 and stay undefeated.
The rest of the NFL had some interesting games. The Patriots got upset again by another NFC West Team as the Seahawks win it 24-23 with a late 46 yard TD pass from Russell Wilson to Sidney Rice being the decider. Seahawks are now 4-2 and tied with the 49ers and the Cardinals in NFC West. The Cowboys lose to the Ravens 31-29 as Dan Bailey misses a 52 yarder to win it for Dallas. The Cowboys might've been able to get one more play off before kicking a FG but they all had to hustle to find out. The Lions beat the Eagles in OT 26-23 with Jason Hanson making the 45 yard FG to win it. Michael Vick threw two interceptions as the Eagles are lost. Last game I'll mention involves the Jets beating the Colts 35-9. Shonn Greene ran for 161 yards and 3 TDs on the ground just carrying the Jets to a win and stopping the Tebow talk for now.
Thank goodness this day is over. Week 6 ends tonight with the Broncos taking on the Chargers on Monday Night.
P.S. To read my take on what went wrong for the 49ers in week 6, click here. Check out the 49ers section at Prosportsblogging.com for my scoop on the team before and after the game.
One of those teams was the Houston Texans. The Packers came to Houston to take on the Texans and told them and the rest of the league that they can still destroy another team. Aaron Rodgers unloaded on the Texans with 6 TD passes and 338 passing yards. Rodgers and the Packers jumped to an early lead and never let the Texans catch up. Matt Schaub did poorly throwing 2 picks and no TDs. The Texans just didn't play up to par before their fans or the country. Packers win 42-24. Texans are now 5-1 and no longer undefeated.
There is only one undefeated team left in the NFL and even they had a scare in week 6. The Atlanta Falcons hosted the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders should be an easy opponent to get by but they made it a bit difficult. Matt Ryan got picked off three times in this game and threw one TD in this game to Roddy White in the 2nd quarter. Meanwhile, the Raiders had 474 total yards on offense while the Falcons only had 286. The Falcons still were able to win it in the end with the Falcons making a quick drive down the field to score a 55 yard FG by Matt Bryant with one second remaining. Falcons win barely 23-20 and stay undefeated.
The rest of the NFL had some interesting games. The Patriots got upset again by another NFC West Team as the Seahawks win it 24-23 with a late 46 yard TD pass from Russell Wilson to Sidney Rice being the decider. Seahawks are now 4-2 and tied with the 49ers and the Cardinals in NFC West. The Cowboys lose to the Ravens 31-29 as Dan Bailey misses a 52 yarder to win it for Dallas. The Cowboys might've been able to get one more play off before kicking a FG but they all had to hustle to find out. The Lions beat the Eagles in OT 26-23 with Jason Hanson making the 45 yard FG to win it. Michael Vick threw two interceptions as the Eagles are lost. Last game I'll mention involves the Jets beating the Colts 35-9. Shonn Greene ran for 161 yards and 3 TDs on the ground just carrying the Jets to a win and stopping the Tebow talk for now.
Thank goodness this day is over. Week 6 ends tonight with the Broncos taking on the Chargers on Monday Night.
P.S. To read my take on what went wrong for the 49ers in week 6, click here. Check out the 49ers section at Prosportsblogging.com for my scoop on the team before and after the game.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Yanks Lose Game 1 of ALCS and Jeter Too? Someone Pinch Me
The first game of the ALCS was last night and it featured the Tigers facing the Yankees in the Bronx. The Yankees would lose this one in more than one way.
The Yankees were down by 4 runs in the 9th inning which means nothing if you know the Bronx Bombers. Two home runs later, they tied the game up and forced extra innings. It wasn't until the 12th inning that the Detroit Tiger managed to grab the lead back. Delmon Young managed to hit a big double to right and scored in Miguel Cabrera to go ahead. They would later score in Don Kelly (pinch runner for Young) off an Andy Dirks single. Before the Dirks hit, however, Yankee SS Derek Jeter fractured his left ankle after trying to field a Jhonny Peralta infield single. Jeter will miss the rest of the postseason as a result.
The Yankees would go out 1 2 3 in the bottom of the 12th with Brett Gardner grounding out to 2nd to end the game. Tigers win 6-4 and grab a 1 game edge.
A big blow to the Yankees both physically and morally. Jeter has played in 157 postseason games with 200 career hits in the postseason along with many moments I hated... I mean moments that will last a lifetime. He has been the heart and soul of this team for a long time and the Yankees will now have to press on without him. Now I never count the Yankees out of anything because they have done a great job of ruining my Octobers in the past but I'm not sure that the team can go on without their captain. The team has already climbed over so much to get here. I'm just not sure they can climb this obstacle.
P.S. I don't care what shape the Yankees are in right now, Tigers. KEEP YOUR FOOT ON THE THROTTLE AT ALL TIMES!!!
The Yankees were down by 4 runs in the 9th inning which means nothing if you know the Bronx Bombers. Two home runs later, they tied the game up and forced extra innings. It wasn't until the 12th inning that the Detroit Tiger managed to grab the lead back. Delmon Young managed to hit a big double to right and scored in Miguel Cabrera to go ahead. They would later score in Don Kelly (pinch runner for Young) off an Andy Dirks single. Before the Dirks hit, however, Yankee SS Derek Jeter fractured his left ankle after trying to field a Jhonny Peralta infield single. Jeter will miss the rest of the postseason as a result.
The Yankees would go out 1 2 3 in the bottom of the 12th with Brett Gardner grounding out to 2nd to end the game. Tigers win 6-4 and grab a 1 game edge.
A big blow to the Yankees both physically and morally. Jeter has played in 157 postseason games with 200 career hits in the postseason along with many moments I hated... I mean moments that will last a lifetime. He has been the heart and soul of this team for a long time and the Yankees will now have to press on without him. Now I never count the Yankees out of anything because they have done a great job of ruining my Octobers in the past but I'm not sure that the team can go on without their captain. The team has already climbed over so much to get here. I'm just not sure they can climb this obstacle.
P.S. I don't care what shape the Yankees are in right now, Tigers. KEEP YOUR FOOT ON THE THROTTLE AT ALL TIMES!!!
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Cardinals Comeback Gets Them into NLCS
The last game between the Cardinals and the Nationals was last night and the winner would go onto the face the Giants in the NLCS.
