Baseball finally nails Ryan Braun.
Major League Baseball has suspended Brewer Ryan Braun without pay for the remainder of the 2013 season (65 games) and any possible postseason games this year. Braun will not contend with the suspension and accept his punishment.
Braun is one of several players being investigated for their connections to the Biogenesis of America. Braun also had beaten a positive drug test on appeal in 2012 which would've cost him a 50 game suspension.
The Truth is Now on baseball's side.
While doling out suspensions for any player that violates baseball's drug policy is significant news, getting Braun suspended, finally, was huge for baseball. Braun humiliated them last year with that beaten drug test and getting him suspended now removes that blemish left by Braun.
Of course Braun could've tried to fight this suspension but due to the fact that he didn't and took this deal says that the evidence collected against him was just too much to fight successfully. Braun probably saw that he was going to lose this case and instead of fighting it and have the suspension applied predominantly next season, he decided to accept his fate this year seeing how the Brewers aren't likely going to make the postseason anyway currently being last in the NL Central. This way he'll be available for all of 2014.
Now what about the rest of the players being investigated for their involvement with Biogenesis. This suspension tells me that more are on the way and that they could happen this year. It's important to note, however, that Braun is not fighting this suspension. Other players might fight just to stay on their team that could be contending for the a playoff spot.
I'm still not completely sold that teams need to trade for players to possibly replace those being investigated in this scandal. If the players involved exhaust the appeals process, it still might go into the off season to sort out. However, I would not be surprised now if teams start making those kind of moves.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
Cespedes Out Slams Harper to Win Home Run Derby
He wasn't even supposed to be there. Instead, he's the Home Run Derby Champion.
Yoenis Cespedes wins the 2013 Home Run Derby at Citi Field in New York City. Cespedes batted against Bryce Harper for the derby crown in the final. Harper hit a respectable eight home runs in ten outs. Cespedes crushed nine in five outs with the clincher being a deep shot to center.
The derby win for Cespedes marks the first time an Athletic has won the Home Run Derby since 1992 when Mark McGwire won it.
Yoenis was crushing balls from the start with many of them getting up to that third deck in left field. Cespedes would hit 17 homers in the first round and didn't even need to hit another big fly to advance to the final still being ahead of 2nd place Bryce Harper by one. The 27 year old Cuban born slugger would tack on 6 more, however, for good measure and have a total of 23 over the first two rounds.
Certainly a good night of home run hitting. It was fun to see so many big flies hit by all the contestants and great to see the guy with the most homers on the night win the derby. Congrats to Cespedes.
P.S. Now time for me to see if I can get a triple decker myself.
Yoenis Cespedes wins the 2013 Home Run Derby at Citi Field in New York City. Cespedes batted against Bryce Harper for the derby crown in the final. Harper hit a respectable eight home runs in ten outs. Cespedes crushed nine in five outs with the clincher being a deep shot to center.
The derby win for Cespedes marks the first time an Athletic has won the Home Run Derby since 1992 when Mark McGwire won it.
Yoenis was crushing balls from the start with many of them getting up to that third deck in left field. Cespedes would hit 17 homers in the first round and didn't even need to hit another big fly to advance to the final still being ahead of 2nd place Bryce Harper by one. The 27 year old Cuban born slugger would tack on 6 more, however, for good measure and have a total of 23 over the first two rounds.
Certainly a good night of home run hitting. It was fun to see so many big flies hit by all the contestants and great to see the guy with the most homers on the night win the derby. Congrats to Cespedes.
P.S. Now time for me to see if I can get a triple decker myself.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Dwight Howard Going to Houston
Looks like Texas just got a little bigger.
As first reported by USA Today, Dwight Howard has chosen to join the Houston Rockets. Howard had met with the Rockets earlier this week and also several other teams vying for the affection of Dwight. Howard now joins James Harden and Jeremy Lin in hopes of bringing a championship back to Houston.
This might not be the only star player the Rockets get. Houston and Atlanta might make a sign-and-trade deal involving sending Josh Smith to the Rockets in exchange for Omer Asik who doesn't want to play with Dwight Howard.
A huge day for the Rockets as their bar has been raised to championship highs and instantly with this news. It's probably fair to expect a championship now that Howard is on the team but unless they can get Josh Smith as well, I'm not sure whether they are the best team in the West. OKC is still strong with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, San Antonio has proven to never count them out, and even Golden State can surprise you.
