As a student at N.C. State it is my job to continuously hype the N.C. State game against South Carolina, by the way it is this Thursday night at 7pm on ESPN. But in this column I will tell you about a few other games to watch for during the first week of the college football season.
The obvious one? Another ACC/SEC battle. Alabama and Virginia Tech will play at 8pm Saturday night at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Alabama comes in ranked fifth and Virginia Tech starts the season at seventh.
What a Hokie win would mean: The ACC has been starving for respect in the BCS after last season's ACC/SEC showed Alabama beat Clemson to start the season. Virginia Tech can help the ACC earn that respect by beating a national power on a neutral field.
What a Crimson Tide win would mean: Alabama could mark their spot among the nation's elite by beating the Hokies. This game would start Alabama off on their way to a national title run.
How about an SEC/Big 12 showdown? When 13th ranked Georgia travels to Stillwater to take on the ninth ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys, more conference pride is on the line.
What a Georgia win would mean: A win for Georgia would show that they can continue to succeed without Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno. It would be quite impressive if they could show that.
What a Cowboy win would mean: A win would show that the Big 12 is ready to play again this year, and its not just Texas and Oklahoma in the race.
I've talked a lot about games important to conference pride. Oregon, ranked 16th, will visit 14th ranked Boise State Saturday at 10:15pm.
What an Oregon win would mean: The Pac-10 is often noted as USC's conference, and it still is. Oregon can make a splash on the national outlook with a win on the road against a nationally ranked team.
What a Bronco win would mean: The WAC is alive yet again. And Boise State is back for more BCS crashing. This may be Boise's toughest test all season, a win might mean an undefeated season.
Thanks for reading day 5 of First and Short's week long college football tailgate party, check back tomorrow for day six.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Day 4: Preseason Polls?
I sit here looking at a copy of Sports Illustrated (the August 17th edition), and cannot help but to wonder what is going on with the pre-season rankings.
I'll start at the top: One through five looks right, with traditional powerhouses Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, USC, and Virginia Tech.
But Ole Miss at six? Wait, didn't this team finish 5-3 in the SEC last year? Yes, I know the SEC is a very strong conference but that was still fourth best in the conference as they did not finish ahead of any ranked teams in conference play.
Oklahoma State and Alabama as eight and nine makes sense, as both are coming off of strong season and return many starters.
Boise State will start at ninth. Finally the voters are showing some love to the WAC team that was undefeated in conference play and returns eleven starters.
Rounding out the top ten is Ohio State. The Buckeyes look to win yet another Big Ten championship and this year should not be too challenging for them. Penn State is the only other Big Ten team ranked to start the year (14th). They seem to be a deserving top ten team.
Check back tomorrow for day five of First & Short's week long college football tailgate party.
I'll start at the top: One through five looks right, with traditional powerhouses Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, USC, and Virginia Tech.
But Ole Miss at six? Wait, didn't this team finish 5-3 in the SEC last year? Yes, I know the SEC is a very strong conference but that was still fourth best in the conference as they did not finish ahead of any ranked teams in conference play.
Oklahoma State and Alabama as eight and nine makes sense, as both are coming off of strong season and return many starters.
Boise State will start at ninth. Finally the voters are showing some love to the WAC team that was undefeated in conference play and returns eleven starters.
Rounding out the top ten is Ohio State. The Buckeyes look to win yet another Big Ten championship and this year should not be too challenging for them. Penn State is the only other Big Ten team ranked to start the year (14th). They seem to be a deserving top ten team.
Check back tomorrow for day five of First & Short's week long college football tailgate party.
Day 3: Life in the ACC
The Atlantic Coast Conference is constantly bashed and noted as a weak football conference. Some have even said that the Mountain West Conference is stronger than the ACC.
But could this be the year that the ACC steps up and demands respect from the rest of the college football world? Maybe the have already started making statements.
In this decade, the ACC has produced more first-round NFL draft picks than any other conference. That statistic is often hidden behind the ACC's 2-9 record in BCS bowl games. A winning percentage of just over 18%.
With Miami not being the same dominant national power that once were when they played in the Big East Conference, the ACC lacks a dominant team.
Florida State used to be that team in the ACC, but has been mediocre nearly every season since the conference expanded to twelve teams. Hell, the Seminoles have had more academic scandals than bowl wins since the expansion.
Virginia Tech has been the team to really take control in the conference. But has yet to make a big mark nationally, going just 1-3 in BCS games.
Bottom line: the ACC needs someone to step up this year, my guess is that Virginia Tech will be that team, they will start the season ranked fifth in the country, now can they stay up at the top for the whole season? We'll find out soon enough.
Check back tomorrow for day four of First & Short's week long college football tailgate!
But could this be the year that the ACC steps up and demands respect from the rest of the college football world? Maybe the have already started making statements.
In this decade, the ACC has produced more first-round NFL draft picks than any other conference. That statistic is often hidden behind the ACC's 2-9 record in BCS bowl games. A winning percentage of just over 18%.
With Miami not being the same dominant national power that once were when they played in the Big East Conference, the ACC lacks a dominant team.
Florida State used to be that team in the ACC, but has been mediocre nearly every season since the conference expanded to twelve teams. Hell, the Seminoles have had more academic scandals than bowl wins since the expansion.
Virginia Tech has been the team to really take control in the conference. But has yet to make a big mark nationally, going just 1-3 in BCS games.
Bottom line: the ACC needs someone to step up this year, my guess is that Virginia Tech will be that team, they will start the season ranked fifth in the country, now can they stay up at the top for the whole season? We'll find out soon enough.
Check back tomorrow for day four of First & Short's week long college football tailgate!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Day 2: Warming Up
We are now less than a week away from the opening of the 2009-2010 college football season. College students across the country have made the great dash to receive tickets to their school's first game of the season.
North Carolina State University is no exception. Students tickets have been distributed and at the moment, every seat at recently renovated Carter-Finley Stadium has been sold for the season opener against South Carolina. It seems that the 37-0 beat down brought on by the Gamecocks last season has not phased the often overly optimistic Wolfpack fans as they start the new season.
Student tickets were so hard to come by that your's truly is left without a ticket (Not to worry, this will be resolved). A white out has been called by the students... just another cheesy unoriginal practice that bothers me in sports. Why not a red out? Seeing as that is the school's color.
Oh well, I guess I'll just have to live with it, like I've done for the wave for years.
Check back tomorrow for day three of First and Short's week long college football tailgate party.
North Carolina State University is no exception. Students tickets have been distributed and at the moment, every seat at recently renovated Carter-Finley Stadium has been sold for the season opener against South Carolina. It seems that the 37-0 beat down brought on by the Gamecocks last season has not phased the often overly optimistic Wolfpack fans as they start the new season.
Student tickets were so hard to come by that your's truly is left without a ticket (Not to worry, this will be resolved). A white out has been called by the students... just another cheesy unoriginal practice that bothers me in sports. Why not a red out? Seeing as that is the school's color.
Oh well, I guess I'll just have to live with it, like I've done for the wave for years.
Check back tomorrow for day three of First and Short's week long college football tailgate party.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Day 1 of First & Short's Week Long College Football Tailgate!
The feel of NCAA Football is definitely in the air now. Two-a-days are in full swing as teams across the country are preparing for week one of the seaon.
The first game of the '09-'10 seaon is just seven days away, and First & Short will be there. The South Carolina Gamecocks will travel to Raleigh to take on the N.C. State Wolfpack on ESPN. The feeling on campus is unlike any season in recent history.
The expectations are astronomical for Tom O'Brien in his third season with the Pack, after the local newspaper, The News and Observer predicted state would finish near the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference for this season, largely in part from the return of All-Conference quarterback, Russell Wilson.
We will have a full game preview for this game next Thursday (gameday).
Check back tomorrow for day two of First and Short's week long college football tailgate party.
The first game of the '09-'10 seaon is just seven days away, and First & Short will be there. The South Carolina Gamecocks will travel to Raleigh to take on the N.C. State Wolfpack on ESPN. The feeling on campus is unlike any season in recent history.
The expectations are astronomical for Tom O'Brien in his third season with the Pack, after the local newspaper, The News and Observer predicted state would finish near the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference for this season, largely in part from the return of All-Conference quarterback, Russell Wilson.
We will have a full game preview for this game next Thursday (gameday).
Check back tomorrow for day two of First and Short's week long college football tailgate party.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
LeBron Gets Dunked On
A huge deal was made of Nike confiscating the tapes of Jordan Crawford dunking on LeBron James. TMZ .com got their hands on a cell phone clip of the event, click here to see it!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Video of the Week!
Kobe Bryant lets everyone know that he will not be dunked on at his camp like LeBron James was.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Video of the Week!
This week's Video of the Week takes up to Finland. The 14th annual Wife Carrying World Championships (yes, you read that correctly) took place today and we have the footage.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Video of the Week!
This week's Video of the Week is in tribute to the US Men's Soccer team. They might have lost in the Championship match to Brazil 3-2, but the heart they showed in their stunning upset over powerhouse Spain will not soon be forgotten.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
What to Watch For
What to Watch For, for June 24-30.
Wednesday, June 24: College Baseball World Series Championship Game: L.S.U. vs Texas (7 pm, ESPN).
Thursday, June 25: Basketball, The 2009 NBA Draft (7:30 pm, ESPN).
Friday, June 26: Tennis, 2009 Wimbledon, The Championships (7 am, ESPN2).
Saturday, June 27: Baseball, New York Yankees at New York Mets (7:10 pm)
Sunday, June 28: Soccer, Fifa Confederations Cup Championship Match: U.S.A. vs Brazil/South Africa (2:30 pm, ESPN).
Monday, June 29: Baseball, Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers (8:05 pm)
Tuesday, June 30: Women's Basketball, Minnesota Lynx at Atlanta (7:00 pm ESPN2)
Wednesday, June 24: College Baseball World Series Championship Game: L.S.U. vs Texas (7 pm, ESPN).
Thursday, June 25: Basketball, The 2009 NBA Draft (7:30 pm, ESPN).
Friday, June 26: Tennis, 2009 Wimbledon, The Championships (7 am, ESPN2).
Saturday, June 27: Baseball, New York Yankees at New York Mets (7:10 pm)
Sunday, June 28: Soccer, Fifa Confederations Cup Championship Match: U.S.A. vs Brazil/South Africa (2:30 pm, ESPN).
Monday, June 29: Baseball, Los Angeles Angels at Texas Rangers (8:05 pm)
Tuesday, June 30: Women's Basketball, Minnesota Lynx at Atlanta (7:00 pm ESPN2)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Tuesday's Top Ten
This Tuesday's Top Ten is a suggestion of players who steroids could ruin their legacy, and cost baseball many fans. Note: I am not saying that I think any of these players are juicing, this is just a list of well-liked players who suspected to be clean.
Top Ten Players in the MLB Who's Use of Steroids Could Destroy Fan Loyalty
10. Greg Maddux - Yes, the pitcher who sports a Mickey Mouse watch on his left arm. An eight time All-Star and four time Cy Young Award winner who's number 31 is retired by the Chicago Cubs.
