The popular Tim Tebow has just been cut by the New England Patriots as they were widdling down their roster to 53 players. Tebow joined the Patriots in June as sort of a last chance effort. In three preseason games, he went 11-30 for 145 yards, two touchdown passes and two interceptions. He did also run for 91 yards in 16 attempts.
Tebow has made it clear on twitter that he's not quitting but you can't help but wonder if this is last coming of Tebow? No other teams seem to be interested in him at the moment what with the fact that he still can't throw the ball accurately. He can try his luck up north in Canada but chances are that this is the last time we ever see Tim Tebow in an NFL uniform.
He will always have the 2011 season with the Broncos where he actually lead the team to a playoff win (something Manning hasn't done yet). But that will likely remain the one bright spot for the pro career of Tim Tebow.
P.S. Perhaps divine intervention will help Tebow get back in the NFL in the form of injuries.
Showing posts with label The Sports Khan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Sports Khan. Show all posts
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Thursday, August 29, 2013
NFL and Players Settle Concussion Suit
It looks like the NFL is able to move beyond their biggest legal battle.
The league has reached a tentative agreement with its 18,000 retired players over brain related injuries such as concussions and CTE. The NFL will pay $765 million over the next 20 years (half within the first 3) as part of the settlement. $675 million will go former players and the families of deceased players. Up to $75 million will go to baseline medical exams and $10 million will fund research and education.
As part of the deal, however, there is a term stating the agreement "cannot be considered an admission by the NFL of liability, or an admission that plaintiffs' injuries were caused by football." (ESPN.com).
From the look of it, the NFL got off easy. It managed to reach a settlement for a relatively small amount and it was able to avoid admitting fault in the process. Now certainly the issue of concussions could still come back and haunt the NFL in the future but for the time being, let's play some football.
The league has reached a tentative agreement with its 18,000 retired players over brain related injuries such as concussions and CTE. The NFL will pay $765 million over the next 20 years (half within the first 3) as part of the settlement. $675 million will go former players and the families of deceased players. Up to $75 million will go to baseline medical exams and $10 million will fund research and education.
As part of the deal, however, there is a term stating the agreement "cannot be considered an admission by the NFL of liability, or an admission that plaintiffs' injuries were caused by football." (ESPN.com).
From the look of it, the NFL got off easy. It managed to reach a settlement for a relatively small amount and it was able to avoid admitting fault in the process. Now certainly the issue of concussions could still come back and haunt the NFL in the future but for the time being, let's play some football.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Ichiro with 4,000 Career Hits in Pro Baseball
One of the most accomplished hitters today reaches a milestone that involves careers on two different continents.
With a single to left off of the Blue Jay's pitcher R.A. Dickey, Ichiro Suzuki now has 4,000 career hits in the highest levels of professional baseball. This mark goes back to when he debuted in Nippon Professional Baseball in 1992. As for how many hits he has playing Major League Baseball, Ichiro now has 2722 hits in a 13 year career.
If you count careers at the highest levels of pro baseball, Ichiro is only the third player ever to cross the 4,000 hit mark with the other two being Pete Rose and Ty Cobb. While Rose and Cobb's hits have all come while playing Major League Baseball, it's still an impressive milestone in terms of an international mark.
It also makes you wonder if Ichiro would've gotten to the 4,000 hit mark if he had started his career in the Majors. Ichiro has more hits than anyone since his MLB debut in 2001 and also set the new single season hits record in 2004 with 262.
It's fun to play "what if" but there's no doubt that Ichiro is a living legend of the game on an international scale.
P.S. Yanks would win 4-2... whatever.
With a single to left off of the Blue Jay's pitcher R.A. Dickey, Ichiro Suzuki now has 4,000 career hits in the highest levels of professional baseball. This mark goes back to when he debuted in Nippon Professional Baseball in 1992. As for how many hits he has playing Major League Baseball, Ichiro now has 2722 hits in a 13 year career.
If you count careers at the highest levels of pro baseball, Ichiro is only the third player ever to cross the 4,000 hit mark with the other two being Pete Rose and Ty Cobb. While Rose and Cobb's hits have all come while playing Major League Baseball, it's still an impressive milestone in terms of an international mark.
It also makes you wonder if Ichiro would've gotten to the 4,000 hit mark if he had started his career in the Majors. Ichiro has more hits than anyone since his MLB debut in 2001 and also set the new single season hits record in 2004 with 262.
