Monday, August 31, 2009

Rodriguez's Rules

The soap opera that is Michigan football began a new chapter this weekend. Allegations from former and anonymous players accused head coach, Rich Rodriguez of holding practices far beyond the NCAA limits. An emotional Rodriguez addressed the media in an Ann Arbor press conference today. He reiterated several times how his coaching staff cares deeply for the Wolverine players. Rodriguez denied the reports about his program, suggesting the complaints were intended to tear up the rebuilding Michigan team. The Big 10 coach also drove home the point his school abided by the rules while he choked up in his 15 minute address.
Bill Martin, Michigan’s athletic director, is taking the allegations seriously. Martin released a statement on Sunday saying he believed the university was in compliance with the NCAA regulations, but would still investigate the situation. The Big 10 and NCAA have been alerted of the investigation attempt. The current NCAA rules allow a player to spend eight hours a week on mandatory workouts in the offseason. Players on the 2008 and 2009 Wolverines criticized Rodriguez for commanding workouts that greatly exceeded the NCAA limit. There were additional reports that quality-control staff members attended voluntary, player-run scrimmages. This is also an NCAA violation. The dismal blue and maize stumbled to a 3-9 record in Rodriguez’s first year in Ann Arbor. Rodriguez built and stabilized a successful program at West Virginia prior to taking the head coaching job at the winningest football program in the country. He took over for Lloyd Carr, who Michigan fans attacked and virtually ran out of town.
I find it interesting the players wanted to remain anonymous because they feared the repercussions. They went to the Detroit Free Press to break the story Saturday night. What do they think will happen after the fallout from the accusations against their head coach? The dissention in the locker room can’t be too comforting and appealing with the season beginning this weekend against in-state rival, Western Michigan. This is no way to start a new season. The distasteful situation will shake things up at the Big House, and the fans have a right to be angry. The press is jumping to conclusions based on a few reports. The former Wolverines claimed they practiced over the maximum 20 hours a week during the season. In my opinion, even if they had exceeded the practice limit, they should not be talking to the press. The right thing to do would be go to the coaching staff or the athletic director. Keep the problem an in-house one before making it a national issue.
Rodriguez praised his players during Monday’s press conference. He acknowledged their hard work and good grades. Rodriguez is a great coach and he should receive the support of his staff and team. It seems like the Wolverines are trying to find anything negative they can and dwelling on their failures of the past. I am sure it is an embarrassing situation for Rodriguez to be called a rule-breaker. If he did in fact fail to adhere to the rules, he should suffer a penalty. But the athletic department should have been notified prior to the player reports appearing in print.

Parting points: I can’t believe today is the final day of August. It’s time to go back to school already.
Movie of the day- “Ferris Beuller’s Day Off

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Big Breakdown Begins

It’s less than a week now that the nation’s best college football players take the field. The Big 10 has been dubbed the most overrated conference in the past few years. Ohio State won the 2003 Fiesta Bowl and Penn State was the class of the conference last year. The Buckeyes continue to be a top ten team, while Penn State rates highest in most of the major Big 10 categories. The Nittany Lions flirted with an undefeated season but were proven less than perfect. Now, the team from Pennsylvania’s Happy Valley returns a broke unit but one inspired to achieve greatness.
Joe Paterno’s Penn State team lead in points per game, points allowed, total yards per game and total yards allowed. As long as Joe Pa has blood flowing through him, he will try his hardest to field a quality football product. The legendary coach has yet to have a repeat conference champion in his 16 seasons in the Big 10. Last year’s successful regular season ended with a loss in the Rose Bowl. This year, the linebackers are perhaps the best in college football even with the holes on offense and only four returning starters on defense. Most of Penn State’s top playmakers are gone but the Nittany Lions have one of the most outstanding option quarterbacks on the 2009-10 roster. Daryll Clark is still unpolished, but will call signals at the line for Paterno this season after taking just 36 snaps in two years on the Penn State sidelines. The 6’2” Clark’s health is Penn State’s number one problem. He sustained three concussions in his first two years, including a brutal takedown against Ohio State last season. The offense will suffer if Clark has to scramble for yardage and it is not known how he will be affected by his past occurrences. Even if Clark if a confident passer, he will have to find a way to spread the ball. Penn State’s prolific trio of dangerous wideouts no longer exsts in Happy Valley. Former walk-on player, junior Graham Zug, is similar to last year’s top receiver Jordan Norwood. Both can expose defenses and catch the ball. Zug is not as quick as Norwood and Paterno probably won’t use him against opponent’s number one and two cornerbacks. Brett Brackett’s main attribute is his size. It sounds simple, but Brackett will be successful if he can get open. The potency may be missing, but the Lions can make up for their thin receiving with mistake-free football and an energetic running game. Evan Royster didn’t receive much in terms of publicity last year, but he possesses incredible ability in moving the ball. Royster averaged 6.47 yards per carry for 1,236 yards. The smooth runner will be used as a package with flashy 5’10” Stephfon Green. Offensive coordinator, Galen Hall, hinted he could utilize both of his backs as receivers to exploit matchups. The wide receivers will ease into unchartered territory thanks to the return of Andrew Quarless at tight end. He could take a lot of pressure off the receivers if he capitalizes on his immense talent. Connecticut-born Brennan Coakley, also returns for his senior year at tight end. Penn State’s tight ends are extreme and explosive, and should be one of the strengths on the squad. Whatever the look of the Penn State offense, they will have to do so with a young and inexperienced line.
Penn State will boast the most tenacious pair of linebackers in the nation as they open the season next Saturday against Akron. The Nittany Lions’ linebacker unit is ranked number one and their effectiveness remains Penn State’s allegiance. Navarro Bowman and Sean Lee are the duo sending shivers down the spines of Big 10 quarterbacks as we speak. Bowman is the reliable attacker who mans the weak side. He earned Big 10 honors last year, and will be joined by a recovering Lee. Lee missed all of last season with a knee injury but is a team leader and former All-American. The fifth year senior was also the conference’s second leading tackle two seasons ago. The show stopping blue and white defense glistens with the ferocious front seven. Defensive tackle, Jared Odrick, leads the powerful line. Brandon Ware, Devon Still, Ollie Ogbu (I love that name) and Chima Okoli will command plenty of attention as they tackle opposing offenses. Penn State’s versatility and strength up the middle will be hard to compete with and you would be hard pressed to find a comparable unit in the Big 10. The secondary and edges are another story for Penn State. The Nittany Lions begin the new season with plenty of question marks at defensive end, cornerback and safety. First round draft pick, Aaron Maybin is difficult enough to replace, but Penn State also has to find two other productive defensive ends. Two new starting cornerbacks will suit up for Paterno. The Nittany Lions have precious little depth in the secondary but perhaps the linebacker tandem can accommodate the defensive drought. Kevin Kelly kicked competently for the Rose Bowl bound Lions last year. The four-year player accurately footed 73% of his field goals and missed just two extra points while a Lion. Paterno named Collin Wagner this season’s placekicker with big shoes to fill. Eighty-two year old Paterno and Penn State will also benefit from a soft schedule. They should breeze through their non-conference opponents and find themselves in the top ten. College football is a beautiful thing. It’s even more magical when men take the field at pristine Penn State University’s Beaver Stadium. I’ve seen the venue in person and to encapsulate what I saw: ENORMOUS.

Parting Points: Is this a Penn State blog? GO BUCKEYES!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Cano Catapults Club to Clip Chicago

The New York Yankees welcomed the Whitesox to a wet Bronx field Friday night and sent them home in extra innings damp and defeated. The convoluted Robinson Cano took advantage of bizarre windy conditions at Yankee Stadium with two outs in the bottom of the tenth inning. Cano sent New York home with a three run rocket to right off Chicago southpaw, Randy Williams. The second baseman’s strength was showcased and the Bombers snagged their 12th walk-off win of the season. The Yankees won game one of the home series by outlasting the Whitesox 5-2 for the latest pie-in-the-face celebration.
It seems as if the Yankees hail a new hero every night. Friday was Cano’s chance and he proudly produced his first game-winner of the year. Each player has embraced the role of hit king this year, but the team’s captain is still the bread and butter of the lineup. Derek Jeter’s extensive impact on the Yankees was felt immediately last night. The shortstop got New York on board in the first frame against hard-throwing, Mark Buehrle. The captain belted his 17th homer of 2009 with a solo shot to centerfield. In doing so, number two passed Don Mattingly on the Yankees all-time homerun list. Jeter now sits 10th overall in franchise history in hitting the long ball, with 223. It was also Jeter’s second leadoff tater of the week.
The hefty hurler in pinstripes, C.C. Sabathia, was untouched through his first six innings. Sabathia matched a season high with ten strikeouts. C.C. pounded the Chicago strike zone effectively until the sticky seventh. He ran into trouble when Jermaine Dye opened the inning with a double. Sabathia missed out on his chance to become the major’s first 16 game winner. The terrific tosser followed Dye’s drive with a walk and an Alex Rios double. Sabathia had difficulty spotting his fastball and setting up his curveball with just a one run lead. Ramon Castro then reached safely on a fielder’s choice with one out. The left-hander’s pitching was not a significant issue, but he was clearly tiring and failed to locate in the seventh. Laynce Nix lashed an infield hit to the hot corner before Gordon Beckham lifted a full-count offering into the left field to score Rios and tie the game at 2-2. The tie was preserved only because of Nick Swisher’s excellent fielding and Jose Molina’s keen scoop at the backstop position.
Buehrle limited the damage with six innings of work for the South Side Sox. Damon tapped a third inning dinger off the All-Star lefty, bringing his 2009 total to 23. The torch leaves Damon one homerun shy of his 2006 career high. The Chicago bullpen has been struggling and was unable to bar the battling Bomber bats from busting the game open. The unreliable relievers are frustrating outspoken manager, Ozzie Guillen. Matt Thornton pitched two innings in relief of Buehrle, but it was mix and match after his exit. Scott Linebrink was replaced by Williams after one scoreless frame. Williams began by setting down the power duo of Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. The Yankees didn’t need to plant base hits because Williams walked the next two sluggers on eight pitches to set the stage for the second baseman. Cano knows all about his struggles with runners in scoring position and wasted no time in chipping away at Williams. He staunchly smothered a 2-2 pitch in the extra innings to give Brian Bruney his fourth win of the year. Bruney pitched a perfect tenth, Phil Hughes struck out the side in the eighth, and Mariano Rivera retired all three batters he faced in the ninth.
Jeter and Cano are the two Yankee regulars hitting above .300. The pinstriped pair strike a unique balance in the Yankee lineup. Cano is hitting .313 and has already surpassed his career high in homeruns. The left-handed hitter drew blanks in his first four at-bats Friday night, but hammered the ball when it mattered most in his fifth try at the dish. Cano did leave four runners on base. The three runs he drove in were the difference in the exciting extra inning. His first career walk-off helped erase Cano’s missed opportunities earlier in the contest. The second baseman’s detrimental plate appearances were quickly forgotten with a satisfying summer sendoff.

