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.
W.D. Barr's unique perspective on what's important in the world of Mexican Baseball!
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
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.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Caneros Shutout Charros 6-0 On Excellent Pitching By Terance Marin
The Caneros de Los Mochis took the third game of the three game series with jalisco, 6-0, behind the outstanding pitching of starter Terance Marin and reliever Andres Avila.
Orlando Lara, of the Charros had a one hitter through four innings. Lara gave up a lead off walk to Yancarlo Angulo to lead off the 5th. Angulo moved up on a sacrifice bunt by Sebastian Valle and scored two batters later on a single by Justin Christian. The Caneros led 1-0.
Terance Marin was pitching a no-hitter until Eduardo Arredondo singled with two outs in the bottom of the 6th. The Charros could not take advantage of the base runner as Manny Rodriguez struck out to end the inning with the Caneros still leading 1-0.
The Caneros added to their lead in the top of the 8th. Greg Golson singled to center to lead off the inning. Juan Gamboa advanced Golson on a sacrifice bunt. Juan Pedroso walked. Adrian Ramirez replaced Mario Mendoza for the Charros and walked Ramon Orantes to load the bases. One batter later, Gloson scored on a single by Yancarlo Angulo. Sebastian Valle then cleared the bases on a grand slam home run to deep center to give the Caneros a 6-1 lead that would hold for the victory.
Jalisco managed just three hits off of Terance Marin and reliever Andres Avila and Eduardo Arredondo had two of them, going 2 for 4 in the loss. The Charros struck out 7 times and didn't receive a free pass all game. Marin picked up the win to move to 1-1 on the year, while Orlando lara took the loss to fall to 4-2 on the season. Lara went 6 2/3 innings giving up just three hits but walking 4 and striking out 4. Charros reliever Adrian Ramirez gave up the grand slam to Sebastian Valle.
The Charros fall to 26-18 overall and 5-4 in the second half of the Liga de Mexicana del Pacifico while the Caneros climb to 24-20 overall.
Orlando Lara, of the Charros had a one hitter through four innings. Lara gave up a lead off walk to Yancarlo Angulo to lead off the 5th. Angulo moved up on a sacrifice bunt by Sebastian Valle and scored two batters later on a single by Justin Christian. The Caneros led 1-0.
Terance Marin was pitching a no-hitter until Eduardo Arredondo singled with two outs in the bottom of the 6th. The Charros could not take advantage of the base runner as Manny Rodriguez struck out to end the inning with the Caneros still leading 1-0.
The Caneros added to their lead in the top of the 8th. Greg Golson singled to center to lead off the inning. Juan Gamboa advanced Golson on a sacrifice bunt. Juan Pedroso walked. Adrian Ramirez replaced Mario Mendoza for the Charros and walked Ramon Orantes to load the bases. One batter later, Gloson scored on a single by Yancarlo Angulo. Sebastian Valle then cleared the bases on a grand slam home run to deep center to give the Caneros a 6-1 lead that would hold for the victory.
Jalisco managed just three hits off of Terance Marin and reliever Andres Avila and Eduardo Arredondo had two of them, going 2 for 4 in the loss. The Charros struck out 7 times and didn't receive a free pass all game. Marin picked up the win to move to 1-1 on the year, while Orlando lara took the loss to fall to 4-2 on the season. Lara went 6 2/3 innings giving up just three hits but walking 4 and striking out 4. Charros reliever Adrian Ramirez gave up the grand slam to Sebastian Valle.
The Charros fall to 26-18 overall and 5-4 in the second half of the Liga de Mexicana del Pacifico while the Caneros climb to 24-20 overall.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Charros Best Caneros de Los Mochis 7-1
The Charros de Jalisco, behind some fine pitching by Juan Delgadillo and four relievers, beat the Caneros de Los Mochis 7-1 on Saturday night in Zapopan.
In the bottom of the 1st for the Charros, Manny Rodriguez singled and went to second on a 4-3 ground out by Leo Heras. Japhet Amador doubled to right to score Rodriguez and give the Charros the 1-0 lead.
