Saturday, July 31, 2010

Waiting on a Wish

Today is baseball's trading deadline. To me, the day is like waiting on a wish for your team to acquire the player that may make a difference come playoff time.
This is a poem I wrote for a lost cause. It's about wishing you knew things you know you never will.

All The Things I Wish I Knew

I wish I knew how to forget you
I’d take my feelings
Seal them in an envelope
And mail them away
Like washing my car
I’d rub out the spots
Shine up the scratches
Settling in for a new traveling day
Place my thoughts in a bottle
Toss it in the sea
Send my message to a place
Where broken hearts flee
I’d take a sharp silver nail
Hammer it into soft wood
Flattened and forlorn, like me
Permanently in place for good
I wish I knew what it takes to let go
Of the way your eyes penetrate my soul
The way they console
The way they move
The way they foster tears and soothe
Raindrops left underneath a fallen tree
Are foreign to the world
Immune to unfair human decree
Silenced among the blossoms unfurled
I wish I knew the way to your breath
Then my wanderlust would apply
Justified by the depth
Of wishing to meet you when the road does die
Not unlike a ripple rolling from a stream
Following a path
Splashing on the rocks
Looking for a dream
That’s how I would be
If only I knew
The secret key
To clash waves with you

Friday, July 30, 2010

R.A. Riles Redbirds

The Mets blanked the Redbirds behind the resurgent R.A. Dickey’s remarkable 8 1/3 innings of four-hit ball. The New York hurler, pitching on three days’ rest, pulled away from Citi Field with his seventh victory of the season as the Mets prevailed 4-0 over St. Louis. Thursday’s win propelled the Mets to take two out of three games against the rival Redbirds. It was New York’s fifth win in their last 18 tries. For Tony LaRussa’s Cardinals, Thursday was the tenth time the team has been shutout this year.
The Mets have played three 13 inning games in the last eight days, but showed no ill effects at the plate last night against Cardinal starter, Blake Hawksworth. Jose Reyes doubled to lead off the third inning and advanced on Angel Pagan’s drag bunt between the mound and first base to get the Mets’ offense rolling. Ike Davis drove the first pitch he saw from Hawksworth three rows deep to center for a three run bomb and 3-0 Mets lead. The stellar first baseman for New York reached base in all four at-bats Thursday, drawing three walks in addition to his three RBIs. Davis has 52 RBIs this season and 15 homeruns. He also started a pair of double plays at first base. The Mets scored again during a three hit fifth inning, with Carlos Beltran earning an RBI single following Pagan’s seventh triple of the season. New York left 18 runners on base, however, an ongoing probably for Jerry Manuel’s team.
Dickey was smooth sailing through eight innings, allowing only a first inning double by Jon Jay and a fifth frame leadoff slap by Ryan Ludwick before a pair of eighth and ninth inning base hits by Skip Schumaker and Colby Rasmus. It was the lengthiest outing of the year for Dickey, and one of the best of his career. Francisco Rodriguez was summoned from the Mets’ bullpen to record the final two outs of the game. KRod succeeded in getting the league’s best slugger, Albert Pujols, to fly out and retired power-hitting outfielder, Matt Holliday a game-ending strikeout. St. Louis is 56-46, a half a game behind Cincinnati in the NL Central.

Parting Points: Feel good Friday band- The Supremes

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Go-to Guide for Greatness

Not sure how to start your sports column after covering another no-hitter? Here’s a quick go-to guide to aid you in your writing. All you need are paper, a pen, a personality and two cups of coffee.
1) Always begin with facts from the game (score). Crowd size could be mentioned here or in step 3.
2) Mention a recent fact such as the number of no hitters this season or by the teams involved.
3) You have two options—plug in a quote from the pitcher about how this is a dream come true for him OR wrap up the first paragraph with an overall sense of the atmosphere at the stadium (crowd size, excitement level)
4) Background information about the pitcher should be established
5) Statistics from the no-hitter
6) Sugar-coated quotes from the manager (limit to one sentence)
7) Historical data about almost anything related to baseball works here
8) Talk a bit about the opposing team’s struggles at the plate
9) Mention any defensive plays that stood out (game-saving grabs are very effective)
10) Paint a pretty picture of the pitcher by saying how much he’s overcome in his life
11) Wrap it up with another quote from someone involved in the game or simply end your column with a generic phrase such as “Joe Blow will cherish this game for the rest of his career and life.”
Twenty-six year old Matt Garza pitched the majors’ fifth no-hitter of the year yesterday. Tampa’s terrific-tossing hurler blanked the Tigers 5-0 and became the first pitcher in franchise history to earn the honor. As a sportswriter, it must be challenging to cover no-hitters. There are usually minimal highlights to catalogue from the game, at least from the team being “no-hit”. It’s almost like doing a performance appraisal on an employee and coming away without any improvements or criticisms. (Excuse the HR reference—I am taking an HRM course this summer) That isn’t to say Garza was absolutely perfect last night while he was spinning a hitless gem.
Writers tend to fill their columns with quotes from teammates, historical facts about no-hitters and various statistics whenever a no-hitter is involved. It’s a good idea to at least mention some biographical information about the latest pitching star. Columnists and beat writers commonly tag this on to the end of a story. In Garza’s case, it’s particularly important to note his baseball attributes since many fans are not familiar with him. Even casual baseball aficionados may not recall Garza and his mid-90’s fastball winning the AL Championship Series MVP in 2008. Yes, Garza has a World Series ring. He joined the Rays in 2007 in a trade with the Twins.
One fact writers are probably going to eat up is how Garza was 0-4 lifetime against Detroit prior to Monday’s contest. Everybody loves a feel-good story about a guy who overcomes an obstacle. Here we have Garza, who allowed seven runs in a six inning outing in his previous start. Garza issued a second inning walk and then did not allow another base runner the entire game. He fanned six Tigers and tossed 120 pitches in the victory. Garza attacked the zone and made the proper adjustments with his electric stuff. Some experts might point to how the Tigers’ lineup is stacked with rookies and backups. I don’t think the absence of veteran hitters should take away from Garza’s feat. Another aspect about this particular game is the incredible pitching from Detroit’s end. Max Scherzer was rolling early and did not allow a hit until the sixth inning. Matt Joyce smacked a grand slam to end Scherzer’s shutout bid after the no-no was erased.
Garza’s no-hitter should set the tone for a four-game set between the Rays and Tigers. Or, it could motivate the Tigers to knock the snot out of the next three Tampa tossers they face. Detroit hasn’t been no-hit since Randy Johnson stunned the cats 20 years ago. Detroit writers should be sure to work in an element of pity for the organization as a whole. The Tigers were robbed of a no-hitter earlier in the season and last night suffered the fate of being Tampa’s first hitless victims. The Rays are no strangers to being no-hit, leading the league in that category in recent years. I am sure it feels fantastic to finish on the better side of the no-hitter for Tampa. Several teams can relate to the elation of a no-hitter thanks to 2010---the year of the pitcher (I am sure just about every sportswriter will reference this too).