The Nationals would get off to an early start scoring 6 runs over the first three innings of play, which included three home runs. It seemed like too much for the Cardinals with Gio Gonzalez pitching against them. However, they managed to get back in the game scoring 5 runs through 8 innings. Still being down by two in the 9th inning, the Cardinals had to rally.
After a lead off double by Beltran and then a ground out (which moved Beltran to third) and a strikeout, the Cards were down to their last out even strike a couple of times. However, the next two guys managed to walk to load the bases allowing Daniel Descalso to hit a single to center to score two runs to tie the game. After Descalso stole second, Pete Kozma hit a double down the RF line to score in two more runs to take the lead. The Cards were on top. The Nationals went three up and three down in the bottom of the 9th with Ryan Zimmerman popping out to second to end the game. Cardinals comeback and win 9-7 and take the series 3-2.
The Cards manage to comeback from a 6 run deficit and win the game to advance to the NLCS. An amazing game from the defending champs. They now have to travel to San Francisco to take on the Giants in game 1 of the NLCS, The great hitting of the Cardinals got them by the pitching of the Nats but can they stand up against the pitching of the Giants?
P.S. While the Cardinals are a good team and should make for a close series, the Giants might fare better against them than the Nationals. The Giants were 3-3 vs. the Cardinals during the regular season while they were just 1-5 against the Nationals. Whether the Giants take any merit in these numbers for postseason play, I'm sure they will be glad to just start the NLCS at home.
P.P.S. Yankees won? Let's go Tigers.
The Nationals would get off to an early start scoring 6 runs over the first three innings of play, which included three home runs. It seemed like too much for the Cardinals with Gio Gonzalez pitching against them. However, they managed to get back in the game scoring 5 runs through 8 innings. Still being down by two in the 9th inning, the Cardinals had to rally.
After a lead off double by Beltran and then a ground out (which moved Beltran to third) and a strikeout, the Cards were down to their last out even strike a couple of times. However, the next two guys managed to walk to load the bases allowing Daniel Descalso to hit a single to center to score two runs to tie the game. After Descalso stole second, Pete Kozma hit a double down the RF line to score in two more runs to take the lead. The Cards were on top. The Nationals went three up and three down in the bottom of the 9th with Ryan Zimmerman popping out to second to end the game. Cardinals comeback and win 9-7 and take the series 3-2.
The Cards manage to comeback from a 6 run deficit and win the game to advance to the NLCS. An amazing game from the defending champs. They now have to travel to San Francisco to take on the Giants in game 1 of the NLCS, The great hitting of the Cardinals got them by the pitching of the Nats but can they stand up against the pitching of the Giants?
P.S. While the Cardinals are a good team and should make for a close series, the Giants might fare better against them than the Nationals. The Giants were 3-3 vs. the Cardinals during the regular season while they were just 1-5 against the Nationals. Whether the Giants take any merit in these numbers for postseason play, I'm sure they will be glad to just start the NLCS at home.
P.P.S. Yankees won? Let's go Tigers.
Friday, October 12, 2012
SF Happy while East Bay Unhappy
A couple of game 5's were yesterday that regarded both baseball teams from the Bay Area.
First was the San Francisco Giants going against the Reds for one more in Cincinnati. The Giants were down 0-2 leaving San Francisco going East but managed to comeback to force a game 5. Matt Cain picthed his second game in the series and did a bit better there allowing 3 earned through 6 and 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, the Giants scored all of their runs in the 5th inning including a Buster Posey Grand Slam to put them up by 6. The Reds would score a few over the rest of the game but it wasn't enough. Giants win the game 6-4 and the series 3 games to 2.
The second game 5 that involved a Bay Area team was the Oakland Athletics going against the Detroit Tigers in the Coliseum. The A's had fought back from an 0-2 deficit themselves and looked pretty good entering game 5. Unfortunately for them Justin Verlander went on the mound pitching one of the best performances of his career. While the Tigers had no trouble putting up runs, Verlander dominated going the whole 9 innings, allowing 1 hit, 4 BB, no runs, and struck out 11. Tigers win 6-0 and take the series 3 games to 2.
The unbelievable season for the A's ends while the Giants somehow live on to face either the Nationals or the Cardinals. While I am very ecstatic that the Giants go on, I was actually starting to get into watching the A's play baseball. It was fun to see some of the games every now and then and especially in the last couple weeks with them taking the West from the Rangers. Hopefully they will be able to contend in October again next season.
Meanwhile, GO GIANTS!!!
P.S. Don't feel too bad, Oakland. At least you'll get another movie staring Brad Pitt about how other teams will eventually benefit long term off your ideas.
First was the San Francisco Giants going against the Reds for one more in Cincinnati. The Giants were down 0-2 leaving San Francisco going East but managed to comeback to force a game 5. Matt Cain picthed his second game in the series and did a bit better there allowing 3 earned through 6 and 2/3 innings. Meanwhile, the Giants scored all of their runs in the 5th inning including a Buster Posey Grand Slam to put them up by 6. The Reds would score a few over the rest of the game but it wasn't enough. Giants win the game 6-4 and the series 3 games to 2.
The second game 5 that involved a Bay Area team was the Oakland Athletics going against the Detroit Tigers in the Coliseum. The A's had fought back from an 0-2 deficit themselves and looked pretty good entering game 5. Unfortunately for them Justin Verlander went on the mound pitching one of the best performances of his career. While the Tigers had no trouble putting up runs, Verlander dominated going the whole 9 innings, allowing 1 hit, 4 BB, no runs, and struck out 11. Tigers win 6-0 and take the series 3 games to 2.
The unbelievable season for the A's ends while the Giants somehow live on to face either the Nationals or the Cardinals. While I am very ecstatic that the Giants go on, I was actually starting to get into watching the A's play baseball. It was fun to see some of the games every now and then and especially in the last couple weeks with them taking the West from the Rangers. Hopefully they will be able to contend in October again next season.
Meanwhile, GO GIANTS!!!
P.S. Don't feel too bad, Oakland. At least you'll get another movie staring Brad Pitt about how other teams will eventually benefit long term off your ideas.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Is It Tebow Time Yet?
Unless it is Tebow time, this is going to be a short posting.
