David Ortiz is a blessing for the Red Sox. This guy had came through with so many clutch hits late in games this season (as well as last 2 years). Last night against the Phils he got the big 2-out hit in the 12th to lead the Red Sox to victory, 8-7. He went 2-for-4 in the game with his presence having a bigger impact than his performance.
With Ortiz on board Boston is 45-28 while trying to take a commanding lead over the Yankees in the East. Saturday Ortiz also won the game for the Sox by hitting a walk-off homer against Philly. He is the second player this season to have consecutive game-ending hits (the other is Nomar Garciaparra May 5-6). So far, David Ortiz has racked up 22 homeruns, 74 hits, 50 runs, and 68 RBIs. What an impressive totals nearing the first half of the season. Big Papi is the "man" and will help lead the Red Sox to another playoff birth and possibly league championship.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Former Virginia natives, Inge and Shelton provide punch for Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are on a roll this season, boasting a 49-25 record. Coming off a win last night against the Cardinals they remained in first place in the AL Central. The WhiteSox trail them by half a game. Thanks in part to third basemen Brandon Inge and first basemen Chris Shelton the Tigers are having a banner year, looking to make a bigger splash in the second half. With the All-Star game fast approaching I wouldn't be surprised if Inge or Shelton were selected as a reserve.
As of yesterday, Inge has 16 homeruns which leads the team, and 41 RBIs. This guy is still young and can play multiple positions, a real versatile player to have on any team. His teammate, Shelton is having a breakout year. He's exploded in April and May, but has cooled off a bit lately. He still is providing enough offense and power for the Tigers. The slugger has managed 69 hits, 14 homeruns, and 34 RBI while batting .272. As a minor leaguer Shelton quickly accelerated through the Pirates' farm system before being signed by Detroit. He played Single A ball at Lynchburg then Altoona AA.
Looking to help turn the Tigers franchise around after coping with a couple disappointing decades, Shelton and Inge will be key ingredients in the team's success. They've already capulted the club to a better record at this time than last year. Their real competition in the division is the AL champs. In interleague play this week the Tigers sweep the struggling Cubs and took 2-of-3 from the Brewers, and now try to win the series against St. Louis.
The victims awaiting this hot club up next on the schedule are the Astros and Pirates to finish interleague play before heading on the road to face Oakland for a 3-game series. I expect with the recent injury to Ivan Rodriguez, the offense will pick it up a notch and Chris Shelton will get hot again. With Inge and Shelton at the hot corners the Tigers should be a safe bet to keep their winning ways alive.
As of yesterday, Inge has 16 homeruns which leads the team, and 41 RBIs. This guy is still young and can play multiple positions, a real versatile player to have on any team. His teammate, Shelton is having a breakout year. He's exploded in April and May, but has cooled off a bit lately. He still is providing enough offense and power for the Tigers. The slugger has managed 69 hits, 14 homeruns, and 34 RBI while batting .272. As a minor leaguer Shelton quickly accelerated through the Pirates' farm system before being signed by Detroit. He played Single A ball at Lynchburg then Altoona AA.
Looking to help turn the Tigers franchise around after coping with a couple disappointing decades, Shelton and Inge will be key ingredients in the team's success. They've already capulted the club to a better record at this time than last year. Their real competition in the division is the AL champs. In interleague play this week the Tigers sweep the struggling Cubs and took 2-of-3 from the Brewers, and now try to win the series against St. Louis.
The victims awaiting this hot club up next on the schedule are the Astros and Pirates to finish interleague play before heading on the road to face Oakland for a 3-game series. I expect with the recent injury to Ivan Rodriguez, the offense will pick it up a notch and Chris Shelton will get hot again. With Inge and Shelton at the hot corners the Tigers should be a safe bet to keep their winning ways alive.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
C-e-le-brate good times, party is underway in Miami.
Mainly in part to the heroics of Dwayne Wade in the Finals, the Miami Heat are NBA champions! The parade in South Florida has already begun. Fans align the streets to cheer Shaq, Flash, and company as they earned their first championship in team history. A lot of credit should go to Pat Riley, who was instrumental from the time he took over, replacing former coach Stan Van Gudy. He put together a great versatile team. The Diesel predicted that he would help bring a championship to Miami 2 years ago. Luckily, for him he had an enormous boost from Dwayne Wade.
