Last week, the Cardinals won their 11th World Series Title and capped off an amazing season with Tony La Russa guiding the team. Who knew it would be the last time for Tony. Earlier today, Tony La Russa announced his retirement from the game of baseball, just 3 days after winning a third World Series ring. He's the first manager ever to retire immediately after winning a World Series title. La Russa stated that he felt like it was time for the end and that he would've been coming back for the wrong reasons.
This ends his 33 year managerial career which started with the White Sox in 1979. Most Bay Area natives remember Tony as the manager of the Oakland A's from 1986-1995 with his bright spot winning the World Series with the A's in 1989 in the famous "Battle of the Bay" series against the Giants. In 1996, he took over the job in St. Louis and it would take him until 2006 to win a World Series with the Cards and then another one capped off just last week. La Russa's regular season record is impressive being 2,728-2,365, being behind only Connie Mack (3,731) and John McGraw (2,763) in wins. He has 70 postseason wins being behind only Joe Torre who has 84.
La Russa would always be known as one of the best managers of all time if not a unusual manager. You could tell much about La Russa's style by simply watching him manage a season or even just a postseason. La Russa made a ton of pitching changes this last postseason, all for the better pitching match ups. His unusual tactics, however, got him results over the long term, that's for sure. Congrats to Tony for one last ring and to be able to retire as a champion. I'm sure he'll be riding off into the Hall of Fame in no time.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Steelers Beat Pats, Eagles Soar Way Past Cowboys, Ravens Barely Beat Cardinals and More
Week 8 had plenty of good match ups but none better than the Patriots vs. the Steelers. The Steelers got out to an early lead with Mewelde Moore catching a TD from Big Ben. This lead would never be lost. The Steelers made sure to stay out in front and seemed to stall Brady. Brady was 24/35 with 198 Yards and 2 TD passes. The Pats barely made it over 200 yards of total offense. It wasn't until within the final minutes that the Pats got back within 6 points since the 2nd quarter. Steelers would win this showdown, 25-17. Looks like the Steelers are the main cause for concern in the AFC. Better luck next time, Pats.
Another good game to watch was the Sunday Night Football game... or at least it seemed that way going in. The Cowboys and the Eagles were looking for wins to get back on track in the playoff race with both of these teams under performing so far. It was just the Cowboys who were under performing tonight. The difference for the Eagles was LeSean McCoy who ran the ball for 185 yards and 2 TDs on 30 carries. Meanwhile, Vick was 21/28 with 279 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, and 2 TD passes. The Cowboys didn't score anything until a TD in the 4th quarter, way too late for this kind of game. Eagles shame the Cowboys on national TV, 34-7.
As for some other games, the Cardinals gave the Ravens another scare within a weeks time. It was 27 all for the majority of the 4th quarter until Billy Cundiff kicked in the game winning FG for the Ravens as time expired. Ravens escape with a win, 30-27. Starting to have doubts about them. In a battle of rookie QBs, Christian Ponder and the Vikings out did Cam Newton and the Panthers, 24-21. It looked like it was heading into OT but Olindo Mare couldn't score the tying FG with less than 30 seconds to go. The Dolphins' Andrew Luck sweepstakes hopes seemed doomed with them winning their game over the Giants, 17-10 entering the 4th. Luckily for them, the Giants made a comeback thanks to Eli Manning and won, 20-17. They are still in the race for Luck. With injured Sam Bradford out, the Rams somehow beat the Saints, 31-21, with AJ Feeley as their QB. Stephen Jackson seemed to be a big reason for that with 159 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs.
Sunday ends with some more surprises and disappointments. Week 8 ends with the Chargers playing the Chiefs tonight on Halloween.
P.S. Don't forget to tune into the Sports Khan Radio Show, every Thursday at 4 PM on KSUNradio.com... Pretty Good.
Another good game to watch was the Sunday Night Football game... or at least it seemed that way going in. The Cowboys and the Eagles were looking for wins to get back on track in the playoff race with both of these teams under performing so far. It was just the Cowboys who were under performing tonight. The difference for the Eagles was LeSean McCoy who ran the ball for 185 yards and 2 TDs on 30 carries. Meanwhile, Vick was 21/28 with 279 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, and 2 TD passes. The Cowboys didn't score anything until a TD in the 4th quarter, way too late for this kind of game. Eagles shame the Cowboys on national TV, 34-7.
