There's a valued new center within the selection for that Knicks, plus an overhauled roster to choose the $800 million allocated to makeovers at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks have two new starters and 7 new gamers, varying from three newbies (Iman Shumpert, Josh Harrellson and Jerome Jordan) to a set of bumped-up geezers with two-and-a-half decades within the league together (Mike Bibby and Baron Davis). Energy forward Amare Stoudemire, who became a member of the Knicks last summer time, continues to be around the team a minimum of as lengthy just like any Knick except two, Bill Master and Jared Jeffries, and highlights this is basically the 3rd version from the Knicks previously year.
All of this upheaval has got the Knicks-a team that barely finished much better than .500 this past year, the very first time New You are able to were built with a winning record in ten years-striving full of the East. But what hasn’t transformed is when the Knicks are likely to elevate themselves in to the elite from the conference, the celts is going to be their first obstacle. In the end, Boston has won four straight Atlantic Division game titles and, such as the sweep from the Knicks within the 2010 nfl playoffs this past year, the celts went 18-2 against New You are able to for the reason that span.
However in the growing season opener at Madison Square Garden on Christmas Day, the Knicks got the hop on Boston having a thrilling 106-104 win that saw Boston rally from the 17-point first-half deficit, then a Knicks rally from the 10-point 4th-quarter hole.
It had been also a game title marked by bad bloodstream. After Celtics forward Kevin Garnett skipped the overall game-tying shot as time passes expiring, he required exception towards the celebration of former teammate Bill Master-Garnett contacted Master and jammed his open hands into Walker’s throat, prior to being pressed away by Knicks guard Baron Davis, who had been by helping cover their a poor back as well as in street clothes. Garnett can get a phone call in the commissioner’s office, and perhaps a suspension.
“It’s likely to be a competition now,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni stated. “They will not down again and that we will not down again. Anything, it will be nice it will be considered a great series together since they're an excellent team and well-trained. You want to reach their level and that we think we are able to make it happen.”
That might be a perfect situation for that league, which hasn’t seen the type of New You are able to-Boston competition the Major league baseball and National football league have because the times of Red-colored Auerbach and Red-colored Holzman. Before last season, the celts and Knicks hadn't met within the 2010 nfl playoffs since 1990, once the Ray Bird-era Celtics were enroute lower and also the Pat Riley Knicks were climbing. When the Knicks are just like they believe they may be this season, both of these teams could come up with quite an entertaining series, and definitely could meet again within the 2010 nfl playoffs.
But exactly how good the Knicks can reasonably be for the short term is definitely an open question. Adding Chandler-who had six blocks-towards the core of Anthony May and Stoudemire is definitely an apparent boost as to the would be a terrible defense. And getting Anthony (17 of his 37 points arrived the 4th quarter) has become a advantage for D’Antoni at the end of-and-tight situations. Where, in last year’s 2010 nfl playoffs, the veteran Celtics frequently demonstrated better 4th-quarter execution, the Knicks were far better within the 4th on Sunday.
“Every time we play an excellent team like Boston, it will compete like this,” Anthony stated. “They wish to win, you want to win. This past year is past. This can be a new beginning for all of us.”
However the Celtics can chalk this as a game title which was coughed away-they blew a double-digit lead within the 4th, and coach Doc Rivers stated he earned a tactical error by not more aggressive to keep the ball from Anthony for the reason that quarter. The Celts shot themselves within the feet by being released sluggish within the first half by carrying out 18 turnovers, and also to top that, these were playing without star forward Paul Pierce, sidelined having a bruised heel.
When the Knicks will be to achieve the amount the celts have been receiving within the last 4 years, they will have to address some glaring weak points uncovered by Boston. Point guard Rajon Rondo shredded the Knicks defense, with 31 points and 13 assists, and protecting that position is a problem all season-the 2 point pads who didn't play for that Knicks on Saturday, Davis and Mike Bibby, are hardly defensive stalwarts. Furthermore, Knicks point guard Toney Douglas isn't a place guard, and it is having to take part in the place since the team cut Chauncey Billups to create cap room for Chandler.
And depth is definitely an apparent problem. The Knicks lost Shumpert for any couple of days having a knee injuries on Sunday, and Jeffries for one or two weeks having a calf injuries. The Knicks bench just can’t handle injuries like this-they’ll need to use the kind of Harrellson and Master his or her top reserves. The Celtics’ second unit, brought by forward Brandon Bass (20 points and 11 rebounds), recorded 32 points and 21 rebounds to simply 15 points (11 by Shumpert) and 10 rebounds through the Knicks bench.
Still, the Knicks are demonstrably much better than they’ve lately been. They needed the conquer the celts badly, required to establish some kind of early qualifications inside the division. Before today, this competition continues to be decidedly one-on the sides. That gap, though, is closing. “We wanted to create a statement,” guard Landry Fields stated. “Not simply to their team but to inside us this primary game, and develop that.”
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Bulls beat Opposing team 88-87 behind Rose's basket with 4.8 seconds left
Derrick Rose's runner within the lane with 4.8 seconds left assigned an attractive comeback because the Bulls downed the Opposing team 88-87 in Sunday's season opener at Staples Center.
Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah blocked Kobe Bryant's shot in the buzzer to secure the victory.
The Bulls trailed 85-77 with 2 minutes remaining.
Rose brought the Bulls with 22 points. Luol Deng added 21.
Kobe Bryant brought the Opposing team with 28 points, together with a difficult fallaway jumper with 54.6 seconds remaining to push charge to 6. Noah had unsuccessful to secure the defensive rebound around the second of Josh McRoberts' two skipped free throws, losing the ball from bounds, to setup that possession.
Deng managed to get a 1-possession game by getting their own rebound and transforming a 3-point have fun with 45.1 seconds left. Deng then drawn the Bulls within one with 20.4 seconds remaining by looking into making two free throws after Bryant fouled him on the rebound of Bryant's miss.
Rose did not score until sinking a jumper soon after checking in carrying out a close-to-eight-minute relaxation with 6 minutes, 57 seconds left within the first half. He sank two 2-pointers late within the half and obtained 10 to tie Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng for team-high honors because the Bulls built a 56-49 halftime lead.
Hamilton acquired two fouls protecting Kobe Bryant before three minutes had passed within the first quarter. He first obtained on the baseline jumper with 7:37 left within the half and handle the half with four points.
Omer Asik and C.J. Watson, who also sank two 3-pointers, performed rich the bench as Joakim Noah also suffered foul trouble.
Deng closed the very first half in strong fashion, sinking a 3-pointer in the corner and transforming a 3-point-experience a quick-break feed from Rose with 1.4 seconds remaining.
Before the overall game, Opposing team coach Mike Brown seemed concerned about Rose. And Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau fretted about Kobe Bryant. Seemed such as the lockout has ended and it is time for that National basketball association season opener.
"He's so quick and explosive," Brown stated of Rose. "He's clearly very sports and intelligent, a tough worker. It will not be one guy to remain in front of him. It will likely be a team effort."
Thibodeau stated similar words about Bryant, who was simply shooting left-handed used due to the torn ligament in the right wrist and can indeed shoot right-handed.
"When you are protecting Kobe, it needs to be we,Inch Thibodeau stated. "You cannot guard a man like this individually. We must lead him to work however, you can't overcommit because he's this type of great passer."
Hamilton began on Bryant.
"Watching him within the preseason, he appears like he's restored energy on finishes," Brown stated of Hamilton. "This team is really a deep team. They are very, perfectly trained. Don't search for their season to finish in the near future.Inch
Taj Gibson and Joakim Noah blocked Kobe Bryant's shot in the buzzer to secure the victory.
The Bulls trailed 85-77 with 2 minutes remaining.
Rose brought the Bulls with 22 points. Luol Deng added 21.
Kobe Bryant brought the Opposing team with 28 points, together with a difficult fallaway jumper with 54.6 seconds remaining to push charge to 6. Noah had unsuccessful to secure the defensive rebound around the second of Josh McRoberts' two skipped free throws, losing the ball from bounds, to setup that possession.
Deng managed to get a 1-possession game by getting their own rebound and transforming a 3-point have fun with 45.1 seconds left. Deng then drawn the Bulls within one with 20.4 seconds remaining by looking into making two free throws after Bryant fouled him on the rebound of Bryant's miss.
Rose did not score until sinking a jumper soon after checking in carrying out a close-to-eight-minute relaxation with 6 minutes, 57 seconds left within the first half. He sank two 2-pointers late within the half and obtained 10 to tie Carlos Boozer and Luol Deng for team-high honors because the Bulls built a 56-49 halftime lead.
Hamilton acquired two fouls protecting Kobe Bryant before three minutes had passed within the first quarter. He first obtained on the baseline jumper with 7:37 left within the half and handle the half with four points.
Omer Asik and C.J. Watson, who also sank two 3-pointers, performed rich the bench as Joakim Noah also suffered foul trouble.
Deng closed the very first half in strong fashion, sinking a 3-pointer in the corner and transforming a 3-point-experience a quick-break feed from Rose with 1.4 seconds remaining.
Before the overall game, Opposing team coach Mike Brown seemed concerned about Rose. And Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau fretted about Kobe Bryant. Seemed such as the lockout has ended and it is time for that National basketball association season opener.
"He's so quick and explosive," Brown stated of Rose. "He's clearly very sports and intelligent, a tough worker. It will not be one guy to remain in front of him. It will likely be a team effort."
Thibodeau stated similar words about Bryant, who was simply shooting left-handed used due to the torn ligament in the right wrist and can indeed shoot right-handed.
"When you are protecting Kobe, it needs to be we,Inch Thibodeau stated. "You cannot guard a man like this individually. We must lead him to work however, you can't overcommit because he's this type of great passer."
Hamilton began on Bryant.
"Watching him within the preseason, he appears like he's restored energy on finishes," Brown stated of Hamilton. "This team is really a deep team. They are very, perfectly trained. Don't search for their season to finish in the near future.Inch
Devin Hester in against Packers
Chicago Bears Pro Bowl return man Devin Hester is active Sunday night versus the Green Bay Packers despite sitting out practice this week due to an sore ankle.
Hester has been dealing with a variety of injuries the past month and half which has limited his impact in the return game. His last return touchdown came against the Lions on Nov. 13. Hester was listed as questionable heading into the Christmas night contest.
Meantime, running back Marion Barber is inactive because of an injured calf, so Kahlil Bell is expected to be the featured runner in the Bears backfield with Matt Forte still recovering from an MCL sprain.
Rookie quarterback Nathan Enderle is also inactive, which means Caleb Hanie is the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Josh McCown. Enderle, the club's 2011 fifth-round pick out of Idaho, has now failed to dress 11 times this year.
Other Bears' inactives include: Quarterback Jay Cutler, tackle Levi Horn, tight end Andre Smith and defensive tackle Anthony Adams.
The Packers' inactives are: Quarterback Graham Harrell, cornerback Davon House, linebacker Frank Zombo, tackles Bryan Bulaga and Chad Clifton, defensive end Ryan Pickett and wide receiver Greg Jennings.
Hester has been dealing with a variety of injuries the past month and half which has limited his impact in the return game. His last return touchdown came against the Lions on Nov. 13. Hester was listed as questionable heading into the Christmas night contest.
Meantime, running back Marion Barber is inactive because of an injured calf, so Kahlil Bell is expected to be the featured runner in the Bears backfield with Matt Forte still recovering from an MCL sprain.
Rookie quarterback Nathan Enderle is also inactive, which means Caleb Hanie is the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Josh McCown. Enderle, the club's 2011 fifth-round pick out of Idaho, has now failed to dress 11 times this year.
Other Bears' inactives include: Quarterback Jay Cutler, tackle Levi Horn, tight end Andre Smith and defensive tackle Anthony Adams.
