The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night 27-17 to claim the AFC North title with an 11-5 record. The Bengals are a wild card team with a 10-5-1 record.
Ben Roethlisberger completed 24 of 38 passes for 317 yards and 1 touchdown as the Steeler defense stifled the Bengal offense all night.
Andy Dalton threw for 244 yards on 27 of 38 passing for 2 touchdowns but he was also intercepted twice.
Jeremy Hill rushed for 100 yards on 23 carries for Cincinnati while the Bengal defense held the Steelers to just 30 yards on the ground on 16 carries.
Read the ESPN recap here.
W.D. Barr's unique perspective on what's important in the world of Mexican Baseball!
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Cavs Pounded by Pistons 103-80
The headline is correct. The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the lowly Detroit Pistons, in Cleveland, by 27 points.
There really isn't an excuse for the loss and LeBron James says it plainly..."We're not a very good team".
Dave McMenamin had these quotes in an ESPN story:
"We're not a very good team," James said after the defeat dropped the Cavs to 18-12. "As far as on the court, we're still trying to find our way as well. We've won some good games, we've lost some games. But right now, we're just not very good in every aspect of the game that we need to be to compete every night."
It was so bad against Detroit that the Cavs were booed off the court by their hometown fans during a third-quarter timeout amid the Pistons outscoring Cleveland 86-52 over the final three quarters.
There are still a lot of games left in the season but the Cavs need to stop talking about coming together on the court and start coming together on the court.
There really isn't an excuse for the loss and LeBron James says it plainly..."We're not a very good team".
Dave McMenamin had these quotes in an ESPN story:
"We're not a very good team," James said after the defeat dropped the Cavs to 18-12. "As far as on the court, we're still trying to find our way as well. We've won some good games, we've lost some games. But right now, we're just not very good in every aspect of the game that we need to be to compete every night."
It was so bad against Detroit that the Cavs were booed off the court by their hometown fans during a third-quarter timeout amid the Pistons outscoring Cleveland 86-52 over the final three quarters.
There are still a lot of games left in the season but the Cavs need to stop talking about coming together on the court and start coming together on the court.
Harbaugh and 49ers "Mutually Agree" to Part Ways
As if anyone doubted that Jim Harbaugh would leave the 49ers following this season, ownership, this evening, announced that the team and the coach have "mutually agreed" to part ways.
Paul Gutierrez has these quotes in an article for ESPN.com.
"Jim and I have come to the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interest to move in different directions," Niners CEO Jed York said in the statement. "We thank Jim for bringing a tremendous competitive nature and a great passion for the game to the 49ers. He and his staff restored a winning culture that has been the standard for our franchise throughout its history. Their commitment and hard work resulted in a period of success that should be looked back on proudly by our organization and our fans. We wish Jim and his family all the best."
"For the last four seasons I have had the great privilege to coach one of the storied franchises in the history of football," Harbaugh said in the statement. "We accomplished many great things together as a team during this period, which is a tribute to the incredible efforts of some of the most dedicated players and coaches in the NFL. I will miss competing alongside this group of players and coaches, I have the utmost respect and admiration for their hard work and support. It has been my honor to share the sideline with these mighty men. I will always appreciate and remember fondly, the passion and support of our Faithful fans, and want to express my particular thanks to them."
Look for Harbaugh to take over the head coaching position at the University of Michigan, his alma mater. I think the announcement will come before the playoffs start.
Paul Gutierrez has these quotes in an article for ESPN.com.
"Jim and I have come to the conclusion that it is in our mutual best interest to move in different directions," Niners CEO Jed York said in the statement. "We thank Jim for bringing a tremendous competitive nature and a great passion for the game to the 49ers. He and his staff restored a winning culture that has been the standard for our franchise throughout its history. Their commitment and hard work resulted in a period of success that should be looked back on proudly by our organization and our fans. We wish Jim and his family all the best."
"For the last four seasons I have had the great privilege to coach one of the storied franchises in the history of football," Harbaugh said in the statement. "We accomplished many great things together as a team during this period, which is a tribute to the incredible efforts of some of the most dedicated players and coaches in the NFL. I will miss competing alongside this group of players and coaches, I have the utmost respect and admiration for their hard work and support. It has been my honor to share the sideline with these mighty men. I will always appreciate and remember fondly, the passion and support of our Faithful fans, and want to express my particular thanks to them."
Look for Harbaugh to take over the head coaching position at the University of Michigan, his alma mater. I think the announcement will come before the playoffs start.
Charros Come from Behind to Beat Venados 12-7
Hugo Castellanos recorded the win for Jalisco on Sunday over the Venados de Mazatlan as the Charros took game two of the final series of the year by a score of 12-7. The game was all Venados until the Charros exploded for 7 runs in the bottom of the 8th inning.
Mazatlan jumped on Charros starter Marco Tovar for 3 runs in the top of the 1st. Blake Gailen hit a solo home run to right with one out. Ronnier Mustelier, who had doubled, scored in front of a home run by Olmo Rosario to give the visiting Venados a 3-0 lead.
The Charros fought back in their half of the inning. After Eduardo Arredondo and Manny Rodriguez fouled out, Leo Heras walked, Japhet Amador singled and CJ Retherford drew a base on balls to load the bases. Gabriel Gutierrez came through with a double to score Heras and Amador to cut the Venados lead to 3-2.
Jalisco tied the score in the 3rd when Eduardo Arredondo tripled with two outs and scored when the Mazatlan shortstop botched a ground ball by Manny Rodriguez.
Ronnier Mustelier doubled with one out in the 3rd for Mazatlan and scored on a single by Heber Gomez as the Venados retook the lead 4-3.
The Venados added to their lead in the 4th on a triple by Jesus Fabela and a single by Blake Gailen to increase the Venados lead to 5-3.
Jesus Fabela singled with one out in the 6th and scored on a double by Blake Gailen. Oswaldo Morejon's single scored Gailen and Mazatlan extended their lead to 7-3.
Eduardo Arredondo singled to lead off the Charros 7th and scored on Manny Rodriguez' eighth home run of the year as Jalisco kept fighting to narrow the lead to 7-5 Mazatlan.
The 8th inning was all Charros. CJ Retherford singled to lead off the inning and went to second on a single by Gabriel Gutierrez. Marquez Smith drew a free pass to load the bases. After a pitching change for Mazatlan, Jesus Lopez singled to score Retherford. Edson Garcia hit a sac fly to right that scored Gutierrez. Eduardo Arredondo then singled to reload the bases. Manny Rodriguez drilled a single to left to score Smith and Lopez and the Charros had their first lead of the game at 9-7. After Jalisco pulled off a double steal, the Venados chose to walk Leo Heras to load the bases and bring up the league leader in RBIs, Japhet Amador. Amador delivered a single that scored Arredondo and Rodriguez for an 11-7 lead. CJ Retherford hit into a 6-4 fielder's choice that gave the Charros a 12-7 victory over Mazatlan.
Eduardo Arredondo was 2 for 5 with a triple and 2 runs scored while Manny Rodriguez had a home run and 4 RBIs as he went 2 for 5. Gabriel Gutierrez went 3 for 5 with a double and 2 RBIs. Japhet Amador drove in 2 runs, his 53rd and 54th on the season, going 3 for 5 while scoring a run.
Jalisco is a league best 42-25 overall and 21-11 in the second half. They have clinched the best record in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico as the Tomateros de Culiacan are 4 1/2 games back with one game to play.
Mazatlan jumped on Charros starter Marco Tovar for 3 runs in the top of the 1st. Blake Gailen hit a solo home run to right with one out. Ronnier Mustelier, who had doubled, scored in front of a home run by Olmo Rosario to give the visiting Venados a 3-0 lead.
The Charros fought back in their half of the inning. After Eduardo Arredondo and Manny Rodriguez fouled out, Leo Heras walked, Japhet Amador singled and CJ Retherford drew a base on balls to load the bases. Gabriel Gutierrez came through with a double to score Heras and Amador to cut the Venados lead to 3-2.
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| Japhet Amador Scores Courtesy of Carros Jalisco Beisbol |
Jalisco tied the score in the 3rd when Eduardo Arredondo tripled with two outs and scored when the Mazatlan shortstop botched a ground ball by Manny Rodriguez.
Ronnier Mustelier doubled with one out in the 3rd for Mazatlan and scored on a single by Heber Gomez as the Venados retook the lead 4-3.
The Venados added to their lead in the 4th on a triple by Jesus Fabela and a single by Blake Gailen to increase the Venados lead to 5-3.
Jesus Fabela singled with one out in the 6th and scored on a double by Blake Gailen. Oswaldo Morejon's single scored Gailen and Mazatlan extended their lead to 7-3.
Eduardo Arredondo singled to lead off the Charros 7th and scored on Manny Rodriguez' eighth home run of the year as Jalisco kept fighting to narrow the lead to 7-5 Mazatlan.
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| Rodriguez Home Run Courtesy of Charros Jalisco Beisbol |
The 8th inning was all Charros. CJ Retherford singled to lead off the inning and went to second on a single by Gabriel Gutierrez. Marquez Smith drew a free pass to load the bases. After a pitching change for Mazatlan, Jesus Lopez singled to score Retherford. Edson Garcia hit a sac fly to right that scored Gutierrez. Eduardo Arredondo then singled to reload the bases. Manny Rodriguez drilled a single to left to score Smith and Lopez and the Charros had their first lead of the game at 9-7. After Jalisco pulled off a double steal, the Venados chose to walk Leo Heras to load the bases and bring up the league leader in RBIs, Japhet Amador. Amador delivered a single that scored Arredondo and Rodriguez for an 11-7 lead. CJ Retherford hit into a 6-4 fielder's choice that gave the Charros a 12-7 victory over Mazatlan.
Eduardo Arredondo was 2 for 5 with a triple and 2 runs scored while Manny Rodriguez had a home run and 4 RBIs as he went 2 for 5. Gabriel Gutierrez went 3 for 5 with a double and 2 RBIs. Japhet Amador drove in 2 runs, his 53rd and 54th on the season, going 3 for 5 while scoring a run.
Jalisco is a league best 42-25 overall and 21-11 in the second half. They have clinched the best record in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico as the Tomateros de Culiacan are 4 1/2 games back with one game to play.
Harbaugh to Meet University of Michigan Officials
Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com has filed a story on two representatives from the University of Michigan meeting with San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh. Gutierrez notes that Harbaugh has one year remaining on his contract with the 49ers.
Read the article by Paul Gutierrez here.
Read the article by Paul Gutierrez here.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Charros Smother Venados de Mazatlan 9-4
The Venados de Mazatlan came to Guadalajara for the final 3 games of the regular season and lost the first game to the Charros by a 9-4 score.
The Charros opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th on a single by CJ Retherford, a sacrifice bunt by Edson Garcia and a double by Gabriel Gutierrez that scored Retherford for the 1-0 Jalisco lead.
Jalisco scored again in the bottom of the 5th on a throwing error, a fielder's choice that the Venados pitcher threw away and a single by Manny Rodriguez that scored Jesus Lopez for a 2-0 lead.
With one out in the Charros 6th, Edson Garcia doubled to right and scored on a Gabriel Gurierrez single. The Charros were up 3-0 after 6 innings.
The Venados would score two runs in their half of the 7th. Jesus Castillo doubled, Heber Gomez walked, and a single by Erick Rodriguez scored Castillo. A sac fly to center by Hector Paez scored pinch runner Paul Leon and the Vendados had cut the Charros lead to 3-2.
Eduardo Arredondo singled to lead off the home half of the 7th, stole second and scored on a double to left by Leo Heras. Japhet Amador was walked intentionally and CJ Retherford flew out to right to get Heras to third. Mazatlan reliever, Francisco Felix, then threw a wild pitch that scored Heras and moved Amador to second. After Edson Garcia and Gabriel Gutierrez walked, Fernando Valenzuela doubled to right to score Amador and Garcia for the 7-2 Charros lead.
Manny Rodriguez connected for his 7th home run of the year in the Jalisco 8th, a two run shot to left that scored Eduardo Arredondo to increase the Charros lead to 9-2.
Mazatlan refused to give up. In the top of the 9th, after Ivan Salas replaced Adrian Ramirez for the Charros, Jesus Fabela and Hector Paez singled. With one out, Oswaldo Morejon singled to score Fabela with Paez stopping at second. Ronnier Mustelier singled to plate Paez but Sean Gleason got Olmo Rosario to ground into a 6-4 fielder's choice that ended the game with the Charros 9-4 victory.
Manuel Flores picked up the win for Jalisco to improve to 2-1 on the year. Flores went 6 innings, scattering 6 hits while striking out 3 and holding the Venados scoreless. Fredy Quintero dropped to 3-4 with the loss.
Manny Rodriguez was 3 for 5 with the home run, 3 RBIs, giving him 40 on the year, and a run scored as he raised his batting average to .335. Gabriel Gutierrez went 3 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Leo Heras had a double and a single in his 5 trips to the plate with an RBI.
The Charros are now 41-25 overall and 20-11 in the second half. The Venados de Mazatlan fall to 30-35 overall and 14-17 for the second half.
The Charros opened the scoring in the bottom of the 4th on a single by CJ Retherford, a sacrifice bunt by Edson Garcia and a double by Gabriel Gutierrez that scored Retherford for the 1-0 Jalisco lead.
Jalisco scored again in the bottom of the 5th on a throwing error, a fielder's choice that the Venados pitcher threw away and a single by Manny Rodriguez that scored Jesus Lopez for a 2-0 lead.
With one out in the Charros 6th, Edson Garcia doubled to right and scored on a Gabriel Gurierrez single. The Charros were up 3-0 after 6 innings.
The Venados would score two runs in their half of the 7th. Jesus Castillo doubled, Heber Gomez walked, and a single by Erick Rodriguez scored Castillo. A sac fly to center by Hector Paez scored pinch runner Paul Leon and the Vendados had cut the Charros lead to 3-2.
Eduardo Arredondo singled to lead off the home half of the 7th, stole second and scored on a double to left by Leo Heras. Japhet Amador was walked intentionally and CJ Retherford flew out to right to get Heras to third. Mazatlan reliever, Francisco Felix, then threw a wild pitch that scored Heras and moved Amador to second. After Edson Garcia and Gabriel Gutierrez walked, Fernando Valenzuela doubled to right to score Amador and Garcia for the 7-2 Charros lead.
Manny Rodriguez connected for his 7th home run of the year in the Jalisco 8th, a two run shot to left that scored Eduardo Arredondo to increase the Charros lead to 9-2.
Mazatlan refused to give up. In the top of the 9th, after Ivan Salas replaced Adrian Ramirez for the Charros, Jesus Fabela and Hector Paez singled. With one out, Oswaldo Morejon singled to score Fabela with Paez stopping at second. Ronnier Mustelier singled to plate Paez but Sean Gleason got Olmo Rosario to ground into a 6-4 fielder's choice that ended the game with the Charros 9-4 victory.
Manuel Flores picked up the win for Jalisco to improve to 2-1 on the year. Flores went 6 innings, scattering 6 hits while striking out 3 and holding the Venados scoreless. Fredy Quintero dropped to 3-4 with the loss.
Manny Rodriguez was 3 for 5 with the home run, 3 RBIs, giving him 40 on the year, and a run scored as he raised his batting average to .335. Gabriel Gutierrez went 3 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Leo Heras had a double and a single in his 5 trips to the plate with an RBI.
The Charros are now 41-25 overall and 20-11 in the second half. The Venados de Mazatlan fall to 30-35 overall and 14-17 for the second half.
Penn State Wins 31-30 in OT in New Era Pin Stripe Bowl
The Nittany Lions, in their 1st Bowl Game since the Sandusky scandal, beat Boston College 31-30, in overtime, in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium.
Christian Hackenberg completed 34 of 50 passes for 371 yards and 4 touchdowns for Penn State.
Tyler Murphy threw just 19 passes for the Eagles and completed 11 of them for 97 yards and 2 TDs. Murphy also had 11 caries for 105 yards and a touchdown as Boston College rushed for 285 yards. Jon Hilliman was the leading rusher for Boston College with 25 carries for 148 yards and a touchdown.
The game came down to a missed PAT by Boston College's Mike Knoll.
Check out the ESPN Box Score here.
Christian Hackenberg completed 34 of 50 passes for 371 yards and 4 touchdowns for Penn State.
Tyler Murphy threw just 19 passes for the Eagles and completed 11 of them for 97 yards and 2 TDs. Murphy also had 11 caries for 105 yards and a touchdown as Boston College rushed for 285 yards. Jon Hilliman was the leading rusher for Boston College with 25 carries for 148 yards and a touchdown.
The game came down to a missed PAT by Boston College's Mike Knoll.
Check out the ESPN Box Score here.
Friday, December 26, 2014
NFL Picks Week 17
After an 8-8 week I've decided on a new strategy for picking the winners. This new plan will only work for the last week of games because I need 15 weeks of data.
I took an average of the scores by every team to pick my winners. 3 games should be toss ups, SD @ KC, CHI @ Minn and ARI @ SF.
I went against the scores in one contest, PHIL @ NYG because the Eagles will be down after elimination and Mark Sanchez is their QB.
Here Goes:
(W)Cleveland @ Baltimore Ravens 26-19 Back to the drawing board at QB for Browns
(W)Dallas @ Washington Cowboys 28-19 How bout them Cowboys
(W)Indianapolis @ Tennessee Colts 29-16 Unless all the Colts rest
(W)Jacksonville @ Houston Texans 23-15 JJ Watt sets record for TDs by DL
(L)San Diego @ Kansas City Chargers 23-22 Go Bolts, make me a winner
(L)NY Jets @ Miami Dolphins 24-16 Sad goodbye to Rex Ryan
(L)Chicago @ Minnesota Bears 21-20 This is a hard one to pick
(L)Buffalo @ New England Patriots 31-24 Patriots rest but still win
(L)Philadelphia @ NY Giants Giants 24-17 Eagles are just bad the last 4 weeks
(W)New Orleans @ Tampa Bay Saints 25-17 There must be a passing record for Brees to get
(L)Carolina @ Atlanta Falcons 25-20 Falcons can win NFC South...Yes a team will be in
(W)Detroit @ Green Bay Packers 30-20 Rodgers just getting warmed up,,,again
(W)Oakland @ Denver Broncos 29-19 Offense starts with Peyton...he said so!