Parting Points: Maurice Clarett is returning to school. This is newsworthy?

Throwbacker of the day- “Don’t Turn Around” by Ace Of Base

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Rich in Relief

New York Mets’ southpaw starter-turned-reliever, Oliver Perez, escaped a bases-loaded jam in the 12th inning of yesterday’s game against the Dodgers. Perez, activated from the disabled list Tuesday, gave up a game winning homerun to James Loney in the bottom of the 13th as Los Angeles clipped the Mets 3-2. Loney drove Perez’s 1-0 offering into the seats in right-center field, giving L.A. a walk-off victory and making a winner out of much-maligned reliever, George Sherrill. Sherrill, the Dodgers’ eighth reliever used during the game, earned his first win after pitching a perfect 13th frame. Perez took the loss for New York, his fourth of the year.
The Mets were charged with two errors during the road contest yesterday. L.A.’s Rafael Furcal singled past Mets’ shortstop, Jose Reyes, to lead of the bottom of the first. The ground ball was playable but Furcal was credited with a single. Mets hurler, Mike Pelfrey, attempted to pick-off Furcal at first base, but launched the throw wide right to Ike Davis, allowing the runner to advance to third base. Joe Torre’s Dodgers needed only a sacrifice fly to ring in a tally, and the offense did just that. Xavier Paul, the Dodgers’ number two hitter, lifted a fly to right field to drive Furcal home for the 1-0 L.A. lead.
Carlos Monasterios kept the Mets off the scoreboard with five solid innings of six hit ball. New York loaded the bases in the fourth inning but failed to cross the plate. David Wright led off the fourth with a single. The third baseman reached second on Monasterios’ balk before Carlos Beltran drew a full count walk. Jason Bay, somewhat breaking out of a batting slump, slapped a base hit to left to load the bags for New York. Monasterios retired the next two Mets to end any scoring threats.
The Dodgers tallied their second run in the bottom of the fourth. The Dodgers’ Blake Dewitt got L.A. started with a one-out triple. New York skipper, Jerry Manuel, decided it would be best to intentionally walk Garret Anderson. The move did not pay off for the Mets because Brad Ausmus singled up the middle to send Dewitt home. Pelfrey lasted five innings for New York and was removed for a pinch hitter in the sixth. The New York starter was effective despite the two blemishes. His team’s offense was ineffective, however.
The visitors finally found the plate in the top of the sixth off James McDonald. McDonald faced four batters and only recorded one out. Davis doubled to center off McDonald and was brought home on Rod Barajas’ base hit to left. Reyes earned his 35th RBI of the season when he singled home Bay in the Mets’ three hit sixth frame. Reyes’ base hit came off reliever Jack Taschner. Taschner is still looking for his first out as a Dodger pitcher. Travis Schlichting entered for the white and blue after Taschner loaded the bases. Schlichting needed only one pitch to induce a double play by Luis Castillo for the third out.
The game remained knotted at 2-2 as the teams combined to use 14 men out of the bullpen. Kenley Jansen was perhaps the most impressive of the Dodgers’ relief core. The converted catcher threw a one-two-three seventh frame, striking out two Mets in an impressive major league debut. Jansen faced the heart of the Mets’ lineup in a tie ballgame without flinching. Hong-Chih Kuo and Jonathan Broxton also set down the New York batters with scoreless eighth and ninth innings, respectively. Jeff Weaver provided the Dodgers dominant relief through two extra innings before handing it over to Sherrill. Raul Valdes, Manny Acosta, Pedro Feliciano, Bobby Parnell and Elmer Dessens were all summoned from Manuel’s bullpen. The five relievers combined to allow just two hits through six innings. L.A.’s Clayton Kershaw will face R.A. Dickey in the series finale today.

Parting Points: Thoughts and prayers go out to Bill Cowher and his family.

Congrats to the Hall of Fame inductees. It’s great to see another Expos player in there!

