Didn't you hear? The Patriots just traded for Albert Haynesworth!
Oh, and Reggie Bush is going to the Miami Dolphins.
Donovan McNabb is officially with the Minnesota Vikings.
Matt Hasselbeck is now with the Titans, and Tarvaris Jackson is replacing him with the Seahawks, and Sidney Rice is joining him in Seattle.
The Jets are keeping Santonio Holmes...
All of those developments have been big news in the professional sports world the past two days, but I'm not referring to any of those dizzying NFL headlines.
If you caught the obvious pun in the title, you know what I am talking about:
Yesterday, 34-year-old New York Mets outfielder and former All-Star Carlos Beltran agreed to a trade to the defending-World Champion San Francisco Giants in exchange for San Fran's top pitching prospect, Zach Wheeler. Beltran was playing out the final year of a seven-year, $119 million contract with the Mets that he signed in 2005.
Beltran-probably still best-known for hitting .435 with eight home runs in the 2004 postseason with the Houston Astros, who fell to the St. Louis Cardinals in a seven-game NLCS that year-will join a Giants club that is in first place but in desperate need of offense.
Last year, the Giants made the playoffs and won the World Series with a style of baseball they called "torture", i.e. a lot of one-run games in which victory was made possible only because of their pitching. The Giants won the World Series on the strength of their pitching (Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Brian Wilson, etc...), and, this year, are seeking to follow essentially the same formula. They are currently three games ahead of second-place Arizona in the NL West, an otherwise fairly uncompetitive division at the moment.
However, watching parts of the Giants' 2-1 victory over the Phillies (a 2010 NLCS rematch) last night on ESPN, it wasn't hard for me to see why the Giants needed an impact bat. They were kept in the game because Cain, per usual, pitched brilliantly, but he was barely better than his Philadelphia counterpart, Cole Hamels, who, in the seventh, gave up a run (to make it 2-0 Giants) but then pitched out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam with relative ease. In the post-Barry Bonds era, the Giants have never been known as an offensive force, and that became even more pronounced when they lost catcher and clean-up hitter Buster Posey-the defending NL Rookie of the Year-for the season in May with a broken leg. Looking at their lineup last night, the Giants are a team made up of able veterans you may have heard of (Aubrey Huff, Aaron Rowand) if you've been around baseball enough, and a few players (Miguel Tejada, Pablo Sandoval) who no longer produce like they once did. Like Posey, starting second baseman Freddy Sanchez-who tore the cover off the ball in the World Series last fall-is on the DL. The current team leader in RBIs has probably fewer than 40 (and the Major League leader in RBIs, Adrian Gonzalez of the Red Sox, has 87).
Now, it's true that Beltran is well-remembered for taking a called third strike with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth inning in Game 7 of the 2006 NLCS, sending the Mets home for the winter that close to the World Series after a dream season (the Mets were 97-65 that year, with six players in the All-Star Game, including Beltran). He has also missed chunks of the last two full seasons with injuries to his knees, which hinder the range of the three-time Gold Glove winner. But he's also a former Rookie of the Year (1999, with the Kansas City Royals), who has hit 20 or more home runs 8 times, driven in 100 or more runs 8 times, and stolen 20 or more bases 6 times. In other words, he's a career .282 hitter with a knack for hitting doubles and home runs from the heart of a lineup.
In other words, exactly the kind of player a manufacture-runs-outlast-them-through-the-torture, low-scoring team like the Giants needs.
They're three games up on Arizona. None of the other teams in their division are closer than 11-and-a-half games out (Colorado). Once Lincecum is back from his current illness (he's missed two starts) they'll be trotting out the Lincecum, Cain, Sanchez, Zito, Bumgarner group continuously, to baffle opposing offenses. Plus they have that eccentric bearded closer (Wilson) for mop-up duty. With Posey out, Sanchez out, Sandoval struggling, and Tejada and Huff no longer capable of producing as they once did, for their dreams of a repeat to become legitimate, the Giants, despite their division lead, couldn't make a more important acquisition for the stretch run.
Beltran is expected to bat third for the Giants tonight in their game against the Phillies. A long-time Met, Beltran's reception from Philadelphia fans should be interesting.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Everything's Bigger in Texas, July 26, 2011
Especially the run support.
Texas Rangers left-hander Derek Holland started last night's game against the Minnesota Twins with a 9-4 record thanks, in part, to 6.60 average runs of support per start, the third-highest total in the American League. This morning, Holland leads the American League with 7.55 average runs of support per start, thanks to an offensive explosion by his teammates, who rained 20 runs and 27 hits on Minnesota en route to a 20-6 victory.
"My focus was easy to keep," Holland-who pitched six innings, allowing one run on five hits-said after the drubbing. "Every time I went back to the mound I felt like I had to get loose again. The main thing was to throw strikes and make sure the momentum was in our favor."
Added Holland: "I can't say enough about the offense."
Here's a few things one can say about the barrage that started against Twins right-hander Nick Blackburn and ended up touching six pitchers:
Texas Rangers left-hander Derek Holland started last night's game against the Minnesota Twins with a 9-4 record thanks, in part, to 6.60 average runs of support per start, the third-highest total in the American League. This morning, Holland leads the American League with 7.55 average runs of support per start, thanks to an offensive explosion by his teammates, who rained 20 runs and 27 hits on Minnesota en route to a 20-6 victory.
"My focus was easy to keep," Holland-who pitched six innings, allowing one run on five hits-said after the drubbing. "Every time I went back to the mound I felt like I had to get loose again. The main thing was to throw strikes and make sure the momentum was in our favor."
Added Holland: "I can't say enough about the offense."
Here's a few things one can say about the barrage that started against Twins right-hander Nick Blackburn and ended up touching six pitchers:
- After five innings, the Rangers had 22 hits, the most by an American League team in an entire game this season
- After those same five innings, the Rangers had 18 runs, in the process becoming just the third team since 1900 to score 3 runs in each of the first three innings. Noted Twins manager Ron Gardenhire: "The first five innings went like a ZIP code. That tells you how it went for us. I think that's somewhere in New York, 33354."
- The Rangers' 27 hits were the second-most in team history, behind only the 29 they notched in their notorious 30-3 August 22, 2007 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
- Three Rangers-second-baseman Ian Kinsler, outfielder Nelson Cruz and catcher Mike Napoli-had four hits each, and four others-designated-hitter Michael Young, shortstop Elvis Andrus, outfielder Endy Chavez and first-baseman Mitch Moreland-had three each.
It was the fifth time in franchise history the Rangers have scored 20 or more runs in a game.
Sunday night, the Rangers were blanked, 3-0, and put up just four singles against Toronto Blue Jays lefthander Brent Cecil in a draining loss. Four-time All-Star outfielder Josh Hamilton, who had two hits and three RBIs in Monday's blowout, went back to that shutout loss by way of explaining the outburst. "Think we were mad," he asked.
"We came out with a lot of energy," Young, who had an opposite-field two-run homer in the first inning to put the Rangers up 3-0 after they had already gained a one-run lead, said. "Obviously you never expect a game like this."