As for the Lakers, they are apparently still in denial. It's a first that an all time great player has walked away from the Lakers. Though to be fair, the Lakers sort of drove Howard away. While Dwight and Kobe might've never gotten along anyway, the Lakers hurt their chances of keeping Howard long term when they hired Mike D'Antoni as head coach. Combine that with how everything else went in LA during Howard's one year there and how do you expect him stay?
The Rockets now look like title contenders while the Lakers just look like another borderline playoff team at best. Oh what a difference a year makes.
As first reported by USA Today, Dwight Howard has chosen to join the Houston Rockets. Howard had met with the Rockets earlier this week and also several other teams vying for the affection of Dwight. Howard now joins James Harden and Jeremy Lin in hopes of bringing a championship back to Houston.
This might not be the only star player the Rockets get. Houston and Atlanta might make a sign-and-trade deal involving sending Josh Smith to the Rockets in exchange for Omer Asik who doesn't want to play with Dwight Howard.
A huge day for the Rockets as their bar has been raised to championship highs and instantly with this news. It's probably fair to expect a championship now that Howard is on the team but unless they can get Josh Smith as well, I'm not sure whether they are the best team in the West. OKC is still strong with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, San Antonio has proven to never count them out, and even Golden State can surprise you.
As for the Lakers, they are apparently still in denial. It's a first that an all time great player has walked away from the Lakers. Though to be fair, the Lakers sort of drove Howard away. While Dwight and Kobe might've never gotten along anyway, the Lakers hurt their chances of keeping Howard long term when they hired Mike D'Antoni as head coach. Combine that with how everything else went in LA during Howard's one year there and how do you expect him stay?
The Rockets now look like title contenders while the Lakers just look like another borderline playoff team at best. Oh what a difference a year makes.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Celtics Name Brad Stevens as Head Coach
Big move coming out of Boston.
The Celtics have found their next head coach and it's Brad Stevens from Butler. Stevens has been head coach of the Bulldogs men's basketball team for the last six years and is most noted for getting Butler to the National Title game twice. Stevens has no coaching experience in the NBA as he takes over for Doc Rivers who lead the team to an NBA title.
It's ironic but not surprising that the Celtics get another coach to leave their team to coach for them. It is surprising it turned out to be Brad Stevens of Butler. Good for Stevens getting his shot in the NBA but I wonder if this move will work out long term. Stevens won't be expected to make an impact immediately but regardless where the team stands in a few years, he will be expected to lead the Celtics deep into the postseason.
Overall, this is a win-win for Stevens. He gets his shot as an NBA head coach and if he fails, he's free to choose any university team that wants him, guilt free.
The Celtics have found their next head coach and it's Brad Stevens from Butler. Stevens has been head coach of the Bulldogs men's basketball team for the last six years and is most noted for getting Butler to the National Title game twice. Stevens has no coaching experience in the NBA as he takes over for Doc Rivers who lead the team to an NBA title.
It's ironic but not surprising that the Celtics get another coach to leave their team to coach for them. It is surprising it turned out to be Brad Stevens of Butler. Good for Stevens getting his shot in the NBA but I wonder if this move will work out long term. Stevens won't be expected to make an impact immediately but regardless where the team stands in a few years, he will be expected to lead the Celtics deep into the postseason.
Overall, this is a win-win for Stevens. He gets his shot as an NBA head coach and if he fails, he's free to choose any university team that wants him, guilt free.
Friday, June 28, 2013
KG, Paul Pierce, and Terry to Brooklyn
Looks like the retirement community in Boston is moving to Brooklyn.
In a blockbuster deal, the Celtics have agreed to trade away Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry to the Brooklyn Nets. The deal required KG to waive his no trade clause which he did. In return, Boston gets Kris Humphries who has an expiring contract, Gerald Wallace, Kris Joseph, MarShon Brooks, and Keith Bogans on a sign and trade and that's just the players they get. The Celtics also get the Nets' first round draft picks for 2014, 2016, and 2018.
The deal though agreed upon cannot be executed until July 10th.
Man, I thought the slightly sub-par draft class was going to be the big news coming from last night.
