We are now 28 games into this new season of baseball and the New York Yankees are sitting 2 games below 500. They went on a nice 4 game run to then turn around and now currently ride down a 5 game skid. Is this how it is going to be all year? Streak for the good, then one for the bad even worse. I certainly hope not. Joe Girardi I believe is confused. He has never had to deal with so many injuries before in his short years managing and not only with the Yankees.
Chien Ming Wang is a huge disappointment. He had a rough year last year spending most of the season on the DL after injuring his leg running the bases. Stuff like this happens. But what I don't understand is why his sinker just forgot how to sink. He now rides the DL with somewhat of a questionable injury because the Yankees had to basically make up what he had wrong with him so they could send him down to AAA to work on his mechanics. You can't option a player who has been in the Majors to AAA after they have spent 3 full seasons in the bigs. That is the rule. Not sure if it is an unwritten rule or if it was in his contract but non the less he needed to go to Scranton and work out his problem.
Jorge Posada going to the DL is hurting big time as well. He was a strong bat in the middle of the lineup with A-Rod out and now they are paying the price. Posada also missed a lot of last year with shoulder problems. The issues just keep growing for Girardi and his staff.
Put on top of that, Jose Molina now probably going to the DL as well with a strained hamstring. WONDERFUL! Now Francisco Cervelli is the starting catcher for the Yankees. See you in last place! I'm sorry but this kid was just in AA Trenton not even a week ago and now he has to play everyday catching guys like Andy Pettitte, A.J. Burnett and C.C. Sabathia. Girardi will have his hands full just keeping the Bombers out of last place at the All-Star break.
I believe the main problem has not been the inconsistent starting pitching because I don't see any big issue besides Wang to point out. It obviously is the bullpen. Mariano comes in last night with a 6-6 tie in the top of the 9th and gives up back-to-back bombs, first time in his career. Moe isn't even the worst of it. The only consistent reliever they have is Phil Coke and that is saying a lot. Albaladejo sucks. Claggett sucks. Shall I go on? If Moe can't even get 3 outs anymore it is time for a 2nd "42" to go out in the center field monument park. His career is bar none Hall of Fame caliber. I love Mariano but right now, he is struggling. He doesn't have the same stuff he used to and that is the flat out truth.
If Wang can come back and be a solid starter in this rotation one of the remaining 5 will have to go to the bullpen and possibly for good cause. It is not going to be Burnett or C.C. They are paying these guys way too much. There have been talks about Hughes or possibly Pettitte going to the pen when Wang gets back. Let me know what you think.
All I know is that the Yankees need to start playing the market for some relief pitchers because our starters can't throw 9 innings every game. Girardi in my mind right now gets a C- for his Manager grade this season. Yes he has had a lot of crap to deal with and he gets A-Rod back today but some of the decisions he has made in these first 28 games have just left me with my jaw on the floor. He brings in Mariano in the 8th to try for a 4 out save. Ya like that ever happens. Doesn't bunt Gardener with a runner on 2nd and none out down by a run. This is just poor coaching by the skipper. Where is Torre? Oh yea, filling Manny's PED prescription.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
LAX Falls, Softball pressing on...
After an incredible comeback in the 2nd half of action yesterday, the bombers men's lacrosse team could not pull out the victory over NAZ and fell 13-12 in OT. If you were tuned in for this game you would have been on the edge of your seats. At the end of the 3rd quarter, the power went out at the field due to the huge rain storm that passed over so the game went off the air for a few minutes and with a little quick thinking in the studio, I had Greg call the studio on his cell phone and i put him on air over his phome to call the rest of the game. And boy am I glad we did. Because we had a nail bitter of a 4th quarter with Matt Cutter scoring 5 goals and getting IC tied with the Golden Flyers 12-12 to force OT. But it was NAZ that scored with under 1 minute left in the 1st OT but sudden death OT ends on the first score and IC goes down in the huge upset.
As for softball, the games yesterday got rained out after game 2 and now the remainder of the tournament will be played today. IC is currently up 2-0 on RIT who beat them in game 2 yesterday. St. John Fisher beat RIT this morning at 11 am and now this game going on right now will have the 2nd team eliminated from the double elimination tournament.
Listen in right now to the game on VIC Radio. All games featuring the bombers will be coverd on VIC so tune in. The winner of this game will take on St. John Fisher at approximately 3 pm. If Fisher loses at 3 pm to either of these teams, that will force a second Championship game and that game will be at 5 pm.
As for softball, the games yesterday got rained out after game 2 and now the remainder of the tournament will be played today. IC is currently up 2-0 on RIT who beat them in game 2 yesterday. St. John Fisher beat RIT this morning at 11 am and now this game going on right now will have the 2nd team eliminated from the double elimination tournament.
Listen in right now to the game on VIC Radio. All games featuring the bombers will be coverd on VIC so tune in. The winner of this game will take on St. John Fisher at approximately 3 pm. If Fisher loses at 3 pm to either of these teams, that will force a second Championship game and that game will be at 5 pm.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Bombers Men's LAX Halftime Update
It is hard to believe that the Bombers are trailing by 4 goals at the end of the 1st half. IC has struggled at times this season in the 2nd quarter as they have scored 39 goals this year in the 2nd quarter, their lowest total for any one quarter. 3rd quarter will have to be their time to crawl back. They have a lot this season netting 51 3rd quarter scores this year. The bombers have out-shot the Golden Flyers 21-16 in the 1st half. The faceoff X has been owned by Hennessy and the bombers as well winning 8 of 12.