"It was fun," Hamilton said. "Obviously you're not going to do it all the time, but when you do it, it's fun. It seemed like everybody fed off each other."
Both Young and Hamilton mentioned how grateful they were to be on the winning side of the onslaught rather than the other.
"We have a lot of respect for the Twins," Young said. "They are a very professional team. We expect a tough game tomorrow."
But, for now, the Rangers will enjoy satisfying memories of their highest-ever hit output at home, in the Ballpark of Arlington, the most runs in one game by any team thus far in 2011, and the fact that a late Anaheim Angels loss expanded their cushion as the first place team in the American League West to four games instead of three.
"We did a pretty good job," Andrus said, to summarize the night's events.
*All quotes courtesy of July 26 MLB.com article by T.R. Sullivan
Monday, July 25, 2011
Football is Back, Now What to Do! July 25, 2011
Thank goodness, it's over!
I think President Obama said it best: "How can owners, who are each worth nearly a billion dollars, and players, who are almost all millionares, have a work stoppage over money?"
One of the best things he's ever said, in my opinion.
And here we are, 132 days after March 11, when the last labor agreement expired, and everybody's finally talking about getting football going again. Now James Harrison will have to face up to his teammates after his direct call-outs of QB Ben Roethlisberger and RB Rashard Mendenhall in a Men's Journal interview, Chad Ochocinco had stop playing soccer and riding bulls, Peyton Manning and Terrell Owens can get on the recovery train after injuries and surgeries, the New York Jets can start trying to lend outspoken head coach Rex Ryan some legitimacy after he declared that this was the year--the Jets really were going to win the Super Bowl.
I haven't been too into sports lately, what with my family and my favorite baseball team-the Baltimore Orioles-in the pits after an offseason of optimism, pro and college basketball over, pro Hockey over, and no big tennis tournaments in immediate site. I watched the second half, overtime periods, and penalty shootout of the Women's World Cup, and was, like many, sorely disappointed when the USA women basically fell over and died in the latter, losing the shootout 3-1.
I haven't been too into sports lately, but I'm glad football's back on the slate. It wasn't until the Super Bowl this past year when I went "ya know, I should request off-work on Sundays..." Not just for the football, mind you, but for church-related functions as well; you know how it is. But yeah. I used to start work at 1 p.m., so, at best, I'd catch some pregame clatter and maybe the end of the night game. Now I'll be able to really watch, assuming my work/living situation doesn't drastically change anytime soon.
Note: In all the hoopla over the players agreeing to the owner's tentative proposal and whatnot, I haven't heard anything about changing the schedule from 16 regular-season games to 18. I hope that isn't a coincidence; i.e., I hope they don't change it. I can't imagine the injuries that would result from two more games squeaked out just for the sake of several-million more dollars.
So, what now? Players go to training camp, then into preseason games, and then it all starts again. Ben Roethlisberger should be able to start this season at the beginning-as opposed to last year, when he missed the first four games with a suspension-and he'll do so this year as a) a married man, and b) a first-time Super Bowl loser. Carson Palmer's been whining and whining that he wants out of Cincinnati; will he retire or will Cincinnati let him go first? Will Cam Newton make any difference to a hopelessly-beleagured Carolina Panthers club? Has defending unaminous league MVP Tom Brady cut his hair at all, or, in fact, done anything with it?
I'm glad football's back, even though it technically doesn't start-to the garden-variety fan-until mid-to-late August. I'll look forward to Sunday afternoons, chilling, with a cold drink nearby, reclined, and watching grown men in helmets pound into each other. Sounds worthwhile, right?
I think President Obama said it best: "How can owners, who are each worth nearly a billion dollars, and players, who are almost all millionares, have a work stoppage over money?"
One of the best things he's ever said, in my opinion.
And here we are, 132 days after March 11, when the last labor agreement expired, and everybody's finally talking about getting football going again. Now James Harrison will have to face up to his teammates after his direct call-outs of QB Ben Roethlisberger and RB Rashard Mendenhall in a Men's Journal interview, Chad Ochocinco had stop playing soccer and riding bulls, Peyton Manning and Terrell Owens can get on the recovery train after injuries and surgeries, the New York Jets can start trying to lend outspoken head coach Rex Ryan some legitimacy after he declared that this was the year--the Jets really were going to win the Super Bowl.
I haven't been too into sports lately, what with my family and my favorite baseball team-the Baltimore Orioles-in the pits after an offseason of optimism, pro and college basketball over, pro Hockey over, and no big tennis tournaments in immediate site. I watched the second half, overtime periods, and penalty shootout of the Women's World Cup, and was, like many, sorely disappointed when the USA women basically fell over and died in the latter, losing the shootout 3-1.
I haven't been too into sports lately, but I'm glad football's back on the slate. It wasn't until the Super Bowl this past year when I went "ya know, I should request off-work on Sundays..." Not just for the football, mind you, but for church-related functions as well; you know how it is. But yeah. I used to start work at 1 p.m., so, at best, I'd catch some pregame clatter and maybe the end of the night game. Now I'll be able to really watch, assuming my work/living situation doesn't drastically change anytime soon.
Note: In all the hoopla over the players agreeing to the owner's tentative proposal and whatnot, I haven't heard anything about changing the schedule from 16 regular-season games to 18. I hope that isn't a coincidence; i.e., I hope they don't change it. I can't imagine the injuries that would result from two more games squeaked out just for the sake of several-million more dollars.
So, what now? Players go to training camp, then into preseason games, and then it all starts again. Ben Roethlisberger should be able to start this season at the beginning-as opposed to last year, when he missed the first four games with a suspension-and he'll do so this year as a) a married man, and b) a first-time Super Bowl loser. Carson Palmer's been whining and whining that he wants out of Cincinnati; will he retire or will Cincinnati let him go first? Will Cam Newton make any difference to a hopelessly-beleagured Carolina Panthers club? Has defending unaminous league MVP Tom Brady cut his hair at all, or, in fact, done anything with it?
I'm glad football's back, even though it technically doesn't start-to the garden-variety fan-until mid-to-late August. I'll look forward to Sunday afternoons, chilling, with a cold drink nearby, reclined, and watching grown men in helmets pound into each other. Sounds worthwhile, right?
Are You Ready For Some Football? No, Seriously, ARE YOU?? July 25, 2011
"Football's back, and that's the great news for everybody." -NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (on Monday)
It really is. Nearly four and a half months after the league's old labor contract expired on March 11, and we were plunged into a world where America's most lucrative sport was officially not happening until the NFL owners and the NFLPA (Player's Association) got together to agree on issues centered primarily around dividing the leagues billions of dollars in annual revenue.
The longest work stoppage in league history came to an end when the owners proposed a tentative deal on Monday and the players agreed to it, or at least agreed to make a collective bargaining agreement official out of the structure of the proposition.
DeMaurice Smith, head of the NFLPA, said the sides still had to sit down and agree on, among other things, "health, safety, benefits, and other collective bargaining issues", but he stated that he had "a great deal of confidence that both sides (were) going to engage."