Miami put together a dynamic team with star quality veteran talent from top to bottom. The true shining superstar, however stood out on the biggest stage of them all. Dwayne Wade proved his one of the best in the game today, putting together an incredible series of performances in the Finals. He averaged around 37.0 points in the Series, pumping out scoring showcases of two 40-plus point games, 36 points, and 35 points. Without him the Heat wouldn't have made a 4-game run to win the title or came back from 0-2.
What's in store for Wade and Miami in the future? Nothing except gunning for another championship. It was nice to see the old veterans, Zo and Payton win a ring. These guys really deserve this honor especially Mourning. After suffering from a kidney ailment no one expected him to ever play again. His fighting spirit prevailed in the long run. Congratulations to the Miami Heat on an excellent season! They will continue to bring exciting, riveting play in the league next year.
Miami put together a dynamic team with star quality veteran talent from top to bottom. The true shining superstar, however stood out on the biggest stage of them all. Dwayne Wade proved his one of the best in the game today, putting together an incredible series of performances in the Finals. He averaged around 37.0 points in the Series, pumping out scoring showcases of two 40-plus point games, 36 points, and 35 points. Without him the Heat wouldn't have made a 4-game run to win the title or came back from 0-2.
What's in store for Wade and Miami in the future? Nothing except gunning for another championship. It was nice to see the old veterans, Zo and Payton win a ring. These guys really deserve this honor especially Mourning. After suffering from a kidney ailment no one expected him to ever play again. His fighting spirit prevailed in the long run. Congratulations to the Miami Heat on an excellent season! They will continue to bring exciting, riveting play in the league next year.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Mark Cuban...what a douche bag!
After a loss to Miami in Game 5 of the NBA Final Mavs' owner, Mark Cuban allegely acted like a pompus jackass. Yelling and hollering at the refs then arguing and crying to Commissioner Stern, showed that Cuban is a sore loser. Yes, he's part of a great team that has much potential to create a dynasty. For his misconduct, Cuban was fined $250,000 by the NBA.
What is this guy's problem? He needs to shut up and let his team play. They've got plenty of talent and are very capable of making a comeback. Rumors are going around that Cuban was trying to rigg some games for the championship. He claims that is untrue. All that is just propaganda and distractions. The Mavericks are up against the wall, feeling the pressure down 3-2 in the series.
The Mavericks must win tonight to keep their season alive and chance at the title. It going to be a real heated, exciting contest back in Dallas. Let's hope Cuban isn't involved or connected to any foul play. Go Heat!
What is this guy's problem? He needs to shut up and let his team play. They've got plenty of talent and are very capable of making a comeback. Rumors are going around that Cuban was trying to rigg some games for the championship. He claims that is untrue. All that is just propaganda and distractions. The Mavericks are up against the wall, feeling the pressure down 3-2 in the series.
The Mavericks must win tonight to keep their season alive and chance at the title. It going to be a real heated, exciting contest back in Dallas. Let's hope Cuban isn't involved or connected to any foul play. Go Heat!
Saturday, June 17, 2006
MJ back in the spotlight...so to speak
It's been a while since Michael Jordan graced the sport of basketball. His 2nd retirement was abrupt and disappointed so many fans who envied and idiolized him. There are new plans in Jordan's future. On Thursday he became a co-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. It's something about North Carolina that seems to bring out the best in his "Airness", a place where he played college ball before being drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1986.
Luckily for the Bobcats franchise they now have a admirable leader and intelligent basketball-minded thinker who knows how to win. On the flip side, Charlotte will still need time to grow and prosper. They're far from being a contender in the league. Their main assets are their young, rising talent in Raymond Felton, Gerald Wallace, and Emeka Okafor. They're the future of the franchise.
Going back to old roots Jordan will try his hand again at managing a NBA team. After being a co-owner and President of operations for the Wizards from 2000-02 he came out of retirement and played for Washington 2 years. His presence wasn't enough though to enable the Wizards to clinch the playoffs. His tenure there wasn't the most memorable or glorifying part of his career.