It's fun to play "what if" but there's no doubt that Ichiro is a living legend of the game on an international scale.
P.S. Yanks would win 4-2... whatever.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
MLB to Expand Instant Replay in 2014 (About Damn Time)
The days are numbered for the arrogant umpires.
MLB Commissioner Bud Selig announced today that baseball will greatly expand instant replay starting in the 2014 season. Managers will be allowed to make up to three challenges per game, one for the first six innings and two after the sixth. The best part about it is that the review will not be made by the officiating crew at the stadium but rather by a crew at MLB headquarters in New York City who will render a final decision.
As for what plays will be reviewable, it's a gray area at this point. Atlanta Braves president John Schuerholz, a member of the replay committee, has said that 89% of incorrect calls made in the past will be reviewable but failed to provide a list.
This expanded instant replay still needs to be passed by 75% of the owners during the off season. The MLBPA and the umpires would also need to approve the changes.
Perhaps not the best replay system that can be put in place but it's still a significant upgrade from what they have now (just borderline home runs). While it's unclear what can be challenged, it's going to include numerous things which will make the game fairer and much less controversial.
Again, the system itself is not the best available. College Football appears to use instant replay the best ( and it pains me to admit that) with a replay official able to halt the game for a review at any time need be.
But I do get why baseball went to the challenge system instead. They're afraid that the replay official method will slow the game down too much. The challenge system, in the end, is a compromise.
Over time, I do hope that Baseball will move towards the College Football model regarding instant replay. But for the time being, it's a home run.
MLB Commissioner Bud Selig announced today that baseball will greatly expand instant replay starting in the 2014 season. Managers will be allowed to make up to three challenges per game, one for the first six innings and two after the sixth. The best part about it is that the review will not be made by the officiating crew at the stadium but rather by a crew at MLB headquarters in New York City who will render a final decision.
As for what plays will be reviewable, it's a gray area at this point. Atlanta Braves president John Schuerholz, a member of the replay committee, has said that 89% of incorrect calls made in the past will be reviewable but failed to provide a list.
This expanded instant replay still needs to be passed by 75% of the owners during the off season. The MLBPA and the umpires would also need to approve the changes.
Perhaps not the best replay system that can be put in place but it's still a significant upgrade from what they have now (just borderline home runs). While it's unclear what can be challenged, it's going to include numerous things which will make the game fairer and much less controversial.
Again, the system itself is not the best available. College Football appears to use instant replay the best ( and it pains me to admit that) with a replay official able to halt the game for a review at any time need be.
But I do get why baseball went to the challenge system instead. They're afraid that the replay official method will slow the game down too much. The challenge system, in the end, is a compromise.
Over time, I do hope that Baseball will move towards the College Football model regarding instant replay. But for the time being, it's a home run.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Peavy Wins First Outing with Red Sox
Jake Peavy, who was traded from the ChicagoWhite Sox to Boston earlier this week, made his Red Sox debut earlier tonight. He pitched against a familiar opponent that he faced primarily in his Padres days, the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Overall, Peavy did well going seven plus innings allowing just two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven. In fact, Peavy might've had three earned counted against him if not for Jonny Gomes' arm in left field throwing out Cliff Pennington at the plate in the 8th. Because of that, the Sox kept a slim one run lead keeping Peavy in line for the W.
Boston would add two more runs in the bottom of the 8th with a two-run shot by Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Sox would win by a final of 5-2 with Peavy (9-4) getting credited with the win.
Certainly the kind of start the Sox expect from Peavy. Pity the Rays beat the Giants to still keep a half game behind in the AL East. But if Peavy can keep pitching like this for the rest of the season, then Boston might just be able to stay in front of Tampa Bay long enough.
Overall, Peavy did well going seven plus innings allowing just two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven. In fact, Peavy might've had three earned counted against him if not for Jonny Gomes' arm in left field throwing out Cliff Pennington at the plate in the 8th. Because of that, the Sox kept a slim one run lead keeping Peavy in line for the W.
Boston would add two more runs in the bottom of the 8th with a two-run shot by Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Sox would win by a final of 5-2 with Peavy (9-4) getting credited with the win.
Certainly the kind of start the Sox expect from Peavy. Pity the Rays beat the Giants to still keep a half game behind in the AL East. But if Peavy can keep pitching like this for the rest of the season, then Boston might just be able to stay in front of Tampa Bay long enough.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Ryan Braun, Ryan Gone
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.