According to an ESPN.com article put together with information from the Associated Press and ESPN.com writers John Clayton and Chris Mortensen, the main points of the new, approved deal are:
- the nearly $9 billion in annual revenue will be divided 53/47 in favor of the owners
- $120 million salary and bonus cap for every team for 2011, and potentially for '12 and '13
- $22 million in benefits
- salary system (and potential cap) for spending on first-round draft picks
- unrestricted free agency after four seasons (for most players)
Still to be worked out are issues including a new substance-abuse policy, punishments for on-or-off-field antics, and benefits and health care.
The article did not mention anything about the length of the regular season schedule, which at one point was strongly rumored to be expanding to 18-regular-season games.
"I wanna thank all the players for their leadership, and for securing the long-term future of the game," Goodell said in a press conference Monday. "Having a 10-year agreement is an extraordinarily great thing for our players, and especially for our fans. Everybody worked hard, everybody had a passion, and everybody believed in this game of football, and what we could do to make this game better, and I think this agreement is going to make our game better."
"I believe it's important that we talk about the future of football as a partnership," Smith said.
This, also from ESPN.com, is a timeline of what will happen in the next week, now that the two sides have agreed:
Monday: Teams can go to 90-man rosters and will receive the official free-agent list
Tuesday: Trades can commence. The signing of rookies and undrafted free agents can begin at 10 a.m. Teams can reach agreements will all free agents. Signed players are allowed back into team facilities.
Wednesday: Players can begin reporting to training camp, 15 days before their first preseason games.
Thursday: Teams can begin to cut players at 4 p.m.
Friday: Teams can file free agent signings beginning at 6 p.m.
"I want to get back to work," Four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning said.
Said DeMaurice Smith: "This is a great day for everybody."
It really is. Nearly four and a half months after the league's old labor contract expired on March 11, and we were plunged into a world where America's most lucrative sport was officially not happening until the NFL owners and the NFLPA (Player's Association) got together to agree on issues centered primarily around dividing the leagues billions of dollars in annual revenue.
The longest work stoppage in league history came to an end when the owners proposed a tentative deal on Monday and the players agreed to it, or at least agreed to make a collective bargaining agreement official out of the structure of the proposition.
DeMaurice Smith, head of the NFLPA, said the sides still had to sit down and agree on, among other things, "health, safety, benefits, and other collective bargaining issues", but he stated that he had "a great deal of confidence that both sides (were) going to engage."
According to an ESPN.com article put together with information from the Associated Press and ESPN.com writers John Clayton and Chris Mortensen, the main points of the new, approved deal are:
- the nearly $9 billion in annual revenue will be divided 53/47 in favor of the owners
- $120 million salary and bonus cap for every team for 2011, and potentially for '12 and '13
- $22 million in benefits
- salary system (and potential cap) for spending on first-round draft picks
- unrestricted free agency after four seasons (for most players)
Still to be worked out are issues including a new substance-abuse policy, punishments for on-or-off-field antics, and benefits and health care.
The article did not mention anything about the length of the regular season schedule, which at one point was strongly rumored to be expanding to 18-regular-season games.
"I wanna thank all the players for their leadership, and for securing the long-term future of the game," Goodell said in a press conference Monday. "Having a 10-year agreement is an extraordinarily great thing for our players, and especially for our fans. Everybody worked hard, everybody had a passion, and everybody believed in this game of football, and what we could do to make this game better, and I think this agreement is going to make our game better."
"I believe it's important that we talk about the future of football as a partnership," Smith said.
This, also from ESPN.com, is a timeline of what will happen in the next week, now that the two sides have agreed:
Monday: Teams can go to 90-man rosters and will receive the official free-agent list
Tuesday: Trades can commence. The signing of rookies and undrafted free agents can begin at 10 a.m. Teams can reach agreements will all free agents. Signed players are allowed back into team facilities.
Wednesday: Players can begin reporting to training camp, 15 days before their first preseason games.
Thursday: Teams can begin to cut players at 4 p.m.
Friday: Teams can file free agent signings beginning at 6 p.m.
"I want to get back to work," Four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning said.
Said DeMaurice Smith: "This is a great day for everybody."
Thursday, July 14, 2011
America vs. Japan, Previewing the Women's World Cup Final, July 14, 2011
After a miracle against Brazil in the quarterfinals and a gusty victory of endurance over France in the semis, the United States' Women's World Cup team finds itself one win away from the ultimate glory, the World Championship in women's soccer. The game will be played Sunday, July 17, and it will be against a team to whom the U.S. women have never lost.
The women of the United States-who weathered a passing/ball possession storm in Les Bleus on Wednesday before scoring two late goals to put the game away-will face Japan, the fourth-ranked team in the world who surprised Sweden, 3-1, to make their first-ever World Cup final.
"Japan is a phenomenal technical team," U.S. Forward Lauren Cheney said. "It will be a battle."
That it will. Though the US has never lost to Japan (22-0-3 all-time in 25 matches, including an ongoing winning streak of 9-straight), they will be playing an opponent who has exceeded every expectation in the tournament thus far, can play a passing/possession game similar to the one that made the Americans look tired and off-balance for long stretches on Wednesday, and have emotional sentiment on their side.
"I think they are the sentimental favorite," US goalkeeper Hope Solo said of the Japanese. "Sentimentally, I'm cheering for Japan."
The sentiment, of course, comes from the March earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster that took the lives of some 15,000-plus in the Japanese homeland.
The response of the world-charity drives, mass donations of food, money and supplies, concerts held to raise money in the country's honor-have driven the Japanese team to hold a banner at each World Cup match thus far, thanking the world for its support.
It's been a great show of heart and resolve by the Japanese, but, of course, the real show would be winning the World Cup within a half-year of the disaster.
It's also an emotional game because it is the last World Cup for midfielder Homare Sawa, her fifth tournament appearance and, of course, her first Finals appearance.
"We've played (Japan) before," Cheney said. "We know them well, and we'll be able to focus on their game."
That game, according to ESPN.com's Women's World Cup site, is a pass-heavy game made possible by their tournament-best 76.8 pass completion percentage-Sawa, for that matter, holds the tournament record for an individual, with an 82.4 percent completion rate. ESPN.com reporter Michelle Smith calls the US "the bigger, more physical team" in her preview of the match, adding that Forward Abby Wambach should "be able to dominate in front of the net on high-ball opportunities" but also states that the Americans need to play better defensively, at the midfield, or risk another fundamental clobbering like they experienced with the French.
She pointed out that, unless something changes, it could be a very busy night for Solo at the net.
The match will be played Sunday at 2 p.m. ET, at which point the Americans will try to win their third WWC Championship, and first since 1999, their last finals appearance (they beat China, 5-4, in a penalty shoot-out that year).
The women of the United States-who weathered a passing/ball possession storm in Les Bleus on Wednesday before scoring two late goals to put the game away-will face Japan, the fourth-ranked team in the world who surprised Sweden, 3-1, to make their first-ever World Cup final.
"Japan is a phenomenal technical team," U.S. Forward Lauren Cheney said. "It will be a battle."