The Packers' inactives are: Quarterback Graham Harrell, cornerback Davon House, linebacker Frank Zombo, tackles Bryan Bulaga and Chad Clifton, defensive end Ryan Pickett and wide receiver Greg Jennings.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Expect Rip Hamilton to take a turn guarding Kobe Bryant
Tom Thibodeau wouldn’t discuss who would guard the Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, who is expected to play Sunday despite tearing a ligament in his wrist.
The plan likely will include Rip Hamilton, whose length would be an asset in checking one of the league’s potent scoring threats.
“I enjoy it,” he said. “It’s fun because we’ve known each other since we were 16 playing on the same [AAU] team and getting an opportunity to play [against each other] in high school and in the finals.”
Hamilton doesn’t think Bryant’s wrist will be a factor. After all, Bryant played all 82 games last season despite nursing an ailing knee.
“When the ball is thrown up, a lot of guys are able to tune that out, to go ahead and compete,” he said. “So you can’t ever look at that as a disadvantage.”
Rotation
Thibodeau said he’s fairly set on the Bulls’ rotation, but the players aren’t focused on the minutes.
“As players, we don’t go into the game focused on that,” Ronnie Brewer said. “I feel like whenever our name is called by Thibs, we’re ready and we’re ready to perform to the best of our ability.”
New-look Lakers
The Lakers traded forward
Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks at the beginning of training camp, and center Andrew Bynum will serve the first of a four-game suspension Sunday for body-slamming Mavs guard J.J. Barea in the playoffs last season.
“They have great depth and are experienced,” Thibodeau said. “Look at guys like [Steve] Blake and [Troy] Murphy and [Josh] McRoberts, [Matt] Barnes. Those guys have been through a lot of different situations.”
The plan likely will include Rip Hamilton, whose length would be an asset in checking one of the league’s potent scoring threats.
“I enjoy it,” he said. “It’s fun because we’ve known each other since we were 16 playing on the same [AAU] team and getting an opportunity to play [against each other] in high school and in the finals.”
Hamilton doesn’t think Bryant’s wrist will be a factor. After all, Bryant played all 82 games last season despite nursing an ailing knee.
“When the ball is thrown up, a lot of guys are able to tune that out, to go ahead and compete,” he said. “So you can’t ever look at that as a disadvantage.”
Rotation
Thibodeau said he’s fairly set on the Bulls’ rotation, but the players aren’t focused on the minutes.
“As players, we don’t go into the game focused on that,” Ronnie Brewer said. “I feel like whenever our name is called by Thibs, we’re ready and we’re ready to perform to the best of our ability.”
New-look Lakers
The Lakers traded forward
Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks at the beginning of training camp, and center Andrew Bynum will serve the first of a four-game suspension Sunday for body-slamming Mavs guard J.J. Barea in the playoffs last season.
“They have great depth and are experienced,” Thibodeau said. “Look at guys like [Steve] Blake and [Troy] Murphy and [Josh] McRoberts, [Matt] Barnes. Those guys have been through a lot of different situations.”
Deflections and Lundqvist Send Rangers Past Flyers and Into Division Lead
Stu Bickel played the third game of his N.H.L. career Friday night, dressing as a defenseman for the Rangers, a team that has been running low on defensemen. He ended the game without a goal, and his face was battered and bloody.
But Bickel, recalled Dec. 18 from Connecticut to patch a hole in the lineup, made as much of a contribution as anyone in the Rangers’ 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden by taking two similar shots in a six-minute span of the second period that were tipped in by teammates.
“They were giving us that lane all night,” Bickel said, sounding like a veteran. “We exposed it a little bit.”
The two goals, by Derek Stepan and Ruslan Fedotenko, broke a scoreless tie and propelled the Rangers to their fourth straight victory. The run includes three wins in a four-day stretch against the Devils, the Islanders and the Flyers, all Atlantic Division opponents.
By winning for the 11th time in 15 games, the Rangers (21-8-4) took over first place in the division from the Flyers (21-9-4). That may not mean as much on Christmas Eve as it would in, say, early April, but the crowd at the Garden got to chant, “First place!” near the end of the game.
“I think this year, we demand more of ourselves in the room here,” said goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who stopped 28 of 30 shots and outplayed his Philadelphia counterpart, Ilya Bryzgalov. “We have more skill, and more guys who compete for spots now, so you can’t afford a bad night.”
Marian Gaborik added a goal, his 21st of the season, on a third-period breakaway, and Ryan Callahan polished off the victory by scoring on a power play. But Bickel helped the Rangers grab the lead by taking part in two goals that were not exactly highlight-worthy.
Stepan scored his eighth goal of the season at 10 minutes 18 seconds of the second period after Bickel took a shot from the right point that sailed toward Bryzgalov. Stepan squirted away from Flyers defenseman Matt Carle and raised his stick toward the puck, then hit it.
“We don’t have the prettiest game,” said Callahan, the Rangers’ captain.
The puck skipped under Bryzgalov’s glove and into the goal. Because Stepan had his stick raised, the play was reviewed. But the goal stood, and the Rangers had a 1-0 lead that seemed bigger.
They doubled the lead at 15:35 of the second period on another deflected goal, this one by Fedotenko. Bickel took another shot from the right point, and Fedotenko chipped it past Bryzgalov. The puck hit the back of the net and popped out.
Play was stopped again for a replay review, and an overhead camera shot showed the puck clearly entering the goal before rebounding out. Fedotenko smiled and whooped when his fifth goal of the season was confirmed. It was his first in 10 games.
“I think that second goal probably hurt when you aren’t having luck offensively against a team and you aren’t dropping goals the way you want,” said Philadelphia Coach Peter Laviolette, whose team has scored only eight goals in its past four games.
The boisterous capacity crowd passed time early in the game booing the former Rangers captain Jaromir Jagr every time he touched the puck. Philadelphia forced play in the Rangers’ zone, taking the first six shots of the game.
But the Rangers killed off an early tripping penalty on Brandon Dubinsky, and defenseman Anton Stralman, another fill-in playing because of an injury, enlivened the crowd by plastering Flyers defenseman Marc-Andre Bourdon with a hip check into the boards near center ice.
“I didn’t know who he was when we got him,” Rangers Coach John Tortorella said of Stralman, whom the Rangers signed as a free agent on Nov. 5, “and when I saw him, I didn’t like him.”
The Rangers are winning anyway, and Lundqvist said he could enjoy a short holiday break before the team resumes the season Monday at home against the Islanders. The Rangers will see the Flyers again soon enough — on Jan. 2 at the Winter Classic in Philadelphia — and the season will grind on.
“When you get to March and April, those points are hard to come by,” Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto said. “There are so many points you can get at this time of year, and you have to take advantage of them.”
But Bickel, recalled Dec. 18 from Connecticut to patch a hole in the lineup, made as much of a contribution as anyone in the Rangers’ 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden by taking two similar shots in a six-minute span of the second period that were tipped in by teammates.
“They were giving us that lane all night,” Bickel said, sounding like a veteran. “We exposed it a little bit.”
The two goals, by Derek Stepan and Ruslan Fedotenko, broke a scoreless tie and propelled the Rangers to their fourth straight victory. The run includes three wins in a four-day stretch against the Devils, the Islanders and the Flyers, all Atlantic Division opponents.
By winning for the 11th time in 15 games, the Rangers (21-8-4) took over first place in the division from the Flyers (21-9-4). That may not mean as much on Christmas Eve as it would in, say, early April, but the crowd at the Garden got to chant, “First place!” near the end of the game.
“I think this year, we demand more of ourselves in the room here,” said goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, who stopped 28 of 30 shots and outplayed his Philadelphia counterpart, Ilya Bryzgalov. “We have more skill, and more guys who compete for spots now, so you can’t afford a bad night.”
Marian Gaborik added a goal, his 21st of the season, on a third-period breakaway, and Ryan Callahan polished off the victory by scoring on a power play. But Bickel helped the Rangers grab the lead by taking part in two goals that were not exactly highlight-worthy.
Stepan scored his eighth goal of the season at 10 minutes 18 seconds of the second period after Bickel took a shot from the right point that sailed toward Bryzgalov. Stepan squirted away from Flyers defenseman Matt Carle and raised his stick toward the puck, then hit it.
“We don’t have the prettiest game,” said Callahan, the Rangers’ captain.
The puck skipped under Bryzgalov’s glove and into the goal. Because Stepan had his stick raised, the play was reviewed. But the goal stood, and the Rangers had a 1-0 lead that seemed bigger.
They doubled the lead at 15:35 of the second period on another deflected goal, this one by Fedotenko. Bickel took another shot from the right point, and Fedotenko chipped it past Bryzgalov. The puck hit the back of the net and popped out.
Play was stopped again for a replay review, and an overhead camera shot showed the puck clearly entering the goal before rebounding out. Fedotenko smiled and whooped when his fifth goal of the season was confirmed. It was his first in 10 games.
“I think that second goal probably hurt when you aren’t having luck offensively against a team and you aren’t dropping goals the way you want,” said Philadelphia Coach Peter Laviolette, whose team has scored only eight goals in its past four games.
The boisterous capacity crowd passed time early in the game booing the former Rangers captain Jaromir Jagr every time he touched the puck. Philadelphia forced play in the Rangers’ zone, taking the first six shots of the game.
But the Rangers killed off an early tripping penalty on Brandon Dubinsky, and defenseman Anton Stralman, another fill-in playing because of an injury, enlivened the crowd by plastering Flyers defenseman Marc-Andre Bourdon with a hip check into the boards near center ice.
“I didn’t know who he was when we got him,” Rangers Coach John Tortorella said of Stralman, whom the Rangers signed as a free agent on Nov. 5, “and when I saw him, I didn’t like him.”
The Rangers are winning anyway, and Lundqvist said he could enjoy a short holiday break before the team resumes the season Monday at home against the Islanders. The Rangers will see the Flyers again soon enough — on Jan. 2 at the Winter Classic in Philadelphia — and the season will grind on.
“When you get to March and April, those points are hard to come by,” Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto said. “There are so many points you can get at this time of year, and you have to take advantage of them.”
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Pittsburgh tabs Wisconsin assistant Paul Chryst as new mind coach
No proclamations. No promises of Large East game titles, or ACC ones for your matter. No preaching about commitment or even the benefits of the gimmicky if effective offense.
Paul Chryst doesn’t do self-promotion. All he is doing is coach football.
Positive thing, because following a year of turmoil, Pittsburgh needs which more than ever.
The Panthers hired the effective and plainspoken Wisconsin offensive coordinator on Thursday and billed him with supplying the once-proud program having a much-needed dose of stability.
Knowing by his first trip to his new gig, Chryst provided it in large quantities.
Calling Pitt a “destination job,” Chryst guaranteed only to get at work, a mantra which should resonate with both his gamers along with a fractured group of followers fed up with a 13-month training slide carousel.
“I do believe sturdy that which you do and never by what you say,” Chryst stated. “I’m not likely to crunches and talk here about who I'm. However I am really excited to roll-up our masturbator sleeves and do it with this particular number of gamers.”
Chryst replaces Todd Graham, who left for Arizona Condition a week ago after investing under annually on campus.
Graham’s graceless departure - he resigned once the Panthers wouldn’t permit him to speak with the sun's rays Demons and informed gamers he was departing via submitted text - was an awkward turn for any program that thought it saw it all around the this past year.
Rather, his abrupt re-locate west left the Panthers trying to find their 4th coach in only more than a year. Additionally, it opened up the doorway for Chryst, who had been within the mix when Pitt was searching for anyone to replace Dork Wannstedt and Mike Haywood last year.
Pitt elected for that fancy Graham, who arrived speaking about his “high octane” offense and left carrying out a disappointing 6-6 season.
This time around around, they opted for the candidate who had been so devoted to obtaining the job he volunteered to place a hefty buyout clause within the contract to make sure sports director Steve Pederson he is at it for that lengthy haul.
