GAMES ON by ST

I'm sure giving my web surfing talents and connectivity a workout. Right now I have the PGA on the TV, Dan Patrick on the studio monitor and 3 different internet windows open. I've actually been reviewing night one of the NFL exhibition season. I look forward to sharing what I've learned about the Arizona receiving corps, Raven's Oline, and what to make of Denver.
I heard Stephen A Smith sitting in for Colin Cowherd this morning. Could the guy have any less knowledge and still thrive in this business. Was making a point about Ryan Mallet, the back up QB to Tom Brady in New England. Said don't get too excited about his performance because once upon a time Matt Cassel stepped in for an injured Brady, played well and we haven't heard from him in years. WHAT!!! The guy was the starter for the Chiefs last season and took them to the playoffs. Smith should stick to screaming his uninformed opinion about hoops. What a joke.
As New York closer Mariano Rivera has struggled this week with 3 consecutive awful performances I've been asked what this means. Easiest question ever. He's suddenly mortal or slipping and they're dead in the water for 2011. Yanks win 2 ways. Bash you into submission with their lumber or get to Mo to shut the door in the 9th. There is no plan B. They have just 5 complete games because the starting is shaky.
It's been just 3 holes but Tiger looks like his troubles are not going away but he will for the weekend. Bunker off the tee on #1 but he makes a save. Then on #3 he's sitting mid-fairway with an 8 iron and has to make a testy 4 footer for par. He's even, but has to go low, like 66 to make the cut. It's 11:38 am right now, let's see how the prediction turns out.

Back From The City, by Casey Mitchell

Arrived back from San Francisco last night and I am proud to say the Giants have never lost on my birthday while I'm in the park. Madison Bumgarner threw 7 spectacular shutout innings and the Giant offense erupted for nine hits and six runs. The only thing that could have made it better would have been a Brian Wilson save opportunity, but hey, I'll take a 6-0 win any day of the week. While watching the game, fans also kept an eye on the out of town scoreboard. When we saw the Astros leading the D-Backs 7-1 we were pretty excited, but Arizona clawed there way back into the game and ended up winning 11-8. I guess you can never rely on Houston for helping you out. The Pirates ended up taking the series, and due to San Francisco's latest struggles they are now half a game back in the West. If the Giants want to get take a hold of this race, they need to heat up on this road trip against the Marlins, Braves and Astros. With the Middle of August here, and Preseason closer than ever, next week will be covering the upcoming NFL season and of course Duck Football right around the bend.

BELIEVE ME ON THIS ONE by ST

Just read the ESPN experts poll on the early favorites for this season's Heisman Trophy. Stanford's Andrew Luck is out front with Oklahoma QB Landry Jones a sort of close 2nd. Oregon's LeMichael James is 3rd. I'm not dismissing that trio but I didn't see Darron Thomas on the list which went 11 deep. Here this now for the 1st time. DT is going to New York as a finalist. LMJ is a magnificent college back but I don't see him duplicating last season. Kenyon Barner will have a more substantial role and with the line needing to gel, Thomas will be throwing more. If you've read in between the lines, I think Chip Kelly has said as much. DT was off the charts as a rookie and his demeanor since Auburn shows me a guy who has merely scratched the surface. When the dust settles and he is walking off the field after Oregon's Bowl game for the 2012 season, we will have to re-work the all time QB list and work from D.T. down. MARK MY WORDS!
Please read the story about the employees from Earnhardt Racing who got busted for trafficking weed. One of the guys was described as a front tire changer. Wow! That's specific and obviously he can't handle the rear. Just struck me as funny.
Great night in the big league's last night despite some misery for fellow Yankees fans. As the old catch phrase sung, "pennant fever, catch it"!

Live from the Bay, by Casey Mitchell

I'm in San Francisco for a few days celebrating my birthday, and watching a couple of Giants games. Last year when I was here, the Giants swept the hated Dodgers and that was when they were still in 3rd place and 7 games back. After a rough skid San Francisco is still leading the D-Backs by half a game in the West. Arizona has really missed their chance losing 7 of their last 12 at the same time the Giants have lost 9 of 11! I know that San Francisco's offense looks bad on paper, but trust me it's even more miserable in person. Like the program salesman at AT&T Park said, "We just need to relax and have fun..." While we're in the City, I'm going to enjoy the great weather and outstanding garlic fries, but it would be even more enjoyable if the Giants were to win today. The Pirates ended their 10 game skid last night on a beautiful day at the Park. Vogelsong gave up 5 runs in 5 innings of work and as usual, you can't win ballgames when you're putting up a goose egg on the scoreboard day in and day out. We now rely on the youngster Madison Bumgarner, and hopefully a revived Giants offense to put an end to this madness once and for all!