Brooklyn is going all in seemingly cashing in every chip they can to try and make a championship run over the next couple of years. Despite their ages, Kevin Garnett (37) and Paul Pierce (35) can still be very effective. Terry, I guess, can be as well but he's not on the same level as Pierce or KG are.
The Nets now get these three veterans joining Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, and Brook Lopez. It seems like a great team but I wouldn't make them the favorite for making the Finals. They might be a contender but these three coming to Brooklyn are old and the Nets have a new coach that just retired from playing the game.
However, seeing this move happened combined with the fact that the Pacers pushed Miami to the brink in the Eastern Conference Finals and that Chicago will be getting Derrick Rose back after his bout with pussyitis, I can no longer say for sure that the Heat will make the NBA Finals next year. I am still leaning towards Miami but I can't guarantee it.
P.S. Unless they pull off a big off season move themselves, I can guarantee the other New York team won't make the Finals.
In a blockbuster deal, the Celtics have agreed to trade away Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry to the Brooklyn Nets. The deal required KG to waive his no trade clause which he did. In return, Boston gets Kris Humphries who has an expiring contract, Gerald Wallace, Kris Joseph, MarShon Brooks, and Keith Bogans on a sign and trade and that's just the players they get. The Celtics also get the Nets' first round draft picks for 2014, 2016, and 2018.
The deal though agreed upon cannot be executed until July 10th.
Man, I thought the slightly sub-par draft class was going to be the big news coming from last night.
Brooklyn is going all in seemingly cashing in every chip they can to try and make a championship run over the next couple of years. Despite their ages, Kevin Garnett (37) and Paul Pierce (35) can still be very effective. Terry, I guess, can be as well but he's not on the same level as Pierce or KG are.
The Nets now get these three veterans joining Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, and Brook Lopez. It seems like a great team but I wouldn't make them the favorite for making the Finals. They might be a contender but these three coming to Brooklyn are old and the Nets have a new coach that just retired from playing the game.
However, seeing this move happened combined with the fact that the Pacers pushed Miami to the brink in the Eastern Conference Finals and that Chicago will be getting Derrick Rose back after his bout with pussyitis, I can no longer say for sure that the Heat will make the NBA Finals next year. I am still leaning towards Miami but I can't guarantee it.
P.S. Unless they pull off a big off season move themselves, I can guarantee the other New York team won't make the Finals.
Monday, June 24, 2013
BLACKHAWKS COMEBACK TO WIN GAME SIX; CLAIM 2ND STANLEY CUP IN FOUR YEARS!!!
A lot can change in 17 seconds. We were looking at going onto to game 7 of the series to crowning a champion in that span of time.
Being down by one with less than a minute and half to go in game 6, the Blackhawks scored two goals to take the lead. Bryan Bickell would get a pass from captain Jonathan Toews and scored the tying goal with a shot from in front of the net. Then just 17 seconds later, Dave Bolland managed to score the go ahead goal with 59 seconds left.
The Blackhawks managed to kill off the remaining time and won by a final of 3-2. Chicago wins the series 4-2 and win their 2nd Stanley Cup title in four years.
A fantastic Stanley Cup Finals and a great come from behind victory for the Blackhawks in game 6. Sure, it wasn't do or die for Chicago but they know that anything can happen in game 7 and to not waste the opportunities to comeback in this one.
Patrick Kane wins the Conn Smythe Trophy being the MVP of this year's postseason. Kane scored 9 goals and had a total of 19 points in the playoffs. In the Stanley Cup Finals, Kane had 5 points with 3 of them being goals.
Still got to hand it to the Bruins for a great series and postseason run. Many thought they were destined for greatness this year seeing their comeback in game 7 of round one of the postseason against the Maple Leafs. It's ironic, really, that they fall in a comeback effort in the Stanley Cup Finals in the very same building.
It's the Blackhawks that win the President's Trophy in a shortened lockout season and then go on to win Lord Stanley's Cup. Congrats to them and the city of Chicago. Time to sing another verse of "Chelsea Dagger" by The Fratellis.
Being down by one with less than a minute and half to go in game 6, the Blackhawks scored two goals to take the lead. Bryan Bickell would get a pass from captain Jonathan Toews and scored the tying goal with a shot from in front of the net. Then just 17 seconds later, Dave Bolland managed to score the go ahead goal with 59 seconds left.
