If someone told me before this one started that the winner would blow the other team out of the Hudson, I would've put every penny I had on the Broncos. Thankfully, I don't bet and I take my meds so the voices don't come to me like they use to.
Unfortunately, I sat there and watched the Seahawks dominate Super Bowl XLVIII winning by a final of 43-8 over the Broncos. Offense wins games and sets records, but Defense still wins Championships.
The key of the game was turnovers. Well, before that was a bad snap by the Broncos leading to a safety to start the game off. But still, it was turnovers that got to Peyton Manning and the Offense. Four total turnovers committed by the Broncos leading to 21 points off of turnovers by the Seahawks, including the 69 yard interception for a touchdown by Super Bowl MVP Malcolm Smith late in the 2nd quarter.
Thankfully, the Broncos did score a touchdown as the 3rd quarter ended with a 14 yard TD pass to Demaryius Thomas. But even after the successful two point conversion, they were still down by 28.
Seattle would score the final points of the game with Doug Baldwin catching a 10 yard TD pass. early in the 4th quarter. A few more possessions where neither teams did anything and the game was over.
Certainly Seattle's defense dominated this game but a nice job by Russell Wilson and Seahawks' offense. A balanced offense with key 3rd downs being converted went a long way. Also, a couple of Harvin designed runs threw Denver's defense off from the start. Not to mention that Kick Off return for a TD to start the 2nd half off.
Congrats to the Seahawks and the 12th man for winning their 1st Lombardi Trophy. They certainly were the best team of 2013.
P.S. I guess I'm not picking the Broncos for 2014. Sorry Van.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
RED SOX CLINCH WORLD SERIES TITLE AT FENWAY!!!
It was really that huge trade in August of 2012 when the Boston Red Sox started to turn their luck around. They managed to get rid of several large contracts and free up enough financial space to rebuild for the near the future. Who knew that near future meant 2013.
After an abysmal 2012 and an off season of rebuilding which included hiring a new manager, the Sox managed to have a rebound 2013 season finishing first in the AL East with a 97-65 record. They then proceeded to clear through the ALDS beating out the Tampa Bay Rays in four games and then beating the Detroit Tigers in Six games in the ALCS. That lead them to the World Series.
They got a 3-2 series lead over the St. Louis Cardinals entering tonight and wanted to put it away in game six with the Fenway crowd cheering them on. They struck first in the 3rd inning with a three-run triple by Shane Victorino who had not had a hit in the series before that. Boston would then add three more runs in the 4th inning with Victorino hitting an RBI single. All six runs would be counted against Michael Wacha who had been a solid postseason starter until this point.
That was all the Sox would score but it was enough. John Lackey, the game six starter for Boston, only allowed one earned run in the 7th on an RBI single by Carlos Beltran. The bullpen would come in to finish the 7th and the game.
The game and the series would end with Sox closer Koji Uehara striking out Matt Carpenter. Boston wins the game 6-1 and takes the series 4-2. The Red Sox win their 8th World Series title in franchise history and clinch their first World Series title at home since 1918.
What an historic run for the Red Sox throughout this postseason and a great World Series to watch. Of course, David Ortiz was named the World Series MVP. No hitter was hotter during this series than Big Papi. This cements Ortiz's legacy in Boston further with this being his third World Series title with the team.
Congrats to the city of the Boston and the Red Sox organization on another world title. NOW LETS PARTY LIKE IT 1918!!!
After an abysmal 2012 and an off season of rebuilding which included hiring a new manager, the Sox managed to have a rebound 2013 season finishing first in the AL East with a 97-65 record. They then proceeded to clear through the ALDS beating out the Tampa Bay Rays in four games and then beating the Detroit Tigers in Six games in the ALCS. That lead them to the World Series.
They got a 3-2 series lead over the St. Louis Cardinals entering tonight and wanted to put it away in game six with the Fenway crowd cheering them on. They struck first in the 3rd inning with a three-run triple by Shane Victorino who had not had a hit in the series before that. Boston would then add three more runs in the 4th inning with Victorino hitting an RBI single. All six runs would be counted against Michael Wacha who had been a solid postseason starter until this point.
That was all the Sox would score but it was enough. John Lackey, the game six starter for Boston, only allowed one earned run in the 7th on an RBI single by Carlos Beltran. The bullpen would come in to finish the 7th and the game.
The game and the series would end with Sox closer Koji Uehara striking out Matt Carpenter. Boston wins the game 6-1 and takes the series 4-2. The Red Sox win their 8th World Series title in franchise history and clinch their first World Series title at home since 1918.
What an historic run for the Red Sox throughout this postseason and a great World Series to watch. Of course, David Ortiz was named the World Series MVP. No hitter was hotter during this series than Big Papi. This cements Ortiz's legacy in Boston further with this being his third World Series title with the team.
Congrats to the city of the Boston and the Red Sox organization on another world title. NOW LETS PARTY LIKE IT 1918!!!
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Tim Tebow Cut by the Patriots
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.
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.
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.
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