Texans went to New York, beat the Jets 23-17, Mark Sanchez once again looks awful. Texans, meanwhile, undefeated at 5-0 with Arian Foster doing much of the work today with 29 carries, 152 rushing yards, and a TD. Jets, meanwhile, fall under .500 at 2-3.
The Jets have a lot problems on both sides of the ball that don't have to do with Mark Sanchez. But quite frankly Sanchez is not helping his team. Except for week 1, Sanchez has been awful for the Jets. 5 INTs vs. 3 TD passes with a completion percentage under 50%. They say that Tebow can't throw above 50% but you know what he can do better than Sanchez? He can run. Right now Sanchez is not proving he can be a more effective QB than Tebow at QB and that is a troubling.
The Jets have certainly put a lot of pressure on him but Mark Sanchez has to respond positively to the pressure. Athletes are determined by how they respond to the pressure around them (fair or unfair) and Mark Sanchez is right now failing that test.
Texans went to New York, beat the Jets 23-17, Mark Sanchez once again looks awful. Texans, meanwhile, undefeated at 5-0 with Arian Foster doing much of the work today with 29 carries, 152 rushing yards, and a TD. Jets, meanwhile, fall under .500 at 2-3.
The Jets have a lot problems on both sides of the ball that don't have to do with Mark Sanchez. But quite frankly Sanchez is not helping his team. Except for week 1, Sanchez has been awful for the Jets. 5 INTs vs. 3 TD passes with a completion percentage under 50%. They say that Tebow can't throw above 50% but you know what he can do better than Sanchez? He can run. Right now Sanchez is not proving he can be a more effective QB than Tebow at QB and that is a troubling.
The Jets have certainly put a lot of pressure on him but Mark Sanchez has to respond positively to the pressure. Athletes are determined by how they respond to the pressure around them (fair or unfair) and Mark Sanchez is right now failing that test.
Saints Finally Win a Game, Pats Beats Broncos, Bad Luck for Packers and More
Week 5 is here no thanks to that boring display on Thursday night. Made it easier to change over to Big Bang Theory. (I'M ON THE WEST COAST, OKAY!!!)
The Saints have struggled to find a win this year most likely because of the year long suspension of their head coach, Sean Peyton. The one week, however, he's allowed to come and watch the team play, they win the game. The Chargers came into town to face the Saints on the Sunday Night Football stage. Drew Brees had another monster game with 4 TD passes and 370 passing yards with only one pick. With that first TD pass to Devery Henderson for 40 yards in the 1st quarter, Brees passed Johnny Unitas for consecutive games with a TD pass. Brees has sole possession of the record at 48. Big picture, the Saints are able to hold off the Chargers late in the game and get their first win of the year 31-24.
Another good match up was earlier in the day featuring another chapter of Brady v. Manning with Peyton Manning now on the Denver Broncos. Manning had a huge day with 345 passing yards along with 3 TD passes. Meanwhile, Tom Brady's numbers had lesser numbers with 223 passing yards and 1 TD pass. The Patriots still win the game, though, 31-21. (What?) They have a running game now (Oh). Steven Ridley had 151 yards on the ground with a TD run. 3 Rushing TD's on the day for the Pats and 251 yards on the ground.
The rest of the days games interest me less (excluding the 49ers of course). Andrew Luck and the Colts come back from a 21-3 half time deficit to the Packers and win it 30-27. Luck was 31/55 with 362 passing yards, 2 TD passes, and one INT. Game ball went to Chuck Pagano. Get well soon. The Steelers managed to squeak by the Eagles, 16-14. Shaun Suisham hit the game winning 34 yd FG as time expired. No picks for Vick but he fumbled it to the other team twice. Cam Newton and the Panthers fall to another team, this time being the Seahawks, 16-12. Can we start questioning just how good Cam Newton is already? Last one I'll mention is that the Falcons stay undefeated as they beat the Redskins 24-17. RG3 sustained a concussion in the game after getting hit hard by Sean Weatherspoon. Where's the fine Goodell?
More football over except for tomorrow night's blowout win for the Texans. Thank goodness the Saints finally got a win. The team and the fans needed it.
P.S. For my complete take on the 49ers record day, click here. Check out the 49ers section at Prosportsblogging.com for my scoop on the team before and after the game.
P.P.S. Also check me out on Twitter @TheSportsKhanSF. "Does this uniform make me look fat?"
The Saints have struggled to find a win this year most likely because of the year long suspension of their head coach, Sean Peyton. The one week, however, he's allowed to come and watch the team play, they win the game. The Chargers came into town to face the Saints on the Sunday Night Football stage. Drew Brees had another monster game with 4 TD passes and 370 passing yards with only one pick. With that first TD pass to Devery Henderson for 40 yards in the 1st quarter, Brees passed Johnny Unitas for consecutive games with a TD pass. Brees has sole possession of the record at 48. Big picture, the Saints are able to hold off the Chargers late in the game and get their first win of the year 31-24.
Another good match up was earlier in the day featuring another chapter of Brady v. Manning with Peyton Manning now on the Denver Broncos. Manning had a huge day with 345 passing yards along with 3 TD passes. Meanwhile, Tom Brady's numbers had lesser numbers with 223 passing yards and 1 TD pass. The Patriots still win the game, though, 31-21. (What?) They have a running game now (Oh). Steven Ridley had 151 yards on the ground with a TD run. 3 Rushing TD's on the day for the Pats and 251 yards on the ground.
The rest of the days games interest me less (excluding the 49ers of course). Andrew Luck and the Colts come back from a 21-3 half time deficit to the Packers and win it 30-27. Luck was 31/55 with 362 passing yards, 2 TD passes, and one INT. Game ball went to Chuck Pagano. Get well soon. The Steelers managed to squeak by the Eagles, 16-14. Shaun Suisham hit the game winning 34 yd FG as time expired. No picks for Vick but he fumbled it to the other team twice. Cam Newton and the Panthers fall to another team, this time being the Seahawks, 16-12. Can we start questioning just how good Cam Newton is already? Last one I'll mention is that the Falcons stay undefeated as they beat the Redskins 24-17. RG3 sustained a concussion in the game after getting hit hard by Sean Weatherspoon. Where's the fine Goodell?
More football over except for tomorrow night's blowout win for the Texans. Thank goodness the Saints finally got a win. The team and the fans needed it.
