The Baseball season is here at last. Finally I can out from winter hibernation.
The season began last night with an American League West match up between the Texas Rangers and the newest member of the AL, the Houston Astros. They might make less than Alex Rodriguez combined but they certainly know how to start the season off right. They were up 4-2 yesterday in the bottom of the 6th when Rick Ankiel managed to hit a three run home run to basically seal the victory for the 'stros. Houston wins their first game as part of the America League 8-2.
As for season predictions, lets stick with the AL West for a second and just say I fully expect the Angels to float away with it. The Rangers are weaker and the Angel's are stronger while the A's might challenge them for the top spot. Tommy Hanson might be more of an impact than Josh Hamilton's bat but that lineup is to be the one to fear now in the AL West.
Moving to the AL Central, how could you not pick the Detroit Tigers. They were impressive leading up to the World Series and it's not likely they won't manage to win the division. The team I'm watching, however, is the Indians. They started off well last season and then fell off the face of the earth. I would like to see if Terry Francona will be able to get this club back on pace.
The AL East, all the attention is going to the Toronto Blue Jays after scoring big at that clearance sale the Marlins were having. It might be them or the Rays but don't forget about the O's or the Yanks either. The O's will want to prove last year wasn't a fluke while the Yankees are, uh, well let's just say to never underestimate the Dark Side. Everyone but my Red Sox seems to have a fair shot at the division crown heading into the race. My pick is ultimately the Rays but their hitting has to come alive just enough in order for that to work. Great pitching may win titles but you still have to get to October first with fair hitting.
Moving to the National League East, all signs point to the Washington Nationals (that's right, the "Nationals") will take the division with Strasburg coming off the leash and Bryce Harper set for a sophomore year. The intrigue here, however, is with Atlanta and the arrival of the Upton brothers in the outfield. If their pitching comes through, they might be able to challenge the Nationals. Still picking Washington, however.
In the NL Central, I'm going bold in saying the Milwaukee Brewers will take the division. There has been no repeat winner in the division for a few years now and I think the Brewers could surprise some with Yovani Gallardo and Kyle Lohse in the Rotation. You can't sleep on St. Louis or Cincinnati but I'm going with Milwaukee.
Lastly, the NL West and who else am I going to pick besides the San Francisco Giants? Nobody. Go Giants!!!
Perhaps the Dodgers do present a challenge with Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke in their rotation but Kershaw is the only one there that is consistent. While Greinke will probably end up with an ERA around the 3's, the rest of the rotation is shaky. They can't be written off completely but they will likely be playing in the Wild Card playoff game.
As for my World Series picks, Rays over Giants. I love my Giants and seeing how they will themselves through the playoffs last year, I can't ignore them for another pennant. Plus they've played a season after winning a title before and are used to it. But I have a feeling about the Rays and their rotation. They'll be playing playoff type baseball all year round like the Giants usually do and they have a better rotation as well. Got to pick the Rays.
P.S. Don't kill me at the Park, Giants fans. Look at my Final Four picks: I'M WRONG ALL THE TIME!!!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Syracuse and Wichita State into the Final Four
The NCAA Tournament's Elite 8 started off earlier today with two teams punching their tickets into the Final Four.
In the East Regional Final, #4 Syracuse took on #3 Marquette and ultimately dismantled them. They held them to under 25% shooting and under 15% from behind the arch. Though the Orange shot under their average, their 38% shooting was still enough to beat Marquette comfortably 55-39. This marks the first time Syracuse has reached the Final Four since 2003 when Carmelo Anthony was on the team.
As for the West Regional Final, #9 Wichita State managed to prove they're the Cinderella team to root for with their win over Ohio State 70-66. The Shockers had a half time lead over the Buckeyes of 35-22. Ohio State managed to come back a bit but still fell short. Wichita State Shocks and Awes the college basketball world advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 1965.
Congrats to the two teams able to get to the Final Four, especially Wichita State. They beat Gonzaga, then La Salle, and then they took down mighty Ohio State.
The Elite 8 concludes tomorrow with #1 Louisville vs. #2 Duke for the Midwest and then in the South, its #4 Michigan vs. #3 Florida.
In the East Regional Final, #4 Syracuse took on #3 Marquette and ultimately dismantled them. They held them to under 25% shooting and under 15% from behind the arch. Though the Orange shot under their average, their 38% shooting was still enough to beat Marquette comfortably 55-39. This marks the first time Syracuse has reached the Final Four since 2003 when Carmelo Anthony was on the team.