That feeling of commitment assisted put him outrageous. Chryst outperform Florida Worldwide coach Mario Cristobal and interim Ohio Condition coach Luke Fickell for the best to come back Pitt to prominence.
Would he have loved to find the position last year? Obviously. He is not worrying it required longer than he anticipated.
“I thought about being a mind coach when the situation was right, whether it would be a placed you could have confidence in, whether it would be a place that you simply felt fit what you are,” Chryst stated. “You didn’t need to compromise what you are and what you consider in (here). That’s what got me excited. If this chance presented itself, I needed to take part in this.”
Chryst met together with his gamers on Thursday morning before coming back to Wisconsin to assist lead the ninth-rated Badgers (11-2) in to the Rose Bowl.
Remaining at Wisconsin with the bowl game would be a “no brainer” for Chryst.
“You wish to finish by helping cover their your men,” Chryst stated.
It’s that type of attitude that made Chryst popular in Madison, in which the former Wisconsin quarterback molded the Badgers into an offensive giant.
Paul Chryst doesn’t do self-promotion. All he is doing is coach football.
Positive thing, because following a year of turmoil, Pittsburgh needs which more than ever.
The Panthers hired the effective and plainspoken Wisconsin offensive coordinator on Thursday and billed him with supplying the once-proud program having a much-needed dose of stability.
Knowing by his first trip to his new gig, Chryst provided it in large quantities.
Calling Pitt a “destination job,” Chryst guaranteed only to get at work, a mantra which should resonate with both his gamers along with a fractured group of followers fed up with a 13-month training slide carousel.
“I do believe sturdy that which you do and never by what you say,” Chryst stated. “I’m not likely to crunches and talk here about who I'm. However I am really excited to roll-up our masturbator sleeves and do it with this particular number of gamers.”
Chryst replaces Todd Graham, who left for Arizona Condition a week ago after investing under annually on campus.
Graham’s graceless departure - he resigned once the Panthers wouldn’t permit him to speak with the sun's rays Demons and informed gamers he was departing via submitted text - was an awkward turn for any program that thought it saw it all around the this past year.
Rather, his abrupt re-locate west left the Panthers trying to find their 4th coach in only more than a year. Additionally, it opened up the doorway for Chryst, who had been within the mix when Pitt was searching for anyone to replace Dork Wannstedt and Mike Haywood last year.
Pitt elected for that fancy Graham, who arrived speaking about his “high octane” offense and left carrying out a disappointing 6-6 season.
This time around around, they opted for the candidate who had been so devoted to obtaining the job he volunteered to place a hefty buyout clause within the contract to make sure sports director Steve Pederson he is at it for that lengthy haul.
That feeling of commitment assisted put him outrageous. Chryst outperform Florida Worldwide coach Mario Cristobal and interim Ohio Condition coach Luke Fickell for the best to come back Pitt to prominence.
Would he have loved to find the position last year? Obviously. He is not worrying it required longer than he anticipated.
“I thought about being a mind coach when the situation was right, whether it would be a placed you could have confidence in, whether it would be a place that you simply felt fit what you are,” Chryst stated. “You didn’t need to compromise what you are and what you consider in (here). That’s what got me excited. If this chance presented itself, I needed to take part in this.”
Chryst met together with his gamers on Thursday morning before coming back to Wisconsin to assist lead the ninth-rated Badgers (11-2) in to the Rose Bowl.
Remaining at Wisconsin with the bowl game would be a “no brainer” for Chryst.
“You wish to finish by helping cover their your men,” Chryst stated.
It’s that type of attitude that made Chryst popular in Madison, in which the former Wisconsin quarterback molded the Badgers into an offensive giant.
A.J. Allmendinger lands coveted Kurt Busch ride with Penske
A.J. Allmendinger is walking in to the chance a person can have, with Roger Penske employing the motive force to fill the best looking open chair in Dale earnhardt jr . - no. 22 Dodge.
The ride came free earlier this year when Penske Racing and Kurt Busch, the 2004 Sprint Cup champion, split carrying out a rocky season which was punctuated having a YouTube video that demonstrated Busch berating ESPN reporter Jerry Punch throughout the growing season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The discussions happened in under 24 hrs, based on Penske Racing Leader Tim Cindric, with Allmendinger rapidly going from the ride with no sponsor to among the top cars in NASCAR's premier series.
Allmendinger - who's winless in 152 Cup begins but is originating off work-best 15th-place points finish that incorporated top 10-10s - had just lost Best To Buy as sponsor for his No. 43 Ford at Richard Petty Motorsports. The electronics store introduced Tuesday it had been taking its business to Roush Fenway Racing to aid Matt Kenseth for nine races and Carl Edwards for 2.
"This happens to try and be among individuals top Sprint Cup motorists, and that is what I wish to do," Allmendinger stated Wednesday. "I seem like this will probably be where to get it done, and merely the way in which this organization is organized is completely amazing."
Allmendinger's employing, introduced Wednesday, takes Penske to his open-wheel roots.
The Los Gatos, Calif., native won outdoors-wheel Barber Dodge Professional Series title in 2002, the Toyota Atlantics championship in 2003 called the 2004 rookie of the season within the now defunct Champion Vehicle series. In 2005, he won five races and was third in Champion Vehicle in points. He became a member of the Cup circuit in 2007.
"I have always aspired to drive for Mr. Penske, therefore it is something which once the chance came about … I leaped right in internet marketing,Inch Allmendinger stated.
Spend-Pennzoil continues as primary sponsor from the No. 22 at Penske, that also utilizes Kaira Keselowski in the two-vehicle stable.
Keselowski rose to fame this year, recording three wins and finishing fifth within the final standings he was 25th the prior year.
"I believe that the.T. is actually likely to rely on Kaira (Keselowski) to understand what must be done to maneuver into this organization and become effective," Cindric stated. "And i believe Kaira is committed like a teammate to assist him get up to date as quickly as possible because he's certainly proven that he's devoted to making which happen.
"There is no better place to achieve that than (the Daytona 500), where you need to interact right from the start.Inch
Cindric established that Best Buy's departure at Revoltions per minute opened up the doorway for that team to seize Allmendinger. It absolutely was thought that David Ragan, who had been from a ride with Roush Fenway, would finish up driving no. 22.
Cindric confirmed the team also considered David Reutimann and John Vickers, both without Cup rides entering 2012, to do the job. He didn't reveal particulars from the contract.
"(Allmendinger) really wasn't somebody who we considered until really almost the eleventh hour," Cindric stated. "I suppose there is noise concerning the fact they may not have the ability to make things work (at Revoltions per minute). So when we sitting lower and checked out the men which were available along with a.T. - the on-track performance, if your perception, there's nobody there which has a better progression through his career."
(Allmendinger went from 36th in 2008 to 24th last year to 19th this year to 15th this year.)
Allmendinger is a straightforward-going driver, a stark contrast in the mercurial Busch, who continues to find a ride despite his on-track achievements, which this year incorporated two wins, three rods along with a Chase for that Cup berth.
Allmendinger, 30, understood he'd have large footwear to fill and attempted Wednesday to help keep anticipation under control.
"I am entering a race team that has lots of momentum, a business that has lots of momentum from the great solid year," Allmendinger stated. "And So I seem like the cars will be very good. It's much more about myself and (crew chief Todd Gordon) and also the race team gelling, and also the faster we are able to do this, the greater we are able to be in early stages.Inch
The ride came free earlier this year when Penske Racing and Kurt Busch, the 2004 Sprint Cup champion, split carrying out a rocky season which was punctuated having a YouTube video that demonstrated Busch berating ESPN reporter Jerry Punch throughout the growing season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The discussions happened in under 24 hrs, based on Penske Racing Leader Tim Cindric, with Allmendinger rapidly going from the ride with no sponsor to among the top cars in NASCAR's premier series.
Allmendinger - who's winless in 152 Cup begins but is originating off work-best 15th-place points finish that incorporated top 10-10s - had just lost Best To Buy as sponsor for his No. 43 Ford at Richard Petty Motorsports. The electronics store introduced Tuesday it had been taking its business to Roush Fenway Racing to aid Matt Kenseth for nine races and Carl Edwards for 2.
"This happens to try and be among individuals top Sprint Cup motorists, and that is what I wish to do," Allmendinger stated Wednesday. "I seem like this will probably be where to get it done, and merely the way in which this organization is organized is completely amazing."
Allmendinger's employing, introduced Wednesday, takes Penske to his open-wheel roots.
The Los Gatos, Calif., native won outdoors-wheel Barber Dodge Professional Series title in 2002, the Toyota Atlantics championship in 2003 called the 2004 rookie of the season within the now defunct Champion Vehicle series. In 2005, he won five races and was third in Champion Vehicle in points. He became a member of the Cup circuit in 2007.
"I have always aspired to drive for Mr. Penske, therefore it is something which once the chance came about … I leaped right in internet marketing,Inch Allmendinger stated.
Spend-Pennzoil continues as primary sponsor from the No. 22 at Penske, that also utilizes Kaira Keselowski in the two-vehicle stable.
Keselowski rose to fame this year, recording three wins and finishing fifth within the final standings he was 25th the prior year.
"I believe that the.T. is actually likely to rely on Kaira (Keselowski) to understand what must be done to maneuver into this organization and become effective," Cindric stated. "And i believe Kaira is committed like a teammate to assist him get up to date as quickly as possible because he's certainly proven that he's devoted to making which happen.
"There is no better place to achieve that than (the Daytona 500), where you need to interact right from the start.Inch
Cindric established that Best Buy's departure at Revoltions per minute opened up the doorway for that team to seize Allmendinger. It absolutely was thought that David Ragan, who had been from a ride with Roush Fenway, would finish up driving no. 22.
Cindric confirmed the team also considered David Reutimann and John Vickers, both without Cup rides entering 2012, to do the job. He didn't reveal particulars from the contract.
"(Allmendinger) really wasn't somebody who we considered until really almost the eleventh hour," Cindric stated. "I suppose there is noise concerning the fact they may not have the ability to make things work (at Revoltions per minute). So when we sitting lower and checked out the men which were available along with a.T. - the on-track performance, if your perception, there's nobody there which has a better progression through his career."
(Allmendinger went from 36th in 2008 to 24th last year to 19th this year to 15th this year.)
Allmendinger is a straightforward-going driver, a stark contrast in the mercurial Busch, who continues to find a ride despite his on-track achievements, which this year incorporated two wins, three rods along with a Chase for that Cup berth.
Allmendinger, 30, understood he'd have large footwear to fill and attempted Wednesday to help keep anticipation under control.
"I am entering a race team that has lots of momentum, a business that has lots of momentum from the great solid year," Allmendinger stated. "And So I seem like the cars will be very good. It's much more about myself and (crew chief Todd Gordon) and also the race team gelling, and also the faster we are able to do this, the greater we are able to be in early stages.Inch
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
UH to hire Tony Levine as head football coach
When he accepted the title of interim head coach for the Houston Cougars on Dec. 10, Tony Levine said it wasn't the time or place for him to campaign for the permanent job.
The emotions he displayed contradicted his words, even when he repeated those words a week later. But Levine doesn't have to campaign now. The job is his.
UH athletic director Mack Rhoades named the 39-year-old Levine the Cougars' head coach Wednesday, ending a 12-day national search to fill the void left by former coach Kevin Sumlin, who took the same post at Texas A&M.
"Before we began this process, we talked about the characteristics we wanted in the leader of our football program, and Tony embodies each of those qualities," Rhoades said. "We spoke with former players, current student-athletes, and interviewed some of the top football coaches in the country, and all of our talks led us right back to Tony."
Levine, who joined the staff with Sumlin in 2008, has served in a variety of roles since joining the Cougars. He has been the team's special teams coordinator, inside receivers coach and tight ends coach since his arrival. The last two seasons, he held the title of assistant head coach.