P.S. For my complete take on the 49ers record day, click here. Check out the 49ers section at Prosportsblogging.com for my scoop on the team before and after the game.
P.P.S. Also check me out on Twitter @TheSportsKhanSF. "Does this uniform make me look fat?"
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Indians Hire Tito as Their Manager
It has been a year since Terry Francona was fired from the Red Sox for a disappointing end to the 2011 season. It's a pity that the team made that knee jerk reaction.
Tito did a year of broadcast work for ESPN waiting for the next season to come to an end when teams start to look for managers. That chance did come for Terry and with a team he was with before for a brief period of time in 1988 as a player. Terry Francona is putting the microphone in storage and getting the old Indians hat out. Terry has been hired by the Cleveland Indians as their new manager.
The terms of the agreement are not worked out yet but the official announcement is set to be made Monday. Tito takes over a team that was within reach of first place of their division until August showed up. The Indians went 5-24 in that month. The Indians have actually not been to the postseason since the Red Sox knocked them out in the ALCS in 2007 and went on to win the World Series with Tito as their manager.
We all knew that Terry was going to be picked up by some team and it was just up to Tito to determine the time and place for coming back. The Indians have been struggling to find their way back to the postseason and have just not been able to develop a ball club that can stand up for a few seasons like they had in the late 1990's. The team is still a work in progress considering how bad they collapsed in the 2nd half of the season. I don't expect the team to make huge waves for a couple years or so but with Terry Francona as manager they can perhaps straighten out the dugout and bring stability to the team.
P.S. Good Luck to you Terry.
Tito did a year of broadcast work for ESPN waiting for the next season to come to an end when teams start to look for managers. That chance did come for Terry and with a team he was with before for a brief period of time in 1988 as a player. Terry Francona is putting the microphone in storage and getting the old Indians hat out. Terry has been hired by the Cleveland Indians as their new manager.
The terms of the agreement are not worked out yet but the official announcement is set to be made Monday. Tito takes over a team that was within reach of first place of their division until August showed up. The Indians went 5-24 in that month. The Indians have actually not been to the postseason since the Red Sox knocked them out in the ALCS in 2007 and went on to win the World Series with Tito as their manager.
We all knew that Terry was going to be picked up by some team and it was just up to Tito to determine the time and place for coming back. The Indians have been struggling to find their way back to the postseason and have just not been able to develop a ball club that can stand up for a few seasons like they had in the late 1990's. The team is still a work in progress considering how bad they collapsed in the 2nd half of the season. I don't expect the team to make huge waves for a couple years or so but with Terry Francona as manager they can perhaps straighten out the dugout and bring stability to the team.
P.S. Good Luck to you Terry.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Chipper Jones: Forever a Brave
With a throwing error and an infield single, Third Baseman Chipper Jones' career comes to end in a 6-3 loss to the Cardinals. The Atlanta crowd cheered him one last time for a great career when he went up for what would be his final AB in the bottom of the 9th. He got the Infield Single, went to third on the next hit and that was it over as Uggla grounded out to end the game. His time as a 3B with the Braves and in the Majors, over.
It was a Hall of Fame career indeed for Chipper Jones. He made his debut in September of 1993 and then in what would prove to be his rookie year because of a strike, he won the World Series as part of the Atlanta Braves just two years later in 1995. Despite it being his only World Title, he still had a career to remember. He still played a bit more on the big stage as the Braves were runner ups in the World Series in 1996 and 1999. He was an 8 time All Star and even made the team this year. He was the Silver Slugger in 1999 and 2000 and was even named MVP in that 1999 season. Even in his late 30's, he still impressed batting a .364 in 2008 to win his only batting title. He was a star and well respected across the league.
His career numbers are impressive. Chipper had a career batting of .303 with 2726 hits. He also proved to be a big hitter with 468 Home Runs. He was a scoring machine with 1619 career runs scored and 1623 RBI's. Though injuries may have nicked him from time to time, he still managed to play over a hundred game in each of his full season in the Bigs except for 2010 (95 games played).
What makes his career even greater is the fact he played his entire 18 year career with the Atlanta Braves. Not many great athletes nowadays can say that they have played in just one place in their career. When it happens, there is a special kind of bond that is developed between the fans and the player. He's not known for being "Chipper Jones, The Hall of Fame Third Baseman." That title is a given. He is known and will forever be known as "Chipper Jones, Third Baseman for the Atlanta Braves."
It was a Hall of Fame career indeed for Chipper Jones. He made his debut in September of 1993 and then in what would prove to be his rookie year because of a strike, he won the World Series as part of the Atlanta Braves just two years later in 1995. Despite it being his only World Title, he still had a career to remember. He still played a bit more on the big stage as the Braves were runner ups in the World Series in 1996 and 1999. He was an 8 time All Star and even made the team this year. He was the Silver Slugger in 1999 and 2000 and was even named MVP in that 1999 season. Even in his late 30's, he still impressed batting a .364 in 2008 to win his only batting title. He was a star and well respected across the league.
His career numbers are impressive. Chipper had a career batting of .303 with 2726 hits. He also proved to be a big hitter with 468 Home Runs. He was a scoring machine with 1619 career runs scored and 1623 RBI's. Though injuries may have nicked him from time to time, he still managed to play over a hundred game in each of his full season in the Bigs except for 2010 (95 games played).
What makes his career even greater is the fact he played his entire 18 year career with the Atlanta Braves. Not many great athletes nowadays can say that they have played in just one place in their career. When it happens, there is a special kind of bond that is developed between the fans and the player. He's not known for being "Chipper Jones, The Hall of Fame Third Baseman." That title is a given. He is known and will forever be known as "Chipper Jones, Third Baseman for the Atlanta Braves."
Orioles To Face Yanks After Beating Rangers
The Rangers had the misfortune of getting caught by the A's and then passed by them on the final day of the regular season. Yesterday, they paid the ultimate price for letting that happen.
The Orioles and the Rangers played the AL game of the One Game Wild Card Playoff round and the way both of these teams were headed, you could tell which way this one was going. It was neck and neck for a while as both teams scored a run in the first inning. It wasn't until the 6th when the tie was broken up. Adam Jones hit a sac fly in the 6th inning and then Nate McLouth scored a RBI single in the 7th. The Orioles would then tack on two more in the 9th inning for good measure. The Rangers tried to rally by getting the bases loaded in the 9th but David Murphy flied out to left to end the game and the season for the Rangers. Orioles win 5-1 and move on to face their AL East rivals, the Yankees, in the ALDS.