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 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.
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.
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Bruins Tie Cup Finals at 1-1
Looks like it will be a tight Stanley Cup Finals.
After the Blackhawks took game one in triple overtime, the Bruins comeback and get an overtime win themselves... though this one just in the 1st and only overtime. With the game tied at 1-1 and with it almost 14 minutes into the OT, the Blackhawks failed to clear the puck out of their zone and the Bruins made them pay. With assists from Tyler Seguin and Adam McQuaid, Daniel Paille scored the game winning goal past Chicago goalkeeper Corey Crawford for the game winner. Final was 2-1 Bruins.
A huge win for the Bruins evening the series at 1-1 as they go to Boston. This tired Bruins squad managed to overwhelm the Blackhawks in the overtime in game two and come away with the victory.
What is very impressive so far in this series is both goaltenders. Boston's Tuukka Rask and Chicago's Corey Crawford have been remarkable to watch, just great goal tending displays from both of them so far. It might be more about good defense than good goal tending in this series because both of these goaltenders are playing their best.
After the Blackhawks took game one in triple overtime, the Bruins comeback and get an overtime win themselves... though this one just in the 1st and only overtime. With the game tied at 1-1 and with it almost 14 minutes into the OT, the Blackhawks failed to clear the puck out of their zone and the Bruins made them pay. With assists from Tyler Seguin and Adam McQuaid, Daniel Paille scored the game winning goal past Chicago goalkeeper Corey Crawford for the game winner. Final was 2-1 Bruins.
A huge win for the Bruins evening the series at 1-1 as they go to Boston. This tired Bruins squad managed to overwhelm the Blackhawks in the overtime in game two and come away with the victory.
What is very impressive so far in this series is both goaltenders. Boston's Tuukka Rask and Chicago's Corey Crawford have been remarkable to watch, just great goal tending displays from both of them so far. It might be more about good defense than good goal tending in this series because both of these goaltenders are playing their best.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Nadal Wins 8th French Title; Serena Gets Her 2nd
Long live the King of Clay.
Rafael proved once again he rules Roland Garros by beating fellow Spanish countryman David Ferrer in three sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. This is Nadal's 8th French title making him the only player in Tennis history to have that many titles at one Grand Slam event. Overall, Nadal now has 12 Grand Slam titles.
As for the Women's side, Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. It's Serena's 16th overall Grand Slam title and her 2nd at the French. Her first French title was over ten years ago in 2002.
A good couple of weeks of tennis as Wimbledon is just around the corner. Time to shop for some boring white clothes.
Rafael proved once again he rules Roland Garros by beating fellow Spanish countryman David Ferrer in three sets 6-3, 6-2, 6-3. This is Nadal's 8th French title making him the only player in Tennis history to have that many titles at one Grand Slam event. Overall, Nadal now has 12 Grand Slam titles.
As for the Women's side, Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. It's Serena's 16th overall Grand Slam title and her 2nd at the French. Her first French title was over ten years ago in 2002.
A good couple of weeks of tennis as Wimbledon is just around the corner. Time to shop for some boring white clothes.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Pagan Hits a Walk Off Inside-the-Park Home; Giants Win 6-5
It was a long day for the San Francisco Giants but they somehow survived it.
The Giants had to fight back from a 4-run deficit against the Colorado Rockies. They did this with 3 runs in the 6th inning and then a 4th run in the 7th. However, the 7th inning should've been more than a tie for the Giants.
With one out and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Brandon Crawford hit a ground ball to the 2nd baseman DJ LeMahieu. Brandon Belt sees the grounder and heads for home plate causing LeMahieu to throw home. Belt gets under Yorvit Torrealba's tag just in time. However, home plate umpire Alfonso Marquez called him out despite the fact that Belt's foot hit home plate just before the tag was applied.
Next batter Joaquin Arias pinch hits for the pitcher's spot and flies out to end the inning with the game still tied at 4-4.
The bottom of the 8th comes around with another officiating mistake. With Marco Scutaro on 1st and 1 out, Pablo Sandoval hits a single to left center and, perhaps feeling a bit greedy, Scutaro heads for 3rd base. The throw to 3rd is on time but Scutaro manages to avoid the tag and slide into 3rd safely... except for the fact that home plate umpire Marquez came over and called Scutaro out on a tag that clearly didn't happen.