The Charros added to their lead in the bottom of the 2nd. CJ Retherford led off with a single and Brendan Harris walked. Gabriel Gutierrez drew a base on balls to load the bases. Jesus Lopez hit a sac fly to right to score Retherford and advance Harris and Gutierrez to 2nd and 3rd. Eduardo Arredondo grounded into a double play to end the inning but the Jalisco lead was 2-0 after two innings.
Los Mochis got a run back in ther top of the 3rd off Charros starter Juan Delgadillo when Yancarlo Angulo led off with a single, advanced on a wild pitch, went to third on a ground out by Rodolfo Amador and scored on a sac fly by Justin Christian. The Caneros had cut the lead to 2-1, but they would get no closer.
Jesus Cota, batting for Brendan Harris, led off the bottom of the 7th for the Charros with a single. Gabriel Gutierrez followed with a single. Edson Garcia came into the game as a pinch runner for Cota. Jesus Lopez reached safely on a throwing error by the Caneros catcher that scored Garcia and Gutierrez for the 4-1 Charros lead. The Caneros manager argued over the second run scored on the play at the plate. He argued too strenously as he was ejected by the home plate umpire. Manny Rodriguez then hit a ground rule double, his 16th double of the year, that score Lopez. Leo Heras was intentionally walked and Japhet Amador singled to right to score Rodriguez and move Heras to third. Marquez Smith followed with a sac fly to score Heras and the Charros led 7-1.
The Caneros threatened in the top of the 9th, putting runners on second and third with two outs but Rodolfo Amador flew out to left to give the Charros the 7-1 victory.
Juan Delgadillo picked up his 1st win of the year against 5 defeats going 5 innings allowing just 2 hits and 1 run. Luis Niebla took the loss to fall to 2-3 on the season for Los Mochis.
Manny Rodriguez was 2 for 5 with a double, an RBI and 2 runs scored. Japhet Amador was 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs while Gabriel Gurierrez went 2 for 3 with a double and a run scored.
The Charros are now 5-3 in the second half of the season. They are 26-17 overall in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico.
In the bottom of the 1st for the Charros, Manny Rodriguez singled and went to second on a 4-3 ground out by Leo Heras. Japhet Amador doubled to right to score Rodriguez and give the Charros the 1-0 lead.
The Charros added to their lead in the bottom of the 2nd. CJ Retherford led off with a single and Brendan Harris walked. Gabriel Gutierrez drew a base on balls to load the bases. Jesus Lopez hit a sac fly to right to score Retherford and advance Harris and Gutierrez to 2nd and 3rd. Eduardo Arredondo grounded into a double play to end the inning but the Jalisco lead was 2-0 after two innings.
Los Mochis got a run back in ther top of the 3rd off Charros starter Juan Delgadillo when Yancarlo Angulo led off with a single, advanced on a wild pitch, went to third on a ground out by Rodolfo Amador and scored on a sac fly by Justin Christian. The Caneros had cut the lead to 2-1, but they would get no closer.
Jesus Cota, batting for Brendan Harris, led off the bottom of the 7th for the Charros with a single. Gabriel Gutierrez followed with a single. Edson Garcia came into the game as a pinch runner for Cota. Jesus Lopez reached safely on a throwing error by the Caneros catcher that scored Garcia and Gutierrez for the 4-1 Charros lead. The Caneros manager argued over the second run scored on the play at the plate. He argued too strenously as he was ejected by the home plate umpire. Manny Rodriguez then hit a ground rule double, his 16th double of the year, that score Lopez. Leo Heras was intentionally walked and Japhet Amador singled to right to score Rodriguez and move Heras to third. Marquez Smith followed with a sac fly to score Heras and the Charros led 7-1.
The Caneros threatened in the top of the 9th, putting runners on second and third with two outs but Rodolfo Amador flew out to left to give the Charros the 7-1 victory.
Juan Delgadillo picked up his 1st win of the year against 5 defeats going 5 innings allowing just 2 hits and 1 run. Luis Niebla took the loss to fall to 2-3 on the season for Los Mochis.
Manny Rodriguez was 2 for 5 with a double, an RBI and 2 runs scored. Japhet Amador was 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBIs while Gabriel Gurierrez went 2 for 3 with a double and a run scored.