As for the West Regional Final, #9 Wichita State managed to prove they're the Cinderella team to root for with their win over Ohio State 70-66. The Shockers had a half time lead over the Buckeyes of 35-22. Ohio State managed to come back a bit but still fell short. Wichita State Shocks and Awes the college basketball world advancing to the Final Four for the first time since 1965.
Congrats to the two teams able to get to the Final Four, especially Wichita State. They beat Gonzaga, then La Salle, and then they took down mighty Ohio State.
The Elite 8 concludes tomorrow with #1 Louisville vs. #2 Duke for the Midwest and then in the South, its #4 Michigan vs. #3 Florida.
UCLA Hires Random Guy From New Mexico
The UCLA Bruins have finally found someone to accept the college basketball job at their school.
UCLA has taken almost a week to name their head coach because their first choices wouldn't accept. Shaka Smart turned them down and Minnesota as well to stay at VCU. He even signed an extension with the Rams. Brad Stevens of Butler also turned down UCLA saying he's still the coach for Butler. Even Ashton Kutcher refused the job insisting he's happy at CBS.
However, the Bruins finally found someone they liked. New Mexico head coach Steve Alford has been hired by UCLA to be the next head coach for the basketball team. Alford has had an impressive regular season record but whenever New Mexico has been in the tournament, they have been eliminated rather early on. In fact, the Lobos were eliminated in what is technically the 2nd round of the tournament this year by #14 Harvard.
The Bruins finally pulled a name out of the hat after several tries. No I don't know if Shaka Smart and Brad Stevens are really loyal enough to not want to leave their respective school for another destination. They might be or just want to build their names up further in places not known for their basketball programs. But the fact that both of them turned down UCLA says something about the instant allure of being the basketball coach for the Bruins: it's faded considerably.
The eyes of coaches, fans, and players don't necessarily see it as a place to look up to anymore like in the John Wooden era. The Bruins have only won one national title (1995) since Wooden retired and have struggled to get far in the tournament, if they get in at all. True, their last coach Ben Howland managed to get them to three Final Fours in a row but the program has since dropped along with the prestige and excitement once again.
Steve Alford now becomes UCLA's head coach with high expectations indeed. It's not that New Mexico didn't expect a lot from Alford but UCLA certainly expects the moon. And in terms of the tournament at New Mexico, Alford had barely gotten out of the atmosphere.
UCLA has taken almost a week to name their head coach because their first choices wouldn't accept. Shaka Smart turned them down and Minnesota as well to stay at VCU. He even signed an extension with the Rams. Brad Stevens of Butler also turned down UCLA saying he's still the coach for Butler. Even Ashton Kutcher refused the job insisting he's happy at CBS.
However, the Bruins finally found someone they liked. New Mexico head coach Steve Alford has been hired by UCLA to be the next head coach for the basketball team. Alford has had an impressive regular season record but whenever New Mexico has been in the tournament, they have been eliminated rather early on. In fact, the Lobos were eliminated in what is technically the 2nd round of the tournament this year by #14 Harvard.
The Bruins finally pulled a name out of the hat after several tries. No I don't know if Shaka Smart and Brad Stevens are really loyal enough to not want to leave their respective school for another destination. They might be or just want to build their names up further in places not known for their basketball programs. But the fact that both of them turned down UCLA says something about the instant allure of being the basketball coach for the Bruins: it's faded considerably.
The eyes of coaches, fans, and players don't necessarily see it as a place to look up to anymore like in the John Wooden era. The Bruins have only won one national title (1995) since Wooden retired and have struggled to get far in the tournament, if they get in at all. True, their last coach Ben Howland managed to get them to three Final Fours in a row but the program has since dropped along with the prestige and excitement once again.
Steve Alford now becomes UCLA's head coach with high expectations indeed. It's not that New Mexico didn't expect a lot from Alford but UCLA certainly expects the moon. And in terms of the tournament at New Mexico, Alford had barely gotten out of the atmosphere.
Friday, March 29, 2013
$167 Million Deal for Buster Posey
Buster Posey and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a 9 year $167 million contract. The contract covers 2013-21 with a club option for 2022. It also comes with a no trade clause. Buster Posey has been an essential player in each of the Giants two World Series Seasons. He was also named 2012 NL MVP last year after batting .336 with 24 home runs and 103 RBI's.
The man behind the plate gets the contract he has richly deserved. Posey's been a valuable part of the Giants but had been paid peanuts until now. I'm not trying to knock the team for that because all ball clubs can do it and will. I'm just glad that Buster was able to get his big payday, especially after that home plate collision in May of 2011.