Parting points: Speaking of summer sendoffs, here’s a nostalgic summer tune: “Endless Summer Nights” by Richard Marx

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Rallying Rockies Reinforce Race

Number 16 came through with a pair of homeruns for the Los Angeles Dodgers last night. Right fielder, Andre Ethier, clubbed his 26th and 27th long balls during the 6-1 Dodgers win to give his team a three game NL West lead over the opposing Colorado Rockies. The pressure-packed month for LA has gotten even tougher with the resurging walkoff darling Rockies playing the best baseball of any NL team down the stretch. Colorado was 12 games under .500 on June 3rd, but have gone on a major-league best 52-23 since. The Rockies won Tuesday night in extra innings to trim the division deficit to two games. The series opener was a dramatic showdown of two tenacious NL West titans. After a 14 inning Monday battle with the San Francisco Giants, Colorado took game one against LA on Troy Tulowitzki’s walkoff single to center in the 10th inning. The extra frames are nothing unordinary for Colorado these days. The team has a habit of battling back and registering hits when needed most. The intensity began with a two game wildcard lead and a series against the Giants. Now the Rockies have their hearts set for meaningful games in September and October baseball. Manager Jim Tracy believes the atmosphere brings out the best in his players. Memories of 2007 are starting to spring up, and several of the players from that historic drive are on Colorado’s current roster. At 72-55, the relentless Rockies represent a real, riveting and remorseless team.
The playoff-like drama only enhances the series with NL West leading LA. Colorado trails by just a few games and had the chance to make up even more ground on Wednesday night. Los Angeles bounced back from the opening loss to increase their lead in this seesaw pennant race. The Dodgers went one up with last night’s victory behind pitcher Randy Wolf. Wolf limited the Rockies to five hits and one run over 7 1/3 innings to snag his fourth consecutive win. The LA hurler is 6-3 with a 2.79 over his last 12 starts and very much one of the reasons the Dodgers have been tearing up the league. Every game is a must-win for LA with Colorado clicking their heals right behind Joe Torre’s team. The Rockies are relaxed but are aggressively pursuing the NL West instead of simply shooting for a wildcard spot. Wolf’s only costly misstep was a solo shot from Ryan Spilborghs in the third inning. It was the 29 year old’s eighth homerun of the year and 45th RBI. Colorado’s Josh Fogg didn’t have it last night. Starting for the first time in nearly a year, Fogg was unable to recreate his 2007 magic on the mound. Fogg failed to retire any of the half dozen batters he faced in the fourth inning, when the Rockies pitcher unraveled. The few hits he allowed were big ones. He issued four walks, scattered four hits and allowed three batters to take him deep during the game. Ethier drove two into the stands and James Loney added the third with a towering three run shot over the fence. Ethier tallied a single to go along with his homeruns and brought his total of extra-base hits this month to 17.
Vincente Padilla was the named starter for the rubber game of the series this afternoon for LA. Padilla was released by Texas earlier this year and picked up by the Dodgers August 19th. He will make his debut at Denver, where he opposes 12-8 Jorge De La Rosa. The Dodgers look to build on Wednesday’s key victory and continue their season-long success against the Rockies. LA would be incredibly wise to establish an early lead. The Rockies are a good comeback team and 36-25 at home. The big bats of LA may muster enough might to expand their division lead again today. The power at the plate has been coming from Ethier, Casey Blake and Matt Kemp. The other LA sluggers, including outfielder Manny Ramirez, have not been hitting. The cold bats explain why the Dodgers have been averaging about four runs and have not been winning. The Rockies drew first blood, but which contending team will get the last laugh?

Parting points: Song of the day- “Fallin For You”- Colbie Caillat

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Murray Making Moves

The U.S Open begins Monday at the tennis capital of America, Flushing, New York. Scotland’s Andy Murray is slated to appear in his fifth U.S Open, and is coming off his finest performance at the Grand Slam event in 2008. Last year, Murray was a Flushing finalist for the first time ever. He whipped through Rafael Nadal in the men’s semi-finals to play the pinnacle performer, world number one, Roger Federer. The Swiss swingman stuffed the Scot in straight sets.
Murray made headlines in Montreal at the Masters event against Juan Martin del Porto as a precursor to the big stage in New York. Cincinnati was also triumphant for Murray, where he made a methodically run to the semifinal round. After suffering a setback in the Wimbledon semis, Murray validated his number two ranking by defeating the 20 year old Argentinean 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-1 in a gritty final match. Murray wore his opponent out by constantly changing the direction of the ball and the length and placement of his shots. Murray moves well on the firm hard surface and mixes his slice into his arsenal of shots. The ball is able to get a good jump, making Murray an excellent hard court player with quickness, perfect balance and rhythm. The Rogers Cup win was the first by a British male and Murray’s fifth ATP Tour title this year. He is matched only by Nadal in that category. The first player to post 50 match wins this season, Murray is on pace and poised to potentially prosper at the U.S. Open.
In April, Scotland’s favorite son coasted through Miami, cruising to his third Masters 1000 title. The win over Novak Djokovic was the first title taken by a British in tournament history. Clearly, Murray is making his mark in every major tournament this season, and expects to mimic the moves at the Grand Slam events. The U.S Open is undoubtedly Andy’s best chance of winning a slam. Since he holds the number two ranking, he has the probability of only having to face Federer or Nadal once rather than having to get past the two mammoth monsters during the two week competition. Men’s tennis is stronger than ever but Murray has the tools to raise his game and achieve the highest level. It will be hugely tough to stop Federer from defending his 2008 title. But Murray has been building momentum all year and nothing would cap off the summer better than his first grand slam title in New York. Murray is physically at his peak and his fitness has been a priority throughout his successful season. The Scotsman added former Spanish tennis professional, Alex Corretja, to his support team. Corretja is best known for his epic five set match against Pete Sampras. Murray’s stellar summer campaign will wrap up next month as he will utilize his slice and to finish the year where he left off. In January, the Brit accomplished the unthinkable by winning back to back titles over Nadal and Federer. Now he joins the top stars at the only three ATP players to qualify for the prestigious Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. The event takes places in London during late November and features eight elite tennis players.
Murray’s crowning as the number two player on Monday snapped the four year period of domination of Federer and Nadal as the top two players in the world. The 22 year old tacked on a career-best performance at Roland Garros this year when he reached the quarter-finals. He became just the ninth British man to reach Wimbledon’s wonderful semifinals and shows no signs of withering. Andy arrives in New York anticipating a memorable grand slam event and is the feel-good favorite phenom. His accomplishments at the tennis center next week could hinge on his seeding. Seeding is usually a determining factor in a player’s success at any tournament, but should not be the main focus. Murray has the skills and the recipe to succeed no matter who he faces or when. His fitness level and hard court game make him a leading contender. The implications of not having to face Nadal and Federer are important. But don’t discount the player who set the benchmark on how to play tennis (Federer) and the gutsy comeback king of clay (Nadal). Murray’s smart enough not to discount anybody. That is why is still considered the modest underdog to bigger names. Even his namesake, Andy Roddick, is more endearing to fans and has higher expectations placed on him. Flying under the radar may be the best thing going for Murray. And the fact he is playing just as well as anybody under the radar is huge.

Parting points: Mark Sanchez will start for the Jets, the Rockies are on a roll, and Rick Pitino is still talking. Happy Hump Day!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Urban Unanimity

The Florida Gators open the college football season as the indisputable number one team in the country. The Sunshine State’s overachievers are the most overwhelming preseason AP number one in the history of the media poll. The cordial collegian quarterback, Tim Tebow, may seem mild and innocuous on the outside, but is a harmful, dangerous BCS beast when he takes the field. The Gator offense defines dashing and the defense has the potential to be the top in the country. The game-breaking speed on offense and experienced defense places Florida in a class by themselves.
The defending national champions are counting on chomping their cheery colors all the way to California. The Rose Bowl is this year’s host for the national title game on January 7, 2010. Head coach, Urban Meyer and his talented team return over twenty skilled starters. The only disappointment from last season was a loss to SEC rival, Ole Miss, during the regular season. The one point loss was somewhat justified when the Rebels won the Cotton Bowl. The Gators won their second BCS title in three seasons a year ago and look to repeat when they begin their quest against Charleston Southern on September 5th. The diminutive school shouldn’t be a problem for the team five preseason publications picked number one. Florida is not expected to coast through their schedule, however. The toughest opponent and key game of the year could be the September 19th meeting with the Volunteers of Tennessee. It was last year when new Tennessee coach, Lane Kiffen, mistakenly and verbally accused Meyer of cheating while recruiting a high school receiver. The rebuilding Vols will either rise to the occasion in the Swamp of have the score run up against them when they meet next month. The LSU Tigers represent another big challenge. LSU’s defense is much improved from the team that allowed an average of 24 points last year. The run-happy Tigers are the second best in the SEC and will lean on Charles Scott to take the pressure off inconsistent quarterback, Jordan Jefferson.
The experience and depth on defense begin at linebacker, where All-American standout, Brandon Spikes, returns. Other defenders include Janoris Jenkins and Joe Haden at cornerback, and defensive tackle, Carlos Dunlap. Jenkins was one of the players arrested and charged with battery this offseason, but Haden is an All-SEC corner. The Gator defense is capable of snatching the football away at any time, so it is substantial they control the turnover battle. Unfazed and aggressive, the 4-3 defense is predicted to pressure the quarterback while staying disciplined against the run. Tackles Omar Hunter and Justin Trattou are a nuisance as a backup pair to a line that includes Jermaine Cunningham, Lawrence Marsh, Dunlap and Terron Sanders.
The Gators rallied to beat Nick Saban and Alabama in a nail-biting SEC final in Atlanta. Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, trots out for his senior year as the Gator’s leading man. The multidimensional signal-caller will have to play without his favorite target, receiver Percy Harvin. The departure should not be an issue for the dual threat quarterback, who rushed for 43 touchdowns by himself in his college career. Sophomore speedster, Jeff Demps, will make up for Harvin and fill in when Tebow can’t scramble to the goal line on his own. Demps will run the football and catch passes from the slot position. The Gators also have two standout runners in Chris Rainey and freshman Andre Detose. Rainey and Demps were two catalysts important to producing points for Florida in 2008. No wide receiver on the current Florida team has caught more than 18 passes in a season. Frankie Hammond, Jr. is officially initiated into the offense after having an excellent spring. The redshirt freshman is poised to be a primary backup at the wideout position. Carl Moore, the senior backup, is out with a back injury. If anyone is to expose the Gators, it might be at the weakened receiver position. But Florida has the schemes and security to pull off alternative plays.
The highest paid coach in the SEC and third highest in the game, Meyer, hired a new offensive coordinator. Steve Addazio assumes the role and will help implement the treacherous i-formation strategy to keep opposing defenses off balance. As talented as Tebow is with his adept arm, the strength of the offense is at the line. Carl Johnson, a redshirt junior, is expected to shine at left guard. Matt Patchan, a former defensive tackle, is slated for a starting left tackle spot, while sophomore Sam Robey could win the center job. When a defensive line gets handled by Florida, they can find space. It enables linebackers to compensate and blitz more often. The adaptable offense then finds their speedy players and gets the ball to them. Tebow can beat you with his legs, but if he is forced into throwing, can also dominate. The hardest part about beating Urban’s unanimous number one team is mentally breaking their confidence. If the highly touted Tebow does not wilt under pressure and keeps a cool head, Florida is virtually unbreakable.