(L)Arizona @ San Francisco Cardinals 19-18 Lindley, Lindley, he's our man!
(W)St. Louis @ Seattle Seahawks 25-21 No trick plays this time Fisher
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh Steelers 25-21 "No Bengals victory in Pittsburgh" says Ben
I took an average of the scores by every team to pick my winners. 3 games should be toss ups, SD @ KC, CHI @ Minn and ARI @ SF.
I went against the scores in one contest, PHIL @ NYG because the Eagles will be down after elimination and Mark Sanchez is their QB.
Here Goes:
(W)Cleveland @ Baltimore Ravens 26-19 Back to the drawing board at QB for Browns
(W)Dallas @ Washington Cowboys 28-19 How bout them Cowboys
(W)Indianapolis @ Tennessee Colts 29-16 Unless all the Colts rest
(W)Jacksonville @ Houston Texans 23-15 JJ Watt sets record for TDs by DL
(L)San Diego @ Kansas City Chargers 23-22 Go Bolts, make me a winner
(L)NY Jets @ Miami Dolphins 24-16 Sad goodbye to Rex Ryan
(L)Chicago @ Minnesota Bears 21-20 This is a hard one to pick
(L)Buffalo @ New England Patriots 31-24 Patriots rest but still win
(L)Philadelphia @ NY Giants Giants 24-17 Eagles are just bad the last 4 weeks
(W)New Orleans @ Tampa Bay Saints 25-17 There must be a passing record for Brees to get
(L)Carolina @ Atlanta Falcons 25-20 Falcons can win NFC South...Yes a team will be in
(W)Detroit @ Green Bay Packers 30-20 Rodgers just getting warmed up,,,again
(W)Oakland @ Denver Broncos 29-19 Offense starts with Peyton...he said so!
(L)Arizona @ San Francisco Cardinals 19-18 Lindley, Lindley, he's our man!
(W)St. Louis @ Seattle Seahawks 25-21 No trick plays this time Fisher
Cincinnati @ Pittsburgh Steelers 25-21 "No Bengals victory in Pittsburgh" says Ben
Charros de Jalisco Drop Final Game With Obregon 6-3
The Yaquis de Obregon won their final meeting of the regular season with the Charros on Christmas Day, winning 6-3 behind the pitching of Jose Pina, who gave up 3 runs on 3 hits over 7 innings. Kenneth Sims took the loss for Jalisco to fall to 1-2 on the year.
Sergio Contreras got things going for Obregon in the bottom of the 2nd, drawing a one out walk. After stealing second, Contreras scored on a single to right by Robert Saucedo.
The Charros duplicated the Yaquis scoring plan in the top of the 3rd. With two outs, Israel Nunez was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored on an Eduardo Arredondo single to center to tie the score at 1.
Obregon went ahead 2-1 in the 3rd. After loading the bases on a single, a walk and a hit batsman, Esteban Quiroz hit into a 4-6-3 double play that scored Daniel Castro.
Armando Araiza doubled to lead off the 5th for the Yaquis, advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Daniel Castro and scored on a single by Carlos Figueroa to increase the Obregon lead to 3-1.
Donell Linares hit a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the 6th for Obregon and Sergio Contreras scored from third on a double play grounder by Robert Saucedo to make the game 5-1 Yaquis.
Jalisco scored twice in the top of the 7th. With one out, Gabriel Gutierrez waited out a walk, Amadeo Zazueta singled and Gutierrez scored on a single by Fernando Valenzuela, Ivan Araujo ground into a force out that scored Zazueta and the Charros had cut the lead to 5-3.
The Yaquis scored a run in the bottom of the 8th to reach the final score of 6-3 Obregon.
Despite the loss, the Charros still lead the league with a 40-25 record and 4 games to go in the regular season. Jalisco is 3 games ahead of the Tomateros de Culiacan and 4 1/2 games ahead of the Aguilas de Mexicali. The Charros are 1 game in front of the Tomateros in the second half with a 19-11 record.
Sergio Contreras got things going for Obregon in the bottom of the 2nd, drawing a one out walk. After stealing second, Contreras scored on a single to right by Robert Saucedo.
The Charros duplicated the Yaquis scoring plan in the top of the 3rd. With two outs, Israel Nunez was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored on an Eduardo Arredondo single to center to tie the score at 1.
Obregon went ahead 2-1 in the 3rd. After loading the bases on a single, a walk and a hit batsman, Esteban Quiroz hit into a 4-6-3 double play that scored Daniel Castro.
Armando Araiza doubled to lead off the 5th for the Yaquis, advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Daniel Castro and scored on a single by Carlos Figueroa to increase the Obregon lead to 3-1.
Donell Linares hit a solo home run to lead off the bottom of the 6th for Obregon and Sergio Contreras scored from third on a double play grounder by Robert Saucedo to make the game 5-1 Yaquis.
Jalisco scored twice in the top of the 7th. With one out, Gabriel Gutierrez waited out a walk, Amadeo Zazueta singled and Gutierrez scored on a single by Fernando Valenzuela, Ivan Araujo ground into a force out that scored Zazueta and the Charros had cut the lead to 5-3.
The Yaquis scored a run in the bottom of the 8th to reach the final score of 6-3 Obregon.
Despite the loss, the Charros still lead the league with a 40-25 record and 4 games to go in the regular season. Jalisco is 3 games ahead of the Tomateros de Culiacan and 4 1/2 games ahead of the Aguilas de Mexicali. The Charros are 1 game in front of the Tomateros in the second half with a 19-11 record.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
ESPN's Best College Football Quotes of 2014
I guess you could say South Carolina and Baylor should be playing for the National Championship.
Read the quotes here.
Read the quotes here.
Jalisco Takes game 2 of Series With Yaquis, 7-1
Game two of the series with Obregon on Tuesday the 23rd of December went to the Charros by a 7-1 score. Orlando Lara is now 7-3 on the year with the win and Japhet Amador hit his 13th home run of the season.
Manny Rodriguez singled and scored on a single to center by Leo Heras that the Yaquis center fielder mis played and threw away trying to get Rodriguez at home. Heras went to third on the throw. After Japhet Amador walked, CJ Retherford hit a grounder to third that scored Heras for the quick 2-0 Charros lead.
Christian Villanueva hiy a solo home run to left for Obregon in the bottom of the 1st that proved to be the only run the Yaquis would score on the day.
The Charros exploded for 4 runs in the top of the 5th. Ivan Araujo walked to lead off the inning. Amadeo Zazueta struck out but Edson Garcia was hit by a pitch to put two runners on for Jalisco. Manny Rodriguez skyed out to center moving Araujo to third. With Leo Heras up the Charros pulled off a double steal with Araujo swoping home and Garcia taking second. Heras reached when the Yaquis left fielder dropped a fly ball that scored Garcia. Japhet Amador followed with a 2 run shot to center and the Jalisco lead was up to 6-1.
Fernando Valenzuela walked to lead off the 9th for Jalisco and scored on 3 wild pitches by the Obregon reliever, the Charros would win this game 7-1.
Manny Rodriguez singled and scored on a single to center by Leo Heras that the Yaquis center fielder mis played and threw away trying to get Rodriguez at home. Heras went to third on the throw. After Japhet Amador walked, CJ Retherford hit a grounder to third that scored Heras for the quick 2-0 Charros lead.
Christian Villanueva hiy a solo home run to left for Obregon in the bottom of the 1st that proved to be the only run the Yaquis would score on the day.
The Charros exploded for 4 runs in the top of the 5th. Ivan Araujo walked to lead off the inning. Amadeo Zazueta struck out but Edson Garcia was hit by a pitch to put two runners on for Jalisco. Manny Rodriguez skyed out to center moving Araujo to third. With Leo Heras up the Charros pulled off a double steal with Araujo swoping home and Garcia taking second. Heras reached when the Yaquis left fielder dropped a fly ball that scored Garcia. Japhet Amador followed with a 2 run shot to center and the Jalisco lead was up to 6-1.
Fernando Valenzuela walked to lead off the 9th for Jalisco and scored on 3 wild pitches by the Obregon reliever, the Charros would win this game 7-1.
Charros Best Obregon, 7-3
The Charros de Jalisco visited Obregon on Monday the 22nd for the start of a three game series with the Yaquis and took the first game by a 7-3 score. Juan Delgadillo picked up his second win in a row to improve to 3-6 and CJ Retherford hit his sixth home run of the season.
Obregon scored in the bottom of the 1st on a single by Esteban Quiroz, a stolen base and a double to right by Brad Nelson as the Yaquiz took a 1-0 lead.
CJ Retherford hit a solo home run to left in the top of the 2nd to tie the score at 1.
The Charros took the lead in the top of the 4th. Leo Heras led off with a triple and Japhet Amador walked. With one out, CJ Retherford hit a grounder to third that scored Heras with the go ahead run and a 2-1 Charros advantage.
Amadeo Zazueta and Israel Nunez singled for Jalisco in the top of the 5th. Both runners advanced on a ground ball to first. Zazueta scored on a single by Manny Rodriguez and Leo Heras walked to load the bases. Japhet Amador hit a sac fly to left to drive in Nunez and the Charros led 4-1.
The Yaquis made a run at the Charros in the 6th. With one out Esteban Quiroz singled and Christian Villanueva drew a base on balls. Brad Nelson singled to left to load the bases. Ivan Zavala relieved Juan Delgadillo for Jalisco and gave up a single to Carlos Valencia that scored Quiroz and Villanueva. Obregon had cut the lead to 4-3 but that is as close as they would get.
Manny Rodriguez singled and scored on a double by Leo Heras in the top of the 7th. Japhet Amador singled to score Heras and the Charros had increased their lead to 6-3.
In the top of the 9th, Eduardo Arredondo singled, stole second, went to third on a Manny Rodriguez ground out and scored on a single by Leo Heras for the final 7-3 score
Obregon scored in the bottom of the 1st on a single by Esteban Quiroz, a stolen base and a double to right by Brad Nelson as the Yaquiz took a 1-0 lead.
CJ Retherford hit a solo home run to left in the top of the 2nd to tie the score at 1.
The Charros took the lead in the top of the 4th. Leo Heras led off with a triple and Japhet Amador walked. With one out, CJ Retherford hit a grounder to third that scored Heras with the go ahead run and a 2-1 Charros advantage.
Amadeo Zazueta and Israel Nunez singled for Jalisco in the top of the 5th. Both runners advanced on a ground ball to first. Zazueta scored on a single by Manny Rodriguez and Leo Heras walked to load the bases. Japhet Amador hit a sac fly to left to drive in Nunez and the Charros led 4-1.
The Yaquis made a run at the Charros in the 6th. With one out Esteban Quiroz singled and Christian Villanueva drew a base on balls. Brad Nelson singled to left to load the bases. Ivan Zavala relieved Juan Delgadillo for Jalisco and gave up a single to Carlos Valencia that scored Quiroz and Villanueva. Obregon had cut the lead to 4-3 but that is as close as they would get.
Manny Rodriguez singled and scored on a double by Leo Heras in the top of the 7th. Japhet Amador singled to score Heras and the Charros had increased their lead to 6-3.
In the top of the 9th, Eduardo Arredondo singled, stole second, went to third on a Manny Rodriguez ground out and scored on a single by Leo Heras for the final 7-3 score
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Most Clicked on 2014 Stories on Yahoo Sports
It's that time of the year when we look back 2014 to remember the sports stories we all came to love/hate.
Here is 2014 in retrospect byYahoo Sports
Here is 2014 in retrospect byYahoo Sports
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Top Five Plays to Watch From Sunday's NFL Games
I don't like to put just links on my main page but these really are "must see" plays.
Thanks to Yahoo's Shutdown Corner Videos
Thanks to Yahoo's Shutdown Corner Videos
Caneros Stop Charros Win Streak At 8 In A Row
los Mochis snapped the longest winning streak of the year for the Charros with a 4-3 victory on Sunday.
The Caneros scored three runs in the bottom of the 1st off of Jalisco starter Marco Tovar. Greg Golson drew a lead off walk and went to third on a single to right by Antonio Lamas. Golson scored on a double by Luis Terrero and Lamas scored on a grounder to short with Terrero moving to third. Saul Soto hit a sac fly to right that scored Terrero for the 3-0 Caneros lead.
Eduardo Arredondo led off the 3rd for the Charros by waiting out a base on balls. Arredondo advanced to second on a passed ball and scored on a ground rule double to right by Manny Rodriguez. Jalisco had cut the lead to 3-1.
The Charros tied the game in the 5th on a double by Eduardo Arredondo and Leo Heras' 9th home run of the year. The score was tied at 3 apiece.
David Kopp replaced Marco Tovar in the bottom of the 7th and gave up a two out, solo home run to Luis Terrero that gave the Caneros the 4-3 final margin of victory.
Leo Heras was 1 for 4 on the night with the home run and 2 RBIs while Manny Rodriguez went 2 for 4 with his 23rd double of the year and an RBI.
David Kopp took the loss to fall to 1-1 on the season while Carlos Fisher got the win for los Mochi to improve to 3-1 for the Caneros.
The Caneros scored three runs in the bottom of the 1st off of Jalisco starter Marco Tovar. Greg Golson drew a lead off walk and went to third on a single to right by Antonio Lamas. Golson scored on a double by Luis Terrero and Lamas scored on a grounder to short with Terrero moving to third. Saul Soto hit a sac fly to right that scored Terrero for the 3-0 Caneros lead.
Eduardo Arredondo led off the 3rd for the Charros by waiting out a base on balls. Arredondo advanced to second on a passed ball and scored on a ground rule double to right by Manny Rodriguez. Jalisco had cut the lead to 3-1.
The Charros tied the game in the 5th on a double by Eduardo Arredondo and Leo Heras' 9th home run of the year. The score was tied at 3 apiece.
David Kopp replaced Marco Tovar in the bottom of the 7th and gave up a two out, solo home run to Luis Terrero that gave the Caneros the 4-3 final margin of victory.
Leo Heras was 1 for 4 on the night with the home run and 2 RBIs while Manny Rodriguez went 2 for 4 with his 23rd double of the year and an RBI.
David Kopp took the loss to fall to 1-1 on the season while Carlos Fisher got the win for los Mochi to improve to 3-1 for the Caneros.
8 In A Row - Charros Beat los Mochis 6-5
With a two run rally in the 7th inning, the Charros overtook the Caneros 6-5 for their 8th win in a row, a 39-23 record overall in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, and alone at the top of the second half standings at 17-9.
The Charros started quickly against the Caneros de los Mochis. Marquez Smith singled to drive in Leo Heras for the early 1-0 lead.
Greg Golson drew a walk to lead off the Caneros half of the 1st, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, stole third and scored on a single by Carlos Pedroso to tie the game at 1 all.
Jalisco scored three runs in the top of the 5th to take a 4-1 lead. Manny Rodriguez led off with a single and stole second. Leo Heras singled to left with Rodriguez stopping at third. CJ Retherford singled to score Rodriguez. After Marguez Smith struck out, Jesus Cota singled to score Heras and move Retherford to third. Gabriel Gutierrez grounded out to first as Retherford scored to give the lead to the Charros.
The Caneros struck back in the bottom of the 5th. Justin Christian led off with a double and scored on a single to center by Juan Gamboa. With one out, Greg Golson tripled to score Gamboa. Jesus Arredondo walked and stole second. Golson scored on a ground ball to third and the score was knotted at 4.
los Mochis loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the 6th and Charros reliever, Hogo Castellanos hit Greg Golson with a pitch forcing in Luis Terrero with the go ahead run for the Caneros at 5-4.
Jalisco fought back in the 7th. Leo Heras singled and with two outs, Jesus Cota singled with Heras moving to third. Gabriel Gutierrez singled to score Heras and Jesus Lopez doubled to drive in Cota. The Charros had regained the lead and the eventual final winning score of 6-5
The Charros started quickly against the Caneros de los Mochis. Marquez Smith singled to drive in Leo Heras for the early 1-0 lead.
Greg Golson drew a walk to lead off the Caneros half of the 1st, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, stole third and scored on a single by Carlos Pedroso to tie the game at 1 all.
Jalisco scored three runs in the top of the 5th to take a 4-1 lead. Manny Rodriguez led off with a single and stole second. Leo Heras singled to left with Rodriguez stopping at third. CJ Retherford singled to score Rodriguez. After Marguez Smith struck out, Jesus Cota singled to score Heras and move Retherford to third. Gabriel Gutierrez grounded out to first as Retherford scored to give the lead to the Charros.
The Caneros struck back in the bottom of the 5th. Justin Christian led off with a double and scored on a single to center by Juan Gamboa. With one out, Greg Golson tripled to score Gamboa. Jesus Arredondo walked and stole second. Golson scored on a ground ball to third and the score was knotted at 4.
los Mochis loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the 6th and Charros reliever, Hogo Castellanos hit Greg Golson with a pitch forcing in Luis Terrero with the go ahead run for the Caneros at 5-4.
Jalisco fought back in the 7th. Leo Heras singled and with two outs, Jesus Cota singled with Heras moving to third. Gabriel Gutierrez singled to score Heras and Jesus Lopez doubled to drive in Cota. The Charros had regained the lead and the eventual final winning score of 6-5
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Charros win 7th in a Row - Top Caneros 6-4
It took 10 innings but the Charros topped the Caneros de los Mochis 6-4 to win their 7th game in a row and catch Mexicali for the 2nd half lead in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico.
Jesus Lopez started things off for the Charros in the top of the 3rd by hitting a solo home run to left to lead off and give Jalisco a 1-0 lead.
The Caneros scored in the bottom of the 3rd on two errors by the Charros and a sacrifice bunt by Greg Golson that scored Yancarlo Angulo and the game was tied at 1.