The pitching seems stable for now and the Giants have locked up their biggest position player for 9 years. Just now need to figure out what to do with Timmy what with his contract coming to end. A lot of that will be determined after this season and seeing if Timmy can bounce back after an awful 2012 season.
The man behind the plate gets the contract he has richly deserved. Posey's been a valuable part of the Giants but had been paid peanuts until now. I'm not trying to knock the team for that because all ball clubs can do it and will. I'm just glad that Buster was able to get his big payday, especially after that home plate collision in May of 2011.
The pitching seems stable for now and the Giants have locked up their biggest position player for 9 years. Just now need to figure out what to do with Timmy what with his contract coming to end. A lot of that will be determined after this season and seeing if Timmy can bounce back after an awful 2012 season.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Johan Santana Likely to Miss Season with a Re-tear?
If you're a Mets fan, I'm just sorry for you in general. But I'm even more sorry about the fact that Johan Santana will likely miss the 2013 season with another injury.
According to Mets GM Sandy Alderson, the two time Cy Young winner has likely suffered a re-tear of the anterior capsule in his left shoulder. It seems very likely that Santana will have to have shoulder surgery to repair the tear. Santana had torn his anterior capsule before and had surgery to repair it back in September of 2010. He had to wait until the 2012 season to throw in the Majors again.
More injuries plague the only pitcher to have ever thrown a no hitter for the Mets. Except for that June night, Santana's career with the Mets have been marred by one injury after another. Santana has had health problems every year as part of the Mets with the first season in 2008 being the closest to the exception only to reveal he had a torn meniscus in his left knee which was surgically repaired after the season has ended.
To take in the fact that there's an expensive 2014 club option for the now 34 year old pitcher, it's likely that Johan has thrown his last pitch for the Mets.
According to Mets GM Sandy Alderson, the two time Cy Young winner has likely suffered a re-tear of the anterior capsule in his left shoulder. It seems very likely that Santana will have to have shoulder surgery to repair the tear. Santana had torn his anterior capsule before and had surgery to repair it back in September of 2010. He had to wait until the 2012 season to throw in the Majors again.
More injuries plague the only pitcher to have ever thrown a no hitter for the Mets. Except for that June night, Santana's career with the Mets have been marred by one injury after another. Santana has had health problems every year as part of the Mets with the first season in 2008 being the closest to the exception only to reveal he had a torn meniscus in his left knee which was surgically repaired after the season has ended.
To take in the fact that there's an expensive 2014 club option for the now 34 year old pitcher, it's likely that Johan has thrown his last pitch for the Mets.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Bulls Snap the Heat's 27 Game Winning Streak
The streak is over.
The Miami Heat's 27 game winning streak has ended in Chicago at the hands of the Bulls. The Chicago defense and the noise of the sixth man proved too much for the Heat as they were playing from behind for practically the entire game. The Bulls went up by as many as 9 within the final minutes and would win by a final of 101-97.
Luol Deng scored the most for Chicago with 28 points along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Carlos Boozer managed 21 points himself along with 17 boards. LeBron James had 32 points in the loss while Bosh had 21 points and Dwayne Wade had 18.
The streak ends in Chicago at the hands of a Bulls team that hasn't played with Derrick Rose all season long and did not have Joakim Noah available for tonight's game. They are definitely talented enough to beat Miami on any given night but it still felt like a small shocker.
As to the streak itself, it was a shame it ended 6 games short of the record 33 game winning streak set by the 71-72 Lakers. I was sort of rooting for Miami to break the record as it was the only thing drawing my attention to the NBA right now. The regular season means so little for most teams that a streak like this gave it meaning and purpose. Now we'll have to wait until the postseason to see meaningful basketball in the NBA.
P.S. Do I NOW have to put my clothes back on?
The Miami Heat's 27 game winning streak has ended in Chicago at the hands of the Bulls. The Chicago defense and the noise of the sixth man proved too much for the Heat as they were playing from behind for practically the entire game. The Bulls went up by as many as 9 within the final minutes and would win by a final of 101-97.
Luol Deng scored the most for Chicago with 28 points along with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Carlos Boozer managed 21 points himself along with 17 boards. LeBron James had 32 points in the loss while Bosh had 21 points and Dwayne Wade had 18.
The streak ends in Chicago at the hands of a Bulls team that hasn't played with Derrick Rose all season long and did not have Joakim Noah available for tonight's game. They are definitely talented enough to beat Miami on any given night but it still felt like a small shocker.
