Commits, Comebacks, Crushings & Contracts

C.J. and Xavier Henry are committing to Kansas basketball. The highly recruited brothers will play for Bill Self’s Jayhawks after deciding not to attend a John Calipari-less Memphis Tigers team. The dynamic dribbling duo was considering playing for Calipari at his new school, Kentucky, but confirmed they will instead wear Kansas digs in 2009.
The Baltimore Orioles staged the biggest comeback in their history by embarrassing the Boston Red Sox last night. The O’s won 11-10 Tuesday after staging a nine-run comeback. The rally began in the 7th inning at Camden Yards. The shocking come-from-behind scoring came against a Boston team that had demoralized Baltimore eight straight times, including five this year. The Red Sox figured the lead was insurmountable as they took the field in the bottom half of the 7th. Baltimore used seven hits in the frame, topped by a three run bomb by pinch-hitting Oscar Salazar. The Orioles rattled the electrifying and overpowering Boston bullpen. Jonathan Papelbon entered in the 8th inning to preserve the four run lead and pick up the save. He failed in doing both when Nick Markakis delivered a two run double off the right-handed Boston reliever. The lucky lob to left was Markakis’ first hit off Papelbon in his last eight at-bats. Nick struck out four times this year when facing Papelbon, but stroked the shot to complete the courageous comeback. Dumfounded Red Sox pitcher, John Smoltz, hoped to snare a win in just his second start in Boston. A rain delay ruined the chance for the aging hurler. Smoltz left the game with a 9-1 lead in the fifth after a justifiable performance. He allowed three hits and one Baltimore run, while striking out two of the fifteen he faced. Kevin Youkilis, the leading All-Star first baseman in fan votes, clubbed his 13th homerun of the season, and Jacoby Ellsbury also went long for Boston. None of it mattered because the hapless O’s stunningly manufactured runs and recorded their greatest comeback since 1956.
Yao that hurts! Yes, Ming might miss the entire NBA season next year, and his injury could crush his career. The Houston Rockets took a hit when the news of #11 came down Monday. The proud franchise may have to make some changes if their Chinese sensation is sidelined for any extensive time. A slew of reports indicate Ming’s fractured foot might even be career-threatening. That certainly would crush the Rockets, and the hearts of basketball fans worldwide. If doctors decide Yao can no longer pay, it will be sad to see him retire early in his impressive career.
Defenseman Johnny Oduya re-signed with the New Jersey Devils. The 27 year old, third year player, came to terms with the team on a new contract. Last season, Oduya scored career highs in goals and assits, with 7 and 22 respectfully. It’s nice to know the Devils are trying to keep their defensive gems in tact. Oduya will factor into the 2009 campaign I am sure and it was wise for Lou Lamoriello to re-up the rising star before he entered free agency today. The Devils qualify as one of the better organizations when it comes to acquiring the right players. They are not as rich or classy as the Rangers, but the Devils always build a quality team in New Jersey. Speaking of the Blueshirts, they shipped Scott Gomez to Montreal and acquired winger, Chris Higgins, among other players. The Habs’ number one and 14th overall pick in 2002, is a Yale graduate who will provide scoring opportunities for the Rangers. The two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Devils, center Gomez, commanded a big contract I am sure New York was only too happy to unload.

Parting points: The Yankees signed Eric Hinske yesterday. He is familiar with the AL East, but I am not sure how the addition makes the team that much better. Hinske will play third base when A-Rod sits but that means the Bombers are a bench player short in the utility department. The versatile Hinske will add power about as equal to that we would have seen from Xavier Nady. He’s a versatile player who has flown under the radar during his major league career.

I am very disappointed Leyton Hewitt lost to Andy Roddick at Wimbledon this afternoon.