ARod is still sitting on 599 homeruns. I doubt he will receive any praise if he hits #600 on the road, so he better club one today at home.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Rubber Rewind

The A’s took down the Red Sox 6-4 in the rubber match of a three game set in Oakland. Whenever Boston battles the junior league from the Bay Area, it usually results in a heated and tense contest. This series on the West Coast was no different from series between the rivals over the past few seasons. Adrian Beltre singled in a run, and stole second base in the top of the Boston first frame to give the Red Sox an early edge. It was the only lead the visitors would hold Wednesday night. Oakland’s offense awakened, coming alive to pound out 12 total hits. Boston starter, Clay Buchholz was shelled for his fifth loss, yielding five runs over four plus innings. Fresh off the disabled list, Buchholz was not sharp, exiting the game after failing to record an out in the fifth.
Red-hot Oakland took their third straight series thanks to 31 year old Matt Watson’s first major-league homerun. The journeyman outfielder clubbed a solo shot off the scoreboard in right field, leading the A’s to their seventh win in their last eight tries. Jack Cust followed Watson’s lead by hitting his fourth homerun in seven games. The designated hitter for power-challenged Oakland took Buchholz deep in the bottom of the third and finished 2-for-3. Cust’s two run blast padded the A’s advantage to two runs providing hurler, Gio Gonzalez, a small cushion to work with.
Gonzalez allowed seven hits and four runs in six innings of work. Oakland’s defense turned in a superb performance with more dazzling double plays and diving outfield grabs. The Red Sox made it a one run game, closing in on the home team when Jed Lowrie drove in teammate, Bill Hall for the second Boston tally. The A’s responded in the home half of the fifth with three runs on four hits. Boston reliever, Scott Atchison gave up a one-out single to Mark Ellis to score Kurt Suzuki. Rajai Davis singled to center, notching a pair of RBIs and giving the A’s a 6-2 advantage.
Gonzalez ran into more trouble in the six after allowing a single by Kevin Youkilis and a homerun by Beltre. For Beltre, it was his 16th long ball of the year, putting the Sox within two runs of tying the game. The A’s bullpen was strong with Henry Rodriguez pitching around a pair of seventh inning walks and Brad Ziegler nailing down three outs in the eighth. Oakland’s Coco Crisp smacked a triple in the eighth but was tagged out at the plate trying to score on a fly ball from Cliff Pennington. Crisp’s extra base hit was a positive note for the slumping A’s slugger, who was dropped to ninth in the lineup. Michael Wuertz was perfect in the ninth for his second save of the year.

Parting Points: Sad song of the day- Colbie Caillat’s “I Never Told You”

Cool player for Thursday- the Yankees’ Colin Curtis

RIP Ralph Houk

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Devil of a Deal

The New Jersey Devils succeeded in snagging the services of Ilya Kovalchuk. The NHL’s most prominent free agent of 2010 chose to resign with the Devils, inking a reported 17 year deal worth an estimated $102 million. New Jersey outbid the LA Kings and New York Islanders for the 27 year old Russian native.
In Kovalchuk, the Devils signed a great competitor with superior scoring and moderate defensive skills. They have a former number one draft pick and three-time All-Star. Locking up a professional athlete for the long-term is not without risk, however. What bothers me most about the signing is not the truckloads of cash the organization shelled out to Kovalchuk. It’s not even the team’s 17 year commitment to a player who is already in his prime. What the Devils essentially did Monday was slap the franchise tag on an athlete who has been part of the team for less than a year. How would you feel if you were Zach Parise or Travis Zajac? Zajac was selected in the fourth round in 2004 and has been with New Jersey since. Parise is already an established league player, an Olympic hero and the face of the franchise. He was an original Devils draft pick. In marches Kovalchuk with one playoff win under his belt (in eight tries) and the focus shifts to New Jersey building a team around him. It doesn’t seem fair.
From a purely financial standpoint, the Kovalchuk deal flops. The amount of money is not as lucrative as the longevity of the contract would dictate. The contract is front-loaded and expires when Kovalchuk is 44 years old. How many players are still scoring goals with relative frequency at 44? The organization is tying up money that could be utilized more appropriately down the road. Kovalchuk’s value is high, but unless he turns out to be the next Wayne Gretzky, or Scott Stevens for that matter, the Devils are the losers in the end. Time will dictate Kovalchuk’s legacy in New Jersey. Personally, I thought the Kings were the best fit for the Russian player. LA boasts a younger squad and is headed in a more positive direction than I feel the Devils are at this time. Would anyone in their right mind really choose Newark over Los Angeles? It should be a stimulating next decade and a half for the Devils. See you in 2026 for a follow-up assessment of this devil of a deal.

Parting Points: Andy Pettitte’s out for a few weeks. This does not bode well for New York, but I feel the team will be able to sufficiently fill his slot.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Hurling Hurry

Minnesota right-hander, Carl Pavano, tossed his fourth complete game and earned his sixth consecutive decision after the Twins edged the Whitesox 3-2 at Target Field Saturday. Pavano outdueled Chicago lefty, Mark Buehrle, to improve his record to 11-6 and stifle the central division rival Whitesox. Buehrle’s only blemish was a three-run second inning where the Twins grabbed the lead for good. Two of the game’s fastest workers, Pavano outpitched Buehrle to help Minnesota pull within two and a half games of division-leading Chicago. It was the shortest Twins game since 2007. Pavano struck out six, gave up seven hits and did not issue a walk through the complete outing.
Chicago got on board in the top of the first on Paul Konerko’s single to right. Konerko remained a nemesis for the Minnesota hurler, launching his 21st homerun of the year in the fourth to put the Sox within one run of tying the game. Konerko now has 66 RBIs on the season. Pavano got into a rhythm, however, buckling down and throttling the south side sluggers. Delmon Young, Jason Kubel and Danny Valencia provided all the offense the Twins would need to back their starter. The heart of Chicago’s order came through with the bats in the second frame. Young, who leads the Twins in RBIs, singled in the first Minnesota tally and Kubel followed with a RBI triple. Valencia nearly missed a homerun off Buehrle, settling instead for a run-scoring double to give his team a 3-1 lead. The Twins were distinguished on defense too. Chicago speedster, Juan Pierre, was thrown out by rookie backstop, Drew Butera, stealing second base with two outs in the eighth.
The Whitesox threatened in the top of the ninth but Pavano escaped the jam. Omar Vizquel led off the inning with a double, representing the tying run for the visiting team. Pavano retired the next three batters and finished with 104 pitches thrown. The Sox look to get back to their pre-break surge again in game two tonight at Target Field. Nick Blackburn opposes Chicago’s Freddy Garcia.