Leo Heras singled to lead off the 6th and Japhet Amador followed with a base on balls. After Marquez Smith's ground out moved the runners up, CJ Retherford cleared the bases with his 5th home run of the season and a 4-1 Charros lead.
los Mochis had two outs and a man on second in the bottom of the 7th when Yancarlo Angulo was hit by a pitch by Charros starter, Ben Kozlowski. Juan Gamboa singled to right to score Saul Soto to cut the lead to 4-2. Adrian Gonzalez entered the game in relief and gave up a single to Greg Golson that scored Angulo. Antonio Lamas singled to right to score Gamboa and the Caneros had tied the game at 4-4.
The score remained tied through regulation. CJ Retherford walked to lead off the Charros half of the 10th inning. Gabriel Gutierrez sacrificed Retherford to second and after Jesus Lopez flied out to center for the second out, Edson Garcia singled to score Retherford. Garcia, who had taken second on the throw to the plate, moved to third on a wild pitch. Eduardo Arredondo singled to score Garcia and when Mario Mendoza pitched a perfect bottom of the 10th, the Charros had the 6-4 victory.
Mendoza picked up the win in relief to improve to 1-1 on the year while lowering his ERA to 2.66. Charros starter, Ben Kozlowski, went 6 2/3 innings, charged with 4 runs on just 4 hits with a walk and 3 strikeouts. Santiago Gutierrez took the loss for los Mochis to drop to 2-5 on the season.
CJ Retherford was 2 for 4 on the night with a 3 run home run and 2 runs scored. Manny Rodriguez, Leo Heras, Jesus Lopez and Edson Garcia were all 2 for 5.
The Charros are now 37-23 overall in the league, 2 games ahead of the Aguilas de Mexicali and 16-9 in the second half, tied with the Aguilas.
Jesus Lopez started things off for the Charros in the top of the 3rd by hitting a solo home run to left to lead off and give Jalisco a 1-0 lead.
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| Leo Heras' Home Run courtesy of Charros Jalisco Beisbol |
The Caneros scored in the bottom of the 3rd on two errors by the Charros and a sacrifice bunt by Greg Golson that scored Yancarlo Angulo and the game was tied at 1.
Leo Heras singled to lead off the 6th and Japhet Amador followed with a base on balls. After Marquez Smith's ground out moved the runners up, CJ Retherford cleared the bases with his 5th home run of the season and a 4-1 Charros lead.
los Mochis had two outs and a man on second in the bottom of the 7th when Yancarlo Angulo was hit by a pitch by Charros starter, Ben Kozlowski. Juan Gamboa singled to right to score Saul Soto to cut the lead to 4-2. Adrian Gonzalez entered the game in relief and gave up a single to Greg Golson that scored Angulo. Antonio Lamas singled to right to score Gamboa and the Caneros had tied the game at 4-4.
The score remained tied through regulation. CJ Retherford walked to lead off the Charros half of the 10th inning. Gabriel Gutierrez sacrificed Retherford to second and after Jesus Lopez flied out to center for the second out, Edson Garcia singled to score Retherford. Garcia, who had taken second on the throw to the plate, moved to third on a wild pitch. Eduardo Arredondo singled to score Garcia and when Mario Mendoza pitched a perfect bottom of the 10th, the Charros had the 6-4 victory.
Mendoza picked up the win in relief to improve to 1-1 on the year while lowering his ERA to 2.66. Charros starter, Ben Kozlowski, went 6 2/3 innings, charged with 4 runs on just 4 hits with a walk and 3 strikeouts. Santiago Gutierrez took the loss for los Mochis to drop to 2-5 on the season.
CJ Retherford was 2 for 4 on the night with a 3 run home run and 2 runs scored. Manny Rodriguez, Leo Heras, Jesus Lopez and Edson Garcia were all 2 for 5.
The Charros are now 37-23 overall in the league, 2 games ahead of the Aguilas de Mexicali and 16-9 in the second half, tied with the Aguilas.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Battle of 2-12 Teams Goes to Jacksonville
A battle of 2-12 teams that could determine who gets a shot at Marcus Mariota in the spring draft, was won by the Jacksonville Jaguars over the Tennessee Titans 21-13.
Tennessee took a 10 nothing lead before Blake Bortles hit Marcedes Lewis with a 4 yard pass with :31 seconds on the clock in the 1st half.
Toby Gerhart scored on a 1 yard run in the 3rd quarter to put the Jags ahead 14-10. Jordan Todman broke loose on a 62 yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter to put Jacksonville up 21 10 with 9:13 left in the game.
Ryan Succop hit a 23 yard field goal with about 6 minutes to go to put the score at 21-13 and the Titans were driving when Charlie Whitehurst was sacked on the last play of the game to seal the win for the Jaguars.
Tennessee took a 10 nothing lead before Blake Bortles hit Marcedes Lewis with a 4 yard pass with :31 seconds on the clock in the 1st half.
Toby Gerhart scored on a 1 yard run in the 3rd quarter to put the Jags ahead 14-10. Jordan Todman broke loose on a 62 yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter to put Jacksonville up 21 10 with 9:13 left in the game.
Ryan Succop hit a 23 yard field goal with about 6 minutes to go to put the score at 21-13 and the Titans were driving when Charlie Whitehurst was sacked on the last play of the game to seal the win for the Jaguars.
Naranjeros Swept By Charros
The Naranjeros de Hermosillo visited Zapopan for three games and the Charros won all three games.
Jalisco started off the scoring on Thursday night in the bottom of the 1st as Manny Rodriguez drove a pitch from Hermosillo starter, Alfredo Aceves, over the left field wall for a quick 1-0 Charros lead.
The Naranjeros threatened in the top of the 3rd. Jose Cardona hit a one out triple off the wall in center field but the Jalisco starter, Orlando Lara, got Jose Aguilar to fly out to shallow right and Carlos Gastelum to ground out to short to end the inning with no damage done.
The Charros built on their lead in the 4th on a Marquez Smith double to right and a run scoring double to center by Jesus Cota. Fernando Valenzuela followed, one out later, with a single to left that scored Cota but Valenzuela was out at second on a good throw by the Hermosillo left fielder. The Charros had a 3-0 lead.
Mermosillo got a run back in the top of the 6th on Jose Amador's 9th home run of the season to cut the Charros lead to 3-1.
Orlando Lara picked up the win to move to 6-3 on the year with 6 1/3 innings on the mound. Lara gave up 1 run while scattering 6 hits, walking none and striking out 3. Mario Mendoza got his second save of the season pitching a scoreless 9th. Alfredo Aceves took the loss for the Naranjeros to drop to 5-6 on the year.
Manny Rodriguez went 2 for 3 with his 6th home run of the year, an RBI and a run scored. Gabriel Gutierrez was 1 for 2 on the night to raise his average to .280.
Jalisco climbs to 36-23 overall and 14-9 in the second half of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico.
Jalisco started off the scoring on Thursday night in the bottom of the 1st as Manny Rodriguez drove a pitch from Hermosillo starter, Alfredo Aceves, over the left field wall for a quick 1-0 Charros lead.
The Naranjeros threatened in the top of the 3rd. Jose Cardona hit a one out triple off the wall in center field but the Jalisco starter, Orlando Lara, got Jose Aguilar to fly out to shallow right and Carlos Gastelum to ground out to short to end the inning with no damage done.
The Charros built on their lead in the 4th on a Marquez Smith double to right and a run scoring double to center by Jesus Cota. Fernando Valenzuela followed, one out later, with a single to left that scored Cota but Valenzuela was out at second on a good throw by the Hermosillo left fielder. The Charros had a 3-0 lead.
Mermosillo got a run back in the top of the 6th on Jose Amador's 9th home run of the season to cut the Charros lead to 3-1.
Orlando Lara picked up the win to move to 6-3 on the year with 6 1/3 innings on the mound. Lara gave up 1 run while scattering 6 hits, walking none and striking out 3. Mario Mendoza got his second save of the season pitching a scoreless 9th. Alfredo Aceves took the loss for the Naranjeros to drop to 5-6 on the year.
Manny Rodriguez went 2 for 3 with his 6th home run of the year, an RBI and a run scored. Gabriel Gutierrez was 1 for 2 on the night to raise his average to .280.
Jalisco climbs to 36-23 overall and 14-9 in the second half of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico.
Charros Take 2 From Naranjeros 3-2 and 7-0
The Charros de Jalisco have taken the first two games of a three game series with the Naranjeros de Hermosillo by scores of 3-2 and 7-0.
Ivan salas got the win in the 3-2 victory pitching the top of the 9th in relief of Adrian Ramirez who had given up a 2 run home run to Jose Amador that had tied the game at 2 apiece.
Jalisco opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd on a sac fly that scored Amadeo Zazueta for the 1-0 lead.
The Charros added a run in the bottom of the 8th when Amadeo Zazueta singled and went to third on an errant pick off attempt. Zazueta scored on a single by Israel Nunez to give the Charros a short lived 2-0 lead.
After Hermisillo had tied the game in the top of the 9th, Edson Garcia, of the Charros hit a walk off single in the bottom of the 9th to score Ivan Araujo with the winning run and the 3-2 victory for the Charros.
Jalisco improved to 35-23 overall and 14-9 in the second half of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico season with the 7-0 win on Wednesday night. Juan Delgadillo improved to 2-6 on the year with 6 strong innings of 2 hit ball with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts.
The Charros scored two runs in the bottom of the 1st on a sac fly by Leo Heras that scored Eduardo Arredondo and a ground out by Japhet Amador that plated Manny Rodriguez for the 2-0 lead.
Manny Rodriguez singled to right in the 2nd that scored Eduardo Arredondo for a 3-0 Charros lead.
The same tandem scored a run in the 4th as Arredondo, who had singled and moved to second on a balk, scored on a single to left by Rodriguez that upped the lead to 4-0.
Leo Heras led off the 7th for Jalisco with his 8th home run of the year, a solo shot to right for a 5-0 lead. With two outs, CJ Retherford singled to left and IvanAraujo drew a base on balls. Amadeo Zazueta followed with a double that scored Retherford and Araujo for the final two runs and the 7-0 final score.
Ivan salas got the win in the 3-2 victory pitching the top of the 9th in relief of Adrian Ramirez who had given up a 2 run home run to Jose Amador that had tied the game at 2 apiece.
Jalisco opened the scoring in the bottom of the 3rd on a sac fly that scored Amadeo Zazueta for the 1-0 lead.
The Charros added a run in the bottom of the 8th when Amadeo Zazueta singled and went to third on an errant pick off attempt. Zazueta scored on a single by Israel Nunez to give the Charros a short lived 2-0 lead.
After Hermisillo had tied the game in the top of the 9th, Edson Garcia, of the Charros hit a walk off single in the bottom of the 9th to score Ivan Araujo with the winning run and the 3-2 victory for the Charros.
Jalisco improved to 35-23 overall and 14-9 in the second half of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico season with the 7-0 win on Wednesday night. Juan Delgadillo improved to 2-6 on the year with 6 strong innings of 2 hit ball with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts.
The Charros scored two runs in the bottom of the 1st on a sac fly by Leo Heras that scored Eduardo Arredondo and a ground out by Japhet Amador that plated Manny Rodriguez for the 2-0 lead.
Manny Rodriguez singled to right in the 2nd that scored Eduardo Arredondo for a 3-0 Charros lead.
The same tandem scored a run in the 4th as Arredondo, who had singled and moved to second on a balk, scored on a single to left by Rodriguez that upped the lead to 4-0.
Leo Heras led off the 7th for Jalisco with his 8th home run of the year, a solo shot to right for a 5-0 lead. With two outs, CJ Retherford singled to left and IvanAraujo drew a base on balls. Amadeo Zazueta followed with a double that scored Retherford and Araujo for the final two runs and the 7-0 final score.
NFL Game Picks Week 16
After an 11-5 week last week, thank you Aaron Rogers and Chip Kelly, I'm sure to knock 'em dead this week.
(L) Tennessee @ Jacksonville Titans 20-17 Tossup. Titans defense wins
(L)Philadelphia @ Washington Eagles 28-24 Eagles O too fast
(W)San Diego @ San Francisco Chargers 30-21 Harbaugh looking East
(W)Minnesota @ Miami Dolphins 20-17 Tossup. Going with the home team
(L)Baltimore @ Houston Ravens 20-13 Defensive struggle...Ravens with too much O
(W)Detroit @ Chicago Lions 28-13 Cutler out...Goodbye Bears
(L)Cleveland @ Carolina Browns 20-10 Why...I don't know
(L)Atlanta @ New Orleans Saints 30-24 Brees wants to get to 8-8
(W)Green Bay @ Tampa Bay Packers 35-13 It was too cold in Buffalo
(W)Kansas City @ Pittsburgh Steelers 17-13 Good D by both teams
(W)New England @ NY Jets Patriots 30-13 Brady or Smith...Brady
(L)NY Giants @ St. Louis Rams 20-10 Not much O but good D in STL
(W)Buffalo @ Oakland Raiders 17-12 I don't know...Raiders D
(L)Indianapolis @ Dallas Colts 20-17 No Murray...No win!
(W)Seattle @ Arizona Seahawks 22-9 Lindley v. Seahawks secondary...no way!
Denver @ Cincinnati Broncos 28-13 Manning all better this week
(L) Tennessee @ Jacksonville Titans 20-17 Tossup. Titans defense wins
(L)Philadelphia @ Washington Eagles 28-24 Eagles O too fast
(W)San Diego @ San Francisco Chargers 30-21 Harbaugh looking East
(W)Minnesota @ Miami Dolphins 20-17 Tossup. Going with the home team
(L)Baltimore @ Houston Ravens 20-13 Defensive struggle...Ravens with too much O
(W)Detroit @ Chicago Lions 28-13 Cutler out...Goodbye Bears
(L)Cleveland @ Carolina Browns 20-10 Why...I don't know
(L)Atlanta @ New Orleans Saints 30-24 Brees wants to get to 8-8
(W)Green Bay @ Tampa Bay Packers 35-13 It was too cold in Buffalo
(W)Kansas City @ Pittsburgh Steelers 17-13 Good D by both teams
(W)New England @ NY Jets Patriots 30-13 Brady or Smith...Brady
(L)NY Giants @ St. Louis Rams 20-10 Not much O but good D in STL
(W)Buffalo @ Oakland Raiders 17-12 I don't know...Raiders D
(L)Indianapolis @ Dallas Colts 20-17 No Murray...No win!
(W)Seattle @ Arizona Seahawks 22-9 Lindley v. Seahawks secondary...no way!
Denver @ Cincinnati Broncos 28-13 Manning all better this week
Monday, December 15, 2014
Saints Beat Listless Bears 31-15 on MNF
Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints looked like a new team on Monday night, defeating the Chicago Bears 31-15. Brees threw for 375 yards and 3 touchdowns with no interceptions in the win. The Saints improved to 6-8 on the year, a game in front of the Carolina Panthers and the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South Division.
Jay Cutler went 17 of 31 for 194 yards, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions against a stingy, swarming Saints defense. Cutler was sacked 7 times for the game.
Read the ESPN recap here.
Jay Cutler went 17 of 31 for 194 yards, 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions against a stingy, swarming Saints defense. Cutler was sacked 7 times for the game.
Read the ESPN recap here.
Royals Sign Alex Rios For 1 Year at 11 Million
The kansas City Royals have signed free agent outfielder, Alex Rios to a 1 year, 11 million dollar contract to replace Norichika Aoki in right field.
Read the ESPN article here.
Read the ESPN article here.
Dodgers Sign Brett Anderson
The LA Dodgers have signed former Colorado LHP Brett Anderson to a 1 year, 10 million Dollar deal sources said.
Read the ESPN story here.
Read the ESPN story here.
Jason Motte to Sign With Cubs
Jason Motte, who has played his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals, has agreed to a 1 year deal with the Chicago Cubs for a reported 4.5 million dollars.
Motte missed the entire 2013 season after undergoing "tommy john" surgery.
In 2012, Motte had 42 saves and an ERA of 2.75
Motte missed the entire 2013 season after undergoing "tommy john" surgery.
In 2012, Motte had 42 saves and an ERA of 2.75
Kentucky Remains Unanimous #1 in Men's Basketball
The 11-0 Kentucky Wildcats remained the unanimous #1 in the NCAA Men's Baskaetball AP Top 10. Two days after losing Alex Poythress, their leading scorer, to an ACL injury, the Wildcats beat North Carolina 84-70.
Duke, Arizona, Louisville and Wisconsin remain unchanged to round out the top 5.
The top 7 spots remain the same with Virginia at #6 and Villanova at #7. Gonzaga leapfrogged Texas for the 8th spot and Kansas remained at #10. Wichita State is at 11 and Ohio State comes in at#12.
Duke, Arizona, Louisville and Wisconsin remain unchanged to round out the top 5.
The top 7 spots remain the same with Virginia at #6 and Villanova at #7. Gonzaga leapfrogged Texas for the 8th spot and Kansas remained at #10. Wichita State is at 11 and Ohio State comes in at
MLB Signings of Note This Week
Chase Headley is reported to have signed a 4 year 52 million dollar contract with the NY Yankees. Headley was traded to the Yankees prior to the deadline in 2014 and hit a combined .243 with 13 HRs and 49 RBIs last season.
The Chicago White Sox have signed free agent, Melky Cabrera to a 3 year 42 million dollar contract. Cabrera hit .301 with 16 home runs, 73 RBIs and 81 runs for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014.
Bryce Harper and the Washington Nationals have avoided a grievance hearing by agreeing to a 2 year 7.5 million dollar contract. In an injury plagued 2014 season, Harper nit .273 with 13 HRs and 32 RBIs.
The Chicago White Sox have signed free agent, Melky Cabrera to a 3 year 42 million dollar contract. Cabrera hit .301 with 16 home runs, 73 RBIs and 81 runs for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2014.
