If you're a stat junkie like I am you will like the information below.
W.D. Barr's unique perspective on what's important in the world of Mexican Baseball!
Friday, October 31, 2014
ESPN.com Stats and Info for 2014 Home Runs
Tony Stewart Hits 200 MPH at Texas Speedway
Tony Stewart reached a speed of 200.111 miles per hour in his second of 3 qualifying laps but slowed in his last lap and will start 6th.
Matt Kenseth will start on the pole with a qualifying speed of 199.299.
Read the ESPN article here.
Matt Kenseth will start on the pole with a qualifying speed of 199.299.
Read the ESPN article here.
Cubs Fire Rick Renteria - Prelude to Hiring Joe Maddon
The Chicago Cubs have fired their current manager, Rick Renteria, to hire the ex-manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, Joe Maddon.
Just 2 weeks ago, Renteria was given a vote of confidence by GM Theo Epstein who saw no reason that Renteria would not be back on the Northside for 2015.
Here is a quote from ESPN writer Jesse Rogers's article on ESPN, by Theo Epstein today.
"Last Thursday, we learned that Joe Maddon -- who may be as well suited as anyone in the industry to manage the challenges that lie ahead of us -- had become a free agent," Epstein said. "We saw it as a unique opportunity and faced a clear dilemma: be loyal to Rick or be loyal to the organization. In this business of trying to win a world championship for the first time in 107 years, the organization has priority over any one individual. We decided to pursue Joe."
The Cubs, as usual, handled this very poorly. Renteria did no worse than the 52 managers before him that failed to get the Cubs to the World Series. He was given 1 year to turn around a Cub team that has underperformed as long as the current generation of Cub fans can remember.
In my opinion, Renteria was given the bum's rush and I am sure he will land a managerial position elsewhere.
But read the ESPN article here and decide for yourself.
Just 2 weeks ago, Renteria was given a vote of confidence by GM Theo Epstein who saw no reason that Renteria would not be back on the Northside for 2015.
Here is a quote from ESPN writer Jesse Rogers's article on ESPN, by Theo Epstein today.
"Last Thursday, we learned that Joe Maddon -- who may be as well suited as anyone in the industry to manage the challenges that lie ahead of us -- had become a free agent," Epstein said. "We saw it as a unique opportunity and faced a clear dilemma: be loyal to Rick or be loyal to the organization. In this business of trying to win a world championship for the first time in 107 years, the organization has priority over any one individual. We decided to pursue Joe."
The Cubs, as usual, handled this very poorly. Renteria did no worse than the 52 managers before him that failed to get the Cubs to the World Series. He was given 1 year to turn around a Cub team that has underperformed as long as the current generation of Cub fans can remember.
In my opinion, Renteria was given the bum's rush and I am sure he will land a managerial position elsewhere.
But read the ESPN article here and decide for yourself.
LeBron and the Cavs Drop Opener to Knicks 95-90
LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers lost their opener to the NY Knicks. Obviously the chemistry is not there and there is no way the Cavs can make the playoffs, let alone win the NBA Championship!
ESPN article
The OKC Thunder lost Russell Westbrook when he broke his hand, a small fracture of the second metacarpal in his right hand to be exact. As JA Adande of ESPN writes "(T)he Thunder are now winless and perhaps starless...". Let's write them off too!
ESPN article
We as fans are quick to jump on and off team bandwagons. Come on people, the NBA season is 82 games, to start 0-1 or 0-2 is not the end.
The end is already here for teams like the 76ers whos GM has said the team will not win until 2017. The Lakers, with no point guard and an aging Kobe are at the end too.
Do fans really think Cleveland will not challange in the East? Phil Jackson has said that the Knicks are "(N)ot ready for showtime...". Do we expect them to rise to the top of the East?
Allow the season to progress and we'll check back later. By the way, remember when LeBron first got to Miami? That team didn't start off so well either did it?
ESPN article
The OKC Thunder lost Russell Westbrook when he broke his hand, a small fracture of the second metacarpal in his right hand to be exact. As JA Adande of ESPN writes "(T)he Thunder are now winless and perhaps starless...". Let's write them off too!
ESPN article
We as fans are quick to jump on and off team bandwagons. Come on people, the NBA season is 82 games, to start 0-1 or 0-2 is not the end.
The end is already here for teams like the 76ers whos GM has said the team will not win until 2017. The Lakers, with no point guard and an aging Kobe are at the end too.
Do fans really think Cleveland will not challange in the East? Phil Jackson has said that the Knicks are "(N)ot ready for showtime...". Do we expect them to rise to the top of the East?
Allow the season to progress and we'll check back later. By the way, remember when LeBron first got to Miami? That team didn't start off so well either did it?
Dave Brandon to Step Down as Michigan AD
The Athletic Director at Michigan, Dave Brandon, has said he will step down at the end of the year and not return in 2015.
I have taken a quote from the ESPN article that states clearly, through emails, how Brandon has handled the fan reaction to a 3-5 record overall and 1-3 in the Big 10.
Earlier this week, mgoblog.com posted caustic and condescending emails that fans wrote to Brandon with their concerns about the athletic department. The website reviewed email exchanges between Brandon and several different fans in which he allegedly told one to "quit drinking and go to bed" and another to "find a new team to support."
I have taken a quote from the ESPN article that states clearly, through emails, how Brandon has handled the fan reaction to a 3-5 record overall and 1-3 in the Big 10.
Earlier this week, mgoblog.com posted caustic and condescending emails that fans wrote to Brandon with their concerns about the athletic department. The website reviewed email exchanges between Brandon and several different fans in which he allegedly told one to "quit drinking and go to bed" and another to "find a new team to support."
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Joe Maddon To Cubs?
So the free agent manager, Joe Maddon, appears to be ready to sign a contract to manage the Cubs for 2015. This signing will be the Cubs third manager in the three years that Theo Epstein has been the General Manager.
Unfortunately, Rick Renteria, the current manager of the Cubs hasn't been fired yet.
Assuming the paperwork gets signed, the unfortunate casualty is Renteria, the baseball soul who’d been hired not even a year ago, and who in the absence of public support from Cubs management was compelled this week to release a statement of his own.
It was so sad. Humiliating, you’d imagine. So humiliating, were the final negotiations with Maddon to go sideways Epstein would have had to fire Renteria anyway, because you can’t have an employee kicked to the curb and then dragged back into the clubhouse and reinstalled as team leader and organizational conscience.
Unfortunately, Rick Renteria, the current manager of the Cubs hasn't been fired yet.
Assuming the paperwork gets signed, the unfortunate casualty is Renteria, the baseball soul who’d been hired not even a year ago, and who in the absence of public support from Cubs management was compelled this week to release a statement of his own.
Tim Brown of yahoo Sports has a good article here. I think the timing was poor and Renteria should have been fired or at least reassigned before any leak of negotiations, but baseball is a business and a team must act in their best interests.
Jalisco Beats Obregon 11-4 To Take 3rd Game of the Series
The Charros finally got their power hitters going at the same time. For the first time this season they hit 4 home runs in a game. Japhet Amador hit 2 while Manny Rodriguez and Cory Vaughn hit one each.
Obregon took the lead in the 1st. With one out, Dean Anna walked to load the bases. Carlos Valencia popped up to short but Donald Lutz waited out a walk to force in Jake Smolinski for the 1-0 Yaquis lead.
The bottom of the 1st was all Jalisco. Manny Rodriguez hit a solo home run to tie the game at 1. Eduardo Arredondo walked and Japhet Amador hit a 2 run home run to left center for the 3-1 lead. Marquez Smith singled and Cory Vaughn walked. Gabriel Gutierrez singled to left to score Smith and Vaughn and the Charros led 4-1.
Jalisco scored a run in the bottom of the 3rd when Marquez Smith led off the inning by reaching first on an error by the Yaquis shortstop. After Cory Vaughn walked, Gabriel Gutierrez singled to score Smith and the 5-1 Charros lead.
The Yaquis scored three times in the top of the 5th, on walks to the first two batters and a 3 run home run by Agustin Murillo. The score was momenterily tied at 4.
The Charros would go Obregon one better in the bottom of the 5th by scoring 4 times. Eduardo Arredondo led off the inning with a walk and stole second. Japhet Amador followed with his second 2 run home run of the night. Marquez Smith, the next batter, tripled to right. Obregon changed pitchers and Jose Pina gave up a 2 run home run to Cory Vaughn. The Charros were in command with a 9-4 lead.
Jalisco scored their final 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th. Marguez Smith led off the inning with a walk. With one out, Gabriel Gutierrez walked. Both runners moved up on a Fernando Valenzuela grounder to second. Jesus Lopez then singled to score Smith and Gutierrez giving the Charros their final margin of victory, 11-4.
Graham Godfrey picked up his second win of the year but saw his ERA climb to 2.25. He gave up 3 earned runs on 4 hits. On the down side, he issued 4 walks to the Yaquis while striking out only 1. Five Charros relievers worked 4 scoreless innings giving up 3 hits.
Juan Navarette, the Charros manager, changed his lineup for this game. Leo Heras moved to leadoff, Manny Rodriguez hit in the 2 hole while Eduardo Arredondo was dropped to 3rd in the order.
Rodriguez went 2 for 5 with a home run and an RBI while raising his batting average to .370 on the season. Marguez Smith was 2 for 3 with a triple and 4 runs scored. Japhet Amador was 2 for 5 with 2 home runs and 4 RBIs. Cory Vaughn walked 3 times and went 1 for 2 with a home run. Gabriel Gutierrez was 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a run scored.
Jalisco is now 10-7, one game behind Mazatlan for 1st place in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico while Obregon falls to 9-7, 1/2 game behind the Charros.
The Charros have a travel day today before taking on the Caneros de los Mochis for 3 games in Los Mochis.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Yaquis Take 2nd Game From Charros 8-4
The Yaquis de Obregon took the second game of the three game series with the Charros by an 8-4 score after leading 8-0 entering the bottom of the 9th.
In the top of the 2nd, Carlos Valencia doubled to left and went to third when Donald Lutz grounded out to second. Albino Contreras followed with a single and Valencia scored for the early 1-0 lead for the Yaquis.
Obregon added a run in the top of the 4th on a solo home run by Said Gutierrez for a 2-0 Obregon lead.
The Yaquis scored twice more in the top of the 5th when Donald Lutz homered after Carlos Valencia drew a walk with two outs. 4-0 Yaquis.
With one out in the top of the 6th, Carlos Figueroa singled but was caught stealing second. Jake Smolinski homered to left, the third home run by Obregon on the evening. Obregon up 5-0.
In the top of the 8th, with one out, Albino Contreras doubled to left and after Said Gutierrez struck out, Contreras scored on a single by Carlos Figueroa and the Yaquis had increased their lead to 6-0.
Obregon got a man on in the top of the 9th when Dean Anna was hit by a pitch with two outs. Carlos Valencia followed with a triple to score Anna and Donald Lutz doubled to score Valencia. The Obregon lead looked insurmountable at 8-0.
The Charros put runners on 1st and 2nd with two outs in the bottom of the 9th on singles by Cory Vaughn and Ivan Araujo. Jesus Lopez singled to load the bases. Eduardo Arredondo followed with a single to score Vaughn and Araujo as the Charros avoided their first shutout of the season and cut the lead to 8-2. Manny Rodriguez, 2 for 5 on the night, doubled to left to score Lopez and Arredondo and the Obregon lead was down to 8-4. Leo Heras struck out swinging to end the inning and the game.
The Charros fall to 9-7 on the year while Obregon climbs to 9-6, 1/2 game ahead of Jalisco and tied with the Venados de Mazatlan for the league lead.
Kansas City Shuts Out Giants 10-0 Force Game 7
The Kansas City Royals broke open game 6 of the 2014 World Series in the bottom of the 2nd inning as they went on to shut out the Giants 10-0 and force a game 7 tomorrow night.