Giants Manager Bruce Bochy goes out to argue about now the 2nd blown call by Marquez and is thrown out of the ball game. Buster Posey then pops out to 2nd to end the inning.
The game heads into extras where Troy Tulowitzki hit a home run to lead off the 10th inning to make it 5-4 for the Rockies. Now the bottom of the 10th comes with Rafael Betancourt coming in to close it out for Colorado.
However, Betancourt walks Brandon Crawford to start the inning and then Guillermo Quiroz pinch hits to just bunt Crawford over to 2nd. Angel Pagan then comes up clutch with a big hit that hits the bottom of the wall in right center. Crawford scores easily and Pagan, chugging along with 3rd base coach Tim Flannery waiving him in, manages to slide head first into home just before the tag.
No way to mess up that play at the plate, Marquez.
Giants win 6-5 in 10 innings on a walk off inside-the-park home run by Angel Pagan. They had to overcome the Rockies and sloppy officiating but the Giants win in one of the spectacular finishes you will see all season.
P.S. Seriously, baseball, you got to something about the umps. Better officiating and instant replay are needed more than ever. The right team somehow won today but that doesn't always happen, does it.
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| Angel Pagan just after his Walk Off Inside the Park Home Run vs. the Rockies. 5-25-13 (Photo by Ezra Shaw of Getty Images) |
With one out and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Brandon Crawford hit a ground ball to the 2nd baseman DJ LeMahieu. Brandon Belt sees the grounder and heads for home plate causing LeMahieu to throw home. Belt gets under Yorvit Torrealba's tag just in time. However, home plate umpire Alfonso Marquez called him out despite the fact that Belt's foot hit home plate just before the tag was applied.
Next batter Joaquin Arias pinch hits for the pitcher's spot and flies out to end the inning with the game still tied at 4-4.
The bottom of the 8th comes around with another officiating mistake. With Marco Scutaro on 1st and 1 out, Pablo Sandoval hits a single to left center and, perhaps feeling a bit greedy, Scutaro heads for 3rd base. The throw to 3rd is on time but Scutaro manages to avoid the tag and slide into 3rd safely... except for the fact that home plate umpire Marquez came over and called Scutaro out on a tag that clearly didn't happen.
Giants Manager Bruce Bochy goes out to argue about now the 2nd blown call by Marquez and is thrown out of the ball game. Buster Posey then pops out to 2nd to end the inning.
The game heads into extras where Troy Tulowitzki hit a home run to lead off the 10th inning to make it 5-4 for the Rockies. Now the bottom of the 10th comes with Rafael Betancourt coming in to close it out for Colorado.
However, Betancourt walks Brandon Crawford to start the inning and then Guillermo Quiroz pinch hits to just bunt Crawford over to 2nd. Angel Pagan then comes up clutch with a big hit that hits the bottom of the wall in right center. Crawford scores easily and Pagan, chugging along with 3rd base coach Tim Flannery waiving him in, manages to slide head first into home just before the tag.
No way to mess up that play at the plate, Marquez.
Giants win 6-5 in 10 innings on a walk off inside-the-park home run by Angel Pagan. They had to overcome the Rockies and sloppy officiating but the Giants win in one of the spectacular finishes you will see all season.
P.S. Seriously, baseball, you got to something about the umps. Better officiating and instant replay are needed more than ever. The right team somehow won today but that doesn't always happen, does it.
Neymar Going to Barcelona? WHY!!!
Perhaps the biggest hyped player outside of Europe is Neymar. A 21 year old Brazilian born player that plays for the Brazilian football club of Santos FC.
It is no secret over the past couple of seasons that Neymar has been sought after to play in Europe. The two main contenders for him this year are the Spanish Clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid. Santos has already accepted the two offers made by the two clubs but it is now being reported that Neymar has chosen FC Barcelona over Real Madrid.
Despite the reports that Real Madrid was willing to pay 35 million euros, 10 million more than Barca's offer, Neymar chose Barcelona's offer over Madrid's, probably because he wants to play alongside Lionel Messi which he has said in the past. If the great Pele is right about Neymar being better than Lionel Messi, even eventually, then Barcelona is the clear favorite for.... everything, including the Champions League.
Luckily soccer isn't as predictable as Basketball so nothing is secured for Barcelona (except a La Liga title). If this deal works out in Barca's favor, they could remain the top team in Europe for quite a while.