9. Josh Hamilton - Maybe the best story in baseball today, Hamilton's recovery from a heavy drug addiction has brought him to super-stardom, is would be terrible for baseball if his story was tainted by cheating.
8. Tony Gwynn - A fifteen time All-Star who's number 19 is retired by the San Diego Padres is widely regarded as one of the best hitters of all time. Was this hall-of-famer's bat being helped by the juice?
7. Randy Johnson - The most recent and possibly the last 300 game winning pitcher in the MLB has been around a long time. 21 years is a lot of work put on an arm, steroids would have helped him last two decades of professional baseball.
6. Albert Pujols - Arguably the best power-hitter in the game today. He is built like an ox and has the best career batting-average of any active player in the MLB. I would hope that all 230 pounds of him is clean.
5. Chipper Jones - A definite fan favorite in Atlanta, he is a six time All-Star and was the 1991 National League MVP. Has he had help from steroids in his .300 career batting average?
4. Ichiro Suzuki - An eight time All-Star and eight time Gold Glover, he is the best Japanese player in MLB history. The 2001 American League MVP and Rookie of the Year is Seattle's biggest star (depending on how you see it). He could not look more clean (meaning he is quite small), but you never know.
3. Derek Jeter - Studies have shown that Jeter is the most popular player in New York. The Yankees' shortstop has over 2,600 hits and 1,000 runs batted in. He is a nine time All-Star. Could the Yankee captain be cheating?
2. Ken Griffey, Jr. - A pure swing and over 600 homeruns, Jr. was the definition of a baseball superstar in the '90s. He is one of a very few athletes who get to play on a professional sports team with their father, could something have been going on in either Seattle or Cincinnati?
1. Cal Ripken, Jr. - The "Iron Man." So much could be said about the Orioles' first-ballot hall-of-famer. He was a nineteen time All-Star, a two-time American League MVP and 3,00o hit club member, he is most known for his 2.632 consecutive starts. Now that's a lot of wear and tear on the body. Could you play in that many games in a row without steroids?
Top Ten Players in the MLB Who's Use of Steroids Could Destroy Fan Loyalty
10. Greg Maddux - Yes, the pitcher who sports a Mickey Mouse watch on his left arm. An eight time All-Star and four time Cy Young Award winner who's number 31 is retired by the Chicago Cubs.
9. Josh Hamilton - Maybe the best story in baseball today, Hamilton's recovery from a heavy drug addiction has brought him to super-stardom, is would be terrible for baseball if his story was tainted by cheating.
8. Tony Gwynn - A fifteen time All-Star who's number 19 is retired by the San Diego Padres is widely regarded as one of the best hitters of all time. Was this hall-of-famer's bat being helped by the juice?
7. Randy Johnson - The most recent and possibly the last 300 game winning pitcher in the MLB has been around a long time. 21 years is a lot of work put on an arm, steroids would have helped him last two decades of professional baseball.
6. Albert Pujols - Arguably the best power-hitter in the game today. He is built like an ox and has the best career batting-average of any active player in the MLB. I would hope that all 230 pounds of him is clean.
5. Chipper Jones - A definite fan favorite in Atlanta, he is a six time All-Star and was the 1991 National League MVP. Has he had help from steroids in his .300 career batting average?
4. Ichiro Suzuki - An eight time All-Star and eight time Gold Glover, he is the best Japanese player in MLB history. The 2001 American League MVP and Rookie of the Year is Seattle's biggest star (depending on how you see it). He could not look more clean (meaning he is quite small), but you never know.
3. Derek Jeter - Studies have shown that Jeter is the most popular player in New York. The Yankees' shortstop has over 2,600 hits and 1,000 runs batted in. He is a nine time All-Star. Could the Yankee captain be cheating?
2. Ken Griffey, Jr. - A pure swing and over 600 homeruns, Jr. was the definition of a baseball superstar in the '90s. He is one of a very few athletes who get to play on a professional sports team with their father, could something have been going on in either Seattle or Cincinnati?
1. Cal Ripken, Jr. - The "Iron Man." So much could be said about the Orioles' first-ballot hall-of-famer. He was a nineteen time All-Star, a two-time American League MVP and 3,00o hit club member, he is most known for his 2.632 consecutive starts. Now that's a lot of wear and tear on the body. Could you play in that many games in a row without steroids?
Monday, June 22, 2009
Video of the Week!
Aaron Tru interviews female MMA fighter Cris "Cyborg" Santos. They discuss her fight coming up against Gina Carano, her training camp, and then towards the end a question is taken out of context and she chokes the interviewer out cold. You don't want to miss the shocking end to this interview.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
U.S.A. Advances to Confederations Cup Semis
I know what you're thinking, good joke on the headline. But the headline is actually correct.
If you are not following the Confederations Cup, it is an international soccer tournament in which the U.S.A. was placed in Pool B along with Italy, Brazil, and Egypt.
I think that ESPN.com said it best, "The U.S. came from a near impossible position to claim a Confederations Cup semi-final berth on Sunday."
It sure was "near impossible." The United States needed to win their game against Egypt by at least three goals, and have Brazil beat Italy by at least three goals. When the task was presented yesterday to Team U.S.A., players could not have honestly believed that the job could be done, especially because they had been outscored six goals to one through their first two games (0-2), in last place in the pool, and Egypt was waiting for them with a 1-1 record.
But goals by Charlie Davies in the 21st minute, Michael Bradley in the 63rd minute, and Clint Dempsey in the 71st minute along with a shutout by goaltender by Brad Guzan made it happen.
Team U.S.A. will join Spain, South Africa, and Brazil in the final four. They will need a ton of more magic to get through these teams, but today they have made believers out of many American soccer fans.
If you are not following the Confederations Cup, it is an international soccer tournament in which the U.S.A. was placed in Pool B along with Italy, Brazil, and Egypt.
I think that ESPN.com said it best, "The U.S. came from a near impossible position to claim a Confederations Cup semi-final berth on Sunday."
It sure was "near impossible." The United States needed to win their game against Egypt by at least three goals, and have Brazil beat Italy by at least three goals. When the task was presented yesterday to Team U.S.A., players could not have honestly believed that the job could be done, especially because they had been outscored six goals to one through their first two games (0-2), in last place in the pool, and Egypt was waiting for them with a 1-1 record.
But goals by Charlie Davies in the 21st minute, Michael Bradley in the 63rd minute, and Clint Dempsey in the 71st minute along with a shutout by goaltender by Brad Guzan made it happen.
Team U.S.A. will join Spain, South Africa, and Brazil in the final four. They will need a ton of more magic to get through these teams, but today they have made believers out of many American soccer fans.
Friday, June 19, 2009
College World Series Down to Four
Arizona State used an eight-run seventh inning to take down North Carolina 12-4 in the loser's bracket Thursday night.
The field has now been narrowed to four: Both L.S.U. and Texas are 2-0, and Arizona State and Arkansas, who defeated Virginia in 12 innings Wednesday night, are 1-1.
L.S.U. will play Arkansas in a South-Eastern Conference match-up, the winner will play either Texas or Arizona State in the finals.
L.S.U. and Texas both only need to win one game to advance to the finals. I expect them both to get the job done, there is just too much of an advantage when a team wins the first two games of the series.
The field has now been narrowed to four: Both L.S.U. and Texas are 2-0, and Arizona State and Arkansas, who defeated Virginia in 12 innings Wednesday night, are 1-1.
L.S.U. will play Arkansas in a South-Eastern Conference match-up, the winner will play either Texas or Arizona State in the finals.
L.S.U. and Texas both only need to win one game to advance to the finals. I expect them both to get the job done, there is just too much of an advantage when a team wins the first two games of the series.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Congrats to Pudge
Congratulations to Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez on his 2,227th game started as a catcher in the Majors. Pudge passed Carlton Fisk for the number one spot.
As a fan of the Texas Rangers I can really appreciate what Rodriguez has done for the sport. His 12 seasons in Texas turned him into a superstar, as he was a ten time all-star and a ten time Gold Glove winner.
It was fitting that he set this record in Arlington, where he started as a 20 year old rookie in 1991. 1,426 of his career starts were for the Rangers, who's fans gave him a long standing ovation when he stepped up to the plate for his first at-bat in the top half of the third inning.
One of the best defensive catchers the game has ever seen and a first-ballot hall-of-famer, I wish the best of luck to Pudge for the remainder of his career.
As a fan of the Texas Rangers I can really appreciate what Rodriguez has done for the sport. His 12 seasons in Texas turned him into a superstar, as he was a ten time all-star and a ten time Gold Glove winner.
It was fitting that he set this record in Arlington, where he started as a 20 year old rookie in 1991. 1,426 of his career starts were for the Rangers, who's fans gave him a long standing ovation when he stepped up to the plate for his first at-bat in the top half of the third inning.
One of the best defensive catchers the game has ever seen and a first-ballot hall-of-famer, I wish the best of luck to Pudge for the remainder of his career.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
What to Watch For
Every Wednesday First and Short will feature a column titled "What to Watch For." Here you will see exciting events in sports that will be taking place during the week.
What to Watch For, for June 17-23.
Wednesday, June 17: College Baseball World Series, Arkansas at Virginia- Loser goes home (7 pm, ESPN2).
Thursday, June 18: Confederations Cup Soccer, Brazil vs. United States. (9:30 am, ESPN2).
Friday, June 19: U.S. Open Championship Golf (10 am, ESPN).
Saturday, June 20: MLB Baseball- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Mets (4 pm).
Sunday, June 21: MLB Baseball- Atlanta Braves at Boston Red Sox (1:35 pm).
Monday, June 22: College Baseball World Series, Game one of best-of-three championship series (7 pm, ESPN).
Tuesday, June 23: College Baseball World Series, Game two of best-of-three championship series, a winner might be crowned (7 pm, ESPN).
What to Watch For, for June 17-23.
Wednesday, June 17: College Baseball World Series, Arkansas at Virginia- Loser goes home (7 pm, ESPN2).
Thursday, June 18: Confederations Cup Soccer, Brazil vs. United States. (9:30 am, ESPN2).
Friday, June 19: U.S. Open Championship Golf (10 am, ESPN).
Saturday, June 20: MLB Baseball- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Mets (4 pm).
Sunday, June 21: MLB Baseball- Atlanta Braves at Boston Red Sox (1:35 pm).
Monday, June 22: College Baseball World Series, Game one of best-of-three championship series (7 pm, ESPN).
Tuesday, June 23: College Baseball World Series, Game two of best-of-three championship series, a winner might be crowned (7 pm, ESPN).
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tuesday's Top Ten
Today First and Short is starting a new weekly column. Every Tuesday will feature a top ten list from something in the world of sports. This week's top ten list is: The Top Ten Reasons to Watch the College Baseball World Series.
The Top Ten Reasons to Watch the College Baseball World Series
10. It's in high definition. Every game of the College World Series will be aired on ESPN in high definition for stunning picture quality.
9. Six conferences are represented. There are eight teams total in the event, from six different conferences- from as small as the Big West and Conference-USA to powerhouse conferences the ACC and SEC.
8. There are new faces this year. Both Virginia of the ACC and Southern Miss. of Conference-USA are making their first appearances in Omaha.