Parting Points: Brad Miller to the Rockets?

Nice going, A.J. Burnett.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Victory's Voice

All-star Yankee, Nick Swisher, launched a game-tying homerun to lead off the eighth inning against the Tampa Rays Friday in New York. Swisher planted Joaquin Benoit’s 2-1 offering into the stadium seats to knot the AL East rivalry game at 4-4. An inning later, the Yankee slugger drove home the winning run off Lance Cormier as New York bested the Rays 5-4. Mariano Rivera was the winning pitcher after completing a scoreless ninth. The walk-off victory was a fitting way to begin the season’s second half for the defending champions. It was an emotional night in the Bronx, as the team paid tribute to the late owner, George Steinbrenner and public address announcer, Bob Sheppard.
The Rays had an early advantage in a back-and-forth affair in which Tampa scattered nine hits off Yankee pitching. C.C. Sabathia allowed right of those hits. The lefty yielded a second inning run on Willie Aybar’s sacrifice fly to center and gave up another run in the top of the third on an Evan Longoria double. The Bombers got a run back in the bottom half of the frame on Swisher’s RBI single. Swisher went 3-for-5 at the plate but contributed one of two New York errors in the field. Rays’ starter, James Shields tossed six innings of four hit ball. Shields walked three and struck out five while allowing three runs. Tampa built on their 2-1 lead in the fifth but could have produced more runs. Sabathia and the Bomber defense limited the damage after the Rays loaded the bases with no outs. Jason Bartlett tallied the third Tampa run on Longoria’s double play groundout.
Robinson Cano and Jorge Posada erased Tampa’s two run cushion in the fifth. Cano knocked home a run on his own solo shot off Shields. Posada pounded a 3-0 high fastball into the second deck in right to tie the game at 3-3. Both long balls came with two outs. Sabathia remained in the game through the seventh, allowing another run to cross the plate. Tampa retook their one run edge on Ben Zobrist’s groundout to first base. B.J. Upton scored on the play. Sabathia retired the next batter to end the threat with two runners on base. The 30 year old hurler fanned six Rays on the night but left without earning his 13th win. Tampa’s Grant Balfour held the Yankees scoreless in the bottom of the seventh, and New York reliever, Dave Robertson, struck out the side in the top of the eighth.
After Rivera held the contest at 4-4 in the ninth, the Yankees came to the plate to face Randy Choate. Curtis Granderson singled to lead off the frame and reached second on a sacrifice bunt by Ramiro Pena. Brett Gardner walked on a full count to put runners on first and second with one out. Dan Wheeler was called in from the Rays’ bullpen and retired Derek Jeter for the second out. Seven-year veteran, Cormier, couldn’t record the final out for the Rays. Swisher lined a base hit to punch home the winning tally and keep New York’s record as the best in baseball. Choate was charged with the loss.

Parting Points: I didn’t know J.J. Redick was worth that much.

Stephen Strasburg is something else. I like this kid.

Finally, I can’t wait to see the deal the Rams have in store for Sam Bradford.

Song of the day- “Until I Fall Away” by Gin Blossoms. These guys drop a new album in September titled “No Chocolate Cake”. I can’t wait to hear it.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Bidding Big

The 2011 Big Ten Championship game site is still up for grabs. Detroit’s Forbes Field, Green Bay’s Lambeau Field and Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium are the three favorite fields to host the college football game as soon as December of next year. Officials in Cleveland, Chicago and Minneapolis also stated they would bid on the inaugural game. Nebraska’s entrance into the Big 10 means the conference would be adding a 12th team and thus be eligible to solidify hosting a championship contest. The Huskers addition make the Big 10 the richest conference based on revenue distributed per school. A championship game only adds to the powerhouse conference which already has a television network.
Green Bay Packers President, Mike Murphy, expressed interest in bringing the game to the frozen tundra. A field rich in history would be an appropriate venue for a conference rich in tradition. Weather could be a factor in the final decision, tentatively slated for early August. Most conferences choose indoor facilities as championship sites. Lambeau has hosted college football games in the past and would be an attractive locale because the balmy conditions add to the elements of the game. Indianapolis is a strong candidate because of the city’s experience hosting marquee sporting events. Lucas Oil Stadium is already hosting the 2012 Superbowl and is an enclosed football venue centrally located among the Big 10 teams.

Parting Points: I’m keeping it short and sweet because I still need to catch up on sleep today.

CD of choice- Live’s “Throwing Copper”

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Thursday Take-Twos

There is a lull in sports right now. Baseball is at the mid-point of the season, basketball and hockey are over and college football has yet to begin. Wimbledon and the World Cup are finished, and fans of those non-traditional sports have to wait until the U.S. Open or the year 2014. You know the NFL off-season is a snooze-fest when the biggest story revolves around which team will sign T.O., if any. I could talk about the British Open and the emergence of some guy named Rory. (Honestly, who names their son Rory?) I could try to see what’s new in the world of cycling, but with Lance Armstrong racing, it lacks excitement.
Baseball is really where it’s at as we hit the middle of July. Which teams are still contending and which are already writing their seasons off? What players will have the greatest stock during the free agent trade deadline? What managers will lose their jobs and how many prospects will be called up in late September for debuts? There are questions all around the league concerning injury updates, rotation statuses and lingering slumps or streaks. Some teams headed into the All-Star break on the rise (White Sox) and others have dropped off slightly and have not been playing up to their potential (Twins). Will the Mets collapse and can the Yankees repeat? Which teams will snag wildcard tickets into the post-season? Since I am working on four hours of sleep, I will not predict or begin to address these questions at this time. Instead, I leave you with a poem that has nothing to do with any sport. Contained in the following verses are the words that have swarmed around in my mind for too long. I just had to put them on paper.


