The countdown commences to Saturday, September 5th at noon. Ohio State tackles the Midshipmen from Navy in the hailed Horseshoe season-opener. Buckeye football begins with the building blocks of last season and a refined, refreshed, rebuilt and retooled team. I equate Jim Tressel with success and he returns as the play-calling head coach. Tressel faces a challenging 2009. He has endured harsh criticism over the years for his bland Buckeyes’ failure to win the big games for a football frenzied Columbus city. Tressel takes on the task of tailoring his offense to fit his players’ talent this year.
This Fall’s Buckeyes are Terrelle Pryor’s team now. The number one recruit a year ago returns to command in Columbus as the full-time signal caller. He will do so without the help of a bright backfield now that Beanie Wells bolted to the defending NFC champion Arizona Cardinals of the professional game. The Bucks must groom a new running back to carry the football similar to the way the big, bruising Beanie did. Pryor is moving Ohio State’s offense to a spread option unit instead of the traditional I-formation imposed by previous teams. Quick and agile backs are an important component in competing with a cutting offense. The primary back must be able to get to the corner and sidelines with a swift stride. Brandon Saine, the junior with blazing speed, is a good fit for the role. His first two seasons in scarlet and gray have been littered with injuries. Saine’s timing as a tailback has been tested and he needs to display more visceral vision as an illustrious runner. Dan “Boom” Herron played backup to Beanie but Tressel will give him an open shot at a starter’s role this Fall. Jaamal Berry is an incoming freshman protégé poised to push his place as Pryor’s prime right-hand man in carrying the ball. Unfortunately, Berry became Tressel’s fifth athlete charged with a felony during the coach’s tenure with the headset. Berry was arrested in Miami a few weeks ago and faces a July 2nd arraignment. The 18 year old recruit was charged with felony drug possession after police discovered over 20 grams of marijuana in his car. Berry and Florida running back, Carlos Hyde, have been expected to compete for playing time right away. The blue-chip back from Palmetto High reported to OSU on Monday and planned to start summer school today.
The Big Ten’s Newcomer of the Year, Pryor, was Ohio State’s first true starting freshman quarterback since Art Schlichter in 1978. Pryor’s 8-1 record was an impressive as his league-leading passer efficiency rating of 60% in 2008. The dynamic tosser will have to accelerate his game this season. He threw for 1, 311 yards and rushed for 631 his first season. The dual-threat Terrelle totaled 18 touchdowns as a young Buck. He’s expected to do even more with less skill and talent around him this year. Pryor trotted out a pistol formation with little success last season but might find it more effective with the 2009 squad.
An inexperienced receiving corps includes sophomore standouts, Devier Posey and Lamaar Thomas. Dane Sanzenbacher is another deep threat and Duron Carter is a newbie with a flair for the spectacular. If Carter catches anything like his father, former Buckeye Cris, the OSU offense will be quite thankful for the sparkling ball snagger. Justin Boren joins a revamped offensive line. The Michigan transfer will occupy the guard position and brings instant credibility to the job. He also adds experience to a young entity.
Michael Brewster will play center to secure the new offense at the line of scrimmage. I was high on Brewster a year ago and feel a year later, he will be ready to take charge. The tackles should also all be better this season. Mike Adams is mystifying and should be able to boost the beaten Buckeyes blocking bunch. With a healthy J.B. Shugarts and Bryant Browning moving to the inside guard job, the positive protection of the passer will prevail.
Defensive fundamentals have been a long standing Buckeye tradition. The staple of the team has always been a stout D line. Leaders, James Laurinaitis and Malcom Jenkins were the statistical stars last year. Tressel must fill their voids vocally with equitable shoes. On the field, Austin Spitler and Tyler Moeller show they are capable and are both in line to be adequate replacements. Spitler has been in the shadow of Captain Laurinaitis and Moeller has been outshined by Freeman. Both players flew under the wings of the premier players but are now ready to be starters themselves. Their flexible and versatile bringing are understated assets.
Ken Niumatalolo will send junior, Ricky Dobbs to the center of the Columbus Horseshow universe on September 5th. Dobbs debuted against SMU with a four touchdown performance and 224 yard game in 2008. OSU hopes he doesn’t have that kind of day next Fall. Navy’s greatest strength last season was their offense, led by Eric Kettani and Shun White. Fullback, Alex Teich, steps into Kettani’s place and linebackers, Tyler Simmons and Clint Sovie should prove key Midshipmen defensive players. Dobbs is an exciting talent when he runs his triple-option show. Navy led the nation in rushing for the 4th straight year last season, but begin this September’s campaign minus 12 rushing touchdowns produced by Kettani and White. Captain and leading linebacker, Ross Pospisil anchors Navy’s defense and Niumatalolo’s crew is much improved in that area.
OSU’s Thaddeus Gibson and the defensive ends will have a relatively easy time stopping an undeveloped Navy offense. Gibson is a pounding passer and rusher. He led the Bucks with five sacks a year ago. Navy’s progress on defense is Pryor’s number one priority as the schedule peeks out him in the not too distant future.
Two other interesting OSU football notes--one about a former Buckeye and one about a future.