That it will. Though the US has never lost to Japan (22-0-3 all-time in 25 matches, including an ongoing winning streak of 9-straight), they will be playing an opponent who has exceeded every expectation in the tournament thus far, can play a passing/possession game similar to the one that made the Americans look tired and off-balance for long stretches on Wednesday, and have emotional sentiment on their side.
"I think they are the sentimental favorite," US goalkeeper Hope Solo said of the Japanese. "Sentimentally, I'm cheering for Japan."
The sentiment, of course, comes from the March earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster that took the lives of some 15,000-plus in the Japanese homeland.
The response of the world-charity drives, mass donations of food, money and supplies, concerts held to raise money in the country's honor-have driven the Japanese team to hold a banner at each World Cup match thus far, thanking the world for its support.
It's been a great show of heart and resolve by the Japanese, but, of course, the real show would be winning the World Cup within a half-year of the disaster.
It's also an emotional game because it is the last World Cup for midfielder Homare Sawa, her fifth tournament appearance and, of course, her first Finals appearance.
"We've played (Japan) before," Cheney said. "We know them well, and we'll be able to focus on their game."
That game, according to ESPN.com's Women's World Cup site, is a pass-heavy game made possible by their tournament-best 76.8 pass completion percentage-Sawa, for that matter, holds the tournament record for an individual, with an 82.4 percent completion rate. ESPN.com reporter Michelle Smith calls the US "the bigger, more physical team" in her preview of the match, adding that Forward Abby Wambach should "be able to dominate in front of the net on high-ball opportunities" but also states that the Americans need to play better defensively, at the midfield, or risk another fundamental clobbering like they experienced with the French.
She pointed out that, unless something changes, it could be a very busy night for Solo at the net.
The match will be played Sunday at 2 p.m. ET, at which point the Americans will try to win their third WWC Championship, and first since 1999, their last finals appearance (they beat China, 5-4, in a penalty shoot-out that year).
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Reyes Out, Konerko, Victorino In, July 7, 2011
Mets Shortstop Jose Reyes was named the National League's starting shortstop Sunday afternoon, but the day before he ensured he wouldn't play in it.
Reyes, 28, who is in the midst of what's looking like a career year-he leads the NL in batting average (.354), hits (124), runs (65) and ranks second in steals (30)-suffered a Grade 1 strain of his left hamstring running to first base against the Yankees during Saturday's contest, and after missing four games and taking some practice and ginger workouts, he's skipping the Midsummer Classic to be more effective and available for the Mets, who are 45-42 but 9.5 games behind the NL East-leading Phillies.
A Grade 1 strain is considered mild-namely, a slight pull with no tearing of the muscle-but Reyes will be sure to wait it out and heal completely in the midst of a very important contract year.
While a big question is whether Reyes, who has been on fire of late, will continue to play at such a high level once he returns in the second half, another is who will replace him on the NL's starting roster.
Behind Reyes, NL Manager Bruce Bochy selected two shortstops, Starlin Castro of the Chicago Cubs and Troy Tulowitzki of the Colorado Rockies.
Castro, 22, is hitting .307 with 111 hits, 22 doubles, eight triples, two home runs and 38 RBIs, has been one of the Cubs' few bright spots in 2011, and is making his All-Star debut this season.
Tulowitzki, 25, who was signed to a major contract extension by the Rockies this past offseason, is hitting .271 with 88 hits, 18 doubles, two triples, 17 home runs and 57 RBIs.
Reyes' missing the All-Star Game will deprive the game of one of its most electric talents, and one of the best players this year, but this opens the door for an interesting debate as to who should fill his spot. Castro has been the main attraction to ol' Wrigley this year, and is a stupefying young talent, though the Midsummer Classic would be his first chance to get widespread recognition. Tulowitzki, playing in the first (thus far) uninjured season of his career, is a much more recognizable name and a former Rookie of the Year runner-up who has also played in a World Series, but after a scorching finish to 2010 and a similarly-hot start to his season, he has cooled off quite a bit.
I'd go with Castro-the eight triples really win me over-but it's Bochy's call.
And Reyes may have left the NL squad for July 12's contest but they gained a new face today in Phillies' outfielder Shane Victorino. 'The Flyin' Hawaiian' won the NL's All-Star Final Vote competition today by snagging 9.2 million votes, beating out Los Angeles' Andre Eithier, Colorado's Todd Helton, Washington's Michael Morse and Arizona's Ian Kennedy. Victorino, who also won the Final Vote competition to reach the Midsummer Classic in 2009, is hitting .303 this year, with 81 hits, 53 runs scored, 14 doubles, nine triples, nine home runs and 34 RBIs.
His counterpart in the Final Vote victory was Chicago White Sox' first baseman Paul Konerko, a five-time All-Star, snagged 8.4 million votes to defeat Detroit's Victor Martinez, Kansas City's Alex Gordon, Baltimore's Adam Jones and Tampa Bay's Ben Zobrist. Konerko is hitting .319 with 100 hits, 13 doubles, 22 home runs and 64 RBIs.
Reyes, 28, who is in the midst of what's looking like a career year-he leads the NL in batting average (.354), hits (124), runs (65) and ranks second in steals (30)-suffered a Grade 1 strain of his left hamstring running to first base against the Yankees during Saturday's contest, and after missing four games and taking some practice and ginger workouts, he's skipping the Midsummer Classic to be more effective and available for the Mets, who are 45-42 but 9.5 games behind the NL East-leading Phillies.
A Grade 1 strain is considered mild-namely, a slight pull with no tearing of the muscle-but Reyes will be sure to wait it out and heal completely in the midst of a very important contract year.
While a big question is whether Reyes, who has been on fire of late, will continue to play at such a high level once he returns in the second half, another is who will replace him on the NL's starting roster.
Behind Reyes, NL Manager Bruce Bochy selected two shortstops, Starlin Castro of the Chicago Cubs and Troy Tulowitzki of the Colorado Rockies.
Castro, 22, is hitting .307 with 111 hits, 22 doubles, eight triples, two home runs and 38 RBIs, has been one of the Cubs' few bright spots in 2011, and is making his All-Star debut this season.
Tulowitzki, 25, who was signed to a major contract extension by the Rockies this past offseason, is hitting .271 with 88 hits, 18 doubles, two triples, 17 home runs and 57 RBIs.
Reyes' missing the All-Star Game will deprive the game of one of its most electric talents, and one of the best players this year, but this opens the door for an interesting debate as to who should fill his spot. Castro has been the main attraction to ol' Wrigley this year, and is a stupefying young talent, though the Midsummer Classic would be his first chance to get widespread recognition. Tulowitzki, playing in the first (thus far) uninjured season of his career, is a much more recognizable name and a former Rookie of the Year runner-up who has also played in a World Series, but after a scorching finish to 2010 and a similarly-hot start to his season, he has cooled off quite a bit.
I'd go with Castro-the eight triples really win me over-but it's Bochy's call.
And Reyes may have left the NL squad for July 12's contest but they gained a new face today in Phillies' outfielder Shane Victorino. 'The Flyin' Hawaiian' won the NL's All-Star Final Vote competition today by snagging 9.2 million votes, beating out Los Angeles' Andre Eithier, Colorado's Todd Helton, Washington's Michael Morse and Arizona's Ian Kennedy. Victorino, who also won the Final Vote competition to reach the Midsummer Classic in 2009, is hitting .303 this year, with 81 hits, 53 runs scored, 14 doubles, nine triples, nine home runs and 34 RBIs.