As for some other games, the Cardinals gave the Ravens another scare within a weeks time. It was 27 all for the majority of the 4th quarter until Billy Cundiff kicked in the game winning FG for the Ravens as time expired. Ravens escape with a win, 30-27. Starting to have doubts about them. In a battle of rookie QBs, Christian Ponder and the Vikings out did Cam Newton and the Panthers, 24-21. It looked like it was heading into OT but Olindo Mare couldn't score the tying FG with less than 30 seconds to go. The Dolphins' Andrew Luck sweepstakes hopes seemed doomed with them winning their game over the Giants, 17-10 entering the 4th. Luckily for them, the Giants made a comeback thanks to Eli Manning and won, 20-17. They are still in the race for Luck. With injured Sam Bradford out, the Rams somehow beat the Saints, 31-21, with AJ Feeley as their QB. Stephen Jackson seemed to be a big reason for that with 159 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs.
Sunday ends with some more surprises and disappointments. Week 8 ends with the Chargers playing the Chiefs tonight on Halloween.
P.S. Don't forget to tune into the Sports Khan Radio Show, every Thursday at 4 PM on KSUNradio.com... Pretty Good.
49ers Beat Browns After Bye Week
One thing I worried about for the 49ers is how will they look after a bye week, especially riding a 4 game winning streak. They seemed to do fine.
The 49ers played the Cleveland Browns yesterday in San Francisco. Seeing how the schedule could be a bit rougher ahead, a win would be a real nice thing for the team. That seemed to be the focus. The 49ers got ahead early and stayed in front. A quick TD was scored by Frank Gore just a few minutes into the game thanks to Browns fumble. Later in the quarter, David Akers scored a FG. After a drive was halted inside the 1 repeatedly by the Browns, the 49ers were able to score a TD near the end of the 1st half via an Alex Smith pass to Michael Crabtree. The Browns were able to kick a FG just before the half ended making it 17-3 game in favor of the 49ers.
The 2nd half seemed quiet overall. No more scoring until the 4th quarter when Colt McCoy threw a 45 yard TD pass to Joshua Cribbs. Akers would kick another FG within the 2 minute mark to help put the game out of reach. 49ers win, 20-10.
A solid win for the 49ers with defense being the main cause for the victory. 2 turnovers caused via a fumble and INT. You also have to give credit to the 49ers offense not committing any turnovers, especially Smith. I've been saying that a lot recently. They seem to using Alex Smith the right way as he has a 95.7 QB rating with 9 TD passes and only 2 INTs. Don't forget the main reason for not putting everything on Alex's shoulders, the running game. Frank Gore had over 100 yards before the half, finsihing with 134 yards in 31 carries.
The team is 6-1 so far this season and now heads to DC to take on the Redskins who have lost their way losing a 3rd straight game, this time to the Buffalo Bills. Feel a bit bad for them but not enough to not want to crush them.
The 49ers played the Cleveland Browns yesterday in San Francisco. Seeing how the schedule could be a bit rougher ahead, a win would be a real nice thing for the team. That seemed to be the focus. The 49ers got ahead early and stayed in front. A quick TD was scored by Frank Gore just a few minutes into the game thanks to Browns fumble. Later in the quarter, David Akers scored a FG. After a drive was halted inside the 1 repeatedly by the Browns, the 49ers were able to score a TD near the end of the 1st half via an Alex Smith pass to Michael Crabtree. The Browns were able to kick a FG just before the half ended making it 17-3 game in favor of the 49ers.
The 2nd half seemed quiet overall. No more scoring until the 4th quarter when Colt McCoy threw a 45 yard TD pass to Joshua Cribbs. Akers would kick another FG within the 2 minute mark to help put the game out of reach. 49ers win, 20-10.
A solid win for the 49ers with defense being the main cause for the victory. 2 turnovers caused via a fumble and INT. You also have to give credit to the 49ers offense not committing any turnovers, especially Smith. I've been saying that a lot recently. They seem to using Alex Smith the right way as he has a 95.7 QB rating with 9 TD passes and only 2 INTs. Don't forget the main reason for not putting everything on Alex's shoulders, the running game. Frank Gore had over 100 yards before the half, finsihing with 134 yards in 31 carries.
The team is 6-1 so far this season and now heads to DC to take on the Redskins who have lost their way losing a 3rd straight game, this time to the Buffalo Bills. Feel a bit bad for them but not enough to not want to crush them.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
CARDINALS CLAIM 11TH WORLD SERIES TITLE!!!
At the beginning of the season, it seemed that the St. Louis Cardinals were already having a year to forget. Adam Wainwright had to get Tommy John Surgery which sidelined him for the entire season and the team failed to get a contract extension with Albert Pujols. Yet somehow it still became memorable.