With MJ at the helm, playing a major role in team operations things are beginning to shape up well for the Bobcats. After finishing 26-56 this past season things can only get better. Team management looks forward to working alongside Michael, hoping to benefit from his sound advice and instrumental value he'll bring to the table. For fans, the old MJ will return to the game he cherishes, but this time as a guy who works behind-the-scenes.
Luckily for the Bobcats franchise they now have a admirable leader and intelligent basketball-minded thinker who knows how to win. On the flip side, Charlotte will still need time to grow and prosper. They're far from being a contender in the league. Their main assets are their young, rising talent in Raymond Felton, Gerald Wallace, and Emeka Okafor. They're the future of the franchise.
Going back to old roots Jordan will try his hand again at managing a NBA team. After being a co-owner and President of operations for the Wizards from 2000-02 he came out of retirement and played for Washington 2 years. His presence wasn't enough though to enable the Wizards to clinch the playoffs. His tenure there wasn't the most memorable or glorifying part of his career.
With MJ at the helm, playing a major role in team operations things are beginning to shape up well for the Bobcats. After finishing 26-56 this past season things can only get better. Team management looks forward to working alongside Michael, hoping to benefit from his sound advice and instrumental value he'll bring to the table. For fans, the old MJ will return to the game he cherishes, but this time as a guy who works behind-the-scenes.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
J.J. Redick's DUI not a factor in NBA Draft
As college students we've all done stupid things one time or another. Luckily, this week for former Duke star J.J. Redick his arrest for making an illegal U-turn while intoxicated won't effect his selection in the NBA draft. I'm sure he's learned from this incident and hopefully will grow to be a smarter, more responsible individual. He was fortunate not to have a serious accident, avoiding injury to himself or anyone else. That is extremely good news.
Redick was scheduled to have tryouts for Orlando, Boston, and possibly New Orleans this week. That will be delayed due to a bad back. Any team in the NBA would be lucky to grab him. Critics feel J.J. won't survive in the pros, claiming his too slow, not big enough, or a great defender. I think they're flat wrong. Over time this guy is going to rack up major points, maybe set 3-point records among others, and gradually become a good defensive player.
Life in the NBA probably won't be sweet at first for Redick. He'll have to deal with being on a struggling team which he's not used to at all. Getting adjusted to the tiresome schedule and being on the road will be a challenge. Redick averaged around 28 points his senior year at Duke. I don't expect him to do that his rookie year in the NBA, however he'll look to make a good first impression and have a positive influence on his team.
Redick was scheduled to have tryouts for Orlando, Boston, and possibly New Orleans this week. That will be delayed due to a bad back. Any team in the NBA would be lucky to grab him. Critics feel J.J. won't survive in the pros, claiming his too slow, not big enough, or a great defender. I think they're flat wrong. Over time this guy is going to rack up major points, maybe set 3-point records among others, and gradually become a good defensive player.
Life in the NBA probably won't be sweet at first for Redick. He'll have to deal with being on a struggling team which he's not used to at all. Getting adjusted to the tiresome schedule and being on the road will be a challenge. Redick averaged around 28 points his senior year at Duke. I don't expect him to do that his rookie year in the NBA, however he'll look to make a good first impression and have a positive influence on his team.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
MLB hands Jason Grimsley 50-game suspension
I guess it comes as no surprise that another Major Leaguer is found guilty of using steroids. For Jason Grimsley, it's not a crying shame because he brought this upon himself. The Diamondbacks have given him the boot, refusing to tolerate his conduct and negative influence on the team. Bud Selig, despite his bad judgments in the past has actually made a good decision.
With the conclusion of the Grimsley case, I think a lot more baseball players will be getting caught. If they're stupid they will continue to use steroids, amtemphaines, or whatever they can get their hands on in the shady drug market. The problem is keeping intregity or bringing it back to the game. That's why Selig needs to take care of this investigation on Barry Bonds as well as crack down on other players who are still getting away with using illegal performance-enchancing drugs.