His 16 years of coaching experience includes stints at the high school, college and NFL levels. He spent two seasons with the Carolina Panthers before joining UH and was a receiver for the University of Minnesota from 1991-95. His college coaching career includes stops at Auburn, Louisiana Tech, Louisville and Texas State.
The Cougars interviewed or expressed interest in several candidates in their search, including UH co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach Jason Phillips, Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Dykes, Oklahoma State assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Joe DeForest, Boise State offensive coordinator Brent Pease and former North Carolina interim coach and newly minted Ohio State co-defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Everett Withers.
Hire is close to home
Ultimately, they chose Levine, who has been part of 35 wins in the last four seasons at UH.
"I'm both humbled and excited to have this opportunity to lead the Houston football program and continue my work with our student-athletes and staff," Levine said. "This is a dream come true for me and my family. We love Houston and I'm proud to say that Houston is our home. When you have the opportunity to lead a program, it has to be more than a job. Houston is a destination spot. Continuing to build this program is a personal challenge because this place means so much to us."
Special teams success
Under Levine's guidance, UH has excelled on special teams. Senior Tyron Carrier tied the NCAA career record for kickoff returns for touchdowns, the team as a whole has returned eight kickoffs for scores (second most in the last four years) and they've blocked 18 kicks in that span. The Cougars have tied or broken seven NCAA records in the last four years.
The St. Paul, Minn., native will lead the Cougars into their match with Penn State in the TicketCity Bowl on Jan. 2 at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. He'll be formally introduced at a news conference at 10 a.m. Thursday.
"We consistently talk about building a program and building upon our culture here at UH and when you have the perfect fit right here on staff, you feel fortunate," Rhoades said. "But we still wanted to do our due diligence. We talked to some great folks ... but the best fit for UH is Tony Levine."
Sharks thump Lightning
Logan Couture scored twice in a first period 2, at HP Pavilion.
Brent Burns and Patrick Marleau each had a goal and an assists while Ryane Clowe added three assists for the Sharks, who have won three straight. Antti Niemi stopped 22 shots in the win.
"It was just one of those nights where the puck was following me around," said Couture. "It felt really good out there and we were able to jump on them quick."
Dominic Moore and Martin St. Louis each had a goal for the Lightning, who had won their previous two coming into the game.
Mathieu Garon started the game in net, but was yanked just 6:21 in after allowing three goals on eight shots. Dwayne Roloson was touched for four goals on 35 shots.
The first goal of the game came 3:26 in when Joe Thornton sent a pass from behind the net to the front and Benn Ferriero got it in on his second attempt.
Just 1:25 later, the Sharks took a 2-0 lead with a power-play goal as Burns' shot from the left circle was stopped, but Joe Pavelski was there to tap home the rebound.
Exactly 90 seconds later, the Sharks made it a 3-0 game on Andrew Desjardins' wraparound from the right side, prompting the goaltending change.
Couture's first goal of the period came at the 13:13 mark of the frame when Marleau made a perfect pass from the right point to the left wing and Couture put the puck in.
Just 1:34 later, Couture scored his 14th goal of the season on the power play for a 5-0 lead.
Moore's goal less than a minute later staunched the bleeding for Tampa Bay.
After a scoreless second period, Burns scored 1:15 in and St. Louis netted his 10th of the year at the 7:45 mark.
Marleau was given credit for a goal that hit several bodies in front after a Couture shot with 7:19 to play to cap the scoring.
Game Notes
It was a season-high in goals for the Sharks...Tampa had given up seven goals in a game two previous times this season...It was the fastest five goals for the Sharks in their team history...San Jose has won six of the last seven against Tampa Bay...The Sharks were 2-for-4 on the power play while Tampa went 0-for-5...Before the game, San Jose announced that forward Marty Havlat will miss the next 6-to-8 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a partially torn tendon in his left hamstring.
Brent Burns and Patrick Marleau each had a goal and an assists while Ryane Clowe added three assists for the Sharks, who have won three straight. Antti Niemi stopped 22 shots in the win.
"It was just one of those nights where the puck was following me around," said Couture. "It felt really good out there and we were able to jump on them quick."
Dominic Moore and Martin St. Louis each had a goal for the Lightning, who had won their previous two coming into the game.
Mathieu Garon started the game in net, but was yanked just 6:21 in after allowing three goals on eight shots. Dwayne Roloson was touched for four goals on 35 shots.
The first goal of the game came 3:26 in when Joe Thornton sent a pass from behind the net to the front and Benn Ferriero got it in on his second attempt.
Just 1:25 later, the Sharks took a 2-0 lead with a power-play goal as Burns' shot from the left circle was stopped, but Joe Pavelski was there to tap home the rebound.
Exactly 90 seconds later, the Sharks made it a 3-0 game on Andrew Desjardins' wraparound from the right side, prompting the goaltending change.
Couture's first goal of the period came at the 13:13 mark of the frame when Marleau made a perfect pass from the right point to the left wing and Couture put the puck in.
Just 1:34 later, Couture scored his 14th goal of the season on the power play for a 5-0 lead.
Moore's goal less than a minute later staunched the bleeding for Tampa Bay.
After a scoreless second period, Burns scored 1:15 in and St. Louis netted his 10th of the year at the 7:45 mark.
Marleau was given credit for a goal that hit several bodies in front after a Couture shot with 7:19 to play to cap the scoring.
Game Notes
It was a season-high in goals for the Sharks...Tampa had given up seven goals in a game two previous times this season...It was the fastest five goals for the Sharks in their team history...San Jose has won six of the last seven against Tampa Bay...The Sharks were 2-for-4 on the power play while Tampa went 0-for-5...Before the game, San Jose announced that forward Marty Havlat will miss the next 6-to-8 weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a partially torn tendon in his left hamstring.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Orioles to recognition best while improving park
With 2012 being the twentieth anniversary season from the famous Oriole Park at Camden Yards, they introduced on Monday a number of upgrades to enhance the functionality from the stadium and pay tribute towards the proud good reputation for the franchise, most particularly having a recently refurbished area to recognition the finest Orioles ever.
Bigger-than-existence sculptures from the Orioles' six upon the market amounts and National Baseball Hall of Famers (Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson, Earl Weaver, Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken Junior.) is going to be revealed throughout the path of the growing season. The sculptures is going to be situated within an enhanced bullpen have a picnic grove. The region, that will receive significant upgrades and extra landscape designs, is going to be refurbished to permit fans access throughout non-gameday hrs, like the Orioles Hall of Fame plaques on Eutaw Street.
"We're excited and proud to recognition the six finest Orioles ever,Inch stated club director of communications Greg Bader inside a pr release. "These stories will possess a more visible presence within the ballpark, just because they are honored with upon the market number statues outdoors the gates. Once we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, it appears especially appropriate to pay for tribute towards the past while searching toward a vibrant future for that Orioles."
The six sculptures will each be devoted in a different Orioles home game throughout the 2012 season, by having an announcement around the specific dates expected the following month.
"Getting the gamers gift for their individual festivities in the ballpark is one thing we greatly anticipate," stated Bader.
The six sculptures are now being produced by famous Maryland artist Antonio Tobias "Toby" Mendez and can vary from seven to eight ft in scale and weigh between 600 and 1,500 pounds each.
Among Mendez's a lot more than 30 openly and independently commissioned sculptures, busts and reliefs in the last two-and-a-half decades are works of Justice Thurgood Marshall at both Maryland Condition House in Annapolis, Md., and BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport terminal pitcher Nolan Ryan at Rangers Ballpark coach Don Shula at Sun Existence Stadium and "The Teammates" (Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Johnny Annoying and Dom DiMaggio) at Fenway Park. The six Orioles sculptures is going to be cast into bronze by Baltimore's New Arts Foundry, that also cast the statues of Babe Ruth and Johnny Unitas which are situated outdoors Oriole Park and M&T Bank Stadium, correspondingly.
Additionally towards the sculptures, the Orioles also have planned upgrades towards the primary concourse, Eutaw Street, flag court and upper deck at Camden Yards. You will see a brand new outfield overlook on the top from the batter's eye wall in center area featuring casual seating, a bar and deck seating. Any fan with a game title ticket will have the ability to love this particular standpoint, that was formerly inaccessible to fans, to look at any some of the overall game.
The out-of-town scoreboard around the right-area wall is going to be modified to lessen the peak from the wall and improve sights of the overall game in the Flag Court and Eutaw Street, and you'll also have upgraded credits within the upper deck.
The Orioles and also the Maryland Stadium Authority are further enhancing the primary concourse with new flooring for next season, a move that does not only is definitely an aesthetic upgrade, but additionally creates simpler cleaning and it is a less slippery surface when wet. Choose Orioles elements will be included to lower concourse walls, and wall art will be included to stairwells.
As part of MSA's restoration from the B&O Warehouse brick work, a duplicate from the original canopy will be included to the Warehouse to shelter portable credits, additional seating, and permit fans on Eutaw Street some shade or perhaps a spot to escape inclement weather.
Bigger-than-existence sculptures from the Orioles' six upon the market amounts and National Baseball Hall of Famers (Frank Robinson, Brooks Robinson, Earl Weaver, Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken Junior.) is going to be revealed throughout the path of the growing season. The sculptures is going to be situated within an enhanced bullpen have a picnic grove. The region, that will receive significant upgrades and extra landscape designs, is going to be refurbished to permit fans access throughout non-gameday hrs, like the Orioles Hall of Fame plaques on Eutaw Street.
"We're excited and proud to recognition the six finest Orioles ever,Inch stated club director of communications Greg Bader inside a pr release. "These stories will possess a more visible presence within the ballpark, just because they are honored with upon the market number statues outdoors the gates. Once we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, it appears especially appropriate to pay for tribute towards the past while searching toward a vibrant future for that Orioles."
The six sculptures will each be devoted in a different Orioles home game throughout the 2012 season, by having an announcement around the specific dates expected the following month.
"Getting the gamers gift for their individual festivities in the ballpark is one thing we greatly anticipate," stated Bader.
The six sculptures are now being produced by famous Maryland artist Antonio Tobias "Toby" Mendez and can vary from seven to eight ft in scale and weigh between 600 and 1,500 pounds each.
Among Mendez's a lot more than 30 openly and independently commissioned sculptures, busts and reliefs in the last two-and-a-half decades are works of Justice Thurgood Marshall at both Maryland Condition House in Annapolis, Md., and BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport terminal pitcher Nolan Ryan at Rangers Ballpark coach Don Shula at Sun Existence Stadium and "The Teammates" (Ted Williams, Bobby Doerr, Johnny Annoying and Dom DiMaggio) at Fenway Park. The six Orioles sculptures is going to be cast into bronze by Baltimore's New Arts Foundry, that also cast the statues of Babe Ruth and Johnny Unitas which are situated outdoors Oriole Park and M&T Bank Stadium, correspondingly.
Additionally towards the sculptures, the Orioles also have planned upgrades towards the primary concourse, Eutaw Street, flag court and upper deck at Camden Yards. You will see a brand new outfield overlook on the top from the batter's eye wall in center area featuring casual seating, a bar and deck seating. Any fan with a game title ticket will have the ability to love this particular standpoint, that was formerly inaccessible to fans, to look at any some of the overall game.
The out-of-town scoreboard around the right-area wall is going to be modified to lessen the peak from the wall and improve sights of the overall game in the Flag Court and Eutaw Street, and you'll also have upgraded credits within the upper deck.
The Orioles and also the Maryland Stadium Authority are further enhancing the primary concourse with new flooring for next season, a move that does not only is definitely an aesthetic upgrade, but additionally creates simpler cleaning and it is a less slippery surface when wet. Choose Orioles elements will be included to lower concourse walls, and wall art will be included to stairwells.