Bryce Harper and the Washington Nationals have avoided a grievance hearing by agreeing to a 2 year 7.5 million dollar contract. In an injury plagued 2014 season, Harper nit .273 with 13 HRs and 32 RBIs.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Charros Sweep Navojoa with 5-2 Victory
The Charros de Jalisco swept the three game series with the Mayos de Navojoa with a 5-2 victory on Sunday night. Ivan Zavala pitched the 8th inning for the Charros to pick up the win while Brian Broderick notched his 16th save of the year.
Jalisco scored two runs in the top of the1st. Eduardo Arredondo singled to right and Manny Rodriguez was hit by a pitch. Leo Heras laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Japhet Amador singled to center to score Arredondo and Rodriguez for the quick 2-0 Charros lead.
The Mayos got a run back in their half of the 1st on a single by Alan Sanchez and a one out double to left by Jose Chavez that scored Sanchez to cut the Charros' lead to 2-1.
Tim Fedroff led off the bottom of the 2bd for Navojoa with a single to right. After Carlos Orrantia struck out, Fernando Flores doubled to score Fedroff and the score was tied at 2.
There would be no more runs scored by either team until the top of the 9th. Jose Lopez replaced Esteban Haro on the mound for Navojoa and got the first two batters out on fly balls to the outfield. The third batter, CJ Retherford, doubled and scored on a double to right by Edson Garcia. Jesus Lopez then singled to put runners on the corners with two outs. Lopez stole second and Garcia and Lopez both scored on a throwing error by the Navojoa shortstop on a ground ball. That made it a 5-2 ball game as Broderick pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to give the win to Zavala.
Ivan Zavala, normally an 8th inning set up man, got the win to go to 1-0 on the year with a 2.70 ERA while Jose Lopez took the loss for the 19-37 Mayos.
Edson Garcia was 1 for 1 with a double and an RBI after replacing Jesus Cota in left field. Japhet Amador was 1 for 4 with his 46th RBI of the year. CJ Retherford went 2 for 4 to up his batting average to .368 on the season.
The Charros are now 10 games over .500 at 33-23 and 12-9 for the second half. Jalisco is one full game ahead of both Mexicali and Culiacan for the overall Liga Mexicana del Pacifico lead.
Jalisco scored two runs in the top of the1st. Eduardo Arredondo singled to right and Manny Rodriguez was hit by a pitch. Leo Heras laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runners. Japhet Amador singled to center to score Arredondo and Rodriguez for the quick 2-0 Charros lead.
The Mayos got a run back in their half of the 1st on a single by Alan Sanchez and a one out double to left by Jose Chavez that scored Sanchez to cut the Charros' lead to 2-1.
Tim Fedroff led off the bottom of the 2bd for Navojoa with a single to right. After Carlos Orrantia struck out, Fernando Flores doubled to score Fedroff and the score was tied at 2.
There would be no more runs scored by either team until the top of the 9th. Jose Lopez replaced Esteban Haro on the mound for Navojoa and got the first two batters out on fly balls to the outfield. The third batter, CJ Retherford, doubled and scored on a double to right by Edson Garcia. Jesus Lopez then singled to put runners on the corners with two outs. Lopez stole second and Garcia and Lopez both scored on a throwing error by the Navojoa shortstop on a ground ball. That made it a 5-2 ball game as Broderick pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to give the win to Zavala.
Ivan Zavala, normally an 8th inning set up man, got the win to go to 1-0 on the year with a 2.70 ERA while Jose Lopez took the loss for the 19-37 Mayos.
Edson Garcia was 1 for 1 with a double and an RBI after replacing Jesus Cota in left field. Japhet Amador was 1 for 4 with his 46th RBI of the year. CJ Retherford went 2 for 4 to up his batting average to .368 on the season.
The Charros are now 10 games over .500 at 33-23 and 12-9 for the second half. Jalisco is one full game ahead of both Mexicali and Culiacan for the overall Liga Mexicana del Pacifico lead.
Charros Best Mayos 5-1
After falling behind 1-0 in the 1st, the Charros erupted for 5 runs in the 3rd to defeat the Mayos de Navojoa in the second game of a three game set in Navojoa.
Jose Chavez singled to start the bottom of the 1st for the Mayos. Carlos Orrantia singled to center to put runners on the corners with no outs. Jon Weber singled to score Chavez and give Navojoa a one run lead at 1-0.
The Charros bats remained quiet until the top of the 3rd when Gabriel Gutierrez singled to right to lead off the inning and went to third on a single by Ivan Araujo. Jesus Lopez singled to score Gutierrez with Araujo stopping at second. Eduardo Arredondo reached safely on a sacrifice bunt that the Mayo's first baseman misplayed to load the bases for the Charros. Manny Rodriguez hit into a double play that scored Araujo and got Lopez to third. Leo Heras drew a base on balls. Japhet Amador singled to score Lopez and move Heras to second. Heras stole third in front of a Marquez Smith walk that loaded the bases again for Jalisco. CJ Retherford singled to left to score Heras and Amador and the Charros were on top 5-1.
The Mayos only threat after the first came in the bottom of the 8th. With the benefit of 2 walks, Navojoa chased the Charros starter, Ben Kozlowski. Adrian Ramirez, on in relief, got Jose Chavez to pop out to second and Carlos Orrantia to pop out to first. Ivan Salas relieved Ramirez and got Jon Weber to fly out to left to end the threat.
Ben Koslowski went 7 innings giving up just 3 hits and 1 run, all in the 1st inning, t improve to 3-2 on the year. Kozlowski struck out 4 but also walked 4. The Mayos did not get a hit after the 1st inning.
Salvador Robles took the loss for the Mayos to fall to 1-7 on the season.
The Charros are now 32-23 overall and 11-9 in the second half of the season.
Jose Chavez singled to start the bottom of the 1st for the Mayos. Carlos Orrantia singled to center to put runners on the corners with no outs. Jon Weber singled to score Chavez and give Navojoa a one run lead at 1-0.
The Charros bats remained quiet until the top of the 3rd when Gabriel Gutierrez singled to right to lead off the inning and went to third on a single by Ivan Araujo. Jesus Lopez singled to score Gutierrez with Araujo stopping at second. Eduardo Arredondo reached safely on a sacrifice bunt that the Mayo's first baseman misplayed to load the bases for the Charros. Manny Rodriguez hit into a double play that scored Araujo and got Lopez to third. Leo Heras drew a base on balls. Japhet Amador singled to score Lopez and move Heras to second. Heras stole third in front of a Marquez Smith walk that loaded the bases again for Jalisco. CJ Retherford singled to left to score Heras and Amador and the Charros were on top 5-1.
The Mayos only threat after the first came in the bottom of the 8th. With the benefit of 2 walks, Navojoa chased the Charros starter, Ben Kozlowski. Adrian Ramirez, on in relief, got Jose Chavez to pop out to second and Carlos Orrantia to pop out to first. Ivan Salas relieved Ramirez and got Jon Weber to fly out to left to end the threat.
Ben Koslowski went 7 innings giving up just 3 hits and 1 run, all in the 1st inning, t improve to 3-2 on the year. Kozlowski struck out 4 but also walked 4. The Mayos did not get a hit after the 1st inning.
Salvador Robles took the loss for the Mayos to fall to 1-7 on the season.
The Charros are now 32-23 overall and 11-9 in the second half of the season.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Marcus Mariota Wins Heisman Trophy
As if there was any doubt, Marcus Mariota won the Heisman Trophy for 2014.
Read the ESPN article here.
Read the ESPN article here.
Muschamp Returns to Auburn as Defensive Coordinator
Auburn University has reportedly inked Will Muschamp to a 3year deal worth between 1.6 and 1.8 million dollars a year. This would make Muschamp the highest paid defensive coordinator in college football.
It appears that Muschamp's interview with the University of Houston for their head coaching position may have been a ruse to force Auburn's hand.
Read the ESPN article here.
Muschamp's "I'm just a ball coach" Auburn introduction.
It appears that Muschamp's interview with the University of Houston for their head coaching position may have been a ruse to force Auburn's hand.
Read the ESPN article here.
Muschamp's "I'm just a ball coach" Auburn introduction.
Charros Top Navojoa 2-1 Behind Orlando Lara's Strong Outing
The Mayos de Navojoa may be in last place in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico but you wouldn't have known it last night as it took a strong pitching performance by the Charros starter, Orlando Lara, to defeat the Mayos 2-1.
Manny Rodriguez drew a walk to begin the Charros 4th. Leo Heras walked and both runners advanced on a wild pitch by the Navojoa starter, Hector Velazquez. With one out, CJ Retherford singled to score Rodriguez and Jalisco led 1-0.
Navojoa tied the game in the bottom of the 5th on a lead off walk to Eliseo Aldazaba and a single to right by Rolando Acosta that put runners on the corners. Tim Fedroff then grounded into a 6-4-3 double play that scored Aldazaba with the tying run.
The Charros lead off hitter in the 6th, Manny Rodriguez, doubled to left and went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Leo Heras. Rodriguez scored on a sac fly to right by Marquez Smith and the Charros had regained the lead 2-1. That would prove to be the winning run as the pitching, by both teams, took over.
Manny Rodriguez was 1 for 3 with his 21st double of the year and 2 runs scored. CJ Retherford singled once in his three at bats and drove in the first run for the Charros. Marquez Smith, though hitless on the night, hit the sac fly to drive in the eventual winning run in the 6th inning. Gabriel Gutierrez was 2 for 2 with a double and a stolen base.
Orlando Lara, now 5-3 on the year, got the win, allowing just 2 hits and a run in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out 6 but walked 4, continuing a pattern by the Charros starters of late. Brian Broderick pitched the 9th to pick up his 15th save of the year.
Hector Velazquez, for the Mayos, matched Lara's pitching for 6 innings, giving up just 4 hits and 2 runs with 4 strikeouts. He walked 3 and saw his record fall to 0-5 on the season.
Jalisco remains atop the overall standings with a 31-23 record, one game ahead of Mexicali, los Mochis and Culiacan who are all 30-24. The Charros are 10-9 in the second half of the season one game behind the leaders.
Manny Rodriguez drew a walk to begin the Charros 4th. Leo Heras walked and both runners advanced on a wild pitch by the Navojoa starter, Hector Velazquez. With one out, CJ Retherford singled to score Rodriguez and Jalisco led 1-0.
Navojoa tied the game in the bottom of the 5th on a lead off walk to Eliseo Aldazaba and a single to right by Rolando Acosta that put runners on the corners. Tim Fedroff then grounded into a 6-4-3 double play that scored Aldazaba with the tying run.
The Charros lead off hitter in the 6th, Manny Rodriguez, doubled to left and went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Leo Heras. Rodriguez scored on a sac fly to right by Marquez Smith and the Charros had regained the lead 2-1. That would prove to be the winning run as the pitching, by both teams, took over.
Manny Rodriguez was 1 for 3 with his 21st double of the year and 2 runs scored. CJ Retherford singled once in his three at bats and drove in the first run for the Charros. Marquez Smith, though hitless on the night, hit the sac fly to drive in the eventual winning run in the 6th inning. Gabriel Gutierrez was 2 for 2 with a double and a stolen base.
Orlando Lara, now 5-3 on the year, got the win, allowing just 2 hits and a run in 5 2/3 innings. He struck out 6 but walked 4, continuing a pattern by the Charros starters of late. Brian Broderick pitched the 9th to pick up his 15th save of the year.
Hector Velazquez, for the Mayos, matched Lara's pitching for 6 innings, giving up just 4 hits and 2 runs with 4 strikeouts. He walked 3 and saw his record fall to 0-5 on the season.
Jalisco remains atop the overall standings with a 31-23 record, one game ahead of Mexicali, los Mochis and Culiacan who are all 30-24. The Charros are 10-9 in the second half of the season one game behind the leaders.
Friday, December 12, 2014
2015 Alpine Cowboys Hot Stove Talk
I wrote an article for the bigbendcourier.com on the upcoming season for the Alpine Cowboys, a team in the Pecos League.
The Cowboys made it to the finals last year and came up a game short of the Pecos League Championship.
Read the article here and follow the Pecos league beginning in May of 2015. I will have updated articles here and you can follow the games on pecosleague.com. The Cowboys home games are carried on KVLF 1240 AM.
The Cowboys made it to the finals last year and came up a game short of the Pecos League Championship.
Read the article here and follow the Pecos league beginning in May of 2015. I will have updated articles here and you can follow the games on pecosleague.com. The Cowboys home games are carried on KVLF 1240 AM.
Arizona Cardinals Over Rams 12-6
The Arizona Cardinals rode the toe of Chandler Catanzaro to victory last night, 12-6, over the St. Louis Rams. The two teams combined for 6 field goals and 0 touchdowns.
The Cardinals became the first team this year to win a game without scoring a touchdown while the Rams have not allowed a touchdown in their last three games.
Drew Stanton, who left the field in the 3rd quarter with an injury, and Ryan Lindley were a combined 16 of 30 passing for 139 yards and no touchdowns for the Cardinals while Shaun Hill was 20 of 39 for 229 yards, no touchdowns and one interception for the Rams.
Arizona rushed for 143 yards on 33 carries, led by Kerwynn Williams' 75 yards and the Rams were held to 69 yards on the ground with Tre Mason running for 33 yards on 13 carries.
Read the ESPN recap here.
The Cardinals became the first team this year to win a game without scoring a touchdown while the Rams have not allowed a touchdown in their last three games.
Drew Stanton, who left the field in the 3rd quarter with an injury, and Ryan Lindley were a combined 16 of 30 passing for 139 yards and no touchdowns for the Cardinals while Shaun Hill was 20 of 39 for 229 yards, no touchdowns and one interception for the Rams.
Arizona rushed for 143 yards on 33 carries, led by Kerwynn Williams' 75 yards and the Rams were held to 69 yards on the ground with Tre Mason running for 33 yards on 13 carries.
Read the ESPN recap here.
Tomateros Defeat Charros 5-2
The Tomateros de Culiacan took the rubber match of the 3 game series with the Charros, 5-2, on a night that Jalisco's offense was ineffective, the fielding was erratic and the their starting pitching was poor.
Rico Noel drew a walk and stole second to lead off the game for Culiacan. Noel then stole third and scored on a throwing error by the Charros catcher. The Tomateros had a 1-0 lead with out benefit of a hit.
The Charros answered in their half of the first when Leo Heras singled and Japhet Amador was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Marquez Smith singled to right and Heras scored. Jalisco had tied the score at 1, after 1 inning.
Culiacan loaded the bases with 2 outs in the top of the 3rd and Joey Meneses singled to score Ramiro Pena and Issmael Salas to give the Tomateros a 3-1 lead.
CJ Retherford hit his fourth home run of the season, a solo shot to left, to pull the Charros to within a run at 3-2 in the bottom of the 3rd.
Ali Solis was hit by a pitch to start the 4th. Rico Noel walked. Ramiro Pena moved both runners up on a sacrifice bunt to the pitcher. Eric Farris then hit a sac fly to right to score Solis and Russell Branyan doubled to left to score Noel. Culican took the lead with the eventual final score of 5-2.
The Charros were unable to score two separate times with the bases loaded after the 4th inning. Jalisco was 3 for 11 with runners in scoring position while stranding 13.
Juan Delgadillo took the loss for the Charros to fall to 1-6 on the season, giving up all 5 Tomateros runs on just 4 hits but he hit 2 batters and walked 4 more in just 3 2/3 innings on the mound. The Jalisco relief pitchers pitched 5 1/3 innings of scoreless 2 hit ball, to keep the game as close as it was for the Charros.
Juan Castillo got the win in relief for Culiacan. The Tomateros pitchers scattered 11 hits by the Charros. Oscar Villarreal pitched the 9th to notch his 5th save of the year
Rico Noel drew a walk and stole second to lead off the game for Culiacan. Noel then stole third and scored on a throwing error by the Charros catcher. The Tomateros had a 1-0 lead with out benefit of a hit.
The Charros answered in their half of the first when Leo Heras singled and Japhet Amador was hit by a pitch to put runners on first and second. Marquez Smith singled to right and Heras scored. Jalisco had tied the score at 1, after 1 inning.
Culiacan loaded the bases with 2 outs in the top of the 3rd and Joey Meneses singled to score Ramiro Pena and Issmael Salas to give the Tomateros a 3-1 lead.
CJ Retherford hit his fourth home run of the season, a solo shot to left, to pull the Charros to within a run at 3-2 in the bottom of the 3rd.
Ali Solis was hit by a pitch to start the 4th. Rico Noel walked. Ramiro Pena moved both runners up on a sacrifice bunt to the pitcher. Eric Farris then hit a sac fly to right to score Solis and Russell Branyan doubled to left to score Noel. Culican took the lead with the eventual final score of 5-2.
The Charros were unable to score two separate times with the bases loaded after the 4th inning. Jalisco was 3 for 11 with runners in scoring position while stranding 13.
Juan Delgadillo took the loss for the Charros to fall to 1-6 on the season, giving up all 5 Tomateros runs on just 4 hits but he hit 2 batters and walked 4 more in just 3 2/3 innings on the mound. The Jalisco relief pitchers pitched 5 1/3 innings of scoreless 2 hit ball, to keep the game as close as it was for the Charros.
Juan Castillo got the win in relief for Culiacan. The Tomateros pitchers scattered 11 hits by the Charros. Oscar Villarreal pitched the 9th to notch his 5th save of the year
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Marcus Mariota Sweeps Awards
Marcus Mariota, the outstanding quarterback of the Oregon Ducks, won the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award and the Davy O'Brein National Quarterback Award at the Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday night.
Mariota had previously won the Maxwell Award as the nation's Most Outstanding Player and is, by all accounts, the front runner for the Heisman Trophy in 2014.
Read the full ESPN story here.
Mariota had previously won the Maxwell Award as the nation's Most Outstanding Player and is, by all accounts, the front runner for the Heisman Trophy in 2014.
Read the full ESPN story here.
Royals Sign Kendrys Morales For 2 Years
The Kansas City Royals, not content to rest on their laurels, have signed free agent Kendrys Morales to a 2 year 17 million dollar contract.