Allowing cheating, ignoring or putting it "on hold" is a travesty to baseball. If professional athletes want to continue taking risks by using drugs they'll have to suffer the consequences. They shouldn't be able to run rampit with deplorable behavior, secretly hiding drug supplies, sneaking off to meet their "dealers", and getting freaking high in the clubhouse. Baseball fans and the whole baseball community demand satisfaction and excellency.
With the conclusion of the Grimsley case, I think a lot more baseball players will be getting caught. If they're stupid they will continue to use steroids, amtemphaines, or whatever they can get their hands on in the shady drug market. The problem is keeping intregity or bringing it back to the game. That's why Selig needs to take care of this investigation on Barry Bonds as well as crack down on other players who are still getting away with using illegal performance-enchancing drugs.
Allowing cheating, ignoring or putting it "on hold" is a travesty to baseball. If professional athletes want to continue taking risks by using drugs they'll have to suffer the consequences. They shouldn't be able to run rampit with deplorable behavior, secretly hiding drug supplies, sneaking off to meet their "dealers", and getting freaking high in the clubhouse. Baseball fans and the whole baseball community demand satisfaction and excellency.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Miami's strength: Wade may take a licking, but he keeps on ticking
The first game of the NBA Finals wasn't the best start for a championship series by either team. There were too many turnovers and not abundant offense. The Mavericks are up 1-0, carried by the scoring from Jason Terry, who put up 32 points in Game 1. Due to Dwayne Wade's recent ailment and Shaq's poor free-throw shooting (hey, he's never been more than a 50-60% shooter from line anyway) everyone feels the Heat are in trouble.
I will give credit to Dallas, they have an excellent offensive squad that can hurt any team from the inside and outside. Dirk Nowitzki brings so much to the table, he's a leader, offensive weapon, energy booster, crowd pleaser, and smart all-around player. With that said this doesn't make the Mavs formidable. Miami will still have to dig down deep and pull out some stops on defense and capitalize off turnovers on transition. Out in the open court on fast breaks they're hard to stop.
The central focal point of Miami's scoring attack is Dwayne Wade. I know he may not be 100% now, though he shouldn't be underestimated. When sick he's still a threat. His performance in Game 1 wasn't close to normal, though managed 28 points (11-25 FG, 6-10 FT) with 6 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. No one else on the team produced more than 17 points. Shaq shot a high percentage inside (8-11 FG), but didn't receive enough touches. The Big Fella and the rest of the gang will need to step it up a notch and relieve Wade from the weight on scoring.
Whether D Wade is completely rested, healthy, or not you can rest assure he will be bringing it with everything he's got in the tank. His speed will be a major factor. If he can get in the lane, split the defense, and rack up points fast the Mavs may have no answers. I don't expect much will slow Wade down. He's a gamer and a spirited competitor that will risk his body for a victory. No matter how many times he falls down he will get back up. It's going to be back and forth exchange Sunday night in Dallas. Wade and Shaq will try to even the series and return home with a brimming ray of confidence.
I will give credit to Dallas, they have an excellent offensive squad that can hurt any team from the inside and outside. Dirk Nowitzki brings so much to the table, he's a leader, offensive weapon, energy booster, crowd pleaser, and smart all-around player. With that said this doesn't make the Mavs formidable. Miami will still have to dig down deep and pull out some stops on defense and capitalize off turnovers on transition. Out in the open court on fast breaks they're hard to stop.
The central focal point of Miami's scoring attack is Dwayne Wade. I know he may not be 100% now, though he shouldn't be underestimated. When sick he's still a threat. His performance in Game 1 wasn't close to normal, though managed 28 points (11-25 FG, 6-10 FT) with 6 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. No one else on the team produced more than 17 points. Shaq shot a high percentage inside (8-11 FG), but didn't receive enough touches. The Big Fella and the rest of the gang will need to step it up a notch and relieve Wade from the weight on scoring.
