The trade deadline in baseball passed by earlier today and quite a few trades were made by the GMs looking to buy or sell. There were three trades that seem to catch the eyes of the league and they all involved teams in the AL and NL West Divisions. The first one involved Ryan Dempster. The expectation leading into today was that he was going to be traded to the Dodgers. Dempster would actually end up in the American League. He was traded to the Rangers in exchange for two minor league players. The Rangers make this move with hopes that it will give them enough for another World Series run.
The other two trades involved the Phillies dumping a couple of players. Who would of thought that the Phillies would be sellers instead of buyers at this time. One trade would send Hunter Pence to the Giants in exchange for Nate Schierholtz, a Double AA Catcher, and a Class A pitcher. The other trade Philly orchestrated would involve the Giants NL West Rivals, the Dodgers, as they sent Shane Victorino packing in exchange for a reliever and a minor league picther and also a player to be named later or cash. Not exactly gutting the whole team but enough of it for them to contend in the future.
Not a bad trade deadline day in the Majors. Ryan Dempster is the biggest move, no doubt, considering the ERA he has (2.25) and how he helps cancel out Zack Greinke going to the Angels. It's definitely a bigger move than that one. As for Philly's moves, they remind me of a weapons dealer selling to both sides in a war. Hunter Pence might be a better hitter than Victorino this season but the Dodgers still had a better month in terms of exchanges when you factor in getting Hanley Ramirez last week from the Marlins. But what the Pence move does is keep the Giants in it while also giving them a needed offensive boost.
There were a few other deals made in baseball like Jonathan Broxton going to the Reds but these three trades mentioned are interesting as they involve western teams making a push for a playoff run. Perhaps one of these trades will lead to that.
P.S. Please let it be the Giants.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Lochte (Not Phelps) gets First Gold for USA
The first day of the Olympic Games is over and China seems to have an early lead in both gold with 4 and total medals with 6. Meanwhile, the US watched poolside to see Michael Phelps go back into the water. Along with him was his arch rival, Ryan Lochte. Lochte had been showing Phelps up as of late and decided to do it again in the 400 m Individual Medley. Lochte managed to win the event and take gold while Phelps didn't even place finishing 4th. Thiago Pereira of Brazil took Silver and Kosuke Hagino took Bronze for Japan. This was the first event that Phelps was in and didn't take a medal since Sydney in 2000.
A sign of decline for Michael Phelps as Lochte does it again, this time in London. Sure, Phelps will have a few more shots at some medals but this 4th place finish cannot be a good sign of things to come for the 14 time gold medal winner. Lochte's training and determination pays off for himself as he becomes the USA's first gold medal winner of these 2012 games. Perhaps he will become the most popular US athlete by the time the Olympics in London conclude. Then football will return and no one will remember his name. Good for him to be on top.
A sign of decline for Michael Phelps as Lochte does it again, this time in London. Sure, Phelps will have a few more shots at some medals but this 4th place finish cannot be a good sign of things to come for the 14 time gold medal winner. Lochte's training and determination pays off for himself as he becomes the USA's first gold medal winner of these 2012 games. Perhaps he will become the most popular US athlete by the time the Olympics in London conclude. Then football will return and no one will remember his name. Good for him to be on top.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
THE OLYMPICS ARE HERE, GET YOUR GUNS!!!
The Summer Olympics are back and London plays host for the games this time around. Hey, I was shock to hear about it as well. Of course the games had their opening ceremony last night for the whole world to see... at their prerecorded pace outside of that timezone. I still hate the non-live factor of the whole thing. Yeah, Kobe and LeBron are waiving at us from 8 hours ago.
Anyway, I didn't really watch the opening ceremony nor did I really want to see it (if it was available via internet). I watched a bit of the country introductions; saw the US and Great Britain get introduced. That's about it. I wasn't interested in a over bloated opening ceremony. It's about the games and the athletes from all over the world. That's it. Sweet and simple.
I sit here now and I now listening to the National Anthem of the People's Republic of China. They just won gold in a Air Rifle shooting event. The first one of the Games. How did we lose this event? We are all about guns in the USA and it's a shame that we lost to China who can't even... huh? Oh, it's "Women's" Air Rifle Shooting? Still should've won.
Congrats to China for taking the first Gold and Bronze, for that matter. Yi Siling is the first Gold Medalist of the 2012 Olympic Games. That's a true honor for anybody.
P.S. What a second? How is shooting a sport divided between the sexes? IT'S SHOOTING GUNS, DOESN'T GET MORE EQUAL THAN THAT!!!
P.P.S. HOW SHOOTING GUNS A SPORT?!?!?!
Anyway, I didn't really watch the opening ceremony nor did I really want to see it (if it was available via internet). I watched a bit of the country introductions; saw the US and Great Britain get introduced. That's about it. I wasn't interested in a over bloated opening ceremony. It's about the games and the athletes from all over the world. That's it. Sweet and simple.