Parting points: Leave it to the Mets to be the second team in baseball history to end the game on an unassisted triple play…

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Elusive Empire Erupts

Are the Patriots and Jets starting the NFL season earlier this year? Nope. Those high-scoring slugfests Friday and Saturday were just baseball games. The Red Sox and the Yankees collided at Fenway for their final series of 2009 Friday night. The outcomes were closer to football finals than a nine inning game on the diamond. The offenses were more than prepared, exploding with hits and runs like they were going out of style. Even with Yankee ace, A.J. Burnett, on the mound, Boston batters bashed the Bombers. Burnett has had past success at Fenway Park. He could not sustain that success Saturday afternoon in rainy New England, allowing the home team to score a pair of touchdowns in a 14-1 New York loss. The scoring during this series so far is extremely obscure. As a Yankee fan, it’s never fun when the “empire” strikes back.
The Yankees put up 20 runs behind Andy Pettitte on Friday night in the series opener. The Bombers allowed 11 Boston runs, but still won the game. Yesterday, the Red Sox piled on even more runs, but this time were the victors. Junichi Tazawa, the rookie Boston hurler, kept the Yankee bats on the shelf with six shutout innings to snap a five game skid for his hurting team. Tazawa pitched out of trouble all day and allowed two walks and eight hits. He was less jarring on the mound than Brad Penny was the night before, and more poised than when he delivered the game winning pitch to Alex Rodriguez in the 15th inning earlier this month. The Japanese 23 year old established his prominence in the rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox with his profound performance.
Equally marvelous were the Red Sox hitters on Saturday afternoon. Kevin Youkilis put the “kill” in Burnett by drilling a duo of dingers. Kevin clocked six RBIs, tying a career high for a single game. His first homerun came in the second inning as Boston already put up ten runs. Burnett surrendered a solo shot to Alex Gonzalez before letting Youkilis drive one out. The Red Sox had a seven run second and added five more by the sixth inning when Youkilis went deep again. David Ortiz contributed a solo homerun in the fifth that was followed by destructive back-to-back doubles by J.D. Drew and Jason Bay. Burnett lasted five innings and gave up nine earned runs. The Red Sox roughed up Burnett and set a team record with their eighth consecutive multihomer game. With no lead a safe one in the bandbox ballpark, the Red Sox were eager to equip more runs. Manager, Joe Girardi, displaced Burnett with an ineffective Alfredo Aceves and later, Dave Robertson. Together, the relievers gave up the final five Red Sox runs. Burnett demonstrated none of the magic from the pitching duel with Josh Beckett earlier in the season. The electricity went out and Burnett simply could not locate his pitches. The fastball to Youkilis was thrown right over the plate, belt high. The result, of course, was a three run bomb over the Green Monster.
New York couldn’t score more than one run Saturday. The only run came on a Nick Swisher seventh inning solo slash. Swisher and Robinson Cano had three hits, Mark Teixeira had two, and four other Bombers a paltry two. Hideki Matsui went 0-5 a night after accounting for a pair for homeruns. The team was coming off a Friday evening outburst they had not seen since July 20, 2007. Their 23 hit series opener was the most runs and hits the Yankees have scored in over two years. Yet, baseball’s best team since the All-Star break couldn’t figure out the opposing rookie. The difference between Tazawa and Burnett was location. Tazawa dialed up the fastball and breaking ball with a little zing and precise placement. The communication between Burnett and his battery-mate, Jorge Posada, could also be a factor. The $82.5 million dollar Burnett denies any miscommunication with his teammate, citing he did not throw enough curveballs in the 14-1 crushing. Burnett found it harder to explain why he threw certain pitches and was shellacked by Boston. He inexplicably tossed an outside fastball to Ortiz in the fifth, good for a Big Papi longball. A.J. has one awesome curveball when he uses it. Why he didn’t implement the breaking ball and use his fastball to set up the curve is agonizingly beyond me. The loss should be a huge deal because the Bombers still hold a sufficient division advantage, with a chance to pad the lead. Most significant right now is how C.C. Sabathia and Burnett will handle the big spots come playoff time.

Parting points: Song of the day—“I’m Only Happy When it Rains” by Garbage

Saturday, August 22, 2009

The Sportswriter

I, the sportswriter, clipped paper to pad
I saw the grass-stained, indestructible lad
He uprooted a stool with a gregarious gait
He assured my story would not have to wait
I, the sportswriter, scribbled a note
I felt at home and cleared my throat
He hesitated not a second to riposte
He retorted what he thought they understood most
I, the sportswriter, held my audience captive
I portrayed the athlete as alive and active
He audibly spoke about his desire to win
He untied his laces and delivered a wide grin
I, the sportswriter, overwhelmed and awed
I struggled to extenuate him and unintentionally hawed
He shook my hand as I continued to totter
He jokingly made me promise not to print this in the police blotter

Parting points: A little humor for this rainy Saturday.
Poem of the day- “A Song Of Myself” by Walt Whitman

Friday, August 21, 2009

Tigers' Title Try Tarnished after Takeaway

The University of Memphis cherishes their storied basketball program. Authoritative head coach, John Calipari’s arcane action during the 2008 season has produced 38 fewer victories for the trying team. The NCAA stripped the Tigers of all 2007-2008 wins on Thursday. The hierarchy, known to be a corrupt entity in the past, ruled Memphis used an ineligible player during their run for the national title. That player is believed to be the Chicago Bulls’ number one pick in 2008, Derrick Rose. This penalty marks the second time Coach Calipari and the prestigious program vacated Final Four seasons. In 1985, the Tigers lost their appearance and Calipari’s Massachusetts team surrendered its berth in 1996.
Shirley Raines is the President of Memphis. Raines believes the NCAA’s ruling is unjust and unfair, and the University is appealing the penalty. The Tigers lost the 2008 National Championship to Bill Self’s strong Kansas Jayhawks team in overtime. I still consider that title game one of the best in college basketball history. Even though I despise the Memphis and am not a fan of Calipari, the NCAA takes another hit. I am tired of hearing reports and scandals involving players who cheated their way through class and teams that suited up ineligible students. It proves not only do the coaches and players not care, but the system itself if more concerned with athletic success than academic progress.
Calipari was essentially promoted after taking Memphis to the final two years ago. He now coaches a legendary, but temporarily struggling, program at Kentucky. Calipari is sure to resurrect the Wildcats and convince recruits to enroll at the university to play basketball. I doubt his reputation as a coach will be affected at all by Thursday’s takeaway. The NCAA report did not name the player who was ineligible, but all fingers point to Rose. The player was accused of having another student take his SATs so he would be eligible as a freshman. Rose was cleared to play in 2007 because Memphis did not have enough evidence to validate the accusations. The NCAA defended its decision to strip the Tigers of all victories that year because the named student played in every game. Rose appeared in all 40 games that season for Calipari.
My question is where was the infractions committee when someone else was conjugating verbs for Rose? NCAA chairman, Paul Dee, admitted the committee never bothered to investigate the SAT situation. How is that excusable? The Eligibility Center initially ruled Rose eligible to play even though his academics were called into question. Rose failed his ACTs three times before apparently sitting for the exam in Detroit. Why he would travel to Detroit is still a mystery not one NCAA official considered serious enough to dissolve. The ineffectiveness and laziness of the NCAA is concerning. However, the governing body of college basketball is not completely to blame for the situation. The Memphis athletic department should have made a better attempt to comply with standards and ensure players’ eligibility. Dana Kirk suffered similar violations with Memphis basketball in 1985. The consequences did not make a difference because Memphis allowed it to happen again. The athletic department was placed on three years’ probation. So what? Rose is now making millions as the NBA’s reigning rookie hoopster. He could care less about his cheating college days and the implications that incurred. Actually, the repercussions amount to nothing. The NCAA’s previous and numerous cases involving similar matters did not leave a lasting impact or impression. The players won’t receive post-season bans or lose scholarships. Calipari may be out a hefty stack of greenbacks, and Memphis has to return the revenues of the championship run. But Calipari will go on to coach at another school and the one he left has a blemished and tarnished legacy, but will continue to send players to the Big Dance. Basketball and life will go on. Unfortunately, so will the scandals.

Parting points: Song for Friday- Weezer’s “I want you to”