Yordano Ventura was the benificiary of the scoring outburst as he picked up the win while Jake Peavy took the loss for the Giants. Peavy lasted just 1 1/3 innings and gave up 5 runs on 6 hits. Yusmeiro Petit didn't fare much better against the Royals bats lasting just 2/3 of an inning and giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. Hunter Strickland went 2 innings and gave up a solo home run to Mike Moustakas.
The 7, 8 and 9 hitters in the Royals lineup, Salvador Perez, Mike Moustakas and Omar Infante went 6 for 12 on the night with 2 RBIs and 5 runs scored.
Check out the ESPN wrap up here and get ready for a game 7 tomorrow night. The first game 7 since 2011.
The Kansas City Royals defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in a 7 game World Series in 1985, the Royal's last appearance in the playoffs.
Yordano Ventura was the benificiary of the scoring outburst as he picked up the win while Jake Peavy took the loss for the Giants. Peavy lasted just 1 1/3 innings and gave up 5 runs on 6 hits. Yusmeiro Petit didn't fare much better against the Royals bats lasting just 2/3 of an inning and giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. Hunter Strickland went 2 innings and gave up a solo home run to Mike Moustakas.
The 7, 8 and 9 hitters in the Royals lineup, Salvador Perez, Mike Moustakas and Omar Infante went 6 for 12 on the night with 2 RBIs and 5 runs scored.
Check out the ESPN wrap up here and get ready for a game 7 tomorrow night. The first game 7 since 2011.
The Kansas City Royals defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in a 7 game World Series in 1985, the Royal's last appearance in the playoffs.
Nascar's Turn 4 Wrapup and Look Ahead
If you are a Nascar fan, these articles are fun to read. The Championship race is heating up as we wind down another season of racing.
For the first time Nascar has done an elimination sequence that will have 4 racers eligible to win the Sprint Cup Series at the final race in Homestead, Florida in November.
Read the round up here as we head into turn 4 of the racing year.
For the first time Nascar has done an elimination sequence that will have 4 racers eligible to win the Sprint Cup Series at the final race in Homestead, Florida in November.
Read the round up here as we head into turn 4 of the racing year.
Do Steroids Make You Stupid?
If Jose Canseco is any indication of what can happen to one's thinking ability while using steroids, the use of those Performance Enhancing Drugs would cease.
The police were called to Canseco's Las Vegas home after a report of an accidental shooting.
Read the story here and shake your head in amazement as I did.
The police were called to Canseco's Las Vegas home after a report of an accidental shooting.
Read the story here and shake your head in amazement as I did.
Spurs Receive NBA Championship Rings
The San Antonio Spurs received their NBA Championship rings on Tuesday night before opening their season against the Dallas Mavericks.
The Spurs beat the Mavericks 101-100.
Tony Parker had 23 points and 3 assists for the Spurs while Marco Belinelli added 15 and Tim Duncan had 14 points with 13 boards. Manu Ginobili came off the bench to score 20 points and had 6 assists.
Dirk Nowitzki had 18 points for the Mavs, Monta Ellis dropped 26 points with 6 assists and Devin Harris added 17 points and 5 assists.
Read the full ESPN recap here.
The Spurs beat the Mavericks 101-100.
Tony Parker had 23 points and 3 assists for the Spurs while Marco Belinelli added 15 and Tim Duncan had 14 points with 13 boards. Manu Ginobili came off the bench to score 20 points and had 6 assists.
Dirk Nowitzki had 18 points for the Mavs, Monta Ellis dropped 26 points with 6 assists and Devin Harris added 17 points and 5 assists.
Read the full ESPN recap here.
Garrett Says No Pressure From Jones To Insert Romo After Injury
The Dallas Cowboys coach, Jason Garrett stated emphatically that owner Jerry Jones did not order him to put Tony Romo back in the 4th quarter of Monday night's loss to the Redskins.
"I think the ideal situation is to get it communicated as quickly as possible and he felt like he could do it," Garrett said. "It wasn't a big deal to me at all."
Jones "indicated that the X-rays were negative and that as long as he was functional, he could be capable of playing in the game," Garrett said.
"I think the ideal situation is to get it communicated as quickly as possible and he felt like he could do it," Garrett said. "It wasn't a big deal to me at all."
Jones "indicated that the X-rays were negative and that as long as he was functional, he could be capable of playing in the game," Garrett said.
If you believe that Jones did not hint that he wanted Romo back in the game you are naive. I can't think of an owner or coach in the league who would have taken a chance like that with their starting quarterback when DeMarco Murray was running so well and the Cowboy's defense was doing a credible job of shutting down the Redskins.
But, decide for yourself by reading the Todd Archer ESPN article here.
Gordie Howe Suffers Stroke
86 year old Gordie Howe has suffered a stroke and is resting comfortably at his daughter's home in Lubbock, Texas.
Howe was a 6 time winner of the Hart Trophy, the NHL Most Valuable Player. He also won the Art Bass Trophy, leading scorer in the NHL, 6 times and played on 4 Stanley Cup winning teams.
Read the ESPN coverage here.
Howe was a 6 time winner of the Hart Trophy, the NHL Most Valuable Player. He also won the Art Bass Trophy, leading scorer in the NHL, 6 times and played on 4 Stanley Cup winning teams.
Read the ESPN coverage here.
1st CFB Playoff Rankings Released
Controversy here we come! Probably not with the #1 and #2 in the rankings but from there down look out.
#1 Mississippi State and #2 Florida State are the two undefeated teams left. Right now they deserve their ranking.
One would think that Ole Miss would have fallen farther than 4th with the loss to LSU.
"Head to head is important, but it's not the only factor, obviously," Playoff selection committee chairman Jeff Long said.
"We're still early in this process," Long added.
Graham Watson editor of drsaturday for Yahoo.com sees the rankings in a slightly different light here.
#1 Mississippi State and #2 Florida State are the two undefeated teams left. Right now they deserve their ranking.
One would think that Ole Miss would have fallen farther than 4th with the loss to LSU.
"Head to head is important, but it's not the only factor, obviously," Playoff selection committee chairman Jeff Long said.
"We're still early in this process," Long added.
#3 Auburn and #4 Ole Miss would be in if this was selection week. Oregon comes in at #5 followed by Alabama, TCU, Michigan State, Kansas State and Notre Dame at #10.
ESPN has the story here.
ESPN has the story here.
Graham Watson editor of drsaturday for Yahoo.com sees the rankings in a slightly different light here.
Post World Series Teams Free Agent Market
As the 2014 World Series comes to a conclusion, what would baseball be if we didn't start looking at who might change teams after it's over. MLB hasn't even handed out the award let alone given the shine time to fade.
The Giants seem to have the most to lose with Pablo Sandoval, Jake Peavy, Ryan Vogelsong, Sergio Romo and Michael Morse all eligible for free agency. Without knowing the intent of management it can be assumed that the Giants would most like to have Sandoval and Romo back along with Vogelsong...at the right price.
The Royals, on the other hand, have James Shields, Josh Willingham, Norichika Aoki, Raul Ibanez and possibly Billy Butler, who may be too rich for the Royals to pick up his option for 2015. Willingham and Ibanez were in season pickups that haven't contributed much to the postseason and with the play of Jarrod Dyson in center and Lorenzo Cain's outstanding play in right, Aoki may very well not be offered a contract.
That leaves James Shields. Shields is a very valuable piece of the Royals team that made the playoffs this season, but there are a number of teams that need pitching and have deep pockets. The Royals may not be able to afford Shields either.
Dave Skretta of the AP, writing for Yahoo Sports has an interesting take on both team's free agency woes with this article.
The Giants seem to have the most to lose with Pablo Sandoval, Jake Peavy, Ryan Vogelsong, Sergio Romo and Michael Morse all eligible for free agency. Without knowing the intent of management it can be assumed that the Giants would most like to have Sandoval and Romo back along with Vogelsong...at the right price.
The Royals, on the other hand, have James Shields, Josh Willingham, Norichika Aoki, Raul Ibanez and possibly Billy Butler, who may be too rich for the Royals to pick up his option for 2015. Willingham and Ibanez were in season pickups that haven't contributed much to the postseason and with the play of Jarrod Dyson in center and Lorenzo Cain's outstanding play in right, Aoki may very well not be offered a contract.
That leaves James Shields. Shields is a very valuable piece of the Royals team that made the playoffs this season, but there are a number of teams that need pitching and have deep pockets. The Royals may not be able to afford Shields either.
Dave Skretta of the AP, writing for Yahoo Sports has an interesting take on both team's free agency woes with this article.
Buccaneers Make Trades Before Deadline
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have traded safety Mark Barron to the St. Louis Rams and reserve linebacker Jonathan Casillas to the New England Patrionts.
There is no word on who the Bucs got, or will get in return.
There is no word on who the Bucs got, or will get in return.
'Skins Dump Cowboys 20-17 In Overtime
The Washington Redskins, behind Texas native Colt McCoy, held off the Cowboys in regulation and won the game on a field goal in overtime, 20-17.
McCoy was 25 of 30 for 299 yards. Although he had no passing touchdowns he did score on a 7 yard run near the start of the 4th quarter that put the Redskins up 17-10.
DeMarco Murray had his 8th straight game with 100+ yards rushing and tied eight other NFL players with 1000 yards rushing in their team's first eight games.
The Cowboys were 17-1 in games where Murray had 20 or more carries. Murray only carried the ball 19 times in last night's game. Those 19 rushes were good for 141 yards. Demarco is on a pace for an NFL record 2108 yards on the season.
Dallas has lost three overtime games under coach Garrett. Interestingly the two previous OT losses were followed by losses in the next game.
Read the full ESPN recap article here.
McCoy was 25 of 30 for 299 yards. Although he had no passing touchdowns he did score on a 7 yard run near the start of the 4th quarter that put the Redskins up 17-10.
DeMarco Murray had his 8th straight game with 100+ yards rushing and tied eight other NFL players with 1000 yards rushing in their team's first eight games.
The Cowboys were 17-1 in games where Murray had 20 or more carries. Murray only carried the ball 19 times in last night's game. Those 19 rushes were good for 141 yards. Demarco is on a pace for an NFL record 2108 yards on the season.
Dallas has lost three overtime games under coach Garrett. Interestingly the two previous OT losses were followed by losses in the next game.
Read the full ESPN recap article here.
Obregon Snaps Charros Win Streak at Three
The three game winning streak is over. The Yaquis de Obregon took a 5-4 win last night in Zapopan. Juan Delgadillo took the mound for the Charros and dropped his fourth decision in a row.
The Yaquis played small ball in the top of the 1st. John Smolinski led off with a double, went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Corey Wimberly and scored on a grounder to second by Agustin Murillo for the 1-0 Obregon lead.
Eduardo Arredondo led off the bottom of the 1st for the Charros by drawing a walk and moving to second on a ground out by Manny Rodriguez. Leo Heras singled to center to drive in Arredondo and the game was tied at 1.
Carlos Valencia singled for Obregon in the top of the 2nd and scored on a double by Donald Lutz. Sergio Contreras drew a walk. Said Gutierrez singled to score Lutz and the Yaquiz lead was 3-1.
The Charros came back with two runs of their own in the bottom of the 2nd. Gabriel Gutierrez singled to deep short and went to second on the throwing error by the shortstop. Amadeo Zazueta's grounder moved Gutierrez to third. Gutierrez scored as Jesus Lopez grounded out to second. Eduardo Arredondo reached second on a throwing error by the Yaquis second baseman. Manny Rodriguez singled to center to score Arredondo and the score was tied 3-3.
Jalisco went ahead 4-3 in the bottom of the 4th on a solo home run by Marquez Smith, his fourth of the year.
The Yaquis scored what proved to be the winning runs in the top of the 5th. With one out, John Smolinski walked. Corey Wimberly singled and Smolinski stopped at second. Agustin Murillo singled to plate Smolinski and the Yaquis had runners at 1st and 3rd. That was all for Delgadillo as Ken Sigman came on in relief. Sigman got Dean Anna to hit into a 6-4 fielder's choice with Wimberly scoring. Obregon led 5-4.