Morales will get $6.5 million next year and $9 million in 2016. The deal includes an $11 million mutual option for 2017 with a $1.5 million buyout. Morales can make an additional $750,000 in performance bonuses in each of the first two seasons based on plate appearances: $50,000 for 375 and $100,000 apiece for 400 and each additional 25 until 550.
Morales will get $6.5 million next year and $9 million in 2016. The deal includes an $11 million mutual option for 2017 with a $1.5 million buyout. Morales can make an additional $750,000 in performance bonuses in each of the first two seasons based on plate appearances: $50,000 for 375 and $100,000 apiece for 400 and each additional 25 until 550.
Twins Give Ervin Santana 4 Year Deal
The Minnesota Twins have given free agent Ervin Santana a 4 year deal worth 55 million dollars according to ESPN.
The right-hander is guaranteed $54 million over the four years, with a conditional option worth $14 million in 2019 if he throws more than 200 innings, a source said. He will receive a $1 million buyout if the Twins don't exercise the option.
Read the ESPN article here.
The right-hander is guaranteed $54 million over the four years, with a conditional option worth $14 million in 2019 if he throws more than 200 innings, a source said. He will receive a $1 million buyout if the Twins don't exercise the option.
Read the ESPN article here.
Reds Make Moves at Winter Meetings
The Cincinnati Reds have traded Mat Latos to the Miami Marlins in exchange for RHP Anthony DeSclafani and catcher Chad Wallach. latos was 5-5 for the Reds last year being limited to just 16 starts because of elbow and knee problems.
The reds also traded Alfredo Simon to the Detroit Tigers for infielder Eugenio Suarez. Simon had his best year in the majors last year going 15-10 for the Reds
The reds also traded Alfredo Simon to the Detroit Tigers for infielder Eugenio Suarez. Simon had his best year in the majors last year going 15-10 for the Reds
Yoenis Cespedes to Tigers
The Boston Red Sox have traded Yoenis Cepedes to the Detroit Tigers for starter Rick Porcello.
Between the Oakland Athletics and the Red Sox, Cepedes hit 22 home runs and drove in 100 runs. Porcello had his best year at 15-13 with a 3.43 ERA
Read the ESPN article here.
Between the Oakland Athletics and the Red Sox, Cepedes hit 22 home runs and drove in 100 runs. Porcello had his best year at 15-13 with a 3.43 ERA
Read the ESPN article here.
Culiacan Rebounds, Takes Game 2 of the Series 11-3
The Tomateros de Culiacan got their bats working last night and overpowered the Charros 11-3 behind the pitching of Francisco Campos, who worked 5 innings and gave up 1 run on 3 hits while striking out 4 Charros.
Culiacan jumped out to the lead 2-0 in the top of the 3rd. Max Leon and Eric Farris singled and after Russell Branyan struck out, Issmael Salas drew a walk to load the bases. Arturo Rodriguez then hit a fly ball to right that Leo Heras dropped and Leon and Farris scored.
Ramiro Pena doubled for the Tomateros in the 4th and scored on a single by Rico Noel for a 3-0 lead.
Jalisco would get a run back in their half of the 4th when Jesus Cota doubled and, after a wild pitch, scored on a sac fly by Amadeo Zazueta to cut the lead to 3-1.
Joey Meneses reached on a fielding error by the Charros to lead off the top of the 6th. Sergio Gastelum sacrificed Meneses to second and Meneses scored on a single by Ramiro Pena. Rico Noel hit a 2 run home run to left for a 6-1 Culiacan lead. One out later, Eric Farris hit a solo home run to cap a four run inning and the 7-1 Tomateros lead.
Japhet Amador hit his 12th home run of the year, a solo shot, in the bottom of the 6th and the Charros had narrowed the lead to 7-2.
Manny Rodriguez was hit by a pitch withone out in the bottom of the 7th and came around to score on a Marquez Smith double to left to make the score 7-3 Culiacan.
The Tomateros scored a run in the 8th and added 3 more in the 9th on 2 walks, a ground rule double by Joey Meneses and a run scoring double play ball off the bat of Ramiro Pena for the final score of 11-3.
The Charros did not help themselves in the field, committing 4 errors. They also left 9 men on base for the game and went 1 for 7 with men in scoring position.
Culiacan jumped out to the lead 2-0 in the top of the 3rd. Max Leon and Eric Farris singled and after Russell Branyan struck out, Issmael Salas drew a walk to load the bases. Arturo Rodriguez then hit a fly ball to right that Leo Heras dropped and Leon and Farris scored.
Ramiro Pena doubled for the Tomateros in the 4th and scored on a single by Rico Noel for a 3-0 lead.
Jalisco would get a run back in their half of the 4th when Jesus Cota doubled and, after a wild pitch, scored on a sac fly by Amadeo Zazueta to cut the lead to 3-1.
Joey Meneses reached on a fielding error by the Charros to lead off the top of the 6th. Sergio Gastelum sacrificed Meneses to second and Meneses scored on a single by Ramiro Pena. Rico Noel hit a 2 run home run to left for a 6-1 Culiacan lead. One out later, Eric Farris hit a solo home run to cap a four run inning and the 7-1 Tomateros lead.
Japhet Amador hit his 12th home run of the year, a solo shot, in the bottom of the 6th and the Charros had narrowed the lead to 7-2.
Manny Rodriguez was hit by a pitch withone out in the bottom of the 7th and came around to score on a Marquez Smith double to left to make the score 7-3 Culiacan.
The Tomateros scored a run in the 8th and added 3 more in the 9th on 2 walks, a ground rule double by Joey Meneses and a run scoring double play ball off the bat of Ramiro Pena for the final score of 11-3.
The Charros did not help themselves in the field, committing 4 errors. They also left 9 men on base for the game and went 1 for 7 with men in scoring position.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
NFL Game Picks 12-11 to 12-14
After an outstanding week, finishing at 13-3, I feel confident I can do at least as good this weekend. There are a lot of divisional games that have playoff implications.
Arizona @ St. Louis Cardinals 24-13 Can the Rams shutout a 3rd team in a row...nah
Pittsburgh @ Atlanta Falcons 27-17 Falcons fly high in the Dome
Washington @ NYG Giants 30-14 Eli finally reaches week 1 potential
Miami @ New England Patriots 35-17 Can't go against Belichick/Brady
Oakland @ Kansas City Chiefs 17-16 Tossup...Raiders looking better
Houston @ Indianapolis Texans 24-23 Texans have some "luck" of their own
Jacksonville @ Baltimore Ravens 27- 10 Too much "D" by the Ravens
Green Bay @ Buffalo Packers 31-13 Only 8' of snow can stop Rodgers
Tampa Bay @ Carolina Buccaneers 19-16 Newton not playing...only Bucs chance
Cincinnati @ Cleveland Bengals 17-14 Johnny Football wins job, not game
NY Jets @ Tennessee Jets 21-20 Titans looked so bad last week...Go Geno
Denver @ San Diego Broncos 35-31 Warm weather...rest the running game Peyton
Minnesota @ Detroit Lions 21-17 No excuses Lions...keep up with Pack
San Francisco @ Seattle Seahawks 23-16 Problems in 49er locker room
Dallas @ Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 Toss up game...advantage home team
New Orleans @ Chicago Saints 28-17 Saints can't let me down 3 weeks in a row
Arizona @ St. Louis Cardinals 24-13 Can the Rams shutout a 3rd team in a row...nah
Pittsburgh @ Atlanta Falcons 27-17 Falcons fly high in the Dome
Washington @ NYG Giants 30-14 Eli finally reaches week 1 potential
Miami @ New England Patriots 35-17 Can't go against Belichick/Brady
Oakland @ Kansas City Chiefs 17-16 Tossup...Raiders looking better
Houston @ Indianapolis Texans 24-23 Texans have some "luck" of their own
Jacksonville @ Baltimore Ravens 27- 10 Too much "D" by the Ravens
Green Bay @ Buffalo Packers 31-13 Only 8' of snow can stop Rodgers
Tampa Bay @ Carolina Buccaneers 19-16 Newton not playing...only Bucs chance
Cincinnati @ Cleveland Bengals 17-14 Johnny Football wins job, not game
NY Jets @ Tennessee Jets 21-20 Titans looked so bad last week...Go Geno
Denver @ San Diego Broncos 35-31 Warm weather...rest the running game Peyton
Minnesota @ Detroit Lions 21-17 No excuses Lions...keep up with Pack
San Francisco @ Seattle Seahawks 23-16 Problems in 49er locker room
Dallas @ Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 Toss up game...advantage home team
New Orleans @ Chicago Saints 28-17 Saints can't let me down 3 weeks in a row
Some Details of Jon Lester's 6 Year 155 Mil Deal With the Cubs
By now, everyone knows about Jon Lester signing a 6 year 155 million dollar deal with the Chicago Cubs. Here is a paragraph from the ESPN article on the deal as told to Jayson Stark.
Among other incentives negotiated by Lester and his agents, Seth and Sam Levinson, the deal includes a signing bonus of $30 million to be paid over the life of the contract and a full no-trade clause. Lester will earn $145 million between his base salary and signing bonus and receive either a $10 million buyout after six seasons or a $25 million vesting option for the 2021 season that could bring Lester's total take to $170 million, a source familiar with terms of the contract told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark.
Congratulations to you Mr. Lester. Read the ESPN article here.
Among other incentives negotiated by Lester and his agents, Seth and Sam Levinson, the deal includes a signing bonus of $30 million to be paid over the life of the contract and a full no-trade clause. Lester will earn $145 million between his base salary and signing bonus and receive either a $10 million buyout after six seasons or a $25 million vesting option for the 2021 season that could bring Lester's total take to $170 million, a source familiar with terms of the contract told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark.
Congratulations to you Mr. Lester. Read the ESPN article here.
Phillies Trade Jimmy Rollins to Dodgers
ESPN and Yahoo Sports are reporting that the Philadelphia Phillies have traded shortstop Jimmy Rollins to the Los Angeles Dodgers. There is no mention of who the Phillies will get in return for Rollins.
Here is the Yahoo Sports article.
Here is the Yahoo Sports article.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Charros Ride an 8 Run 2nd Inning To Victory Over Culiacan
The Charros scored 8 runs in the bottom of the 2nd and coasted to a 13-6 win over the Tomateros de Culiacan. Jalisco had 15 hits with Amadeo Zazueta going 3 for 5 with 5 RBIs while Jesus Cota was 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored.
Russell Branyan led off the top of the 2nd for the Tomateros with a walk but was erased on a double play grounder by Issmael Salas. Arturo Rodriguez singled and went to third on a single to right by Oscar Robles, who went 4 for 4 for Culiacan. Ramiro Pena singled to score Rodriguez and Ali Solis singled to center to score Robles for the 2-0 Tomateros lead. Solis was caught trying to steal second for the third out and the Charos were out of the inning.
Jalisco struck back in their half of the 2nd. With one out, CJ Retherford singled to center. Jesus Cota drew a base on balls and Gabriel Gutierrez loaded the bases with a Texas League single to center. Amadeo Zazueta, the hero of Sunday's game with Mexicali, hit a 3 run double off the wall in center scoring Retherford, Cota and Gutierrez. Eduardo Arredondo hit his third double of the year to score Zazueta for a 4-2 Charros lead. After a wild pitch by the Culiacan starter Marco Camarena put Arredondo on third, Manny Rodriguez doubled to left to score Arredondo. Leo Heras drew a base on balls. With one out, Japhet Amador flied out to center moving Rodriguez to third and Heras to second. Marquez Smith followed with a single to score Rodriguez and Heras. CJ Retherford hit his second single of the inning to put runners on first and second with 2 outs. Jesus Cota singled to right to score Smith with the eighth run of the inning. After two innings the Charros led 8-2.
The Tomateros used consecutive singles by Arturo Rodriguez, Oscar Robles and Ramiro Pena to score a run in the top of the 4th. Ali Solis grounded out 6-3 to score Robles. Rico Noel then laid down a perfect squeeze but to score Pena. Maxwell Leon followed with a single. With the score now 8-5 Charros, Manuel Flores relieved Graham Godfrey. Flores gave up a single to Eric Farris. Russell Branyan singled to score Leon. Flores got Issmael Salas to ground out to third but the lead had narrowed to 8-6 Jalisco.
Jalisco scored a run in the bottom of the 5th. Jesus Cota led off with a walk and went to second on a ground out to short by Gabriel Gutierrez. Cota scored on a single by Amadeo Zazueta to give the Charros a 9-6 lead.
Jesus Cota singled to center to lead off the 7th for the Charros. After a walk to Gabriel Gutierrez, Amadeo Zazueta singled to score Cota, Zazueta's 5th RBI of the game. Eduardo Arredondo laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners to second and third with 1 out. Gutierrez scored on a passed ball as Zazueta moved to third. Manny Rodriguez and Leo Heras walked to load the bases. Japhet Amador singled to right to score Zazueta and Rodriguez for the 13-6 lead.
Hugo Castellanos worked the 9th, giving up a walk to Russell Branyan with two outs before striking out Joey Meneses to end the game.
Carlos Vazquez picked up the win in relief to improve to 3-1 on the year and Marco Camarena took the loss for Culiacan to fall to 3-2 on the season.
Russell Branyan led off the top of the 2nd for the Tomateros with a walk but was erased on a double play grounder by Issmael Salas. Arturo Rodriguez singled and went to third on a single to right by Oscar Robles, who went 4 for 4 for Culiacan. Ramiro Pena singled to score Rodriguez and Ali Solis singled to center to score Robles for the 2-0 Tomateros lead. Solis was caught trying to steal second for the third out and the Charos were out of the inning.
Jalisco struck back in their half of the 2nd. With one out, CJ Retherford singled to center. Jesus Cota drew a base on balls and Gabriel Gutierrez loaded the bases with a Texas League single to center. Amadeo Zazueta, the hero of Sunday's game with Mexicali, hit a 3 run double off the wall in center scoring Retherford, Cota and Gutierrez. Eduardo Arredondo hit his third double of the year to score Zazueta for a 4-2 Charros lead. After a wild pitch by the Culiacan starter Marco Camarena put Arredondo on third, Manny Rodriguez doubled to left to score Arredondo. Leo Heras drew a base on balls. With one out, Japhet Amador flied out to center moving Rodriguez to third and Heras to second. Marquez Smith followed with a single to score Rodriguez and Heras. CJ Retherford hit his second single of the inning to put runners on first and second with 2 outs. Jesus Cota singled to right to score Smith with the eighth run of the inning. After two innings the Charros led 8-2.
The Tomateros used consecutive singles by Arturo Rodriguez, Oscar Robles and Ramiro Pena to score a run in the top of the 4th. Ali Solis grounded out 6-3 to score Robles. Rico Noel then laid down a perfect squeeze but to score Pena. Maxwell Leon followed with a single. With the score now 8-5 Charros, Manuel Flores relieved Graham Godfrey. Flores gave up a single to Eric Farris. Russell Branyan singled to score Leon. Flores got Issmael Salas to ground out to third but the lead had narrowed to 8-6 Jalisco.
Jalisco scored a run in the bottom of the 5th. Jesus Cota led off with a walk and went to second on a ground out to short by Gabriel Gutierrez. Cota scored on a single by Amadeo Zazueta to give the Charros a 9-6 lead.
Jesus Cota singled to center to lead off the 7th for the Charros. After a walk to Gabriel Gutierrez, Amadeo Zazueta singled to score Cota, Zazueta's 5th RBI of the game. Eduardo Arredondo laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners to second and third with 1 out. Gutierrez scored on a passed ball as Zazueta moved to third. Manny Rodriguez and Leo Heras walked to load the bases. Japhet Amador singled to right to score Zazueta and Rodriguez for the 13-6 lead.
Hugo Castellanos worked the 9th, giving up a walk to Russell Branyan with two outs before striking out Joey Meneses to end the game.
Carlos Vazquez picked up the win in relief to improve to 3-1 on the year and Marco Camarena took the loss for Culiacan to fall to 3-2 on the season.
Changes Coming For The 2015 Pecos League
After vacillating for months on who would and would not be in the Pecos League for the 2015 season, Commissioner Andrew Dunn has announced that the Bisbee Blue are out and the Las Cruces Vaqueros are in.
Here is an article I wrote for the Big Bend Courier in Alpine Texas.
Dunn has finalized the 2 division league like this:
Northern Division: Taos Blizzard, Trinidad Triggers, Las Vegas (NM) Train Robbers and the Santa Fe Fuego.
Southern Division: Roswell Invaders, White Sands Pupfish, Las Cruces Vaqueros and the Alpine Cowboys.
I'll have news on exciting roster changes for the Cowboys in the coming days and I will be reporting on the Pecos League here in my blog starting in late April, early May.
Here is an article I wrote for the Big Bend Courier in Alpine Texas.
Dunn has finalized the 2 division league like this:
Northern Division: Taos Blizzard, Trinidad Triggers, Las Vegas (NM) Train Robbers and the Santa Fe Fuego.
Southern Division: Roswell Invaders, White Sands Pupfish, Las Cruces Vaqueros and the Alpine Cowboys.
I'll have news on exciting roster changes for the Cowboys in the coming days and I will be reporting on the Pecos League here in my blog starting in late April, early May.
Cam Newton Injured in Traffic Accident
Cam Newton suffered two transverse process fractures of the lower back during a 2 vehicle traffic accident at around noon on Tuesday in Charlotte. This is the same type of injury that kept Tony Romo out of one game for the Cowboys earlier this year.
There was no announcement at this time on whether or not Newton would miss any time.
The club did say that Newton would be kept overnight for additional observation.
There was no announcement at this time on whether or not Newton would miss any time.
The club did say that Newton would be kept overnight for additional observation.
Green Bay outlasts Falcons 43-37 on MNF
The Green Bay Packers held off the Atlanta Falcons last night on MNF by a score of 43-37. The game was still in doubt late in the 4th quarter until the Packers recovered a Falcon's onside kick attempt and James Stark took a handoff from Aaron Rodgers 41 yards to the Falcon's 6 yard line with just over a minute to go in the game.
It was a game of two halves as the Packers built a 31-7 lead after two quarters and the Falcons held Green Bay to 12 points in the second half while scoring 30 points of their own.