Former quarterback, Todd Boeckman, signed a free agent deal with Jacksonville. Boeckman went undrafted and tried out with Cincinnati, but will suit up for the Jaguars to start his NFL career.
OSU cornerback, Devon Torrence, was scouted and drafted by the Houston Astros in 2007. The Canton outfielder spent two summers swatting in single-A Greeneville, Tennessee. The junior is making the switch to football now and is pushing Andre Amos for a starting secondary sport.
Parting points: Song of the day- “Wake Me Up When September Comes"- Green Day
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Fantastic Final
Wimbledon starts today
My favorite of the one they play
The Grand Slam event
Is time well spent
The ball skips on the grass
Fans watch as they pass
A champion awaits to be crowned
On the famous All-England club ground
Parting points: I finally checked out Pete Sampras’ book, “A Champion’s Mind” from the library and cannot wait to start it
My favorite of the one they play
The Grand Slam event
Is time well spent
The ball skips on the grass
Fans watch as they pass
A champion awaits to be crowned
On the famous All-England club ground
Parting points: I finally checked out Pete Sampras’ book, “A Champion’s Mind” from the library and cannot wait to start it
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Rides Revisited
I have a knack for picking up sports quickly. My Dad taught me to hit a baseball off a tee, and I was able to hit live pitches shortly thereafter. It took me longer to learn the value of a father’s love. For every mistake I’ve made, my Dad was there to pat me on the back three times. One look at my father gives me the inspiration to be a better person.
Dad and I took many rides throughout the years. We rode the subway to Yankees Stadium, the escalator to the upper deck of Giants Stadium, elevators, trains, boats and even go-karts. Some rides were soon forgotten, while others created lifetime memories.
My father and I share a fascination with Jets football and Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, so it was only natural to combine the two. My interest in Gang Green stems from the need to knock the organization for bad moves and continue to be baffled by their doomed franchise. Dad is a real Jets fan, so his fascination is warranted and backed by a sense of team spirit and pride. We used to take a car ride to Dunkin’ Donuts on winter weekends, and sit and talk about the team. There was always this Jeep in the parking lot and the owner would sit at the same table in the shop each time we went. We unoriginally called him “The Jeep Guy” and it was fun to associate our trips for coffee and muffins with this stranger.
My father was there as this fan was sent on an emotional ride with the Yankees in the late 90’s, but four letters symbolized our bond with the pinstripe:. T-I-N-O. The former first baseman inspired our family to name our new cat Tino, following the slugger’s clutch World Series homerun. Never have I seen my Dad love an animal more than he loved this adorable male kitten. Tino was truly a splendid, special cat to all of us. He adored and practically worshipped my father. We rescued Tino and nurtured him into a sweetheart but unfortunately our beloved pet is no longer with us. He became ill one Christmas and had to be hospitalized. Tino recovered from the sickness but one day, the gray-haired animal simply never came home. We think he was injured by another animal and went into the woods to die. No one was more heartbroken by the loss than my poor father.
I used to bury my father’s feet in the sand on trips to Ocean City, N.J. during family vacations. The surf was not up for my Dude Dad during one weird Wawa summer. I don’t exactly know how, but Dad got lost on his way home from the famous New Jersey convenient store and it took him forever to find his way back to our hotel. My sister, mother and I were worried we would never see the Fella’ in flip-flops again and I think we were waiting for him to bring us home some breakfast. Not only were we hungry, but we were horrified we’d have to hitchhike back home without our car. After the laughter, all ended well. My father returned with a bottle of Yoohoo to share with me. Dad was always an adventurous guest on vacations. His driving gave us some pretty uptight and intense car rides, especially when traveling in Canada. My father is so meticulous about mapping out all the routes before our trips. Yet, whenever we were actually in the car, he seemed clueless as to where we were going and in what direction to take. When it comes to directions, my Dad is either hit or miss.
The same feet I buried in the sand used to be the ones to take me on bike rides near our home. The rides were memorable for me because it was such a big deal to take my bike on the actual road. Dad would lead the way past railroad tracks and lines of cattails on side streets. It was special to follow his neon green bike in my smaller purple cycle.
It was a hot, dry day in Mahwah, New Jersey. The A&P Tennis Classic had not yet begun but I already had to go to the bathroom. There were portable restrooms set aside near the professional practice courts and I figured it would be smart to go before the match began. Anna Kournakova was the premier name on the day’s slate. She was playing in the final of the annual event and I had a magazine with her picture on the cover in case I crossed her path. I handed the magazine to Dad while I headed to the ladies’ room after downing my second cup of juice from one of the never-ending free samples tables. After my very quick bathroom break, my not-so-observant father remarked how Anna herself just walked by. I looked out at the practice court and saw the former number one player warming up with her coach. I questioned why my father did not even attempt an autograph. He seemed stupefied and wondered why himself. I guess you could say he was star-crossed but I was as steamed as the French onion soup my Dad likes so much.
