As much as I hate to acknowledge Cliff Lee or his success, I have to give him props on his third straight shutout he recorded on Tuesday. Lee improved to 8-5 with a 2.87 ERA on the season. Lee has been dealing in his last three starts, combining for 27 IP, 12 K and 0 ER over that span. Philadelphia was the first team this year to reach 50 wins, at 51-30. The Phillies team ERA of 3.02 is the best in baseball. You would think being 21 games over .500 this time of year would give you a commanding lead in your division, but the Atlanta Braves are staying close only 4.5 games out. Doc Halladay is continuing his old ways with a 10-3 record and a 2.40 ERA. Halladay also is leading the leauge with 5 complete games, a statistic he has led the majors in 6 of the last 8 seasons. I say let Philidelphia continue their hot streak, but by the time October comes around, San Francisco will be waiting to knock them off for a second straight season!
Wednesday's top story at Wimbledon was Roger Federer getting eliminated after a two-set lead over Jo-Wilfred Tsonga, in the quarterfinals. If Federer would have won, it would have been the first time since 1995 that the semifinals at Wimledon consisted of the top for seeds.
Other news at Wimbledon was Rafael Nadal playing through a foot injury to beat Mardy Fish on Wednesday. Nadal later stated, "My foot is not fine, but I'm in the semifinals and that's all that maters." Wimbledons semifinals now consist of Rafael Nadal, Novac Djokavic, Andy Murray, and Jo-Wilfred Tsonga.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
A TRUE STUNNER by ST
I read the story where Charlie Sheen admitted to taking steroids when he filmed "Major League" back in 1989. That ought to set a record for stunned readers. First it's Charlie Sheen. Second it was the 1980's. I'd be more interested in what substances he "didn't" ingest. By the way, if the one interesting part of the story is true, pumping it up there at 85 mph, even on the juice, not bad for an actor.
Did you guys see that the LSU/Oregon game is a sellout and only Standing Room Only tickets are available? Incredible when you consider we've yet to hit July. I guess they're not counting on a big walk up purchasing run?
In less than 3 years Greg Oden has experienced the following. Microfracture surgery on his right knee, a bone chip in his left knee, a fractured left patella, surgery on his left knee, microfracture surgery on his left knee. And now the Blazers have made him the 8.8 million dollar qualifying offer. In essence he's an unrestricted free agent and they can match any offer he receives. He's been on the roster for 4 seasons. Completely missed 2. Got in 61 during one. Missed 3/4ths of the other. Take a hint. Is this as ridiculous to you as it is to me? Perhaps we can rationalize no other bigs out there worth taking a shot at? Odd. But considering it's Paul Allen and this franchise, perhaps not so much.
Be curious as to everyone's take on this.
Did you guys see that the LSU/Oregon game is a sellout and only Standing Room Only tickets are available? Incredible when you consider we've yet to hit July. I guess they're not counting on a big walk up purchasing run?
In less than 3 years Greg Oden has experienced the following. Microfracture surgery on his right knee, a bone chip in his left knee, a fractured left patella, surgery on his left knee, microfracture surgery on his left knee. And now the Blazers have made him the 8.8 million dollar qualifying offer. In essence he's an unrestricted free agent and they can match any offer he receives. He's been on the roster for 4 seasons. Completely missed 2. Got in 61 during one. Missed 3/4ths of the other. Take a hint. Is this as ridiculous to you as it is to me? Perhaps we can rationalize no other bigs out there worth taking a shot at? Odd. But considering it's Paul Allen and this franchise, perhaps not so much.
Be curious as to everyone's take on this.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
A SMALL SLICE OF HUMBLE PIE?? by ST
Was reading a story in today's NY Paper about Tiger Woods and how it's more likely Jack Nicklaus tees it up at the fast approaching British Open. Woods just ain't healthy. I can't imagine he has even a remote shot at contending for the season's final major, the PGA. Thus we will enter into 2012 with Tiger at age 36, still 4 shy of the Golden Bear's record of 14 slam titles. Jack won 4 more after that age. Hopefully, for the sake of the sport and entertainment for fans, he heals and joins Rory McIlroy and the other fine Euro's atop the sport. I thought we got a tad of insight when Woods said Rory's swing at the same age was superior to his. Remember, after winning the Masters in 1997 at nearly the same age, Tiger changed his. He praised the performance of McIlroy and said it was not motivating as right now he's simply focused on getting healthy to a point where he's capable of teeing it up.
I was walking through midtown Manhattan earlier this week and happened across the NHL Store. In the window display was a huge mural of the Boston Bruins celebrating their recent Stanley Cup victory. WHAT? We have to see this crap in New York City?? I actually walked in, asked for the manager and pretty much bitched him out. He said it wasn't his call. I called Bull Crap and said they'd never put up with something like this if the Devils, Islanders or Rangers had won the Cup in Boston. The fans would have put multiple bricks through the window before torching it. He wasn't happy. I was.