His counterpart in the Final Vote victory was Chicago White Sox' first baseman Paul Konerko, a five-time All-Star, snagged 8.4 million votes to defeat Detroit's Victor Martinez, Kansas City's Alex Gordon, Baltimore's Adam Jones and Tampa Bay's Ben Zobrist. Konerko is hitting .319 with 100 hits, 13 doubles, 22 home runs and 64 RBIs.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
I Give You...The National League All-Stars!!!!! July 5, 2011
Before last season, the National League hadn't won the All-Star Game since 1996, when Barry Larkin, Mike Piazza, Tony Gwynn, Larry Walker and Jeff Bagwell were prominent faces, all in the primes of their careers. But one bases-loaded double by one returning starting catcher changed all that with the NL's 3-1 win last year in Anaheim.
This year, with all the aforementioned players whispers in today's game, the Midsummer Classic takes place in Arizona, where defending World Champion San Francisco Giants' manager Bruce Bochy leads a squad looking to make something of a streak out of winning these things against a loaded club featuring A-Rod, Jeter, Hamilton and the newly-terrifying JoeyBats.
That squad is listed below:
Starters
Catcher-Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves
Last year's MVP-for a three-run seventh-inning double off White Sox' relief pitcher Matt Thornton-returns to the All-Star game for a sixth consecutive season. With his blend of power consistency (20 or more home runs in four of the last five seasons) and good contact skills (a lifetime .292 batting average), the 27-year old McCann appears to be the iconic catcher of this post-Mike Piazza National League.
2011 stats: .316, 87 H, 14 2B, 14 HR, 47 RBI
First Base-Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers
He's been criticized for his weight, judged for his estrangement from his former MLB-All-Star father (Cecil), and has seen his power numbers rise and fall year in and year out, but in a contract year, the 27-year-old, sweet-swinging first baseman has put up numbers worthy of this selection, even over contemporaries Ryan Howard, Joey Votto, and Albert Pujols.
2011 stats: .299, 90 H, 20 2B, 21 HR, 69 RBI (leads NL)
Second Base-Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers
Brandon Phillips has the Web Gems and Chase Utley has the constant All-Star pedigree, but this first-time All-Star has shown he has all the tools to be, well, an All-Star second baseman.
2011 stats: .277, 96 H, 60 R, 20 2B, 15 HR, 34 RBI
Shortstop-Jose Reyes, New York Mets
After struggling through two injury-plagued seasons, this third-time All-Star has proven to be the fan-spectacle the up-and-down Mets need, and more. At the time of this writing, the 28-year-old leads the National League in batting (.354), hits (124) and triples (15). In what could very well be a contract year, Reyes' 2011 campaign thus far has people whispering "best player in the game".
2011 stats: .354, 124 H, 65 R, 22 2B, 15 3B, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 30 SB
Third Base-Placido Polanco, Philadelphia Phillies
It wouldn't be a National League All-Star team without a Philadelphia Phillies' infielder, and with star NL third sackers like David Wright (NYM), Chipper Jones (ATL) and Scott Rolen (CIN) losing time to injuries or having down years, this second-time All-Star and former batting champion gets the nod despite some injuries himself.
2011 stats: .274, 88 H, 34 R, 11 2B, 4 HR, 39 RBI
Outfield-Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
In what's been a short but solid career thus far, then 28-year-old former Rookie of the Year is looking like one of the best all-around players in the National League with possibly his best campaign yet. This is his fourth straight All-Star appearance.
2011 stats: .320, 98 H, 57 R, 19 2B, 16 HR, 62 RBI
Outfield-Lance Berkman, St. Louis Cardinals
Despite five previous All-Star appearances, many figured the 35-year-old Big Puma was over-the-hill after a brief but unsuccessful tenure with the Yankees at the end of last season. But with Albert Pujols struggling and then injured and Matt Holiday starting slowly, Berkman has surprisingly turned into St. Louis' biggest offensive threat.
2011 stats: .295, 74 H, 51 R, 22 HR, 61 RBI
Outfield-Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers
His numbers sagged last season after an MVP-esque 2009 campaign, but Kemp is rolling with among-the-National-League's-best numbers despite all the turmoil in the Dodgers' front office.
2011 stats: .324, 99 H, 54 R, 18 2B, 22 HR, 64 RBI, 22 SB
Pitchers
Heath Bell, right-handed, San Diego Padres
Matt Cain, right-handed, San Francisco Giants
Tyler Clippard, right-handed, Washington Nationals
Roy Halladay, right-handed, Philadelphia Phillies
Cole Hamels, left-handed, Philadelphia Phillies
Joel Hanrahan, right-handed, Pittsburgh Pirates
Jair Jurrjens, right-handed, Atlanta Braves
Clayton Kershaw, left-handed, Los Angeles Dodgers
Cliff Lee, left-handed, Philadelphia Phillies
Tim Lincecum, right-handed, San Francisco Giants
Johnny Venters, left-handed, Atlanta Braves
Ryan Vogelsong, right-handed, San Francisco Giants
Brian Wilson, right-handed, San Francisco Giants
Substitutes
C-Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals
1B-Gaby Sanchez, Florida Marlins
1B-Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds
2B-Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds
3B-Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves
SS-Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs
SS-Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies
OF-Carlos Beltran, New York Mets
OF-Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds
OF-Matt Holiday, St. Louis Cardinals
OF-Hunter Pence, Houston Astros
OF-Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks
This is a deep squad, with a lot of experience and some of the best pitchers of the era (Halladay, Lee, Lincecum) stocking the bullpen to face off against the AL's traditionally-more-imposing lineup. They're fighting for home-field advantage in the World Series (which the Giants most certainly used last year) and to keep the AL from starting another All-Star streak.
This year, with all the aforementioned players whispers in today's game, the Midsummer Classic takes place in Arizona, where defending World Champion San Francisco Giants' manager Bruce Bochy leads a squad looking to make something of a streak out of winning these things against a loaded club featuring A-Rod, Jeter, Hamilton and the newly-terrifying JoeyBats.
That squad is listed below:
Starters
Catcher-Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves
Last year's MVP-for a three-run seventh-inning double off White Sox' relief pitcher Matt Thornton-returns to the All-Star game for a sixth consecutive season. With his blend of power consistency (20 or more home runs in four of the last five seasons) and good contact skills (a lifetime .292 batting average), the 27-year old McCann appears to be the iconic catcher of this post-Mike Piazza National League.
2011 stats: .316, 87 H, 14 2B, 14 HR, 47 RBI
First Base-Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers
He's been criticized for his weight, judged for his estrangement from his former MLB-All-Star father (Cecil), and has seen his power numbers rise and fall year in and year out, but in a contract year, the 27-year-old, sweet-swinging first baseman has put up numbers worthy of this selection, even over contemporaries Ryan Howard, Joey Votto, and Albert Pujols.