As part of MSA's restoration from the B&O Warehouse brick work, a duplicate from the original canopy will be included to the Warehouse to shelter portable credits, additional seating, and permit fans on Eutaw Street some shade or perhaps a spot to escape inclement weather.
Yellows land Latos in five-player cope with Padres
The Reds finally got the top-of-the-rotation arm they had been searching for on Saturday, acquiring right-hander Mat Latos from the Padres in exchange for right-hander Edinson Volquez and three of the club's top prospects.
"Our offseason objective was to try to upgrade our rotation and add a top-of-the-rotation starter, and Mat Latos, of the potential players available, he's still young at [24] and he's a power pitcher we think will pitch well in our park," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said on a conference call with reporters. "He's definitely a top-of-the rotation guy who will slot in well behind [Johnny] Cueto and, in time, will develop into a No. 1 starter."
In order to acquire a young starter with the potential of Latos, who went 9-14 with a 3.47 ERA and help opponents to a .233 batting average for the Padres last season, the Reds gave up four young players with similar upside. Along with Volquez, the Reds also sent infielder Yonder Alonso, right-hander Brad Boxberger and catcher Yasmani Grandal to San Diego.
Although the Reds parted with three of the club's top six prospects, as ranked by MLB.com, Jocketty said various factors went into making the deal, which he said was discussed for two weeks.
While the 24-year-old Alonso, who was ranked as the club's No. 2 prospect, is seen as an impact bat, he was blocked at first base by 2010 National League Most Valuable Player Joey Votto. Likewise, Grandal, a 23-year-old, switch-hitting catcher, was blocked by incumbent Ryan Hanigan and the club's No. 1 prospect, fellow catcher Devin Mesoraco.
Along with Grandal and Boxberger -- whose inclusion Jocketty said helped make the trade happen -- being at least a couple years away from the Majors, Jocketty said Latos being under control for four more seasons made it easier to let go of three players the Reds drafted and developed.
"I wouldn't have made the deal with this many players in it if you didn't have that control," Jocketty said. "You're not only getting potential top-of-the rotation starter someday, but you do have control of him and it's going to be a couple years before he starts thinking big money, so that was a very important part."
Despite being mentioned in trade rumors throughout the offseason, Latos said in a conference call Saturday he heard the opposite from San Diego's front office. He admitted he was "shocked" by the trade but also expressed excitement about playing in Cincinnati.
"I've been hearing my name in those trade rumors, and the vibe I got from our front office was completely different, but, again, things happen for a reason and I'm extremely excited to join the ballclub," Latos said. "I'm excited to start getting in with these guys and meshing with these guys, and hopefully make the playoffs and maybe the World Series."
As an outsider who pitched against the Reds three times in his career, Latos said he's thrilled to be pitching on a team with a potent offense -- a luxury he didn't have in San Diego.
"A lot of talent," Latos said of what he knew about the Reds. "One through eight it was a tough lineup to throw to. You've got Votto, who is arguably one of the best hitters in baseball, [Jay] Bruce out in the outfield. ... There's a lot of talent and a lot of potential to compete for years to come, and I'm excited to come in and play with these guys."
Aside from the backing off an offense, Latos joins a talented young rotation with right-handers Cueto, Mike Leake and Homer Bailey, along with veteran right-hander Bronson Arroyo.
"Now with Johnny Cueto and Latos at the top of our rotation, I think people are going to start taking notice," Jocketty said.
The Reds also freed some money in the trade by giving up Volquez, which Jocketty said will help the club as it searches for a closer and a starting left fielder. Jocketty said finding a left fielder remains a priority -- adding he's heard players have interest in playing at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park -- and the club still has a few deals it's working on.
"We've got some things on the back burner and some on the front burner," Jocketty said. "We're still trying to do a couple more, at least one more, for pitching, and we're looking at potential free agents for pitching and defense, so we'll stay active for the next couple weeks."
Alonso found about the trade shortly after arriving in Spain for a vacation.
"I was kind of excited and shocked at the same time," Alonso said. "It's all good, but it's all bad also. Cincinnati drafted me, gave me a chance and I went to the big leagues with them."
"Our offseason objective was to try to upgrade our rotation and add a top-of-the-rotation starter, and Mat Latos, of the potential players available, he's still young at [24] and he's a power pitcher we think will pitch well in our park," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said on a conference call with reporters. "He's definitely a top-of-the rotation guy who will slot in well behind [Johnny] Cueto and, in time, will develop into a No. 1 starter."
In order to acquire a young starter with the potential of Latos, who went 9-14 with a 3.47 ERA and help opponents to a .233 batting average for the Padres last season, the Reds gave up four young players with similar upside. Along with Volquez, the Reds also sent infielder Yonder Alonso, right-hander Brad Boxberger and catcher Yasmani Grandal to San Diego.
Although the Reds parted with three of the club's top six prospects, as ranked by MLB.com, Jocketty said various factors went into making the deal, which he said was discussed for two weeks.
While the 24-year-old Alonso, who was ranked as the club's No. 2 prospect, is seen as an impact bat, he was blocked at first base by 2010 National League Most Valuable Player Joey Votto. Likewise, Grandal, a 23-year-old, switch-hitting catcher, was blocked by incumbent Ryan Hanigan and the club's No. 1 prospect, fellow catcher Devin Mesoraco.
Along with Grandal and Boxberger -- whose inclusion Jocketty said helped make the trade happen -- being at least a couple years away from the Majors, Jocketty said Latos being under control for four more seasons made it easier to let go of three players the Reds drafted and developed.
"I wouldn't have made the deal with this many players in it if you didn't have that control," Jocketty said. "You're not only getting potential top-of-the rotation starter someday, but you do have control of him and it's going to be a couple years before he starts thinking big money, so that was a very important part."
Despite being mentioned in trade rumors throughout the offseason, Latos said in a conference call Saturday he heard the opposite from San Diego's front office. He admitted he was "shocked" by the trade but also expressed excitement about playing in Cincinnati.
"I've been hearing my name in those trade rumors, and the vibe I got from our front office was completely different, but, again, things happen for a reason and I'm extremely excited to join the ballclub," Latos said. "I'm excited to start getting in with these guys and meshing with these guys, and hopefully make the playoffs and maybe the World Series."
As an outsider who pitched against the Reds three times in his career, Latos said he's thrilled to be pitching on a team with a potent offense -- a luxury he didn't have in San Diego.
"A lot of talent," Latos said of what he knew about the Reds. "One through eight it was a tough lineup to throw to. You've got Votto, who is arguably one of the best hitters in baseball, [Jay] Bruce out in the outfield. ... There's a lot of talent and a lot of potential to compete for years to come, and I'm excited to come in and play with these guys."
Aside from the backing off an offense, Latos joins a talented young rotation with right-handers Cueto, Mike Leake and Homer Bailey, along with veteran right-hander Bronson Arroyo.
"Now with Johnny Cueto and Latos at the top of our rotation, I think people are going to start taking notice," Jocketty said.
The Reds also freed some money in the trade by giving up Volquez, which Jocketty said will help the club as it searches for a closer and a starting left fielder. Jocketty said finding a left fielder remains a priority -- adding he's heard players have interest in playing at hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park -- and the club still has a few deals it's working on.
"We've got some things on the back burner and some on the front burner," Jocketty said. "We're still trying to do a couple more, at least one more, for pitching, and we're looking at potential free agents for pitching and defense, so we'll stay active for the next couple weeks."
Alonso found about the trade shortly after arriving in Spain for a vacation.
"I was kind of excited and shocked at the same time," Alonso said. "It's all good, but it's all bad also. Cincinnati drafted me, gave me a chance and I went to the big leagues with them."
Monday, November 21, 2011
"Major League champion will soften the legacy of David Beckham - the U.S. press reaction
The success of the Los Angeles Galaxy Major League Cup final Sunday, when the home team to a 1-0 victory over Houston's Home Depot Center's main claim league title, a grand celebration of the City of Angels, but there are some undeniable way David David Beckham's contribution to the victory has been reported.
In the first five years of a five-year contract, mainly full of empty promises - not to mention the air lock - [David] Beckham said that he left us a championship. And, I believe, after the game, he said, "the report in the Los Angeles Times Pulashike bill." Of course, this title will soften the legacy of David Beckham, but Sunday night really proved the doubters wrong when he paid $ 32.5m to change the face of football in Los Angeles and barely hanging on long enough to change his socks? David Beckham to help the town's football championship, but he should help make the football, he never even tried. "
Los Angeles Daily News David Beckham is not harsh but still reflects his condition in the non-luminous galaxy. "It is the Galaxy's five championship chase since Beckham arrived, forged tensions fans at some point, wrote:" Phil Collins, "and eventually won their good season his 16 assists."
Los Angeles, the Beckham's contribution to our Milky Way generally football and some cutting. The New York Times, Yue Hange Frey said: "When David Beckham joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, he made it clear that he has the overriding goal. He wanted to help raise awareness of Major League Soccer, he wanted to champion the galaxy A goal is to achieve instant celebrity machine David Beckham arrives in Los Angeles. two spent a little time, but David Beckham's dramatic fashion on Sunday night. what will happen next, Beckham could return to their Beverly Sears Tower to know he helped author much of Hollywood. "
But at least put a decent Beckham era. In America today, the final report of the Alliance, the midfielder did not even mention to the nineteenth section, although, in fairness, the title and wrote: "David Beckham led the Galaxy Major League champion."
A happy note for the one-time Manchester United's player of the Washington Post, reflecting the role, he led the Galaxy to the MLS championship in many ways. "The joy after the game, Galaxy supporters chanted," We want Beckham! '"Report 史提芬戈夫." With his three children in the two galaxies scarves draped over his shoulders, David Beckham seems to wipe away the tears. Hamstring injury limited his training week, after the game, he joked, beer and champagne to celebrate numb the pain. "
In the first five years of a five-year contract, mainly full of empty promises - not to mention the air lock - [David] Beckham said that he left us a championship. And, I believe, after the game, he said, "the report in the Los Angeles Times Pulashike bill." Of course, this title will soften the legacy of David Beckham, but Sunday night really proved the doubters wrong when he paid $ 32.5m to change the face of football in Los Angeles and barely hanging on long enough to change his socks? David Beckham to help the town's football championship, but he should help make the football, he never even tried. "
Los Angeles Daily News David Beckham is not harsh but still reflects his condition in the non-luminous galaxy. "It is the Galaxy's five championship chase since Beckham arrived, forged tensions fans at some point, wrote:" Phil Collins, "and eventually won their good season his 16 assists."
Los Angeles, the Beckham's contribution to our Milky Way generally football and some cutting. The New York Times, Yue Hange Frey said: "When David Beckham joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, he made it clear that he has the overriding goal. He wanted to help raise awareness of Major League Soccer, he wanted to champion the galaxy A goal is to achieve instant celebrity machine David Beckham arrives in Los Angeles. two spent a little time, but David Beckham's dramatic fashion on Sunday night. what will happen next, Beckham could return to their Beverly Sears Tower to know he helped author much of Hollywood. "
But at least put a decent Beckham era. In America today, the final report of the Alliance, the midfielder did not even mention to the nineteenth section, although, in fairness, the title and wrote: "David Beckham led the Galaxy Major League champion."
A happy note for the one-time Manchester United's player of the Washington Post, reflecting the role, he led the Galaxy to the MLS championship in many ways. "The joy after the game, Galaxy supporters chanted," We want Beckham! '"Report 史提芬戈夫." With his three children in the two galaxies scarves draped over his shoulders, David Beckham seems to wipe away the tears. Hamstring injury limited his training week, after the game, he joked, beer and champagne to celebrate numb the pain. "
Because the ranking, 13 weeks: s West alone at the top
In this week's UK university rankings, this is the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, West and others. As the wild series of events on Friday and Saturday, the top three this week, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Louisiana State University with leadership again. If the rankings in the collisions of our championship.