Amusement park rides were never big in our family, but we were occasionally drawn to them on vacations. Dad and I used to fly high on the hot air balloon ride in Ocean City, and the Merry-go-round and Monorail were definitely on the agenda each summer. One year, Dad encouraged me to try the Scrambler. These friendly-enough looking teacups couldn’t be that bad I figured. So, we surrendered two tickets and bolted ourselves into the round saucer as the ride began. I felt a rush of dizziness come over me and told Dad I was about to throw up. I think I made it through the ride, barely. I will never go on a Scrambler ride again. Riding with Dad is usually a good thing. This time it was more than I could handle and I think Dad would agree.
My Dad would take me on rides to West Point three to four times a year for Army hockey games. It was so special to share a sporting event with my father. It didn’t matter that the players were virtually unknown and the sport was one I never actually played. Dad made it fun by allowing me to bring a few friends and he would buy souvenirs and ice cream for us. He even snagged front row seats so we got to see the action up close.
I sometimes have to ride out the storm with my Dad. I love the guy, but there are times when we argue or fight. I am other father-daughter relationships aren’t always smooth either. There were rough patches in my relationship with Dad growing up but we both understand each other so well it’s hard to hold grudges. He always forgave me and I always went back to him during the toughest moments of my life. If not for him, I know I wouldn’t be as strong as I am. In fact, I’ve drawn my strength in sports and in life from his acknowledgements and belief in me. On this Father’s Day 2009, I’d like to thank Dad for all the rides we’ve shared. I know he will be there when the next journey comes along, and he might even be involved again. I have a framed screen picture of us taken from the photo booth in Ocean City. We are both smiling with our heads close together. He is wearing a blue-collared shirt and I am in a pink Tshirt. The photo hangs right next to my door in my apartment so that every time I leave home, it’s the last image I see.
Parting points: Happy First Day of Summer!
Song of the day- “Never Ending Summer” by 311
Dad and I took many rides throughout the years. We rode the subway to Yankees Stadium, the escalator to the upper deck of Giants Stadium, elevators, trains, boats and even go-karts. Some rides were soon forgotten, while others created lifetime memories.
My father and I share a fascination with Jets football and Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, so it was only natural to combine the two. My interest in Gang Green stems from the need to knock the organization for bad moves and continue to be baffled by their doomed franchise. Dad is a real Jets fan, so his fascination is warranted and backed by a sense of team spirit and pride. We used to take a car ride to Dunkin’ Donuts on winter weekends, and sit and talk about the team. There was always this Jeep in the parking lot and the owner would sit at the same table in the shop each time we went. We unoriginally called him “The Jeep Guy” and it was fun to associate our trips for coffee and muffins with this stranger.
My father was there as this fan was sent on an emotional ride with the Yankees in the late 90’s, but four letters symbolized our bond with the pinstripe:. T-I-N-O. The former first baseman inspired our family to name our new cat Tino, following the slugger’s clutch World Series homerun. Never have I seen my Dad love an animal more than he loved this adorable male kitten. Tino was truly a splendid, special cat to all of us. He adored and practically worshipped my father. We rescued Tino and nurtured him into a sweetheart but unfortunately our beloved pet is no longer with us. He became ill one Christmas and had to be hospitalized. Tino recovered from the sickness but one day, the gray-haired animal simply never came home. We think he was injured by another animal and went into the woods to die. No one was more heartbroken by the loss than my poor father.
I used to bury my father’s feet in the sand on trips to Ocean City, N.J. during family vacations. The surf was not up for my Dude Dad during one weird Wawa summer. I don’t exactly know how, but Dad got lost on his way home from the famous New Jersey convenient store and it took him forever to find his way back to our hotel. My sister, mother and I were worried we would never see the Fella’ in flip-flops again and I think we were waiting for him to bring us home some breakfast. Not only were we hungry, but we were horrified we’d have to hitchhike back home without our car. After the laughter, all ended well. My father returned with a bottle of Yoohoo to share with me. Dad was always an adventurous guest on vacations. His driving gave us some pretty uptight and intense car rides, especially when traveling in Canada. My father is so meticulous about mapping out all the routes before our trips. Yet, whenever we were actually in the car, he seemed clueless as to where we were going and in what direction to take. When it comes to directions, my Dad is either hit or miss.
The same feet I buried in the sand used to be the ones to take me on bike rides near our home. The rides were memorable for me because it was such a big deal to take my bike on the actual road. Dad would lead the way past railroad tracks and lines of cattails on side streets. It was special to follow his neon green bike in my smaller purple cycle.
It was a hot, dry day in Mahwah, New Jersey. The A&P Tennis Classic had not yet begun but I already had to go to the bathroom. There were portable restrooms set aside near the professional practice courts and I figured it would be smart to go before the match began. Anna Kournakova was the premier name on the day’s slate. She was playing in the final of the annual event and I had a magazine with her picture on the cover in case I crossed her path. I handed the magazine to Dad while I headed to the ladies’ room after downing my second cup of juice from one of the never-ending free samples tables. After my very quick bathroom break, my not-so-observant father remarked how Anna herself just walked by. I looked out at the practice court and saw the former number one player warming up with her coach. I questioned why my father did not even attempt an autograph. He seemed stupefied and wondered why himself. I guess you could say he was star-crossed but I was as steamed as the French onion soup my Dad likes so much.