Hope all is well in the Great Northwest. Catch ya on the morrow!
I was walking through midtown Manhattan earlier this week and happened across the NHL Store. In the window display was a huge mural of the Boston Bruins celebrating their recent Stanley Cup victory. WHAT? We have to see this crap in New York City?? I actually walked in, asked for the manager and pretty much bitched him out. He said it wasn't his call. I called Bull Crap and said they'd never put up with something like this if the Devils, Islanders or Rangers had won the Cup in Boston. The fans would have put multiple bricks through the window before torching it. He wasn't happy. I was.
Hope all is well in the Great Northwest. Catch ya on the morrow!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Adventures in Omaha, by Casey MItchell
Game one of the College World Series was a wild game that came down to great pitching and costly errors. It was a pitchers duel throughout with Florida's ace Hudson Randall going against South Carolina freshman Forrest Koumas. The Gators missed an opportunity in the ninth inning with the bases loaded and no outs, but came up empty after an inning ending 4-2-3 double play. I was on the edge of my seat the whole game, especially when SC leftfielder Jake Williams threw Florida's Cody Dent out at the plate in the bottom of the 10th.
I'm not a huge college baseball guy (mostly because they're never on tv) but that was one of the most entertaining baseball games I have ever wittnessed live.
After 2 overthrows on a South Carolina stolen base attempt commited by Florida catcher Mike Zuzino and centerfielder Brian Smith, Christian Walker scored the go-ahead run for the Gamecocks in the 11th inning. Once South Carolina brought in their closer, Matt Price, that was all she wrote for game one in Omaha. The Gamecocks have won 15 straight NCAA Tournament games, that's tied with Texas for the most all-time. Game 2 of this 3 game series will be tonight at 5 pm on ESPN. The Gators will try to force a game 3 as South Carolina tries to take the CWS trophy back home with them. Hopefully we're in for another barn burner.
After all of the pay-to-play allegations surrounding college football and Oregon, Darron Thomas talked about the issues on ESPN. Thomas explained that college athletes should be given a little extra money here and there for food and other necessities, as well as car insurance and things of that nature.
Thomas also talked about how last years loss in the Natty affected him as a player. Thomas said that whenever he looks back on last season, the only game he looks at is the Auburn game. He said, "To me losses are more important than wins when you're trying to become better as player, and a better team." After all, the only loss Darron Thomas has ever had as a starter was the Natty.... Let's keep it that way!
I'm not a huge college baseball guy (mostly because they're never on tv) but that was one of the most entertaining baseball games I have ever wittnessed live.
After 2 overthrows on a South Carolina stolen base attempt commited by Florida catcher Mike Zuzino and centerfielder Brian Smith, Christian Walker scored the go-ahead run for the Gamecocks in the 11th inning. Once South Carolina brought in their closer, Matt Price, that was all she wrote for game one in Omaha. The Gamecocks have won 15 straight NCAA Tournament games, that's tied with Texas for the most all-time. Game 2 of this 3 game series will be tonight at 5 pm on ESPN. The Gators will try to force a game 3 as South Carolina tries to take the CWS trophy back home with them. Hopefully we're in for another barn burner.
After all of the pay-to-play allegations surrounding college football and Oregon, Darron Thomas talked about the issues on ESPN. Thomas explained that college athletes should be given a little extra money here and there for food and other necessities, as well as car insurance and things of that nature.
Thomas also talked about how last years loss in the Natty affected him as a player. Thomas said that whenever he looks back on last season, the only game he looks at is the Auburn game. He said, "To me losses are more important than wins when you're trying to become better as player, and a better team." After all, the only loss Darron Thomas has ever had as a starter was the Natty.... Let's keep it that way!
Monday, June 27, 2011
THE RETURN AND SOME LOGIC by ST
Yesterday was Old Timer's Day at Yankee Stadium. It marked the 1st return to the Bronx of former manager Joe Torre. He'd left after one of the most successful runs in team history under suspect circumstances. Translation? The team treated a class guy like garbage. I was really pleased with the fan reaction. Got your basic sports hero's welcome. Great piece in the Jersey paper about Derek Jeter. Reminded us this is the proper way to witness the tail end of an older superstar. The captain's skills are declining. Yesterday was his 37th birthday. Barry Bonds set the seasonal HR record at age 37. Raffy Palmiero hit a career high in homers. Can we figure out the difference? The author of the piece pretty much claimed we should celebrate a Hall of Famer doing it the right way. For the record, once DJ comes off the DL if he continues to have the miserable season we're witnessing, he needs to retire and throw back the final 2 years of his contract and ride off into the sunset.
