I thought it only appropriate to have this be the longest procrastinated post for the longest match ever in Grand Slam Final history. OK, I forgot it altogether. You happy now.
Anyway, a couple days ago, Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open by beating Rafael Nadal in five sets, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 6-7 (5), 7-5. It was the longest match in Grand Slam Final history as stated earlier. It lasted for 5 hours and 53 minutes. Of course it did. Novak Djokovic takes forever to make a serve. Anyway, this is Djokovic's fifth Grand Slam title and his 3rd Australian Open Title. Most of these have actually happened in the past year or so as Novak has won 4 of the last 5 Grand Slam events. He is dominating with only one Grand Slam left to conquer: the French Open.
Anyway congrats to Novak. When the French Open comes around in the spring he will have a chance to win all four Grand Slams within a non calender year. He will also have a chance to complete his Career Grand Slam.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
This Just In: Victoria Azarenka Wins 1st Grand Slam Title
The first Grand Slam of the year is here and almost over. It's the Australian Open, of course. The Men's final is tomorrow morning but this morning was the women's final (over there it's night time). Maria Sharapova seemed like the favorite going into the final having won three Grand Slam Titles before. Her opponent didn't seem to care one bit. After having a somewhat shaky first couple of games, Victoria Azarenka came back and dominated the match. Everything that Sharapova (and the judges, it seemed like) could throw at her she seemed to shoot right back. Azarenka seemed like the champion tonight. She wins the match and her first Grand Slam title in two sets 6-3, 6-0.
Congratulations to Azarenka on her first Grand Slam title. It's always nice to have a first time Grand Slam winner and also different winners. Maybe too different. Over the last 5 Grand Slams, there have been 5 different winners on the women's side with Azarenka being the latest. There might be a #1 ranked (it's soon to be Azarenka) in the world but there doesn't seem to be a true dominant #1 out there.
Maybe this is a transition in domination in women's tennis. But it isn't about that now, it's about Azarenka. Enjoy the moment, Victoria. You seem to be happy to be holding that trophy on stage.
P.S. Just saying that the posting time listed is usually when I started to write the post not when I'm done with it.
P.P.S. CAN I HAVE A DONUT, VICTORIA!!!
Congratulations to Azarenka on her first Grand Slam title. It's always nice to have a first time Grand Slam winner and also different winners. Maybe too different. Over the last 5 Grand Slams, there have been 5 different winners on the women's side with Azarenka being the latest. There might be a #1 ranked (it's soon to be Azarenka) in the world but there doesn't seem to be a true dominant #1 out there.
Maybe this is a transition in domination in women's tennis. But it isn't about that now, it's about Azarenka. Enjoy the moment, Victoria. You seem to be happy to be holding that trophy on stage.
P.S. Just saying that the posting time listed is usually when I started to write the post not when I'm done with it.
P.P.S. CAN I HAVE A DONUT, VICTORIA!!!
Friday, January 27, 2012
WHO THE F**K IS GREG SCHIANO?!?!?!
I had to look this guy up. Wikipedia responded with "who?" I managed to find out that Greg Schiano was the Rutgers football coach since 2001. He seemed to be doing pretty well since 2005. I guess his new job is signs of things really going well. Schiano is saying adios to Rutgers and hello to Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have hired Greg Schiano as their new head coach. This of course comes after Raheem Morris was fired three weeks ago after finishing the season 4-12 as the Bucs head coach.
This is without a doubt the surprise hire of the year. It's hard to imagine where the Bucs are coming from with hiring this guy. Now Schiano has had some good redeeming seasons with the Scarlet Knights and has gotten them winning again but it still seems like a head scratcher. Maybe Glazer thought a man who improved a weak program to begin with was better than one who had a good one to start with (or a former head coach in the NFL). I do hope that this job works for Schiano and that the Bucs thrive from it. They embarrassed my butt this last season.