Fifty-two Flowers
There are fifty- two weeks in a year
Yet it takes two seconds
To fall in love with you dear
The sad soft air upon me lends
An indefinable longing for you here
My blissful strive to guard your heart
Leaves blue tranquil flowers along
A distinguished trail when we’re apart
Concrete emptiness where you belong
Replaces my tears for our beloved start
I take for granted the boundless light
Provided in this endless life
With an unceasing desire to hold you tight
The days do fade but love remains rife
Long after the sun gives way to night
My tired eyes see only clear
Yet the thrill of you is infinite and obscure
A joyous spirit who I yearn to be near
For you, my sight is without a blur
Fifty-two weeks throughout the year

Parting Points: Song of the day- Tommy Two-Tone’s “867-5309”

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Beautiful Baseball

The diamond rings with vendor chants
Popcorn sprinkles between the seats
In the first base dugout, a player rants
As the formal usher man greets
Managers march anxiously back and forth
Grounds crews rake the last of March
Fans pour words out from the north
While the south sand sits fresh and parch
The balls sail effortlessly through the blue
A leather mitt soaks up a human hand
Someone records the whole game through
Detailing beauty that will never be bland

Parting Points: Sad loss for the New York Yankees-George Steinbrenner was an icon.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Futbol Fiesta

Spain defeated the Netherlands to win the 2010 World Cup on Sunday for the first time in its nation’s history. The title was claimed after a 1-0 victory in the 116th minute of the championship game in Johannesburg. Andres Iniesta footed the contest’s only goal four minutes from penalty kicks to lift the Spaniards over the Dutch. Sunday’s match featured a record 14 yellow cards, nine handed to the Netherlands. The Dutch accumulated nine bookings in 120 minutes, and despite their speed and goal-scoring ability couldn’t neutralize Spain’s talent. Referee Howard Webb issued five yellow cards in the opening 28 minutes of match. It was an ugly game from the Netherlands, even as they generated a few kicks on open breakaways.
The Dutch were not without scoring chances in regulation. Twice the Netherlands had an opportunity to win the match on second half breakaways. Iker Casillas denied the Dutch both times, swallowing up the shots from the Dutch attackers. Sergio Ramos was brilliant for a Spanish team that dominated time of possession. Ramos planted a header a few feet from the back right of the bar after Maartin Stekelenburg saved his header from within the penalty area moments earlier. The Spanish team could not finish their wide open chances and the game was pushed into overtime. Both Bert van Marwijk and Vincente del Bosque used their final substitutions with the game still at a draw in the extra session.
Spain continued to show energy and magnificence with the ball as the Netherlands simply looked exhausted. The Dutch were playing a man down after Holland’s John Heitinga picked up his second yellow card for grabbing Iniesta from behind. Spain took control from there, and nine minutes later tallied the game’s only goal. Cesc Fabregas passed to the right of the goal, where teammate Iniesta was waiting to sink his half-volley from ten feet out beyond the reach of Stekelenburg. The Dutch goalie got one hand on the ball but it wasn’t enough to prevent Spain from prevailing in South Africa.

Parting Points: Thought of the day- Life gets better.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Chaotic Chamberlain Collapse Crushes Champs

This is my 600th blog post. It will be a round-up of---who other than the New York Yankees. Unfortunately for me, the Yankees lost to the Mariners at Safeco Field in Seattle last night. New York tried unsuccessfully to trade for Cliff Lee on Friday afternoon. The Yankees’ starting pitching isn’t the problem. Joe Girardi’s defending champions could have used an eighth inning set-up man last night as Joba Chamberlain gave up a grand slam and a 1-0 lead out of the bullpen. Chamberlain’s disastrous outing wasted a brilliant and scoreless effort from Javier Vasquez and snapped New York’s seven game winning streak.
The Yankees have struggled to score runs in support of Vasquez and last night was more of the same. New York ‘s only tally came in the top of the third off Seattle seven-gamew inning ace, Felix Hernandez. Newly-appointed All-Star, Nick Swisher, smacked his 15th homerun of the year, a solo shot off the 24 year old. Vazquez carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and struck out seven Mariners on the evening. Ichiro Suzuki was first to crack through with an infield single in the sixth. The Yankee hurler got out of a bases loaded jam in the seventh and exited the game with just three hits allowed and a pair of walks. Chamberlain was summoned in relief during the eighth inning and yielded two singles to start the frame. Chamberlain’s wild pitch allowed Suzuki to advance to third base and Chone Figgins to take second. Russell Branyan was intentionally walked to load the bases with one out in the eighth before Chamberlain fell behind in the count to Seattle slugger, Jose Lopez. Lopez drilled the next pitch into the left field seats for a grand slam and 4-1 Mariners edge. The debacle of an inning marked the fourth time this season Chamberlain has given up at least three runs in a frame.
Hernandez finished the game for the home team for his second complete game in eleven days against New York. The Yankees plated pinch-hitter Jorge Posada with one out in the top of the ninth. Posada represented the tying run after Curtis Granderson doubled and Derek Jeter reached safely on an infield single. The Yankee catcher was fanned on a questionable high third strike call for the second out. Brett Gardner ended New York’s threat and the game by striking out looking. Just like that Seattle ended a five game losing skid. Chamberlain took the loss, his first of the season as the Yankees fell for just the 32nd time. The Mariners improved to 35-52, good for last place in the AL West. Today is the last game before the MLB All-Star break. C.C. Sabathia takes the hill for New York against Seattle’s Ryan Rowland-Smith. Sabathia, an All-star, tries to become the league’s second 12-game winner at 4:05 this afternoon.
Parting Points: As always, I’m looking forward to the All-Star game.