I sit here now and I now listening to the National Anthem of the People's Republic of China. They just won gold in a Air Rifle shooting event. The first one of the Games. How did we lose this event? We are all about guns in the USA and it's a shame that we lost to China who can't even... huh? Oh, it's "Women's" Air Rifle Shooting? Still should've won.
Congrats to China for taking the first Gold and Bronze, for that matter. Yi Siling is the first Gold Medalist of the 2012 Olympic Games. That's a true honor for anybody.
P.S. What a second? How is shooting a sport divided between the sexes? IT'S SHOOTING GUNS, DOESN'T GET MORE EQUAL THAN THAT!!!
P.P.S. HOW SHOOTING GUNS A SPORT?!?!?!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Zach Greinke Traded to Angels
How important is getting a divisional spot over settling for a Wild Card spot nowadays in baseball? Important enough to get Zack Greinke.
The Brewers pitcher has had a good season so far going 9-3 with a 3.44 ERA. The problem is that his talents are being wasted with the Brewers who are currently 14 games behind the Reds in the NL Central and are 10 games under .500. To make things worse, the team was on a 7 game losing streak entering today. So the idea for them was to the sell and Zack Greinke was their product. There were some perspective buyers but the team who got Greinke were the Angels. Looking at the Angels rotation to start the season, you would think they wouldn't need another starting pitcher. But it seems that CJ Wilson and Jared Weaver are the the only one's consistently showing up. So they traded for Zack Greinke giving the Brewers SS Jean Segura and 2 pitchers from Double-A.
The 2 Wild Card team format is no doubt at work here. The Angels are currently one of the Wild Card leaders but that would mean nothing if they lose that One-Game playoff which could easily happen to any team. Better for them to make a charge for the Division and get Zack Greinke to help you do it. The still have a very tough Rangers' team to get by and they are currently 5 games behind them entering today. Even with Greinke, I still favor Texas to take the AL West. The Angels might have to settle for a Wild Card spot anyway which means they might not make the actual playoffs and getting Zack Greinke would've meant nothing then, especially if he joins a new team during the off season.
The Brewers pitcher has had a good season so far going 9-3 with a 3.44 ERA. The problem is that his talents are being wasted with the Brewers who are currently 14 games behind the Reds in the NL Central and are 10 games under .500. To make things worse, the team was on a 7 game losing streak entering today. So the idea for them was to the sell and Zack Greinke was their product. There were some perspective buyers but the team who got Greinke were the Angels. Looking at the Angels rotation to start the season, you would think they wouldn't need another starting pitcher. But it seems that CJ Wilson and Jared Weaver are the the only one's consistently showing up. So they traded for Zack Greinke giving the Brewers SS Jean Segura and 2 pitchers from Double-A.
The 2 Wild Card team format is no doubt at work here. The Angels are currently one of the Wild Card leaders but that would mean nothing if they lose that One-Game playoff which could easily happen to any team. Better for them to make a charge for the Division and get Zack Greinke to help you do it. The still have a very tough Rangers' team to get by and they are currently 5 games behind them entering today. Even with Greinke, I still favor Texas to take the AL West. The Angels might have to settle for a Wild Card spot anyway which means they might not make the actual playoffs and getting Zack Greinke would've meant nothing then, especially if he joins a new team during the off season.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Roma Beats Liverpool at Fenway, 2-1
It was my last night in Boston and I decided to wrap it up with one more trip to Fenway but this time not to see the Red Sox but Liverpool FC. It was Football at Fenway while the Sox were out of town and I decided it would be fun to see Soccer played in the 100 year old stadium. It was a different experience going to a Liverpool game and see John Henry's other team (lose in front of my eyes). They had managed to bring in AS Roma for a friendly and it was fun to watch.
While no goals were scored in the first half, the second had plenty. American Michael Bradley scored for Roma in the 63' and the crowd went nuts with "USA" chants. Alessandro Florenzi scored another goal for Roma a few minutes later. Liverpool would score one in the 80' but their later efforts were not enough. Roma spoils Liverpool's game in Fenway, 2-1.
A fine game for the folks of Fenway as it seemed to have split the crowd's allegiances. I didn't know what supporters were surrounding me at times. Still a good game that is meant to increase the awareness of Liverpool. A win would've been better and Liverpool needs to improve a lot in order to contend in the EPL again but it was still a nice showing against the respectable club of Roma.
P.S. I head back to the West Coast in the morning. I enjoyed every minute in Boston and the surrounding area. I got a sports craving out of the way as well as an historic craving out the way. From Lexington and Concord to Quincy and the homes of the Adams family, it was a blast. I especially loved Thing. He's too good at Rock, Paper, Scissors though.
While no goals were scored in the first half, the second had plenty. American Michael Bradley scored for Roma in the 63' and the crowd went nuts with "USA" chants. Alessandro Florenzi scored another goal for Roma a few minutes later. Liverpool would score one in the 80' but their later efforts were not enough. Roma spoils Liverpool's game in Fenway, 2-1.