7. There's lots of offense. Don't expect any no-hitters in this event, these teams have stars using aluminum bats and the balls fly out of Rosenblatt Stadium.
6. Everyone loves a Cinderella. Last year we saw Fresno State win it all without even hosting a regional. Can Southern Miss. or Virginia come through this year?
5. There's only two games a day. You can catch all of the games because only two are played each day, there are no noon weekday games in the event.
4. The stars are shining at the College World Series. The event features four MLB first round draft picks. North Carolina's Dustin Ackley went second overall to the Mariners; Arizona State's Mike Leake went eighth overall to the Reds; North Carolina pitcher Alex White went fifteenth to the Indians; and LSU's Jared Mitchell went twenty-third to the White Sox.
3. America's best are represented. Six of the eight teams in the event are ranked in the top 10 nationally, including all of the top five. The only two un-ranked teams left are making their first trips to the College World Series.
2. Be part of the tradition. Since 1950 the College World Series has decided College Baseball's National Champion. Every year there is new excitement to be watched.
1. What else is there to watch? Seriously, baseball is the only team sport going on right now besides soccer. And why watch MLB regular season baseball now? There's four months of that left.
The Top Ten Reasons to Watch the College Baseball World Series
10. It's in high definition. Every game of the College World Series will be aired on ESPN in high definition for stunning picture quality.
9. Six conferences are represented. There are eight teams total in the event, from six different conferences- from as small as the Big West and Conference-USA to powerhouse conferences the ACC and SEC.
8. There are new faces this year. Both Virginia of the ACC and Southern Miss. of Conference-USA are making their first appearances in Omaha.
7. There's lots of offense. Don't expect any no-hitters in this event, these teams have stars using aluminum bats and the balls fly out of Rosenblatt Stadium.
6. Everyone loves a Cinderella. Last year we saw Fresno State win it all without even hosting a regional. Can Southern Miss. or Virginia come through this year?
5. There's only two games a day. You can catch all of the games because only two are played each day, there are no noon weekday games in the event.
4. The stars are shining at the College World Series. The event features four MLB first round draft picks. North Carolina's Dustin Ackley went second overall to the Mariners; Arizona State's Mike Leake went eighth overall to the Reds; North Carolina pitcher Alex White went fifteenth to the Indians; and LSU's Jared Mitchell went twenty-third to the White Sox.
3. America's best are represented. Six of the eight teams in the event are ranked in the top 10 nationally, including all of the top five. The only two un-ranked teams left are making their first trips to the College World Series.
2. Be part of the tradition. Since 1950 the College World Series has decided College Baseball's National Champion. Every year there is new excitement to be watched.
1. What else is there to watch? Seriously, baseball is the only team sport going on right now besides soccer. And why watch MLB regular season baseball now? There's four months of that left.
Monday, June 15, 2009
The End of Sports as We Know It
The Lakers have done it again. And this time, they won it all without Shaq. Kobe Bryant made sure Los Angeles would beat the Orlando Magic, and in only five games.
So Kobe has finally proved he can win a championship without Shaq, which should quiet O’Neill for a little while. Of course it must have been weird for Shaq to watch two of his former teams play in the finals, I wonder who he rooted for, my guess would be for the Magic.
Now that the NHL and NBA finals have concluded, we as sports fans are left with just baseball for the summer. But hey, football is less than three months away, and I will be at the first college football game of the year. The game features the South Carolina Gamecocks at the North Carolina State Wolfpack, look for me in the Student Section on ESPN, September ( ).
But we still have the College Baseball World Series for the next week or so. Then we have the MLB for the rest of summer. That is not necessarily a bad thing though. We have unusual division leaders and contenders in baseball this year. The Rangers lead the AL West and have one of the best records in baseball, the Royals continue to jockey for first in the AL Central, and the Brewers are back in first in the NL Central.
For all you Twitter users out there, look for First and Short on Twitter, updates will be given annually. That’s all I’ve got for today, you stay classy, America.
So Kobe has finally proved he can win a championship without Shaq, which should quiet O’Neill for a little while. Of course it must have been weird for Shaq to watch two of his former teams play in the finals, I wonder who he rooted for, my guess would be for the Magic.
Now that the NHL and NBA finals have concluded, we as sports fans are left with just baseball for the summer. But hey, football is less than three months away, and I will be at the first college football game of the year. The game features the South Carolina Gamecocks at the North Carolina State Wolfpack, look for me in the Student Section on ESPN, September ( ).
But we still have the College Baseball World Series for the next week or so. Then we have the MLB for the rest of summer. That is not necessarily a bad thing though. We have unusual division leaders and contenders in baseball this year. The Rangers lead the AL West and have one of the best records in baseball, the Royals continue to jockey for first in the AL Central, and the Brewers are back in first in the NL Central.
For all you Twitter users out there, look for First and Short on Twitter, updates will be given annually. That’s all I’ve got for today, you stay classy, America.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Hate it or Love it, They Are the Champs
Much to the surprise of most of the nation, and definitely myself included, the Pittsburgh Penguins won game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals at Detroit to bring the Cup back to Pittsburgh.
After last night's game, I have decided to take a break from predicting games, it appears that whenever I call a game I jinx the chosen team. I picked Detroit to win the series fairly easily in only six games, but in my defense, so did ESPN's Barry Melrose.
The Conn Smythe Trophy (most valuable player) went to Pittsburgh forward Evgeni Malkin. Malkin was the best player on the ice in the final two rounds of the playoffs. Malkin finished with eight points in the finals (2 goals, 6 assists).
The x-factor for the Penguins was Maxime Talbot. Talbot scored both Pittsburgh goals in game seven. He finished with four goals in the series, the most by any player in the finals.
Although his team lost the series, Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood's statistics for the final round were better than those of Marc-Andre Fleury. But in the end, the Red Wings could not get past Fleury and tie either game six or game seven (both 2-1 wins for Pittsburgh).
With family from the Detroit area, and being raised a Red Wings fan, its hard to congratulate the Penguins, but the way they played this post-season makes them well-deserving of the Stanley Cup. Hats off to Mario Lemieux and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
After last night's game, I have decided to take a break from predicting games, it appears that whenever I call a game I jinx the chosen team. I picked Detroit to win the series fairly easily in only six games, but in my defense, so did ESPN's Barry Melrose.
The Conn Smythe Trophy (most valuable player) went to Pittsburgh forward Evgeni Malkin. Malkin was the best player on the ice in the final two rounds of the playoffs. Malkin finished with eight points in the finals (2 goals, 6 assists).
The x-factor for the Penguins was Maxime Talbot. Talbot scored both Pittsburgh goals in game seven. He finished with four goals in the series, the most by any player in the finals.
Although his team lost the series, Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood's statistics for the final round were better than those of Marc-Andre Fleury. But in the end, the Red Wings could not get past Fleury and tie either game six or game seven (both 2-1 wins for Pittsburgh).
With family from the Detroit area, and being raised a Red Wings fan, its hard to congratulate the Penguins, but the way they played this post-season makes them well-deserving of the Stanley Cup. Hats off to Mario Lemieux and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Bring on the Superbowl
Tonight's game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals between the Red Wings and the Penguins (8 PM, on NBC) is quite possibly the most anticipated game seven the sport has seen in the last decade.
Arguably hockey's most successful franchise goes up against the best star-duo in the league. How about the captains match-up? Nic Lidstrom for Detroit, the smartest and most successful defenseman from this decade goes up against Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, one of the NHL's superstars.
The goalie match-up? Chris Osgood for the Wings, three Stanley Cups to his name in 14 seasons in the NHL. Marc-Andre Fleury, the number one overall pick in the 2003 for the Penguins.
Detroit's advantage in the coaching match-up is why I see Nic Lidstrom receiving the Cup from Gary Bettman tonight after the game is all said and done. Detroit Head Coach Mike Babcock has been through it all already. He led the Wings to a Cup last season with a less talented team (only less talented than this year because of the addition of Marian Hossa in the off-season).
The Wings will also have home-ice advantage. This is huge and most casual fans don't realize why. The home team has a large advantage on every face-off because the road team must put their stick on the ice first, allowing the home team's centerman to win the faceoff by one sweeping motion as soon as the referee drops the puck.
The road team also must put their lines out first, then the home team gets to match the road team's line. This will allow Detroit to select which lines they want to put out to contain Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
I believe that tonight is the night for the Wings. At the beginning of the series I stated that Detroit would win in six games or less, but Pittsburgh has shown a ton of fight. The Wings should take care of business tonight at Joe Louis Arena, as the home team has won every game thus far in the series. Look for that trent to continue tinight in game seven.
As always keep it here on First and Short for reports and reaction tomorrow following tonight's big game.
Arguably hockey's most successful franchise goes up against the best star-duo in the league. How about the captains match-up? Nic Lidstrom for Detroit, the smartest and most successful defenseman from this decade goes up against Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, one of the NHL's superstars.
The goalie match-up? Chris Osgood for the Wings, three Stanley Cups to his name in 14 seasons in the NHL. Marc-Andre Fleury, the number one overall pick in the 2003 for the Penguins.
Detroit's advantage in the coaching match-up is why I see Nic Lidstrom receiving the Cup from Gary Bettman tonight after the game is all said and done. Detroit Head Coach Mike Babcock has been through it all already. He led the Wings to a Cup last season with a less talented team (only less talented than this year because of the addition of Marian Hossa in the off-season).
The Wings will also have home-ice advantage. This is huge and most casual fans don't realize why. The home team has a large advantage on every face-off because the road team must put their stick on the ice first, allowing the home team's centerman to win the faceoff by one sweeping motion as soon as the referee drops the puck.
The road team also must put their lines out first, then the home team gets to match the road team's line. This will allow Detroit to select which lines they want to put out to contain Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
I believe that tonight is the night for the Wings. At the beginning of the series I stated that Detroit would win in six games or less, but Pittsburgh has shown a ton of fight. The Wings should take care of business tonight at Joe Louis Arena, as the home team has won every game thus far in the series. Look for that trent to continue tinight in game seven.
As always keep it here on First and Short for reports and reaction tomorrow following tonight's big game.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
NBA Finals Game Four Preview
Much was made of the Magic shooting a NBA Finals record 62% from the floor in game three. They shot that well and it was still a close game.
But the key to their win over the Lakers Tuesday night was the way they continued to shoot well down the stretch in the fourth quarter. Kobe tried to answer each shot by himself, and just could not do it.
The defense of the Magic's Turkoglu and Pietrus on Kobe late in the game was stellar, and to make matters worse for Kobe, he was only 5 of 10 from the free-throw line.
I expect the Magic to ride their home crowd to victory again tonight in game four. Look for Kobe to try and involve his teammates more in the second half tonight. I'm sure that when Kobe saw the game film he realized he tried to do way too much by himself.
Like I had been saying earlier on First and Short, Dwight Howard could dominate the post. He did that in game three and the Magic won. Lamar Odum and Andrew Bynum were pretty much invisible in game three.
Maybe it was the strong 27 minutes that J.J. Redick played that boosted the Magic. Unlikely, but there is always someone who steps up in the finals. Last game it was Raefer Alston, look for rookie guard Courtney Lee to step up and make timely shots tonight.