Cliff Lee was roughed up in his Texas debut.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Hollow Heart

For Dayle (10/14/52-7/9/10)

The crackle of October leaves
The faith of someone who believes
Remind me of her courage and fears
As we filled her car with mournful tears
The blackness of the shaded chairs
White reminders of the one who cares
Her openness empowered change
All the lives she touched to rearrange
Her tidy desk and heart-to-hearts
The way she knew all my broken parts
The place she gave me to call my own
A tennis club, my family from home
Flying under her wing to rise again
Unsure of myself and not knowing when
God gives us all someone we can trust
Even when losing them He knows we must
I’ll miss her laugh most of all
Because it lifted me through my deepest fall

Parting Points: Song of the day- "One Sweet Day" by Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Decision Day

LeBron James will announce his decision about what team he will sign with tonight on television. I could care less where the best player in the league (arguably) chooses to play, but James’ free agency will impact the team he selects. LeBron’s decision will also affect the fans. I’d be willing to be there are kids out there who will become fans of the team that lands LeBron.
Why are you loyal to specific teams? People have many reasons why they root for certain teams in each sport. My reasons all come down to one commonality: a player. My decision to become a fan of a team can be traced to a set of players I established as favorites when I was young. I am a Yankees fan because of Steve Sax. I root for the Dallas Cowboys because of Troy Aikman. The reason I like the Houston Rockets is because of Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon. My L.A. Kings fascination stems from an adoration of Wayne Gretzky and I like the Devils because of Marty Brodeur. I cheer for the Kansas Jayhawks during college basketball season because of my respect for Coach Bill Self. During college football season, you know you will find me sporting Ohio State apparel. Why? Joe Germaine.
A player gives a team personality and identity. Fanbases are often established because of players, though rich history and tradition doesn’t hurt. This is not to say fans always follow their favorite players if they sign with another team or are traded away. I didn’t root for the Whitesox when Sax left New York for Chicago. I didn’t automatically become a Rangers fan when Gretzky exited L.A. My loyalty stayed with the teams I considered my favorites.
It’s James’ decision to make and perhaps it’s more impactful than even the MVP superstar from Cleveland realizes. Should he leave the Cavs, what will those fans decide to do? Will the Cleveland LeBron fans follow their chosen player to his next destination or will they remain faithful to the Cavs? It will be interesting to see. They say one player does not make a team. But many times, one player does make a fan.

Parting Points: Happy Birthday to the most unique and coolest musician of the past 15years—Beck!

Poem of the day- Richard Aldington’s “Prelude”

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Burning Braves

LeBron James and Lindsay Lohan are hogging the headlines this week, but there are still baseball games being played. Division races are still as close as ever as the dog days of summer peek from around the corner. The temperatures in the East are soaring over the 100 degree mark, and you can bet the AL and NL East clubs are feeling the heat. The Philadelphia Phillies, especially are feeling the burn of the Atlanta Braves. The Braves scored three runs in the 11th inning to outlast the Phillies in hazy Philadelphia Tuesday. Atlanta’s 6-3 victory came after Phillies’ ace, Roy Halladay, dominated them a night before. The Braves sit five games ahead of the defending NL champions in the NL East, and hold a two game lead over the New York Mets. The Braves are hotter than a Philadelphia ballpark in July and more sizzling than a Chris Bosh autograph.
Cole Hamels allowed three runs and eight hits in seven innings for the hometown Phillies. The 2008 World Series MVP struck out eight Atlanta Braves in his Tuesday night start. Still, Hamel’s team lost for the seventh time in his past eight starts. Atlanta countered with Netherland’s native, Jair Jurrjens. Perhaps the 24 year old pitcher was busy warming up to the idea of his native country in the World Cup finals, but he still tossed a credible six inning effort of three run ball. He only allowed two hits in his mound stint. The Phillies managed just three hits the entire contest. Raul Ibanez crushed a two-run homerun in the first inning to put the Phillies on top. Philadelphia first baseman, Ryan Howard, got the better of Jurrjens with a run-scoring triple in the seventh. The Atlanta hurler was removed after just 89 pitches and retiring 14-of-15 batters before Howard’s extra-base hit. Jurrjens was the benefactor of stingy relief pitching and timely hitting Tuesday.
Atlanta had plenty of scoring opportunities, but Hamels limited the offense in the early innings. The Braves loaded the bases with no outs in the first frame, but scored only one tally on Troy Glaus’ fielder’s choice groundout. All-star second baseman, Martin Prado gave the Braves a 3-2 lead with a solo shot to left field in the seventh. Six Braves relievers combined to throw five scoreless innings after Howard tied the game at 3-3. Atlanta’s Matt Diaz went 3-for-5 and recorded the tie-breaking RBI in the 11th inning. Diaz’s double on a hit-and-run play started Atlanta’s three run barrage of relievers Dave Herndon and Mike Zagurski. Eric Hinske blazed a two run homerun to snap an 0-for-13 slump for the Braves’ slugger and the visitors were on their way to another win at Citizen’s Bank Park. Jesse Chavez earned the win with a scoreless tenth and Billy Wagner saved his 18th game after working a hitless 11th. The Braves lead the major leagues in final at-bat victories. Philadelphia’s slide continues as they dropped their fourth game of their last six. Wednesday is the rubber game of the three game series between the teams. Jamie Moyer goes for his tenth win of the season, where he tries to appear hotter (but definitely not younger) than Atlanta right-hander, Kris Medlen.