The Charros are now 5-3 in the second half of the season. They are 26-17 overall in the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico.
Ole Miss Tops #4 Mississippi St. 31-17
In the dog eat dog world of the SEC, Ole Miss, who had fallen to #19 in the CFP polls beat #4 Mississippi State 31-17.
Dak Prescott of Mississippi St. completed 22 of 37 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown while Bo Wallace was 13 for 30 for 296 yards and an INT with no touchdowns.
Jaylen Walton carried the ball 14 times for Ole Miss and gained 148 yards including a 91 yard touchdown scamper with 2 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter.
The stats were fairly even. Ole Miss had 15 first downs while Miss. St. had 21. 532 total yards for Ole Miss and 445 for Miss. St. 205 yards on the ground for Ole Miss and 167 for the Bulldogs. Time of possession was totally in favor of Miss. St. though as they held the ball for 34:45 while Ole Miss had the ball for 24:15.
Read the ESPN recap here for the rest of the story.
Here's another perspective from Yahoo Sports.
Dak Prescott of Mississippi St. completed 22 of 37 passes for 282 yards and a touchdown while Bo Wallace was 13 for 30 for 296 yards and an INT with no touchdowns.
Jaylen Walton carried the ball 14 times for Ole Miss and gained 148 yards including a 91 yard touchdown scamper with 2 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter.
The stats were fairly even. Ole Miss had 15 first downs while Miss. St. had 21. 532 total yards for Ole Miss and 445 for Miss. St. 205 yards on the ground for Ole Miss and 167 for the Bulldogs. Time of possession was totally in favor of Miss. St. though as they held the ball for 34:45 while Ole Miss had the ball for 24:15.
Read the ESPN recap here for the rest of the story.
Here's another perspective from Yahoo Sports.
#16 Georgia Tech Stuns #9 Georgia in OT 30-24
Georgia Tech kicker Harrison Butker kicked a 53 yard field on the last play of regulation to tie the Bulldogs at 24 and the Yellow Jackets went on the beat Georgia 30-24 in overtime.
Tech rushed for 399 yards against a very good Georgia defense but the Yellow Jacket's D.J. White had the biggest defensive play of the day as he intercepted a pass from Georgia's Hutson Mason intended for Malcomb Mitchell in overtime to clinch the win for the Yellow Jackets.
For all the details, read the ESPN recap here.
Here's the Yahoo Sports take.
Tech rushed for 399 yards against a very good Georgia defense but the Yellow Jacket's D.J. White had the biggest defensive play of the day as he intercepted a pass from Georgia's Hutson Mason intended for Malcomb Mitchell in overtime to clinch the win for the Yellow Jackets.
For all the details, read the ESPN recap here.
Here's the Yahoo Sports take.
Yaquis Walkoff Single in 9th Downs Charros 4-3
The Charros de Jalisco played the second game of a three game set on Wednesday in Obregon and lost to the Yaquis 4-3, giving up three runs in the bottom of the 9th.
Jalisco scored their three runs in the top of the second. With one out, Marguez Smith drew a walk. Jesus Cota doubled and Gabriel Gutierrez walked to load the bases. Ivan Araujo hit a sac fly to center that scored Smith and moved the runners to second and third. Jesus Lopez singled to score Cota and Gutierrez for the 3-0 Charros lead.
Obregon scored a run in the bottom of the 3rd to make it a 3-1 ballgame. The score would remain 3-1 until the bottom of the ninth.
Brian Broderick, the Charros closer, started the 9th by giving up singles to Said Gutierrez and Christian Villanueva to put runners at the corners with no outs. Carlos Figueroa hit a ground ball to third that Marquez Smith threw away past first and into right field foul territory. Armando Araiza, pinch runner for Said Gutierrez, and Villanueva scored and Figueroa wound up on third. Albino Contreras then hit a walkoff single to center for the Yaquis comeback win over the Charro.
Jalisco scored their three runs in the top of the second. With one out, Marguez Smith drew a walk. Jesus Cota doubled and Gabriel Gutierrez walked to load the bases. Ivan Araujo hit a sac fly to center that scored Smith and moved the runners to second and third. Jesus Lopez singled to score Cota and Gutierrez for the 3-0 Charros lead.
