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.
W.D. Barr's unique perspective on what's important in the world of Mexican Baseball!
Monday, December 8, 2014
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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