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Purple Project

I didn’t want to devote any time to Brett Favre but it’s hard not to acknowledge the master of the press conference. I’ll try to focus this blog more on Favre’s new teammates in Minnesota. The 2009 Vikings embody one of the top defenses in the NFL. They also have an upgraded offense and powerhouse backfield leader. All the Vikings really were missing heading into this season was a prolific passer. Now Head Coach, Brad Childress, has his team role model and outstanding quarterback to make the Vikings a complete unit. Barring a significant injury, there should be no excuses for Minnesota missing the playoffs.
The 2009 version of Favre isn’t exactly comparable to the 1996 Favre. However, the quarterback who constructed a legend in Green Bay is still an adequate and accurate asset behind center. He doesn’t quite inspire the fear he did as a Packer passer but Favre’s innate ability with the football immediately makes Minnesota a better offensive team. Favre ‘s Jets lacked a solid defense, pass rush and star receivers. His new team has all those components pretty much in place. The gradual strides at the wide receiver position will unravel the knots of last year’s tied up team. The enhanced and deep receivers give the Vikings a chance to be a series NFC threat. Free agent pick-ups a year ago, Bernard Berrian and Bobby Wade are locks to be roster regulars as receivers. Both will positively provide scoring opportunities with their playmaking prowess. The Vikings finally have a finished product at wide receiver since they traded away Randy Moss.
Explosive draft pick, Percy Harvin, joins the strong crop of seasoned professionals on offense. Harvin’s injuries are his main concern. The Florida receiver suffered a shoulder injury in practice and was held out of the Vikings’ preseason opener. Hopefully the shoulder won’t botch his season. The health of the former Gator is important to his success and it’s difficult to access his outlook and chemistry with veteran Favre. I watched Harvin excel with Tim Tebow on the National Championship team for Florida and his speed was exhilarating. The Vikings need him to develop a good relationship with whoever is their signal caller. Sidney Rice is a young talent Childress expects to contribute offensively too. Rice is a mature player with the right attitude to be an instant starter. Cincinnati castoff, Glenn Holt, is another viable option with sizable output. Jaymar Johnson and Darius Reynaud illustrate additional receiver representation and could find themselves catching superb spirals from number four. Johnson seems to be the favorite to snag a spot. The 2008 sixth round draft pick is noticeably larger in stature and can also return punts. Harvin is projected to handle kick returns but Johnson has appeared comfortable in the role as well.
The Vikings are coming off their first ten win season in eight years. Berrian is the Vikings best wideout. He endured a hamstring injury in the preseason opener against the Colts and his return is unknown. The purple-clad quarterback should be able to keep defenses honest with his package of Pro Bowlers on his side. Favre’s experience on the field should allow flexibility in Darrell Bevell’s accentuated offense. Adrian Peterson is the most dangerous running back, and perhaps most dangerous player in the game. He can still improve his pass blocking and work on his route running. Adrian is a quick learner and the coachable former Sooner is as ambitious and focused as ever. Peterson is preparing for another 1,700 rushing season in Minnesota. Last year he became the first player in team history to lead the league in rushing. In just two years with the Vikings, Peterson has accounted for 22 touchdowns. Adrian is a special breed but Childress likes to replace him in third down situations. That’s when Chester Taylor takes over. Taylor lead the NFL with 25 catches on third downs in 2008. Iowa tailback, Albert Young, spent last season on the practice squad, but was the most impressive star in the preseason opener. He rushed for 58 yards and a team high 14 carries. Young is battling rookies Antone Smith and Ian Johnson for backup.
The Vikings have a unique situation at quarterback. Favre is the number one starter but his back-ups are no slouches. All are unproven commodities but capable of managing the game. There are few recognizable differences between Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson. Rosenfels has a slight edge for the number two job. John David Booty, the fifth round pick out of USC in 2008, has been taking snaps behind center as the potential third quarterback. Favre will have a skillful offensive line to work with this year. Center John Sullivan takes over for Matt Birk. Sullivan is backed up by Oklahoma’s Jon Cooper, a rookie. He is looking forward to snapping off to the future Hall Of Famer. A few Vikings are still competing for jobs. Minnesota has two possible quality tight ends in Jake Nordin and Garrett Mills, but Mills is nursing a shoulder injury. The Vikings also possess an emerging star at tight end in Vinsanthe Shiancoe. He led NFC tight ends in touchdown receptions and is a complete player. Jim Kleinsasser is a glorified tackle that will be used to open up lanes for Peterson and Taylor. Offensive tackle, Phil Loadholt, is one rookie who probably earned a starting spot. Third round pick, Asher Allen, is also a likely starter at cornerback for the Vikings’ nickel defense. Finally, Jasper Brinkley, a fifth round linebacker is vying for a spot as EJ Henderson’s backup. Brinkley is a specialist who is not afraid to make big hits. The defensive line has extensive talent. They sport three Pro-Bowl players up front in relentless Jared Allen and Kevin and Pat Williams. The Williams brothers may not play because they violated the anti-drug policy, however.
Now that the quarterback position is stabilized, the Vikings are a Superbowl contender. Favre is going to throw picks in his freelancing style of play. But Minnesota still has a top ten passer with the drive to win. A division crown is not out of the question for Vikings fans.

Parting points: I finally saw “We Are Marshall”. What a great flick. Check it out.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Pennant Poem

August 18th is National Bad Poetry Day. I like to think my poems are decent but I am sure some would disagree. In honor of the occasion and with the baseball playoffs around the corner, I couldn’t resist the urge to pen a poem about the national pastime. Please don’t automatically put this with the rest of those bad poems.
The Yankees are running away with it
The Mets already called to quit
The Chisox know they have to win
Another Bosox loss would be a sin
The Rockies are hanging by a thread
The Nationals have the top draft pick but are otherwise dead
The Rangers are very much alive and kicking
Anyone facing the Phillies will likely take a liking
The Dodgers are the best in the west
The A’s will finish the season and take a long rest
The Angels are ready for post-season ball
As long as they pitch well, the Giants should not fall
The Rays are hoping to repeat their glory
The Pirates are an entirely different story
The Cardinals have Pujols but are not shoo-ins
As a Marlins fan, you’re counting your fins
The Cubs would love to make this their year
The Orioles are again bringing up the rear
The Astros aren’t out, but time is not on their side
All the Brewers are hoping they won’t stumble or slide
The Tigers clawed their way to the Central lead
The Padres have more than one area of need
The Diamondbacks are brutal on the field
At least the Jays still have Halladay sealed
The Twins are contenders but their chances are slim
The Mariners expect next year will be less dim
The Reds showed heart and an improved team
And the Braves were better than their record would seem
The Indians discarded stars through trade
The Royals started strong but began their fade
The Dodgers and Yankees would be my World Series match
With New York winning a new ring to attach
But baseball’s best don’t always make it to the prize
That’s why I watch, for the element of surprise.

Parting points: My real World Series prediction: St.Louis vs. Anaheim
Happy Birthday to the great Roberto Clemente. And what on Earth is Brett Favre’s problem?

Monday, August 17, 2009

Murphy Mobbed

Daniel Murphy clubbed the game winning hit in the bottom of the ninth inning yesterday at Citi Field to lift the New York Mets to a 3-2 win over the visiting Giants from San Francisco. Jeff Francoeur scored the final run for the home team in a game that featured solid starting pitching from both teams. The Mets didn’t make a grand statement or a dramatic exit but the walkoff was thrilling nonetheless.
The Mets, an already ailing ball club, were minus their All-Star third baseman, David Wright. Wright could miss as much as the rest of the season after suffering a concussion during Saturday’s second game of the four game set with the Giants. Wright was beaned on the left ear piece of his helmet by a 90 mph fastball from San Francisco youngster, Matt Cain. Cain did not intentionally throw at Wright, but was clearly trying to pitch Wright up and in. The Met slugger could not get out of the way quick enough and dropped to the batter’s box dirt as soon as the pitch struck his head. Wright was carried off the field and taken to a hospital, where he underwent testing. He spent the night at the hospital and his CT scan came back negative. Jerry Manuel, the first year Mets manager, stated the staff is unsure when Wright will return to play. The club is also undecided as to whether or not David should be placed on the disabled list. It’s one horror after another for the Metropolitans. Wright had been a formidable figure in Queens and seeing him go down in the manner he did was enough to raise the hair on my arm.
Scrappy, slap-hitting Luis Castillo, made up for some New York’s missing offense Sunday afternoon against the Giants’ no-hit tosser, Jonathan Sanchez. The second baseman belted his first homerun of 2009 with an upper-deck two-run shot to give the Mets a 2-1 lead in the fifth. Mike Pelfrey made the start for the Amazin’s. Pelfrey allowed a run in the top of the fifth inning on left fielder, Eugenio Velez’s single. Velez, a .292 hitter for San Francisco, connected for one of his two hits on the day to score Eli Whiteside. Angel Pagan hit a two out double that bounced off the glove of the Giants’ Fred Lewis in left field during the fifth.. Castillo then put the Mets on top with his two out, 3-1 blast into the stands to finely finish the bottom of the frame. You have to wonder about a pitcher who throws a no-hitter and gives up a homerun to Castillo in the same season.
The Giants came back to tie the game in the eighth inning. Randy Winn doubled to centerfield to score Velez. The Mets bullpen held strong in relief of Pelfrey. Brian Stokes, Pedro Feliciano and Francisco Rodriguez combined for a 1 2/3 scoreless and hitless effort. Feliciano successfully retired pinch hitter, Ryan Garko. Garko has hit lefties well but he smoked a 3-2 offering directing into the glove of Castillo at second. San Francisco tried to tack on more runs in the ninth but KRod struck out the side. In the bottom half, New York ended the game, making Sergio Romo the losing pitcher. Francoeur lined a base hit off Romo to open the ninth. Then, Fernando Tatis placed down a perfect sacrifice bunt before Murphy drove a Jeremy Affeldt curveball to right field to decide the game. Perhaps skipper, Bruce Bochy, should have left Romo in the game to face right-handers. Bochy chose to summon Affeldt from the bullpen instead of having Romo intentionally walk Murphy to face Omir Santos. The Mets mobbed Murphy and went home winners. Murphy is only hitting .279 on the season, with seven long balls. He has 40 RBIs but only two in his last 17 at-bats. It’s about time Daniel came up with a game-winning crack. The walkoff single was a feel-good moment for a team that has had anything but this summer.
Rodriguez was the hurler on the winning side for the Mets. It was a well-fought game on both fronts but you have to give Pelfrey credit for keeping the team in the game. He is only an even 8-8 this year but provided a quality 7 plus innings yesterday at home. Pelfrey pitched one of his best outings, whiffing five batters and giving up just five hits. It was the third time in 2009 Pelfrey went at least seven innings for Manuel. Sanchez and Pelfrey both got no-decisions in the contest but pitched well enough to deserve mention. The team still trails in NL East by eleven or so games. I was very surprised to see Castillo go deep. It was his first homerun since May 2008, and it was certainly hard hit. The Giants don’t have much of a lineup, but their pitching is as good as any staff in the National League. Their six losses in nine games have not destroyed their playoff chances. The team just tends to specialize in flat defeats and failing to capitalize early in games. They are currently in a heated playoff race for the wildcard. The Giants and Florida Marlins trail the Colorado Rockies by one game for the NL wildcard.
On a different note, I would love to see the Mets return to a uniform similar to the throwback ones they wore during the Giants series. I dig the cream color, pinstripes and the lettering on the jerseys. Even the Mets announcers alluded to the handsome digs the team was sporting. It would be an improvement over the bland black road silks the Mets are currently swaddled in.
Parting points: There’s an interesting new book about UT football coming out this week. It’s called “On Rocky Top” and written by Clay Travis. Legendary coach, Bill Walsh, also has a new sports philosophy book coming out later this month.
Happy Birthday to Jorge Posada! Too bad the Mariners clobbered the Yankees yesterday.
Today’s lyric: “Everybody needs to cry or needs to spit. Every sweet tooth needs just a little hit”- from U2’s “I’ll Go Crazy”