Parting Points: The Red Sox are pretty beat up these days…

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Five squeegees hang on a fence
Four courts wait for her entrance
She watches from outside
How the sun forms a squint in her eye
The heat of the summer dries the lines
The green wind screens shield like blinds
Yellow-blue branded banners posted inside
Bring life to the sport the trees try to hide
The half-painted wood benches
Shelf the plastic bottle she quenches
The thirst begins here with her serve
The only home that calms her every nerve

Groza's Greatness

This is a completely random blog about college football. College football awards are named after certain players who excel in a specific area. The Lou Groza award is presented each year to the game’s best placekicker. Not surprisingly, the award is named after former Ohio State kicker and offensive tackle, Lou Groza. Groza only played one season as a Buckeye but received his degree from Ohio State in 1949. Groza fascinates me because he played his entire career for the Cleveland Browns. He was born in Ohio, played at Ohio State, was drafted by the Browns and died in Ohio. Most casual fans don’t remember his contributions as a Browns’ placekicker. For those who don’t really know a thing about Groza, this blog’s for you.
Groza’s number 76 is retired by the Browns. In Cleveland, Groza excelled as the kicker and offensive tackle. He notched a game-winning 16 year field goal with 30 seconds on the clock to win the NFL Championship Game in 1950 to beat the LA Rams. That same year, he led the league in field goals. Groza was so adored by the Cleveland Browns, they eventually named a boulevard after him. He was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times and co-led the NFL in scoring in 1957. Nicknamed “The Toe” for his kicking proficiency, Groza personified the importance of the kicking game in the NFL. He could nail narrow attempts at any angle and is still considered one of the best at his position of all time. Groza went on to play 21 seasons for the Browns until he retired for good in 1967. He won eight championships and holds the franchise records for most games played and career points. Groza was inducted into the pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.

Parting Points: Pick up the Drew Brees autobiography out in stores today.

Bill Haley’s “Rock Around the Clock” is spinning on the stereo with some Rick Price and Tina Arena mixed in.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Liberty & Loyalty

Freedom and liberty mean different things to everybody. For LeBron James, liberty equals testing the free agent waters of the NBA. James is free to sign with any team that entertains an offer to Cleveland’s All-Star MVP. For the Atlanta Hawks, liberty is loyalty to a 29 year old shooting guard. The Hawks offered Joe Johnson the highest contract of any on the market to keep him in Atlanta. The cost-conscious Hawks simply couldn’t afford to lose Johnson.
Liberty and loyalty often go hand in hand. Take the All-Star game voting, for example. Fans are prone to voting for players who are established in the league, and who play for their favorite teams. Every year, there are players dubbed All-Star “snubs”. Some of these omissions are afforded a chance to be placed on the team during the Final Man vote. It’s interesting to note there are no Red Sox in the starting lineup for the American League for the first time in seven years. Boston still boasts six All-star selections. The Yankees also have six All-stars, and the bulk of the American League is filled with players from the East. Andy Pettitte should be on the team, although most baseball fans outside of New York would disagree. Texas’ Michael Young is also a glaring snub in my opinion. I could go either way on whether Stephen Strasburg should have been named to the team. His 2-2 record is nothing to brag about, but the rookie’s ERA is 2.45 and he has already fanned 53 batters in 36 innings. Strasburg will have his time to shine at the mid-summer classic.
Brazil seems to understand liberty but clearly doesn’t grasp the loyalty concept. The Brazilian Football Federation fired head coach, Dunga (not sure if that is his last name, first name, or only name) after the country’s premature World Cup exit. The Dutch dropped the heavily favored Brazil team, 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Brazil hosts the 2014 World Cup and possible succesors include Mano Menezes, Wanderley Luxemburgo, Leonardo and Luiz Felipe Scolari.
A little hockey on a 96 degree July day never hurt. Paul Martin’s loyalty is not with New Jersey. The Devils lost Martin to the Pittsburgh Penguins and promptly replaced him with veteran defensemen Henrik Tallinder and Anton Volchenkov. Johan Hedberg was also snatched to backup goalie, Martin Brodeur, and replaceYann Danis. Volchenkov spent the past seven seasons in Ottawa but had the liberty to leave and sign for the next six with the Devils. The biggest prize in the NHL free agent sweepstakes is Ikya Kovalchuk. Kovalchuk is the NHL version of Lebron James. He played his entire career with the Atlanta Thrashers before going to the Devils late last season. The star-hungry Los Angeles Kings were the team with eyes on the prize, but are no longer competing for Kovalchuk’s services. That leaves the Devils and New York Islanders in the running for the 27 year old winger. As both a Kings and Devils fan, I can’t say I would be too disappointed if he re-signs with New Jersey. The six time 40 goal scorer would be a fine fit. However, Kovalchuk is also free to leave the NHL entirely and enter Russa’s KHL. Isn’t liberty the best?