But the key to their win over the Lakers Tuesday night was the way they continued to shoot well down the stretch in the fourth quarter. Kobe tried to answer each shot by himself, and just could not do it.
The defense of the Magic's Turkoglu and Pietrus on Kobe late in the game was stellar, and to make matters worse for Kobe, he was only 5 of 10 from the free-throw line.
I expect the Magic to ride their home crowd to victory again tonight in game four. Look for Kobe to try and involve his teammates more in the second half tonight. I'm sure that when Kobe saw the game film he realized he tried to do way too much by himself.
Like I had been saying earlier on First and Short, Dwight Howard could dominate the post. He did that in game three and the Magic won. Lamar Odum and Andrew Bynum were pretty much invisible in game three.
Maybe it was the strong 27 minutes that J.J. Redick played that boosted the Magic. Unlikely, but there is always someone who steps up in the finals. Last game it was Raefer Alston, look for rookie guard Courtney Lee to step up and make timely shots tonight.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Brett Favre's Little Game
New from Milton Bradley Board Games its Favre-opoly, The Game of Brett, or this one was easy, Connect 4. Yes my friends, Brett Favre is back to his old games, and this time everyone is a player, of the game I mean.
Favre's game is actually just a whole plot for how he will return to the NFL this season, undoubtedly in a Minnesota Vikings uniform. Vikings Head Coach, Brad Childress established a deadline for Favre to make a decision on a comeback. The deadline was this week, and no sign of Favre in Minneapolis.
But this is all part of Favre's game. He had surgery this week to repair his shoulder, giving him a perfect excuse not to show up to organized team activities (OTAs). This means Favre can delay giving a definitive answer to the Vikings. He can possible say, "I would really like to play in Minnesota, but I will have to wait to see how my shoulder heals. When I get a feel for the rehabilitation, I will let you know."
Yes my friends, Brett Favre wears the pants in every relationship he has had with an NFL franchise. He is always in charge. Right now he has the Vikings held hostage, forcing the Vikings to make the first move.
I was excited when Brad Childress gave Favre a deadline because I thought someone was finally standing up to quarterback who, honestly, is well past his prime. That being said, he is still better than Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels, the top two quarterbacks on the Vikings current roster.
Favre will continue to put this off until mini-camp, when he will arrive in Minnesota wearing a purple number 4 practice jersey and Wrangler Jeans. Okay, maybe not the jeans, but I think he is still under contract with them... Hmm, this is interesting, maybe the Vikings should talk to the Wrangler Jean Company about how to get Favre to commit. Just throwing that out there, even though it might get intercepted like over 300 of Favre's passes in his career.
Favre's game is actually just a whole plot for how he will return to the NFL this season, undoubtedly in a Minnesota Vikings uniform. Vikings Head Coach, Brad Childress established a deadline for Favre to make a decision on a comeback. The deadline was this week, and no sign of Favre in Minneapolis.
But this is all part of Favre's game. He had surgery this week to repair his shoulder, giving him a perfect excuse not to show up to organized team activities (OTAs). This means Favre can delay giving a definitive answer to the Vikings. He can possible say, "I would really like to play in Minnesota, but I will have to wait to see how my shoulder heals. When I get a feel for the rehabilitation, I will let you know."
Yes my friends, Brett Favre wears the pants in every relationship he has had with an NFL franchise. He is always in charge. Right now he has the Vikings held hostage, forcing the Vikings to make the first move.
I was excited when Brad Childress gave Favre a deadline because I thought someone was finally standing up to quarterback who, honestly, is well past his prime. That being said, he is still better than Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels, the top two quarterbacks on the Vikings current roster.
Favre will continue to put this off until mini-camp, when he will arrive in Minnesota wearing a purple number 4 practice jersey and Wrangler Jeans. Okay, maybe not the jeans, but I think he is still under contract with them... Hmm, this is interesting, maybe the Vikings should talk to the Wrangler Jean Company about how to get Favre to commit. Just throwing that out there, even though it might get intercepted like over 300 of Favre's passes in his career.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Washington, Texas Ranger
Everyone who thought that more than 50 games into the MLB season the Texas Rangers would be in first place in the American League West raise your hand. Now keep your hand up if you thought they would be fighting for the best record in the American League. No one? Not one? That's what I expected.
And they're doing it without Josh Hamilton. The all-star center-fielder has been on and off the DL most of the season so far, and is about to miss 4-6 weeks for surgery to repair a torn muscle in his abdominal region.
The Rangers are 33-24 and have a 4 game lead in the American League West, and are just one game behind the Yankees for the best record in the American League.
Manager Ron Washington was on the hot seat going in to the season. He was the first Rangers manager in 30 years to enter a season without a guaranteed contract for the next season. He has now slowly worked his way off of that hot seat, for at least one more year.
The Rangers decided to pick up Ron Washington's contract option for the 2010 season. Washington was hired before Nolan Ryan took over as team president and there were speculations that the two butted heads.
But Nolan Ryan knows good baseball, and his Rangers are certainly playing it this season. He had other choice than to pick up Washington's contract option. The Rangers are clicking on all cylinders, even attendance is actually decent in Arlington this year.
That should have been enough to keep Washington around. But the Rangers often seem to start strong then slowly fade away. As a Rangers fan I know this all too well. But they have usually started to fade by now. But they proved they are here to stay in the last week. They went 3-3 on a grueling road trip to Boston and New York that could have been disastrous, but they kept their cool and made a .500 trip out of it.
I hope the Rangers are here to stay. Hopefully guys like Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, and Josh Hamilton will make it into the all-star game this year. Fan voting often hurts the small market Rangers, but the show that Hamilton put on in the Home Run Derby last year has earned him a great deal of respect, and if the all-star game started tomorrow, he would be voted in by the fans.
Baseball is a marathon though, and the Rangers have sprinted out to an early lead, we'll have to wait and see if they can keep it up.
And they're doing it without Josh Hamilton. The all-star center-fielder has been on and off the DL most of the season so far, and is about to miss 4-6 weeks for surgery to repair a torn muscle in his abdominal region.
The Rangers are 33-24 and have a 4 game lead in the American League West, and are just one game behind the Yankees for the best record in the American League.
Manager Ron Washington was on the hot seat going in to the season. He was the first Rangers manager in 30 years to enter a season without a guaranteed contract for the next season. He has now slowly worked his way off of that hot seat, for at least one more year.
The Rangers decided to pick up Ron Washington's contract option for the 2010 season. Washington was hired before Nolan Ryan took over as team president and there were speculations that the two butted heads.
But Nolan Ryan knows good baseball, and his Rangers are certainly playing it this season. He had other choice than to pick up Washington's contract option. The Rangers are clicking on all cylinders, even attendance is actually decent in Arlington this year.
That should have been enough to keep Washington around. But the Rangers often seem to start strong then slowly fade away. As a Rangers fan I know this all too well. But they have usually started to fade by now. But they proved they are here to stay in the last week. They went 3-3 on a grueling road trip to Boston and New York that could have been disastrous, but they kept their cool and made a .500 trip out of it.
I hope the Rangers are here to stay. Hopefully guys like Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, and Josh Hamilton will make it into the all-star game this year. Fan voting often hurts the small market Rangers, but the show that Hamilton put on in the Home Run Derby last year has earned him a great deal of respect, and if the all-star game started tomorrow, he would be voted in by the fans.
Baseball is a marathon though, and the Rangers have sprinted out to an early lead, we'll have to wait and see if they can keep it up.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
A Sour End to a Sweet Season
The Super Regional round could not have gone worse for the East Carolina Pirates. All of the magic they had in the Greenville Regional was nowhere to be found in Chapel Hill this weekend.
The Tar Heels completely humiliated the Pirates, winning the two games 10-1 and 9-3. The Pirates were hoping to earn the respect of their in-state rival. Instead, Carolina made quick work of them while easily advancing to the College World Series in Omaha.
The Pirates finished the season 46-20, and won the Conference-USA regular season title. Center-fielder Trent Whitehead and second-baseman Ryan Wood both finished the season with at least 100 hits. Wood got his 100th hit in the final game. Only one other East Carolina player had ever gotten 100 hits in a season.
The Pirates used a miracle comeback to beat South Carolina in the Regional round just to make it to Chapel Hill, setting all sorts of attendance records at Clarke-LeClaire Stadium in Greenville along the way.
The Pirates should not hang their heads. Yes, they got blown out twice to end their season, but they had 46 wins to be proud of going into the weekend. Carolina was the number four overall seed in the tournament, so East Carolina lost to a solid opponent. An opponent that had the best hitter in the country in Dustin Ackley, and one of the best pitchers in the NCAA in Alex White. Both players were as good as advertised this weekend, and were just too much for the Pirates to handle.
All in all, a very successful season for East Carolina. Look for them to be back next year pushing on for their first trip to the College World Series.
The Pirates' season might be over, but the College World Series is just about underway, keep it here on First and Short for results and reaction from College Baseball's national championship.
The Tar Heels completely humiliated the Pirates, winning the two games 10-1 and 9-3. The Pirates were hoping to earn the respect of their in-state rival. Instead, Carolina made quick work of them while easily advancing to the College World Series in Omaha.
The Pirates finished the season 46-20, and won the Conference-USA regular season title. Center-fielder Trent Whitehead and second-baseman Ryan Wood both finished the season with at least 100 hits. Wood got his 100th hit in the final game. Only one other East Carolina player had ever gotten 100 hits in a season.
The Pirates used a miracle comeback to beat South Carolina in the Regional round just to make it to Chapel Hill, setting all sorts of attendance records at Clarke-LeClaire Stadium in Greenville along the way.
The Pirates should not hang their heads. Yes, they got blown out twice to end their season, but they had 46 wins to be proud of going into the weekend. Carolina was the number four overall seed in the tournament, so East Carolina lost to a solid opponent. An opponent that had the best hitter in the country in Dustin Ackley, and one of the best pitchers in the NCAA in Alex White. Both players were as good as advertised this weekend, and were just too much for the Pirates to handle.
All in all, a very successful season for East Carolina. Look for them to be back next year pushing on for their first trip to the College World Series.
The Pirates' season might be over, but the College World Series is just about underway, keep it here on First and Short for results and reaction from College Baseball's national championship.
Video of the Week!
Roger Federer won his 14th Grand Slam title in Paris on Sunday. But his final match at the French Open was briefly interrupted!
A Stanley Cup Statement
The Detroit Red Wings headed back from Pittsburgh after four games tied with the Penguins at two games a piece. The Penguins had all of the momentum, and had slowly started to make believers out of members of the sports world, most importantly, themselves.
The Wings were now back on their heels, starting to feel the pressure. And then, good news came out of Hockeytown. Pavel Datsyuk, one of the best two-way players on the planet, would be healthy and ready for game five.
And boy was his presence ever felt. Datsyuk had two assists and a plus/minus rating of +2. Him and Zetterberg dominated the game.
Detroit would win 5-0, and would completely smash the confidence and composure of the Penguins. The Penguins had 48 minutes in penalties, most away from the play and out of pure frustration. The Wings stayed sharp by scoring three time on the power-play, making Pittsburgh pay for their lack of composure.