The Rangers will not be repeating as AL Champs for a third straight year. The expectations were high for Texas as they have been to the World Series two times in a row and failed to win it both times. This early exit from the playoffs due to A's catching up and being unable to rally against Baltimore leaves the Rangers front office and the fan base asking what went wrong. What's worse is that now there is a chance they lose Josh Hamilton to free agency (AKA the Yankees) along with some other key players. The Rangers might take a hit as a team this offseason and could come back worse in 2013.
As for the Orioles, they don't have to think about the offseason right now as their minds are fixed on the postseason, more specifically the Yankees. While it's not the 2nd team I was hoping for coming out of the AL East, it's anyone but the Yankees. GO O'S!!!
The Orioles and the Rangers played the AL game of the One Game Wild Card Playoff round and the way both of these teams were headed, you could tell which way this one was going. It was neck and neck for a while as both teams scored a run in the first inning. It wasn't until the 6th when the tie was broken up. Adam Jones hit a sac fly in the 6th inning and then Nate McLouth scored a RBI single in the 7th. The Orioles would then tack on two more in the 9th inning for good measure. The Rangers tried to rally by getting the bases loaded in the 9th but David Murphy flied out to left to end the game and the season for the Rangers. Orioles win 5-1 and move on to face their AL East rivals, the Yankees, in the ALDS.
The Rangers will not be repeating as AL Champs for a third straight year. The expectations were high for Texas as they have been to the World Series two times in a row and failed to win it both times. This early exit from the playoffs due to A's catching up and being unable to rally against Baltimore leaves the Rangers front office and the fan base asking what went wrong. What's worse is that now there is a chance they lose Josh Hamilton to free agency (AKA the Yankees) along with some other key players. The Rangers might take a hit as a team this offseason and could come back worse in 2013.
As for the Orioles, they don't have to think about the offseason right now as their minds are fixed on the postseason, more specifically the Yankees. While it's not the 2nd team I was hoping for coming out of the AL East, it's anyone but the Yankees. GO O'S!!!
Friday, October 5, 2012
Cardinals Advance to NLDS Under Controversial Infield Fly Call
Earlier today were the first One Game Wildcard Playoffs in MLB history. Winner goes on to the traditional Division Series and the losers goes home. In the case of the game in Atlanta, perhaps the wrong team moved on.
The first game featured the Cardinals taking on the Braves. This game, however, would not be remembered to be the first one in this format but rather for a controversial call. In the bottom of the 8th inning with 1 out and runners on 1st and 2nd, Andrelton Simmons popped the ball between two fielders in the outfield and it dropped due to the fielders getting mixed up on who was to catch it. Simmons, however, was called out with left-field umpire Sam Holbrook calling the infield fly rule despite the fact the play was more than 50 ft away from the infield.
When Braves fans realized what had happened, they started to throw everything they had and then some onto the field to show their displeasure. The game was halted for 19 minutes as a result and Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez managed the rest of the game under protest which was denied afterward. Two batters later, Michael Bourn struck out swinging leaving the bases loaded. The Braves didn't get any runs in the inning being down by three. The bottom of the 9th came and went with Chipper Jones getting an infield single in his last AB of his career and then two batters latter Dan Uggla grounding out to 2nd to end the game. The Cardinals win it 6-3 and go on to face the Nationals in the NLDS.
The replacement refs in football make a glaring mistake and the umps in baseball have to catch up?
Now certainly the rule is confusing and it seems like umpire Halbrook made a few mistakes: he didn't call it early, it didn't seem like ordinary effort, and it certainly didn't look like an infield fly ball of any kind. It was 225 ft from home plate for crying out loud. It was a bad call and the game certainly could've gone differently and Chipper Jones career might not be over.
A bad call haunts baseball and the postseason once more but it's worse this time around. This is a one game playoff where a mistake like this is even more harmful because there are less chances for either side to make up for the mistake. This is a black eye to baseball as it points out it's officiating weaknesses once more and perhaps a flaw in the One Game Playoff format.
The first game featured the Cardinals taking on the Braves. This game, however, would not be remembered to be the first one in this format but rather for a controversial call. In the bottom of the 8th inning with 1 out and runners on 1st and 2nd, Andrelton Simmons popped the ball between two fielders in the outfield and it dropped due to the fielders getting mixed up on who was to catch it. Simmons, however, was called out with left-field umpire Sam Holbrook calling the infield fly rule despite the fact the play was more than 50 ft away from the infield.
When Braves fans realized what had happened, they started to throw everything they had and then some onto the field to show their displeasure. The game was halted for 19 minutes as a result and Braves Manager Fredi Gonzalez managed the rest of the game under protest which was denied afterward. Two batters later, Michael Bourn struck out swinging leaving the bases loaded. The Braves didn't get any runs in the inning being down by three. The bottom of the 9th came and went with Chipper Jones getting an infield single in his last AB of his career and then two batters latter Dan Uggla grounding out to 2nd to end the game. The Cardinals win it 6-3 and go on to face the Nationals in the NLDS.
The replacement refs in football make a glaring mistake and the umps in baseball have to catch up?
Now certainly the rule is confusing and it seems like umpire Halbrook made a few mistakes: he didn't call it early, it didn't seem like ordinary effort, and it certainly didn't look like an infield fly ball of any kind. It was 225 ft from home plate for crying out loud. It was a bad call and the game certainly could've gone differently and Chipper Jones career might not be over.
A bad call haunts baseball and the postseason once more but it's worse this time around. This is a one game playoff where a mistake like this is even more harmful because there are less chances for either side to make up for the mistake. This is a black eye to baseball as it points out it's officiating weaknesses once more and perhaps a flaw in the One Game Playoff format.
Red Sox Give Pink Slip to Bobby V
When Bobby Valentine was hired to be the manager of the Red Sox, the thought was that it might work but could go horribly wrong. Guess which one happened.