It's amazing how in the biggest city in America, no one cares about college football. Some of the knuckleheads I know who are pretty insane sports fans have asked questions like "What bowl game did Oregon play in?" "Who won the National Title last year?" Then they'll bitch and moan about the Mets 7th inning guy. Just a different set of priorities concerning the sporting scene.
Roy Halladay just cranked out his 5th complete game of the year. No one has hit double digits since Randy Johnson in 1999. Doc has led his league each season but one of the last 6. The classic horse.
Getting ready to hit NYC. Downtown. Making my homage to Ground Zero.
It's amazing how in the biggest city in America, no one cares about college football. Some of the knuckleheads I know who are pretty insane sports fans have asked questions like "What bowl game did Oregon play in?" "Who won the National Title last year?" Then they'll bitch and moan about the Mets 7th inning guy. Just a different set of priorities concerning the sporting scene.
Roy Halladay just cranked out his 5th complete game of the year. No one has hit double digits since Randy Johnson in 1999. Doc has led his league each season but one of the last 6. The classic horse.
Getting ready to hit NYC. Downtown. Making my homage to Ground Zero.
Friday, June 24, 2011
MORE EVENTFUL THAN PREVIEWED by ST
Gotta admit, watching the NBA draft after Derrick Williams went #2 was more entertaining than I figured. Found myself locked in awaiting to see who my Knicks and the Blazers would take. NY got the kid from Ga Tech Iman Shumpert who played 3 years and brings a much needed physical attitude to their back court. Plus he can score. They also added Josh Harrellson from Kentucky. He's a big who can bang. They have skill and the ability to pile up points with Melo and Stoudamire but lacked size and rebounding. They're better.
I'd be pleased as a Blazer fan. The trade to get Ray Felton is a beautiful thing. I was ticked to beat the band when the Knicks traded him in the Carmelo Anthony deal. Portland fans are gonna love this kid. We saw how limited Rudy Fernandez was in the playoffs and what a total waste he is defensively. I liked Andre Miller, but Felton provides quality beyond a year or two. If you'd been listening to the shows recently, and Wednesday in particular, I said if Duke's Nolan Smith was there they should pluck him. You gotta love his pedigree playing for Coach K, plus he can stick the 3, is unselfish and plays defense. The point guard spot was a question and now I see it as a strength.
Enjoy the weekend!
I'd be pleased as a Blazer fan. The trade to get Ray Felton is a beautiful thing. I was ticked to beat the band when the Knicks traded him in the Carmelo Anthony deal. Portland fans are gonna love this kid. We saw how limited Rudy Fernandez was in the playoffs and what a total waste he is defensively. I liked Andre Miller, but Felton provides quality beyond a year or two. If you'd been listening to the shows recently, and Wednesday in particular, I said if Duke's Nolan Smith was there they should pluck him. You gotta love his pedigree playing for Coach K, plus he can stick the 3, is unselfish and plays defense. The point guard spot was a question and now I see it as a strength.
Enjoy the weekend!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Roundup, by Casey Mitchell
With the NBA Draft tonight, a lot of speculation has been surrounding the Cav's first overall pick. Duke's Kyrie Irving is expected to be the pick Cleveland takes first. The Cavaliers also have the fourth pick in this years draft. To me it would make more sense for them to take Derrick Williams first, then get a point guard like Kemba Walker or Brandon Knight with that fourth pick. If Cleveland does take Iriving, he will be the third point guard taken first overall in four years, joining Derrick Rose in 2008 and John Wall in 2010.
Cav's Owner Dan Gilbert has stated that his son, Nick, is the teams good luck charm, and will be calling Cleveland's first 2 round selections. This could be the first step to a fulfilled promise made to Cav's fans by Owner Dan Gilbert, that they will win a championship before LeBron James wins one.
Even though the Minnesota Twins are 32-40 and 7.5 games back, they are 8-1 in their last nine games.With the return of Mauer, and the offense heating up, don't count out the Twins just yet.
The Florida Marlins snapped their 11-game losing streak, and a 1-19 record in the month of June, with a win over the Angels on Tuesday. Before June started Florida was 31-23 and in third place in the NL East. Now they are 14 games out of first place and in last place. I can tell you one thing... The Marlins are excited for July!
Cav's Owner Dan Gilbert has stated that his son, Nick, is the teams good luck charm, and will be calling Cleveland's first 2 round selections. This could be the first step to a fulfilled promise made to Cav's fans by Owner Dan Gilbert, that they will win a championship before LeBron James wins one.
Even though the Minnesota Twins are 32-40 and 7.5 games back, they are 8-1 in their last nine games.With the return of Mauer, and the offense heating up, don't count out the Twins just yet.
The Florida Marlins snapped their 11-game losing streak, and a 1-19 record in the month of June, with a win over the Angels on Tuesday. Before June started Florida was 31-23 and in third place in the NL East. Now they are 14 games out of first place and in last place. I can tell you one thing... The Marlins are excited for July!
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