Alabama is No. 2 this week in Oklahoma on Friday night. Lurking in the red tide of Arkansas, who has quietly climbed the UK chart year.
In all likelihood, the SEC's rule at the top will be short-lived, because this week's gamebetween Louisiana State University in Arkansas. What has been given, and it was lost,shaken list one. And, of course, there are iron rice bowl, which could get rid of ranking. But now, this is an impressive display of seconds West.
Here's a look at the intersection where the stand this week rankings.
1. Louisiana State University
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
12. South Carolina
13. Georgia
24. Auburn
Be sure to check out the UK rankings for the week, including failure of components in ouruniversity rankings storystream football.
Alabama is No. 2 this week in Oklahoma on Friday night. Lurking in the red tide of Arkansas, who has quietly climbed the UK chart year.
In all likelihood, the SEC's rule at the top will be short-lived, because this week's gamebetween Louisiana State University in Arkansas. What has been given, and it was lost,shaken list one. And, of course, there are iron rice bowl, which could get rid of ranking. But now, this is an impressive display of seconds West.
Here's a look at the intersection where the stand this week rankings.
1. Louisiana State University
2. Alabama
3. Arkansas
12. South Carolina
13. Georgia
24. Auburn
Be sure to check out the UK rankings for the week, including failure of components in ouruniversity rankings storystream football.
Greg Homan, Seattle Mariners outfielder, stabbed to death in the Netherlands
Greg Homan, joined Washington's national team in 2010 after the minors, was born in the Netherlands and played baseball in the off-season, according to Reuters.
"A 24-year-old died, stabbed us in the morning to arrest 22-year-old brother of the victim,"Rotterdam police spokesman told Reuters.
nos-tv in the Netherlands reported that the Hohmann family confirmed his death. Brother'sname was not immediately available.
Greg Homan counseling clinics for young people in Europe and helped the Netherlands win the 2007 European Baseball Championships.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Manny Pacquiao win over Márquez makes biggest purse possible
After a pulsating, controversial night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas featuring two well-matched fighters, a mutinous crowd and one ringside judge who can expect a call from his optometrist, the most lucrative fight in boxing history is still on track.
This was good news for Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, who stand to earn upwards of $75m (£47m) each when the politicking ends and they finally step into the same ring, and it was good news for the promoter Bob Arum, who will help himself to a share of an eight-figure gross. But it was terrible news for Juan Manuel Márquez, who for the third time of asking acquitted himself brilliantly against his Filipino opponent and for the third time found himself on the wrong end of a verdict that provoked outrage and incredulity in equal measure after failing to win the WBO welterweight title.
"I was robbed. They robbed me. I don't know what I need to do to convince the judges. I am very frustrated," the Mexican said afterwards. So frustrated in fact he all but announced his retirement – this despite the prospect of a fourth meeting with the Filipino congressman, one that might earn him close to $10m.
The Mexican fans crammed into the MGM agreed with their hero, pelting the ring after the verdict with cans, bottles and anything else they could get their hands on. Not too much should be read into the over-reactions of those most emotionally involved but when the disbelief spreads into the ranks of dispassionate experts then it is worth paying attention. Amir Khan, a friend and sparring partner of Pacquiao, covered the fight for British television and was in no doubt about the outcome. "I thought Marquez won, maybe by one or two rounds," he said after the final bell.
Crucially, though, two of the judges did not agree, giving the decision to Pacquiao, while a third scored the fight a draw. There was enough ebb and flow over 12 rounds to just about support the notion of a draw or, at a stretch, the 115-113 score in favour of Pacquiao from judge Dave Moretti. But it remained a mystery how fellow judge Glenn Trowbridge gave the fight to the 32-year-old by a margin of 116-112 – eight rounds to four.
Arum, Pacquiao's long-time promoter, tried his best to explain the inexplicable, pointing to CompuBox statistics, which showed his man ahead in punches thrown – 578 to 436 – and punches landed, 176 to 138. "Not only was this fight not definitive, none of the rounds were definitive. I realised throughout that this was close and when every round is close people have a tendency to give it in favour of their guy," he said.
There is some truth in that but there is often greater truth to be found in the instinctive response of the fighters themselves. When the bell sounded, Márquez immediately celebrated like a winner while Pacquiao walked despondently back to his corner, beginning his own celebration only when it dawned he might need to do a little more to convince the judges of his worth.
It was the same in the post-fight interviews. Pacquiao, who required 28 stitches to a cut above the left eye, was uncharacteristically short as he made the case for his victory. "We have to accept the disappointment of the Mexican fans but that is part of the game. It was close but it was clear to me that I won the fight," he said.
He could hardly say anything else and nor could Freddie Roach but the Filipino's trainer is a patently honest man who has difficulty hiding what he really thinks. It was telling that he described this fight as the "closest" of the three featuring these two men. "I predicted Manny would win in six rounds and I got it completely wrong. In the end it could have gone the other way. The fight was there for Márquez. If Manny hadn't won the last it could have been a draw or even worse for us," he said.
Roach suggested his fighter's mobility was hampered by cramp in his legs but conceded a far greater problem was his inability to handle Márquez's counter-punching style. "He had Manny's number. We need to get to work on how to deal with the counter punchers a little better. I need to do my job a little better," he conceded.
He does, and he needs to do so quickly if the so-called "superfight" between Pacquiao and Mayweather comes off. Like Márquez, the American is a counter-puncher. But he is also bigger, more powerful and altogether more talented. When he fought the Mexican in 2009 he beat him decisively on points.
Márquez may have aged since that defeat but he entered the ring on Saturday looking more muscular and much stronger than ever before, without any apparent diminution in speed. In short, Pacquiao faced an altogether different proposition, making any comparison between the two biggest names in the sport difficult.
Yet in the absence of any other evidence there is no other option but to use Márquez as a measuring stick, in which case Mayweather must now be considered the favourite against Pacquiao.
The American has always believed that, of course, but now that he has seen his rival's vulnerability so comprehensively exposed he will be more inclined to press his advisers into making a deal. Already his camp has identified 5 May next year as their date of choice.
The question is will the Filipino's camp agree, especially as they now have a viable alternative. Pacquiao-Márquez IV might not be an epochal fight but it will give the champion time to gather his thoughts and restore his lustre. Roach was in little doubt about what he thinks his man should do next. "Márquez is a fight I don't want us to take again," he said. "But I think we have to."
This was good news for Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, who stand to earn upwards of $75m (£47m) each when the politicking ends and they finally step into the same ring, and it was good news for the promoter Bob Arum, who will help himself to a share of an eight-figure gross. But it was terrible news for Juan Manuel Márquez, who for the third time of asking acquitted himself brilliantly against his Filipino opponent and for the third time found himself on the wrong end of a verdict that provoked outrage and incredulity in equal measure after failing to win the WBO welterweight title.
"I was robbed. They robbed me. I don't know what I need to do to convince the judges. I am very frustrated," the Mexican said afterwards. So frustrated in fact he all but announced his retirement – this despite the prospect of a fourth meeting with the Filipino congressman, one that might earn him close to $10m.
The Mexican fans crammed into the MGM agreed with their hero, pelting the ring after the verdict with cans, bottles and anything else they could get their hands on. Not too much should be read into the over-reactions of those most emotionally involved but when the disbelief spreads into the ranks of dispassionate experts then it is worth paying attention. Amir Khan, a friend and sparring partner of Pacquiao, covered the fight for British television and was in no doubt about the outcome. "I thought Marquez won, maybe by one or two rounds," he said after the final bell.
Crucially, though, two of the judges did not agree, giving the decision to Pacquiao, while a third scored the fight a draw. There was enough ebb and flow over 12 rounds to just about support the notion of a draw or, at a stretch, the 115-113 score in favour of Pacquiao from judge Dave Moretti. But it remained a mystery how fellow judge Glenn Trowbridge gave the fight to the 32-year-old by a margin of 116-112 – eight rounds to four.
Arum, Pacquiao's long-time promoter, tried his best to explain the inexplicable, pointing to CompuBox statistics, which showed his man ahead in punches thrown – 578 to 436 – and punches landed, 176 to 138. "Not only was this fight not definitive, none of the rounds were definitive. I realised throughout that this was close and when every round is close people have a tendency to give it in favour of their guy," he said.
There is some truth in that but there is often greater truth to be found in the instinctive response of the fighters themselves. When the bell sounded, Márquez immediately celebrated like a winner while Pacquiao walked despondently back to his corner, beginning his own celebration only when it dawned he might need to do a little more to convince the judges of his worth.
It was the same in the post-fight interviews. Pacquiao, who required 28 stitches to a cut above the left eye, was uncharacteristically short as he made the case for his victory. "We have to accept the disappointment of the Mexican fans but that is part of the game. It was close but it was clear to me that I won the fight," he said.
He could hardly say anything else and nor could Freddie Roach but the Filipino's trainer is a patently honest man who has difficulty hiding what he really thinks. It was telling that he described this fight as the "closest" of the three featuring these two men. "I predicted Manny would win in six rounds and I got it completely wrong. In the end it could have gone the other way. The fight was there for Márquez. If Manny hadn't won the last it could have been a draw or even worse for us," he said.
Roach suggested his fighter's mobility was hampered by cramp in his legs but conceded a far greater problem was his inability to handle Márquez's counter-punching style. "He had Manny's number. We need to get to work on how to deal with the counter punchers a little better. I need to do my job a little better," he conceded.
He does, and he needs to do so quickly if the so-called "superfight" between Pacquiao and Mayweather comes off. Like Márquez, the American is a counter-puncher. But he is also bigger, more powerful and altogether more talented. When he fought the Mexican in 2009 he beat him decisively on points.
Márquez may have aged since that defeat but he entered the ring on Saturday looking more muscular and much stronger than ever before, without any apparent diminution in speed. In short, Pacquiao faced an altogether different proposition, making any comparison between the two biggest names in the sport difficult.
Yet in the absence of any other evidence there is no other option but to use Márquez as a measuring stick, in which case Mayweather must now be considered the favourite against Pacquiao.
The American has always believed that, of course, but now that he has seen his rival's vulnerability so comprehensively exposed he will be more inclined to press his advisers into making a deal. Already his camp has identified 5 May next year as their date of choice.
The question is will the Filipino's camp agree, especially as they now have a viable alternative. Pacquiao-Márquez IV might not be an epochal fight but it will give the champion time to gather his thoughts and restore his lustre. Roach was in little doubt about what he thinks his man should do next. "Márquez is a fight I don't want us to take again," he said. "But I think we have to."
Junior Dos Santos beats Cain Velasquez for UFC heavyweight title
The nation caught its first network prime-time glimpse of Ultimate Fighting Championship on Saturday.
But just a glimpse.
Your average channel surfer could have landed on Fox for UFC's heavyweight title bout between Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos and witnessed everything in the time it takes to cook Minute Rice.
In short — and the fight UFC President Dana White billed as the biggest in his organization's history was — Velasquez, the defending heavyweight champion, was gone in 64 seconds.
In front of 14,019 at Honda Center, Dos Santos earned a technical knockout and the heavyweight belt after dropping its former owner with a heavy right hook that connected above the left ear.
"My coach used to tell me, I've got pretty heavy hands," Dos Santos said, "so I try to use them at the start of the fight because it's a good time to use my power because I'm 100% in the moment."
The fast finish quelled fears that the fight would conflict with the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez boxing match scheduled on the same night in Las Vegas.
"It was my fault I didn't pressure enough," Velasquez said. "The game plan was to go in and pressure."
He added: "You can definitely learn a lot from losses. This is no different. I strayed away from the game plan so I'm going to learn not to do that ever again, even for a little bit."
Velasquez hadn't fought in a year after suffering a shoulder injury during his one-round demolition of Brock Lesnar in the same arena last October when Velasquez won the heavyweight crown.