The Charros threatened in the 7th and the 8th but could not score.
Oswaldo Martinez got the win for Obregon with 2 innings of shutout relief work and Jonathan Arias picked up his 6th save on the year, working a perfect 9th that included 2 strikeouts.
Juan Delgadillo suffered his fourth consecutive loss lasting just 4 1/3 innings. He gave up 5 runs on 6 hits while walking 2 and striking out 5. Delgadillo's ERA remains in the 9's at 9.18.
Marquez Smith's home run, Leo Heras' 11th RBI on the season and Manny Rodriguez's 2 for 5 night that raised his average to .365 on the year were the highlights for the Charros.
Jalisco fell to 9-6 on the year as Obregon climbed to 8-6, 1/2 game behind Jalisco and Mazatlan for the lead in the Liga Maxicana del Pacifico. These two teams square off again today starting at 7 PM.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Non Profit Foundation Buys Saban's House
I want to get to the heart of the matter here but I have to make a few points clear. First, I am not anti-SEC or anti-Alabama nor am I a Saban hater. I agree with the foundation that Saban may be the best coach in football today. Secondly I don't care how much Universities pay their coaches.
Having stated these points I have some things to say about this ESPN article, written by Alex Scarborough.
First, Nick Saban is paid 7 million dollars a year to coach the University of Alabama's football team. He has done a very good job of this and should be compensated well.
Secondly, the Crimson Tide Foundation bought Saban's 3.1 million dollar home in January of 2013 and continues to pay the yearly property taxes on the home. This is $200,000 more than Saban paid for it. If I remember, this was about the time the rumors of the University of Texas looking to Saban for their next head coach surfaced.
Thirdly, the NCAA says that a coach's compensation is allowed to come from a University foundation.
Finally, the foundation likes to point out that the University of Alabama owned Bear Bryants home so everything is okay. Scott Phelps, assistant secretary of the foundation had this to say, "We want to keep him happy. We think he is the best coach in America."
My point in saying all of this is that Todd Gurley, running back at the University of Georgia, has been suspended for allegedly accepting $400 dollars for his autograph on items a collector will make back at least a hundred fold and Jameis Winston is being investigated for the same NCAA "crime".
The head coach and his staff, in all sports, should be held to some higher standard when it comes to receiving compensation from non profit entities.
When the NCAA has to change rules to allow universities to feed their athletes more because they go hungry (re: statements by UConn's Shabazz Napier...I sometimes go to bed starving because I can't afford food), they should change rules that say University foundations can compensate coaches.
The time has come for the NCAA to step up to the plate and admit that student-athletes should be compensated for their efforts that bring millions of dollars to universities and their coaches.
Having stated these points I have some things to say about this ESPN article, written by Alex Scarborough.
First, Nick Saban is paid 7 million dollars a year to coach the University of Alabama's football team. He has done a very good job of this and should be compensated well.
Secondly, the Crimson Tide Foundation bought Saban's 3.1 million dollar home in January of 2013 and continues to pay the yearly property taxes on the home. This is $200,000 more than Saban paid for it. If I remember, this was about the time the rumors of the University of Texas looking to Saban for their next head coach surfaced.
Thirdly, the NCAA says that a coach's compensation is allowed to come from a University foundation.
Finally, the foundation likes to point out that the University of Alabama owned Bear Bryants home so everything is okay. Scott Phelps, assistant secretary of the foundation had this to say, "We want to keep him happy. We think he is the best coach in America."
My point in saying all of this is that Todd Gurley, running back at the University of Georgia, has been suspended for allegedly accepting $400 dollars for his autograph on items a collector will make back at least a hundred fold and Jameis Winston is being investigated for the same NCAA "crime".
The head coach and his staff, in all sports, should be held to some higher standard when it comes to receiving compensation from non profit entities.
When the NCAA has to change rules to allow universities to feed their athletes more because they go hungry (re: statements by UConn's Shabazz Napier...I sometimes go to bed starving because I can't afford food), they should change rules that say University foundations can compensate coaches.
The time has come for the NCAA to step up to the plate and admit that student-athletes should be compensated for their efforts that bring millions of dollars to universities and their coaches.
Giants Take 3-2 Series Lead On Bumgarner's Shutout
The San Francisco Giants head to Kansas City with a 3-2 lead in the World Series. Madison Bumgarner threw a beauty of a game, a complete game 4 hit shutout.
This was the first World Series complete game shutout since Josh Beckett, pitching for the Florida Marlins in 2003, shutout the NY Yankees in the series clinching 6th game.
Hunter Pence got things going for the Giants in the bottom of the 2nd with a lead off single. Brandon Belt's sacrifice bunt got past James Shields for an infield single that put runners at first and second with no outs. Travis Ishakawa flew out to center to move the runners up a base. Brandon Crawford grounded out to second as Pence scored. The Giants had all the runs they would need with Bumgarner on the mound, a 1-0 lead.
With Shields still pitching for the Royals in the 4th, Pablo Sandoval singled to lead off the inning. Hunter Pence and Brandon Belt both struck out, but Travis Ishakawa singled to get Sandoval to second and Brandon Crawford singled to drive in Sandoval for the 2-0 Giants lead.
The Giants broke the game open in the bottom of the 8th. Kelvin Herrera, on in relief, gave up consecutive singles to Pablo Sandoval and Hunter Pence. Wade Davis relieved Herrera. Juan Perez greeted Davis with a full count double that scored Sandoval and Pence. Perez went to third on a throwing error by Alcides Escobar. Brandon Crawford's single plated Perez and the Giants' lead grew to 5-0.
Bumgarner set the Royals down in order in the top of the 9th to pick up his second win of this World Series. In his last 4 World Series starts, Bumgarner is 4-0 with a 0.29 ERA.
The number 7 and 8 hitters in the San Francisco lineup went 5 for 8 with 5 RBIs and a run scored last night.
Game 6 of the 2014 will be in Kansas City on Tuesday night.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
ESPN Game Balls for Sunday 10/26
This is a feature offered by ESPN awarding "Game Balls" to players for the week in the NFL. I can't say I agree with all the selections but I don't get to write for ESPN.
Read the article here.
Read the article here.
Upsets on Sunday 10/26
The Arizona Cardinals' rookie John Brown caught a touchdown pass from Carson Palmer with 1:21 to play and the Cardinals defense stopped the Eagles at the Cardinal 16 yard line as time expired to beat the Eagles 24-20.
Read the ESPN Recap here.
Andy Dalton, of the Cincinnati Bengals worked a quarterback sneak from 1 yard out to perfection as the Bengals beat the Ravens 27-24 and remain in the hunt for a playoff spot.
The ESPN story is here.
Anthony Barr, Minnesota Viking LB, stripped the ball from Tampa Bay TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins and returmed the fumble 27 yards for the score as the Vikings beat the Buccaneers 19-13.
ESPN has the story here.
So much for the vaunted Colts defense that shut out the Bengals 27-0 last week. Big Ben and the Pittsburgh dismantled the Colts as Roethlisberger threww for 522 yards and 6 touchdowns in a 51-34 thrashing of the Colts.
Here is the ESPN story.
Read the ESPN Recap here.
Andy Dalton, of the Cincinnati Bengals worked a quarterback sneak from 1 yard out to perfection as the Bengals beat the Ravens 27-24 and remain in the hunt for a playoff spot.
The ESPN story is here.
Anthony Barr, Minnesota Viking LB, stripped the ball from Tampa Bay TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins and returmed the fumble 27 yards for the score as the Vikings beat the Buccaneers 19-13.
ESPN has the story here.
So much for the vaunted Colts defense that shut out the Bengals 27-0 last week. Big Ben and the Pittsburgh dismantled the Colts as Roethlisberger threww for 522 yards and 6 touchdowns in a 51-34 thrashing of the Colts.
Here is the ESPN story.
Charros Sweep Mexicali With 2-1 Win
The Charros swept the three game series with the Aguilas de Mexicali Eagles with a 2-1 victory on Sunday afternoon, Family Day at Panamerican Stadium.
The pitching was very good by the starters for both teams. Orlando Lara, starter for the Charros went 5 complete innings allowing 3 hits, no runs, 4 base on balls while striking out three. Omar Espinoza of the Aguilas went 6 innings without allowing a run while giving up 4 hits with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. Espinoza lowered his ERA to 1.04 on the year.
In the top of the 7th, with one out, the Aguilas' Gil Valezquez singled to center. Chris Roberson then doubled to left center that scored Valezquez. Roberson stole third but the Charros reliever, Murphy Smith, got Walter Ibarra to ground out to second and Xorge Carrillo to ground out to first to end the inning but the Aguilas had the 1-0 lead.
Jalisco tied the score in the bottom of the 8th. Mario Meza, on in relief, gave up a double to Jesus Lopez with one out. Jose Sanchez replaced Meza for the Aguilas. Sanchez threw a wild pitch that got Lopez to third. Eduardo Arredondo hit a sac fly to left that plated Lopez and the score was 1-1.
Brian Broderick came on in relief to pitch the 9th for the Charros and he pitched another 1-2-3 9th inning. He would pick up the win when the Charros scored in the bottom of the 9th.
Marquez Smith grounded out to short to lead off the 9th for the Charros. Cory Vaughn was hit by a pitch and immediately stole second. Amadeo Zazueta singled to center to score Vaughn and the Charros had their second walk off win in as many games.
Orlando Lara lowered his ERA to 0.57 and Brian Broderick, with the win, is now 2-0 with 5 saves and an ERA of 1.08 on the year.
Marquez Smith was 2 for 4 with a double while Manny Rodriguez went 2 for 4 to bring his batting average to .362 on the year. Eduardo Arredondo, although 0 for 3, had the game tying sac fly in the 8th. Jesus Lopez went 1 for 3 with a double to maintain his .333 average on the season while Amadeo Zazueta went 1 for 2 with the game winning RBI.
The Yaquis de Obregon come to Zapopan for a three game series beginning on Monday the 27th of October. With the win today the Charros are 9-5 on the year, tied with the Venados de Mazatlan for the league lead.
Giants Take Game 4, 11-4 Even Series at 2
The Kansas City relievers failed Ned Yost last night as the San Francisco Giants evened the series at 2 games apiece with an 11-4 victory over the Royals.
Read the ESPN recap here.
Read the ESPN recap here.
TCU Pummels Texas Tech 82-27
The Horned Frogs of TCU had their way with the Red Raiders of Texas Tech on Saturday. Quarterback Trevone Boykin threw 7 touchdown passes while amassing 433 yards through the air before leaving in the 3rd quarter.
Some records were set in the game. While some fell short.
For TCU, Most points in a game 82, Most touchdown passes thrown in a game 7, Most touchdowns in a game 10.
For Texas Tech, Most points allowed in a game 82.
The 109 points scored falls 27 points shy of the record by Division 1 schools. In 2007, Navy beat North Texas State 74-62 for the record of 136 points.
The 82 points by TCU doesn't best the record 100 points scored by the University of Houston against Tulsa in 1968.
TCU scored 10 touchdowns and 4 field goals on 785 yards of offense running 86 plays from scrimmage for an average of 9.12 yards per play. TCU did have to punt twice though.
Two running backs for TCU, Aaron Green and Trevorris Johnson rushed for more than 100 yards and Deante Gray had 165 yards receiving on 4 catches with 2 touchdowns.
Some records were set in the game. While some fell short.
For TCU, Most points in a game 82, Most touchdown passes thrown in a game 7, Most touchdowns in a game 10.
For Texas Tech, Most points allowed in a game 82.
The 109 points scored falls 27 points shy of the record by Division 1 schools. In 2007, Navy beat North Texas State 74-62 for the record of 136 points.
The 82 points by TCU doesn't best the record 100 points scored by the University of Houston against Tulsa in 1968.