Amusement park rides were never big in our family, but we were occasionally drawn to them on vacations. Dad and I used to fly high on the hot air balloon ride in Ocean City, and the Merry-go-round and Monorail were definitely on the agenda each summer. One year, Dad encouraged me to try the Scrambler. These friendly-enough looking teacups couldn’t be that bad I figured. So, we surrendered two tickets and bolted ourselves into the round saucer as the ride began. I felt a rush of dizziness come over me and told Dad I was about to throw up. I think I made it through the ride, barely. I will never go on a Scrambler ride again. Riding with Dad is usually a good thing. This time it was more than I could handle and I think Dad would agree.
My Dad would take me on rides to West Point three to four times a year for Army hockey games. It was so special to share a sporting event with my father. It didn’t matter that the players were virtually unknown and the sport was one I never actually played. Dad made it fun by allowing me to bring a few friends and he would buy souvenirs and ice cream for us. He even snagged front row seats so we got to see the action up close.
I sometimes have to ride out the storm with my Dad. I love the guy, but there are times when we argue or fight. I am other father-daughter relationships aren’t always smooth either. There were rough patches in my relationship with Dad growing up but we both understand each other so well it’s hard to hold grudges. He always forgave me and I always went back to him during the toughest moments of my life. If not for him, I know I wouldn’t be as strong as I am. In fact, I’ve drawn my strength in sports and in life from his acknowledgements and belief in me. On this Father’s Day 2009, I’d like to thank Dad for all the rides we’ve shared. I know he will be there when the next journey comes along, and he might even be involved again. I have a framed screen picture of us taken from the photo booth in Ocean City. We are both smiling with our heads close together. He is wearing a blue-collared shirt and I am in a pink Tshirt. The photo hangs right next to my door in my apartment so that every time I leave home, it’s the last image I see.
Parting points: Happy First Day of Summer!
Song of the day- “Never Ending Summer” by 311
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Southern State Sampling
The 2003 World Series was the last time the Florida Marlins hosted the New York Yankees. It didn’t end well for the visiting team that year. Alex Rodriguez was not in pinstripes that Fall Classic. The MVP was missing in action last night in his first chance to play for New York against his hometown team. The 33 year old Yankees third baseman, sat out Friday night’s game with fatigue, but New York still handled the Marlins in a 5-1 final. A flurry of fanatics filled and flooded the Florida stands to fire up a slumping Bombers bunch and Andy Pettitte earned his seventh win of the season.
Manager, Joe Girardi, benched Arod for the first two games against the Florida team he once managed, starting last night. He was plucked from the lineup after being mired in a 13-of-74 slump and batting just .212. Arod is batting a tumultuous .145 this month. Rodriguez agreed the rest would be beneficial in the long run. I think Girardi should have rested his ailing All-star earlier. Why not sit him down during the homestand against the Nationals? I understand playing him with the Red Sox and Mets on tap, but his bat could be grounded for a stretch against Washington. It’s not easy to assess Arod’s weaknesses but he cannot be 100% healthy and hitting .212. Doctors suggested him taking off 4-5 days during the first 45 of his return from hip surgery, but the superstar slugger hadn’t sat out a day until Friday. Rodriguez missed the first 28 games of the season and has just 26 RBIs and 9 homeruns since returning to the team. Alex, back in his hometown of Miami, is available for pinch hitting if the Yankees need his bat against the Fish.
The Yankees bounded back from losing a series to the lowly Washington Nationals. Hats off to Garret Anderson and the Braves who clobbered and bounced the BoSox yesterday. Boston leads the AL East by two games and the Yankees still have time to regroup after their woeful week of inconsistency. Derek Jeter returned to the lineup after being sidelined for two games with a sore left ankle. He collected two hits for the Bombers, while Melky Cabrera clubbed his seventh round-tripper of the year. Jeter’s leadoff ground-rule double in the first tied him for fourth most in Yankees history with Babe Ruth. The captain and the Bambino both have 423 career double baggers. Mark Teixeiria moved Jeter to third on a base hit. Jorge Posada was the catcher Friday, and with National League rules in place, cannot be the designated hitter. The only plate time Posada will see will be in games he is also behind the plate defensively. Posada juiced a single off Sean West to right field after Teixeira and Jeter also capitalized in the first inning. The scrappy single scored Jeter to put New York on the board. It is a tough decision for Girardi to make with Posada and Francisco Cervelli on the roster and facing National League clubs. The word around the Yankees clubhouse is pitchers prefer Cervelli because he manages the game and is better defensively. Posada has the hotter bat but obviously cannot provide steam if he can’t catch.
Pettitte was the snazzy, scintillating southpaw we all now and love on the mound, but he helped his own cause with a rare, remarkable at-bat. His plate appearance resulted in a second-inning RBI double. It was the lefty’s first double since July 2006. Andy’s act highlighted a five hit, three run inning for the Yankees. Friday fill-in, Angel Berroa, doubled to left to score Cano for the third run. Berroa reached home on Pettite’s double, also to left field. Jeter and Pettitte came around to score on Johnny Damon’s ensuing single. The Fish took another plunge in the third on Cabrera’s 3-1 blast. Florida trailed New York by five runs in the bottom of the third. The Marlins only answer against Pettitte and two Bomber relievers was Cody Ross’ solo shot in that inning.