Parting Points: Update on Kovalchuk- The Devils signed him to a plausible seven year, $60 million dollar deal.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Stars, Stripes and Slams

Happy Independence Day, America. Today’s blog focuses in on the nation’s capital, where Washington baseball prevailed over NL East opponent, New York. Ivan Rodriguez was the star of the day, and Francisco Rodriguez was possibly seeing stars after suffering the loss. The Mets’ four-time All-star closer, Francisco Rodriguez, blew a 5-2 lead as the Nationals capped a comeback in the ninth inning of Saturday’s 6-5 win. Matt Capps earned the win for Washington after keeping the Nats within a run in the ninth. The Mets pitted runners on first and second with nobody out in the top of the ninth before Capps recorded three consecutive outs. Washington bats came through in the bottom of the ninth, and a little patience at the plate paid off. Christian Guzman walked on four pitches from Rodriguez and scored on Adam Dunn’s one-out double to tie the game. Dunn’s drive merely missed going over the wall for a grand slam and instant replay was needed before the ruling was reduced to a double. Ivan Rodriguez singled in the winning run to right to lift the Nationals over the Mets in the middle of a three game set. It was Washington’s seventh win in eleven tries over the Mets.
Washington’s sizzling starter, Stephen Strasburg was scorched for four hits and surrendered two runs. Strasburg walked two Mets and fanned five in the five inning outing for the Nationals. New York was impressive against the rookie hurler, working Strasburg to a season-high pitch count. Jason Bay striped the ball to center in the top of the first to score Ike Davis from third base and give the Mets and early 1-0 road edge. Davis was on base three times Saturday in what continues to be a breakout year for the first baseman. The Mets surged to a 2-0 lead in the third when 30 year old backstop, Josh Thole, knocked in his first RBI of the season on a Strasburg fastball. Thirty-five year old, R.A. Dickey, toed the rubber for the visiting Mets. Dickey pitched seven innings of six hit ball. He allowed just two unearned runs with his tricky knuckleball. The Nats scored twice in the bottom of the sixth on a pair of base hits by Josh Willingham and Rodriguez. Ruben Tejada was charged with a fielding error, resulting in the two unearned tallies for Washington. The Mets got ahead of Strasburg early in the count and made the Nationals’ starter labor. The Mets reached base seven times against Strasburg. The right-hander needed 74 pitches to get through three innings, but never folded.
David Wright wringed a tie breaking RBI infield single to third during the Mets’ three run eighth frame. Thole torched a double to right and Tejada’s sacrifice fly scored the final run of the inning off the Nats’ bullpen. Adam Kennedy smoked a single to center in the eighth to score Dunn and put the home team within two runs before Rodriguez imploded in the decisive ninth. Kennedy’s run-scoring base hit came off reliever, Bobby Parnell.

Parting Points: Kudos to Andy Pettitte on win#10 and Brett Gardner on his grand slam during the 11 run third inning for the Yankees.

And another Williams’ sister wins another Wimbledon.

Let’s go Germany!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Bullpen Blues in Bronx

The Bluejays snapped a five game skid in the Bronx by edging the New York Yankees 6-1 in an 11 inning pitcher’s duel yesterday afternoon. A.J. Burnett was back on track for New York, delivering 6 2/3 scoreless innings before he left with a one run lead. Toronto lefty, Brett Cecil gave up one run on four hits through six frames. Both hurlers turned the tight contest over to their bullpens, with contrasting results. The Bombers’ bullpen imploded, while the Bluejays were brilliant in relief of their starter.
Aaron Hill connected on a ground ball single off New York’s Joba Chamberlain in the eighth inning to tie the game at 1-1. The two out RBI shot skidded past a diving Rodriguez at third base. Rodriguez wasn’t the problem for the Yankees yesterday, however. He was the only Bomber to tally an RBI, and one of four batters to record a hit. The third baseman’s sacrifice fly in the first inning gave the home team a 1-0 lead. The lack of offense was the theme the rest of the game. The Yankees didn’t manage a hit after the seventh inning. Relievers Shawn Camp, Scott Downs, Jason Frasor and Kevin Gregg combined to allow only one hit and no walks over the final five frames. The Yankees stranded 14 base runners and went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
The Yankees’ bullpen continued to blow-up after Chamberlain gave up the thin edge in the eighth. Dave Robertson was tagged with the loss after giving up consecutive singles in the 11th. An intentional free pass was issued to Toronto’s Fred Lewis after the runners advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Jarrett Hoffpauir. Alex Gonzalez followed Lewis by lacing a single to left field to plate the go-ahead run. Chan Ho Park relieved Robertson and struck out Jose Bautista for the second out of the inning. Veteran outfielder, Vernon Wells, worked a full count walk to send another Bluejay runner home and load the bases. DeWayne Wise pounded a triple off Park to clear the bases for a 6-1 Jays’ lead. That wasn’t quite the last of the dysfunctional Yankees bullpen, however. Park hit Hill with a pitch before finally securing the third out on Overbay’s grounder to first baseman, Mark Teixeria. Gregg tossed a one-two-three bottom of the 11th inning to seal the deal for visiting Toronto. Frasor picked up the win, his third of the season for Cito Gaston’s Jays. Gaston was ejected arguing with umpire, Mark Wegner. The teams return to Yankee Stadium for a 1:05 start time for the second game of the three game set. The Bombers are looking for their lineup to light up as Andy Pettitte takes the hill vying for his tenth victory.

Parting Points: Musician of the day---Jack Johnson

Friday, July 2, 2010

Giving up the Good Game

I’d give this all up just for you
The racquet, the ball, the surface blue
The breaking serves, the unsteady returns
I’d let them go for what my heart yearns
For you, I’d concede the sport
The placid perfection of the tennis court
I’d forget the way my swing makes sense
Because you’d replace that easy essence
I’d walk outside the lines, leave behind
Every net and every shot you call to mind
To be with you, I’d sacrifice, I’d yield
The scorebook would remain sealed
There would be no match point chance
No double fault, double take or second chance
I’d give up the good in the game
If somehow I knew you’d do the same

Parting Points: "Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but sometimes it is letting go"
-Hermann Hesse