As to the streak itself, it was a shame it ended 6 games short of the record 33 game winning streak set by the 71-72 Lakers. I was sort of rooting for Miami to break the record as it was the only thing drawing my attention to the NBA right now. The regular season means so little for most teams that a streak like this gave it meaning and purpose. Now we'll have to wait until the postseason to see meaningful basketball in the NBA.
P.S. Do I NOW have to put my clothes back on?
Is the NFL Ready for an Openly Gay Player?
CBSSports.com reporter Mike Freeman wrote on Monday that a current NFL Player is considering coming out publicly over the next few months and to resume playing in the league. Freeman doesn't know the identity of the player as he's based this on several interviews with active and former NFL Players. For the article, click here.
Some NFL Players have been in the news recently in showing support for gay marriage. Two notable advocates are Baltimore Ravens' Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo and Minnesota Vikings' Punter Chris Kluwe.
An openly gay player in the NFL, however, might not have such support. Leading up to the Super Bowl, 49ers corner Chris Culliver made negative comments about gay football players in the league while doing an interview with comedian and radio host Artie Lange saying "No, we don't got no gay people on the team, they gotta get up out of here if they do.... Can't be with that sweet stuff. Nah…can't be…in the locker room man. Nah." He also added to that saying gay players should wait ten years before coming out.
Culliver has since apologized for his remarks he made and said he would welcome a gay teammate saying "I treat everyone equal."
The possibility of an active NFL Player saying that he's gay comes at an interesting juncture in the country itself what with the issue of Gay Marriage now before the Supreme Court.
The question then needs to be stated: Are the Fans and the NFL ready for an active football player that is openly gay?
No, but it needs to happen anyway.
While views towards gay marriage and the LGBT community in general are shifting, there will still be considerable backlash towards a gay player that is still in the league from the outside and within. If the initial views expressed by Chris Culliver hold true for many players in locker rooms, there could be some conflict. As for the fans, they might be more tolerant but backlash can still be expected in some form.
Whether these fears are probable or not, I ask you: Is society ever really ready for any legitimate civil rights movement or issue when it arises? The answer is a resounding no. There was backlash when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 from fans issuing death threats to trouble within the Dodgers' clubhouse. There was plenty of violent backlash directed at African Americans during the Civil Rights movement of the 1950's and 1960's. And Parents cried out that Spongebob Squarepants was a gay show as it's popularity with kids soared.
Sorry, can't stay serious forever. It's just not in my nature.
The point is change never just happens. Parts of society have to be challenged if views and attitudes are ever going to change. The only way for the NFL and the sports world at large to ever be 'ready' for gay players is to have one play openly in their sight.
Some NFL Players have been in the news recently in showing support for gay marriage. Two notable advocates are Baltimore Ravens' Linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo and Minnesota Vikings' Punter Chris Kluwe.
An openly gay player in the NFL, however, might not have such support. Leading up to the Super Bowl, 49ers corner Chris Culliver made negative comments about gay football players in the league while doing an interview with comedian and radio host Artie Lange saying "No, we don't got no gay people on the team, they gotta get up out of here if they do.... Can't be with that sweet stuff. Nah…can't be…in the locker room man. Nah." He also added to that saying gay players should wait ten years before coming out.
Culliver has since apologized for his remarks he made and said he would welcome a gay teammate saying "I treat everyone equal."
The possibility of an active NFL Player saying that he's gay comes at an interesting juncture in the country itself what with the issue of Gay Marriage now before the Supreme Court.
The question then needs to be stated: Are the Fans and the NFL ready for an active football player that is openly gay?
No, but it needs to happen anyway.
While views towards gay marriage and the LGBT community in general are shifting, there will still be considerable backlash towards a gay player that is still in the league from the outside and within. If the initial views expressed by Chris Culliver hold true for many players in locker rooms, there could be some conflict. As for the fans, they might be more tolerant but backlash can still be expected in some form.
Whether these fears are probable or not, I ask you: Is society ever really ready for any legitimate civil rights movement or issue when it arises? The answer is a resounding no. There was backlash when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 from fans issuing death threats to trouble within the Dodgers' clubhouse. There was plenty of violent backlash directed at African Americans during the Civil Rights movement of the 1950's and 1960's. And Parents cried out that Spongebob Squarepants was a gay show as it's popularity with kids soared.
Sorry, can't stay serious forever. It's just not in my nature.
The point is change never just happens. Parts of society have to be challenged if views and attitudes are ever going to change. The only way for the NFL and the sports world at large to ever be 'ready' for gay players is to have one play openly in their sight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)