Pettitte improved to 7-3 on the season, tossing seven strong innings and striking out seven Marlins. He didn’t allow a walk and yielded just a run on three hits. Pettitte is 4-1 in six road starts this season. Brian Bruney and Brett Tomko pitched two hitless innings in relief for New York. The Yankees didn’t have to waste their bullpen because Petttitte gave them length. West was chased early as the Yankees were able to slice balls and scatter hits throughout the Florida ballpark. Every Yankee starter had at least one hit by the fifth inning. West took the loss and gave up ten runs in four innings. He fanned seven in his first appearance against the Yankees. The hurler was unable to shutdown New York even without their number four hitter, and the Yankees took the opener of the three-game interleague set. Renyel Pinto, a recently-activated reliever for the Marlins, threw a scoreless inning from the bullpen.
It was nice to see the Yankees win a game after dropping some with bad showings. I was unimpressed by the Bombers’ efforts this entire week. It cooled my marrow to see the deplorable and depleted Yankees. But they got off their schnide with an incredulous effort against the middling Marlins Friday. The residue and reminders of repulsive play was forgotten, at least for a day. Today’s Game 2 pits Josh Johnson against A.J. Burnett.
Here is a sampling of other statistics from Friday night:
3 Marlins struck out two times and Florida left three men on base
The Yankees stranded 11 runners. That’s seven more than the Marlins, but considering how often Florida reached base, that number makes sense. Nick Swisher is a big culprit here. It’s either feast or famine with him, despite him being patient in the box. Swisher, while greatly improved, is not an everyday player
Jeter committed his third error of the season
The Marlins converted three double plays. This seems to be an issue with the Bombers offensively. They have to cut down on the number of double plays they hit into
The Yankees went a second game without hitting a homerun. They did deck four doubles
Pettitte threw 108 pitches, 66 for strikes in one of the best outings of the season for him
Parting points: Rafael Nadal won’t be able to defend his Wimbledon crown. He won’t compete this year, due to a knee injury.
Ohio State hoops news: Evan Turner was the most impressive player at the national team trials. The 6 ft.7 forward should be an NBA lottery pick next Spring.
Two songs for today- “South Central Rain”- R.E.M.
“Take Me Home Tonight”- Eddie Money
Manager, Joe Girardi, benched Arod for the first two games against the Florida team he once managed, starting last night. He was plucked from the lineup after being mired in a 13-of-74 slump and batting just .212. Arod is batting a tumultuous .145 this month. Rodriguez agreed the rest would be beneficial in the long run. I think Girardi should have rested his ailing All-star earlier. Why not sit him down during the homestand against the Nationals? I understand playing him with the Red Sox and Mets on tap, but his bat could be grounded for a stretch against Washington. It’s not easy to assess Arod’s weaknesses but he cannot be 100% healthy and hitting .212. Doctors suggested him taking off 4-5 days during the first 45 of his return from hip surgery, but the superstar slugger hadn’t sat out a day until Friday. Rodriguez missed the first 28 games of the season and has just 26 RBIs and 9 homeruns since returning to the team. Alex, back in his hometown of Miami, is available for pinch hitting if the Yankees need his bat against the Fish.
The Yankees bounded back from losing a series to the lowly Washington Nationals. Hats off to Garret Anderson and the Braves who clobbered and bounced the BoSox yesterday. Boston leads the AL East by two games and the Yankees still have time to regroup after their woeful week of inconsistency. Derek Jeter returned to the lineup after being sidelined for two games with a sore left ankle. He collected two hits for the Bombers, while Melky Cabrera clubbed his seventh round-tripper of the year. Jeter’s leadoff ground-rule double in the first tied him for fourth most in Yankees history with Babe Ruth. The captain and the Bambino both have 423 career double baggers. Mark Teixeiria moved Jeter to third on a base hit. Jorge Posada was the catcher Friday, and with National League rules in place, cannot be the designated hitter. The only plate time Posada will see will be in games he is also behind the plate defensively. Posada juiced a single off Sean West to right field after Teixeira and Jeter also capitalized in the first inning. The scrappy single scored Jeter to put New York on the board. It is a tough decision for Girardi to make with Posada and Francisco Cervelli on the roster and facing National League clubs. The word around the Yankees clubhouse is pitchers prefer Cervelli because he manages the game and is better defensively. Posada has the hotter bat but obviously cannot provide steam if he can’t catch.
Pettitte was the snazzy, scintillating southpaw we all now and love on the mound, but he helped his own cause with a rare, remarkable at-bat. His plate appearance resulted in a second-inning RBI double. It was the lefty’s first double since July 2006. Andy’s act highlighted a five hit, three run inning for the Yankees. Friday fill-in, Angel Berroa, doubled to left to score Cano for the third run. Berroa reached home on Pettite’s double, also to left field. Jeter and Pettitte came around to score on Johnny Damon’s ensuing single. The Fish took another plunge in the third on Cabrera’s 3-1 blast. Florida trailed New York by five runs in the bottom of the third. The Marlins only answer against Pettitte and two Bomber relievers was Cody Ross’ solo shot in that inning.