After possibly the worst season the Red Sox have had in almost half a century with a record of 69-93, Bobby Valentine was fired from his position as manager of the team. The personality of Bobby V mixed with the struggling Boston team and the pressure of succeeding Terry Francona practically guaranteed that Bobby wasn't going to come back. Bobby had incident after incident from the Youkilis statement to his alienation of the coaching staff that rubbed everyone in Boston the wrong way. Seeing how everything turned out, this will probably be the last year we will see Bobby Valentine as a manager in the Majors.
Can we bring Tito back now?
The Red Sox now must find a new manager out there that can bring some semblance of order to the team. On top of that, they must move into rebuilding mode which means looking at the farm system and free agents. The big trade the team made in August frees up a bunch of finance space for the team but it's likely going to take a few seasons before the Red Sox start playing up to postseason standards once more.
After possibly the worst season the Red Sox have had in almost half a century with a record of 69-93, Bobby Valentine was fired from his position as manager of the team. The personality of Bobby V mixed with the struggling Boston team and the pressure of succeeding Terry Francona practically guaranteed that Bobby wasn't going to come back. Bobby had incident after incident from the Youkilis statement to his alienation of the coaching staff that rubbed everyone in Boston the wrong way. Seeing how everything turned out, this will probably be the last year we will see Bobby Valentine as a manager in the Majors.
Can we bring Tito back now?
The Red Sox now must find a new manager out there that can bring some semblance of order to the team. On top of that, they must move into rebuilding mode which means looking at the farm system and free agents. The big trade the team made in August frees up a bunch of finance space for the team but it's likely going to take a few seasons before the Red Sox start playing up to postseason standards once more.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
I Triple Crown Thee King Miguel Cabrera
DAMN IT!!! I bet the horse racing Triple Crown would come back around first.
Occasionally there will be talk about one of the most prestigious of titles in sports. No, it's not the personal glasses wiper for Jerry Jones (but don't tell his son-in-law that). It's the Triple Crown of Baseball. There hasn't been a Triple Crown winner in a long time and everyone started to think that we would never see one again.
Then Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers got on a roll and started to tear things up. In the pursuit of a postseason appearance, Cabrera started to carry the Tigers on his back. The Tigers managed to do well enough to get by the White Sox and take the AL Central. In the midst of the postseason pursuit, Cabrera started to pull ahead in the Triple Crown stats. He even passed Josh Hamilton in Homers just a couple of days ago.
The final day of the regular season came and went with Miguel Cabrera playing in the game vs. the Royals. He would only have two AB's before coming out in the 3rd inning and went 0-2. Mike Trout needed to have a perfect day to pass Cabrera and couldn't get it done. He went 2-3 which left .004 behind Miguel in batting average. The home runs were the only thing left and Curtis Granderson of the Yankees hit two homers falling one short of Cabrera before he was pulled from the game in favor of a pinch hitter. That was all she wrote.
Miguel Cabrera batting a .330 Avg. with 44 Home Runs and 139 RBI's wins the American League Triple Crown. He becomes the first player since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967 to do it.
One of the grandest feats in the spots world has finally come around again. Miguel Cab... sorry. KING Miguel Cabrera becomes the 15th player to win the Triple Crown and the first Latin American player to win it. Cabrera joins names like Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, and Ted Williams along for the ride to immortality. This achievement should be revered not just for the batting stats and what's implicated but the rarity of the accomplishment when comparing it to achievements like No-Hitters and even Perfect Games.
The season ends with King Miguel on top of the baseball world and looking to continue his good performance into the playoffs. Whatever happens, he's already done something to be remembered for.
Occasionally there will be talk about one of the most prestigious of titles in sports. No, it's not the personal glasses wiper for Jerry Jones (but don't tell his son-in-law that). It's the Triple Crown of Baseball. There hasn't been a Triple Crown winner in a long time and everyone started to think that we would never see one again.
Then Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers got on a roll and started to tear things up. In the pursuit of a postseason appearance, Cabrera started to carry the Tigers on his back. The Tigers managed to do well enough to get by the White Sox and take the AL Central. In the midst of the postseason pursuit, Cabrera started to pull ahead in the Triple Crown stats. He even passed Josh Hamilton in Homers just a couple of days ago.
The final day of the regular season came and went with Miguel Cabrera playing in the game vs. the Royals. He would only have two AB's before coming out in the 3rd inning and went 0-2. Mike Trout needed to have a perfect day to pass Cabrera and couldn't get it done. He went 2-3 which left .004 behind Miguel in batting average. The home runs were the only thing left and Curtis Granderson of the Yankees hit two homers falling one short of Cabrera before he was pulled from the game in favor of a pinch hitter. That was all she wrote.
Miguel Cabrera batting a .330 Avg. with 44 Home Runs and 139 RBI's wins the American League Triple Crown. He becomes the first player since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967 to do it.
One of the grandest feats in the spots world has finally come around again. Miguel Cab... sorry. KING Miguel Cabrera becomes the 15th player to win the Triple Crown and the first Latin American player to win it. Cabrera joins names like Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, and Ted Williams along for the ride to immortality. This achievement should be revered not just for the batting stats and what's implicated but the rarity of the accomplishment when comparing it to achievements like No-Hitters and even Perfect Games.
The season ends with King Miguel on top of the baseball world and looking to continue his good performance into the playoffs. Whatever happens, he's already done something to be remembered for.
A'S WON THE AL WEST?!?! HOW?!?!?!
To say that the A's were going to win the AL West at the beginning of the year after they made a bunch of wacky transactions would've been a maddening statement by anyone. I'm crazy, why didn't I say it?
It was the last day of the regular season in baseball and the Texas Rangers were fighting for their division they had thought they locked away months ago. The Oakland Athletics caught up to them last night despite being 5 games out with 9 days to go. Today was the game to decide the AL West for good and the Oakland fans came out rowdy as ever. It was a rough start for the A's as they fell behind 5-1 through 3 innings. A big 4th inning that included an A's rally and a dropped ball by Josh Hamilton gave the A's the lead 7-5. Oakland would take on a few runs and hold the Rangers at bay for the rest of the game and win 12-5. The Oakland A's have done the improbable and taken the AL West on the last day of the regular season.
The Rangers sat on top of the division for 178 days. They needed 179. The A's shock the baseball world as they were 13 games behind Texas on June 30th. To make this kind of turnaround was shocking and exciting. They needed to sweep the Rangers in Oakland to take the West and they did just that. They now join their neighboring San Francisco Giants as a division champion.