2011 stats: .299, 90 H, 20 2B, 21 HR, 69 RBI (leads NL)
Second Base-Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee Brewers
Brandon Phillips has the Web Gems and Chase Utley has the constant All-Star pedigree, but this first-time All-Star has shown he has all the tools to be, well, an All-Star second baseman.
2011 stats: .277, 96 H, 60 R, 20 2B, 15 HR, 34 RBI
Shortstop-Jose Reyes, New York Mets
After struggling through two injury-plagued seasons, this third-time All-Star has proven to be the fan-spectacle the up-and-down Mets need, and more. At the time of this writing, the 28-year-old leads the National League in batting (.354), hits (124) and triples (15). In what could very well be a contract year, Reyes' 2011 campaign thus far has people whispering "best player in the game".
2011 stats: .354, 124 H, 65 R, 22 2B, 15 3B, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 30 SB
Third Base-Placido Polanco, Philadelphia Phillies
It wouldn't be a National League All-Star team without a Philadelphia Phillies' infielder, and with star NL third sackers like David Wright (NYM), Chipper Jones (ATL) and Scott Rolen (CIN) losing time to injuries or having down years, this second-time All-Star and former batting champion gets the nod despite some injuries himself.
2011 stats: .274, 88 H, 34 R, 11 2B, 4 HR, 39 RBI
Outfield-Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
In what's been a short but solid career thus far, then 28-year-old former Rookie of the Year is looking like one of the best all-around players in the National League with possibly his best campaign yet. This is his fourth straight All-Star appearance.
2011 stats: .320, 98 H, 57 R, 19 2B, 16 HR, 62 RBI
Outfield-Lance Berkman, St. Louis Cardinals
Despite five previous All-Star appearances, many figured the 35-year-old Big Puma was over-the-hill after a brief but unsuccessful tenure with the Yankees at the end of last season. But with Albert Pujols struggling and then injured and Matt Holiday starting slowly, Berkman has surprisingly turned into St. Louis' biggest offensive threat.
2011 stats: .295, 74 H, 51 R, 22 HR, 61 RBI
Outfield-Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers
His numbers sagged last season after an MVP-esque 2009 campaign, but Kemp is rolling with among-the-National-League's-best numbers despite all the turmoil in the Dodgers' front office.
2011 stats: .324, 99 H, 54 R, 18 2B, 22 HR, 64 RBI, 22 SB
Pitchers
Heath Bell, right-handed, San Diego Padres
Matt Cain, right-handed, San Francisco Giants
Tyler Clippard, right-handed, Washington Nationals
Roy Halladay, right-handed, Philadelphia Phillies
Cole Hamels, left-handed, Philadelphia Phillies
Joel Hanrahan, right-handed, Pittsburgh Pirates
Jair Jurrjens, right-handed, Atlanta Braves
Clayton Kershaw, left-handed, Los Angeles Dodgers
Cliff Lee, left-handed, Philadelphia Phillies
Tim Lincecum, right-handed, San Francisco Giants
Johnny Venters, left-handed, Atlanta Braves
Ryan Vogelsong, right-handed, San Francisco Giants
Brian Wilson, right-handed, San Francisco Giants
Substitutes
C-Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals
1B-Gaby Sanchez, Florida Marlins
1B-Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds
2B-Brandon Phillips, Cincinnati Reds
3B-Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves
SS-Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs
SS-Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies
OF-Carlos Beltran, New York Mets
OF-Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds
OF-Matt Holiday, St. Louis Cardinals
OF-Hunter Pence, Houston Astros
OF-Justin Upton, Arizona Diamondbacks
This is a deep squad, with a lot of experience and some of the best pitchers of the era (Halladay, Lee, Lincecum) stocking the bullpen to face off against the AL's traditionally-more-imposing lineup. They're fighting for home-field advantage in the World Series (which the Giants most certainly used last year) and to keep the AL from starting another All-Star streak.
Monday, July 4, 2011
I Give You...The American League All-Stars!!! July 4, 2011
That's right! It's July 4th (incidentally, Happy Fourth, anyone who may be reading this) and it's about halfway through the Major League 2011 Baseball season, which means it's almost time for the annual Summer Classic All-Star Game.
Of course, before you can play the game, you have to have people to play in it.
Once MLB decided to let fans vote online, thereby allowing anyone the chance to vote, they opened the door for an unprecedented landslide of votes, making the number of ballots posted by this time look more like American Idol than American's second (or is it third?) most popular sport. Anyway, by selection time yesterday, Sunday, July 3, 32.5 million ballots were cast for the game to be played July 12 in Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix, AZ, home of the Diamondbacks.
Up until last year, the American League All-Stars had won every All-Star Game (save the awkward '02 tie) since 1997. But after being beaten 3-1 last year on a bases-loaded Bryan McCann double, here's the crew that looks to get a new streak going, led by the defending American-League-champion Texas Rangers' manager, Ron Washington.
Starters
Catcher-Alex Avila, Detroit Tigers
A first-time All-Star, Avila, 24, leads all American League catchers in RBIs (46) and batting average (.298). One of those rare left-handed hitter/right-handed throwers, Avila represents a Tigers team that stands just a half-game behind the Cleveland Indians for the AL Central lead.
2011 stats: .298, 67 H, 16 2B, 10 HR, 46 RBI
First Base-Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox
For years, Gonzalez, 29, was the primary (read: "only") offensive threat for pitching-focused San Diego Padres teams, so many expected his numbers might soar joining an offensively-loaded club like the Red Sox. He hasn't disappointed. He's been hot all season despite the Sox' iffy start, leads the majors in RBIs (74) and beat out tough competition in the AL (DET's Miguel Cabrera, NYY's Mark Teixeira). This is his fourth All-Star selection.
2011 stats: .350, 119 H, 27 2B, 59 R, 16 HR, 74 RBI
Second Base-Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
Coming off his first All-Star selection (2010)-and a season in which he came in third in the AL in MVP voting-Cano, 29, continues to put forth numbers that suggest he might be the best second baseman in the Major Leagues.
2011 stats: .294, 93 H, 19 2B, 5 3B, 14 HR, 54 RBI
Shortstop-Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
Yes, like American Idol, voting for the All-Star Game is a popularity contest, and, yes, at 36, Jeter is a shadow of the player he once was, at least offensively. You won't find many who can criticize his achievements or his respectability as a player-especially with The Captain on the cusp of 3,000 hits (he's just 6 away)-but for the second straight year, the 11-time All-Star selection's numbers are in free fall.
2011 stats: .260, 68 H, 9 2B, 2 HR, 20 RBI
Third Base-Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
Probably the most controversial and reviled sports superstar this side of LeBron, A-Rod, who will turn 36 this month, continues to produce, and, with noteworthy counterparts like Evan Longoria of the Rays battling injuries, makes for an easy fit, as this is his 14th selection.
2011 stats: .299, 86 H, 19 2B, 13 HR, 52 RBI
>>>Oh my goodness, it JUST hit me! For the first time since 2001, a certain Seattle Mariners outfielder named Ichiro Suzuki is NOT a starting All-Star for the American League! Who could have ousted that uber-talent from his midseason throne?