Pettitte improved to 7-3 on the season, tossing seven strong innings and striking out seven Marlins. He didn’t allow a walk and yielded just a run on three hits. Pettitte is 4-1 in six road starts this season. Brian Bruney and Brett Tomko pitched two hitless innings in relief for New York. The Yankees didn’t have to waste their bullpen because Petttitte gave them length. West was chased early as the Yankees were able to slice balls and scatter hits throughout the Florida ballpark. Every Yankee starter had at least one hit by the fifth inning. West took the loss and gave up ten runs in four innings. He fanned seven in his first appearance against the Yankees. The hurler was unable to shutdown New York even without their number four hitter, and the Yankees took the opener of the three-game interleague set. Renyel Pinto, a recently-activated reliever for the Marlins, threw a scoreless inning from the bullpen.
It was nice to see the Yankees win a game after dropping some with bad showings. I was unimpressed by the Bombers’ efforts this entire week. It cooled my marrow to see the deplorable and depleted Yankees. But they got off their schnide with an incredulous effort against the middling Marlins Friday. The residue and reminders of repulsive play was forgotten, at least for a day. Today’s Game 2 pits Josh Johnson against A.J. Burnett.
Here is a sampling of other statistics from Friday night:
3 Marlins struck out two times and Florida left three men on base
The Yankees stranded 11 runners. That’s seven more than the Marlins, but considering how often Florida reached base, that number makes sense. Nick Swisher is a big culprit here. It’s either feast or famine with him, despite him being patient in the box. Swisher, while greatly improved, is not an everyday player
Jeter committed his third error of the season
The Marlins converted three double plays. This seems to be an issue with the Bombers offensively. They have to cut down on the number of double plays they hit into
The Yankees went a second game without hitting a homerun. They did deck four doubles
Pettitte threw 108 pitches, 66 for strikes in one of the best outings of the season for him
Parting points: Rafael Nadal won’t be able to defend his Wimbledon crown. He won’t compete this year, due to a knee injury.
Ohio State hoops news: Evan Turner was the most impressive player at the national team trials. The 6 ft.7 forward should be an NBA lottery pick next Spring.
Two songs for today- “South Central Rain”- R.E.M.
“Take Me Home Tonight”- Eddie Money
Friday, June 19, 2009
Cultivating Change
If Lou Gehrig were alive today, he would be 106 years old. The Ironhorse is more than a baseball hero to me. Yankees legend Lou changed my literary life.
Mrs. Martin was her name and she was my elegant Elementary school librarian when I was a nine year old in 1993. The glasses-wearing, brainy professional was a typical librarian middle-aged woman. I helped her sort books on the wooden shelves and correct pupils’ papers twice a week. Working in the library was my dream job as a child. I wanted to grow up and become the next Mrs. Martin, minus the funky four eyes. My favorite part of the job was the task of arranging books by category. Back in those days, the library was still all about the Dewey decimal system. I tried to memorize certain call numbers and familiarize myself with the location of each subject.
I was drawn mostly to the periodical section when I initially started working in the library. The glossy magazines displayed vivid photos of sports stars. The section was sanctioned off to the side of the smooth library counter and complete with comfortable beanbag chairs. I used to scan Sports Illustrated For Kids and eventually, I became a subscriber of the ‘zine. I also got my own blue beanbag chair for my room at home.
One day, Mrs. Martin showed me an order list of non-fiction biographies she was about to send away for to add to the school collection. I noticed several of the books were Baseball Legends sports biographies. I don’t remember how it came about, but I somehow persuaded my instructor to order the Lou Gehrig offering by Norman L. Macht. I wanted the hardcover for myself and she agreed to charge me a reduced price for the book. The money came from my parents, and in the next shipment, I had in my hands the navy story with an illustration of Lou himself on the cover. I read the entire publication from beginning to end. Lou Gehrig became my favorite player even though I never saw him play. I always heard of Gehrig prior to my blue book introduction but once I learned who this legend was, I could not stop reading about him.
I began leafing through a variety of stories and taking out more and more library books. I developed a particular passion for the literary world. Writing became my next venture. I started with fictitious tales of children playing sports. The ideas were inspired by Matt Christopher’s baseball books. Then I delved into living athletes, sparked by Gehrig’s intriguing and heartfelt life. I no longer desired to be a librarian. I wanted to become a sports writer and joined the newspaper in junior high and high school. My writing expanded throughout the course of those years, but I yearned for something bigger. My junior and senior years, I took journalism and became the Editor of the paper. In college, I lobbied for a Sports Editor position and successfully ran the section for a semester.
So, here I am still writing and reading. Lou Gehrig changed my life because it was his story that made me the writer I am today. I really do believe that one book gave me the goal and motivation to be an avid reader and writer.