A fine game for the folks of Fenway as it seemed to have split the crowd's allegiances. I didn't know what supporters were surrounding me at times. Still a good game that is meant to increase the awareness of Liverpool. A win would've been better and Liverpool needs to improve a lot in order to contend in the EPL again but it was still a nice showing against the respectable club of Roma.
P.S. I head back to the West Coast in the morning. I enjoyed every minute in Boston and the surrounding area. I got a sports craving out of the way as well as an historic craving out the way. From Lexington and Concord to Quincy and the homes of the Adams family, it was a blast. I especially loved Thing. He's too good at Rock, Paper, Scissors though.
Hanley to Dodgers and Wandy to Pirates
The deadline approaches and a couple of teams have made some moves. One of them is the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates are actually in the mix in the NL Central as they are currently just 2.5 games back of the Reds. They have a good team but they wanted a bit more so they went out and got Wandy Rodriguez of the Astros in a trade in exchange for three minor league players. This already adds on to their pitching of James McDonald and AJ Burnett.
Meanwhile the Dodgers are in the same boat as the Pirates: contenders but currently 2.5 games back but in the NL West. Their offense has taken a hit this year and while getting Matt Kemp back from the DL helps, the team wanted a bit more in their lineup. Hanley Ramirez is the help they are getting. They get Hanley from the Marlins along with reliever Randy Choate in exchange for pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and a minor league player. Though not the best avg., Hanley does bring some power and speed to the team.
These two moves are nice and show their respective fan bases that each side is trying to win now but they might not be the best moves available. The better move for the Pirates might've been going after Ryan Dempster of the Cubs or even Zack Greinke of the Brewers. I don't exactly have anyone off the top of my head for the Dodgers but I would've thought there would be someone they could get that would be better than... actually, now that I think about it, Hanley Ramirez is alright for them. No need to get any better.
Though fine moves, they may get a bit overshadowed by the fact that the Phillies and Cole Hamels have a new deal together. 6 year, $140 million extension gives that team some security. Pity it won't mean anything for this season.
Meanwhile the Dodgers are in the same boat as the Pirates: contenders but currently 2.5 games back but in the NL West. Their offense has taken a hit this year and while getting Matt Kemp back from the DL helps, the team wanted a bit more in their lineup. Hanley Ramirez is the help they are getting. They get Hanley from the Marlins along with reliever Randy Choate in exchange for pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and a minor league player. Though not the best avg., Hanley does bring some power and speed to the team.
These two moves are nice and show their respective fan bases that each side is trying to win now but they might not be the best moves available. The better move for the Pirates might've been going after Ryan Dempster of the Cubs or even Zack Greinke of the Brewers. I don't exactly have anyone off the top of my head for the Dodgers but I would've thought there would be someone they could get that would be better than... actually, now that I think about it, Hanley Ramirez is alright for them. No need to get any better.
Though fine moves, they may get a bit overshadowed by the fact that the Phillies and Cole Hamels have a new deal together. 6 year, $140 million extension gives that team some security. Pity it won't mean anything for this season.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Ichiro Traded to Yankees, Debuts in Seattle?
This last weekend hasn't been that great for the Nation. The good news was the fact that the Yankees got swept by the A's (like Oakland again). The bad news to take that away was the fact that the Yankees made an addition to their clubhouse. Longtime Mariner, Ichiro Suzuki, has been traded to the Yankees for a couple of pitching prospects. What made things even more intriguing was the fact that he made his Yankees debut that very day. Why? Because the Yankees were in town visiting the Mariners in Seattle. That's right. Ichiro's Yankee debut was against his old team at Safeco Field. Ichiro went 1 for 4 as the Yankees won, 4-1.
A little surprising that Ichiro leaves the team after so long and looks to be playing his farewell series over the next few days. Seems a bit proper for the fans of Seattle to have a chance to say goodbye to Ichiro before he leaves Seattle. I'm not sure how much Ichiro will help the Yankees considering that his batting average has been going down over the last few years. Sure, he can still play and that short RF in Yankee Stadium will help him but they are still getting a player that used to be in his prime.
While many will be intrigued as to how Ichiro will help the Yankees, I am more interested to see where he goes after this season is over and he is a free agent. Will the Yanks still want him then or will he have to find a new home?
A little surprising that Ichiro leaves the team after so long and looks to be playing his farewell series over the next few days. Seems a bit proper for the fans of Seattle to have a chance to say goodbye to Ichiro before he leaves Seattle. I'm not sure how much Ichiro will help the Yankees considering that his batting average has been going down over the last few years. Sure, he can still play and that short RF in Yankee Stadium will help him but they are still getting a player that used to be in his prime.
While many will be intrigued as to how Ichiro will help the Yankees, I am more interested to see where he goes after this season is over and he is a free agent. Will the Yanks still want him then or will he have to find a new home?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)