Velasquez said he still had some nagging injuries, but the fight didn't last long enough to notice.
There were 10 fights total, but by design only the main card was shown on Fox.
"For anybody to [complain] about this fight and [that] they didn't get to see that fight, shut up," White said.
"You should've bought tickets then if you wanted to see all the fights and you don't want to watch on Facebook."
White called this a test run for UFC's seven-year deal with Fox, which begins in January, so the broadcast format could change.
Through the terms of that deal, Fox will air four prime-time Saturday night UFC fight cards a year, and Fox's cable channel FX will air "The Ultimate Fighter" and six live fights.
But just a glimpse.
Your average channel surfer could have landed on Fox for UFC's heavyweight title bout between Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos and witnessed everything in the time it takes to cook Minute Rice.
In short — and the fight UFC President Dana White billed as the biggest in his organization's history was — Velasquez, the defending heavyweight champion, was gone in 64 seconds.
In front of 14,019 at Honda Center, Dos Santos earned a technical knockout and the heavyweight belt after dropping its former owner with a heavy right hook that connected above the left ear.
"My coach used to tell me, I've got pretty heavy hands," Dos Santos said, "so I try to use them at the start of the fight because it's a good time to use my power because I'm 100% in the moment."
The fast finish quelled fears that the fight would conflict with the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez boxing match scheduled on the same night in Las Vegas.
"It was my fault I didn't pressure enough," Velasquez said. "The game plan was to go in and pressure."
He added: "You can definitely learn a lot from losses. This is no different. I strayed away from the game plan so I'm going to learn not to do that ever again, even for a little bit."
Velasquez hadn't fought in a year after suffering a shoulder injury during his one-round demolition of Brock Lesnar in the same arena last October when Velasquez won the heavyweight crown.
Velasquez said he still had some nagging injuries, but the fight didn't last long enough to notice.
There were 10 fights total, but by design only the main card was shown on Fox.
"For anybody to [complain] about this fight and [that] they didn't get to see that fight, shut up," White said.
"You should've bought tickets then if you wanted to see all the fights and you don't want to watch on Facebook."
White called this a test run for UFC's seven-year deal with Fox, which begins in January, so the broadcast format could change.
Through the terms of that deal, Fox will air four prime-time Saturday night UFC fight cards a year, and Fox's cable channel FX will air "The Ultimate Fighter" and six live fights.
Crowd give thumbs down to flawed Pacquiao victory
LAS VEGAS: It was a night when boxing hero Manny Pacquiao decided to pick on somebody his own size.
Bad idea. In fact, most in the sold-out crowd of 16,368, as well as quite a few on press row, thought he had lost.
Pacquiao took a majority decision, but seldom in boxing history has a fight this big ended with this much doubt and controversy.
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The gutsy, effective opponent, Juan Manuel Marquez, of Mexico, who was given little chance and was sent off as anywhere from a 7-1 to 9-1 underdog, left the ring to raucous cheers, as he waved a huge sombrero.
It was a good 15 minutes after the fight ended before the crowd stopped booing and hissing.
To many, the pound-for-pound best boxer in the world got outboxed by Marquez, at 38 his senior by six years. Marquez not only stayed with Pacquiao in a heated pace for all 12 rounds, but he seemed to get the best of whatever flurries the two managed in their non-stop jiggling and dancing and feinting.
Seldom before in boxing has there been a scene where a highly popular champion gets booed loudly and raucously during his post-match interview. Nobody could hear a word he said, and nobody seemed to care. They had seen what they had seen.
Nacho Beristain, Marquez's manager, called it ''a robbery of the utmost''.
It was a night in which the last thing you wanted to be was a judge. The three who will take tons of heat on this one were Robert Hoyle, Dave Moretti and Glenn Trowbridge. Hoyle had it 114-114, Moretti 115-113 and Trowbridge 116-112, both for Pacquiao.
And so ended the controversial trilogy between the two. In 2004, Pacquiao knocked Marquez down three times in the first round and Marquez came firing back to get a draw.
That's the last semi-blemish on Pacquiao's record. In that one, a much-forgotten element was that one of the judges scored the three-knockdown round 10-7 for Pacquiao, rather than the almost automatic 10-6. That one point would have erased much of the talk about this match-up.
In the next fight, in 2008, Pacquiao won a split decision by one point.
That was controversial too, but nothing near what this one may turn out to be.
The usual chat about the integrity of boxing will now begin in full volume. So much was at stake. Had Pacquiao lost, the pot of gold at the end of boxing's rainbow, the Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. match-up, would have gone away, at least for the moment. Pacquiao would have, most likely, invoked a rematch clause with Marquez that was in the contract.
Now, even after winning, Pacquiao's side is talking about it. They can call it Trilogy Plus One, or something like that.
''I'm bound and determined to find a definitive winner from these two,'' said Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum. ''If we can get both fighters to agree, we'll put it on May 5.''
Arum said he asked Pacquiao if he won, and Pacquiao said, ''Yes, it was clear. I blocked a lot of his punches … If he wants a rematch, he'll get it.''
So, once again, it appears that Pacquiao-Mayweather will be put on hold. And, because since Mayweather dominated Marquez in their 2009 fight, the attraction for that mega-fight may have modified a bit.
A subdued Marquez, who went all the way to the Philippines to entice Pacquiao into giving him this third fight and wore a T-shirt that claimed he had won the first two fights, was beyond disappointed all the way to dumbfounded.
''I was robbed,'' he said. ''It happened again. I don't think there is much more I can do in the ring.''
This was stunning to all who had become used to Pacquiao dominating and destroying bigger opponents, the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito and Shane Mosley.
In each case, Pacquiao's speed and footwork wore the other down. This time, Pacquiao's speed and footwork were in place, but Marquez stayed right with him. The expectation was that Marquez would tire by the middle rounds. Instead, he kept connecting and, in the minds of most, winning more rounds than losing.
Lost in the fire and brimstone of this controversial classic was the victory in the semi-main event by Palm Springs's Tim Bradley. He remained undefeated by beating a 40-year-old, grabbing and holding Joel Casamayor.
Bad idea. In fact, most in the sold-out crowd of 16,368, as well as quite a few on press row, thought he had lost.
Pacquiao took a majority decision, but seldom in boxing history has a fight this big ended with this much doubt and controversy.
Advertisement: Story continues below
The gutsy, effective opponent, Juan Manuel Marquez, of Mexico, who was given little chance and was sent off as anywhere from a 7-1 to 9-1 underdog, left the ring to raucous cheers, as he waved a huge sombrero.
It was a good 15 minutes after the fight ended before the crowd stopped booing and hissing.
To many, the pound-for-pound best boxer in the world got outboxed by Marquez, at 38 his senior by six years. Marquez not only stayed with Pacquiao in a heated pace for all 12 rounds, but he seemed to get the best of whatever flurries the two managed in their non-stop jiggling and dancing and feinting.
Seldom before in boxing has there been a scene where a highly popular champion gets booed loudly and raucously during his post-match interview. Nobody could hear a word he said, and nobody seemed to care. They had seen what they had seen.
Nacho Beristain, Marquez's manager, called it ''a robbery of the utmost''.
It was a night in which the last thing you wanted to be was a judge. The three who will take tons of heat on this one were Robert Hoyle, Dave Moretti and Glenn Trowbridge. Hoyle had it 114-114, Moretti 115-113 and Trowbridge 116-112, both for Pacquiao.
And so ended the controversial trilogy between the two. In 2004, Pacquiao knocked Marquez down three times in the first round and Marquez came firing back to get a draw.
That's the last semi-blemish on Pacquiao's record. In that one, a much-forgotten element was that one of the judges scored the three-knockdown round 10-7 for Pacquiao, rather than the almost automatic 10-6. That one point would have erased much of the talk about this match-up.
In the next fight, in 2008, Pacquiao won a split decision by one point.
That was controversial too, but nothing near what this one may turn out to be.
The usual chat about the integrity of boxing will now begin in full volume. So much was at stake. Had Pacquiao lost, the pot of gold at the end of boxing's rainbow, the Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. match-up, would have gone away, at least for the moment. Pacquiao would have, most likely, invoked a rematch clause with Marquez that was in the contract.
Now, even after winning, Pacquiao's side is talking about it. They can call it Trilogy Plus One, or something like that.
''I'm bound and determined to find a definitive winner from these two,'' said Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum. ''If we can get both fighters to agree, we'll put it on May 5.''
Arum said he asked Pacquiao if he won, and Pacquiao said, ''Yes, it was clear. I blocked a lot of his punches … If he wants a rematch, he'll get it.''
So, once again, it appears that Pacquiao-Mayweather will be put on hold. And, because since Mayweather dominated Marquez in their 2009 fight, the attraction for that mega-fight may have modified a bit.
A subdued Marquez, who went all the way to the Philippines to entice Pacquiao into giving him this third fight and wore a T-shirt that claimed he had won the first two fights, was beyond disappointed all the way to dumbfounded.
''I was robbed,'' he said. ''It happened again. I don't think there is much more I can do in the ring.''
This was stunning to all who had become used to Pacquiao dominating and destroying bigger opponents, the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito and Shane Mosley.
In each case, Pacquiao's speed and footwork wore the other down. This time, Pacquiao's speed and footwork were in place, but Marquez stayed right with him. The expectation was that Marquez would tire by the middle rounds. Instead, he kept connecting and, in the minds of most, winning more rounds than losing.
Lost in the fire and brimstone of this controversial classic was the victory in the semi-main event by Palm Springs's Tim Bradley. He remained undefeated by beating a 40-year-old, grabbing and holding Joel Casamayor.
Monday, October 24, 2011
NBA lockout continues, league will cancel at least two more weeks, source says, announcement Tuesday Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/2011/10/24/2011-10-24_nba_lockout_continues_league_will_cancel_at_least_two_more_weeks_source_says_ann.html#ixzz1bkkEp0hb
The NBA will be cancelling at least two more weeks of its season, according to a person familiar with the league's plans.
The source told the Daily News that the announcement will be made by the league on Tuesday.
With talks broken off between the owners and players, and the two sides far apart on major "system" issues, the cancellations are expected to total at least 102 more games, through Nov. 28. No further talks are in the works.
The league made its first cancellations, totalling 100 games and running from the Nov. 1 season opener through Nov. 14, on Oct. 10. Commissioner David Stern had said last week on WFAN that he thought that the league’s showcase Christmas Day games would be cancelled if a deal had not been reached by last Tuesday.
But even with the impasse at the bargaining table, the feeling is that the league still thinks it can get a deal and save its traditional Christmas games. Included in that is the Knicks-Boston game at the Garden. Locked-out NBA players say they want to return to the bargaining table, but that they are not going to accept the owners’ precondition of accepting a 50-50 split to be able to resume talks.
"I will call them to see if they want to get back together," Billy Hunter said on Bill Simmons' ESPN podcast Monday. "But if they still say they'll only meet if I accept their 50-50 (proposal), to me that's a non-starter. I can't agree to meet if I don’t know what is going to happen on the other issues. That is intolerable."
Owners and players have not talked since they left their last round of negotiations dug in on various "system" issues dealing with a new harder salary cap favored by owners and the preservation of the soft cap favored by players.
During the last session, owners rejected the players’ demands on the critical issue of "give-backs." For taking less of the split of $4 billion, and lowering their demands to 52.5% of the revenue, players wanted to use that to trade for more favorable features in the system.
"What we told the players is that we could not trade one for the other," said NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver, after owners raised their offer on the split to 50-50. According to commissioner David Stern, it will take a month to put the new collective bargaining agreement in writing, conduct free agency for upwards of 150 players, and run a short training camp and an abbreviated preseason schedule. In the best-case scenario, Stern has said, it might be able to cut the start-up period to 28 days. Stern received a lot of publicity last week for saying that Christmas Day games would be lost if the two sides didn’t reach a deal as they met under the guidance of federal mediator George Cohen.