Obregon scored a run in the bottom of the 3rd to make it a 3-1 ballgame. The score would remain 3-1 until the bottom of the ninth.
Brian Broderick, the Charros closer, started the 9th by giving up singles to Said Gutierrez and Christian Villanueva to put runners at the corners with no outs. Carlos Figueroa hit a ground ball to third that Marquez Smith threw away past first and into right field foul territory. Armando Araiza, pinch runner for Said Gutierrez, and Villanueva scored and Figueroa wound up on third. Albino Contreras then hit a walkoff single to center for the Yaquis comeback win over the Charro.
NFL Picks for November 30th
I was 12-2 last week and would have been perfect if the Texans had an offense and the Jets were...well...not the Jets. Here are my picks for this week
Washington @ Indianapolis Colts 28-17 Colts "D" too much for the Redskins
Tennessee @ Houston Texans 21-17 I'll take the Texans in this toss up game
Cleveland @ Buffalo Bills 27-21 It was just the Jets but the Bills look good
San Diego @ Baltimore Ravens 31-28 Flacco over Rivers should be a game to watch
NY Giants @ Jacksonville Giants 32-17 Manning gained confidence against the Cowboys
Cincinnati @ Tampa Bay Bengals 23-16 Tampa's defense has improved but not enough
Oakland @ St. Louis Raiders 23-13 Another toss up...I'll take the Raiders
New Orleans @ Pittsburgh Steelers 35-31 Pittsburgh is too strong for the Saints
Carolina @ Minnesota Panthers 24-14 Toss up #3 Panthers by 10
Arizona @ Atlanta Cardinals 27-21 Not impressed with NFC South
New England @ Green Bay Packers 28-27 Turnovers make or break this game
Denver @ Kansas City Broncos 31-24 KC has had 10 days off but the Broncos have Manning
Miami @ NY Jets Dolphins 28-10 Rex Ryan could be fired after this game
Washington @ Indianapolis Colts 28-17 Colts "D" too much for the Redskins
Tennessee @ Houston Texans 21-17 I'll take the Texans in this toss up game
Cleveland @ Buffalo Bills 27-21 It was just the Jets but the Bills look good
San Diego @ Baltimore Ravens 31-28 Flacco over Rivers should be a game to watch
NY Giants @ Jacksonville Giants 32-17 Manning gained confidence against the Cowboys
Cincinnati @ Tampa Bay Bengals 23-16 Tampa's defense has improved but not enough
Oakland @ St. Louis Raiders 23-13 Another toss up...I'll take the Raiders
New Orleans @ Pittsburgh Steelers 35-31 Pittsburgh is too strong for the Saints
Carolina @ Minnesota Panthers 24-14 Toss up #3 Panthers by 10
Arizona @ Atlanta Cardinals 27-21 Not impressed with NFC South
New England @ Green Bay Packers 28-27 Turnovers make or break this game
Denver @ Kansas City Broncos 31-24 KC has had 10 days off but the Broncos have Manning
Miami @ NY Jets Dolphins 28-10 Rex Ryan could be fired after this game
Friday, November 28, 2014
Dez Bryant Calls Eagles "Cheap" Players
Dez Bryant, whose Cowboys had just been beaten 33-10 was crying about the "cheap" play of the Eagles.
"I'm really not mad at all," Bryant said after the Cowboys' 33-10 loss on Thursday. "They beat us and I'm going to accept that, but [expletive] can't wait, but not looking past Chicago [on Dec. 4], but I cannot wait to go up there and play [Philadelphia] again. Cannot wait."
Seems when a team holds you to 73 yards in the air and no touchdowns somebody must be cheating.
The Cowboys' defense struggled with the high-tempo Eagles offense, which converted 53 percent of its third-down plays and gained 464 yards, the most Dallas has allowed this season. The Eagles defense also held Demarco Murray to 73 yards on the ground, only the second time in 12 games that Murray has not rushed for at least 100 yards.
Tony Romo had his consecutive game streak of 38 games with a touchdown snapped. he game was played in Arlington and the rematch, on December 14th will be in Phildelphia.