TCU scored 10 touchdowns and 4 field goals on 785 yards of offense running 86 plays from scrimmage for an average of 9.12 yards per play. TCU did have to punt twice though.
Two running backs for TCU, Aaron Green and Trevorris Johnson rushed for more than 100 yards and Deante Gray had 165 yards receiving on 4 catches with 2 touchdowns.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
NCAA Football Playoffs This Week? UPDATE
#1 Mississippi State gets by Kentucky 45-31
#2 Florida State Off
#3 Ole Miss loses to #24 LSU 10-7
#4 Alabama beats Tennessee 34-20
#5 Auburn over South Carolina 42-35
#6 Oregon outlasts Cal 59-41
#7 Notre Dame Off
#8 Michigan State decisively over Michigan 35-11
#9 Georgia Off
#10 TCU devours Texas Tech 82-27
The only team I can say for sure that will move in the rankings is #24 LSU. They will probably leapfrog several teams. I would not be surprised to see them at #15.
My prognostication is that Ole Miss drops to #6, Alabama moves up to #3 followed by Auburn at #4 and Oregon at #5. Michigan State will jump Notre Dame to take #7 with Notre Dame at #8 and TCU jumps Georgia to end at #9 with Georgia at #10.
Check my guesses on Sunday afternoon! I'll have the ranking update late tomorrow.
UPDATE!!
Latest Rankings are thus on 10/16/14
#1 Mississippi State #6 Notre Dame (I had Ole Miss)
#2 Florida State #7 Ole Miss (I had Michigan St.)
#3 Alabama #8 Michigan State (I had Notre Dame)
#4 Auburn #9 Georgia (I had TCU)
#5 Oregon #10 TCU (I had Georgia)
#2 Florida State Off
#3 Ole Miss loses to #24 LSU 10-7
#4 Alabama beats Tennessee 34-20
#5 Auburn over South Carolina 42-35
#6 Oregon outlasts Cal 59-41
#7 Notre Dame Off
#8 Michigan State decisively over Michigan 35-11
#9 Georgia Off
#10 TCU devours Texas Tech 82-27
The only team I can say for sure that will move in the rankings is #24 LSU. They will probably leapfrog several teams. I would not be surprised to see them at #15.
My prognostication is that Ole Miss drops to #6, Alabama moves up to #3 followed by Auburn at #4 and Oregon at #5. Michigan State will jump Notre Dame to take #7 with Notre Dame at #8 and TCU jumps Georgia to end at #9 with Georgia at #10.
Check my guesses on Sunday afternoon! I'll have the ranking update late tomorrow.
UPDATE!!
Latest Rankings are thus on 10/16/14
#1 Mississippi State #6 Notre Dame (I had Ole Miss)
#2 Florida State #7 Ole Miss (I had Michigan St.)
#3 Alabama #8 Michigan State (I had Notre Dame)
#4 Auburn #9 Georgia (I had TCU)
#5 Oregon #10 TCU (I had Georgia)
Charros Take 2nd Game From Mexicali 3-1
Aguilas de Mexicali started things off in the first inning of Saturday's game with the Charros by scoring a run. That would be all they would score though in a 3-1 loss to Jalisco.
Misael German walked and moved to second on a Walter Ibarra sacrifice bunt. German scored when Brock Peterson hit a ball to left center that bounced over the wall for a ground rule double.
Marco Tovar, the starter for the Charros, settled down and got Mike Jacobs to pop up to short and Luke Montz to ground out 5-3 but the Aguilas had the 1-0 lead.
The Aguilas starter, Marco Duarte, gave up a lead off home run to Japhet Amador in the 4th that tied the score at 1.
In the Jalisco half of the 8th, Jesus Lopez led off with a single off Edgar Gomez, in for Aguilas starter, Marco Duarte. Eduardo Arredondo sacrified Lopez to second. After Manny Rodriguez struck out, Leo Heras hit a ground rule double to center to score Lopez. Japhet Amador singled to center to drive in Heras and the Charros had the 3-1 lead that proved to be the final margin of victory.
Brian Broderick set the Aguilas down in order in the top of the ninth to pick up his 5th save on the year. Ivan Salas got his 1st win of the year for the Charros and Edgar Gomez took the loss for Mexicali.
Japhet Amador was 3 for 4 on the night with his 1st home run, 2 RBIs and a run scored as he raised his batting average to .321. Leo Heras was 1 for 3 and drove in his 10th run of the season. Jesus Lopez went 2 for 3 with a run scored to raise his average to .333.
Marco Tovar worked 6 strong innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits with 3 walks and 6 strike outs while lowering his ERA to 3.21 on the young season. Brian Broderick in picking up his 5th save, lowered his ERA to 1.23.
The 3rd game of this series will be played on Sunday the 26th of October starting at Noon.
#11 K-State Shutsout Longhorns 23-0
The University of Texas football team has been shutout by the Kansas State Wildcats 23-0. This was the first time UT has been shutout since Oklahoma did the deed on October 9, 2004.
Check out the ESPN coverage here.
Check out the ESPN coverage here.
#6 Oregon Beats Cal 59-41 in Pac 12
Marcus Mariota threw for 326 yards and 5 TDs as the 6th ranjed Oregon Ducks beat the Cal Bears 59-41. Mariota threw his 1st INT of the year with 3:31 to go in the 2nd quarter.
Oregon improved to 7-1 while Cal dropped to 4-4 on the season.
Read the ESPN recap article here.
Oregon improved to 7-1 while Cal dropped to 4-4 on the season.
Read the ESPN recap article here.
Royals Up 2-1 in World Series
Without the benefit of the DH at the National League park, Ned Yost was forced to make some fielding and lineup changes. Those changes worked as the Royals beat the Giants 3-2 to take a 2 games to 1 lead in the World Series.
Yost moved Lorenzo Cain from center field to right field and inserted Jarrod Dyson in center. Cain made two very good plays on sinking line drives and appeared comfortable in his new position. Yost also moved Alex Gordon from 6th to 2nd in the lineup and Gordon responded with a clutch RBI double in the 6th.
Kansas City jumped on top in the 1st when Alcides Escobar doubled to lead off the inning. Alex Gordon grounded out to move Escobar to third and Escobar scored when Lorenzo Cain grounded out to short. KC had the early lead 1-0.
The Royals added to their lead in the top of the 6th. With one out, Alcides Escobar singled to center. Alex Gordon then doubled off the wall in right to score Escobar. After Lorenzo Cain grounded out to third, Javier Lopez relieved Tim Hudson for the Giants. Eric Hosmer had what is called a quality at bat against Lopez. Hosmer singled on the 11th pitch of the at bat to score Gordon and the Royals had built a 3-0 lead.
San Francisco rallied in their half of the 6th. Brandon Crawford singled to lead off. Mike Morse, pinch hitting for Javier Lopez, doubled to left to score Crawford. Kelvin Herrera relieved Royals' starter, Jeremy Guthrie and promptly walked Gregor Blanco. Joe Panik sent a high chopper to the mound to move the runners to 2nd and 3rd. Buster Posey then grounded to second to score Morse and the Giants had cut the lead to 3-2.
Neither team scored again and Greg Holland pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for the Royals to preserve the win for Guthrie and pick up his 1st save of the World Series and 7th save of this postseason, an MLB record. The Royals bullpen became the first bullpen in MLB history to have 7 wins and 7 saves in a single postseason.
Charros Topple Mexicali With 3-2 Win
Charros de Jalisco scored a run in the bottom of the 9th when Mexicali right fielder, Shane Peterson, misplayed a ground ball that allowed Gabriel Gutierrez to score from third with the winning run.
In the bottom of the 2nd, Aguilas lead off batter, Brock Peterson, reached safely and went to second on a throwing error by Charros third baseman, Marquez Smith. Shane Peterson then laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Brock Peterson to third. After Luke Montz grounded out to the pitcher, Luis Juarez singled to right to score Peterson. Ramon Ruiz singled to center and Gil Velazquez singled to left to score Juarez. Mexicali had a 2-0 lead after 2 innings.
Edgar Ozuna, starter for the Aguilas, held the Charros bats in check until the 5th. Gabriel Gutierrez doubled to lead off the inning. When Jesus Lopez flied out to center, Gutierrez tagged and went to third. With two outs, Manny Rodriguez singled off of the pitcher's leg and Gutierrez scored. Jalisco had cut the Aguilas' lead to 2-1.
Anthony Slama relieved Daniel Herrera for Mexicali in the bottom of the 8th and gave up a solo home run to Cory Vaughn, his 1st of the year, and the score was tied at 2.
Brian Broderick, the Charros closer, pitched the 9th, giving up a hit but holding the Aguilas scoreless.
Mexicali went through three pitchers in the bottom of the 9th. Eder Llamas began the inning for the Aguilas. Gabriel Gutierrez singled to center and took second on a throwing error by by Chris Roberson. Jesus Lopez laid down a beautiful sacrifice bunt to move Gutierrez to third. Eduardo Arredondo was intentionally walked and the Charros had runners at the corners with 1 out. Manny Rodriguez waited out a walk to load the bases. Jose Sanchez was brought in to face Leo Heras and got Heras to strike out swinging for the second out. Francisco Rodriguez was called on to replace Sanchez and face Japhet Amador. The outfield was in to cut down the run at the plate. The move seemed to have worked as Amador sent a sharp one hop ground ball to right field. The Mexicali right fielder, Shane Peterson took his eye off the ball and misplayed it for an error that scored Gutierrez from third for the walk off error win for the Charros.
Brian Broderick got the win, his 1st of the year, but the entire pitching staff held the Aguilas to just 2 runs on 6 hits, four of those by Luis Juarez who went 4 for 4, while walking just 2 and striking out 5.
Eder Llamas took the loss for Mexicali and dropped to 0-2 on the young season.
Cory Vaughn was 3 for 3 with the home run, an RBI and a run scored. Manny Rodriguez, hitting .373 on the year, went 2 for 4 with an RBI and Gabriel Gutierrez was 2 for 4 with a double and 2 runs scored.
The Charros and Caneros de los Mochis are now both 7-5, one half game behind the Venados de Mazatlan for first place in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico. Mexicali falls to 6-6, a game behind Jalisco.
These two teams continue their series with games on Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th.
Friday, October 24, 2014
USA Women's Soccer Advance to 2015 World Cup
The USA's Womens Soccer team clinched a berth in the 2015 World Cup by defeating Mexico 3-0 in a semi-final match.
Carli Lloyd scored 2 goals for Team USA. Christie Press scored an empty net goal in the 56th minute for the third US goal.
The US women will face Costa Rica in the CONCACAF finals on Sunday.
Mexico will face Trinidad and Tobago for third place also on Sunday.
Carli Lloyd scored 2 goals for Team USA. Christie Press scored an empty net goal in the 56th minute for the third US goal.
The US women will face Costa Rica in the CONCACAF finals on Sunday.
Mexico will face Trinidad and Tobago for third place also on Sunday.
Manning Doesn't Care For Bronco Scoreboard Antics
Okay, Peyton is a perfectionist who likes things scripted, re: Career Record keep away game. I get that. One thing I can agree with is that Peyton is upset with the way the jumbotron at the Bronco's stadium got the crowd riled up during Thursday night's game against the San Diego Chargers.
Most fans would say "lighten up Peyton", but in this case I agree with the master. The "entertainment" provided by the jumbotron is annoying.
Check out the Arnie Stapleton article here. Am I crazy or not?
Most fans would say "lighten up Peyton", but in this case I agree with the master. The "entertainment" provided by the jumbotron is annoying.
Check out the Arnie Stapleton article here. Am I crazy or not?
World Series Game 1 Least Watched
The NY Times has an article today by Jonathan Mahler and Bill Carter explaining that Major League Baseball is no longer the center of attention in US Television Sports.
Their argument is that only 12.2 million viewers tuned in to Game 1 of the World Series. Sunday Night Football, they say, drew 24 million. They called that game a regular season game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos. What they failed to mention is that the game was between last year's Super Bowl team, with Peyton Manning about to break Brett Favre's career touchdown record, and a team that was one play away from making the Super Bowl last year.