Look for Detroit to once again raise Lord Stanley's Cup on Pittsburgh's home ice in game six, Tuesday night. The Penguins had nothing positive to take back with them from Detroit in game five, it will take a complete change in focus for them to stand a chance against the Wings in game six. Hockeytown, get ready for another title on Tuesday.
The Wings were now back on their heels, starting to feel the pressure. And then, good news came out of Hockeytown. Pavel Datsyuk, one of the best two-way players on the planet, would be healthy and ready for game five.
And boy was his presence ever felt. Datsyuk had two assists and a plus/minus rating of +2. Him and Zetterberg dominated the game.
Detroit would win 5-0, and would completely smash the confidence and composure of the Penguins. The Penguins had 48 minutes in penalties, most away from the play and out of pure frustration. The Wings stayed sharp by scoring three time on the power-play, making Pittsburgh pay for their lack of composure.
Look for Detroit to once again raise Lord Stanley's Cup on Pittsburgh's home ice in game six, Tuesday night. The Penguins had nothing positive to take back with them from Detroit in game five, it will take a complete change in focus for them to stand a chance against the Wings in game six. Hockeytown, get ready for another title on Tuesday.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
State Bragging Rights on the Line in Super Regional
As a former student at East Carolina University, I can only hope that the misfortunes of the Atlantic Coast Conference continue into today's slate of games. Florida State and Virginia both lost yesterday to start the super regional round. Though, the only Conference-USA team to play yesterday was Rice and they lost to LSU 12-9.
The ACC also has Clemson still alive in the tournament, they are playing at Arizona State today at 9 pm eastern time. The winner of that series will play the winner of the East Carolina/ North Carolina series to start the College World Series in Omaha.
Conference-USA also has Southern Mississippi in the field of 16. They are playing at Florida starting today at 3 pm eastern time. This is the first time Southern Miss has made it to the Super Regional round, they took out ACC team, Georgia Tech in the Regional round.
This is the first time ever that three Conference-USA teams have made it to the Super Regional round in the same year. All three teams are playing a power conference team in this round (two SEC teams, one ACC team).
Rice has been a baseball powerhouse for years out of Conference-USA, as this is the fifth straight year that they have made it to the Super Regional round. They will really need to step it up if they want to go to Omaha, as they cannot lose again to LSU, or else they are eliminated. Southern Miss has virtually no history in baseball, as like I previously stated, this is their first-ever trip to the round of 16.
East Carolina is playing in their first Super Regional since 2004, when they played at South Carolina. But this year, the stakes are higher. The Pirates get a shot at in-state rival, North Carolina, for a chance to demand respect for their school and their conference. A writer for the Raleigh News & Observer, Caulton Tudor, called the pressure on the Pirates the "'Retha Effect." As in Aretha Franklin with her hit, "Respect."
The Pirates want that respect from the bigger ACC schools in North Carolina, and the best way for them to earn it is by taking out a rival school with a trip to the College World Series. UNC has failed to win it all in dramatic fashion in recent years, to get knocked out by a smaller in-state team, would be the perfect blow for Pirate Nation to boast about for the rest of the year, or at least until the two teams meet on the gridiron September 19th in Chapel Hill, which was just set for a noon kickoff to accommodate an ESPN national broadcast.
For now, these two teams will battle for state dominance on the field with the stakes higher than ever. Let the Super Regional games begin!
The ACC also has Clemson still alive in the tournament, they are playing at Arizona State today at 9 pm eastern time. The winner of that series will play the winner of the East Carolina/ North Carolina series to start the College World Series in Omaha.
Conference-USA also has Southern Mississippi in the field of 16. They are playing at Florida starting today at 3 pm eastern time. This is the first time Southern Miss has made it to the Super Regional round, they took out ACC team, Georgia Tech in the Regional round.
This is the first time ever that three Conference-USA teams have made it to the Super Regional round in the same year. All three teams are playing a power conference team in this round (two SEC teams, one ACC team).
Rice has been a baseball powerhouse for years out of Conference-USA, as this is the fifth straight year that they have made it to the Super Regional round. They will really need to step it up if they want to go to Omaha, as they cannot lose again to LSU, or else they are eliminated. Southern Miss has virtually no history in baseball, as like I previously stated, this is their first-ever trip to the round of 16.
East Carolina is playing in their first Super Regional since 2004, when they played at South Carolina. But this year, the stakes are higher. The Pirates get a shot at in-state rival, North Carolina, for a chance to demand respect for their school and their conference. A writer for the Raleigh News & Observer, Caulton Tudor, called the pressure on the Pirates the "'Retha Effect." As in Aretha Franklin with her hit, "Respect."
The Pirates want that respect from the bigger ACC schools in North Carolina, and the best way for them to earn it is by taking out a rival school with a trip to the College World Series. UNC has failed to win it all in dramatic fashion in recent years, to get knocked out by a smaller in-state team, would be the perfect blow for Pirate Nation to boast about for the rest of the year, or at least until the two teams meet on the gridiron September 19th in Chapel Hill, which was just set for a noon kickoff to accommodate an ESPN national broadcast.
For now, these two teams will battle for state dominance on the field with the stakes higher than ever. Let the Super Regional games begin!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Number 300 For the Big Unit
I could talk about how the Lakers completely dominated the Magic. Let me rephrase that: I could talk about how Kobe completely dominated the Magic, but ESPN has done enough coverage and analyzing for everyone.
I could talk about how the Penguins evened up their Stanley Cup Finals series with Detroit, but the officiating has been so bad this series that it makes me angry to watch it. I mean seriously, Malkin scores the first goal of the game, and is about as obviously offside as a skater can get, even Stevie Wonder was up in arms over the blown call.
So instead I would like to congratulate Randy Johnson on his 300th career win. Though the Big Unit did it in front of about 5,000 fans at Nationals Park in D.C., at a four o'clock game on a Thursday afternoon, it does not diminish the accomplishment. He looked strong and in control in the Giants' 5-1 victory over Washington. Of course, every pitcher looks like an all-star when they play against the Nationals, but the man is 45.
With all of the hitter's ballparks being built today, and the bigger, stronger, juicing (whoops that slipped, my apologies Bud Selig), hitters that we have, we may never see another pitcher reach 300 wins.
Johnson is the best left-handed pitcher since Sandy Koufax, and still sports a dominant fastball. My favorite stat of his that usually goes unnoticed, is that he is third all-time in hit batsmen, with 188, put that and the fastball together and you have one intimidating pitcher.
Maybe his most memorable highlight from his career wasn't a hit batsmen, but a hit bird. Which, might I add, is far more impressive. The bird combusted into just a ton of feathers, like who actually has ever seen the rest of the bird in that video clip? All we see is feathers going everywhere and the umpire stunned and trying to figure out how to call the pitch. The best part of the story is the animal rights activists who wanted Johnson punished for the incident, because he did it on purpose... right.
The Big Unit should be a no question first ballot hall-of-famer. The large 6 foot 1o mullet-sporting man whose mustache makes him look like a catfish, who my Grandfather has often referred to as "the ugliest man in sports," has seen his career drop recently (that would be an appropriate way to phrase the sentence: "he signed with the Giants"), and it brings questions to many why he hasn't retired yet. But I think yesterday we got our answer.
I could talk about how the Penguins evened up their Stanley Cup Finals series with Detroit, but the officiating has been so bad this series that it makes me angry to watch it. I mean seriously, Malkin scores the first goal of the game, and is about as obviously offside as a skater can get, even Stevie Wonder was up in arms over the blown call.
So instead I would like to congratulate Randy Johnson on his 300th career win. Though the Big Unit did it in front of about 5,000 fans at Nationals Park in D.C., at a four o'clock game on a Thursday afternoon, it does not diminish the accomplishment. He looked strong and in control in the Giants' 5-1 victory over Washington. Of course, every pitcher looks like an all-star when they play against the Nationals, but the man is 45.
With all of the hitter's ballparks being built today, and the bigger, stronger, juicing (whoops that slipped, my apologies Bud Selig), hitters that we have, we may never see another pitcher reach 300 wins.
Johnson is the best left-handed pitcher since Sandy Koufax, and still sports a dominant fastball. My favorite stat of his that usually goes unnoticed, is that he is third all-time in hit batsmen, with 188, put that and the fastball together and you have one intimidating pitcher.
Maybe his most memorable highlight from his career wasn't a hit batsmen, but a hit bird. Which, might I add, is far more impressive. The bird combusted into just a ton of feathers, like who actually has ever seen the rest of the bird in that video clip? All we see is feathers going everywhere and the umpire stunned and trying to figure out how to call the pitch. The best part of the story is the animal rights activists who wanted Johnson punished for the incident, because he did it on purpose... right.
The Big Unit should be a no question first ballot hall-of-famer. The large 6 foot 1o mullet-sporting man whose mustache makes him look like a catfish, who my Grandfather has often referred to as "the ugliest man in sports," has seen his career drop recently (that would be an appropriate way to phrase the sentence: "he signed with the Giants"), and it brings questions to many why he hasn't retired yet. But I think yesterday we got our answer.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
3 Reasons Why the Magic Will Upset L.A.
For those of you who wanted to see a Kobe-LeBron finals, the Orlando Magic sincerely apologize for interfering, but they're not done crashing the party just yet.
The Magic can win this series, I know that's a huge surprise to David Stern but the Magic have what it takes to win it all.
There are three reasons why I see the Magic winning this series, and they are:
1. Mickael Pietrus guarding Kobe. Pietrus did an admirable job on LeBron in the last series, and Kobe is easier to guard because he is not as big or strong as LeBron. I'm not saying he will shut down Kobe completely, because he didn't do that to LeBron, but he will slow him down and frustrate him.
2. The Lakers defending Dwight Howard. Who is going to stop him? Pau Gasol? No way, he's too soft of a defender. Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odum? Neither of them can keep up with him when he moves through the lane, they will both pick up copious amounts of fouls trying to guard him in the post.
3. The Magic play a European style that when they are locked in, they are impossible to slow down. They play through Dwight Howard, who will have outstanding numbers this series if he stays out of foul trouble, then they spread out and just unload from the perimeter. Every time Cleveland would go on a run against them, they would stop it immediately by lighting it up from outside.
As bad as this sounds for Kobe, I don't think he can win a title without Shaq. He needs that big-man companion, and he just doesn't have it in Gasol. I expect to see the Magic come through this year and give the Eastern Conference it's second straight championship.
The Magic can win this series, I know that's a huge surprise to David Stern but the Magic have what it takes to win it all.
There are three reasons why I see the Magic winning this series, and they are:
1. Mickael Pietrus guarding Kobe. Pietrus did an admirable job on LeBron in the last series, and Kobe is easier to guard because he is not as big or strong as LeBron. I'm not saying he will shut down Kobe completely, because he didn't do that to LeBron, but he will slow him down and frustrate him.
2. The Lakers defending Dwight Howard. Who is going to stop him? Pau Gasol? No way, he's too soft of a defender. Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odum? Neither of them can keep up with him when he moves through the lane, they will both pick up copious amounts of fouls trying to guard him in the post.