Sunday, August 16, 2009

I don’t ride because of the money or fame
I don’t ride to hear them shout my name
I don’t ride because it’s the cool thing to do
I don’t ride to catch up with you
I don’t ride because my bike looks cool
I don’t ride to show how much I rule
I ride because when I’m on my seat top
I get the feeling I never want to stop
My bike is like a canvas to an artist
Putting it away for the day is the hardest
My bike is a clarinet player’s reed
I use and re-use it as something I need
My bike is a teacher without a lesson plan
It’s prepared to educate even pupils so wan
The ocean waves flow tranquilly to the shore
Like a cycle moving fluidly across nature’s floor
I don’t ride because all my friends tell me to
I don’t ride to reveal my helmet is new
I ride because it’s the only way I know how
To tell myself it will all be better somehow

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Merciful McNabb Meets Michael

Our country is a very forgiving one. We tend to afford people second chances even after they’ve committed heinous and despicable crimes. We also sometimes reward bonehead behavior. Michael Vick picked Philadelphia for his second chance. The Eagles landed the NFL’s biggest distraction when head coach, Andy Reid, showed enough compassion to sign Vick to a one year, $1.6 million deal. Vick has a team option for a second year worth $5.2 million. Let the trash talk begin.
The superstar, three time Pro Bowl quarterback served 18 months in prison for operating and running a dogfighting ring. The federal sentence and year and a half away from football appears to have changed Vick. He has been making a conscious effort with the community and Human Society to make up for his cruel, illegal behavior. No matter what Vick does or says off the turf this Fall, he still has to perform on the field to re-establish himself as a player. Vick has been out of action since 2006. Although he was one of the most talented and slickest running quarterbacks in the NFL, Vick has to have lost some of his endurance and strength while behind bars. The Eagles’ frightening decision to take a chance on Vick is an interesting one. Philadelphia quarterback, Donovan McNabb, was a proponent and influence in the signing of the chastised former Atlanta Falcon. McNabb apparently lobbied for the team to go after Vick, stating he has known Michael since high school and been his mentor for several years. Vick has also had well-respected former head coach, Tony Dungy, on his side. Dungy was present at Friday’s news conference to introduce Vick to Philadelphia.
The Eagles have a great support system and terrific upper management. They also have one of the most passionate fan bases in the NFL. Vick joins an NFC East team that made a surprise run into the playoffs and endured an impressive post-season last year. His career statistics against NFC East teams is off the chart terrific. Vick cited yesterday he wants to be a part of Philadelphia’s winning organization. (When was the last time the team won a Superbowl, by the way?) He was appreciative of Reid and the Eagles willingness to step up and give him a second chance in the NFL. Dungy will be at Vick’s assistance whenever he needs a hand. The stable and well-structured team might be the best place for Vick at this time. The Eagles insurance policy at quarterback is Kevin Kolb. Vick brings an immediate tempting option for Reid should McNabb struggle and find himself on the bench again this season. The addition of Vick hardly makes McNabb a better player though, and I fail to see how Michael makes the Eagles a more daunting team. There can only be one quarterback on an NFL team. Time and time again teams have tried the two-quarterback approach and proven both do not co-exist. It seems like a happy marriage between McNabb and Vick, but it can only work if they both have defined roles.
It won’t be smooth-sailing for Vick, whether he starts for the Eagles or not. He is sure to hear jeers from every opposing fan base the Eagles play in 2009. Vick may have the support of his teammates and the hometown fan but the rest of America is still disgusted with his actions. Vick showed remorse for being a part of a culture that didn’t care for animals. It still won’t be enough for some animal lovers to accept his apology. I think Vick’s punishment more than fit the crime. He lost all his money and served an equitable jail sentence for what he did. However, I am just as appalled as anyone about his actions, and am unwilling to give the man another chance at playing football. Some argue he shouldn’t be able to do what he loves most now. I agree, but there are comparable situations where professional players have done far worse than run dogfigthing rings. All these players did not exhibit high standards to morality, and were still rewarded by being accepted back into the league. Why should Vick have have more job security than a law-abiding citizen? His behavior does not merit a million dollar deal. It’s not up to the fans to determine whether a player should be able to return to the game but we can still hold our opinions. What Michael Vick did was wrong. No one will argue that. He should be given a second chance but it shouldn’t be in the NFL.
Parting Points: Did the Yankees forget how to lose or something?
Song of the day- “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Thursday Take-Twos

Here’s a glimpse at what happened in sports this today:
The New York Yankees established themselves as the best team in baseball. At least they are the team with the league’s best record. Manager, Joe Girardi and his turnaround team lead the majors in comeback wins and continue to tear through their AL East opponents one by one. Winners of nine of their last ten, the Yankees lead the Boston Red Sox by six games in the division. Look for more of the same from the Bomber bats and pinstriped pitchers down the stretch.
Tiger Woods shot 5 under 67 at Hazeltine and leads the first round of the PGA Championship. For a man who has made a career out of doing the impossible, this is no surprise.
Dante Stallworth is suspended for the 2009 NFL season without pay. The belittled Browns receiver pleaded guilty to killing a pedestrian while driving drunk. Commissioner Roger Goodell came down hard on Stallworth, sending a message to the entire NFL careless misconduct won’t be tolerated. The league’s personal conduct and drug abuse policies were violated and Goodell made the right decision in punishing the Cleveland star for one year. The Stallworth decision comes just a few weeks after Goodell conditionally reinstated Michael Vick after the quarterback served 18 months jail time for dogfighting charges.
Woodstock is celebrating it’s anniversary this week and it just makes me think of the 1969 Mets and Jets. How distant that wonder year seems now to fans of both New York franchise. The Mets did salvage the final game of their series with the Arizona Diamondbacks, winning 6-4 on the road. Corey Sullivan tripled twice and Gary Sheffield provided two hits in his return to the Mets wrinkled lineup.
The Yankees weren’t the only team who won in walkoff fashion Wednesday night, and the Red Sox and Tigers weren’t the only clubs to brawl this week. The San Francisco Giants accomplished both. They beat their in-state rivals, the L.A. Dodgers, on a game winning Juan Uribe homerun. Uribe’s drill in the 10th made San Francisco the 4-2 winner over L.A.. Both the Giants’ manager and acting manager, and the bench coach were ejected during the wild day. There was also a benches clearing scuffle. It hardly compared to the one that took place between AL East foes, Boston and Detroit, however.
The Gator Bowl could be headed to New Years Day, which would land the Big 10 football conference its third bowl on January 1st. Bowl reshuffling is always fun, so stay tuned. It’s all about sponsorships and partnerships with mega companies anyway. I am more focused on the football field when I watch college games.
The United States soccer team leads Mexico in points in the World Cup qualifying standings. That wasn’t enough to amount to a win for the United States at Azteca last night. The 2-1 Mexico victory was a critical one but not unexpected. The United States has fallen to Mexico 23 out of the 24 times they’ve kicked against them. Landon Donovan has his team on course to qualify, as long as they win their next two games.
Finally, can we just go back to talking about the awesome Big East basketball program in Louisville? Rick Pitino made a mistake but it shouldn’t cost him his job. I am not condoning extra-marital affairs or pardoning Pitino’s performance off the court, but get real. The public should not have to hear about the man’s personal life because it hasn’t affected his coaching. The affair occurred six years ago and Pitino has gone on to lead and recruit some of the most talented players and teams in the nation. It’s time to drop the subject and move on.
Parting points: Sad news about skateboarding pioneer, Andy Kessler dying after a wasp bite reaction. While we’re on the subject of death, today is the anniversary of the Mick’s passing.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Philadelphia's Pennant Push

I love watching Rich Harden pitch. The smooth slinging Chicago Cubs hurler retired the first 16 defending World Series champion Philadelphia batters he faced Tuesday. He remained poised and composed on the mount, working like an artist and flirting with perfection through six innings. Harden harnessed a 2-0 lead into the sixth inning before issuing a pass to the Phillies’ Carlos Ruiz. The control pitcher then allowed Jimmy Rollins to exploit the situation and break up Harden’s no-hit bid. Rollins crushed a game-tying homerun into Wrigley’s right field bleachers to put the Phillies on the scoreboard and clear the bases. The flashy Philadelphia shortstop has been unleashing his power bat since snapping a difficult career-worst 0-for-28 streak. He’s clubbing an eye-popping .325 with eight long balls and 27 RBIs in his last 151 trips to the plate. Rollins was rocking in the sixth inning when he dished off Harden to start Philadelphia’s late inning rally, propelling them to a 4-3 victory in 12 innings.
The Cubs gave their starting pitcher some support on a Jake Fox single and Alfonso Soriano bases-loaded sacrifice fly. Pryor to Tuesday’s start, Harden had dominated Philadelphia. In 20 innings against the team, his era was .90 and he allowed just two runs. Harden gave up only one other hit after Rollins’ blast Tuesday, a Ryan Howard single in the seventh. The power hitter knocked an excellent pitch into the stands to give the NL run-leading Phillies the temporary edge. Reliever, Carlos Marmol, was summoned from the Chicago bullpen in the 8th. His contributions would soon like to be forgotten by Cubs’ faithful. The burly, bulky Marmol had control issues from the moment he manned the mound. He hit a batter and walked three, including a bases loaded pass to Howard. The reliever is usually hard to hit and can fool hitters with a deceptive fastball. But he has walked 52 batters and hit 11 in 53 innings this season. Marmols’ mechanics may be to blame for his wackiness. Once he starts walking batters, he seems to lose his motion and becomes inept and ineffective.
Philadelphia’s one-run cushion would not stand. It wasn’t enough to secure the win in nine
frames. Phillies closer, Brad Lidge, coughed up the lead, blowing his 7th save in 28 tries. A leadoff walk by Kosuke Fukudome instigated the Cubs’ offense in the ninth. Fukudome advanced to second on Ryan Theriot’s sacrifice bunt and scored on Milton Bradley’s line drove smothering to right. In extra innings, Ben Francisco made a winner out of Philadelphia’s Scott Eyre, who worked 1 1/3 perfect innings. Chad Durbin tossed a hitless 12th to pick up his second save of the season. Francisco smacked a dramatic leadoff dinger to cap off the visiting team’s comeback. He delivered the game-winning drive off Chicago’s closer, Kevin Gregg, to give the Phillies their fourth win in 12 games. It was Francisco’s second homerun of the year. This was came off a 1-1 fastball and was planted into the basket that hangs over Wrigley’s left field fence. Philadelphia leads the NL East by 3 ½, while the Cubs trail St. Louis in the NL Central by 3 games. Francisco was a throw-in player in the Cliff Lee deal with Cleveland just before the trade deadline. Since joining the team that plays in City Of Brotherly Love, the slugger has started five games in the outfield. He is hitting .345 in his last 16 games with Philadelphia and Cleveland.
It’s too bad another Harden effort ended on a sour note for the Cubs. The strictly heart-breaking loss was a wasted opportunity for the Cubs for their playoff aspirations. Harden is one of those pitchers you really enjoy watching. He brings no-hit caliber stuff to each and every start. It would be nice to see him in full health all year to realize his incredible pitching potential. The hurler has an unlimited ceiling and is blessed with a stylish, accurate array of right-handed offerings. Chicago’s defeat resulted in a no-decision but the hard-throwing Harden holds a 1.95 ERA in his last 37 innings. It is distinctly no picnic facing Harden.