Stern missed the final session with Cohen due to the flu and has not commented since on the lack of progress or how many more games will be lost.
CLOUD OVER STARS
A six-game global tour of the NBA’s top stars, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, might not be opening on Saturday in San Juan, as has been scheduled. The first game of the two-week tour has had trouble securing written commitments from several of the 18 players who had been promised by game organizers. If the game doesn’t come off, it could jeopardize the rest of the schedule, which includes stops in London, Macau and Melbourne. Bryant and James are among the players who are expected to pocket more than $1 million for their participation.
The source told the Daily News that the announcement will be made by the league on Tuesday.
With talks broken off between the owners and players, and the two sides far apart on major "system" issues, the cancellations are expected to total at least 102 more games, through Nov. 28. No further talks are in the works.
The league made its first cancellations, totalling 100 games and running from the Nov. 1 season opener through Nov. 14, on Oct. 10. Commissioner David Stern had said last week on WFAN that he thought that the league’s showcase Christmas Day games would be cancelled if a deal had not been reached by last Tuesday.
But even with the impasse at the bargaining table, the feeling is that the league still thinks it can get a deal and save its traditional Christmas games. Included in that is the Knicks-Boston game at the Garden. Locked-out NBA players say they want to return to the bargaining table, but that they are not going to accept the owners’ precondition of accepting a 50-50 split to be able to resume talks.
"I will call them to see if they want to get back together," Billy Hunter said on Bill Simmons' ESPN podcast Monday. "But if they still say they'll only meet if I accept their 50-50 (proposal), to me that's a non-starter. I can't agree to meet if I don’t know what is going to happen on the other issues. That is intolerable."
Owners and players have not talked since they left their last round of negotiations dug in on various "system" issues dealing with a new harder salary cap favored by owners and the preservation of the soft cap favored by players.
During the last session, owners rejected the players’ demands on the critical issue of "give-backs." For taking less of the split of $4 billion, and lowering their demands to 52.5% of the revenue, players wanted to use that to trade for more favorable features in the system.
"What we told the players is that we could not trade one for the other," said NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver, after owners raised their offer on the split to 50-50. According to commissioner David Stern, it will take a month to put the new collective bargaining agreement in writing, conduct free agency for upwards of 150 players, and run a short training camp and an abbreviated preseason schedule. In the best-case scenario, Stern has said, it might be able to cut the start-up period to 28 days. Stern received a lot of publicity last week for saying that Christmas Day games would be lost if the two sides didn’t reach a deal as they met under the guidance of federal mediator George Cohen.
Stern missed the final session with Cohen due to the flu and has not commented since on the lack of progress or how many more games will be lost.
CLOUD OVER STARS
A six-game global tour of the NBA’s top stars, including Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, might not be opening on Saturday in San Juan, as has been scheduled. The first game of the two-week tour has had trouble securing written commitments from several of the 18 players who had been promised by game organizers. If the game doesn’t come off, it could jeopardize the rest of the schedule, which includes stops in London, Macau and Melbourne. Bryant and James are among the players who are expected to pocket more than $1 million for their participation.
Back at Catcher, Napoli Puts Rangers on His Back
Mike Napoli’s pregame routine always includes taking a long hard look at the lineup posted on a wall of the Texas Rangers’ clubhouse. Before Game 4 of the World Series, he had extra reason to stare at where Manager Ron Washington had put him.
As the Rangers’ regular catcher, Napoli seemed to have his sense of order disrupted by a move to first base for Game 3. He committed a two-run throwing error and was embroiled in a blown umpire’s call of a tag he made on a runner — not to mention that he had to watch from an unfamiliar position as the St. Louis Cardinals pummeled his pitchers.
“It was behind me when I left the field,” Napoli said. “I knew we had to come here and get a win, so I came back and went through my routine and let it go.”
Sunday night, he was back behind the plate, dropped one spot to eighth in the batting order, and again sparked the Rangers at a critical postseason juncture.
Napoli broke open Game 4 with a three-run homer in the sixth inning as the Rangers tied the series at two games apiece with a 4-0 victory. After a pitching change, he blasted reliever Mitchell Boggs’s first pitch into the left-field seats, and became the first catcher to hit two home runs in a World Series since Mike Piazza of the Mets in 2000.
Perhaps more significant, Napoli steered his good friend and starter Derek Holland through a land-mine-laden Cardinals lineup that was coming off a 16-run, 15-hit performance. Holland fired a two-hitter and struck out seven in eight and one-third innings before Neftali Feliz finished off the shutout.
“His performance behind the plate gets overlooked because of the hit he got, but he kept Derek in an incredible rhythm,” second baseman Ian Kinsler said. “He made a couple of mound visits, kept” the pitching coach Mike Maddux in the dugout, “and kept Derek right on track.”
Washington said he didn’t want the left-handed hitters David Murphy and Mitch Moreland batting consecutively at the bottom of the order, so he inserted Napoli between them in the eighth spot. And with their bullpen in tatters, the Rangers desperately needed a lengthy quality start from Holland and for Napoli to guide him there.
“We both have a very strong chemistry,” Holland said. “He does a really good job of controlling my emotions, making sure I don’t get ahead of myself. A couple times tonight he was telling me to square up, especially in between innings.”
The plan, Napoli said, was for Holland to change speeds early to keep the Cardinals guessing and thus allow them more flexibility in calling pitches as the game progressed.
“We didn’t miss a beat; we were on the same page, and he was throwing strikes,” Napoli said. “Those guys are good hitters. They hit mistakes. You’ve got to try to be down in the zone. Derek did that tonight.”
Napoli has driven in 7 of the Rangers’ 15 runs for the series. His other homer was a two-run blast off the Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter in Game 1, and his pair of sacrifice flies in Game 3 brought home two runs. He’ll face Carpenter again Monday night in Game 5 here, and try to coax a strong performance from Rangers starter C. J. Wilson, who’s 0-3 with a 7.17 earned run average this postseason.
“What Mike Napoli has done tonight, we’ve seen him do before, so I’m not surprised,” Washington said.
Napoli’s instincts told him he should anticipate that Cardinals starter Edwin Jackson would be pulled for his at-bat in the sixth when catcher Yadier Molina made a mound visit. “I saw Molina walk out there, a kind of slow jog,” Napoli said. “I’m a catcher. I know what that means sometimes. I wasn’t sure if he was going to stay in or not. You’ve got to wait to see if (Molina) walks back out there. He did, and I got my mind set for Boggs.”
Napoli knew that Boggs had a strong sinker, but figured Boggs might try to blow a fastball by him for a quick strike to get ahead in the count.
“In that situation, he’s probably trying to get a double-play ball,” Napoli said. “I was looking for something up and kind of had an idea they were probably going to pound me inside, and I just got a pitch up that I could handle.”
As the Rangers’ regular catcher, Napoli seemed to have his sense of order disrupted by a move to first base for Game 3. He committed a two-run throwing error and was embroiled in a blown umpire’s call of a tag he made on a runner — not to mention that he had to watch from an unfamiliar position as the St. Louis Cardinals pummeled his pitchers.
“It was behind me when I left the field,” Napoli said. “I knew we had to come here and get a win, so I came back and went through my routine and let it go.”
Sunday night, he was back behind the plate, dropped one spot to eighth in the batting order, and again sparked the Rangers at a critical postseason juncture.
Napoli broke open Game 4 with a three-run homer in the sixth inning as the Rangers tied the series at two games apiece with a 4-0 victory. After a pitching change, he blasted reliever Mitchell Boggs’s first pitch into the left-field seats, and became the first catcher to hit two home runs in a World Series since Mike Piazza of the Mets in 2000.
Perhaps more significant, Napoli steered his good friend and starter Derek Holland through a land-mine-laden Cardinals lineup that was coming off a 16-run, 15-hit performance. Holland fired a two-hitter and struck out seven in eight and one-third innings before Neftali Feliz finished off the shutout.
“His performance behind the plate gets overlooked because of the hit he got, but he kept Derek in an incredible rhythm,” second baseman Ian Kinsler said. “He made a couple of mound visits, kept” the pitching coach Mike Maddux in the dugout, “and kept Derek right on track.”
Washington said he didn’t want the left-handed hitters David Murphy and Mitch Moreland batting consecutively at the bottom of the order, so he inserted Napoli between them in the eighth spot. And with their bullpen in tatters, the Rangers desperately needed a lengthy quality start from Holland and for Napoli to guide him there.
“We both have a very strong chemistry,” Holland said. “He does a really good job of controlling my emotions, making sure I don’t get ahead of myself. A couple times tonight he was telling me to square up, especially in between innings.”
The plan, Napoli said, was for Holland to change speeds early to keep the Cardinals guessing and thus allow them more flexibility in calling pitches as the game progressed.
“We didn’t miss a beat; we were on the same page, and he was throwing strikes,” Napoli said. “Those guys are good hitters. They hit mistakes. You’ve got to try to be down in the zone. Derek did that tonight.”
Napoli has driven in 7 of the Rangers’ 15 runs for the series. His other homer was a two-run blast off the Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter in Game 1, and his pair of sacrifice flies in Game 3 brought home two runs. He’ll face Carpenter again Monday night in Game 5 here, and try to coax a strong performance from Rangers starter C. J. Wilson, who’s 0-3 with a 7.17 earned run average this postseason.
“What Mike Napoli has done tonight, we’ve seen him do before, so I’m not surprised,” Washington said.
Napoli’s instincts told him he should anticipate that Cardinals starter Edwin Jackson would be pulled for his at-bat in the sixth when catcher Yadier Molina made a mound visit. “I saw Molina walk out there, a kind of slow jog,” Napoli said. “I’m a catcher. I know what that means sometimes. I wasn’t sure if he was going to stay in or not. You’ve got to wait to see if (Molina) walks back out there. He did, and I got my mind set for Boggs.”
Napoli knew that Boggs had a strong sinker, but figured Boggs might try to blow a fastball by him for a quick strike to get ahead in the count.
“In that situation, he’s probably trying to get a double-play ball,” Napoli said. “I was looking for something up and kind of had an idea they were probably going to pound me inside, and I just got a pitch up that I could handle.”
Friday, October 21, 2011
Said:The Sport of Football
Depending upon where you live in the world, the football sport can be played differently. Each way is going to have its own rules and regulations that the players will need to follow and it may even be played differently as well. Regardless of where you live, if you are a fan, you are going to follow your team and try to learn everything that you can about the sport. This way you can support them and actually enjoy the game and understand it when you are watching. You may even own a shirt to support your team as well.
If you follow the American football sport, you are going to find that the rules are completely different and the game is played completely different from anywhere else as well. With the rules for this game you actually need to pick up the ball and run with it in order to score a point. But, the other games you will find that it is more of a kicking game and pushing the ball around with your feet to score points but getting the ball into a net. The American game requires a touchdown without a net.
In America they have a game called soccer but if you look at soccer in another country you are going to find that it is called Association football. This gives the football sport a whole new way to play the game and it has an entirely different set of rules as well. You are also going to find that your feet are used to score points with the ball by kicking it around on the field and not by caring it the way that it is done in the American game. You really have to be coordinated to play this game.
Two other games that are played are Rugby and Australian rules. Both of these are going to seem similar to soccer but they are considered a part of the football sport as well. Depending upon where you live in the world it may seem confusing to you but once you get the hang of the differences in the games, you are going to find that they all can be a lot of fun no matter you live. You may find yourself following other teams from around the world so when your team is not playing you will have another one that you can follow.
If you go back in time and take a look at history, you are going to find that this is a game that has been played in one form or another since before we were born. Of course it evolved into what we know it to be today but the football sport is something that man has been playing for centuries and will most likely still be playing for many more centuries to come. Naturally things are going to change on how the sport is played but it will never go out of style and all ages can have fun.
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