3. The Magic play a European style that when they are locked in, they are impossible to slow down. They play through Dwight Howard, who will have outstanding numbers this series if he stays out of foul trouble, then they spread out and just unload from the perimeter. Every time Cleveland would go on a run against them, they would stop it immediately by lighting it up from outside.
As bad as this sounds for Kobe, I don't think he can win a title without Shaq. He needs that big-man companion, and he just doesn't have it in Gasol. I expect to see the Magic come through this year and give the Eastern Conference it's second straight championship.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
And There Goes the Sweep
There will be no sweep in the Stanley Cup Finals this year. The Penguins made sure of that by protecting their home ice last night, winning 4-2.
They won, but Sidney Crosby is still MIA. He did have an assist last night, but he came out of the game with a rating of -1.
So Evgeni Malkin is continuing to prove that he is the best player on the team. He has five points (1 goal, 4 assists) already in the series.
Even after last nights game, I'm not convinced Pittsburgh can make this a close series. Yes, it is 2-1 right now, but when 2-1 becomes 3-1, no one is thinking seven games anymore. I picked the Wings for a reason, they're just too good and too smart for the Penguins.
The Penguins got a ton of goals against the Hurricanes that the worst defensive pair for the Wings would not have given up.
Red Wings Coach Mike Babcock has his team too prepared and too focused for a letdown over the next few games. I would not be shocked if they put Pittsburgh away in the next two games and ended up winning in five.
Oh, and if the fact of being down 2-1 isn't bad enough for the Penguins, they should be aware that Detroit has been doing it at times without their best skaters. Chris Osgood is staring at the Conn Smythe Trophy, as he is just two wins away from it.
They won, but Sidney Crosby is still MIA. He did have an assist last night, but he came out of the game with a rating of -1.
So Evgeni Malkin is continuing to prove that he is the best player on the team. He has five points (1 goal, 4 assists) already in the series.
Even after last nights game, I'm not convinced Pittsburgh can make this a close series. Yes, it is 2-1 right now, but when 2-1 becomes 3-1, no one is thinking seven games anymore. I picked the Wings for a reason, they're just too good and too smart for the Penguins.
The Penguins got a ton of goals against the Hurricanes that the worst defensive pair for the Wings would not have given up.
Red Wings Coach Mike Babcock has his team too prepared and too focused for a letdown over the next few games. I would not be shocked if they put Pittsburgh away in the next two games and ended up winning in five.
Oh, and if the fact of being down 2-1 isn't bad enough for the Penguins, they should be aware that Detroit has been doing it at times without their best skaters. Chris Osgood is staring at the Conn Smythe Trophy, as he is just two wins away from it.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Oh... What a Game.
I told you I would be sharing the experience of the NCAA Baseball Tournament with you, but unfortunately, I don't believe that words can do justice to the game I attended last night.
A five-run third inning for South Carolina gave the Gamecocks a commanding 6-0 lead over East Carolina, silencing the standing room only crowd at Clarke-LeClaire Stadium. Even to the most optimistic of fans (myself included), it looked like the Pirates would have to watch the rest of the tournament on television.
My friend standing next to me summed it up. "Only three months 'til football season." The Pirates also won a Conference-USA Championship on the gridiron.
But this is a university known for their 1991 Peach Bowl appearance, where they were down a ton in the second half, the crowd started chanting "We Believe" and the Pirates somehow came back to beat NC State 37-34. So how could you expect the Pirates to just give up?
After six innings, it was 7-4 Gamecocks, but the Pirates' pitching was struggling to keep East Carolina in the game. The pitching staff was depleted, this was their fifth game in three days and the started lasted less than three innings.
But the Pirates' bats continued to slug away, and after seven innings it was 7-6 and the stadium was roaring. The outfield fence was shaking. The area behind the outfield at Clarke-LeClaire Stadium is called "The Jungle." Usually reserved for students, so many tickets were sold that other fans were crammed in there too. You would have thought we had just won the game, or at least taken the lead, but we still trailed 7-6.
Oh but was the crowd silenced very quickly. Before the Pirates could get an out in the eighth, South Carolina right-fielder Jamie Bradley Jr. hit a rocket of a two-run shot to right center field to make it a 9-6 deficit after eight innings.
The Pirates defense made quick work of the Gamecocks' hitter in the top of the ninth and headed for the final frame, needing a miracle.
Due up for the Pirates were the 5, 6, and 7 spot hitters in the lineup. Usually the weaker part of their hitting. But back-to-back walks by Brandon Henderson and Dustin Harrington to start the inning brought the tying run to the plate. This brought the Pirate faithful to their feet, and started the "We Believe" chant.
Devin Harris stepped in the batter's box, already 2-3 on the day. He took a called-strike to start the at bat. And in a scene that looked like it had been taken straight out of a Disney movie, he hammered the 0-1 pitch to left-center field and into the jungle, just a few feet away from where I was standing.
To try and do justice to the scene out in The Jungle, think pandemonium, it was insane. And that home-run just tied the game, there was still work to be done.
Freshman pitcher Mike Wright, who had never gotten a win in his career (foreshadowing of course), pitched a scoreless tenth inning for the Pirates, and East Carolina was ready to win it in the bottom half of the inning.
With one out and the winning run on second base, guess who stepped up to the plate. Devin Harris who must be feeling like a million bucks at this point after tying the game in the ninth.
The at-bat seemed to last an hour, a 3-1 count to Harris that included quite a few pauses by the pitcher and batter. After a step-off by the pitcher, the pitch came in and wouldn't you know it, a rocket single up the middle forcing a close play at the plate. East Carolina's Kyle Roller slid into home plate just in front of a perfect throw from South Carolina center-fielder Whit Merrifield and the Pirates had won it!
An amazing game that now sends the Pirates off to Chapel Hill to play North Carolina, an in-state rival who they split their two meetings with this season. Game one is Saturday at noon, and will be shown on ESPNU. As always, I will give you recaps of the experience throughout the weekend.
A five-run third inning for South Carolina gave the Gamecocks a commanding 6-0 lead over East Carolina, silencing the standing room only crowd at Clarke-LeClaire Stadium. Even to the most optimistic of fans (myself included), it looked like the Pirates would have to watch the rest of the tournament on television.
My friend standing next to me summed it up. "Only three months 'til football season." The Pirates also won a Conference-USA Championship on the gridiron.
But this is a university known for their 1991 Peach Bowl appearance, where they were down a ton in the second half, the crowd started chanting "We Believe" and the Pirates somehow came back to beat NC State 37-34. So how could you expect the Pirates to just give up?
After six innings, it was 7-4 Gamecocks, but the Pirates' pitching was struggling to keep East Carolina in the game. The pitching staff was depleted, this was their fifth game in three days and the started lasted less than three innings.
But the Pirates' bats continued to slug away, and after seven innings it was 7-6 and the stadium was roaring. The outfield fence was shaking. The area behind the outfield at Clarke-LeClaire Stadium is called "The Jungle." Usually reserved for students, so many tickets were sold that other fans were crammed in there too. You would have thought we had just won the game, or at least taken the lead, but we still trailed 7-6.
Oh but was the crowd silenced very quickly. Before the Pirates could get an out in the eighth, South Carolina right-fielder Jamie Bradley Jr. hit a rocket of a two-run shot to right center field to make it a 9-6 deficit after eight innings.
The Pirates defense made quick work of the Gamecocks' hitter in the top of the ninth and headed for the final frame, needing a miracle.
Due up for the Pirates were the 5, 6, and 7 spot hitters in the lineup. Usually the weaker part of their hitting. But back-to-back walks by Brandon Henderson and Dustin Harrington to start the inning brought the tying run to the plate. This brought the Pirate faithful to their feet, and started the "We Believe" chant.
Devin Harris stepped in the batter's box, already 2-3 on the day. He took a called-strike to start the at bat. And in a scene that looked like it had been taken straight out of a Disney movie, he hammered the 0-1 pitch to left-center field and into the jungle, just a few feet away from where I was standing.
To try and do justice to the scene out in The Jungle, think pandemonium, it was insane. And that home-run just tied the game, there was still work to be done.
Freshman pitcher Mike Wright, who had never gotten a win in his career (foreshadowing of course), pitched a scoreless tenth inning for the Pirates, and East Carolina was ready to win it in the bottom half of the inning.
With one out and the winning run on second base, guess who stepped up to the plate. Devin Harris who must be feeling like a million bucks at this point after tying the game in the ninth.
The at-bat seemed to last an hour, a 3-1 count to Harris that included quite a few pauses by the pitcher and batter. After a step-off by the pitcher, the pitch came in and wouldn't you know it, a rocket single up the middle forcing a close play at the plate. East Carolina's Kyle Roller slid into home plate just in front of a perfect throw from South Carolina center-fielder Whit Merrifield and the Pirates had won it!
An amazing game that now sends the Pirates off to Chapel Hill to play North Carolina, an in-state rival who they split their two meetings with this season. Game one is Saturday at noon, and will be shown on ESPNU. As always, I will give you recaps of the experience throughout the weekend.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Regional Championship Preview
After 36 tough innings of college baseball, I will be attending nine more... in this round. East Carolina will play South Carolina in a winner take all Regional Championship tonight in Greenville.
The match-up will be the third time these two teams have played in the last three days. Each team has taken one game, and both have ended with a total of 14 runs (12-2, 8-6). The winner heads to the Super Regional, most likely to play North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
East Carolina split their two games with North Carolina, South Carolina did not play the Tar Heels this season.
Well I'm off to Clarke-LeClaire Stadium for the Regional Championship Game, check back tomorrow for results and observations.
The match-up will be the third time these two teams have played in the last three days. Each team has taken one game, and both have ended with a total of 14 runs (12-2, 8-6). The winner heads to the Super Regional, most likely to play North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
East Carolina split their two games with North Carolina, South Carolina did not play the Tar Heels this season.
Well I'm off to Clarke-LeClaire Stadium for the Regional Championship Game, check back tomorrow for results and observations.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
NCAA Baseball is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
We're now two days into the NCAA Division 1 Baseball Tournament, and my team has already lost. Luckily for East Carolina, this tournament is double-elimination. But if the Pirates hope to advance to the super-regional, they will need to win their next three games; two of them being today and one tomorrow.
After a 12-2 dismantling at the hands of South Carolina, ECU will play Binghamton at 2, and if they win, South Carolina at 6.
If they are to win both games today, they will play their fifth game in three days Monday against South Carolina, for a chance to advance. Rain postponed their Friday night game, moving it to Saturday morning at 10. They won that game 11-7 over Binghamton to advance in the winner's bracket.
The winner of the region will play the winner of the Chapel Hill region, which will likely be North Carolina. East Carolina and North Carolina split the two games this season, both teams winning at home.
Hopefully ECU can win their next three games and advance, but it will be a long shot. The way they played in their second game yesterday did not leave many fans optimistic, but today's a new day, it all depends on which ECU team shows up today and, hopefully, tomorrow.
After a 12-2 dismantling at the hands of South Carolina, ECU will play Binghamton at 2, and if they win, South Carolina at 6.
If they are to win both games today, they will play their fifth game in three days Monday against South Carolina, for a chance to advance. Rain postponed their Friday night game, moving it to Saturday morning at 10. They won that game 11-7 over Binghamton to advance in the winner's bracket.