Right Field-Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays
He's been moved to third base recently to help his team, and he's the subject of rumors of possible PED use after a sudden surge in home run-hitting ability, but he reigned in more votes (7-and-a-half-million of them, breaking the old record set by Ken Griffey Jr. in 1994) than any other player, and he may just be the one who ousted Ichiro. He's no longer a secret; he's becoming historic. Oh, and he DOES lead the majors in home runs.
2011 stats: .331, 90 H, 14 2B, 66 R, 27 HR, 56 RBI
Center Field-Curtis Granderson, Detroit Tigers
His average could use some work, but this second-time All-Star selection is otherwise a five-tool player: a speedster with thump. Now 30, Granderson is third in the AL in home runs (22) and continues to terrify pitchers, even in the already intimidating Yankee lineup.
2011 stats: .273, 83 H, 11 2B, 7 3B, 22 HR, 58 RBI
Left Field-Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
He's a great comeback story. He once shocked the Yankee Stadium crowd (in 2008) with a power display unlike any other in Home Run Derby history. He's a five-tool player. He's injury prone. He's the defending AL MVP. He already missed time this year with an injury. He's an All-Star for the fourth-straight year...
2011 stats: .295, 56 H, 13 2B, 10 HR, 40 RBI
>>>I don't know why they're including Designated Hitters in the lineup when we're playing in a National League park this year. Seriously, no clue...
Designated Hitter-David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
Who else would it be? Everyone (except opposing pitchers) love Big Papi, and his gregarious, fun-loving personality kept him afloat in the baseball world until his numbers rebounded from his tough struggles at the outset of the past two seasons. Well, forget about that: this 30-year-old and six-time All-Star is HITTING.
2011 stats: .301, 84 H, 20 2B, 17 HR, 49 RBI
Here are the American League substitutes:
Russell Martin, C, Yankees
Matt Wieters, C, Orioles
Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers
Howard Kendrick, 3B, Angels
Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, Indians
Michael Cuddyer, OF, Twins
Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
Matt Joyce, OF, Rays
Carlos Quentin, OF, White Sox
Michael Young, DH, Rangers
And the American League pitchers:
Josh Beckett, right-handed, Red Sox
Gio Gonzalez, left-handed, Athletics
Felix Hernandez, right-handed, Mariners
David Price, left-handed, Rays
James Shields ("Complete Game James"), right-handed, Rays
Justin Verlander, right-handed, Tigers
Jered Weaver, right-handed, Angels
C.J. Wilson, left-handed, Rangers
Aaron Crow, right-handed, Royals
Brandon League, right-handed, Mariners
Chris Perez, right-handed, Indians
Mariano Rivera, right-handed, Yankees
Jose Valverde, right-handed, Tigers
As usual, the National League (I'll talk about their All-Stars tomorrow) faces a tall order in a lineup loaded with future Hall-of-Famers, perennial All-Stars, and superb talents.
Of course, before you can play the game, you have to have people to play in it.
Once MLB decided to let fans vote online, thereby allowing anyone the chance to vote, they opened the door for an unprecedented landslide of votes, making the number of ballots posted by this time look more like American Idol than American's second (or is it third?) most popular sport. Anyway, by selection time yesterday, Sunday, July 3, 32.5 million ballots were cast for the game to be played July 12 in Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix, AZ, home of the Diamondbacks.
Up until last year, the American League All-Stars had won every All-Star Game (save the awkward '02 tie) since 1997. But after being beaten 3-1 last year on a bases-loaded Bryan McCann double, here's the crew that looks to get a new streak going, led by the defending American-League-champion Texas Rangers' manager, Ron Washington.
Starters
Catcher-Alex Avila, Detroit Tigers
A first-time All-Star, Avila, 24, leads all American League catchers in RBIs (46) and batting average (.298). One of those rare left-handed hitter/right-handed throwers, Avila represents a Tigers team that stands just a half-game behind the Cleveland Indians for the AL Central lead.
2011 stats: .298, 67 H, 16 2B, 10 HR, 46 RBI
First Base-Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox
For years, Gonzalez, 29, was the primary (read: "only") offensive threat for pitching-focused San Diego Padres teams, so many expected his numbers might soar joining an offensively-loaded club like the Red Sox. He hasn't disappointed. He's been hot all season despite the Sox' iffy start, leads the majors in RBIs (74) and beat out tough competition in the AL (DET's Miguel Cabrera, NYY's Mark Teixeira). This is his fourth All-Star selection.
2011 stats: .350, 119 H, 27 2B, 59 R, 16 HR, 74 RBI
Second Base-Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
Coming off his first All-Star selection (2010)-and a season in which he came in third in the AL in MVP voting-Cano, 29, continues to put forth numbers that suggest he might be the best second baseman in the Major Leagues.
2011 stats: .294, 93 H, 19 2B, 5 3B, 14 HR, 54 RBI
Shortstop-Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
Yes, like American Idol, voting for the All-Star Game is a popularity contest, and, yes, at 36, Jeter is a shadow of the player he once was, at least offensively. You won't find many who can criticize his achievements or his respectability as a player-especially with The Captain on the cusp of 3,000 hits (he's just 6 away)-but for the second straight year, the 11-time All-Star selection's numbers are in free fall.
2011 stats: .260, 68 H, 9 2B, 2 HR, 20 RBI
Third Base-Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
Probably the most controversial and reviled sports superstar this side of LeBron, A-Rod, who will turn 36 this month, continues to produce, and, with noteworthy counterparts like Evan Longoria of the Rays battling injuries, makes for an easy fit, as this is his 14th selection.
2011 stats: .299, 86 H, 19 2B, 13 HR, 52 RBI
>>>Oh my goodness, it JUST hit me! For the first time since 2001, a certain Seattle Mariners outfielder named Ichiro Suzuki is NOT a starting All-Star for the American League! Who could have ousted that uber-talent from his midseason throne?
Right Field-Jose Bautista, Toronto Blue Jays
He's been moved to third base recently to help his team, and he's the subject of rumors of possible PED use after a sudden surge in home run-hitting ability, but he reigned in more votes (7-and-a-half-million of them, breaking the old record set by Ken Griffey Jr. in 1994) than any other player, and he may just be the one who ousted Ichiro. He's no longer a secret; he's becoming historic. Oh, and he DOES lead the majors in home runs.
2011 stats: .331, 90 H, 14 2B, 66 R, 27 HR, 56 RBI
Center Field-Curtis Granderson, Detroit Tigers
His average could use some work, but this second-time All-Star selection is otherwise a five-tool player: a speedster with thump. Now 30, Granderson is third in the AL in home runs (22) and continues to terrify pitchers, even in the already intimidating Yankee lineup.
2011 stats: .273, 83 H, 11 2B, 7 3B, 22 HR, 58 RBI
Left Field-Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
He's a great comeback story. He once shocked the Yankee Stadium crowd (in 2008) with a power display unlike any other in Home Run Derby history. He's a five-tool player. He's injury prone. He's the defending AL MVP. He already missed time this year with an injury. He's an All-Star for the fourth-straight year...