Aaron Rodgers connected on 24 of 36 passes for 327 yards and 3 touchdowns. Rodgers has now thrown 35 TD passes with just 2 INTs all year. Matt Ryan, of the Falcons, was equally effective going 24 for 39 for 375 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Packers rushed for 179 yards on 30 carries with 2 touchdowns. James Stark led the Packers with 75 yards and a touchdown and Eddie Lacy ran for 73 yards and a TD. Lacy also caught a touchdown pass from Rodgers.
Although Atlanta was held to 91 yards on the ground for the night, Steven Jackson gained 50 yards and had a 4 yard touchdown run.
Julio Jones had a career best receiving game with 11 receptions for 259 yards with a 79 yard touchdown catch and run. Roddy White, Harry Douglas and Eric Weems also caught touchdown passes from Ryan.
Jordy Nelson caught 8 passes for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns for Green Bay including a 60 yard touchdown reception.
It was a game of two halves as the Packers built a 31-7 lead after two quarters and the Falcons held Green Bay to 12 points in the second half while scoring 30 points of their own.
Aaron Rodgers connected on 24 of 36 passes for 327 yards and 3 touchdowns. Rodgers has now thrown 35 TD passes with just 2 INTs all year. Matt Ryan, of the Falcons, was equally effective going 24 for 39 for 375 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Packers rushed for 179 yards on 30 carries with 2 touchdowns. James Stark led the Packers with 75 yards and a touchdown and Eddie Lacy ran for 73 yards and a TD. Lacy also caught a touchdown pass from Rodgers.
Although Atlanta was held to 91 yards on the ground for the night, Steven Jackson gained 50 yards and had a 4 yard touchdown run.
Julio Jones had a career best receiving game with 11 receptions for 259 yards with a 79 yard touchdown catch and run. Roddy White, Harry Douglas and Eric Weems also caught touchdown passes from Ryan.
Jordy Nelson caught 8 passes for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns for Green Bay including a 60 yard touchdown reception.
Monday, December 8, 2014
3 Heisman Trophy Finalists Named
This year there are 3 finalists for the Heisman Trophy. They are Marcus Mariota, oregon Ducks, Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin Badgers and Amari Cooper of the #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide.
Mariota of Oregon, threw for 3783 yards and 38 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions. Marcus also ran for 669 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Ducks.
Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin running back, leads the nation in rushing with 2336 yards on the ground and an average of 179.7 yards rushing per game. Gordon rushed for 408 yards against Nebraska, at the time an NCAA record.
Amari Cooper caught 115 passes for the #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide for 1656 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Although Mariota appears to be the odds on favorite in this year's voting, the three individuals named as finalists are well deserving of the Heisman Trophy.
Congratulations to Mariota, Gordon and Cooper.
Mariota of Oregon, threw for 3783 yards and 38 touchdowns with just 2 interceptions. Marcus also ran for 669 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Ducks.
Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin running back, leads the nation in rushing with 2336 yards on the ground and an average of 179.7 yards rushing per game. Gordon rushed for 408 yards against Nebraska, at the time an NCAA record.
Amari Cooper caught 115 passes for the #1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide for 1656 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Although Mariota appears to be the odds on favorite in this year's voting, the three individuals named as finalists are well deserving of the Heisman Trophy.
Congratulations to Mariota, Gordon and Cooper.
Current NFL Playoff Teams With Tie Breakers
Here is the way the NFL Playoffs break down before the Monday Night Football game with all of the tie breakers included.
Check out the breakdown for your team here.
Check out the breakdown for your team here.
Kentucky Receives all 65 First Place To Remain #1
The University of Kentucky, under John Calipari, remained #1 in theland of NCAA Men's Basketball, garnering all 65 first place votes in the AP Poll.
Last weeks #2, Wisconsin, fell to #5 after an 80-70 loss to Duke. The Blue Devils jumped 8-0 #3 Arizona to grab the #2 slot. Louisville is at #4 with the Badgers at #5.
Virginia, Villanova, Texas, Gonzaga and Kansas round out the Top 10 in this weeks voting.
Last weeks #2, Wisconsin, fell to #5 after an 80-70 loss to Duke. The Blue Devils jumped 8-0 #3 Arizona to grab the #2 slot. Louisville is at #4 with the Badgers at #5.
Virginia, Villanova, Texas, Gonzaga and Kansas round out the Top 10 in this weeks voting.
Bowl Schedule Set With Baylor and TCU on the Outside Looking in
The Bowl schedule for the 2014-2015 college season is set. Although Big 12 teams TCU and Baylor finished #5 and #6 respectively and cannot win the National Championship, they will be in the "Top 6" Bowl Games.
Ohio State jumped over both the Horned Frogs and the Bears with their resounding 59-0 win over the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big 10 Championship. The Big 12 does not have a conference championship which some have said forced the CFP Committee to choose the Buckeyes.
Here is the Bowl Schedule for this year.
Ohio State jumped over both the Horned Frogs and the Bears with their resounding 59-0 win over the Wisconsin Badgers in the Big 10 Championship. The Big 12 does not have a conference championship which some have said forced the CFP Committee to choose the Buckeyes.
Here is the Bowl Schedule for this year.
Ottawa Senators Fire Head Coach Paul Maclean
The Ottawa Senators have fired head coach Paul Maclean after an 11-11-5 start to the 2014-2015 NHL season.
Just two years ago, Maclean was the winner of the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's Coach of the Year.
The Senators were 114-90-35 in the four years that Maclean was their coach.
Just two years ago, Maclean was the winner of the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's Coach of the Year.
The Senators were 114-90-35 in the four years that Maclean was their coach.
Knicks at 4-18 Developing an Adverse Mentality Says Phil Jackson
The President of the New York Knicks, Phil Jackson, sees something developing in his 4-18 team, a "losers" mentality.
When asked about the team's record thus far he had this to say. "Obviously, we're disappointed," said Jackson, who has won a record 11 NBA championships as a head coach. "... I think guys understand what we're trying to do. Hopefully, they're getting to be more compliant. There's some resistance to discipline and order and culture change and things like that. I will call it a crucible for what we're going through here. The process, maybe the heat, is going to refine some of the stuff so that we come out and be a pretty good team after all is said and done."
Before the season started, Jackson said that this Knicks team was a potential playoff caliber team. They now have the same number of loses as the Philadelphia 76ers.
When asked about the team's record thus far he had this to say. "Obviously, we're disappointed," said Jackson, who has won a record 11 NBA championships as a head coach. "... I think guys understand what we're trying to do. Hopefully, they're getting to be more compliant. There's some resistance to discipline and order and culture change and things like that. I will call it a crucible for what we're going through here. The process, maybe the heat, is going to refine some of the stuff so that we come out and be a pretty good team after all is said and done."
Before the season started, Jackson said that this Knicks team was a potential playoff caliber team. They now have the same number of loses as the Philadelphia 76ers.
Indians Trade for Brandon Moss
The Cleveland Indians have acquired Brandon Moss from the Oakland Athletics for minor leaguer Joey Wendle.
The 31-year-old Moss batted .234 with a 25 homers and 81 RBIs in a career-high 147 games for the A's. The left-handed hitter drew 67 walks and scored 70 runs. Moss hit .268 with 21 homers in the first half of the season to earn his first All-Star selection, but a nagging hip problem cut into his production.
Infielder Joey Wendle hit .253 for Double A Akron last season.
The 31-year-old Moss batted .234 with a 25 homers and 81 RBIs in a career-high 147 games for the A's. The left-handed hitter drew 67 walks and scored 70 runs. Moss hit .268 with 21 homers in the first half of the season to earn his first All-Star selection, but a nagging hip problem cut into his production.
Infielder Joey Wendle hit .253 for Double A Akron last season.
Patriots Down Chargers 24-13 on Sunday Night
The New England Patriots defeated the San Diego Chargers 24-13 on Sunday to improve to 10-3 on the year. This is the 12th consecutive season of 10 or more wins for the Patriots. Only the '83-'98 San Francisco 49ers have more, winning 10 or more for those 16 seasons. I think they also had a couple of pretty good QBs during that time, Joe Montana and Steve Young. Tom Brady must be in the conversation when talking about the "greatest" quarterback of all time.
Brady threw a 69 yard catch and run touchdown pass to Julian Edelman with 8:41 left in the game to give the Patriots the 24-13 lead and the defense did the rest. The defense sacked Philip Rivers 4 times and intercepted him once. They stopped the long pass and were tremendous against the run, holding the Chargers to 53 yards on 17 carries.
Read the ESPN article here for more detail.
Brady threw a 69 yard catch and run touchdown pass to Julian Edelman with 8:41 left in the game to give the Patriots the 24-13 lead and the defense did the rest. The defense sacked Philip Rivers 4 times and intercepted him once. They stopped the long pass and were tremendous against the run, holding the Chargers to 53 yards on 17 carries.
Read the ESPN article here for more detail.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Charros Out Pitch Aguilas 3-2 to Take Game Three of the Series
The Charros salvaged one win of the three game series with the Aguilas de Mexicali on a 3-2 win on Sunday afternoon. It was a pitchers duel on both sides as the Charros scored all of their runs in the bottom of the 5th and the Aguilas scored their runs in the top of the 6th.
CJ Retherford led off the bottom of the 5th for the Charros with a single to left. With one out, Mexicali starter, Marco Quevedo threw a wild pitch to move Retherford to second. Gabriel Gutierrez reached safely on an error by the Aguilas second baseman. Retherford and Gutierrez scored ahead of a 3 run home run by Amadeo Zazueta that put Jalisco up 3-0.
Mexicali came right back in the top of the 6th. Lead off batter Misael German struck out but reached first on a passed ball by the Charros catcher. Gil Velazaquez singled and German scored on a single by Dave Sappelt. Walter Ibarra followed with a single to load the bases. Adrian Ramirez relieved Charros starter Ben Kozlowski and got Luis Juarez to ground into a 5-2 fielder's choice that cut down Velazaquez at the plate. Carlos Vazquez replaced Ramirez on the mound for Jalisco and Josh Whitesell greeted him with a sac fly to center that scored Sappelt with the second and last run for the Aguilas.
Ben Kozlowski pitched 5 innings of 4 hit ball giving up the 2 runs while striking out 3. Adrian Ramirez, Carlos Vazquez, Mario Mendoza and Ivan Salas recorded holds and Brian Broderick pitched a perfect 9th to get his 14th save of the year.
The Charros improve to 29-21 overall and 8-7 in the second half standings. Mexicali is 28-22, one game behind the Charros overall, and 9-6 in the second half.
CJ Retherford led off the bottom of the 5th for the Charros with a single to left. With one out, Mexicali starter, Marco Quevedo threw a wild pitch to move Retherford to second. Gabriel Gutierrez reached safely on an error by the Aguilas second baseman. Retherford and Gutierrez scored ahead of a 3 run home run by Amadeo Zazueta that put Jalisco up 3-0.
Mexicali came right back in the top of the 6th. Lead off batter Misael German struck out but reached first on a passed ball by the Charros catcher. Gil Velazaquez singled and German scored on a single by Dave Sappelt. Walter Ibarra followed with a single to load the bases. Adrian Ramirez relieved Charros starter Ben Kozlowski and got Luis Juarez to ground into a 5-2 fielder's choice that cut down Velazaquez at the plate. Carlos Vazquez replaced Ramirez on the mound for Jalisco and Josh Whitesell greeted him with a sac fly to center that scored Sappelt with the second and last run for the Aguilas.
Ben Kozlowski pitched 5 innings of 4 hit ball giving up the 2 runs while striking out 3. Adrian Ramirez, Carlos Vazquez, Mario Mendoza and Ivan Salas recorded holds and Brian Broderick pitched a perfect 9th to get his 14th save of the year.
The Charros improve to 29-21 overall and 8-7 in the second half standings. Mexicali is 28-22, one game behind the Charros overall, and 9-6 in the second half.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Aguilas Overpower Charros 10-3
Game two of the three game series with Mexicali went to the Aguilas by a score of 10-3. The Charros offense was no match for the Aguilas on this night as Mexicali scored 10 runs on 10 hits, seven for extra bases, six doubles and one triple.
The Aguilas picked up right where they left off on Friday. In the top of the 1st, Dave Sappelt led off the game with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Walter Ibarra. Sappelt scored on a sac fly to left by Luis Juarez to make the score 1-0 Mexicali.
The Aguilas added to their lead in the top of the 3rd. Gil Velazquez doubled to left with one out. After Dave Sappelt struck out, Walter Ibarra doubled to center to drive home Valazquez for the 2-0 lead.
Wildness got the better of Charros starter Orlando Lara in the 4th. Josh Whitesell hit a lead off with a double and went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Mike Bianucci. Lara then hit Xorge Carrillo with a pitch and walked Chris Roberson to load the bases. Another walk, this time to Ricardo Serrano, forced in Whitesell for the third run of the night for Mexicali. Gil Velazaquez then hit a bases clearing double to put Mexicali up 6-0. Luis Rodriguez came on in relief of Lara for the Charros and walked Dave Sappelt on four pitches. Walter Ibarra followed with a triple off the wall in right center to score Valazquez and Sappelt. Luis Juarez grounded out to first to score Ibarra and the Aguilas led 9-0.
The Charros got a run back in the bottom of the 6th to cut the lead to 9-1. Eduardo Arredondo singled and scored on a double by Manny Rodriguez.
In the top of the 7th, Josh Whitesell led off with a double for Mexicali, went to third on a double by Xorge Carrillo and scored on a sac fly by Misael German for a 10-1 lead.
Jalisco scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th as Japhet Amador walked, Marquez Smith doubled and Brendan Harris singled to score pinch runner Jesus Cota. Amadeo Zazueta then hit a sac fly to score Smith and the score was 10-3, then final score.
The Aguilas picked up right where they left off on Friday. In the top of the 1st, Dave Sappelt led off the game with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Walter Ibarra. Sappelt scored on a sac fly to left by Luis Juarez to make the score 1-0 Mexicali.
The Aguilas added to their lead in the top of the 3rd. Gil Velazquez doubled to left with one out. After Dave Sappelt struck out, Walter Ibarra doubled to center to drive home Valazquez for the 2-0 lead.
Wildness got the better of Charros starter Orlando Lara in the 4th. Josh Whitesell hit a lead off with a double and went to third on a sacrifice bunt by Mike Bianucci. Lara then hit Xorge Carrillo with a pitch and walked Chris Roberson to load the bases. Another walk, this time to Ricardo Serrano, forced in Whitesell for the third run of the night for Mexicali. Gil Velazaquez then hit a bases clearing double to put Mexicali up 6-0. Luis Rodriguez came on in relief of Lara for the Charros and walked Dave Sappelt on four pitches. Walter Ibarra followed with a triple off the wall in right center to score Valazquez and Sappelt. Luis Juarez grounded out to first to score Ibarra and the Aguilas led 9-0.
The Charros got a run back in the bottom of the 6th to cut the lead to 9-1. Eduardo Arredondo singled and scored on a double by Manny Rodriguez.
In the top of the 7th, Josh Whitesell led off with a double for Mexicali, went to third on a double by Xorge Carrillo and scored on a sac fly by Misael German for a 10-1 lead.
Jalisco scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th as Japhet Amador walked, Marquez Smith doubled and Brendan Harris singled to score pinch runner Jesus Cota. Amadeo Zazueta then hit a sac fly to score Smith and the score was 10-3, then final score.
Crimson Tide Defeat Missouri Tigers 42-13 to Win The SEC Championship
Alabama showed why they are the #1 ranked team in the nation, winning the SEC Championship 42-13 over the #16 ranked Missouri Tigers. The win on Saturday should solidify the Tide's hold on the #1 position in the CFP rankings. #2 Oregon and #3 TCU both won convincingly and all that remains for the Bowl positions is ACC Championship Game between #4 FSU and #11 Georgia Tech.
The game was close, 21-13, after three quarters but Alabama reeled off 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.
Blake Sims, the Alabama quarterback, was 23 of 27 passing for 262 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Tide ground game rushed for 242 yards on 49 carries with Derrick Henry leading the attack. Henry rushed for 141 yards on 20 carries with 2 touchdowns. T.Y. Yeldon added 2 TDs on 14 carries.
Missouri was held to just 41 yards on the ground by a swarming, smothering Alabama defense. Maty Mauk was under pressure all day and completed just 16 of 34 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown.
Take a look at the ESPN Recap here.
The game was close, 21-13, after three quarters but Alabama reeled off 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach.
Blake Sims, the Alabama quarterback, was 23 of 27 passing for 262 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Tide ground game rushed for 242 yards on 49 carries with Derrick Henry leading the attack. Henry rushed for 141 yards on 20 carries with 2 touchdowns. T.Y. Yeldon added 2 TDs on 14 carries.
Missouri was held to just 41 yards on the ground by a swarming, smothering Alabama defense. Maty Mauk was under pressure all day and completed just 16 of 34 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown.
Take a look at the ESPN Recap here.
TCU Crushes Iowa State 55-3
Trevone Boykin threw for 460 yards and 4 touchdowns on a 30 for 41 passing afternoon. Aaron Green carried the ball 13 times for the Horned Frogs for 104 yards and a TD as TCU thumped the Iowa State Cyclones 55-3 on Saturday.
Unless Baylor does likewise to Kansas State or FSU manhandles Georgia Tech, TCU should maintain the #3 position in the CFP rankings.
Held to just a 17-3 halftime lead, TCU scored 31 unanswered points in the third quarter to put the game away.
Read the ESPN Recap here.
Unless Baylor does likewise to Kansas State or FSU manhandles Georgia Tech, TCU should maintain the #3 position in the CFP rankings.
Held to just a 17-3 halftime lead, TCU scored 31 unanswered points in the third quarter to put the game away.
Read the ESPN Recap here.
Bisbee Blue Leave the Pecos League for 2015
The Bisbee Blue played their inaugural in the Pecos League in 2014. The Blue will be playing ball in Bisbee in 2015, just not in the professional Pecos League. Instead, they will become a part of the Kino League, a collegiate summer league.