"I'm really not mad at all," Bryant said after the Cowboys' 33-10 loss on Thursday. "They beat us and I'm going to accept that, but [expletive] can't wait, but not looking past Chicago [on Dec. 4], but I cannot wait to go up there and play [Philadelphia] again. Cannot wait."
Seems when a team holds you to 73 yards in the air and no touchdowns somebody must be cheating.
The Cowboys' defense struggled with the high-tempo Eagles offense, which converted 53 percent of its third-down plays and gained 464 yards, the most Dallas has allowed this season. The Eagles defense also held Demarco Murray to 73 yards on the ground, only the second time in 12 games that Murray has not rushed for at least 100 yards.
Tony Romo had his consecutive game streak of 38 games with a touchdown snapped. he game was played in Arlington and the rematch, on December 14th will be in Phildelphia.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Charros Beat Yaquis de Obregon 11-2
The Charros supported starter Orlando Lara with 4 home runs as Jalisco cruised to an 11-2 victory in the first game of a three game series with the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico first half champion Yaquis de Obregon.
With one out in the top of the 1st, Manny Rodriguez hot a solo home run just inside the left field foul pole and over the 325' sign to give the Charros an early 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the first, Lara walked himself into trouble. Christian Villanueva singled and Agustin Murillo drew a base on balls. Luis Fonseca was hit by a pitch and Carlos Valencia walked to force in Villanueva to tie the score at 1.
Obregon took the lead in the bottom of the second on a lead off double by Said Gutierrez and a throwing error by Orlando Lara on a sacrifice bunt attempt by Nicolas Garcia that scored Gutierrez. Obregon had taken a 2-1 lead.
Gabriel Gutierrez hit a lead off home run in the Jalisco 5th inning to tie the score. Jesus Lopez then singled. Leo Heras and Manny Rodriguez singled to load the bases. CJ Retherford hit a sac fly to left to score Lopez for a 3-2 Charros lead.
In the top of the 7th, Ivan Araujo singled and Leo Heras walked. On a double steal, Araujo scored and Heras went to third when the Obregon catcher threw wildly to third and the ball sailed into left. Manny Rodriguez hit a sac fly to left to score Heras and Jalisco led 5-2.
Marquez Smith lead off the top of the 8th with a solo home run. Gabriel Gurierrez and Ivan Araujo singled and Leo Heras walked to load the bases. Manny Rodrigues singled to drive in Gutierrez and Araujo. CJ Retherford hit his second double of the night to plate Heras and give the Charros a 9-2 lead.
Jesus Cota hit the 4th home run of the evening for Jalisco in the top of the 9th. Gabriel Gutierrez, Ivan Araujo and Leo Heras all singled, with Gutierrez scoring, for the final 11-2 margin of victory.
Orlando Lara picked up the win for the Charros to improve to 4-1 on the year while Alejandro Martinez took the loss to fall to 1-5 for the season.
Leo Heras wae 2 for 4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored. Manny Rodrigues had a home run and 2 singles in 5 at bats with 4 RBIs. CJ Retherford went 2 for 4 with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs. Marquez Smith hit the solo home run in his 4 trips to the plate. Gabriel Gutierrez was 3 for 5 with a home run, an RBI and 3 runs scored. Jesus Cota went 1 for 4 with a solo home run.
With one out in the top of the 1st, Manny Rodriguez hot a solo home run just inside the left field foul pole and over the 325' sign to give the Charros an early 1-0 lead.
In the bottom of the first, Lara walked himself into trouble. Christian Villanueva singled and Agustin Murillo drew a base on balls. Luis Fonseca was hit by a pitch and Carlos Valencia walked to force in Villanueva to tie the score at 1.
Obregon took the lead in the bottom of the second on a lead off double by Said Gutierrez and a throwing error by Orlando Lara on a sacrifice bunt attempt by Nicolas Garcia that scored Gutierrez. Obregon had taken a 2-1 lead.
Gabriel Gutierrez hit a lead off home run in the Jalisco 5th inning to tie the score. Jesus Lopez then singled. Leo Heras and Manny Rodriguez singled to load the bases. CJ Retherford hit a sac fly to left to score Lopez for a 3-2 Charros lead.