2011 stats: .295, 56 H, 13 2B, 10 HR, 40 RBI
>>>I don't know why they're including Designated Hitters in the lineup when we're playing in a National League park this year. Seriously, no clue...
Designated Hitter-David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
Who else would it be? Everyone (except opposing pitchers) love Big Papi, and his gregarious, fun-loving personality kept him afloat in the baseball world until his numbers rebounded from his tough struggles at the outset of the past two seasons. Well, forget about that: this 30-year-old and six-time All-Star is HITTING.
2011 stats: .301, 84 H, 20 2B, 17 HR, 49 RBI
Here are the American League substitutes:
Russell Martin, C, Yankees
Matt Wieters, C, Orioles
Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Tigers
Howard Kendrick, 3B, Angels
Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS, Indians
Michael Cuddyer, OF, Twins
Jacoby Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox
Matt Joyce, OF, Rays
Carlos Quentin, OF, White Sox
Michael Young, DH, Rangers
And the American League pitchers:
Josh Beckett, right-handed, Red Sox
Gio Gonzalez, left-handed, Athletics
Felix Hernandez, right-handed, Mariners
David Price, left-handed, Rays
James Shields ("Complete Game James"), right-handed, Rays
Justin Verlander, right-handed, Tigers
Jered Weaver, right-handed, Angels
C.J. Wilson, left-handed, Rangers
Aaron Crow, right-handed, Royals
Brandon League, right-handed, Mariners
Chris Perez, right-handed, Indians
Mariano Rivera, right-handed, Yankees
Jose Valverde, right-handed, Tigers
As usual, the National League (I'll talk about their All-Stars tomorrow) faces a tall order in a lineup loaded with future Hall-of-Famers, perennial All-Stars, and superb talents.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
The Wimbledon Finals, July 2, 2011
Champions are made, not born.
Or, as Will Ferrell's Ricky Bobby often said in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby: "If you're not first, you're last!"
While the latter isn't quite true for those who lose Wimbledon finals-those individuals still get checks, trophies, and applause-the first most certainly is for those who emerge victorious. After three scintillating weeks, during which familiar faces Roger Federer, Venus and Serena Williams, Andy Roddick and Caroline Wozniacki were swept away in the tide of the fast, furious schedule, two champions remain: Petra Kvitova, of the Czech Republic, for the women, and Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, for the men. Both battled their way past former champions to earn their impressive achievements.
"Seriously, I lose because I am playing the best player of the moment, the best player of the world tomorrow, and I am the second," Spaniard Rafael Nadal, the defending Wimbledon Champion who lost a four-set final to Djokovic, said. "And when you play against these players and they are playing unbelievable, the normal thing is to lose."
Nadal, a two-time (2008, 2010) Wimbledon champion who nonetheless knew he would lose his #1-in-the-world ranking to Djokovic regardless of the final's outcome, became just the latest obstacle run over by the Djoker, as many call him, who improved his record in 2011 to a staggering 48-1.
"It's really hard to describe this day with any words except the best day of my life, most special day of my life," Djokovic said, after defeating the uber-talented Nadal 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3. "[This is] the tournament I always dreamed of winning."
He did just that by playing what he called "probably my best match on the grass courts ever", forcing the hobbled (recurring left foot injury) but athletic Nadal into defensive mode with whistling forehands and hard serves. He also took advantage of a few unforced errors by the 25-year-old Spaniard.
"I had to play better to win," Nadal said, "and I didn't today. I played a little bit less aggressive."
On the women's side, Kvitova faced off with another former Wimbledon champion, '04 queen Maria Sharapova, who was 17 then and entered the late stages of this tournament as the heavy favorite with her #5 ranking and her championship aura.
But Sharapova was outplayed from the start by Kvitova, a spry six-footer who sprayed forehands and backhands and waited out Sharapova's shaky serve (five double faults) in a 6-3, 6-4 championship match.
"I was surprised how I was feeling on the court," Kvitova said. "Because I was focused only on the point and on the game and not on the final."
A native of a tiny town-Fulnek-of 6,000 in the Czech Republic, Kvitova became, at 21, the youngest Wimbledon champion since Sharapova in '04.
"She created offensive opportunities from tough positions on the court--sometimes it's just too good," Sharapova said of the woman who killed off her bid for a fourth Major title.
While Djokovic's meteoric rise in 2011 had him in the headlines far before his defeat of Nadal, Kvitova said it was "probably yesterday" that she began dreaming of herself winning a Major. Today, she's a champion, and someone to watch in tennis.
Or, as Will Ferrell's Ricky Bobby often said in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby: "If you're not first, you're last!"
While the latter isn't quite true for those who lose Wimbledon finals-those individuals still get checks, trophies, and applause-the first most certainly is for those who emerge victorious. After three scintillating weeks, during which familiar faces Roger Federer, Venus and Serena Williams, Andy Roddick and Caroline Wozniacki were swept away in the tide of the fast, furious schedule, two champions remain: Petra Kvitova, of the Czech Republic, for the women, and Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, for the men. Both battled their way past former champions to earn their impressive achievements.
"Seriously, I lose because I am playing the best player of the moment, the best player of the world tomorrow, and I am the second," Spaniard Rafael Nadal, the defending Wimbledon Champion who lost a four-set final to Djokovic, said. "And when you play against these players and they are playing unbelievable, the normal thing is to lose."
Nadal, a two-time (2008, 2010) Wimbledon champion who nonetheless knew he would lose his #1-in-the-world ranking to Djokovic regardless of the final's outcome, became just the latest obstacle run over by the Djoker, as many call him, who improved his record in 2011 to a staggering 48-1.
"It's really hard to describe this day with any words except the best day of my life, most special day of my life," Djokovic said, after defeating the uber-talented Nadal 6-4, 6-1, 1-6, 6-3. "[This is] the tournament I always dreamed of winning."
He did just that by playing what he called "probably my best match on the grass courts ever", forcing the hobbled (recurring left foot injury) but athletic Nadal into defensive mode with whistling forehands and hard serves. He also took advantage of a few unforced errors by the 25-year-old Spaniard.
"I had to play better to win," Nadal said, "and I didn't today. I played a little bit less aggressive."
On the women's side, Kvitova faced off with another former Wimbledon champion, '04 queen Maria Sharapova, who was 17 then and entered the late stages of this tournament as the heavy favorite with her #5 ranking and her championship aura.
But Sharapova was outplayed from the start by Kvitova, a spry six-footer who sprayed forehands and backhands and waited out Sharapova's shaky serve (five double faults) in a 6-3, 6-4 championship match.
"I was surprised how I was feeling on the court," Kvitova said. "Because I was focused only on the point and on the game and not on the final."
A native of a tiny town-Fulnek-of 6,000 in the Czech Republic, Kvitova became, at 21, the youngest Wimbledon champion since Sharapova in '04.
"She created offensive opportunities from tough positions on the court--sometimes it's just too good," Sharapova said of the woman who killed off her bid for a fourth Major title.
While Djokovic's meteoric rise in 2011 had him in the headlines far before his defeat of Nadal, Kvitova said it was "probably yesterday" that she began dreaming of herself winning a Major. Today, she's a champion, and someone to watch in tennis.
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