This is without a doubt the surprise hire of the year. It's hard to imagine where the Bucs are coming from with hiring this guy. Now Schiano has had some good redeeming seasons with the Scarlet Knights and has gotten them winning again but it still seems like a head scratcher. Maybe Glazer thought a man who improved a weak program to begin with was better than one who had a good one to start with (or a former head coach in the NFL). I do hope that this job works for Schiano and that the Bucs thrive from it. They embarrassed my butt this last season.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
DC's Now Head Coaches
More head coaching changes were finalized in the NFL in the last couple of days. First, the vacancy in Oakland has been filled, hopefully for a while. The Raiders have hired their third different Head Coach in the last three years and it is the Broncos defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen. The other coaching hire was for the Colts as the they hired the defensive coordinator of the Ravens, Chuck Pagano. Two defensive coordinators get head coaching jobs but Pagano seems to have a bit more coaching experience.
Which seems like the bigger deal? The Pagano hiring, of course. It's a bit of a insight into what the Colts are planning to do with Peyton Manning. OK, not the hiring itself but the fact that they are changing coaches at the time that they will draft Andrew Luck, their future star. Everything Bill Polian has done up to this point has basically been screaming "remodel." New GM, New Head Coach, New QB... the more the changes come it doesn't seem like there will be room for the old. Also getting a defensive minded says something about how much the Colts want to change this team for the future.
Both new hires will be given some difficult tasks to achieve. Allen will have to try and get the Raiders playing better with Carson Palmer while winning the AFC West. Pagano will have rebuild a team and develop a QB for the future. Sounds tough on both counts.
Which seems like the bigger deal? The Pagano hiring, of course. It's a bit of a insight into what the Colts are planning to do with Peyton Manning. OK, not the hiring itself but the fact that they are changing coaches at the time that they will draft Andrew Luck, their future star. Everything Bill Polian has done up to this point has basically been screaming "remodel." New GM, New Head Coach, New QB... the more the changes come it doesn't seem like there will be room for the old. Also getting a defensive minded says something about how much the Colts want to change this team for the future.
Both new hires will be given some difficult tasks to achieve. Allen will have to try and get the Raiders playing better with Carson Palmer while winning the AFC West. Pagano will have rebuild a team and develop a QB for the future. Sounds tough on both counts.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Detroit Pays a Prince's Ransom
Albert Pujols was without a doubt the biggest free agent available and he went to the Angels. After that, the eyes went to the next big name (and biggest guy, literally) and that was Prince Fielder. Fielder had been with the Brewers since 2005 and had been a very big part of the Brew Crew. However, everyone knew that Prince was never coming back to the Brewers since the money he was going to be asking for was too much for Milwaukee. It took a while for someone to pay the "Royalty Fees" but a club did. Prince Fielder won't have to move far as he just agreed to a 9 year, $214 Million deal with the Detroit Tigers.
What a landing for the Tigers. To get Prince and Miguel Cabrera on the same team is a huge thing for Detroit. Of course, this move seems like a part knee jerk reaction to the fact the Tigers might've lost Victor Martinez for the entire season. This move, though, makes the middle of the Tigers' lineup something to be feared for pitching. The concern now is going to be getting Cabrera to adjust to 3rd base again in order for Prince to be at first. Also, where will Victor Martinez play when he does come back from injury?
I do like the aggressive move that the Tigers are making by getting Fielder but this isn't something they necessarily needed. What they needed is pitching. They were in the top four in batting last year but pitching was more middle of the road despite the fact they had and still have Justin Verlander. This team needs more quality pitching rather than quality hitting. I know that there were not a great amount of quality pitchers available and that Victor Martinez is hurt but this a very long term contract that may come back and haunt them down the road.
P.S. Program Announcement: I need something new, something challenging, a co-host. Starting this Thursday night, tune in to "Dan and Van," a show that covers a wide variety of topics: news, entertainment, whatever the hell the Oscars are... and, of course, some sports. "Dan and Van" starts Thursday at 8 PM on KSUNradio.com... Pretty Good.
P.P.S. Other Program Announcement: Will try to have the Sports Khan Radio Show back but no guarantees.