P.S. Nothing exciting and unpredictable happening over there. Let's see what's happening in baseball.
It is no secret over the past couple of seasons that Neymar has been sought after to play in Europe. The two main contenders for him this year are the Spanish Clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid. Santos has already accepted the two offers made by the two clubs but it is now being reported that Neymar has chosen FC Barcelona over Real Madrid.
Despite the reports that Real Madrid was willing to pay 35 million euros, 10 million more than Barca's offer, Neymar chose Barcelona's offer over Madrid's, probably because he wants to play alongside Lionel Messi which he has said in the past. If the great Pele is right about Neymar being better than Lionel Messi, even eventually, then Barcelona is the clear favorite for.... everything, including the Champions League.
Luckily soccer isn't as predictable as Basketball so nothing is secured for Barcelona (except a La Liga title). If this deal works out in Barca's favor, they could remain the top team in Europe for quite a while.
P.S. Nothing exciting and unpredictable happening over there. Let's see what's happening in baseball.
Late Goal Gives Bayern Munich Champions Cup
The biggest game in Europe has come around again.
The UEFA Champions League Final was played earlier today between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. It was devastating last year for Bayern Muncih as they lost the UCL Final in penalties in their home stadium. This year was redemption.
Mario Mandzukic scored in the 60' to give Munich a 1-0 lead. Dortmund would rebound, however, with a penalty kick in 68' which was scored Ilkay Gundogan to tie the game. The game continued on and just when it looked like extras were needed to be played, Arjen Robben, through an assisted pass from Ribery, scored in the 89' for the game winner. It was too late for Dortmund to recover. Bayern Munich wins 2-1 and takes the European Champions Cup.
Fitting it was that Arjen Robben scored the goal who had missed a penalty kick in last year's UCL Final that would've most likely won the match for Munich. It was ultimate redemption for him as Robben secures the 5th UCL Title for Bayern Munich, first since 2001.
Congrats to Bayern as I hope they enjoy a great night in London and then some partying back home.
P.S. Only 388 days till the World Cup.
The UEFA Champions League Final was played earlier today between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. It was devastating last year for Bayern Muncih as they lost the UCL Final in penalties in their home stadium. This year was redemption.
Mario Mandzukic scored in the 60' to give Munich a 1-0 lead. Dortmund would rebound, however, with a penalty kick in 68' which was scored Ilkay Gundogan to tie the game. The game continued on and just when it looked like extras were needed to be played, Arjen Robben, through an assisted pass from Ribery, scored in the 89' for the game winner. It was too late for Dortmund to recover. Bayern Munich wins 2-1 and takes the European Champions Cup.
Fitting it was that Arjen Robben scored the goal who had missed a penalty kick in last year's UCL Final that would've most likely won the match for Munich. It was ultimate redemption for him as Robben secures the 5th UCL Title for Bayern Munich, first since 2001.
Congrats to Bayern as I hope they enjoy a great night in London and then some partying back home.
P.S. Only 388 days till the World Cup.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Bulls End Knicks 13 Game Winning Streak
The Bulls end another significant winning streak in the NBA.
Last night, the Bulls beat the Knicks 118-111 in overtime. Nate Robinson scored 35 points off the bench while Jimmy Butler put up 22 points and 14 rebounds. Caremlo Anthony of the Knicks does get 36 points and 19 rebounds in the loss.
Chicago ended Miami's 27 game winning streak and now stops New York at 13. It's pretty impressive considering they did both of these things without Joakim Noah or Derrick Rose. Rose, of course, has been out all season because of an ACL tear and he simply doesn't want to come back. I mean, he has shaken confidence.
Chicago may not have the best chance of knocking off Miami but they still have to taken seriously in the postseason.
Last night, the Bulls beat the Knicks 118-111 in overtime. Nate Robinson scored 35 points off the bench while Jimmy Butler put up 22 points and 14 rebounds. Caremlo Anthony of the Knicks does get 36 points and 19 rebounds in the loss.
Chicago ended Miami's 27 game winning streak and now stops New York at 13. It's pretty impressive considering they did both of these things without Joakim Noah or Derrick Rose. Rose, of course, has been out all season because of an ACL tear and he simply doesn't want to come back. I mean, he has shaken confidence.
Chicago may not have the best chance of knocking off Miami but they still have to taken seriously in the postseason.
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