Andrew Dunn will retain ownership of the Blue and has not closed the door on a return to the Pecos League in the future.
The Las Cruces Vaqueros will rejoin the Pecos League. “I’m extremely disappointed to say the least,” Dunn said. “But at the end of the day Las Cruces is too good of a place not to have back.”
The Pecos League will consist of two divisions. The Northern Division will consist of the Taos Blizzard, Trinidad Triggers, Las Vegas Train Robbers and the 2014 League Champion Santa Fe Fuego.
The Southern Division will have as it's teams, the Alpine Cowboys, Roswell Invaders, White Sands Pupfish and the Las Cruces Vaqueros.
The season runs from the 20th of May through the 29th of July with a 4 team playoff to commence on the day after the regular season.
The Alpine Cowboys, runners up in the 2014 championship begin their season on the 20th of May with a 4 game series at home against the Las Cruces Vaqueros and end up the season on the 25th-28th of July with 4 games at home against the White Sands Pupfish.
Andrew Dunn will retain ownership of the Blue and has not closed the door on a return to the Pecos League in the future.
The Las Cruces Vaqueros will rejoin the Pecos League. “I’m extremely disappointed to say the least,” Dunn said. “But at the end of the day Las Cruces is too good of a place not to have back.”
The Pecos League will consist of two divisions. The Northern Division will consist of the Taos Blizzard, Trinidad Triggers, Las Vegas Train Robbers and the 2014 League Champion Santa Fe Fuego.
The Southern Division will have as it's teams, the Alpine Cowboys, Roswell Invaders, White Sands Pupfish and the Las Cruces Vaqueros.
The season runs from the 20th of May through the 29th of July with a 4 team playoff to commence on the day after the regular season.
The Alpine Cowboys, runners up in the 2014 championship begin their season on the 20th of May with a 4 game series at home against the Las Cruces Vaqueros and end up the season on the 25th-28th of July with 4 games at home against the White Sands Pupfish.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Charros Drop Opener to Aguilas 7-5
The Aguilas de Mexicali used the home run ball and timely hitting to outscore the Charros 7-5 on Friday night in Zapopan. Six Mexicali pitchers scattered 13 Jalisco hits over 9 innings. The Charros had opportunities to score but left too many men in scoring position.
Mexicali scored in the top of the 1st. Walter Ibarra singled to center and went to second on a single by Luis Juarez. Ibarra then stole third and scored on a sac fly by Josh Whitesell. The Aguilas had a 1-0 lead.
Manny Rodriguez singled with one out in the bottom of the 1st for the Charros. Leo Heras singled with Rodriguez stopping at second. With two outs, Marquez Smith singled to score Rodriguez and move Heras to third. CJ Retherford singled to score Heras and give the 2-1 lead to the Charros.
Israel Nunez hit a solo home run for Jalisco, his frst of the year, with one out in the bottom of the 2nd for a 3-1 Charros lead.
Ricardo Serrano singled for Mexicali with one out in the top of the 5th and went to second on a single by Gil Velazquez. Dave Sappelt followed with a triple off the wall in left center to score Serrano and Velazquez to tie the game at 3 apiece. The Charros starter, Juan Delgadillo, threw a wild pitch to score Sappelt with the go ahead run and a 4-3 Aguilas lead.
The Charros came back to tie the game in the bottom of the 5th. Manny Rodriguez led off with a single and scored on a double by Leo Heras. Jalisco had tied the score at 4-4.
After bringing in Mario Mendoza to pitch the 7th, Dave Sappelt hit a solo home run to give Mexicali a 5-4 lead.
Adrian Ramirez replaced Mendoza for the Charros in the top of the 8th and walked the lead off batter, Josh Whitsell. Mike Bianucci then hit a 2 run home run to right for the 7-4 lead.
Jalisco pulled to within one, at 7-5, in the bottom of the 9th. Leo Heras drew a one out walk and stole second. After Japhet Amador struck out, Marquez Smith singled to score Heras but it wasn't enough as the Aguilas beat the Charros 7-5 in the first game of a three game weekend series.
Mexicali scored in the top of the 1st. Walter Ibarra singled to center and went to second on a single by Luis Juarez. Ibarra then stole third and scored on a sac fly by Josh Whitesell. The Aguilas had a 1-0 lead.
Manny Rodriguez singled with one out in the bottom of the 1st for the Charros. Leo Heras singled with Rodriguez stopping at second. With two outs, Marquez Smith singled to score Rodriguez and move Heras to third. CJ Retherford singled to score Heras and give the 2-1 lead to the Charros.
Israel Nunez hit a solo home run for Jalisco, his frst of the year, with one out in the bottom of the 2nd for a 3-1 Charros lead.
Ricardo Serrano singled for Mexicali with one out in the top of the 5th and went to second on a single by Gil Velazquez. Dave Sappelt followed with a triple off the wall in left center to score Serrano and Velazquez to tie the game at 3 apiece. The Charros starter, Juan Delgadillo, threw a wild pitch to score Sappelt with the go ahead run and a 4-3 Aguilas lead.
The Charros came back to tie the game in the bottom of the 5th. Manny Rodriguez led off with a single and scored on a double by Leo Heras. Jalisco had tied the score at 4-4.
After bringing in Mario Mendoza to pitch the 7th, Dave Sappelt hit a solo home run to give Mexicali a 5-4 lead.
Adrian Ramirez replaced Mendoza for the Charros in the top of the 8th and walked the lead off batter, Josh Whitsell. Mike Bianucci then hit a 2 run home run to right for the 7-4 lead.
Jalisco pulled to within one, at 7-5, in the bottom of the 9th. Leo Heras drew a one out walk and stole second. After Japhet Amador struck out, Marquez Smith singled to score Heras but it wasn't enough as the Aguilas beat the Charros 7-5 in the first game of a three game weekend series.
Venados Avoid Sweep Top Charros 3-2
The Venados de Mazatlan took game 3 of the series with the Charros, 3-2, to avoid a series sweep. Fredy Quintero got the win with 6 2/3 innings of strong pitching to improve to 1-2 on the year while allowing 5 hits and striking out 5. Marco Tovar (5-1) suffered his first loss of the season surrendering all three Venado runs on 10 hits in his 6 1/3 innings of work.
Jesus Cota singled to lead off the Charros half of the 3rd. Jesus Lopez and Israel Nunez followed with singles to load the bases for Jalisco. One out later, Manny Rodriguez hit a sac fly to center to score Cota and the Charros had the early 1-0 lead.
Daryle Ward doubled to lead of the bottom of the 4th for the Venados. Ricardo Alvarez singled on a bunt down the third base line and Mazatlan had runners at first and second with no outs. Doug Clark singled to score Ward. Heber Gomez bunted for a single to load the bases. Jose Figueroa hit a sac fly to center to score Clark and the Venados had taken the lead 2-1. Jose Fabela walked to load the bases with two outs. Marco Tovar, the Charros starter, then walked Gilberto Mejia to force in Gomez for the 3-1 Venado lead.
The Charros scored a run in the top of the 8th to cut the lead to 3-2. Leo Heras singled to lead off the inning and went to second on a wild throw to first on a pickoff attempt. Marguez Smith then singled to score Heras but Smith was thrown out at second trying to advance on the throw home. Jalisco loaded the bases with two outs but Israel Nunez popped out to short to end the inning.
Jalisco overall is now 28-19 in the Liga de Mexicana del Pacifico with a 7-5 record in the second half. The Venados climb to 21-25 overall and 5-7 in the second half standings.
Jesus Cota singled to lead off the Charros half of the 3rd. Jesus Lopez and Israel Nunez followed with singles to load the bases for Jalisco. One out later, Manny Rodriguez hit a sac fly to center to score Cota and the Charros had the early 1-0 lead.
Daryle Ward doubled to lead of the bottom of the 4th for the Venados. Ricardo Alvarez singled on a bunt down the third base line and Mazatlan had runners at first and second with no outs. Doug Clark singled to score Ward. Heber Gomez bunted for a single to load the bases. Jose Figueroa hit a sac fly to center to score Clark and the Venados had taken the lead 2-1. Jose Fabela walked to load the bases with two outs. Marco Tovar, the Charros starter, then walked Gilberto Mejia to force in Gomez for the 3-1 Venado lead.
The Charros scored a run in the top of the 8th to cut the lead to 3-2. Leo Heras singled to lead off the inning and went to second on a wild throw to first on a pickoff attempt. Marguez Smith then singled to score Heras but Smith was thrown out at second trying to advance on the throw home. Jalisco loaded the bases with two outs but Israel Nunez popped out to short to end the inning.
Jalisco overall is now 28-19 in the Liga de Mexicana del Pacifico with a 7-5 record in the second half. The Venados climb to 21-25 overall and 5-7 in the second half standings.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Charros Outlast the Venados de Mazatlan 3-2 in 12 innings
The Charros played an extra inning game on Wednesday in Mazatlan, winning 3-2 in 12 innings, when Leo Heras' double to center scored Manny Rodriguez from first with the game winner.
Marquez Smith drew a walk to lead off the top of the 2nd for the Charros. With two outs, Jesus Lopez doubled to left to push Smith to third. Israel Nunez followed with a single for the 2-0 Charros lead as both Smith and Lopez scored.
With two outs in the bottom of the 3rd for the Venados, Jesus Fabela drew a base on balls and scored on a double by Doug Clark to get Mazatlan on the board and cut the Charros lead to 2-1. Jose Figueroa then singled to right to score Clark and went to third on a throwing error by Charros first baseman Marquez Smith. With the scored tied at 2-2, the contest became a pitchers duel for the next 9 innings.
Graham Godfrey started for the Charros and went 6 2/3 innings. Although he gave up both Venados runs, he was pitching well, scattering 7 hits over his time on the mound. Ivan Salas and Adrian Ramirez held Mazatlan scoreless over 3 innings and Brian Broderick, in an unusual move for a closer, worked the final 2 1/3 innings allowing just 1 hit, walking one and striking out two to pick up the win. Broderick improved to 3-1 on the year to go along with his 13 saves.
Steven Hensley took the loss for the Venados to fall to 0-1 for the season. He gave up 2 hits and a run in 2 2/3 innings of relief. Hensley got the first two outs in the bottom of the 12th before Manny Rodriguez singled. Leo Heras then put the game away with his run scoring double that gave the Charros the 3-2 lead.
Brian Broderick gave up a one out single to Doug Clark in the bottom of the 12th before getting Jose Figueroa to ground into a 4-6 fielder's choice and Olmo Rosario to ground out to third to end the game.
Israel Nunez was 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Jesus Lopez had 2 doubles on a 3 for 5 night while Leo Heras went 2 for 5 with the game winning RBI.
Jalisco is now 28-18, ten games above .500 over all, and tied for the 2nd half league lead with the Naranjeros de Hermosillo at 7-4. The Venados fall to 20-25 overall and 4-7 in the 2nd half standings.
Marquez Smith drew a walk to lead off the top of the 2nd for the Charros. With two outs, Jesus Lopez doubled to left to push Smith to third. Israel Nunez followed with a single for the 2-0 Charros lead as both Smith and Lopez scored.
With two outs in the bottom of the 3rd for the Venados, Jesus Fabela drew a base on balls and scored on a double by Doug Clark to get Mazatlan on the board and cut the Charros lead to 2-1. Jose Figueroa then singled to right to score Clark and went to third on a throwing error by Charros first baseman Marquez Smith. With the scored tied at 2-2, the contest became a pitchers duel for the next 9 innings.
Graham Godfrey started for the Charros and went 6 2/3 innings. Although he gave up both Venados runs, he was pitching well, scattering 7 hits over his time on the mound. Ivan Salas and Adrian Ramirez held Mazatlan scoreless over 3 innings and Brian Broderick, in an unusual move for a closer, worked the final 2 1/3 innings allowing just 1 hit, walking one and striking out two to pick up the win. Broderick improved to 3-1 on the year to go along with his 13 saves.
Steven Hensley took the loss for the Venados to fall to 0-1 for the season. He gave up 2 hits and a run in 2 2/3 innings of relief. Hensley got the first two outs in the bottom of the 12th before Manny Rodriguez singled. Leo Heras then put the game away with his run scoring double that gave the Charros the 3-2 lead.
Brian Broderick gave up a one out single to Doug Clark in the bottom of the 12th before getting Jose Figueroa to ground into a 4-6 fielder's choice and Olmo Rosario to ground out to third to end the game.
Israel Nunez was 1 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Jesus Lopez had 2 doubles on a 3 for 5 night while Leo Heras went 2 for 5 with the game winning RBI.
Jalisco is now 28-18, ten games above .500 over all, and tied for the 2nd half league lead with the Naranjeros de Hermosillo at 7-4. The Venados fall to 20-25 overall and 4-7 in the 2nd half standings.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Nick Markakis to the Atlanta Braves
Nick Markakis, formerly of the AL East Champion Baltimore Orioles, has reportedly signed a 4 year 45 million dollar contract with the Atlanta Braves. The Orioles declined the 17.5 million dollar club option and instead paid Markakis a 2 million dollar buy out option.
the Orioles lost slugger Nelson Cruz to the Seattle Mariners earlier in the week.
the Orioles lost slugger Nelson Cruz to the Seattle Mariners earlier in the week.
NFL Picks for Dec 4-8
I finally got the picks on time. Of course, last week I went 7-6 on the games I did pick. The Steelers let me down as did Baltimore, the Giants, Carolina and Oakland.
Dallas @ Chicago Cowboys 35-17 Yes it will be cold but not as cold as the Bears
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati Steelers 31-17 Bengals look bad again this week
St. Louis @ Washington Rams 28-14 Can a win against the Raiders be that good
NY Giants @ Tennessee Titans 28-27 Toss up...hence the score
Carolina @ New Orleans Saints 35-21 Saints need to get to .500 for respect
NY Jets @ Minnesota Vikings 29-16 Jets played horribly on MNF...no change
Baltimore @ Miami Ravens 28-13 Dolphins need a lot...no playoffs this year
Indianapolis @ Cleveland Colts 30-20 The 2 headed QB problem is back in Cleveland
Tampa Bay @ Detroit Lions 28-10 Stafford connects for 4 TDs
Houston @ Jacksonville Texans 31-17 More if JJ Watt could just have a good game for once
Buffalo @ Denver Broncos 30-16 Who needs Peyton when you have a run game
Kansas City @ Arizona Cardinals 24-17 Cardinals players "care" this week
Seattle @ Philadelphia Seahawks 24-17 Eagles fall into a tie with Cowboys
San Francisco @ Oakland 49ers 33-10 All problems solved in SF with a win
New England @ San Diego Patriots 31-13 Brady over Rivers anywhere, anytime
Atlanta @ Green Bay Packers 38-17 Rogers throws 5 TD passes leaves in 3rd quarter
There you have them!
Dallas @ Chicago Cowboys 35-17 Yes it will be cold but not as cold as the Bears
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati Steelers 31-17 Bengals look bad again this week
St. Louis @ Washington Rams 28-14 Can a win against the Raiders be that good
NY Giants @ Tennessee Titans 28-27 Toss up...hence the score
Carolina @ New Orleans Saints 35-21 Saints need to get to .500 for respect
NY Jets @ Minnesota Vikings 29-16 Jets played horribly on MNF...no change
Baltimore @ Miami Ravens 28-13 Dolphins need a lot...no playoffs this year
Indianapolis @ Cleveland Colts 30-20 The 2 headed QB problem is back in Cleveland
Tampa Bay @ Detroit Lions 28-10 Stafford connects for 4 TDs
Houston @ Jacksonville Texans 31-17 More if JJ Watt could just have a good game for once
Buffalo @ Denver Broncos 30-16 Who needs Peyton when you have a run game
Kansas City @ Arizona Cardinals 24-17 Cardinals players "care" this week
Seattle @ Philadelphia Seahawks 24-17 Eagles fall into a tie with Cowboys
San Francisco @ Oakland 49ers 33-10 All problems solved in SF with a win
New England @ San Diego Patriots 31-13 Brady over Rivers anywhere, anytime
Atlanta @ Green Bay Packers 38-17 Rogers throws 5 TD passes leaves in 3rd quarter
There you have them!
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Charros Swamp Mazatlan Venados 11-6
The Charros de Jalisco traveled to Mazatlan to take on the Venados on Tuesday for a three game series. Jalisco won the game 11-6 but the game was tied at 6 after the second inning and it seemed the runs would not stop coming.
With one out in the top of the 1st, Manny Rodriguez singled to center and scored on a double by Leo Heras who went to third on the throw. Japhet Amador singled to score Heras. After Marquez Smith popped up for the second out, CJ Retherford hit a 2 run home run to deep left for the 4-0 Charros lead.
Doug Clark singled for the Venados with one out in the bottom of the 1st. Olmo Rosario drew a base on balls. After a ground out moved both runners up a base, Ricardo Alvarez singled to score Clark and Rosario. Heber Gomez drew a two out base on balls. Charros starter, Ben Kozlowski then uncorked his second wild pitch of the evening to put runners at second and third. Jesus Castillo singled to plate Alvarez and Gomez and the score was tied at 4.
The Charros got right back into scoring mode in the top of the 2nd. With one out Israel Nunez singled and went to second on a single to center by Eduardo Arredondo. Manny Rodriguez doubled to score Nunez and Arredondo. The Charros had regained the lead 6-4.
Not to be outdone, the Venados came storming back in their half of the 2nd. Gilberto Mejia led off with a single and scored one out later on a home run by Olmo Rosario to knot the game at 6 all.
Jalisco took the lead for good in the top of the 6th. CJ Retherford led off with a single to right. Brendan Harris singled. With one out the Mazatlan pitcher, Enrique Lechuga, threw a wild pitch that advanced the Charros runners. Isreal Nunez reached on an error by the third baseman and the bases were loaded. Eduardo Arredondo singled to score Retherford and Manny Rodriguez singled to drive in Harris. With one out and the bases loaded, Leo Heras drew a 6 pitch walk to force in Nunez. The Charros scored three and took a 9-6 lead into the bottom of the 6th.