Even the Florida State against Notre Dame matchup drew more viewers they note, again failing to mention that #2 FSU, with the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and all his personal problems, was facing it's toughest challange to an undefeated season and possible back-to-back National Championships, against #5 Notre Dame with it's own TV Network and legion of fans nationwide.
There are reasons why the NFL and college football draw more viewers than baseball in the regular season. Every loss could mean elimination from the playoffs.
NFL football, and this year college football, playoffs are a single elimination format - lose and go home. Baseball playoffs are either best of 5 or best of 7 formats. There is no feeling of win now or wait til next year. In 2011, 25 million viewers tuned in watch the 7th game of the World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers, the first series to go 7 games since 2002 and, in essence, a single elimination game.
You have compound problems with the 2014 World Series. Small markets, no "household names" and literally not the "best" teams playing in the series.
Kansas City is the smallest TV market in major league baseball while the Giants rank 14th of the 32 markets.
Cable TV hypes players all year, from April through September, usually from the big markets. (ie. NY, Boston, LA and Detroit) Think Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Miguel Cabrerra, Giancarlo Stanton, Big Papi, Derek Jeter. These players are highlighted every day for 6 months. There are no "big names" on either of this years teams.
Then you have the perception that the teams playing are not the "best" team of either league. The Kansas City Royals were the 4th best team in the American League while the San Francisco Giants were the 5th best team in the National League. Throughout the early playoffs, neither team was picked to win a series they were in. The saying that perception is reality holds true in the 2014 World Series.
Lastly, the late starts do effect viewership. An 8 o'clock start on the East Coast costs viewers. Without an East Coast team, games during the week and on Sunday, fans won't stay up that late to watch the whole game. They can always check in on the internet to find out the score. In fact, most adults under the age of 40 do not watch TV and get their news and sports from the 'net.
If all baseball wanted was to improve World Series TV ratings, here is what Major League Baseball should do.
Go back to 2 leagues, American League and National League. Play 146 games during the season to determine the top 4 teams. Have those 4 teams play a 1 game playoff. (#1 v #4 and #2 v #3) The winners to play another 1 game playoff. That gives you 6 single elimination games. The League winners would then meet in a best of 5 game World Series to determine a Champion. With the shorter schedule and a shorter playoff, the season could be over by the middle of October instead in dragging on until the end of October or early November.
Interest would be sky high for every game. I know this won't happen but if Major League Baseball calls I'll fill them in on the details...One can dream!
Joe Maddon Opts Out of Rays Contract
Joe Maddon, manager of the Tampa Bay Rays for the last 9 seasons has invoked the opt out clause in his contract and will not manage the Rays in 2015.
In and interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Maddon said this.
"I have been doing this for a long time," Maddon told the newspaper. "I have never had this opportunity to research my employment on my terms. Never, never, never. And I think anybody given the same set of circumstances would do the same thing."
In and interview with the Tampa Bay Times, Maddon said this.
"I have been doing this for a long time," Maddon told the newspaper. "I have never had this opportunity to research my employment on my terms. Never, never, never. And I think anybody given the same set of circumstances would do the same thing."
Maddon led the Rays to 4 playoff appearances in his time managing the team.
Read the complete ESPN article here.
Charros Drop Series To Navojoa
The Charros dropped the third game of the 3 game series with the Mayos de Navojoa 5-4 on Thursday night to drop to 6-5 on the year. Jalisco lost the series 2 games to 1.
Jalisco scored in the top of the 1st on a double by Manny Rodriguez and a single by Leo Heras to take the early 1-0 lead.
Navojoa came back in their half of the inning to score three times. Jose Chavez led off with a single against Charros starter Ben Kozlowski. Jon Weber doubled with Chavez stopping at third. Luis Fonseca doubled to score Chavez and Weber. Chris Marrero walked and a wild pitch by Kozlowski on the walk put runners on the corners with no outs. Rolando Acosta grounded into a 5-4-3 double play that scored Fonseca and the Mayos took the lead 3-1.
Cory Vaughn led off the Charros 2nd with a single but Ivan Araujo grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to erase Vaughn. Jose Felix walked and Jesus Lopez singled as Felix moved to third on a throwing error by the Mayos' shortstop. Eduardo Arredondo doubled to score Felix and Lopez and the score was tied at 3.
Navojoa retook the lead in the bottom of the 3rd on a single by Jose Chavez, a ground out by Jon Weber that moved Chavez to second and a single by Luis Fonseca that scored Chavez. Navojoa led 4-3.
In the top of the 6th, Cory Vaughn walked with one out but got picked off first. Ivan Araujo singled and went to second on a single by Jose Felix. Jesus Lopez followed with a single as Araujo scored and the Charros had tied the game again at 4 apiece.
Hugo Castellanos was pitching for the Charros to start the bottom of the 8th. He struck out Reggie Ambercrombie for the first out but gave up back-to-back singles to Eliseo Aldazaba and Diego Madero. Murphy Smith relieved Castellanos and gave up a single to pinch hitter Fernando Flores that scored Aldazaba with what would prove to be the winning run.
The Charros got 12 hits on the night. Japhet Amador was 2 for 5. Manny Rodriguez was 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored. Jesus Lopez was also 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Leo Heras went 1 for 5 with an RBI and Eduardo Arredondo was 1 for 5 with a double and 2 RBIs.
Ben Kozlowski lasted 5 innings but gave up 4 earned runs on 7 hits while striking out 1 and walking 3. He saw his ERA climb to 4.02 on the year. Hugo Castellanos took the loss, his first of the year, and his ERA shot up to 12.27 for the season.
Hugo Gutierrez got the win for the Mayos and Gene Escat picked up his 2nd save of the year.
Broncos Bully Chargers 35-21 on Thursday Night
It took Peyton Manning and the Broncos 16:29 to figure out the Chargers defense but they scored 35 points in the next 30 minutes to top San Diego at home 35-21 and move to 6-1 in the AFC West.
Emmanuel Sanders caught the first of his three TD passes from Manning to start the barrage, a 2 yard catch that got the Broncos on the board. Sanders got his second touchdown with 32 seconds to go in the half to give Denver the 14-7 lead heading into the locker room.
A 3 yard touchdown pass following a Philip Rivers' interception in the 3rd quarter was Sanders' third of the night and put the Broncos up 21-7.
Juwan Thompson had touchdown runs of 1 and 2 yards to complete the Broncos scoring. Thompson had 7 carries for 24 yards on the night.
Manning was 25 of 35 passing for 286 yards with 3 TDs and no INTs while Rivers went 30 for 41 with 3 TDs but threw 2 INTs.
Sanders caught 9 passes for 120 yards and those 3 TDs and Demaryius Thomas had 8 receptions for 105 yards for Denver.
Ronnie Hillman carried the ball 20 times for the Broncos and had 109 yards on the ground while Denver rushed for a total of 139 yards.
The Broncos defense held the Chargers to 61 yards on the ground with Branden Oliver their leading rusher with 13 carries for 36 yards.
Keenan Allen caught 9 passe from Rivers for 73 yards and a TD while Antonio Gates added 2 touchdowns on 5 receptions for 54 yards.
Chris Harris and Rahim Moore both intercepted Philip Rivers for the Bronco defense.
Emmanuel Sanders caught the first of his three TD passes from Manning to start the barrage, a 2 yard catch that got the Broncos on the board. Sanders got his second touchdown with 32 seconds to go in the half to give Denver the 14-7 lead heading into the locker room.
A 3 yard touchdown pass following a Philip Rivers' interception in the 3rd quarter was Sanders' third of the night and put the Broncos up 21-7.
Juwan Thompson had touchdown runs of 1 and 2 yards to complete the Broncos scoring. Thompson had 7 carries for 24 yards on the night.
Manning was 25 of 35 passing for 286 yards with 3 TDs and no INTs while Rivers went 30 for 41 with 3 TDs but threw 2 INTs.
Sanders caught 9 passes for 120 yards and those 3 TDs and Demaryius Thomas had 8 receptions for 105 yards for Denver.
Ronnie Hillman carried the ball 20 times for the Broncos and had 109 yards on the ground while Denver rushed for a total of 139 yards.
The Broncos defense held the Chargers to 61 yards on the ground with Branden Oliver their leading rusher with 13 carries for 36 yards.
Keenan Allen caught 9 passe from Rivers for 73 yards and a TD while Antonio Gates added 2 touchdowns on 5 receptions for 54 yards.
Chris Harris and Rahim Moore both intercepted Philip Rivers for the Bronco defense.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
NFL Predictions for Week 8
I didn't do very well last week, in fact I went 4-10 on the week. I promise I'll do much better this week. Here goes!
San Diego @ Denver Broncos 28-21 - Shootout between Manning and Rivers
Detroit @ Atlanta Lions 31-21 - Even without Megatron
Baltimore @ Cincinnati Ravens 35-17 - Bengals continue downward spiral
Chicago @ New England Patriots 28-24 - Turmoil in Bears lockerroom spills onto field
Miami @ Jacksonville Dolphins 21-17 - Short trip for Miami victory
Minnesota @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-17 - Bucs with just enough O
Buffalo @ NY Jets Bills 21-14 - Out on a limb here
Seattle @ Carolina Seahawks 31-17 - Hawks can't lose 3 in a row?
Houston @ Tennessee Texans 24-14 - JJ may have to do it all
St. Louis @ Kansas City Chiefs 27-10 - No more trick plays please
Philadelphia @ Arizona Eagles 28-20 - Must keep pace with the Boys
Oakland @ Cleveland Raiders 31-17 - Two losses in a row to winless teams
Indianapolis @ Pittsburgh Colts 28-21 - Tough test for Luck and the D
Green Bay @ New Orleans Packers 35-28 - Another offensive thriller
Washington @ Dallas Cowboys 31-10 - 'Skins are toast in the East
San Diego @ Denver Broncos 28-21 - Shootout between Manning and Rivers
Detroit @ Atlanta Lions 31-21 - Even without Megatron
Baltimore @ Cincinnati Ravens 35-17 - Bengals continue downward spiral
Chicago @ New England Patriots 28-24 - Turmoil in Bears lockerroom spills onto field
Miami @ Jacksonville Dolphins 21-17 - Short trip for Miami victory
Minnesota @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-17 - Bucs with just enough O
Buffalo @ NY Jets Bills 21-14 - Out on a limb here
Seattle @ Carolina Seahawks 31-17 - Hawks can't lose 3 in a row?
Houston @ Tennessee Texans 24-14 - JJ may have to do it all
St. Louis @ Kansas City Chiefs 27-10 - No more trick plays please
Philadelphia @ Arizona Eagles 28-20 - Must keep pace with the Boys
Oakland @ Cleveland Raiders 31-17 - Two losses in a row to winless teams
Indianapolis @ Pittsburgh Colts 28-21 - Tough test for Luck and the D
Green Bay @ New Orleans Packers 35-28 - Another offensive thriller
Washington @ Dallas Cowboys 31-10 - 'Skins are toast in the East
NHL Update
The following article is from Puck Central on ESPN.
The tragic murder of the soldier at the Canadian Tomb of the Unknowns and bullets flying in the Parliament Building are grim reminders that the world has gone crazy and that sports sometimes need to take a back seat to life.
The games will go on in Canada! The Canadian and American citizens will not be terrorized!
The tragic murder of the soldier at the Canadian Tomb of the Unknowns and bullets flying in the Parliament Building are grim reminders that the world has gone crazy and that sports sometimes need to take a back seat to life.
The games will go on in Canada! The Canadian and American citizens will not be terrorized!
SEC's 5 Best Coodinators
Brad Crawford of saturdaydownsouth.com, has a really good article on the 5 best coordinators in the SEC. Also contained within the article is a link to one on the 5 worst coordinators...also a good read.