Whether D Wade is completely rested, healthy, or not you can rest assure he will be bringing it with everything he's got in the tank. His speed will be a major factor. If he can get in the lane, split the defense, and rack up points fast the Mavs may have no answers. I don't expect much will slow Wade down. He's a gamer and a spirited competitor that will risk his body for a victory. No matter how many times he falls down he will get back up. It's going to be back and forth exchange Sunday night in Dallas. Wade and Shaq will try to even the series and return home with a brimming ray of confidence.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Ken Griffey Jr. sets record, cranks 2 homers in Reds' win
In the clutch Ken Griffey is one of the best hitters to have at the plate. His comeback to the Majors has been an uphill battle, but on Monday night he showed he still has got the groove by setting a record by hitting a homerun in 43 ballparks. The new Busch Stadium doesn't pose a degree of difficulty for Jr. who blasted a shot off Jeff Suppan in the 5th then won the game for the Reds with a 3-run homer in the 9th with 1 out off Jason Isringhausen (who sounded pissed off at himself after the game).
Thanks to Griffey and company the Reds are now 33-24 and look to take sole possession of first place in Central. The 8-7 victory last night was nothing compared to what the Reds have in store for the rest of the division and National League in the coming months. Griffey still remains one of the top feared hitters in baseball. I think he will fly by the 550th mark on the homerun list and make his way well past 600 barring he doesn't experience any more long-term injuries. At 36, Griffey is still a joy to watch.
Thanks to Griffey and company the Reds are now 33-24 and look to take sole possession of first place in Central. The 8-7 victory last night was nothing compared to what the Reds have in store for the rest of the division and National League in the coming months. Griffey still remains one of the top feared hitters in baseball. I think he will fly by the 550th mark on the homerun list and make his way well past 600 barring he doesn't experience any more long-term injuries. At 36, Griffey is still a joy to watch.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
The Heat say bring on the Mavs...or Suns
With a deciding Game 6 blow to the former Eastern conference champs Miami showed why they deserved to be the Finals. They took the series 4-2. This will be their first trip to the promise land. The All-Star cast lead by Wade and Shaq can sit back and relax as they wait for their opponent in the NBA Finals. Claiming stake to being the new Beasts of the East, the Heat have time to plan and strategize. It's sure to be a battle for the championship, whomever they face.
At current the Mavs are up in the Western conference series 3-2. They look to pull a victory out and advance to the championship. However, they shouldn't be too cocky or take the Suns for granted. With injuries to key star players I must admit, Steve Nash has been instrumental to this team. His play (along with Shawn Marion, Boris Diaw, and Tim Thomas)has propelled the Suns beyond reasonable doubt and normacy. The guy is always getting his teammates involved, looking to score second. He's averaging 18.8 ppg and 10.5 assists in the playoffs.
If the Heat do play Dallas in the Finals they will have their hands full with Dirk Nowitzki. His 50-point offensive explosion against Phoenix in Game 5 may be a glimpse of what's in store for Miami. I think Shaq will bring another strong scoring performance and crash the boards hard in the opening game of the Finals. I expect Dwayne Wade will be on another scoring clinic as well, since displaying such hot shooting (61% FG) against Detroit and averaging 27.2 points a game in the playoffs. The play of Antoine Walker and Jason Williams will be crucial in the Finals. Look for them to be a factor.
At current the Mavs are up in the Western conference series 3-2. They look to pull a victory out and advance to the championship. However, they shouldn't be too cocky or take the Suns for granted. With injuries to key star players I must admit, Steve Nash has been instrumental to this team. His play (along with Shawn Marion, Boris Diaw, and Tim Thomas)has propelled the Suns beyond reasonable doubt and normacy. The guy is always getting his teammates involved, looking to score second. He's averaging 18.8 ppg and 10.5 assists in the playoffs.
If the Heat do play Dallas in the Finals they will have their hands full with Dirk Nowitzki. His 50-point offensive explosion against Phoenix in Game 5 may be a glimpse of what's in store for Miami. I think Shaq will bring another strong scoring performance and crash the boards hard in the opening game of the Finals. I expect Dwayne Wade will be on another scoring clinic as well, since displaying such hot shooting (61% FG) against Detroit and averaging 27.2 points a game in the playoffs. The play of Antoine Walker and Jason Williams will be crucial in the Finals. Look for them to be a factor.
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