Game 7 of the 2011 World Series was last night in St. Louis and both the Rangers and the Cardinals came in ready to go. The Rangers needed some early runs to kill that momentum that the Cardinals had gained in game 6. The Rangers were able to put up 2 early runs in the first inning to get on top of the Cardinals. That would've worked if the Cardinals didn't strike back immediately. With two men on base, David Freese, the hero of game 6, hit a double to left center and was able to score in 2 RBI's to tie the game. From then on out, it was all Cardinals.
Chris Carpenter was able to start and settled down after a rough first inning. He pitched 6 innings in the game allowing only the 2 runs, struck out 5, and walked only 2 batters. Meanwhile, the Cardinals offense picked up the hint starting with an Allen Craig home run in the 3rd inning to give them the lead. A couple more runs scored in the 5th thanks to a bases loaded walk and then a bases loaded hit by pitch. Yadier Molina would later get an RBI single in the 7th. The Cardinals bullpen was solid and held the Rangers in check. The 9th inning came with Motte (not anyone else) coming in and getting the outs. David Murphy was the last one up, flying out to Allen Craig in LF for the final out. Cardinals win game 7, 6-2, and the 2011 World Series.
One of the most unlikely World Series runs has ended with the Cardinals claiming their 11th World Series title. This series will no doubt be remembered for a miraculous game 6 in which the Cardinals were able to survive a couple of two strike elimination scenarios. David Freese was named MVP, no doubt for his heroics in game 6 and last night. A St. Louis native is the MVP for the Cardinals. Cool, huh?
As for the runners up, the Rangers go back to Texas failing to claim the title in the World Series for the second straight year. This time around had to have hurt even more. They had multiple chances to put away the Cards in game 6 and failed to do so. They now enter the off season with a much greater insult to injury.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, get to enter the off season as World Series Champions. What a season they had. Rough start with Wainwright gone and Pujols' future uncertain. The Cards didn't really look like World Series favorites throughout the season being 10 1/2 games out of the Wild Card in late August. Somehow, they got hot and the Braves got cold allowing the Cards to pull through. Being down two runs with your final ABs coming up in game 6... twice, and still were able to win it. Nothing was keeping this team down. Congratulations to the Cardinals on their Championship win. These birds flew above it all.
Game 7 of the 2011 World Series was last night in St. Louis and both the Rangers and the Cardinals came in ready to go. The Rangers needed some early runs to kill that momentum that the Cardinals had gained in game 6. The Rangers were able to put up 2 early runs in the first inning to get on top of the Cardinals. That would've worked if the Cardinals didn't strike back immediately. With two men on base, David Freese, the hero of game 6, hit a double to left center and was able to score in 2 RBI's to tie the game. From then on out, it was all Cardinals.
Chris Carpenter was able to start and settled down after a rough first inning. He pitched 6 innings in the game allowing only the 2 runs, struck out 5, and walked only 2 batters. Meanwhile, the Cardinals offense picked up the hint starting with an Allen Craig home run in the 3rd inning to give them the lead. A couple more runs scored in the 5th thanks to a bases loaded walk and then a bases loaded hit by pitch. Yadier Molina would later get an RBI single in the 7th. The Cardinals bullpen was solid and held the Rangers in check. The 9th inning came with Motte (not anyone else) coming in and getting the outs. David Murphy was the last one up, flying out to Allen Craig in LF for the final out. Cardinals win game 7, 6-2, and the 2011 World Series.
One of the most unlikely World Series runs has ended with the Cardinals claiming their 11th World Series title. This series will no doubt be remembered for a miraculous game 6 in which the Cardinals were able to survive a couple of two strike elimination scenarios. David Freese was named MVP, no doubt for his heroics in game 6 and last night. A St. Louis native is the MVP for the Cardinals. Cool, huh?
As for the runners up, the Rangers go back to Texas failing to claim the title in the World Series for the second straight year. This time around had to have hurt even more. They had multiple chances to put away the Cards in game 6 and failed to do so. They now enter the off season with a much greater insult to injury.
The Cardinals, meanwhile, get to enter the off season as World Series Champions. What a season they had. Rough start with Wainwright gone and Pujols' future uncertain. The Cards didn't really look like World Series favorites throughout the season being 10 1/2 games out of the Wild Card in late August. Somehow, they got hot and the Braves got cold allowing the Cards to pull through. Being down two runs with your final ABs coming up in game 6... twice, and still were able to win it. Nothing was keeping this team down. Congratulations to the Cardinals on their Championship win. These birds flew above it all.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
FREESE!!! THIS SERIES AIN'T OVER YET!!!