Parting points: Happy Birthday Pete Sampras!

The Phillies throw Pedro Martinez tonight. It’s Petey’s season debut and first start with Philadelphia.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Access and Autographs at Annual August Albany Affair

Dad surprised me with tickets to the New York Giants training camp in Albany in August of 1998. It was unlike any professional sporting event I’d ever been to before and have attended since. Sure, I had my share of front row views at Army hockey games. I was there for WTA Finals events and witnessed some killer tennis in knockout summer temperatures. David Wells greeted me in the Yankee Stadium bullpen, literally handing me the ball he used to practice throwing. I’d seen the Jets shrug off another loss as the fans in the upper deck at Giants Stadium got rowdier than a high school bonfire gathering. I even attended autograph sessions at the local mall and met face to face with former Yankees. But the trip nine years ago to the University at Albany campus was different than all of them.
I have scant recollections of #11, Phil Simms and can hardly remember the Bill Parcells era of New York Giants football. I appreciate sports history and my father must have sensed me starting to like the hometown team back in 1997. The great expectations surrounding the NFC East division champions were heightened that summer in training camp. The only hindrance was a fickle offense that had yet to finalize a proper passing system. New York won the hard way, despite the shortcomings. I think that is what initially drew me to the team. As a devoted and faithful Cowboys fan for over a decade, I could never replace Dallas as my number one football team. The Giants certainly did their best to convert my rooting ways. They had many likeable personalities, but quarterback, Danny Kanell, was not one of them. Kanell was the kind of player you gritted your teeth about every time he took a snap. He was more unreliable than unflappable, more shaky than sturdy and more delicate than delectable. As uncharming as their leading man was, I still became a fan of Big Blue. That’s why when Dad delivered the tickets and drove me diligently to Albany, I decided to be a Giants devotee.
The proximity to the Meadowlands and Albany did much to ease my hesitations of abandoning the Cowboys. After all, I had an excuse to like the Giants because I lived in the state. It wasn’t until I discovered Jason Sehorn that I really started following the rival NFC East squad. Sehorn was my man and to me, should have made the ProBowl in 1997. The cornerback would later go on to Hawaii to play and would gain acclaim with the team. He would also earn the taunts and teases of Giants fans for his tackling ability. Any real fan knows the story of Sehorn and the “pants falling down” episode. I won’t go there. All I knew back then was Sehorn was a gifted defensive back with the looks of a male model. Other players were not as enormously endearing to me, but I came to know and like the entire Big Blue team.
I remember seeing the four tall towers of dorm rooms as Dad and I entered the training camp facility. It would have been nifty to attend SUNY Albany, especially if it meant getting daily glimpses of the Giants during the summer. The field itself was unremarkable but fascinating and filled to capacity with practicing players. Stands lined the bleacher seats and the atmosphere was equivalent to a Fan Fest in terms of player access and crowd liveliness and interaction. I don’t know the results of the scrimmage that day. I do know I was able to see some of my favorite players up close. Thanks to my forward Father, I got more personal than I ever imagined.
My dad and I crossed the gate and walked onto the practice field after the game. His exact words to me were, “Well, Lindi. This is your chance to get an autograph. It’s now or never”. I clutched my white nerf Giants football and stealthily strolled into the section where the sweaty, tired, professionals were standing. My dad acted as if he were Jim Fassel himself conducting an offensive drill. He marched up to Brad Daluiso and pointed to me while looking the kicker in the eye. Daluiso must have taken pity on his new fan because he got the hint and took my black Sharpie, prompty penning his #3 signature on the ball. That attracted the attention of other desperate fans and a line quickly formed behind me. Punter, Brad Maynard, stood alone next to his teammate. I did not recognize #9 but remember looking him directly in the eye before moving on to find another player. Snubbing Maynard is still one of the regrets from that day. The other was missing out on seeing Sehorn. My two teenage eyes scanned the scene but could not track down the star cornerback. I did somehow luck out in finding myself standing in front of a smiling Tiki Barber. The running back, #21, was not the well-known Giant he is today back in 1998. He was just coming into his own and he was only too happy to sign an autograph that day. I am still in awe at the ease in which Barber went about his business. It was like interacting with my best friend having Tiki sign my ball. His shiny bald head glistened in the sun as he very briefly welcomed me to Giants camp. Charles Way, the big veteran fullback for New York, was quite the opposite of his backfield counterpart. Way did not utter a word or even look at me when he signed the nerf ball. He peered out across the field as his immense #33 jersey intimidated both me and my father. Tyrone Wheatley was next up. Number 28 was a Michigan product so I wasn’t too thrilled to obtain an autograph. Still, Wheatley had a breakout year in 1997 despite missing the playoffs with an ankle injury. Finally, the Nebraska linebacker, Doug Coleman, lingered near the gate chatting with fans. Dad and I approached him as if meeting up with a famous uncle. Neither of us knew Coleman by his #58 jersey but accepted him autographing my ball and my sister’s Giants playing card. Dad promised to try to get her an autograph and that was the only Big Blue merchandise she owned. An all-in-all eventful Albany affair was over. I may not have succeeded in securing a Sehorn signature, but the summer stint was still sensationally stupendous.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Time of Your Life” by Green Day

Sunday, August 9, 2009

College Countdown

Let’s talk college football, shall we? It is the peak of the major league baseball season as the pennant races peek around the corner. But the smell of football is definitely in the August air. All this peeking makes me want to grab a glimpse at my favorite college football program. The Buckeyes play their first game September 5th on the vast and spacious Ohio State campus against Navy. The season is less than a month away. So which Buckeyes are we likely to see picking passes from Terrelle Pryor? Here’s a peak at a sample of speedy wide receivers on the 2009 Buckeyes roster:
Dane Sanzenbacher: The Buckeyes are probably going to go with a three or four receiver set each game, and Dane is the team’s main wideout. The junior is the steadiest of all receivers and now is his opportunity to take tremendous strides at the position. Sanzenbacher needs to stay healthy in order to be in the formidable formation. He attracts the most defensive backs out of all the wide receivers on Ohio State, and pays the price for being the number one target. Still, Dane can handle the pressure and duties of the big time program similar to his well-tuned predecessors.
Ray Small: It is questionable whether or not Small will be able to play. If available, Ray will make an impact and be an important factor on the offense. The senior has starter-ability if he will be around. It is difficult to deny the powerful receiver’s football skills. Small still needs to mature as a wideout because he is susceptible to running haphazard routes. But his ability amounts to quality plays when he is dashing to the end zone.
DeVier Posey: The prolific sophomore returns to the Buckeyes offense a year older and wiser. He had a lackluster rookie campaign but remains a downfield threat for opposing teams. Posey is the prime candidate vying to replace Brian Hartline and Brian Robiskie. Posey has shown great potential all summer. He is capable of taking short flips from the quarterback and turning them into big plays. The more polished a passer Pryor becomes in 2009, the more he will use Posey as his go-to man. Posey is big and fast and I anticipate hearing the Pryor-to-Posey scenario radiate from the commentary booth quite often. The youthfulness Posey possesses combined with his smooth style surely equate to a successful season. He has all the intangibles associated with an elite team leader and he is best friends with the quarterback.
Lamaar Thomas: Thomas is ready to rocket onto the scene and has improved his route-running this off-season. Lamaar is a fleet footed, fluid, and competent receiving option for Jim Tressel. The sophomore is ready to work himself into the Buckeye top three. A special teams and kick returner a year ago, Thomas is a portrayal of speed.
Garrett Hummel: The junior walk-on receiver is my choice for breakout Buckeye of the year. I expect big things from Hummel, who has great hands. Keep an eye on this kid throughout the season as he emerges as a top position player and increases his turf time. Hummel is a star in the making.
Taurian Washington: Washington is entering his junior year and played as well as he ever has this Spring. Only time will tell if he can keep up the good work when the leaves change colors. Taurian was terrific when he scored a 51 yard touchdown in the spring game. He lead the Gray team with four receptions for 71 yards. Washington is a smart player who learned from Robiskie and Hartline, so that should only benefit him in 2009.
Grant Schwartz: Schwartz is a converted defensive back looking for a fresh beginning on the other side of the ball. Schwartz signed with Ohio State in 2005 and is the son of former Buckeye, Brian Schwartz. His speed is his greatest asset Grant has more going for him as well. Since there really aren’t top spots locked up outside Posey and Sanzenbacher, Schwartz has as good a chance as any of his teammates. He might get lost in the shuffle but is too good a football player to go unnoticed for long.
Duron Carter: The son of OSU’s Cris Carter may not be ready for a starting spot but the freshman is still in the mix to catch passes. Carter will probably not be thrown into the games against USC or Michigan but he should be able to sprint the field in most conference showdowns. He won’t make an immediate impact but Carter leads the freshman class of burners waiting in the wings.
Parting Points: Is it too much to ask for a sweep??