What a landing for the Tigers. To get Prince and Miguel Cabrera on the same team is a huge thing for Detroit. Of course, this move seems like a part knee jerk reaction to the fact the Tigers might've lost Victor Martinez for the entire season. This move, though, makes the middle of the Tigers' lineup something to be feared for pitching. The concern now is going to be getting Cabrera to adjust to 3rd base again in order for Prince to be at first. Also, where will Victor Martinez play when he does come back from injury?
I do like the aggressive move that the Tigers are making by getting Fielder but this isn't something they necessarily needed. What they needed is pitching. They were in the top four in batting last year but pitching was more middle of the road despite the fact they had and still have Justin Verlander. This team needs more quality pitching rather than quality hitting. I know that there were not a great amount of quality pitchers available and that Victor Martinez is hurt but this a very long term contract that may come back and haunt them down the road.
P.S. Program Announcement: I need something new, something challenging, a co-host. Starting this Thursday night, tune in to "Dan and Van," a show that covers a wide variety of topics: news, entertainment, whatever the hell the Oscars are... and, of course, some sports. "Dan and Van" starts Thursday at 8 PM on KSUNradio.com... Pretty Good.
P.P.S. Other Program Announcement: Will try to have the Sports Khan Radio Show back but no guarantees.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Joe Paterno: 1926-2012
The last few months were perhaps the most trying months for Joe Paterno ever as he was fired after 46 years as the Penn State football coach due to the uncovering of perhaps the worst sports scandal of all time. What made things worse was the fact that Joe Pa had health issues to deal with. Unfortunately, those health issues took their toll. Joe Paterno passed away due to lung cancer. There were reports of him in serious condition on Saturday and he then passed away on Sunday. He was 85.
Joe Pa was a legend around Penn State who built that football program and it's prestige. His 409 wins, 37 bowl games, and two national titles make him arguably the best coach in College Football history. Of course, whatever Joe Paterno ever did is forever tarnished because of the underage sex scandal and his role in it. Joe Pa didn't commit the acts but his failure to report it fully to the authorities and the fact it happened at Penn State will haunt his legacy forever.
My thought are of course with Joe Paterno's family and I say rest in peace to Joe Pa. I'm not sure how Joe Paterno will be remembered, whether it will be more good or more bad. However, as the students and Nittany Lions fans remember him in their own ways, no one can doubt that Joe Paterno still is Penn State.
Joe Pa was a legend around Penn State who built that football program and it's prestige. His 409 wins, 37 bowl games, and two national titles make him arguably the best coach in College Football history. Of course, whatever Joe Paterno ever did is forever tarnished because of the underage sex scandal and his role in it. Joe Pa didn't commit the acts but his failure to report it fully to the authorities and the fact it happened at Penn State will haunt his legacy forever.
My thought are of course with Joe Paterno's family and I say rest in peace to Joe Pa. I'm not sure how Joe Paterno will be remembered, whether it will be more good or more bad. However, as the students and Nittany Lions fans remember him in their own ways, no one can doubt that Joe Paterno still is Penn State.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
"Special" Mistakes Costs the 49ers and Ravens Big Time; Super Bowl Rematch as a Result
This is without a doubt one of the most difficult days for me as a sports fan. The depression I feel on this day is perhaps only paralleled with game 7 of the 2003 ALCS when the Red Sox lost to the Yankees.
The 49ers went into Candlestick park with rainy conditions and looked for a fight with the New York Giants. Man, did they get one. It was a defensive game throughout with both offenses under performing, especially from the 49ers. Despite this fact, the 49ers were winning 14-10. It was then one of the costly mistakes was made when a bouncing punt went off of Kyle Williams knee and recovered by the Giants though not initially ruled that way. Review found the mistake and corrected it. Manning and the Giants would benefit from the good field position and throw a TD pass to Manningham. The 49ers would get a FG to tie it and force OT.
Once again, it was a defensive struggle with Eli Manning unable to do anything vs. the 49ers defense and the 49ers offense continuing to struggle. The 49ers were going to get it for the second time in OT when Kyle Williams fumbled the ball after being stripped of it and the Giants recovered it with great field position again. It was essentially over. A few hand offs later for better field position gave Lawrence Tynes a 31 yard FG opportunity. He made it. Giants win, 20-17 in OT.