Gehrig performed more than enough memorable feats on the field, but it was his biography that provided a lifetime memory for me. I still have the hardcover and the condition is still like new. The pages are as stiff and perfect as they were when I originally reviewed them. The hard-backed Pride of the Yankees’ tale sits unchanged 16 years after it changed me.
Parting points: “I think it needs a second source and a quote from someone non-partisan”- Susan Keats, 90210 episode “Nancy’s Choice”
Mrs. Martin was her name and she was my elegant Elementary school librarian when I was a nine year old in 1993. The glasses-wearing, brainy professional was a typical librarian middle-aged woman. I helped her sort books on the wooden shelves and correct pupils’ papers twice a week. Working in the library was my dream job as a child. I wanted to grow up and become the next Mrs. Martin, minus the funky four eyes. My favorite part of the job was the task of arranging books by category. Back in those days, the library was still all about the Dewey decimal system. I tried to memorize certain call numbers and familiarize myself with the location of each subject.
I was drawn mostly to the periodical section when I initially started working in the library. The glossy magazines displayed vivid photos of sports stars. The section was sanctioned off to the side of the smooth library counter and complete with comfortable beanbag chairs. I used to scan Sports Illustrated For Kids and eventually, I became a subscriber of the ‘zine. I also got my own blue beanbag chair for my room at home.
One day, Mrs. Martin showed me an order list of non-fiction biographies she was about to send away for to add to the school collection. I noticed several of the books were Baseball Legends sports biographies. I don’t remember how it came about, but I somehow persuaded my instructor to order the Lou Gehrig offering by Norman L. Macht. I wanted the hardcover for myself and she agreed to charge me a reduced price for the book. The money came from my parents, and in the next shipment, I had in my hands the navy story with an illustration of Lou himself on the cover. I read the entire publication from beginning to end. Lou Gehrig became my favorite player even though I never saw him play. I always heard of Gehrig prior to my blue book introduction but once I learned who this legend was, I could not stop reading about him.
I began leafing through a variety of stories and taking out more and more library books. I developed a particular passion for the literary world. Writing became my next venture. I started with fictitious tales of children playing sports. The ideas were inspired by Matt Christopher’s baseball books. Then I delved into living athletes, sparked by Gehrig’s intriguing and heartfelt life. I no longer desired to be a librarian. I wanted to become a sports writer and joined the newspaper in junior high and high school. My writing expanded throughout the course of those years, but I yearned for something bigger. My junior and senior years, I took journalism and became the Editor of the paper. In college, I lobbied for a Sports Editor position and successfully ran the section for a semester.
So, here I am still writing and reading. Lou Gehrig changed my life because it was his story that made me the writer I am today. I really do believe that one book gave me the goal and motivation to be an avid reader and writer.
Gehrig performed more than enough memorable feats on the field, but it was his biography that provided a lifetime memory for me. I still have the hardcover and the condition is still like new. The pages are as stiff and perfect as they were when I originally reviewed them. The hard-backed Pride of the Yankees’ tale sits unchanged 16 years after it changed me.
Parting points: “I think it needs a second source and a quote from someone non-partisan”- Susan Keats, 90210 episode “Nancy’s Choice”
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Shameful Stallworth
I read “Crime and Punishment” in March, 2005. Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s classic, but tough, novel still sits on my bookshelf. I recommend the riveting read recounting Raskolnikov’s wrongdoings. There is a correlation here, so keep reading. Cleveland Brown’s wide receiver, Donte Stallworth, drove a 2005 Bentley in March 2008. He was sentenced to under a month in the cell for hitting and killing a man with his automobile. Stallworth began serving a 30-day jail sentence Tuesday.
This is a classic case of the punishment not fitting the crime. Let me get this straight. A professional football player earns a $ 4.5 million roster bonus and goes out to celebrate at a hotel in Miami Beach. He drinks so much at the bar his blood-alcohol level surpasses the Florida limit of .08. Stallworth crashes into a pedestrian construction worker, Mario Reyes, on an early mid-March morning. Reyes, the 59 year old, was rushing to catch a 7:15 bus home from work after his construction shift. How does this equate to only one month in prison? It wasn’t even dark out when the 28 year old Browns receiver was driving while intoxicated.
The news reported the family of Reyes wished to put the matter behind them. The victim’s family reached a financial settlement with Stallworth, who was facing 15 years behind bars for a DUI manslaughter conviction. Dennis Murphy, the Miami-Dade judge, seems to believe Stallworth acted like a man by pleading guilty and remaining at the scene of the crime. The judge lowered the bar to one month and we, as fans and citizens, are supposed to applaud Stallworth for admitting he was wrong? I could care less if he didn’t flee the scene. That was the least the Browns receiver could have done after taking someone’s father away by his own carelessness. Donte fully accepted responsibility and must now serve 1,000 hours of community service, undergo drug and alcohol testing and surrender his driver’s license for driving 10 miles over the speed limit and drunk in his Bentley. The former University of Tennessee star will be allowed to resume his football career but could face suspension without pay for a few games.