MLB News, by Casey Mitchell

Wild West

The two team race between the Giants and D-Backs in the NL West is really heating up. Coming into yesterday they were tied for first place, but behind Ryan Vogelsong and an awakened San Francisco offense, the Gigantes managed to salvage a game in the series, and are now alone in first place. Before yesterday. San Fran was on a 5 game skid while Arizona was 8-2 in their last 10 games. Prior to the trade deadline, the Giants made a couple of big moves to get Carlos Beltran and Orlando Cabrera. Since coming to the bay, Beltran has gone 8 for 30 with 2 RBIs in 7 games. It's a deadly back to back punch with Pablo Sandoval in the 3 hole and Beltran batting cleanup. As for Arizona, they are in for a pretty easy home stand vs. the Dodgers, Astros and Mets. This close race is sure to heat up in the dog days of August.

Fading

With everyone thinking that the Pirates had a chance to pull it off and win their division, they just can't seem to rise to the occasion. Pittsburgh has lost 6 straight and 11 of their last 13 games. They are now 7 games out after being tied for the division lead. I just don't see them catching up to a red hot Brewers club who has won 8 of their last 10 games. Unless they can go on a mad rally, this season is out of reach for the Buccos. I'm sure they enjoyed the ride while it lasted.

A Comeback?

Last years phenom, Stephen Strasburg. was expected to miss the entire 2011 season due to Tommy John surgery, but he has been working hard and is set to pitch in a Minor League outing on Sunday. This is just the first step in his Minor League assignment, but we could see Strasburg pitching in DC by late August. If he can make a comeback it would be good for the fans, the Nats, and good for baseball.

A MAGIC ANWER? by ST

When the Willie Lyles story broke, then took root and the University responded by saying they can't comment I said the most hopeful Oregon fans were leaning on the answer that would make the situation disappear without harm. Recent information courtesy of a blogger named Scott Reed of Duck Sports Authority shows Lyles may have over valued his role in the decision by Lache Seastrunk to pick the Ducks. Looks like the woman who pretty much helped raise Lache says he was not a mentor and many in the family actually thought Lyles preferred Seastrunk go to LSU or USC. This would go a long way to alleviate the worst fears around the program. The 2nd major issue is why did they pay 25-thou for info that appears to be no where in that neighborhood value wise. On today's show we will hear a nice chunk of an interview Reed did on Portland radio.
Got my Phil Steele preview magazine. This is the 10th year I've considered it's arrival the official beginning to college football season. Information is power. He loves the Ducks. Rates both of their lines higher than I did and truth be told, above what I've heard from most Oregon fans. Thinks they'll win the division and the 1st ever Pac 12 title game. Cracks me up because now Duck fans love him as opposed to some years when he perhaps didn't have the U of O footballers where some would have preferred. Fans are criminally insane! It's a beautiful thing.

Heating Up, by Casey Mitchell

Calling it Quits

After 13 seasons and 7 Pro Bowl selections, Randy Moss decided to retire on Monday morning. During his career Moss played for four different teams (Vikings, Raiders, Patriots and the Titans). His 153 touchdowns is tied with Terelle Owens for the second most all-time, behind only the great Jerry Rice. He also holds the second most 100-yard games with 64. Moss, in his prime, could arguably be the best deep threat to ever play the game. His career consisted of many ups and downs, like his two down years in '05 and '06, but won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year in '07 with New England. Randy Moss tried very hard this offseason as a free-agent to prove all of his "doubters" wrong, but apparently the physical toll was just to much to handle. He was a human highlight-reel, but I hope we're not in for another Brett Favre story.

Out for the Year

Red Sox pitcher Clay Bucholz could be out for the season with a fracture in his lower back, the team reported to ESPN on Monday night. He was moved from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL. Bucholz has done good for the Sox this year, posting a 6-3 record with a 3.48 ERA. So far this season, the Red Sox are lighting it up with an AL leading 66-41 record, and a team batting average of .281 which leads the majors. Let's see if they can continue their hot streak into this August.

Dream Team?

The Philadelphia Eagles have been very busy during this free-agent signing period, and have recently been called "This decades Dream Team." They've picked up Nnamdi Asomugha, Vince Young, Cullen Jenkins and more. To get into their full force, they are going to have to get their star receiver, DeSean Jackson, to end his holdout for a more pricey contract. It is expected to end soon because the Eagles are set to fine him $30,000 for every day he does not participate in. They will need every weapon they can get if they are going to start the dynasty everyone is expecting them to have.