The winner of the region will play the winner of the Chapel Hill region, which will likely be North Carolina. East Carolina and North Carolina split the two games this season, both teams winning at home.
Hopefully ECU can win their next three games and advance, but it will be a long shot. The way they played in their second game yesterday did not leave many fans optimistic, but today's a new day, it all depends on which ECU team shows up today and, hopefully, tomorrow.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Lakers, Kobe Secure Finals Spot
I was hoping to report to you all about Day 1 of the NCAA Baseball Tournament, but a band of thunderstorms ripped through the eastern part of North Carolina, knocking out power and postponing last night's game between East Carolina and Binghamton.
That game was moved to 10 a.m. this morning. East Carolina won 11-7 and will play South Carolina tonight at 6. Check back tomorrow where I will let you in on the experience.
As for the major event in the sporting world yesterday, the Lakers closed out the Nuggets in a game that was hardly interesting in the second half. That being the fault of the Nuggets who fell apart down the stretch, ending their season.
For the NBA, its a victory. Kobe will be in the Finals, now will LeBron's Cavaliers win their next two games and join them there? I wouldn't bet on it, but I've learned never to rule out King James, especially with the way he closed out game 5.
But as well as LeBron is playing, I see the Magic getting it done tonight. If Dwight Howard can keep from fouling out, Orlando will be tough to beat at home. I expecting a Lakers-Magic final.
That game was moved to 10 a.m. this morning. East Carolina won 11-7 and will play South Carolina tonight at 6. Check back tomorrow where I will let you in on the experience.
As for the major event in the sporting world yesterday, the Lakers closed out the Nuggets in a game that was hardly interesting in the second half. That being the fault of the Nuggets who fell apart down the stretch, ending their season.
For the NBA, its a victory. Kobe will be in the Finals, now will LeBron's Cavaliers win their next two games and join them there? I wouldn't bet on it, but I've learned never to rule out King James, especially with the way he closed out game 5.
But as well as LeBron is playing, I see the Magic getting it done tonight. If Dwight Howard can keep from fouling out, Orlando will be tough to beat at home. I expecting a Lakers-Magic final.
Friday, May 29, 2009
LeBron and Laodicean
On a night where King James drops a triple-double to propel his team to a ten point win over the Magic extending the series to game six.
A night where a game between the Twins and the Red Sox featured both team's starting catchers and managers getting ejected arguing calls in the same inning.
On a night full of NCAA Division 1 Softball Tournament games.
I was tuned to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Kavya Shivashankar of Virginia is your 2009 spelling bee champion, the new Akeelah if you will.
You know why I was watching the spelling bee? Because ESPN covered the first few rounds and the finals were on prime time ABC. I know what you're thinking... What was the deciding word? It was "Laodicean." It means lukewarm or indifferent in religion or politics. Try using that in a sentence at some point throughout the day.
Enough with the spelling bee for now. Today I'm off to Greenville, North Carolina for the first round of the NCAA Division 1 Baseball Tournament. For those of you who don't know, I am currently a student at East Carolina University, who will be hosting Binghamton, George Mason, and South Carolina this weekend.
Check back tomorrow for news and notes from Day 1 of baseball's big dance.
A night where a game between the Twins and the Red Sox featured both team's starting catchers and managers getting ejected arguing calls in the same inning.
On a night full of NCAA Division 1 Softball Tournament games.
I was tuned to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Kavya Shivashankar of Virginia is your 2009 spelling bee champion, the new Akeelah if you will.
You know why I was watching the spelling bee? Because ESPN covered the first few rounds and the finals were on prime time ABC. I know what you're thinking... What was the deciding word? It was "Laodicean." It means lukewarm or indifferent in religion or politics. Try using that in a sentence at some point throughout the day.
Enough with the spelling bee for now. Today I'm off to Greenville, North Carolina for the first round of the NCAA Division 1 Baseball Tournament. For those of you who don't know, I am currently a student at East Carolina University, who will be hosting Binghamton, George Mason, and South Carolina this weekend.
Check back tomorrow for news and notes from Day 1 of baseball's big dance.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Finals Rematch Great for NHL
The NHL got their wish: the most popular team in hockey, the Red Wings, will face Sid the Kid and the Penguins in a rematch of last year's Stanley Cup Finals in which the Wings won in six games.
The Pens will be fresh off their sweep of the Hurricanes, while Detroit is hoping to be healthy by the time game one rolls around.
Speaking of game one, congratulations to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman for actually doing something right, this is truly a rare occurrence. After all, he did cause the NHL to have a lock-out resulting in the loss of the 2004-05 season. Bettman had game one moved up to this Saturday, and will have game two on Sunday. A smart move to find time when the NBA Playoffs are off for a day.
To backtrack back to last night's game five between Detroit and Chicago, I must say it might have been the most interesting game of the playoffs. Yes, I know that Crosby and Ovechkin had hat-tricks in the same game, but defense wins championships, which is why I expect the Red Wings to take this finals series in no more than six games. Both Wings goalie Chris Osgood and Blackhawks goaltender Cristobal Huet were phenomenal. This could have easily been an offensive shoot-out, but both goalies stood on their heads time and time again. Christobal Huet made the save of the season with less than 15 seconds to go in regulation as he kicked his leg up while on his stomach to stone Detroit's Johan Franzen.
Darren Helm would eventually get the overtime winner giving Detroit a 2-1 win. Helm played an outstanding game. At one point while the Wings were short-handed, Helm carried the puck for 25 seconds while avoiding multiple Blackhawk defenders. He went under and around Chicago skaters and nearly scored on a wrap-around shot at the end of his shift. This resulted in a long standing ovation from the Detroit faithful.
It speaks volumes about Detroit that they won games five and six without their best forward in Pavel Datsyuk and their captain, Nicklas Lidstrom. They are the deepest team in the NHL.
So were two days away from the finals, can Sid the Kid and Evgeni Malkin stay hot and strip the cup from Hockeytown? I don't think so, but the games aren't played on paper. The fans are in for a treat over the next week or so to watch the two most talented teams in hockey square off with the ultimate prize on the line.
The Pens will be fresh off their sweep of the Hurricanes, while Detroit is hoping to be healthy by the time game one rolls around.
Speaking of game one, congratulations to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman for actually doing something right, this is truly a rare occurrence. After all, he did cause the NHL to have a lock-out resulting in the loss of the 2004-05 season. Bettman had game one moved up to this Saturday, and will have game two on Sunday. A smart move to find time when the NBA Playoffs are off for a day.
To backtrack back to last night's game five between Detroit and Chicago, I must say it might have been the most interesting game of the playoffs. Yes, I know that Crosby and Ovechkin had hat-tricks in the same game, but defense wins championships, which is why I expect the Red Wings to take this finals series in no more than six games. Both Wings goalie Chris Osgood and Blackhawks goaltender Cristobal Huet were phenomenal. This could have easily been an offensive shoot-out, but both goalies stood on their heads time and time again. Christobal Huet made the save of the season with less than 15 seconds to go in regulation as he kicked his leg up while on his stomach to stone Detroit's Johan Franzen.
Darren Helm would eventually get the overtime winner giving Detroit a 2-1 win. Helm played an outstanding game. At one point while the Wings were short-handed, Helm carried the puck for 25 seconds while avoiding multiple Blackhawk defenders. He went under and around Chicago skaters and nearly scored on a wrap-around shot at the end of his shift. This resulted in a long standing ovation from the Detroit faithful.
It speaks volumes about Detroit that they won games five and six without their best forward in Pavel Datsyuk and their captain, Nicklas Lidstrom. They are the deepest team in the NHL.
So were two days away from the finals, can Sid the Kid and Evgeni Malkin stay hot and strip the cup from Hockeytown? I don't think so, but the games aren't played on paper. The fans are in for a treat over the next week or so to watch the two most talented teams in hockey square off with the ultimate prize on the line.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
And Then There Were Three
In the first minute and 36 seconds, I can honestly say that I felt like a genius. Eric Staal scored on a wrap-around beating Fleury and giving the 'Canes an early lead. If you read an earlier post of mine, "Where's the Heart 'Canes?," you might recall that I predicted Staal would light the lamp.
A friend of mine before the series made an over/under bet with me regarding the number of points Eric Cole (who went the whole playoffs without a goal) and Rod Brind'Amour (who has found himself playing very limited minutes) would tally in the series. He said the number was three, and I, being the optimistic fan that I am, went with the over- meaning they would have to combine for four points.
Sure enough on Staal's goal, Eric Cole was given an assist, giving him and Brind'Amour a combined four assists for the series. So obviously at that point, I was feeling pretty good.
But of course the Penguins would storm back. Goals by Ruslan Fedotenko and Max Talbot sent the teams to the locker room with a 2-1 lead for Pittsburgh.
From there, it is appropriate to call the rest of the game, "The Marc-Andre Fleury Show." The 'Canes had tons of chances to score and tie the game up but just couldn't get past Fleury.
Then veteran Bill Guerin would deliver the goal that ended just about all hope of a comeback. An empty netter by former 'Cane Craig Adams would add insult to injury with just over a minute left.
The Penguins would go on to take the Prince of Whales Trophy for winning the Eastern Conference, and are ready to face most likely the Red Wings, who lead the series 3-1, but never count out a young and talented Blackhawks squad.
As for the Hurricanes, in the words of Leon of Cleveland's WEWS, "That's the way it goes sometimes. As dad always said, 'we'll get them next year.'"
A friend of mine before the series made an over/under bet with me regarding the number of points Eric Cole (who went the whole playoffs without a goal) and Rod Brind'Amour (who has found himself playing very limited minutes) would tally in the series. He said the number was three, and I, being the optimistic fan that I am, went with the over- meaning they would have to combine for four points.
Sure enough on Staal's goal, Eric Cole was given an assist, giving him and Brind'Amour a combined four assists for the series. So obviously at that point, I was feeling pretty good.
But of course the Penguins would storm back. Goals by Ruslan Fedotenko and Max Talbot sent the teams to the locker room with a 2-1 lead for Pittsburgh.
From there, it is appropriate to call the rest of the game, "The Marc-Andre Fleury Show." The 'Canes had tons of chances to score and tie the game up but just couldn't get past Fleury.
Then veteran Bill Guerin would deliver the goal that ended just about all hope of a comeback. An empty netter by former 'Cane Craig Adams would add insult to injury with just over a minute left.
The Penguins would go on to take the Prince of Whales Trophy for winning the Eastern Conference, and are ready to face most likely the Red Wings, who lead the series 3-1, but never count out a young and talented Blackhawks squad.
As for the Hurricanes, in the words of Leon of Cleveland's WEWS, "That's the way it goes sometimes. As dad always said, 'we'll get them next year.'"
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Can They Live Up to the Hype?
The Kobe-LeBron NBA Finals has been hyped so much, that one cannot watch an NBA game without seeing the Vitamin Water commercial where people are debating whose better. These whole playoffs have been dedicated to getting a Lakers-Cavaliers all-star showdown for the ages.
Following a 120-101 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Kobe Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a 2-2 deadlock in the Western Conference Finals.