There are two defensive coordinators, 2 offensive coordinators and a running backs/recruiting coordinator listed.
The defensive coordinators are from Ole Miss and Georgia, the offensive coordinators from Alabama and Mississippi State and the running backs/recruiting coordinator is from LSU.
If you like the SEC, you'll love the article. If you tend to think the SEC is overrated you will scoff at any notion that any good thing could come from the SEC.
I'm a college football fan who likes well written articles about college football. Read Brad's article here, Regardless where you stand on the SEC, you'll have to admit this article is spot on.
There are two defensive coordinators, 2 offensive coordinators and a running backs/recruiting coordinator listed.
The defensive coordinators are from Ole Miss and Georgia, the offensive coordinators from Alabama and Mississippi State and the running backs/recruiting coordinator is from LSU.
If you like the SEC, you'll love the article. If you tend to think the SEC is overrated you will scoff at any notion that any good thing could come from the SEC.
I'm a college football fan who likes well written articles about college football. Read Brad's article here, Regardless where you stand on the SEC, you'll have to admit this article is spot on.
NBA 2014-2015 Season Preview
LeBron is back in Cleveland, Kobe is the 40th best player in the NBA, Kevin Durant has a broken bone in his foot...
These are some of the stories, above and below, to watch this season.
Blake Griffin seems to be saying "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore..."
Carmelo Anthony says he won't win the scoring title because of the triangle offense.
And let's not forget the reigning Champion San Antonio Spurs!
Mike Prada of SBNation.com has a wonderfully complete breakdown of the NBA's upcoming season. Be sure to read it all here. It's a little cumbersome but a great read.
These are some of the stories, above and below, to watch this season.
Blake Griffin seems to be saying "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore..."
Carmelo Anthony says he won't win the scoring title because of the triangle offense.
And let's not forget the reigning Champion San Antonio Spurs!
Mike Prada of SBNation.com has a wonderfully complete breakdown of the NBA's upcoming season. Be sure to read it all here. It's a little cumbersome but a great read.
Sporting News Names Kershaw MLB "Player of the Year"
Sporting News has named Clayton Kershaw of the LA Dodgers their Player of the Year for 2014.
What I like about Sporting News' selection is that their panel is made up of 244 major league players. These players vote on what they see day in and day out. The panel is not given a list to choose from, they choose their own candidate.
This year, Kershaw narrowly beat LA Angels outfielder, Mike Trout by three votes, 76-73. Giancarlo Stanton, of the Miami Marlins, finished a distant third with 32 votes.
Jesse Spector of The Sporting News has an article here with the facts about Kershaw's 2014 season. A season where he missed the month of April due to injury.
What I like about Sporting News' selection is that their panel is made up of 244 major league players. These players vote on what they see day in and day out. The panel is not given a list to choose from, they choose their own candidate.
This year, Kershaw narrowly beat LA Angels outfielder, Mike Trout by three votes, 76-73. Giancarlo Stanton, of the Miami Marlins, finished a distant third with 32 votes.
Jesse Spector of The Sporting News has an article here with the facts about Kershaw's 2014 season. A season where he missed the month of April due to injury.
Royals Down Giants 7-2 in Game 2
The Kansas City Royals answered the Giants' offensive outburst in game 1 of the World Series with one of their own in game 2.
Game 2 looked as though it might be a continuation of game 1 when Gregor Blanco sent a 3-2 pitch from Yorlando Ventura over the wall in right to lead off the game and give the Giants a quick 1-0 lead. Ventura settled down and got the next three outs to get out of the inning.
The Royals responded in their half of the 1st inning. Alcides Escobar reached on a ball hit deep in the hole to short. Norichika Aoki flied out to center. Escobar was caught trying to steal second for the second out. Lorenzo Cain then doubled to left center and Eric Hosmer walked. Billy Butler followed with a single to score Cain and the Royals had tied the game at 1.
Kansas City scored another run in the 2nd on doubles by Omar Infante and Alcides Escobar that gave the Royals a 2-1 lead.
The Giants would tie the score in the top of the 4th on a double by Pablo Sandoval to lead off the inning, and a double by Brandon Belt one out later that scored Sandoval.
Jake Peavy started the bottom of the 6th for the Giants and gave up a single to Lorenzo Cain and walked Eric Hosmer. Jean Machi relieved Peavy and gave up a 2-0 single to Billy Butler that scored Cain with Hosmer stopping at second. Kansas City had retaken the lead 3-2. Terrance Gore ran for Butler. Javier Lopez relieved Machi and got Alex Gordon to fly out to left for the first out. Hunter Strickland relieved Lopez and threw a wild pitch that moved both runners into scoring position. Hosmer and Gore scored on a double by Salvador Perez. Perez came around to score on a 2 run home run by Omar Infante and the Royals led 7-2. Neither team would score again and the Royals had taken game 2.
Billy Butler was 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs for the Royals while Omar Infante went 2 for 3 with the home run, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Lorenzo Cain was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored.
Gregor Blanco was 1 for 4 with the home run and a run scored for the Giants and Brandon Belt was 1 for 4 with the other RBI.
Jake Peavy was saddled with the loss allowing 4 earned runs on 6 hits with 2 walks while striking out 1 in 5 innings of work. Kelvin Herrera picked up the win in relief of Yorlando Ventura.
The series now shifts to San Francisco on Friday with games 3, 4 and 5 to be played at AT&T Park. Games 6 and 7, if necessary will be played in Kansas City.
Game 2 looked as though it might be a continuation of game 1 when Gregor Blanco sent a 3-2 pitch from Yorlando Ventura over the wall in right to lead off the game and give the Giants a quick 1-0 lead. Ventura settled down and got the next three outs to get out of the inning.
The Royals responded in their half of the 1st inning. Alcides Escobar reached on a ball hit deep in the hole to short. Norichika Aoki flied out to center. Escobar was caught trying to steal second for the second out. Lorenzo Cain then doubled to left center and Eric Hosmer walked. Billy Butler followed with a single to score Cain and the Royals had tied the game at 1.
Kansas City scored another run in the 2nd on doubles by Omar Infante and Alcides Escobar that gave the Royals a 2-1 lead.
The Giants would tie the score in the top of the 4th on a double by Pablo Sandoval to lead off the inning, and a double by Brandon Belt one out later that scored Sandoval.
Jake Peavy started the bottom of the 6th for the Giants and gave up a single to Lorenzo Cain and walked Eric Hosmer. Jean Machi relieved Peavy and gave up a 2-0 single to Billy Butler that scored Cain with Hosmer stopping at second. Kansas City had retaken the lead 3-2. Terrance Gore ran for Butler. Javier Lopez relieved Machi and got Alex Gordon to fly out to left for the first out. Hunter Strickland relieved Lopez and threw a wild pitch that moved both runners into scoring position. Hosmer and Gore scored on a double by Salvador Perez. Perez came around to score on a 2 run home run by Omar Infante and the Royals led 7-2. Neither team would score again and the Royals had taken game 2.
Billy Butler was 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs for the Royals while Omar Infante went 2 for 3 with the home run, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Lorenzo Cain was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored.
Gregor Blanco was 1 for 4 with the home run and a run scored for the Giants and Brandon Belt was 1 for 4 with the other RBI.
Jake Peavy was saddled with the loss allowing 4 earned runs on 6 hits with 2 walks while striking out 1 in 5 innings of work. Kelvin Herrera picked up the win in relief of Yorlando Ventura.
The series now shifts to San Francisco on Friday with games 3, 4 and 5 to be played at AT&T Park. Games 6 and 7, if necessary will be played in Kansas City.
Mayos de Navojoa Top Charros 6-1
Charros pitcher, Juan Delgadillo, had another rough outing last night dropping to 0-3 on the season with the 6-1 loss to the Mayos de Navojoa.
Delgadillo lasted just 4 innings, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits with 2 home runs while striking out just 2.
Navojoa scored 3 times in the bottom of the 3rd. With one out Jose Chavez singled and Jon Weber sent a line drive home run to right to give the Mayos a 2-0 lead. Two batters later Chris Marrero sent a ball over the fence in left center for a home run to increase the lead to 3-0.
The Charros got a run back in the top of the 5th. Cory Vaughn led off the inning with a triple. Vaughn scored on an attempted pick off by Navojoa starter, Eddie Gamboa, that sailed wide and into foul territory.The lead was narrowed to 3-1 Mayos.
Things were quiet until the bottom of the 8th inning. Charros reliever Alan Guerrero replaced Manuel Flores. With one out, Rolando Acosta singled. After Guerrero got the second out he was replaced by Murphy Smith. Eliseo Aldazaba tagged Murphy for a double with Acosta stopping at third. Fernando Flores was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Luis Borges singled to drive in Acosta and Aldazaba. Antonio Garzon replaced Murphy on the mound and Jose Chaves greeted Garzon with a double that scored Flores. Jon Weber flied out to left to end the inning but the damage was done. The Mayos would go on to win the game by this 6-1 score.
The only bright spots on the night for Jalisco were Cory Vaughn's triple and Manny Flores who worked three perfect innings in relief of Delgadillo to lower his ERA to 2.00.
The series is even at 1-1 with the rubber match to be played tonight. The Charros fell to 6-4 on the year while Navojoa climbed to 3-7.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
NBA Owners Shoot Down Draft Lottery Changes
The NBA owners, by a vote of 17-13 in favor, failed to achieve the 23 votes required to change the way the NBA Lottery Draft is conducted.
The new changes would have given the 4 worst team an even 11% chance of receiving the 1st pick in the draft. As it stands now the worst team has about a 25% chance of getting the 1st pick.
The rules change was an effort to reduce the chance of "tanking" games at the end of a season to get that coveted 1st draft pick.
Commissioner Adam Silver said. "I think we all recognize we need to find the right balance between creating the appropriate incentives on one hand for teams to, of course, win, and on the other hand allowing for appropriate rebuilding and the draft to work as it should in which the worst performing teams get the highest picks in the draft."
The new changes would have given the 4 worst team an even 11% chance of receiving the 1st pick in the draft. As it stands now the worst team has about a 25% chance of getting the 1st pick.
The rules change was an effort to reduce the chance of "tanking" games at the end of a season to get that coveted 1st draft pick.
Commissioner Adam Silver said. "I think we all recognize we need to find the right balance between creating the appropriate incentives on one hand for teams to, of course, win, and on the other hand allowing for appropriate rebuilding and the draft to work as it should in which the worst performing teams get the highest picks in the draft."
Read the full ESPN article here.
UNC Underfire for "Sham" Courses Taken by Athletes
The University of North Carolina has discovered in an investigation the university commissioned that over an 18 year period, athletes were steered toward so called sham courses to maintain their GPA and thus maintain their athletic eligibility.
This is from the ESPN story. "The report, released Wednesday, says academic advisers in North Carolina's athletic department colluded with a manager in the African and Afro-American Studies department for student-athletes to take classes to boost their GPAs and keep them eligible in their respective sports."
This is from the ESPN story. "The report, released Wednesday, says academic advisers in North Carolina's athletic department colluded with a manager in the African and Afro-American Studies department for student-athletes to take classes to boost their GPAs and keep them eligible in their respective sports."
Read the full investigative story here.
Giants Take Game 1 of World Series 7-1
Madison Bumgarner held the Kansas City Royals to 3 hits and 1 run over 7 innings as the Giants overpowered the Royals 7-1 to take game one of the 2014 World Series.
Hunter Pence was 2 for 3 with a home run, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored while Pablo Sandoval went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs for the Giants.
Read the ESPN recap here.
Hunter Pence was 2 for 3 with a home run, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored while Pablo Sandoval went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs for the Giants.
Read the ESPN recap here.
Charros Top Navojoa 6-4
The Charros de Jalisco powered their way to a 6-4 victory last night over the Mayos de Navojoa. Orlando Lara picked up the win with the help of two home runs by Leo Hera and a home run by Marquez Smith.