The Blackhawks managed to kill off the remaining time and won by a final of 3-2. Chicago wins the series 4-2 and win their 2nd Stanley Cup title in four years.
A fantastic Stanley Cup Finals and a great come from behind victory for the Blackhawks in game 6. Sure, it wasn't do or die for Chicago but they know that anything can happen in game 7 and to not waste the opportunities to comeback in this one.
Patrick Kane wins the Conn Smythe Trophy being the MVP of this year's postseason. Kane scored 9 goals and had a total of 19 points in the playoffs. In the Stanley Cup Finals, Kane had 5 points with 3 of them being goals.
Still got to hand it to the Bruins for a great series and postseason run. Many thought they were destined for greatness this year seeing their comeback in game 7 of round one of the postseason against the Maple Leafs. It's ironic, really, that they fall in a comeback effort in the Stanley Cup Finals in the very same building.
It's the Blackhawks that win the President's Trophy in a shortened lockout season and then go on to win Lord Stanley's Cup. Congrats to them and the city of Chicago. Time to sing another verse of "Chelsea Dagger" by The Fratellis.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Heat Win Second Straight Title; LeBron Finals MVP
I guess nobody was leaving the AmericanAirlines Arena early tonight.
The Heat won game 7 of the NBA Finals by a final of 95-88. It was a close game throughout and it wasn't until the final minutes did Miami manage to separate themselves from San Antonio. A huge jumper made by James with 27 seconds left and costly turnovers by the Spurs sealed the win for the Heat as they claim their second title in a row.
LeBron James, NBA Finals MVP, had 37 points in the title clinching game along with 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Dwayne Wade had 23 points in the game, Shane Battier came alive with 18 himself, and Mario Chalmers had 14. Chris Bosh actually didn't score a point in game 5 but did have 7 boards, 2 assists, and 1 block.
It seemed like it was just Tim Duncan trying to keep the Spurs alive late in the 4th quarter. Duncan would have 24 points in the game along with 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block. Tony Parker only had 10 points going 3-12 from the floor. Manu Ginoboli did have 18 points but committed 4 turnovers with one of those coming within the final half-minute of the game.
Many people say that the Heat should be better than this, that they should be able to win this series before the 7th game. I don't think so. I'm not bashing the Heat, they're a great team. But San Antonio is a great team as well that has been here before and quite frankly the kind of opponent you want to beat in the Finals. A team that has won titles and have claimed a dynasty in their own way.
This win OVER THE SPURS legitimizes this Heat team as an historic team. Maybe not the best in NBA history, you can't make that argument now and if you tried, most ex-players wouldn't hear you out. But they have done well enough to become memorable.
P.S. Again, not the best yet, but LeBron has earned memorable mention in NBA history as well.
The Heat won game 7 of the NBA Finals by a final of 95-88. It was a close game throughout and it wasn't until the final minutes did Miami manage to separate themselves from San Antonio. A huge jumper made by James with 27 seconds left and costly turnovers by the Spurs sealed the win for the Heat as they claim their second title in a row.
LeBron James, NBA Finals MVP, had 37 points in the title clinching game along with 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Dwayne Wade had 23 points in the game, Shane Battier came alive with 18 himself, and Mario Chalmers had 14. Chris Bosh actually didn't score a point in game 5 but did have 7 boards, 2 assists, and 1 block.
It seemed like it was just Tim Duncan trying to keep the Spurs alive late in the 4th quarter. Duncan would have 24 points in the game along with 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block. Tony Parker only had 10 points going 3-12 from the floor. Manu Ginoboli did have 18 points but committed 4 turnovers with one of those coming within the final half-minute of the game.
Many people say that the Heat should be better than this, that they should be able to win this series before the 7th game. I don't think so. I'm not bashing the Heat, they're a great team. But San Antonio is a great team as well that has been here before and quite frankly the kind of opponent you want to beat in the Finals. A team that has won titles and have claimed a dynasty in their own way.
This win OVER THE SPURS legitimizes this Heat team as an historic team. Maybe not the best in NBA history, you can't make that argument now and if you tried, most ex-players wouldn't hear you out. But they have done well enough to become memorable.
P.S. Again, not the best yet, but LeBron has earned memorable mention in NBA history as well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)