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Sleepy Saturday

If you’re like me, you are having trouble keeping your eyes open this fine Saturday in August. It was not easy staying up for the entire 15 inning epic battle between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox last night. The game began just after 7pm but did not end until Alex Rodriguez wacked the ball into the Yankee Stadium seats around 12:40pm. As a diehard fan, I couldn’t just turn the game off. Once I made it through the entire nine innings I figured I could withstand a few more frames. Little did I know the scoreless game would go on another five. The Yankees and Red Sox had their chances to bring a run across the plate. A run was all either team needed in this pitching duel between Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett. Neither offense looked like the dominating lineups we’ve come to know so well. It is crystal clear which AL East team has all the momentum now, and they do not reside in New England.
Today’s start time is 4:05, thankfully. But I am almost positive there will be more extra inning affairs in the future. Here are some suggestions for the next time you need to fend off some shuteye during Yankees-Red Sox contests:
--Go to Dunkin’ Donuts (a Boston staple) and purchase one of the Box Of Joes. It’s hard to miss a pitch when you have that much caffeine in your system. Plus, they do have the best coffee.
--Log on to Twitter and start tweeting each inning. It will help you concentrate on the game and keep your eyes from closing if you have to type.
--Print out a 8x10 picture of Dustin Pedroia and tack it on your wall. Take a soft ball, some darts or crumble a piece of loose-leaf paper and start throwing at Pedroia’s head..unintentionally, of course.
---Every time John Sterling says “What a game”, dust a piece of furniture. I promise you, you will have a clean house by the time the game is over.
--Keep score the old-fashioned way. At least you will have a souvenir if the game is a classic. You can always go back to certain situations.
--Pretend you’re at the stadium and have a hot dog with all the fixings. Don’t forget to scoop some ice cream into one of those mini helmets while you wave your foam finger at the TV screen.
--Wash and dry your Yankees bed sheets and comforter.
--Do 50 push-ups in between each inning. If you did this last night, you would have done 1,500 and the guns to show it the next morning.
If all else fails, you can always log onto my blog and read old articles. They definitely won’t put you to sleep…I think.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Mr. Brightside”- by the Killers

Friday, August 7, 2009

Finally Figuring

It won’t be remembered as a classic, but last night’s ball game was probably the last of John Smoltz’s stellar career and the first time the Yankees beat the Red Sox in 2009. New York’s Joba Chamberlain was not the lights out pitcher he’s been since the All-Star break, but he was effective enough to plow through the pesky Sox at the plate.
All the emotion leading up to the game created the perfect atmosphere for another heated horde of hyped-up players. Two edge-of-your-seat innings were followed by a third inning Dustin Pedroia homerun to right field off Chamberlain. Victor Martinez and Kevin Youkilis drew back-to-back passes from the Yankees hurler. Chamberlain doubled up “Big Papi” David Ortiz on a ground ball to second base and induced J.D. Drew into flying out to centerfield to escape the jam. Boston was on board first, but the Yankees would counter in the bottom half of the frame. Johnny Damon planted a 2-1 Smoltz pitch just over the right field fence to even the score at one.
In an eventful fourth inning, Boston added two more runs. Casey Kotchman provided the goods in his first start for Boston. He smothered the third long ball of the game, a two-run shot to right. The hits just kept coming in the bottom of the fourth. Jorge Posada led off the inning with a double, somewhat making up for a missed slide in the first inning. (Jorge would later completely make up for that gaff) Robinson Cano singled to center, scoring Posada, on the next play. Nick Swisher followed Cano with a walk on four pitches. Then, Melky Cabrera belted a bomb into the second deck on a 1-2 count to give the Bombers a 5-3 lead. A Damon base hit and Mark Teixeira double preceded an intentional walk to Alex Rodriguez. The Yankees padded the lead with the bases juiced and Billy Traber pitching. Jorge Posada’s second plate appearance signaled the Yankees batting around in the inning. Posada, hitting from the right side, connected courageously by clipping the ball into the stands for a 9-3 Yankees advantage.
Martinez crossed the plate for the visiting Red Sox in the top of the fifth after reaching base on his second walk of the night. The Yankees collected two of their own runs in the bottom of the fifth. Hideki Matsui slapped a double to score the speedy Damon and Rodriguez and clear the bases. Matsui made it to third base on a Nick Green error but Posada was fanned to end the threat. Jerry Hairston, Jr. was driven in on a Derek Jeter RBI single in the sixth to give New York an eight run cushion. The Yankees weren’t done scoring just yet. The final notch came in the seventh on Teixeira’s 28th dinger of the season.
Thursday’s opening game of the four game set was not without controversy. Yankees reliever, Mark Melancon, lost control of two pitches to Pedroia. He was accused of intentionally tossing at the former MVP. Posada walked Pedroia down the line as Boston manager, Terry Francona came out to talk to the home plate umpire. The game resumed and the Red Sox would have to endure some of the suffering New York has experienced in this version of the rivalry.
Smoltz was lit up by the Yankees’ offense and was designated for assignment by the Sox this afternoon. It is likely the last we will see of the future Hall-of-Fame pitcher. Boston left 15 men on base last night and were unable to capitalize on 12 walks by New York hurlers. Chamberlain allowed seven of the 12 passes and went just five frames but has not lost since June 18 against the Nationals. He still did a better job than his opposition. Smoltz gave up eight earned runs, nine hits and two homeruns in just over three innings on the hill. His batterymate Martinez was walked three times in his first glimpse of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry. But the second baseman, Pedroia, had the best evening of any Red Sox player. He seems to own Yankee pitching this year and added another three hit affair Thursday night. The bottom of New York’s order was extremely productive, in racking up 11 of the 18 Bomber hits.
A sweep might not be realistic but it is possible the Yankees take three of four this series.
Parting points: Sad news about John Hughes passing away. He directed some of my favorite 80’s movies. I can never watch “National Lampoon’s Vacation”, “Planes, trains and automobiles”, “The Breakfast Club”, and “Ferris Buhler’s Day Off” enough.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Smoltz Starts Sox Series Showdown

As the date indicates, it is time for the Yankees to “86” the outcome of the head-to-head meetings with the Boston Red Sox. Redemption time is here and the Bombers are about to settle the score. New York and Boston have plenty on the line as they collide in a classic AL East battle tonight in the bandbox Bronx ballpark. This late season four game series could determine which team wins the division. Tempers are sure to flare whenever the greatest rivalry in baseball occurs. It should be interesting to see if the Yankees can come out of this series on the winning end.
A stabilized Joba Chamberlain is the starting pitcher for the home team in Game 1 tonight. The Bombers’ hurler is 3-0 with a .83 ERA since the All-star break. The right-hander hasn’t been very successful against the division rival Red Sox, however. He will face a young and deep Red Sox lineup, which has defeated the Bombers eight times already this year. New York has yet to beat the pesky Red Sox in 2009 and will have another opportunity against their old tomahawk foe, John Smoltz. Smoltz is not the same fastball pitcher he once was and the Yankees have not seen him in a while. Most of the 2009 men in pinstripes have not faced Smoltz often. Boston skipper, Terry Francona, is integrating Casey Kotchman and Victor Martinez into the order tonight. Kotchman will handle first base for the visitors, and Martinez will be the backstop. The switch-hitting former Cleveland Indian Martinez adds a vicious bat and flexibility to the lineup. Victor will be without some protection in the first two games. Jason Bay is expected to sit those out for Boston. How the Red Sox and Yankees respond to the importance of this series tonight will be indicative of how the four games will play out. No matter what they players say, this series is huge.
The Yankees are 14-5 since the All-Star break and aren’t the only team with resourceful sluggers. New York has some versatility and usefulness in Eric Hinske and Jerry Hairston, Jr. Hairston is a patient hitter with pop. He has eight homeruns this year. Johnny Damon and Mark Teixeira are red hot and surging as of late. The bullpen has done a great job and the starters have been eating up innings. The team is clicking on all cylinders and is assertive in making the small plays that don’t show up in the box score. The Yankees finished a two game sweep of the Toronto Bluejays and are riding a three game winning streak to boost their confidence heading into the Boston series.
Chamberlain and the Yankees begin the series as the better team. Boston has the upper hand in the season series, but the Bombers hold the division’s best record and can only gain more ground by adding wins this weekend. It is time to “86” the Sox. Boston has scored first in six of the eight games this season against New York. The Bombers have committed ten errors to Boston’s three. The Yankees have their best chance to win the series this time around because their bullpen is much stronger than it was earlier in the year. And, the Red Sox have more question marks in their starting rotation. Here’s to a terrific performance by the Yankees on Thursday night and an outstanding homestand.
Parting points: Good decision by Lou Holtz not to run for Congress. I like Lou and all, but anyone with a lisp should not be in politics.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Figueroa Fine in Flushing

Nelson Figueroa lifted the measly Mets over the St. Louis Cardinals in the second contest of a two game series at Citi Field this afternoon. The New York pitcher earned his first win since last September after contributing 4 1/3 innings of four hit ball in relief of the injured scheduled starter, Jonathan Niese. Niese went down in the first inning of the game with a right leg ailment. Figueroa fanned five and did not issue a walk against a potent lineup featuring the most captive Cardinal, Albert Pujols. The Mets won the game and completed a 5-5 homestand on a positive note. St. Louis loaded the bases in the fifth inning with Figueroa on the hill. The hurler worked out of trouble, striking out newly-acquired Cardinal outfielder, Matt Holliday, to end the inning. The threat was the closest the visiting team would come to scratching a run across the plate to notch a digit on the scoreboard.
The Mets shutout St. Louis 9-0 backed solid relief pitching and sturdy and steady slugging. Angel Pagan and David Wright each smacked two run homeruns and collected three hits by the end of the nine innings. Wright stroked an opposite field long ball, going deep off Kyle Lohse in the bottom of the first. The tater was just the eighth for the All-Star third baseman this season, and fifth at spacious Citi Field. Figueroa helped his own cause at the plate in the second when he brought home two more Mets runs on a triple. Rick Ankiel, the Cardinals’ centerfielder, was charged with an error in the second frame on a Pagan fly ball, resulting in another New York tally. Pagan came through again in the sixth with an RBI triple and Alex Cora creamed an offering for a hit, pushing the lead to 7-0 Mets. In the eighth, Pagan pounded a pitch off Trevor Miller into the seats for the game’s final blow. Pagan had four RBIs total and clubbed his second homerun in four games.
Bobby Parnell kept St. Louis hitless after taking over for Figueroa in the sixth. Parnell picked up his first save of the season. Bobby also bashfully banged his first major league hit with an eighth inning single. It seems like the pitchers are producing at the plate more than the position players. New York needed this one bi g time, especially after Tuesday night’s devastating extra inning affair in which Pujols stole the stage at Citi. The offense looked alive on their way to a 15 hit day. It was just the second win in seven games for the Amazins. Figueroa filled in nicely but the bad thing is the Mets suffered yet another injury to a key player. Niese was inserted into Jerry Manuel’s rotation because of an injury to Fernando Nieve. Figueroa and Parnell combined to allow just six St. Louis hits. That feat is phenomenal when you think of the circumstances of the spot start and tattered, shattered Mets’ bullpen. Then again, Mets pitching has allowed the fewest homeruns in the NL all year, and they held together this afternoon. Pujols did manage to strike two doubles In his first two at-bats, but otherwise, the Cardinals were held in check with the wood.
Parting points: That was some finish last night in Tampa.
Congrats to Eli Manning on his reported $97 million deal.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Prisoner Plaxico