In the top of the 7th, Ivan Araujo singled and Leo Heras walked. On a double steal, Araujo scored and Heras went to third when the Obregon catcher threw wildly to third and the ball sailed into left. Manny Rodriguez hit a sac fly to left to score Heras and Jalisco led 5-2.
Marquez Smith lead off the top of the 8th with a solo home run. Gabriel Gurierrez and Ivan Araujo singled and Leo Heras walked to load the bases. Manny Rodrigues singled to drive in Gutierrez and Araujo. CJ Retherford hit his second double of the night to plate Heras and give the Charros a 9-2 lead.
Jesus Cota hit the 4th home run of the evening for Jalisco in the top of the 9th. Gabriel Gutierrez, Ivan Araujo and Leo Heras all singled, with Gutierrez scoring, for the final 11-2 margin of victory.
Orlando Lara picked up the win for the Charros to improve to 4-1 on the year while Alejandro Martinez took the loss to fall to 1-5 for the season.
Leo Heras wae 2 for 4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored. Manny Rodrigues had a home run and 2 singles in 5 at bats with 4 RBIs. CJ Retherford went 2 for 4 with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs. Marquez Smith hit the solo home run in his 4 trips to the plate. Gabriel Gutierrez was 3 for 5 with a home run, an RBI and 3 runs scored. Jesus Cota went 1 for 4 with a solo home run.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Charros Top Aguilas 2-1 in Final game of Series
The Charros de Jalisco took the third game of the series with Mexicali 2-1 behind the excellent pitching of Marco Tovar and 4 relievers. Tovar is 5-0 on the season with a 2.64 ERA and Brian Broderick earned his 13th save of the year.
Marco Tovar had a one hitter through 4 1/3 innings before giving up a solo home run to Xorge Carrillo with one out in the bottom of the 5th. The Aguilas had a 1-0 lead in what was shaping up to be a pitchers duel.
The Charros took the lead for good in the top of the 6th on back-to-back doubles by Japhet Amador and Marquez Smith and, after Mario Meza replaced Marco Durarte on the mound for Mexicali, Gabriel Gutierrez singled to score Smith for the 2-1 lead and the eventual final score.
The Aguilas threatened in the bottom of the 8th, putting a man on first with two outs but Charros reliever, Brian Broderick came on to get Walter Ibarra to ground out to second to end the inning.
Broderick overcame a one out error by shortstop Jesus Lopez in the top of the 9th to get Josh Whitesell to hit into a double play to end the game and seal the win for Marco Tovar.
Marco Durarte pitched a very good ballgame but was saddled with the loss to fall to 0-3 on the year with a very respectable 2.47 ERA.
Marques Smith had a double and a single with an RBI and a run scored in his 4 trips to the plate. Japhet Amador was 1 for 3 with a double and a run scored while Gabriel Gutierrez went 2 for 4 with an RBI.
Marco Tovar had a one hitter through 4 1/3 innings before giving up a solo home run to Xorge Carrillo with one out in the bottom of the 5th. The Aguilas had a 1-0 lead in what was shaping up to be a pitchers duel.
The Charros took the lead for good in the top of the 6th on back-to-back doubles by Japhet Amador and Marquez Smith and, after Mario Meza replaced Marco Durarte on the mound for Mexicali, Gabriel Gutierrez singled to score Smith for the 2-1 lead and the eventual final score.
The Aguilas threatened in the bottom of the 8th, putting a man on first with two outs but Charros reliever, Brian Broderick came on to get Walter Ibarra to ground out to second to end the inning.
Broderick overcame a one out error by shortstop Jesus Lopez in the top of the 9th to get Josh Whitesell to hit into a double play to end the game and seal the win for Marco Tovar.
Marco Durarte pitched a very good ballgame but was saddled with the loss to fall to 0-3 on the year with a very respectable 2.47 ERA.
Marques Smith had a double and a single with an RBI and a run scored in his 4 trips to the plate. Japhet Amador was 1 for 3 with a double and a run scored while Gabriel Gutierrez went 2 for 4 with an RBI.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Aguilas Overpower Charros 10-4
The Aguilas de Mexicali manhandled the Charros in game 2 of the scheduled 3 game set on Saturday night in Mexicali with a 10-4 victory.