The A's will face the Tigers in the ALDS, which was the team that eliminated them in the ALCS in 2006. That was also the year of the last postseason appearance. Meanwhile, the Rangers will have to face the Baltimore Orioles in a one game playoff on Friday.
Congrats to the A's on their division title. Some how the "Mad" Billy Beane has orchestrated another surprise.
P.S. I wouldn't want to face Oakland right now.
It was the last day of the regular season in baseball and the Texas Rangers were fighting for their division they had thought they locked away months ago. The Oakland Athletics caught up to them last night despite being 5 games out with 9 days to go. Today was the game to decide the AL West for good and the Oakland fans came out rowdy as ever. It was a rough start for the A's as they fell behind 5-1 through 3 innings. A big 4th inning that included an A's rally and a dropped ball by Josh Hamilton gave the A's the lead 7-5. Oakland would take on a few runs and hold the Rangers at bay for the rest of the game and win 12-5. The Oakland A's have done the improbable and taken the AL West on the last day of the regular season.
The Rangers sat on top of the division for 178 days. They needed 179. The A's shock the baseball world as they were 13 games behind Texas on June 30th. To make this kind of turnaround was shocking and exciting. They needed to sweep the Rangers in Oakland to take the West and they did just that. They now join their neighboring San Francisco Giants as a division champion.
The A's will face the Tigers in the ALDS, which was the team that eliminated them in the ALCS in 2006. That was also the year of the last postseason appearance. Meanwhile, the Rangers will have to face the Baltimore Orioles in a one game playoff on Friday.
Congrats to the A's on their division title. Some how the "Mad" Billy Beane has orchestrated another surprise.
P.S. I wouldn't want to face Oakland right now.
Dodgers Miss Playoffs, Owners Look to Waste more Money
Earlier tonight, the LA Dodgers got booted from the playoff hunt by their rivals, the San Francisco Giants, losing 4-3. They were trying to chase down the Cardinals to force a tiebreaker but were unable to do so. Despite trading for Shane Victorino, Hanley Ramirez, and over $250 million worth in players from the Red Sox, they are left on the outside looking in.
After this disappointing season, the parent company of the Dodgers, Guggenheim
Partners, is now exploring the possibility of buying AEG which is a sports and entertainment company. AEG owns the LA Kings, Part of the Lakers, the LA Galaxy, the Staples Center, and the Home Depot Center. They are also the main guys in charge of the Farmer Field project hoping to lure an NFL team to LA for their ultimate destruction... I mean financial success. Early estimates indicate that AEG could sell for more than $7 billion.
Sure, $2 billion on the Dodgers, over a quarter billion for new players, and now 3 times all of that for more teams in LA. Sounds like more money well wasted. I'm sure this is a fine investment for this large financial group but it seems like a lot to take on in a short period of time. Maybe you should get the Dodgers in the playoffs first before expanding.
After this disappointing season, the parent company of the Dodgers, Guggenheim
Partners, is now exploring the possibility of buying AEG which is a sports and entertainment company. AEG owns the LA Kings, Part of the Lakers, the LA Galaxy, the Staples Center, and the Home Depot Center. They are also the main guys in charge of the Farmer Field project hoping to lure an NFL team to LA for their ultimate destruction... I mean financial success. Early estimates indicate that AEG could sell for more than $7 billion.
Sure, $2 billion on the Dodgers, over a quarter billion for new players, and now 3 times all of that for more teams in LA. Sounds like more money well wasted. I'm sure this is a fine investment for this large financial group but it seems like a lot to take on in a short period of time. Maybe you should get the Dodgers in the playoffs first before expanding.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Things to Watch on Last Day of Baseball Season
Tomorrow is the last day of the regular season and there are quite a few things to watch.
The most exciting single game of the day is actually happening in Oakland. The A's are hosting the Rangers for the last game of the season and the winner gets the AL West. It seemed like a forgone conclusion that the Rangers would take the division months ago but the A's have somehow fought their way back into the discussion and have pushed the Rangers to the limit. Good luck to the A's but with the momentum they have they might not need it.
Another thing to watch is the AL East match up. The Yankees and the Orioles have been in a tight race for the division crown as of late and the Yanks have a 1 game lead entering the final day. They look for the sweep over the Red Sox tomorrow along with clinching the division. The Orioles will need them to lose while they win to force a tiebreaker. I do not like the O's chances.
Last thing to see is the chase for the Triple Crown by Miguel Cabrera. He right now leads the AL in Batting Average, Home Runs, and RBIs. No one is sure right now whether or not he will even play tomorrow vs. the Royals. They already have the division and don't need to risk injury but should play him for a few ABs just out of respect for the game.
Should be a great last day of baseball.
P.S. Adam Greenberg finally got his one AB in the majors Pinch Hitting for the Marlins. He struck out vs. RA Dickey but he got his chance.
P.P.S.OH DODGERS, NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, GOODBYE!!!!
The most exciting single game of the day is actually happening in Oakland. The A's are hosting the Rangers for the last game of the season and the winner gets the AL West. It seemed like a forgone conclusion that the Rangers would take the division months ago but the A's have somehow fought their way back into the discussion and have pushed the Rangers to the limit. Good luck to the A's but with the momentum they have they might not need it.
Another thing to watch is the AL East match up. The Yankees and the Orioles have been in a tight race for the division crown as of late and the Yanks have a 1 game lead entering the final day. They look for the sweep over the Red Sox tomorrow along with clinching the division. The Orioles will need them to lose while they win to force a tiebreaker. I do not like the O's chances.
Last thing to see is the chase for the Triple Crown by Miguel Cabrera. He right now leads the AL in Batting Average, Home Runs, and RBIs. No one is sure right now whether or not he will even play tomorrow vs. the Royals. They already have the division and don't need to risk injury but should play him for a few ABs just out of respect for the game.
Should be a great last day of baseball.
P.S. Adam Greenberg finally got his one AB in the majors Pinch Hitting for the Marlins. He struck out vs. RA Dickey but he got his chance.
P.P.S.OH DODGERS, NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, GOODBYE!!!!
Romo Throws 5 Picks in Last Night's Loss
Tony Romo played a great week 1 in the Cowboys win over the Giants. It has gotten worse from there on.