I must first say, while eating some crow, congrats to the Giants as they played a fine game going for mistake free football. Second thing I will say, and I know this seems being a sore loser, WE SHOULD'VE WON THIS GAME!!! If Ted Ginn Jr. wasn't injured this week, Williams wouldn't have been out there. Hell, if Williams doesn't make those costly mistakes, we would've won this game. The 49ers defense had them beat and wasn't letting Manning do a thing. It was those two costly mistakes that gave the Giants good field position and momentum to score. The Giants didn't win this game, the 49ers lost it.
As for the other game, the Ravens and the Patriots played a close one, themselves, in Foxboro. After being criticized for his play this last week, even by a teammate, Joe Flacco wanted to prove himself the next "Joe Cool." He actually had the better game over Brady, stat wise. Flacco and the offense actually had a chance to win the game at the end there but failed to get into the endzone. They could still tie the game late with a FG. But Billy Cundiff came out and shanked a 32 yarder to the right with 11 seconds left. Pats hang on to win, 23-20.
The mistakes that cost both losing teams were made on special teams. What a depressing theme. Anyway, we are getting a Super Bowl rematch for the Super Bowl XLVI: the Giants vs. the Patriots. GO PATRIOTS!!!
P.S. Despite the sour taste in my mouth right now, a fine season from the 49ers. Not what I was hoping for going into the postseason but definitely more than what I expected from them at the start of the regular season. Not a bad first year for Jim Harbaugh but now the bar is set very high. Let's meet it next season.
The 49ers went into Candlestick park with rainy conditions and looked for a fight with the New York Giants. Man, did they get one. It was a defensive game throughout with both offenses under performing, especially from the 49ers. Despite this fact, the 49ers were winning 14-10. It was then one of the costly mistakes was made when a bouncing punt went off of Kyle Williams knee and recovered by the Giants though not initially ruled that way. Review found the mistake and corrected it. Manning and the Giants would benefit from the good field position and throw a TD pass to Manningham. The 49ers would get a FG to tie it and force OT.
Once again, it was a defensive struggle with Eli Manning unable to do anything vs. the 49ers defense and the 49ers offense continuing to struggle. The 49ers were going to get it for the second time in OT when Kyle Williams fumbled the ball after being stripped of it and the Giants recovered it with great field position again. It was essentially over. A few hand offs later for better field position gave Lawrence Tynes a 31 yard FG opportunity. He made it. Giants win, 20-17 in OT.
I must first say, while eating some crow, congrats to the Giants as they played a fine game going for mistake free football. Second thing I will say, and I know this seems being a sore loser, WE SHOULD'VE WON THIS GAME!!! If Ted Ginn Jr. wasn't injured this week, Williams wouldn't have been out there. Hell, if Williams doesn't make those costly mistakes, we would've won this game. The 49ers defense had them beat and wasn't letting Manning do a thing. It was those two costly mistakes that gave the Giants good field position and momentum to score. The Giants didn't win this game, the 49ers lost it.
As for the other game, the Ravens and the Patriots played a close one, themselves, in Foxboro. After being criticized for his play this last week, even by a teammate, Joe Flacco wanted to prove himself the next "Joe Cool." He actually had the better game over Brady, stat wise. Flacco and the offense actually had a chance to win the game at the end there but failed to get into the endzone. They could still tie the game late with a FG. But Billy Cundiff came out and shanked a 32 yarder to the right with 11 seconds left. Pats hang on to win, 23-20.
The mistakes that cost both losing teams were made on special teams. What a depressing theme. Anyway, we are getting a Super Bowl rematch for the Super Bowl XLVI: the Giants vs. the Patriots. GO PATRIOTS!!!
P.S. Despite the sour taste in my mouth right now, a fine season from the 49ers. Not what I was hoping for going into the postseason but definitely more than what I expected from them at the start of the regular season. Not a bad first year for Jim Harbaugh but now the bar is set very high. Let's meet it next season.
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