Jalisco scored the first run of the game in the top of the 2nd. Marquez Smith walked with one out. CJ Retherford doubled to score Smith and the Charros were on the board with the 1-0 lead.
Mexicali answered in their half of the 2nd. Xorge Carrillo walked and moved to second on a walk to Ricardo Serrano. With two outs, Gil Velazquez singled to score Carrillo and the game was tied at one.
The Aguilas scored 3 times in the bottom of the 3rd. Walter Ibarra singled and scored in front of a Josh Whitesell home run. Xorge Carrillo doubled and went to third on an error by the Charros second baseman. Graham Godfrey then threw a wild pitch that scored Carrillo. The Aguilas had the 4-1 lead after three innings.
Mexicali added to their lead in the bottom of the 4th when Gil Velazquez singled, Justin Greene walked and Walter Ibarra singled to right to score Velazquez. Josh Whitesell singled to score Greene with the second run of the inning. Xorge Carrillo grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the 4th but the Aguilas had a 6-1 lead.
In the bottom of the 5th with one out, Gil Velazquez singled to drive in Ricardo Serrano who lead off the inning with a walk and went to second on a wild pitch. The Aguilas took a 7-1 lead into the 6th.
Walter Ibarra hit a solo home run in the Mexicali half of the 6th to increase the Aguilas lead to 8-1.
Justin Greene doubled in the bottom of the 7th for Mexicali to drive in pinch hitter Victor Mendoza and Gil Velazquez. The Aguilas had a 10-1 lead.
The Charros had runners on first and third in the top of the 9th when Marquez Smith hit his 9th home run of the year to score Araujo and pinch hitter Fernando Valenzuela to cut the lead to 10-4. But that was the end of the scoring for Jalisco as the Aguilas de Mexicali won the game by the 10-4 score.
Edgar Ozuna got the win for Mexicali to improve to 4-1 on the year with a 2.66 ERA while Graham Godfrey took the loss and dropped to 4-2 on the season. Godfrey gave up 5 runs on 6 hits in the three innings he pitched.
CJ Retherford was 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI while Marquez Smith went 1 for 3 with a three run home run.
The Charros drop to 0-2 in the second half of the season after finishing 21-14 in the first half. The third game of the series will be played at 5 PM Guadalajara time on Sunday. The Charros have a day off on Monday before starting a 3 game series in Obregon against the Yaquis.
Jalisco scored the first run of the game in the top of the 2nd. Marquez Smith walked with one out. CJ Retherford doubled to score Smith and the Charros were on the board with the 1-0 lead.
Mexicali answered in their half of the 2nd. Xorge Carrillo walked and moved to second on a walk to Ricardo Serrano. With two outs, Gil Velazquez singled to score Carrillo and the game was tied at one.
The Aguilas scored 3 times in the bottom of the 3rd. Walter Ibarra singled and scored in front of a Josh Whitesell home run. Xorge Carrillo doubled and went to third on an error by the Charros second baseman. Graham Godfrey then threw a wild pitch that scored Carrillo. The Aguilas had the 4-1 lead after three innings.
Mexicali added to their lead in the bottom of the 4th when Gil Velazquez singled, Justin Greene walked and Walter Ibarra singled to right to score Velazquez. Josh Whitesell singled to score Greene with the second run of the inning. Xorge Carrillo grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the 4th but the Aguilas had a 6-1 lead.
In the bottom of the 5th with one out, Gil Velazquez singled to drive in Ricardo Serrano who lead off the inning with a walk and went to second on a wild pitch. The Aguilas took a 7-1 lead into the 6th.
Walter Ibarra hit a solo home run in the Mexicali half of the 6th to increase the Aguilas lead to 8-1.
Justin Greene doubled in the bottom of the 7th for Mexicali to drive in pinch hitter Victor Mendoza and Gil Velazquez. The Aguilas had a 10-1 lead.