It doesn't get any better than this. After a rain delay and phone gate in game 5, the World Series resumed earlier tonight and it was one for the ages. A close game throughout with the bats coming alive in this one. The Rangers were able to gain some separation in the 7th inning thanks to a couple of home runs and an Kinsler RBI single. The Cards would get one back in the 8th with an Allen Craig homer but were still down 7-5 heading into the bottom of the 9th. The Cardinals were able to get a couple men on base thanks to Albert Pujols and Lance Berkman. David Freese was up with two outs in the bottom of the 9th and came through with 2 strikes against him hitting a triple over the head of Nelson Cruz. Pujols and Berkman would both score on the triple and tie the game. Yadier Molina would get out next but the Cardinals were alive.
In extra innings, the Rangers did not let the shift in momentum disturb them. Instead, in the 10th inning with a man on base, Josh Hamilton hit a home run and gave the Rangers a 9-7 lead. Another 2 run deficit for the Cardinals. Yet, somehow, it too was overcome. Descalso would score thanks to Theriot grounding out for the 2nd out of the inning. With John Jay on 2nd and after walking Albert Pujols, the Rangers pitched to Lance Berkman. Berkman makes them regret not pitching to Pujols as he singles to center to score in John Jay. Unfortunately, they wouldn't get anything else in that inning.
The 11th came next and this time the Rangers were held in check. The Cardinals didn't have to come back. Now they just need to get some hits together and... DAVID FREESE ENDS IT WITH A WALK OFF HOME RUN TO CENTER!!! The Home Town Hero known as David Freese gives the Cardinals the win, 10-9, and forces both teams to come back for a game 7 tomorrow night.
An unbelievable game. The Cardinals manage to come back from a couple of 2 run deficits in the 9th and 10th innings. Twice the Cardinals had their backs to the wall with 2 outs and a strike away from being runner ups. Both times they escaped it and then managed to win it. This was without a doubt an instant classic.
In extra innings, the Rangers did not let the shift in momentum disturb them. Instead, in the 10th inning with a man on base, Josh Hamilton hit a home run and gave the Rangers a 9-7 lead. Another 2 run deficit for the Cardinals. Yet, somehow, it too was overcome. Descalso would score thanks to Theriot grounding out for the 2nd out of the inning. With John Jay on 2nd and after walking Albert Pujols, the Rangers pitched to Lance Berkman. Berkman makes them regret not pitching to Pujols as he singles to center to score in John Jay. Unfortunately, they wouldn't get anything else in that inning.
The 11th came next and this time the Rangers were held in check. The Cardinals didn't have to come back. Now they just need to get some hits together and... DAVID FREESE ENDS IT WITH A WALK OFF HOME RUN TO CENTER!!! The Home Town Hero known as David Freese gives the Cardinals the win, 10-9, and forces both teams to come back for a game 7 tomorrow night.
An unbelievable game. The Cardinals manage to come back from a couple of 2 run deficits in the 9th and 10th innings. Twice the Cardinals had their backs to the wall with 2 outs and a strike away from being runner ups. Both times they escaped it and then managed to win it. This was without a doubt an instant classic.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
No One Goes to T.O. Camp
A story of the off season was the fact that no one grabbed Terrell Owens from free agency. A reason for that was perhaps the fact that he had knee surgery during the off season. Another reason might be that he is 37 years old and is near retirement in many analysts minds. T.O. wasn't depressed that much as he figured that he would be eventually be signed during the season. That seems like sound logic considering that some WRs do get injured during the season and might need a veteran to come in and fill a gap right away. Or a unexpected contender might need a WR to help give them a better chance. It's a pity that Marvin Harrison thought the same way.
Anyway, it's almost November and the trade deadline has just passed last week and T.O. is still available. In order to drum up some attention and prove that he was fit for an NFL season, T.O. held a mini camp that displayed his skills for anyone or team that was willing to come. He held the camp and even managed to get it televised. At the camp itself, no NFL team showed up to watch T.O. OUCH!!! Now to be fair teams might be preoccupied with their current rosters to go out there and evaluate someone else but no one showed up? For T.O.'s sake, I hope they were all watching from the comfort of their own facilities.
Now T.O. might get signed by a playoff contender for this season or he may not. But seeing how this is going, it's hard not to think this might be one of the few remaining moments we here from T.O.