Former Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants wide receiver, Plaxico Burress, won’t be doing any touchdown celebrations for a while. The Superbowl hero for New York two years ago was indicted on weapons charges for shooting himself in the thigh at a night club last November 29th. A NYC grand jury charged the 31 year old athlete with two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and one count of reckless endangerment. Burress faces a minimum jail sentence of three and a half years if convicted. The receiver could also face disciplinary action by NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell. If Burress’ attorney and prosecutors don’t work out a plea bargain, number 17 will stand trial on September 23rd.
In my opinion, Plaxico’s possible prison punishment is a product of his own imprecision and stupidity. He carried a loaded and unlicensed gun into a club and accidentally shot himself. Plaxico must have known his weapon’s license was only valid in the state of Florida. He also must have been aware his license was five months expired when he checked into the Latin Quarter club. I understand the reckless receiver did not intend to commit a crime with his .4 caliber semi-automatic. He was only carrying a weapon in the waistband of his pants to protect himself in self-defense. How silly it sure seems that he needed reassurance in the form of a weapon to enjoy a night out. The circumstances are still questionable as to why he was even at a club with teammates that November night. Burress should be able to lead a normal live outside football but he obviously had reserves about the type of environment he chose to endeavor. Athletes realize risky daily decisions can hurt not only their career but their teammates. As it turns out, Plaxico was the only one injured by his own carless and negligent actions. He deserves time in the cell for putting other civilians in unnecessary and harmful danger. I was satisfied with the jury’s decision to disregard his fame and status as an NFL star and followed the law of the state. Burress is protected under the Second Amendment right to bear arms. But he won’t be able to wiggle himself out of a jail sentence the way he can wiggle the ball out of a defender’s hands for a touchdown.
Parting points: Check out the new Modest Mouse album hitting stores today. It sounds like another great collection of Indie rock.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Cabrera Cycle

Melky Cabrera because the first Yankee since Tony Fernandez in 1995 to hit for the cycle. New York’s accomplished outfielder drove in four of the team’s eight runs on his way finishing the feat with a triple in the ninth off Chicago reliever, Scott Linebrink. Melky barely made it safely sliding into third base ahead of the throw. Mariano Rivera closed out the game in the bottom half with a scoreless frame.
Cabrera began his milestone night with a second inning three run rocket into the deck at U.S. Cellular One. The homerun provided New York a three run lead. Melky legged out a double and added a single to help the Bombers avoid a four game sweep against the hometown Chicago Whitesox. The Whitesox scored four runs off Yankees starter, C.C. Sabathia, in the third. Three of the runs came off back to back blasts by Jermaine Dye and Jim Thome. The Bomber bats bested the perfect game hurler, Mark Buehrle, knocking out 15 hits Sunday. Buehrle was chased in the fifth after allowing Cabrera’s single and third hit of the evening. The switch hitter helped his team avert the sweep on a night when Sabathia pitched just well enough to deserve the win. Cabrera has carried this team throughout the season and with Brett Gardner out, has been pressed hard in centerfield. Hitting for the cycle is always fun and Melky’s is the 15th in franchise history. They say the triple is the hardest of the four. Melky’s slow slap skidded slightly over Dye’s head to give the stocky baserunner a chance at history. His aggressiveness paid off in more ways than one. The team won the game and Cabrera completed the challenging cycle.
Parting points: One of my favorite former Mets, Kevin Elster, is celebrating a birthday today.
I guess the Cardinals are thrilled they acquired Matt Holliday. He’s been on fire since joining the team.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Well(s) Wisher

If there is one running back you can bank on, it’s Beanie. Chris “Beanie” Wells inked a five year deal with the Arizona Cardinals yesterday. The former Ohio State running back arrived in Arizona anticipating a starting job. Now he will head to the bank to cash in on a new contract. The slimmed down Beanie expected to be taken seriously after the Cardinals drafted him as their number one pick this April. Wells was the 31st overall selection and yesterday struck an $11.8 million deal with the team enamored with the back. He left college following his junior year to pursue a professional career in the NFL. Saturday, Beanie was handsomely rewarded for his decision.
Beanie probably boasts the most endearing name in the NFL now. Even more engaging is Wells’ athletic attributes and physical prowess as a runner. He was often injured as a Buckeye under Jim Tressel but Beanie was in the running for the Heisman Trophy early last year. In typical Beanie fashion, the star was injured during his first drills with the team in camp. He didn’t quite make it through the practice after colliding with a teammate and rolling his ankle. If you know anything about Ohio State football, you know a stellar running game is warranted. Chris created a colossal, commanding and crippling climate as a college player. The bruising back was quite often bruised himself, but still one of the most feared running explosions. Wells made many standout scoring plays, including his hurdle over an Illinois defender, as Ohio State’s featured back. The hurdle has become somewhat of a signature Beanie move. Arizona fans hope Wells will be able to not only stay on the turf this Fall, but be a touchdown titan for the already offensively-minded Cardinals. The Cardinals released tight end, Alex Shor, to make room for their top draft pick.
The rookie runner will compete with Tim Hightower for the Cardinals’ number one tailback. The lighter weight may mean more playing time for the quicker Wells. But Hightower is no slouch. He scored 10 rushing touchdowns last season and made two key plays in the NFC championship game against Philadelphia. Jason Wright could also figure into the equation behind the quarterback. Even if Wells doesn’t win the position, the pair will make Arizona one of the league’s toughest backfields to defend. The 21 year old also has the ability to break big runs and return kicks. The Cardinals released Edgerrin James this offseason and Wells is the replacement with big shoes to fill immediately. Arizona had one of the worst running games in the NFL during the regular season. Any contributions from Wells’ speedy legs are a boost to Ken Whisenhunt’s defending NFC championship team. Here’s wishing Wells good luck in his first professional season.

Parting points: How many more Saturdays until the college football season?
Album of the day- “Mellow Gold” by Beck

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Deadline Deals

There’s nothing like waiting until the last minute to make a decision. I sometimes find those decisions to be the best. Front office executives and personnel around Major League Baseball are hoping their July 31st trade deadline deals turn out wonderfully well. Here are some of the largest splashes from yesterday’s dealing GM’s.
The non-waiver deadline doesn’t mean teams still can’t covet potential players promising a post-season impact. The Boston Red Sox didn’t hesitate to address the pressing need of adding a big bat to Terry Francona’s lineup. Switch-hitting All-Star, Victor Martinez has 67 RBIs, 15 long balls and a .284 average. The former Cleveland Indian should be a producer at Fenway Park down the stretch, and the Sox still have their booming baby Boston farm system intact. Martinez will receive at bats at the expense of some of Boston veteran players, but the lineup will thrive because of the addition. A trio of semi-polished pitchers parted in the Martinez agreement. Right-hander, Justin Masterson, and Single-A prospects, Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price, were shipped to Cleveland in the impactful exchange. The 24 year old Masterson is the only one with major league experience. He has a solid sinker but it is unknown whether Masterson will develop into a top notch starter or reliable reliever. Masterson was brilliant for Boston in the 2008 post-season, setting a club record with nine appearances. Hagadone is a southpaw drafted by the organization in 2007 and Price throws right-handed but missed a year because he had Tommy John surgery.
The lifetime Cleveland Indian is a valuable middle of the order hitter. Theo Epstein made a magnificent move in signing Martinez. Victor’s versatility add fuel to an already fiery team with plenty of heart. He compliments the Boston lineup and will see time as captain, Jason Varitek’s backup at the catcher position or at first base. Martinez will be a steady slugger for the
slumping Sox. Martinez fits well at Fenway because he gets on base often. He is 16th in the league in walks with 51.
Boston also upgraded their defense by acquiring Casey Kotchman from Atlanta. Kotchman hasn’t committed an error in two seasons with the Braves at first base. The Red Sox swapped first baseman with Atlanta, sending Adam LaRoche to the Braves. LaRoche was picked up from the Pittsburgh Pirates just nine days ago.
Even Scott Rolen’s reputable Gold Glove won’t help the Cincinnati Reds. I did not expect the Reds to be buyers at the deadline, but it turns out, they were. The club completed a deal for Rolen before the 4pm deadline. The Toronto Bluejays did end up dealing on Friday, but the trade didn’t involve coveted hurler, Roy Halladay. Toronto will send Rolen to the Reds in exchange for third baseman, Edwin Encarnacion and pitchers, Josh Roenicke and Zach Stewart. Stewart, last year’s draft pick, is a 22 year old prospect and Roenicke is a 27 year old with promise. Both teams seem to be helped by the trade. The Bluejays are deeper in pitching because of this move and Rolen should benefit from a return to the National League. The serviceable right-handed hitter, Rolen, sports a .320 average in 88 games this season. Rolen is a great player and five time All-Star, but it makes little sense for a team nine games out of first place to deal for a 34 year old. Reds’ GM, Walt Jockety, hopes Rolen will be a part of the team for several seasons. In that regard, the future looks a little more promising for Cincy faithful. The position player is a positive role model and leader on the field. St. Louis fans questioned his commitment, but I always liked Rolen. He is one of my favorite players today, and perhaps one of the greatest defensive third baseman in history.
The Reds also traded utility infielder, Jerry Hairston, Jr. to the New York Yankees. Hairston has appeared at six different positions from Cincinnati. His 27 RBIs should give Joe Girardi plenty of flexibility on the field and at the plate. With speedy outfielder, Brett Gardner, out due to injury, this move shores up the Yankees suddenly depleted bench.
The Detroit Tigers now have one of the league’s best pitching staffs. Detroit added Jarrod Washburn to the rotation on Friday. The Tigers have been a first place team since mid-May but needed to make a move to break free of the threatening and trailing Twins and competitive Chicago White Sox in the AL Central. Washburn is 8-6 this year and a free agent at the end of the season. The pronounced and balanced rotation now features playoff ready starters, Justin Verlander, Edwin Jackson and Washburn. Jarrod is a 12 year veteran starter with extensive playoff experience with the Anaheim Angels. The sinker-balling southpaw arrives from the Seattle Mariners. The only deal the Tigers made Friday sent rookie Luke French and Mauricio
Robles, two lefties, to the M’s for Washburn. It is a great deal for the Tigers because Comerica Park is an idea venue for Washburn. He will make hitters club balls to open part of the field.
Chicago takes the cake for being the biggest procrastinator Friday. The White Sox got the pitcher they hoped to pry from San Diego earlier this year. Jake Peavy agreed to be traded to Chicago off the disabled list. Peavy hasn’t pitched since June 8th because of a damaged tendon in his ankle. When Jake takes the mound, he usually delivers a quality start. Chicago’s sizeable investment in Peavy means the ace must be able to endure the summer’s heated pennant race. The Whitesox gave up their top prospect, Aaron Poreda and $48 million, along with three other pitchers in the last minute exchange to snare the 2007 CY Young winner. Peavy turned down a deal to be a Whitesox in May when the Padres agreed to trade him. The 26 year old is 6-6 with a 3.97 ERA in 13 starts. He joins a rotation featuring perfect game
tosser, Mark Buehrle, Gavin Floyd, Jose Contreras and John Danks. GM Kenny William’s Peavy persuasive persistence just might give the team the edge in the post-season. The potential beastly rotation hinges on how quickly Peavy’s ankle heals. It was a gamble because Jake might not be able to help the Whitesox in 2009. But he is signed through 2012 and is a proven winner.

Parting points: Happy August… It’s National Catfish Month!
Song of the day” “When You Were Young”- The Killers