Jalisco scored a run in the top of the 1st with a solo home run by Heras off of Navojoa starter, Mario Gonzalez, and the Charros led 1-0.
In the 3rd, Gabriel Gutierrez led off with a double and went to third on a single by Jesus Lopez. Lopez moved up to second on a wild pitch. Eduardo Arredondo grounded out 4-3 as Gutierrez scored and Lopez went to third. Leo Heras then,stroked a hard shot up the middle that caromed off the glove of the Mayos second baseman into left center for a double that scored Lopez. The lead was now 3-0 Charros.
Navojoa got a run back in the bottom of the 3rd. Jose Chavez doubled to lead off. Jon Weber drew a base on balls. Orlando Lara then struck out Luis Fonseca and Chris Marrero but Rolando Acosta singled to right to drive in Chavez. Acosta was thrown out at second trying to stretch his single into a double to end the inning. The Jalisco was 3-1.
Marquez Smith, of the Charros, walked to lead off the top of the 4th. Smith stole second and went to third on a throwing error by the Mayos catcher, Genaro Andrade. Smith then scored on a single by Jesus Cota to increase the Charros lead to 4-1.
Leo Heras hit his second home run of the night in the top of the 5th for a 5-1 Charros lead.
Navojoa's reliever Estaban Haro started the 6th and Marquez Smith greeted Haro with a solo home run, Smith's third of the year, as Jalisco increased their lead to 6-1.
Ken Sigman had replaced Orlando Lara in the 6th. In the bottom of the 7th Sigman gave up a solo home run to Eliseo Aldazaba and the Mayo's had cut the lead to 6-2.
Adrian Rameriz, pitching for the Charros to start the bottom of the ninth, gave up a single to Rolando Acosta and a 2 run home run to Reggie Ambercrombie and the Charros lead was down to 6-4.
Brian Broderick entered the game with two outs in the ninth and got pinch hitter Fernando Flores to ground out to second to preserve the win for Lara, who is now 2-0 on the year, and pick up his fourth save of the season.
The Charros de Jalisco improve to 6-3 on the young season while the Mayos de Navojoa fall to 2-7. These two teams play again tonight in a continuation of their three game series.
Leo Heras was 3 for 4 with 2 home runs and a double, 3 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Marquez Smith was 1 for 2 with a home run, 2 walks, an RBI and 2 runs scored. Jesus Cota went 2 for 4 with an RBI.
Orlando Lara pitched 5 2/3 innings giving up 1 run with 3 base on balls and 6 strikeouts. His ERA on the year is 0.84. Brian Broderick lowered his ERA to 1.69.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Harbaugh Questioned About Kaepernick Game Down 42-10
Jim Harbaugh had to answer questions on Monday about Colin Kaepernick. Harbaugh was asked why he left Kaepernick in with 11:22 to go in the game and the 49ers down 41-10 to the Denver Broncos.
Matt Maiocco of csnbayarea.com has the story for his ComCast Bay Area Sports broadcast. You can read the article and watch some video here.
I am going to borrow the quote from Harbaugh though, because it takes reading the quote several times to get his drift. I understand never giving up but sometimes you need to save your horses for another day and let the ponies run.
“The drive started with about 10 minutes and I was still thinking with three timeouts and a quick score, an onside kick, three timeouts to stop a drive, another score and an onside kick,” Harbaugh said. “I was still thinking of the possibilities. That drive extended quite a bit of time, longer than I was hoping for. And I did think about, in the middle of the drive about the six-minute mark, of taking Colin out, but didn’t.”
Matt Maiocco of csnbayarea.com has the story for his ComCast Bay Area Sports broadcast. You can read the article and watch some video here.
I am going to borrow the quote from Harbaugh though, because it takes reading the quote several times to get his drift. I understand never giving up but sometimes you need to save your horses for another day and let the ponies run.
“The drive started with about 10 minutes and I was still thinking with three timeouts and a quick score, an onside kick, three timeouts to stop a drive, another score and an onside kick,” Harbaugh said. “I was still thinking of the possibilities. That drive extended quite a bit of time, longer than I was hoping for. And I did think about, in the middle of the drive about the six-minute mark, of taking Colin out, but didn’t.”
Makes perfect sense right.
Pick 'em in 2014 World Series
Jayson Stark, writing for ESPN.com, has a very good article about the similarities and the differences between the Kansas City Royals and the San Francisco Giants. Read the article and you can takes yer chances.
The Royals were 89-73 in 2014 while the Giants were 88-74. This the first time that neither team in the World Series had at least 90 wins.
The Giants won the World Series in 2010 and 2014 and hope to keep up their even year magic. The Royals on the other hand, haven't been in the playoffs, let alone the World Series, since 1985. When you count the last three games of that series and the first seven games of this round of playoffs, the Royals have won 10 playoff games in a row.
The American League won the All-Star game in July that gave the Royals the first two games in KC with games 3, 4 and 5 in San Francisco. That sounds good but the Royals were 42-39 at home while the Giants were 47-34 on the road. Maybe that advantage isn't so great.
Neither team had a Kershaw or Scherzer as a starting pitcher but both team's starters give quality innings. The Royals have a 7th and 8th inning pitcher with a very good closer. The Giants setup men and closer are also good.
The similarities of these two teams make this series too close to call.
Anthony Riccobond of ibtimes.com has this about the series with his prediction of Royals in 7 games.
Although evenly matched my pick is also Kansas City but they win in 6 games.
The Royals were 89-73 in 2014 while the Giants were 88-74. This the first time that neither team in the World Series had at least 90 wins.
The Giants won the World Series in 2010 and 2014 and hope to keep up their even year magic. The Royals on the other hand, haven't been in the playoffs, let alone the World Series, since 1985. When you count the last three games of that series and the first seven games of this round of playoffs, the Royals have won 10 playoff games in a row.
The American League won the All-Star game in July that gave the Royals the first two games in KC with games 3, 4 and 5 in San Francisco. That sounds good but the Royals were 42-39 at home while the Giants were 47-34 on the road. Maybe that advantage isn't so great.
Neither team had a Kershaw or Scherzer as a starting pitcher but both team's starters give quality innings. The Royals have a 7th and 8th inning pitcher with a very good closer. The Giants setup men and closer are also good.
The similarities of these two teams make this series too close to call.
Anthony Riccobond of ibtimes.com has this about the series with his prediction of Royals in 7 games.
Although evenly matched my pick is also Kansas City but they win in 6 games.
News and Notes From Week 7 in the NFL
Thursday through Sunday in the NFL was pretty exciting. The Redskins, behind backup quarterback Colt McCoy, beat the Titans 19-17. The St. Louis Rams used special team subterfuge to upset the Seahawks 28-26.
After looking so good last week, the Browns lost 24-6 to the here to fore winless Jaguars. The Bills lost key players but rallied on a TD pass from Kyle Orton to win 17-16 over the Vikings.
Matthew Stafford engineered two late TD drives to topple the Saints 24-23. The Chiefs used a last second FG to beat the Chargers, while Demacro Murray set an NFL record that had stood for 56 years as the Cowboys humbled the Giants 31-21.
The Bears are bickering among themselves and with their fans...again.
Oh yes, Rodgers, Brady and Manning were their same old selves...ho hum!
Frank Schwab of Shutdown corner on Yahoo Sports has his weekly winners and losers story here. Be sure to check it out.
After looking so good last week, the Browns lost 24-6 to the here to fore winless Jaguars. The Bills lost key players but rallied on a TD pass from Kyle Orton to win 17-16 over the Vikings.
Matthew Stafford engineered two late TD drives to topple the Saints 24-23. The Chiefs used a last second FG to beat the Chargers, while Demacro Murray set an NFL record that had stood for 56 years as the Cowboys humbled the Giants 31-21.
The Bears are bickering among themselves and with their fans...again.
Oh yes, Rodgers, Brady and Manning were their same old selves...ho hum!
Frank Schwab of Shutdown corner on Yahoo Sports has his weekly winners and losers story here. Be sure to check it out.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Charros take Series From Tomateros With 6-5 Win
The Charros de Jalisco baseball team is interesting to say the least. Starter Marco Tovar gave up four hits in the bottom of the 1st, all of them solo home runs. The Charros did not make a pitching change until the 3rd inning after Tovar gave up 2 walks and a single to load the bases with no outs.
Four relief pitchers for the Charros held the Tomateros scoreless until the bottom of the 8th on two hits and one walk.
Jalisco started to climb out of the four run hole in the top of the 4th. Leo Heras led off with a walk and Manny Rodriguez doubled. With runners at 2nd and 3rd, Japhet Amador singled to score Heras with Rodriguez stopping at third. Marguez Smith then grounded out to third as Rodriguez scored. The Charros were on the board but were still down 4-2.
The Charros scored a run in the 5th when Jesus Lopez scored on an Eduardo Arredondo single to narrow the score to 4-3 Tomateros.
With one out in the top of the 6th, Cory Vaughn was hit by a pitch. After Gabriel Gutierrez flew out to center, Vaughn scored on a double by Jesus Lopez that tied the score at 4.
Jalisco scored two more runs in the 7th. Eduardo Arredondo and Leo Heras walked. Japhet Amador drove in Arredondo with a single. Cory Vaughn walked to load the bases and Gabriel Gutierrez waited out a walk to force in Heras with the second run of the inning and the 6-4 Charros lead.
The Tomateros tried to mount a comeback in the bottom of the 8th. With one out, Arturo Rodriguez singled. Ronnier Mustelier also singled to put runners on the corners with one out. Rodriguez scored on a ground out to second off of the bat of pinch hitter Refugio Cervantes to make it a one run ball game, 6-5. Pinch hitter Oscar Robles then grounded out to first to end the inning.
Neither team would score in the 9th and the Charros won their fifth game against three losses.
Japhet Amador and Manny Rodriguez were both 2 for 5 with Amador driving in 2 runs and Rodriguez scoring 1. Jesus Lopez was 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Eduardo Arredondo went 1 for 4 with an RBI.
Carlos Vazguez got the win for the Charros while Brian Broderick picked up his third save of the year.
Four relief pitchers for the Charros held the Tomateros scoreless until the bottom of the 8th on two hits and one walk.
Jalisco started to climb out of the four run hole in the top of the 4th. Leo Heras led off with a walk and Manny Rodriguez doubled. With runners at 2nd and 3rd, Japhet Amador singled to score Heras with Rodriguez stopping at third. Marguez Smith then grounded out to third as Rodriguez scored. The Charros were on the board but were still down 4-2.
The Charros scored a run in the 5th when Jesus Lopez scored on an Eduardo Arredondo single to narrow the score to 4-3 Tomateros.
With one out in the top of the 6th, Cory Vaughn was hit by a pitch. After Gabriel Gutierrez flew out to center, Vaughn scored on a double by Jesus Lopez that tied the score at 4.
Jalisco scored two more runs in the 7th. Eduardo Arredondo and Leo Heras walked. Japhet Amador drove in Arredondo with a single. Cory Vaughn walked to load the bases and Gabriel Gutierrez waited out a walk to force in Heras with the second run of the inning and the 6-4 Charros lead.
The Tomateros tried to mount a comeback in the bottom of the 8th. With one out, Arturo Rodriguez singled. Ronnier Mustelier also singled to put runners on the corners with one out. Rodriguez scored on a ground out to second off of the bat of pinch hitter Refugio Cervantes to make it a one run ball game, 6-5. Pinch hitter Oscar Robles then grounded out to first to end the inning.
Neither team would score in the 9th and the Charros won their fifth game against three losses.
Japhet Amador and Manny Rodriguez were both 2 for 5 with Amador driving in 2 runs and Rodriguez scoring 1. Jesus Lopez was 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Eduardo Arredondo went 1 for 4 with an RBI.
Carlos Vazguez got the win for the Charros while Brian Broderick picked up his third save of the year.