The Cowboys went into last night's game a chance to go up 3-1 tied for the NFC East lead. The Chicago Bears were pretty much in the same boat just a different division. The debate has always been waging between the two respective QB's of Tony Romo and Jay Cutler and whether either one of them has what it takes to get to a Super Bowl. Last night didn't help Tony Romo's chances. Romo threw a total of five INTs on the night in which two of them were returned for TDs. His mistakes and the lack of a rushing attack led to the loss. Kyle Orton even got some playing time it as it became that bad. Cowboys lose at home, 34-18.
Maybe we should start calling him"Two-Face" Romo. That or the whole team. It's not all Tony Romo's fault for how bad the Cowboys can be but the mistakes that he can sometimes make someone wonder if he is all worth it. The whole team needs to play better, there is no doubt there. But Romo himself needs to more consistent with the ball so he can give his team a chance to comeback instead of making it worse.
P.S. Now on Twitter for some reason. Follow me on Twitter @TheSportsKhanSF.
The Cowboys went into last night's game a chance to go up 3-1 tied for the NFC East lead. The Chicago Bears were pretty much in the same boat just a different division. The debate has always been waging between the two respective QB's of Tony Romo and Jay Cutler and whether either one of them has what it takes to get to a Super Bowl. Last night didn't help Tony Romo's chances. Romo threw a total of five INTs on the night in which two of them were returned for TDs. His mistakes and the lack of a rushing attack led to the loss. Kyle Orton even got some playing time it as it became that bad. Cowboys lose at home, 34-18.
Maybe we should start calling him"Two-Face" Romo. That or the whole team. It's not all Tony Romo's fault for how bad the Cowboys can be but the mistakes that he can sometimes make someone wonder if he is all worth it. The whole team needs to play better, there is no doubt there. But Romo himself needs to more consistent with the ball so he can give his team a chance to comeback instead of making it worse.
P.S. Now on Twitter for some reason. Follow me on Twitter @TheSportsKhanSF.
Monday, October 1, 2012
Eagles Survive the G-Men, Saints Now 0-4, Falcons Get By Panthers and More
Week 4 of the NFL continued yesterday with us all thanking our refs and then yelling at them the next minute. After the awkward encounter, we pressed on.
The Sunday Night Football game featured the Giants going into Philly to take on the Eagles. Both teams were 2-1 entering the contest and looking to gain an edge in the NFC East (and hope that the Cowboys lose the next day). It was a slow start that picked up by the end of the first half with a TD pass from Michael Vick to DeSean Jackson to grab the lead for Philly. The Giants would answer back in the third quarter and it was neck and neck until the final drive of the game which had the Giants inexplicably getting first downs via Pass Interference calls. Finally an unfortunate offensive PI call causes Lawrence Tynes to miss the game winner (twice thanks to icing the kicker) for the Giants. Eagles win a close one at the end 19-17 and are somehow 3-1 on the season despite the turnovers and inability to score more points than 90% of the league (including the 49ers).
Earlier in the day, Lambeau had an interesting couple of teams with the Saints looking to get their first win while the Packers were looking to recover from the sacks and the bad call on the Monday Night game. Both Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers played the role of gunslinger in this QB duel. They threw for a combined total of 765 yards and 7 TDs. In the end, it was Aaron Rodgers and the Packers getting the last shot in with an 11 yard TD pass to Jordy Nelson to be the game winner in the 4th quarter. Packers win a close one 28-27. Saints are still winless and have a bigger grudge against the league than the Packers do.
As for the rest of the league, the Falcons survive a visiting Panthers and their QB Cam Newton 30-28 by Matt Bryant making a 40 yard FG leaving 5 seconds left. Cam Newton actually ran for a first down to seal the deal for the Panthers but forgot the ball fumbling it to lead to a 4th down punt. The Patriots adjust for the Bills at halftime and end up destroying them in the 2nd half. They scored 45 second half points to win the game 52-28. The Vikings rattle another team beating the Lions 20-13. The aid of 2 special teams TDs help them win that game and they are surprisingly 3-1. Last one I'll mention is the Redskins beating the Bucs with a FG at the end 24-22. A fine effort by the Bucs to make the comeback in the 2nd half only to come up short.
Another Sunday well wasted in front of the tube. Just wish I could find those chips I lost. I swear they were all in the bag this morning.
The Sunday Night Football game featured the Giants going into Philly to take on the Eagles. Both teams were 2-1 entering the contest and looking to gain an edge in the NFC East (and hope that the Cowboys lose the next day). It was a slow start that picked up by the end of the first half with a TD pass from Michael Vick to DeSean Jackson to grab the lead for Philly. The Giants would answer back in the third quarter and it was neck and neck until the final drive of the game which had the Giants inexplicably getting first downs via Pass Interference calls. Finally an unfortunate offensive PI call causes Lawrence Tynes to miss the game winner (twice thanks to icing the kicker) for the Giants. Eagles win a close one at the end 19-17 and are somehow 3-1 on the season despite the turnovers and inability to score more points than 90% of the league (including the 49ers).
Earlier in the day, Lambeau had an interesting couple of teams with the Saints looking to get their first win while the Packers were looking to recover from the sacks and the bad call on the Monday Night game. Both Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers played the role of gunslinger in this QB duel. They threw for a combined total of 765 yards and 7 TDs. In the end, it was Aaron Rodgers and the Packers getting the last shot in with an 11 yard TD pass to Jordy Nelson to be the game winner in the 4th quarter. Packers win a close one 28-27. Saints are still winless and have a bigger grudge against the league than the Packers do.
As for the rest of the league, the Falcons survive a visiting Panthers and their QB Cam Newton 30-28 by Matt Bryant making a 40 yard FG leaving 5 seconds left. Cam Newton actually ran for a first down to seal the deal for the Panthers but forgot the ball fumbling it to lead to a 4th down punt. The Patriots adjust for the Bills at halftime and end up destroying them in the 2nd half. They scored 45 second half points to win the game 52-28. The Vikings rattle another team beating the Lions 20-13. The aid of 2 special teams TDs help them win that game and they are surprisingly 3-1. Last one I'll mention is the Redskins beating the Bucs with a FG at the end 24-22. A fine effort by the Bucs to make the comeback in the 2nd half only to come up short.
Another Sunday well wasted in front of the tube. Just wish I could find those chips I lost. I swear they were all in the bag this morning.
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