Anyway, it's almost November and the trade deadline has just passed last week and T.O. is still available. In order to drum up some attention and prove that he was fit for an NFL season, T.O. held a mini camp that displayed his skills for anyone or team that was willing to come. He held the camp and even managed to get it televised. At the camp itself, no NFL team showed up to watch T.O. OUCH!!! Now to be fair teams might be preoccupied with their current rosters to go out there and evaluate someone else but no one showed up? For T.O.'s sake, I hope they were all watching from the comfort of their own facilities.
Now T.O. might get signed by a playoff contender for this season or he may not. But seeing how this is going, it's hard not to think this might be one of the few remaining moments we here from T.O.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Lions Lose 2nd Game, Tebow Leads Comeback, Burress Big for Jets and More
Last week I was giddy that the 49ers were able to hand the Detroit Lions their first loss of the season. All due respect, I actually root for the Lions when they are not playing San Francisco. I love underdog teams, for the most part. So it saddened me that the Lions were unable to rebound from their loss to the Niners. This week, the Lions played the Falcons and boy did Stafford under perform. He was 15/32, for 183 yards, and 1 TD pass. At the end, he was unable to make a comeback drive for a second week in a row. To make things worse, he got hurt on the last Lions offensive play. Lions lose, 23-16, and might have lost their QB for some time. Meanwhile, the Falcons have won 2 in a row and are contenders again in the NFC South.
You know who did manage to make an impressive comeback? The Broncos lead by Tim Tebow. Tebow did not have a good game at all leading up to the final minutes. He missed open receivers and just couldn't get anything going for the offense. But in the final three minutes, a minor miracle happened: a comeback was achieved. Down by 15, Tebow threw a TD pass to Demaryius Thomas with 2:44 left. After a successful onside kick by the Broncos, Tebow lead them down field again and threw another TD pass, this time to Daniel Fells on a screen play. Then Tebow ran in a two point conversion to tie the game at 15. OT came and the Dolphins fumbled it to give Matt Prater a winning FG shot which he made 52 yards out. Broncos win, 18-15. Need better results from Tebow earlier in the game but you got to love that will to win.
Other games included the Jets defeating the Chargers, 27-21. A major aid to Mark Sanchez was Plaxico Burress who caught 3 TDs in this game. Huge game for the Jets to win. Packers manage to defeat the Vikings and debuting, Christian Ponder, 33-27. Rodgers was the man again but the Vikings did scare the Pack a little. The annual London game, which could become much more, was won by the Bears, 24-18, over the Bucs. Two TD passes by Freeman is good but not 4 INTs. Don't get caught up in a INT competition with Cutler. Last, the Raiders did not start Palmer but he did play later in the game. He was no better than the starter, Kyle Boller, as they threw 3 INTs apiece. Of course the Raiders lose with 6 INTs to the Chiefs, 28-0, with 2 INTs returned for Chief TDs.
Week 7 ends tonight with the Ravens vs. the Jaguars. Sounds like a no contest like the Colts-Saints game.
You know who did manage to make an impressive comeback? The Broncos lead by Tim Tebow. Tebow did not have a good game at all leading up to the final minutes. He missed open receivers and just couldn't get anything going for the offense. But in the final three minutes, a minor miracle happened: a comeback was achieved. Down by 15, Tebow threw a TD pass to Demaryius Thomas with 2:44 left. After a successful onside kick by the Broncos, Tebow lead them down field again and threw another TD pass, this time to Daniel Fells on a screen play. Then Tebow ran in a two point conversion to tie the game at 15. OT came and the Dolphins fumbled it to give Matt Prater a winning FG shot which he made 52 yards out. Broncos win, 18-15. Need better results from Tebow earlier in the game but you got to love that will to win.
Other games included the Jets defeating the Chargers, 27-21. A major aid to Mark Sanchez was Plaxico Burress who caught 3 TDs in this game. Huge game for the Jets to win. Packers manage to defeat the Vikings and debuting, Christian Ponder, 33-27. Rodgers was the man again but the Vikings did scare the Pack a little. The annual London game, which could become much more, was won by the Bears, 24-18, over the Bucs. Two TD passes by Freeman is good but not 4 INTs. Don't get caught up in a INT competition with Cutler. Last, the Raiders did not start Palmer but he did play later in the game. He was no better than the starter, Kyle Boller, as they threw 3 INTs apiece. Of course the Raiders lose with 6 INTs to the Chiefs, 28-0, with 2 INTs returned for Chief TDs.
Week 7 ends tonight with the Ravens vs. the Jaguars. Sounds like a no contest like the Colts-Saints game.
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