CJ Retherford led off the top of the 7th for the Charros with a solo home run, his second of the game and third of the year. Brendan Harris followed the home run by Retherford with a triple. Edson Garcia came in as a pinch runner for Harris and scored on a wild pitch by the Venados reliever, Jesus Barraza. The Charros had two more runs on the board and the final 11-6 score.
CJ Retherford had 2 home runs and a single in his 5 trips to the plate, scoring 3 times and driving in 3. Manny Rodriguez went 3 for 5 with a double, 2 RBIs and a run scored. Leo Heras was 1 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Brendan Harris went 2 for 4 with a triple and a run scored. Eduardo Arredondo was 2 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored and catcher Israel Nunez was also 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored.
The Charros improve to 27-18 overall and 6-4 in the second half of the Liga de Mexicana del Pacifico. The Venados fall to 20-24 with the loss. Two more games with Mazatlan then it's home to face the Aguilas de Mexicali for three games this weekend.
With one out in the top of the 1st, Manny Rodriguez singled to center and scored on a double by Leo Heras who went to third on the throw. Japhet Amador singled to score Heras. After Marquez Smith popped up for the second out, CJ Retherford hit a 2 run home run to deep left for the 4-0 Charros lead.
Doug Clark singled for the Venados with one out in the bottom of the 1st. Olmo Rosario drew a base on balls. After a ground out moved both runners up a base, Ricardo Alvarez singled to score Clark and Rosario. Heber Gomez drew a two out base on balls. Charros starter, Ben Kozlowski then uncorked his second wild pitch of the evening to put runners at second and third. Jesus Castillo singled to plate Alvarez and Gomez and the score was tied at 4.
The Charros got right back into scoring mode in the top of the 2nd. With one out Israel Nunez singled and went to second on a single to center by Eduardo Arredondo. Manny Rodriguez doubled to score Nunez and Arredondo. The Charros had regained the lead 6-4.
Not to be outdone, the Venados came storming back in their half of the 2nd. Gilberto Mejia led off with a single and scored one out later on a home run by Olmo Rosario to knot the game at 6 all.
Jalisco took the lead for good in the top of the 6th. CJ Retherford led off with a single to right. Brendan Harris singled. With one out the Mazatlan pitcher, Enrique Lechuga, threw a wild pitch that advanced the Charros runners. Isreal Nunez reached on an error by the third baseman and the bases were loaded. Eduardo Arredondo singled to score Retherford and Manny Rodriguez singled to drive in Harris. With one out and the bases loaded, Leo Heras drew a 6 pitch walk to force in Nunez. The Charros scored three and took a 9-6 lead into the bottom of the 6th.
CJ Retherford led off the top of the 7th for the Charros with a solo home run, his second of the game and third of the year. Brendan Harris followed the home run by Retherford with a triple. Edson Garcia came in as a pinch runner for Harris and scored on a wild pitch by the Venados reliever, Jesus Barraza. The Charros had two more runs on the board and the final 11-6 score.
CJ Retherford had 2 home runs and a single in his 5 trips to the plate, scoring 3 times and driving in 3. Manny Rodriguez went 3 for 5 with a double, 2 RBIs and a run scored. Leo Heras was 1 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Brendan Harris went 2 for 4 with a triple and a run scored. Eduardo Arredondo was 2 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored and catcher Israel Nunez was also 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored.
The Charros improve to 27-18 overall and 6-4 in the second half of the Liga de Mexicana del Pacifico. The Venados fall to 20-24 with the loss. Two more games with Mazatlan then it's home to face the Aguilas de Mexicali for three games this weekend.
FSU Drops to 4th In The CFP Rankings
The Horned Frogs of TCU jumped into the top 4 teams in the nation on Tuesday according to the CFP Committee, leap frogging an undefeated FSU Seminole team that has 28 consecutive wins. TCU is ranked ahead of Baylor despite losing to the Bears 61-58 in their head-to-head matchup.
Alabama remained at #1 and the Oregon Ducks held onto the #2 spot.
This weekend, all of this could change. The Crimson Tide takes on #16 Missouri in the SEC Championship while Oregon faces #7 Arizona in the PAC 12 Championship. FSU squares off against the #11 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets for the ACC Championship. The two Big 12 schools, which do not have a championship game, will face their final Big 12 games. TCU faces a 2-9 Iowa State team while Baylor draws a game with #9 Kansas State.
If all of the four teams should win, and in my estimation TCU had better win big, the playoff spots would remain the same.
Now for the conspiracy theory. The CFP Committee wants an East Coast team, the SEC is close enough, to play a West Coast team in the final. An Alabama or Seminole team in the final would be okay with them. The committee knows that Oregon will have no problem with TCU but might face tougher competition against the undefeated FSU team. Using my logic you then would have a championship game with an undefeated FSU team or the immensely popular and strong 1 loss Alabama playing the Ducks for the National Championship.
But, if FSU loses this weekend, there won't be ACC team in the playoffs and potentially 2 Big 12 teams could be in the top four of the final rankings. Now that would be interesting.
Alabama remained at #1 and the Oregon Ducks held onto the #2 spot.
This weekend, all of this could change. The Crimson Tide takes on #16 Missouri in the SEC Championship while Oregon faces #7 Arizona in the PAC 12 Championship. FSU squares off against the #11 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets for the ACC Championship. The two Big 12 schools, which do not have a championship game, will face their final Big 12 games. TCU faces a 2-9 Iowa State team while Baylor draws a game with #9 Kansas State.
If all of the four teams should win, and in my estimation TCU had better win big, the playoff spots would remain the same.
Now for the conspiracy theory. The CFP Committee wants an East Coast team, the SEC is close enough, to play a West Coast team in the final. An Alabama or Seminole team in the final would be okay with them. The committee knows that Oregon will have no problem with TCU but might face tougher competition against the undefeated FSU team. Using my logic you then would have a championship game with an undefeated FSU team or the immensely popular and strong 1 loss Alabama playing the Ducks for the National Championship.
But, if FSU loses this weekend, there won't be ACC team in the playoffs and potentially 2 Big 12 teams could be in the top four of the final rankings. Now that would be interesting.
Kevin Durant To Make Return Against Pelicans Tonight
Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder will make his first start of the year tonight against the New Orleans Pelicans. Durant has missed the past 6 1/2 weeks with a broken foot.
"Just excited to get back out there with my teammates," Durant said Tuesday. "It's been a long 6½ weeks just trying to get better and get my foot right. The training staff did a great job, so I'm just looking forward to playing tonight.
As with any lengthy time off from a skilled position in a physical league, Durant may look rusty but he will be on the court going full bore.
When asked about the layoff in terms of his conditioning and team chemistry, Durant had this to say, "I know it's going to be a little bit different for me not having played ... and then going out there and playing the highest level of basketball. But I'm looking forward to going out there and seeing where I am and playing as hard as I can for my team."
Durant's return could not have come at a better time for the Thunder. Russell Westbrook is back and the Thunder are languishing at 5-12 early on in the NBA season.
Royce Young has the ESPN story here.
"Just excited to get back out there with my teammates," Durant said Tuesday. "It's been a long 6½ weeks just trying to get better and get my foot right. The training staff did a great job, so I'm just looking forward to playing tonight.
As with any lengthy time off from a skilled position in a physical league, Durant may look rusty but he will be on the court going full bore.
When asked about the layoff in terms of his conditioning and team chemistry, Durant had this to say, "I know it's going to be a little bit different for me not having played ... and then going out there and playing the highest level of basketball. But I'm looking forward to going out there and seeing where I am and playing as hard as I can for my team."
Durant's return could not have come at a better time for the Thunder. Russell Westbrook is back and the Thunder are languishing at 5-12 early on in the NBA season.
Royce Young has the ESPN story here.
Brady Hoke Out At Michigan
The interim Athletic Director at the University of Michigan has reportedly fired head coach Brady Hoke with a year left on his 5 year contract.
Jim Hackett clearly wants the Wolverines to head in another direction. After the way Dave Brandon, former Athletic Director, and Hoke handled the concussion situation with Sophomore quarterback Shane Morris in the Minnesota game, there was no place for Hackett to go.
Michigan went 31-20 in Hoke's 4 years including an 11-2 season in 2011 when the Wolverines beat rival Ohio State and defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Sugar Bowl.
Hoke took over for Rich Rodriguez for the 2011 season and Hoke was named the Big 10 Coach of the Year. Today's announcement comes as Rich Rodriguez is named the Pac 12 Coach of the Year for 2014.
Sam Cooper of Yahoo Sports has an article here should you like more information.
Jim Hackett clearly wants the Wolverines to head in another direction. After the way Dave Brandon, former Athletic Director, and Hoke handled the concussion situation with Sophomore quarterback Shane Morris in the Minnesota game, there was no place for Hackett to go.
Michigan went 31-20 in Hoke's 4 years including an 11-2 season in 2011 when the Wolverines beat rival Ohio State and defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Sugar Bowl.
Hoke took over for Rich Rodriguez for the 2011 season and Hoke was named the Big 10 Coach of the Year. Today's announcement comes as Rich Rodriguez is named the Pac 12 Coach of the Year for 2014.
Sam Cooper of Yahoo Sports has an article here should you like more information.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Dolphins Plod to 16-13 Win Over Hapless Jets
Thankfully last night's Monday Night Football game has come to an end. Without looking back on every MNF contest through the years I can say, without reservation, that this game between the Miami Dolphins and the NY Jets was the most boring game I have ever watched. The Dolphins beat the Jets 16-13.
After three quarters of play the Dolphins had 52 yards on the ground and 167 through the air. The Jets on the other hand had 233 yards rushing and just 42 yards receiving. Geno Smith, Jets quarterback, was 3 of 6 passing for the first half. Only Tim Tebow has ever won an NFL game while attempting 15 or fewer passes in a game.
There was a situation in the second quarter, with the Jets leading 10-6 and facing a 4th and 2 from the Miami 27 yard line that seemed the perfect time to go for it on 4th down. The Jets defense had held the Dolphins for most of the half and the Jets had 228 yards rushing at the time. The worst case scenario for the Jets, if they didn't make it, would be that the Dolphins would take over on downs at their own 27 and the Jets defense would force them to go 73 yards in a drive, something the Dolphins had not been able to do in the game. Ryan chose to kick the field goal for a 13-6 lead.
Geno Smith attempted just 13 passes all game and completed 7 of them for 65 yards with no touchdowns and 1 interception. Statistically, Ryan Tannehill had a better night at 25 of 35 passes for 235 yards but he also failed to record a touchdown and also threw an interception.
The teams combined to miss 3 field goals, 2 by the Jet's Nick Folk and 1 by the Dolphin's Caleb Sturgis. Folk's second miss came with the score tied at 13 and 10:24 to go in the game.
Caleb Sturgis connected for 3 with 1:57 left in the game but the win was not assured until Geno Smith threw an interception with 34 seconds left.
The Dolphins somehow have managed to stay in the playoff hunt at 7-5 while the Jets fall to 2-10 on the year.
After three quarters of play the Dolphins had 52 yards on the ground and 167 through the air. The Jets on the other hand had 233 yards rushing and just 42 yards receiving. Geno Smith, Jets quarterback, was 3 of 6 passing for the first half. Only Tim Tebow has ever won an NFL game while attempting 15 or fewer passes in a game.
There was a situation in the second quarter, with the Jets leading 10-6 and facing a 4th and 2 from the Miami 27 yard line that seemed the perfect time to go for it on 4th down. The Jets defense had held the Dolphins for most of the half and the Jets had 228 yards rushing at the time. The worst case scenario for the Jets, if they didn't make it, would be that the Dolphins would take over on downs at their own 27 and the Jets defense would force them to go 73 yards in a drive, something the Dolphins had not been able to do in the game. Ryan chose to kick the field goal for a 13-6 lead.
Geno Smith attempted just 13 passes all game and completed 7 of them for 65 yards with no touchdowns and 1 interception. Statistically, Ryan Tannehill had a better night at 25 of 35 passes for 235 yards but he also failed to record a touchdown and also threw an interception.
The teams combined to miss 3 field goals, 2 by the Jet's Nick Folk and 1 by the Dolphin's Caleb Sturgis. Folk's second miss came with the score tied at 13 and 10:24 to go in the game.
Caleb Sturgis connected for 3 with 1:57 left in the game but the win was not assured until Geno Smith threw an interception with 34 seconds left.
The Dolphins somehow have managed to stay in the playoff hunt at 7-5 while the Jets fall to 2-10 on the year.
ESPN Says SEC No Longer Exceptional
Ivan Maisel, of ESPN, tries to make a point in an article he has written, that the SEC is no longer exceptional. I beg to differ with Mr. Maisel and would say in support of the SEC that his opinion is a bit premature.
Ivan had this to say in his article. "The best running backs in the FBS play in the Big Ten. The best quarterbacks are in the Pac-12. So are the best defensive linemen. The ACC skunked you 4-0 this past Saturday. The Big 12 is the only conference with a chance of putting two teams in the playoff."
To his point that the best running backs are in the Big 10, I would point out that only three teams in the Big 10 are good, meaning that the seven teams not named Ohio State, Michigan State and Wisconsin have defenses that are built to Big 10 standards, big and slow. The Big 10 running backs would have trouble with the offensive lines and linebackers of the SEC, recruited for speed.
The best quarterbacks, according to Ivan, are in the Pac-12. Marcus Mariota, my choice for the Heisman, is the best quarterback in the nation but the 11 other quarterbacks in the league have shown themselves to be inconsistent. The SEC quarterbacks are competent and are coached in ball control to minimize turnovers.
The ACC did take 4 of 4 from the SEC this week; but, The #3 team in the country barely beat a Florida team who's coach already knows he won't be back next year given a second consecutive bad season and #16 Georgia Tech beat a #9 Georgia, playing without an unfairly targeted Todd Gurley, in a long standing in state rivalry.
The SEC has never been about flashy QBs. It is about crushing, swarming defenses and punishing ground games. The Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn was a bitter in state rivalry as was Georgia/Georgia Tech, Florida/Florida State, South Carolina/Clemson and Mississippi State/Ole Miss. Name a conference with so many conference rivalries and in state rivalries where the entire college football nation will stop and watch.
Alabama will beat #17 Missouri in the SEC Championship game and remain #1. They will play either TCU or Baylor, from a league, The Big 12, who doesn't have a championship game. One of these teams will make it to #4. By the way the head-to-head between these two teams was a really close 61-58. The Big 12 is all about defense, right? #2 Oregon will beat #3 FSU and Alabama will beat Oregon. The swarming defense of Alabama, and sufficient time to prepare for the Ducks offense will give Alabama another National Championship and the 8th consecutive championship for the SEC.
If you care to read a good, but wrong headed, article by Ivan Maisel by all means do and let me know what you think.
Ivan had this to say in his article. "The best running backs in the FBS play in the Big Ten. The best quarterbacks are in the Pac-12. So are the best defensive linemen. The ACC skunked you 4-0 this past Saturday. The Big 12 is the only conference with a chance of putting two teams in the playoff."
To his point that the best running backs are in the Big 10, I would point out that only three teams in the Big 10 are good, meaning that the seven teams not named Ohio State, Michigan State and Wisconsin have defenses that are built to Big 10 standards, big and slow. The Big 10 running backs would have trouble with the offensive lines and linebackers of the SEC, recruited for speed.
The best quarterbacks, according to Ivan, are in the Pac-12. Marcus Mariota, my choice for the Heisman, is the best quarterback in the nation but the 11 other quarterbacks in the league have shown themselves to be inconsistent. The SEC quarterbacks are competent and are coached in ball control to minimize turnovers.
The ACC did take 4 of 4 from the SEC this week; but, The #3 team in the country barely beat a Florida team who's coach already knows he won't be back next year given a second consecutive bad season and #16 Georgia Tech beat a #9 Georgia, playing without an unfairly targeted Todd Gurley, in a long standing in state rivalry.
The SEC has never been about flashy QBs. It is about crushing, swarming defenses and punishing ground games. The Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn was a bitter in state rivalry as was Georgia/Georgia Tech, Florida/Florida State, South Carolina/Clemson and Mississippi State/Ole Miss. Name a conference with so many conference rivalries and in state rivalries where the entire college football nation will stop and watch.
Alabama will beat #17 Missouri in the SEC Championship game and remain #1. They will play either TCU or Baylor, from a league, The Big 12, who doesn't have a championship game. One of these teams will make it to #4. By the way the head-to-head between these two teams was a really close 61-58. The Big 12 is all about defense, right? #2 Oregon will beat #3 FSU and Alabama will beat Oregon. The swarming defense of Alabama, and sufficient time to prepare for the Ducks offense will give Alabama another National Championship and the 8th consecutive championship for the SEC.
If you care to read a good, but wrong headed, article by Ivan Maisel by all means do and let me know what you think.
Kentucky Wildcats Top NCAA Men's Basketball Rankings
John Calipari's Kentucky Wildcats are firmly at the top of the NCAA Men's Basketball weekly poll with 62 of the 65 first place votes.
The Wisconsin Badgers are at #2 and received the remaining 3 first place nods. Arizona, Duke and Louisville round out the top 5.
Read the short ESPN article here.
The Wisconsin Badgers are at #2 and received the remaining 3 first place nods. Arizona, Duke and Louisville round out the top 5.
Read the short ESPN article here.
Nelson Cruz Signs 4 Year Deal With Mariners
It is being reported that Nelson Cruz, he of Biogenisis connections that resulted in a 50 game suspension in 2013, has signed a 4 year deal with the Seattle Mariners worth 57 million dollars.
Cruz played for the Baltimore Orioles in 2014 and was the only player in the majors to hit 40 home runs. The three-time All-Star holds MLB records for most home runs (six) and most RBIs (13) in a single postseason series (2011 ALCS).
Read the ESPN article here.
Cruz played for the Baltimore Orioles in 2014 and was the only player in the majors to hit 40 home runs. The three-time All-Star holds MLB records for most home runs (six) and most RBIs (13) in a single postseason series (2011 ALCS).
Read the ESPN article here.
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