The Charros had runners on first and third in the top of the 9th when Marquez Smith hit his 9th home run of the year to score Araujo and pinch hitter Fernando Valenzuela to cut the lead to 10-4. But that was the end of the scoring for Jalisco as the Aguilas de Mexicali won the game by the 10-4 score.
Edgar Ozuna got the win for Mexicali to improve to 4-1 on the year with a 2.66 ERA while Graham Godfrey took the loss and dropped to 4-2 on the season. Godfrey gave up 5 runs on 6 hits in the three innings he pitched.
CJ Retherford was 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI while Marquez Smith went 1 for 3 with a three run home run.
The Charros drop to 0-2 in the second half of the season after finishing 21-14 in the first half. The third game of the series will be played at 5 PM Guadalajara time on Sunday. The Charros have a day off on Monday before starting a 3 game series in Obregon against the Yaquis.
ECU Receiver Sets Career Reception Record
East Carolina receiver Justin Broyles set the FBS Career Reception record on Saturday passing the 349 passes caught by Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles set in 2011.
Read the ESPN story here.
Read the ESPN story here.
New Rushing Record In NCAA Football
Samaje Perine broke the 1 week old rushing record today in Oklahoma's 44-7 win over Kansas. He rushed for 5 touchdowns.
Perine broke the record set last week by Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon who rushed for 408 yards. Perine rushed for 427 yards on 34 carries.
Perine also broke the Oklahoma rushing record of 294 yards by Greg Pruitt set 43 years ago.
Read the full ESPN story here.
Perine broke the record set last week by Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon who rushed for 408 yards. Perine rushed for 427 yards on 34 carries.
Perine also broke the Oklahoma rushing record of 294 yards by Greg Pruitt set 43 years ago.
Read the full ESPN story here.
Raul Ibanez One Of Three Candidates Left For Rays Job
Raul Ibanez is one of three people remaining in the hunt for the Rays managing position. Raul is a very personable player who is said to have been a great influence in the locker room. He has 19 years playing experience including this year with the Kansas City Royals but, Ibanez has never coached at any level.
The other two candidates for the position are Kevin Cash and Don Wakamatsu. Cash played in the big leagues as a catcher for 8 years and was the bullpen coach for the Cleveland Indians in 2103 and 2014.
Don Wakamatsu has the most experience among the 3. He managed the Seattle Mariners from 2009-2010 and although he wound up with a losing record (127-147) the payroll was small and there were no star players. He was the Bench coach for the Rangers from 03-06, Athletics in 08, the Blue Jays from 2011-12 and the Kansas City Royals in 2014.
The Rays are no longer considering Dave Martinez, bench coach under Joe Maddon for the past seven years. for the job.
"The decision on Dave Martinez was especially difficult," Rays president of baseball operations Matt Silverman said in a statement. "He's played a key role in our organization's evolution, and he's done all he can to put himself in position to be a manager. In the end, we determined that our clubhouse would best benefit from a new voice that will add to our already strong and cohesive culture."
If Ibanez is chosen to replace Maddon, it will be for monatery reasons only in my opinion. There are many, more experienced options available to the Rays. They need experience as they compete in the toughest division in the league
The other two candidates for the position are Kevin Cash and Don Wakamatsu. Cash played in the big leagues as a catcher for 8 years and was the bullpen coach for the Cleveland Indians in 2103 and 2014.
Don Wakamatsu has the most experience among the 3. He managed the Seattle Mariners from 2009-2010 and although he wound up with a losing record (127-147) the payroll was small and there were no star players. He was the Bench coach for the Rangers from 03-06, Athletics in 08, the Blue Jays from 2011-12 and the Kansas City Royals in 2014.
The Rays are no longer considering Dave Martinez, bench coach under Joe Maddon for the past seven years. for the job.
"The decision on Dave Martinez was especially difficult," Rays president of baseball operations Matt Silverman said in a statement. "He's played a key role in our organization's evolution, and he's done all he can to put himself in position to be a manager. In the end, we determined that our clubhouse would best benefit from a new voice that will add to our already strong and cohesive culture."
If Ibanez is chosen to replace Maddon, it will be for monatery reasons only in my opinion. There are many, more experienced options available to the Rays. They need experience as they compete in the toughest division in the league
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