Across the country, LeBron James and the Cavaliers trail their Eastern conference Finals series 2-1 to the Orlando Magic.
See the problem?
The Lakers should be okay, they now are in a best of 3 series with the Nuggets and 2 of the 3 games are at the Staples Center. But that's not a guarantee, the Nuggets have shown they can win on the road, and after last night's 19 point win over L.A., they feel they can win this series.
The Cavaliers on the other-hand? They're in trouble. Yes, they are only down 2 games to 1, but if LeBron's "shot that saved Cleveland" miracle 3-pointer doesn't roll in, they are in an 0-3 hole. Orlando has flat-out out-played the Cavaliers, and LeBron is receiving no help from his teammates.
That being said, it might just not be LeBron's time to win a championship. Yes, he is the best player in the NBA right now, he just doesn't have the help to carry him all the way. Maybe the Cavs will make a few good moves during the off-season to help LeBron and next year will be the year for King James to face Kobe in a legendary finals, but I think that this year it is just not meant to be.
Following a 120-101 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Kobe Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a 2-2 deadlock in the Western Conference Finals.
Across the country, LeBron James and the Cavaliers trail their Eastern conference Finals series 2-1 to the Orlando Magic.
See the problem?
The Lakers should be okay, they now are in a best of 3 series with the Nuggets and 2 of the 3 games are at the Staples Center. But that's not a guarantee, the Nuggets have shown they can win on the road, and after last night's 19 point win over L.A., they feel they can win this series.
The Cavaliers on the other-hand? They're in trouble. Yes, they are only down 2 games to 1, but if LeBron's "shot that saved Cleveland" miracle 3-pointer doesn't roll in, they are in an 0-3 hole. Orlando has flat-out out-played the Cavaliers, and LeBron is receiving no help from his teammates.
That being said, it might just not be LeBron's time to win a championship. Yes, he is the best player in the NBA right now, he just doesn't have the help to carry him all the way. Maybe the Cavs will make a few good moves during the off-season to help LeBron and next year will be the year for King James to face Kobe in a legendary finals, but I think that this year it is just not meant to be.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Video of the Week!
Check out the scene from Cleveland News station WEWS, who are taping live when LeBron James scores with 1 second left to win game 2 for the Cavaliers.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Come On Ref, Let the Boys Play!
Happy Memorial Day Everyone! Hope you enjoy your day off, while remembering why we have this holiday!
On his quest for his first NBA championship of his career, LeBron James finds himself down 2 games to 1 to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals. Nicknamed "King James," he is going to need some assistance if he wants to reach the NBA finals.
In Cleveland's 99-89 loss to Orlando Sunday night, the Cavaliers shot just 26-36 from the free throw line, just 74 percent. The Magic on the other hand, 39-51, for 76 percent. The officials have done their best to keep the game under control, and when 87 free throws are attempted in a game, it is easy to say that they have accomplished that. But when will NBA officials just let the boys play? LeBron himself shot 24 free throws, 18 of his 41 points came from the line. And Orlando's star player, Dwight Howard, was 14-19 at the line.
In a game where three players fouled out (Howard being one of them), and all three being centers, has it become impossible to play strong defense without fouling? Cleveland Coach Mike Brown said that the defensive strategy on Howard was to just foul him every time he went up for a dunk because the foul was going to be called anyway. Every Cleveland starter had at least 3 fouls in the game.
This needs to be stopped, 87 free throws in a 48 minute game is too many. Hopefully game 4 (Tuesday night in Orlando) will flow better and have less than 58 fouls called, well make that 60, if you include the technical fouls called on Howard and Cleveland's Delonte West. The game time for game three was 2 hours, 57 minutes. How can it take nearly three hours to play a 48 minute game?
The NBA Playoffs: Where an amazing amount of fouls happen.
On his quest for his first NBA championship of his career, LeBron James finds himself down 2 games to 1 to the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals. Nicknamed "King James," he is going to need some assistance if he wants to reach the NBA finals.
In Cleveland's 99-89 loss to Orlando Sunday night, the Cavaliers shot just 26-36 from the free throw line, just 74 percent. The Magic on the other hand, 39-51, for 76 percent. The officials have done their best to keep the game under control, and when 87 free throws are attempted in a game, it is easy to say that they have accomplished that. But when will NBA officials just let the boys play? LeBron himself shot 24 free throws, 18 of his 41 points came from the line. And Orlando's star player, Dwight Howard, was 14-19 at the line.
In a game where three players fouled out (Howard being one of them), and all three being centers, has it become impossible to play strong defense without fouling? Cleveland Coach Mike Brown said that the defensive strategy on Howard was to just foul him every time he went up for a dunk because the foul was going to be called anyway. Every Cleveland starter had at least 3 fouls in the game.
This needs to be stopped, 87 free throws in a 48 minute game is too many. Hopefully game 4 (Tuesday night in Orlando) will flow better and have less than 58 fouls called, well make that 60, if you include the technical fouls called on Howard and Cleveland's Delonte West. The game time for game three was 2 hours, 57 minutes. How can it take nearly three hours to play a 48 minute game?
The NBA Playoffs: Where an amazing amount of fouls happen.
Another Conference Finals Game: Another Blow-Out
When NBC signed on for Game 4 of the NHL Western Conference Finals they felt that they were going to be broadcasting a breath-taking game between the Red Wings and Blackhawks. What they got, was anything but breath-taking.
On the heels of back-to-back overtime thrillers in the series, a Blackhawks win would tie the series at 2 games a piece heading back to Hockeytown. Instead, the Red Wings dominated in all phases of the game, resulting in a 6-1 victory giving them a 3 games to 1 series lead.
The blow-out has been a common theme in the NHL conference finals. In the 7 games played so far in this round, 4 have been decided by 3 or more goals. And consequently, the Red Wings lead their series 3-1, and Penguins lead the Hurricanes 3-0 and will look to close the door on the 'Canes tomorrow night.
One could ask, "where is the parity?" With a rematch of last year's Stanley Cup Finals lurking, when will another team step up? Neither the Red Wings or the Penguins finished first in their conference in the regular season. The Wings finished second behind President's Trophy winner San Jose, and Pittsburgh finished fourth in the East, with Boston finishing first. But San Jose lost in thee first round to the Ducks, and Boston saw their season end in the second round to Carolina.
So here we sit, days away from what seems to be the inevitable, a rematch of the Penguins and Red Wings. So I ask, can the Blackhawks take the next four from experienced Detroit? Or can the "Cardiac 'Canes" pull the biggest miracle series win since 1975 and come back from 3 games to none? We'll find out soon.
On the heels of back-to-back overtime thrillers in the series, a Blackhawks win would tie the series at 2 games a piece heading back to Hockeytown. Instead, the Red Wings dominated in all phases of the game, resulting in a 6-1 victory giving them a 3 games to 1 series lead.
The blow-out has been a common theme in the NHL conference finals. In the 7 games played so far in this round, 4 have been decided by 3 or more goals. And consequently, the Red Wings lead their series 3-1, and Penguins lead the Hurricanes 3-0 and will look to close the door on the 'Canes tomorrow night.
One could ask, "where is the parity?" With a rematch of last year's Stanley Cup Finals lurking, when will another team step up? Neither the Red Wings or the Penguins finished first in their conference in the regular season. The Wings finished second behind President's Trophy winner San Jose, and Pittsburgh finished fourth in the East, with Boston finishing first. But San Jose lost in thee first round to the Ducks, and Boston saw their season end in the second round to Carolina.
So here we sit, days away from what seems to be the inevitable, a rematch of the Penguins and Red Wings. So I ask, can the Blackhawks take the next four from experienced Detroit? Or can the "Cardiac 'Canes" pull the biggest miracle series win since 1975 and come back from 3 games to none? We'll find out soon.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Where's the heart, 'Canes?
Every NHL season brings a new underdog team that attempts to play the role of Cinderella and bring a Stanley Cup home for their fans. Up to this point, it had seemed that this year's team was the 6th seeded Carolina Hurricanes. After back-to-back miracle series wins over New Jersey and top-seeded Boston, Hurricanes fans (locally referred to as "Caniacs") were excited for a chance to play the Pittsburgh Penguins for a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals. Now, it is safe to say that the excitement has turned to disgust.
Three games in, and the 'Canes find themselves down three games to none. Not only that, but they have been doubled in goals (16-8) and flat-out out-classed to this point in the series. Evgeni Malkin has been the best player on the ice with 6 goals and 3 assists, and the 'Canes have had no answer for the Russian who has posted a plus/minus rating of 5.
But maybe what has frustrated Caniacs the most is the way that the 'Canes have lost these three games. In game 1, (a 3-2 loss) the 'Canes were inches away from tying the score in the final seconds when Eric Staal (who remains goal-less for the series) managed to shoot the puck nearly parallel with the goal-line from just atop the goal crease. The puck wound up under Penguin goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and Pittsburgh held on for the win.
Games 2 and 3 followed a similar path. Both games were in reach for the 'Canes in the third period, only to lose by a large margin. In both games the 'Canes scored first in the third period.
In game 2, young winger Patrick Eaves scored for the 'Canes to tie the game at 4, only to collapse and fall 7-4.
In game 3, an early goal by winger Sergei Samsonov less than two minutes into the final period cut the Penguins lead to 3-2. Only to see a massive fall and drop the game 6-2.
The 'Canes will play for their season Monday night at the RBC Center. It is safe to say that the Caniacs will do their best to will their "Cardiac 'Canes" to victory and force a game 5 back in the Steel City. Look for a desperate squad in red to crash the net and go for broke to keep their season alive.
My prediction: Eric Staal finally finds the twine. Keep in mind that the 'Canes have not lost a game this post-season when Staal lights the lamp.
Three games in, and the 'Canes find themselves down three games to none. Not only that, but they have been doubled in goals (16-8) and flat-out out-classed to this point in the series. Evgeni Malkin has been the best player on the ice with 6 goals and 3 assists, and the 'Canes have had no answer for the Russian who has posted a plus/minus rating of 5.
But maybe what has frustrated Caniacs the most is the way that the 'Canes have lost these three games. In game 1, (a 3-2 loss) the 'Canes were inches away from tying the score in the final seconds when Eric Staal (who remains goal-less for the series) managed to shoot the puck nearly parallel with the goal-line from just atop the goal crease. The puck wound up under Penguin goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and Pittsburgh held on for the win.
Games 2 and 3 followed a similar path. Both games were in reach for the 'Canes in the third period, only to lose by a large margin. In both games the 'Canes scored first in the third period.
In game 2, young winger Patrick Eaves scored for the 'Canes to tie the game at 4, only to collapse and fall 7-4.
In game 3, an early goal by winger Sergei Samsonov less than two minutes into the final period cut the Penguins lead to 3-2. Only to see a massive fall and drop the game 6-2.
The 'Canes will play for their season Monday night at the RBC Center. It is safe to say that the Caniacs will do their best to will their "Cardiac 'Canes" to victory and force a game 5 back in the Steel City. Look for a desperate squad in red to crash the net and go for broke to keep their season alive.
My prediction: Eric Staal finally finds the twine. Keep in mind that the 'Canes have not lost a game this post-season when Staal lights the lamp.
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