I am absolutely appalled by the ruling in this case. By no means am I an expert in law, but how does this sentence exactly do justice to the criminal act? Murphy doled out a punishment as lenient as I’ve ever heard. So what if the athlete lacked a previous criminal record and was willing to cooperate in a plea deal? The family wanted closure, but wouldn’t it be more realistic to have Stallworth serve at least a year for taking their loved one’s life? Compared to other jail sentences handed out to big-time athletes, this one pales. Plaxico Burress shoots himself in the leg and he’ll probably see more time in the slammer. Both were accidents but Stallworth’s resulted in someone losing their life. It is a moot point whether the pedestrian was illegally crossing the street. Stallworth should not have been behind the wheel in the condition he was in. What’s the point of enacting laws if they are not going to be enforced and used as justice? It’s such a shame Stallworth will wear an orange Browns jersey more than an orange jumpsuit. The crime committed should have been enough to eradicate Stallworth’s football playing career. I at least hope the family left behind will be able to put Stallworth’s money to good use.
Parting points: “Whoever has a conscience will no doubt suffer, if he realizes his mistake. That’s his punishment-on top of penal servitude.”- Crime and Punishment
This is a classic case of the punishment not fitting the crime. Let me get this straight. A professional football player earns a $ 4.5 million roster bonus and goes out to celebrate at a hotel in Miami Beach. He drinks so much at the bar his blood-alcohol level surpasses the Florida limit of .08. Stallworth crashes into a pedestrian construction worker, Mario Reyes, on an early mid-March morning. Reyes, the 59 year old, was rushing to catch a 7:15 bus home from work after his construction shift. How does this equate to only one month in prison? It wasn’t even dark out when the 28 year old Browns receiver was driving while intoxicated.
The news reported the family of Reyes wished to put the matter behind them. The victim’s family reached a financial settlement with Stallworth, who was facing 15 years behind bars for a DUI manslaughter conviction. Dennis Murphy, the Miami-Dade judge, seems to believe Stallworth acted like a man by pleading guilty and remaining at the scene of the crime. The judge lowered the bar to one month and we, as fans and citizens, are supposed to applaud Stallworth for admitting he was wrong? I could care less if he didn’t flee the scene. That was the least the Browns receiver could have done after taking someone’s father away by his own carelessness. Donte fully accepted responsibility and must now serve 1,000 hours of community service, undergo drug and alcohol testing and surrender his driver’s license for driving 10 miles over the speed limit and drunk in his Bentley. The former University of Tennessee star will be allowed to resume his football career but could face suspension without pay for a few games.
I am absolutely appalled by the ruling in this case. By no means am I an expert in law, but how does this sentence exactly do justice to the criminal act? Murphy doled out a punishment as lenient as I’ve ever heard. So what if the athlete lacked a previous criminal record and was willing to cooperate in a plea deal? The family wanted closure, but wouldn’t it be more realistic to have Stallworth serve at least a year for taking their loved one’s life? Compared to other jail sentences handed out to big-time athletes, this one pales. Plaxico Burress shoots himself in the leg and he’ll probably see more time in the slammer. Both were accidents but Stallworth’s resulted in someone losing their life. It is a moot point whether the pedestrian was illegally crossing the street. Stallworth should not have been behind the wheel in the condition he was in. What’s the point of enacting laws if they are not going to be enforced and used as justice? It’s such a shame Stallworth will wear an orange Browns jersey more than an orange jumpsuit. The crime committed should have been enough to eradicate Stallworth’s football playing career. I at least hope the family left behind will be able to put Stallworth’s money to good use.
Parting points: “Whoever has a conscience will no doubt suffer, if he realizes his mistake. That’s his punishment-on top of penal servitude.”- Crime and Punishment
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
First Foot Forward
A tennis ball has a lot of inertia until disrupted by my swing
The trick is in the trajectory a precision of the ping
Current speed and direction continue until I change the course
Inaction converted to commotion by movement meant to force
The sluggish spiral soon spins swiftly by my sheer strength
Vertical bounces are manifest motions meandering the court’s length
The affect of applied action accentuates advancement and aim
Aspirations of winning are only the beginning when things aren’t the same
Tennis stirs emotions and steers devotions
Instincts and impulses impress new notions
One forward shuffle and an object to ruffle
After velocity vanquishes I snuffle
The hardest step is sometimes the first one
Even when you often think you’re done
Today my comeback is complete
Initiated by the physics of my feet
Parting points: Song of the day- “Black Heart Inertia” by Incubus
The trick is in the trajectory a precision of the ping
Current speed and direction continue until I change the course
Inaction converted to commotion by movement meant to force
The sluggish spiral soon spins swiftly by my sheer strength
Vertical bounces are manifest motions meandering the court’s length
The affect of applied action accentuates advancement and aim
Aspirations of winning are only the beginning when things aren’t the same
Tennis stirs emotions and steers devotions
Instincts and impulses impress new notions
One forward shuffle and an object to ruffle
After velocity vanquishes I snuffle
The hardest step is sometimes the first one
Even when you often think you’re done
Today my comeback is complete
Initiated by the physics of my feet
Parting points: Song of the day- “Black Heart Inertia” by Incubus
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