Manning Breaks Career TD Mark With #509
Peyton Manning sat out an entire year because of 4 neck surgeries. He has come back from that time off to play at a "superstar" level in one of the most violent games in the US,
Sunday he passed Brett Favre for the Most Touchdown Passes - Career with #509 against the San Francisco 49ers on national television.
Jeff Legwold of ESPN has the story of Peyton Manning here.
Congratulations Peyton on a remarkable career.
Sunday he passed Brett Favre for the Most Touchdown Passes - Career with #509 against the San Francisco 49ers on national television.
Jeff Legwold of ESPN has the story of Peyton Manning here.
Congratulations Peyton on a remarkable career.
Cowboys Top Giants 31-21 For 6th Win In A Row
The Dallas Cowboys, behind a solid effort by Tony Romo and a record breaking performance by Demarco Murry defeated the NY Giants 31-21 to improve to 6-1 on the year,
Romo threw for 279 yards and 3 TDs. Dez Bryant caught 9 of Romo's passes for 151 yards. TE Gavin Escobar caught 3 passes for 65 yards and 2 TDs.
The story of the game though, was Demarco Murray recording his 7th consecutive game to start the season. The old record was 6 in a row by Jim Brown set in 1958.
Murray, on a pace for more than 2000 yards rushing this season has 915 yards through 7 games a 130.7 average. That would work out to 2091 yards over the 16 game schedule.
Read the ESPN Recap here.
Romo threw for 279 yards and 3 TDs. Dez Bryant caught 9 of Romo's passes for 151 yards. TE Gavin Escobar caught 3 passes for 65 yards and 2 TDs.
The story of the game though, was Demarco Murray recording his 7th consecutive game to start the season. The old record was 6 in a row by Jim Brown set in 1958.
Murray, on a pace for more than 2000 yards rushing this season has 915 yards through 7 games a 130.7 average. That would work out to 2091 yards over the 16 game schedule.
Read the ESPN Recap here.
Colts Shutout Bengals 27-0
While Andrew Luck was completing 27 of 42 passes for 344 yards and 2 TDs with no INTs, the Colt defense was holding the Bengals to 135 yards of total offense. The 27-0 final score indicates that the Colt defense is quite formidable.
Cincinnati had 103 yards through the air and 32 yards on the ground for the game. Giovani Bernard was the leading ground gainer for the Bengals with 17 yards on 7 carries. Mohamed Sanu had 3 catches for 54 yards while Jermaine Gresham caught 10 passes from Andy dalton for 48 yards.
Dalton was 18 of 38 for 126 yards but was sacked 3 times for 17 yards.
The Bengals ran 54 plays and got just 8 first downs. Two of those first downs were the result of Colt penalties. Cincinnati was forced to punt the ball away 11 times during the game, tying a franchise record. They didn't get the ball into Colt territory until the 4th quarter.
T.Y. Hilton, of the Colts, had 7 catches for 107 yards, his second consecutive 100+ yard game. Reggie Wayne caught 4 passes for 15 yards that put him over 14,000 yards receiving for his career.
The Bengals fall to 3-2-1 on the year while the Colts are 5-2.
Cincinnati had 103 yards through the air and 32 yards on the ground for the game. Giovani Bernard was the leading ground gainer for the Bengals with 17 yards on 7 carries. Mohamed Sanu had 3 catches for 54 yards while Jermaine Gresham caught 10 passes from Andy dalton for 48 yards.
Dalton was 18 of 38 for 126 yards but was sacked 3 times for 17 yards.
The Bengals ran 54 plays and got just 8 first downs. Two of those first downs were the result of Colt penalties. Cincinnati was forced to punt the ball away 11 times during the game, tying a franchise record. They didn't get the ball into Colt territory until the 4th quarter.
T.Y. Hilton, of the Colts, had 7 catches for 107 yards, his second consecutive 100+ yard game. Reggie Wayne caught 4 passes for 15 yards that put him over 14,000 yards receiving for his career.
The Bengals fall to 3-2-1 on the year while the Colts are 5-2.
Rams Stun Seahawks 28-26 On Special Teams Play
The Seahawks controlled the game on the offensive side of the ball. They even held the Rams in check defensively byt they couldn't stop the Rams on special teams play.
They allowed the Rams punter, Johnny Hekker to complete an 18 yard pass with 2:55 left on the clock for a 1st down.
Read the ESPN Recap here.
They allowed the Rams punter, Johnny Hekker to complete an 18 yard pass with 2:55 left on the clock for a 1st down.
Read the ESPN Recap here.
Buster Posey the New Jeter?
Gerald Dempsey "Buster" Posey has compiled some very interesting statistics in his first 5 full seasons with the Giants. Remember that Posey, a catcher, missed most of the 2011 season after fracturing his leg in a collision at home plate with Scott Cousins.
Is he as good as Derek Jeter was in his first 5 seasons?
Jayson Stark, of ESPN.com, has an indepth article on how good Posey has been and how he compares to Jeter at the same point in their careers. Read Jayson's article here.
Is he as good as Derek Jeter was in his first 5 seasons?
Jayson Stark, of ESPN.com, has an indepth article on how good Posey has been and how he compares to Jeter at the same point in their careers. Read Jayson's article here.
FSU 31-27 Over Notre Dame
I have watched the replay of the offensive pass interference call on Notre Dame in last night's loss to Florida State. I have seen it from every angle possible. The offensive pass interference call was probably correct, but...if you watch the defensive back #6 for FSU you will clearly see his arms around the shoulders of CJ Prosise.
In this case there are off-setting infractions which should be a no call, or at a minimum a re-do of the play from the 4 yard line.
Of course arguments can be made that ND let the game slip away in the 2nd half and should never have been in the position they were in at the end of the game.
Both teams played clean, hard football all night. It was a thrilling game, depending on who one was rooting for, but a great game none the less.
Rodger Sherman writing for SBNation.com has the video and his commentary here.
I don't agree with his conclusion but watch closely and see for yourself.
In this case there are off-setting infractions which should be a no call, or at a minimum a re-do of the play from the 4 yard line.
Of course arguments can be made that ND let the game slip away in the 2nd half and should never have been in the position they were in at the end of the game.
Both teams played clean, hard football all night. It was a thrilling game, depending on who one was rooting for, but a great game none the less.
Rodger Sherman writing for SBNation.com has the video and his commentary here.
I don't agree with his conclusion but watch closely and see for yourself.
Charros Defeat Tomateros de Culiacan 9-5
After Friday's 3-1 loss at Culiacan, the Charros came out with bats blazing on Saturday. They scored 9 runs, their highest output of the year, on 14 hits, also a high for the season, as they beat the Tomateros de Culiacan 9-5.
Graham Godfrey picked up the win with 5 strong innings of 1 hit, one run pitching. The one hit that he did give up was a home run to Oscar Robles.
The Jalisco hitters gave Godfrey plenty of run support in the top of the 1st, scoring three runs on four hits. Eduardo Arredondo started things off with a single to left. After Leo Heras popped up to second, Manny Rodriguez doubled and Arredondo went to third. Japhet Amador doubled to score Arredondo and Rodriguez and the Charros had a 2-0 lead. Marquez Smith singled to center and Amador stopped at third. Cory Vaughn followed with a sac fly to right that scored Amador to increase the Charros' lead to 3-0.
Graham Godfrey got one out in the bottom of the 1st before giving up the solo home run to Oscar Robles. The Jalisco lead was 3-1.
In the top of the 3rd, Manny Rodriguez singled with one out. Japhet Amador singled to left. Marquez Smith singled to left and Rodriguez was thrown out at home trying to score from second. A wild pitch by Tomateros pitcher, Alfredo Aceves, put Amador and Smith in scoring position. Cory Vaughn singled to drive in Amador and Smith. Jalisco had a 5-1 lead after three innings.
Jesus Lopez scored for the Charros in the top of the 4th. After singling to lead off the inning, Lopez went to third on a single by Amadeo Zazueta and scored as Eduardo Arredondo hit into a 4-6-3 double play. The Charro lead was 6-1.
Antonio Garzon started the 6th for the Charros in relief of Godfrey. Garzon got Oscar Robles to ground out to second and Issmael Salas to fly out to left. Nick Buss reached on a single off of the pitcher's leg. Arturo Rodriguez doubled to right and Buss scored. Ken Sigmen relieved Garzon and gave up a 2 run home run to pinch hitter Jorge Vazquez. Culiacan had cut the Charros lead to 6-4.
The Tomateros scored another run in the bottom of the 7th when Joey Meneses scored on a single by Sergio Gastelum that brought Culiacan to within one run of Jalisco at 6-5.
Marquez Smith hit a solo home run in the top of the 8th and the Charros had an insurance run and the 7-5 lead.
In the top of the 9th, the Charros put the game away by scoring two runs. Manny Rodriguez hit his third double of the night to drive in Amadeo Zazueta and Leo Heras for the final score of 9-5 Charros.
Manny Rodriguez was 4 for 5 on the night with 3 doubles, 2 RBIs and a run scored. Japhet Amador went 2 for 5 with a double, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Marquez Smith was 3 for 5 with a home run, an RBI and 2 rubs scored.Cory Vaughn was 1 for 3 with 3 RBIs. Amadeo Zazueta, playing in his first game for the Charros, went 2 for 4 with a run scored.
Brian Broderick pitched 1 2/3 innings of relief for his second save of the season.
Graham Godfrey picked up the win with 5 strong innings of 1 hit, one run pitching. The one hit that he did give up was a home run to Oscar Robles.
The Jalisco hitters gave Godfrey plenty of run support in the top of the 1st, scoring three runs on four hits. Eduardo Arredondo started things off with a single to left. After Leo Heras popped up to second, Manny Rodriguez doubled and Arredondo went to third. Japhet Amador doubled to score Arredondo and Rodriguez and the Charros had a 2-0 lead. Marquez Smith singled to center and Amador stopped at third. Cory Vaughn followed with a sac fly to right that scored Amador to increase the Charros' lead to 3-0.
Graham Godfrey got one out in the bottom of the 1st before giving up the solo home run to Oscar Robles. The Jalisco lead was 3-1.
In the top of the 3rd, Manny Rodriguez singled with one out. Japhet Amador singled to left. Marquez Smith singled to left and Rodriguez was thrown out at home trying to score from second. A wild pitch by Tomateros pitcher, Alfredo Aceves, put Amador and Smith in scoring position. Cory Vaughn singled to drive in Amador and Smith. Jalisco had a 5-1 lead after three innings.
Jesus Lopez scored for the Charros in the top of the 4th. After singling to lead off the inning, Lopez went to third on a single by Amadeo Zazueta and scored as Eduardo Arredondo hit into a 4-6-3 double play. The Charro lead was 6-1.
Antonio Garzon started the 6th for the Charros in relief of Godfrey. Garzon got Oscar Robles to ground out to second and Issmael Salas to fly out to left. Nick Buss reached on a single off of the pitcher's leg. Arturo Rodriguez doubled to right and Buss scored. Ken Sigmen relieved Garzon and gave up a 2 run home run to pinch hitter Jorge Vazquez. Culiacan had cut the Charros lead to 6-4.
The Tomateros scored another run in the bottom of the 7th when Joey Meneses scored on a single by Sergio Gastelum that brought Culiacan to within one run of Jalisco at 6-5.
Marquez Smith hit a solo home run in the top of the 8th and the Charros had an insurance run and the 7-5 lead.
In the top of the 9th, the Charros put the game away by scoring two runs. Manny Rodriguez hit his third double of the night to drive in Amadeo Zazueta and Leo Heras for the final score of 9-5 Charros.
Manny Rodriguez was 4 for 5 on the night with 3 doubles, 2 RBIs and a run scored. Japhet Amador went 2 for 5 with a double, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored. Marquez Smith was 3 for 5 with a home run, an RBI and 2 rubs scored.Cory Vaughn was 1 for 3 with 3 RBIs. Amadeo Zazueta, playing in his first game for the Charros, went 2 for 4 with a run scored.
Brian Broderick pitched 1 2/3 innings of relief for his second save of the season.
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