The one stat that stands out most...PENALITES!! Bombers have given the Golden Flyers 3 man up opportunities with NAZ scoring on 2 of them. IC has given up 180 seconds of penalties in the 1st half and countered with a clean half from the Golden Flyers.
2nd half predictions:
IC will make a run coming out of halftime. They have been a 2nd half team all season and NAZ is a very solid team. They have been in and out of the top 25 in the nation this year. An upset would be an understatement if Ic falls to NAZ. Bombers will make a run tieing things up in the 3rd quarter...Bombers pull it out 9-8...possibly OT.
**Keep checking my Twitter for more live updates... Twitter
The one stat that stands out most...PENALITES!! Bombers have given the Golden Flyers 3 man up opportunities with NAZ scoring on 2 of them. IC has given up 180 seconds of penalties in the 1st half and countered with a clean half from the Golden Flyers.
2nd half predictions:
IC will make a run coming out of halftime. They have been a 2nd half team all season and NAZ is a very solid team. They have been in and out of the top 25 in the nation this year. An upset would be an understatement if Ic falls to NAZ. Bombers will make a run tieing things up in the 3rd quarter...Bombers pull it out 9-8...possibly OT.
**Keep checking my Twitter for more live updates... Twitter
Twitter Page...I know, I know, I couldn't help it
Check out my twitter page... Mike Hibbard
Live updates of the LAX game at Upper Terrace Field on the South Hill
Semi Final of the Empire 8 tournament
ALSO...
Softball Empire 8 tournament updates...
Ithaca falls in a marathon game with RIT 1-0 in 16 innings...College softball normally goes 7 innings in regulation...crazy! Now they turn around and have to play Alfred in the 1st elimination game of the Double Elimination tourney.
Live updates of the LAX game at Upper Terrace Field on the South Hill
Semi Final of the Empire 8 tournament
ALSO...
Softball Empire 8 tournament updates...
Ithaca falls in a marathon game with RIT 1-0 in 16 innings...College softball normally goes 7 innings in regulation...crazy! Now they turn around and have to play Alfred in the 1st elimination game of the Double Elimination tourney.
Long Break...IC action this weekend
It has been quite some time since I have had a free second to sit down and just right my thoughts on the world of sports so I figured I had some time so I am trying to get back in the swing of things.
First things first, I have been named VIC Sports Director here at Ithaca College so my duties at school now stem out even further than just being a student and a student broadcaster. I am thrilled to be named to this position and I am thoroughly ready to take on the jobs and responsibilities of the position. One week left and I am home for the summer and away from the busy scene of Ithaca. I need a nice long break.
Alright, enough crap about myself and onto sports. We will start out here in Ithaca where the spring season is coming to a close for all the D3 teams here at IC.
The softball team won their conference and are hosting the double elimination tournament for the top 4 teams in the Empire 8 this weekend starting today. Game 1 is complete as St. John Fisher took down Alfred in an extra inning game 3-2 in the opener. That now puts Alfred in the first chance for elimination at 2 pm today from Kostrinsky Field. IC, the #1 seed, is taking on the #4 seed RIT right now and the winner of that game will play SJF at 4 pm with the loser taking on Alfred at 2 pm. IC is favored to win this first game against RIT but if they do lose, it could be interesting as Alfred is the #2 seed and really gave IC a run for their money in the regular season. Very close games between the two schools both falling in Ithaca's favor but could have easily went the other way. Tomorrow will leave the 3 teams left. If IC wins both games today, they will play at 1 pm tomorrow for their first chance at the title. If they go 1-1 today, they will have to play at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm tomorrow to win the tournament. Check back later for updates.
For the Men's LAX team, they play this afternoon at 4 pm in the semifinals of the E8 tournament here at IC at the Upper Terrece field. They will be taking on Nazareth and that game can be listened to live on 92 WICB. Greg Torlone and Steve Bond will have the call at 4 pm. http://www.wicb.org
The baseball team does not have a league tournament but will be hoping for an at large bid into the regionals of the NCAA Tournament. I will keep everyone posted.
That's all for now...check back later.
First things first, I have been named VIC Sports Director here at Ithaca College so my duties at school now stem out even further than just being a student and a student broadcaster. I am thrilled to be named to this position and I am thoroughly ready to take on the jobs and responsibilities of the position. One week left and I am home for the summer and away from the busy scene of Ithaca. I need a nice long break.
Alright, enough crap about myself and onto sports. We will start out here in Ithaca where the spring season is coming to a close for all the D3 teams here at IC.
The softball team won their conference and are hosting the double elimination tournament for the top 4 teams in the Empire 8 this weekend starting today. Game 1 is complete as St. John Fisher took down Alfred in an extra inning game 3-2 in the opener. That now puts Alfred in the first chance for elimination at 2 pm today from Kostrinsky Field. IC, the #1 seed, is taking on the #4 seed RIT right now and the winner of that game will play SJF at 4 pm with the loser taking on Alfred at 2 pm. IC is favored to win this first game against RIT but if they do lose, it could be interesting as Alfred is the #2 seed and really gave IC a run for their money in the regular season. Very close games between the two schools both falling in Ithaca's favor but could have easily went the other way. Tomorrow will leave the 3 teams left. If IC wins both games today, they will play at 1 pm tomorrow for their first chance at the title. If they go 1-1 today, they will have to play at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm tomorrow to win the tournament. Check back later for updates.
For the Men's LAX team, they play this afternoon at 4 pm in the semifinals of the E8 tournament here at IC at the Upper Terrece field. They will be taking on Nazareth and that game can be listened to live on 92 WICB. Greg Torlone and Steve Bond will have the call at 4 pm. http://www.wicb.org
The baseball team does not have a league tournament but will be hoping for an at large bid into the regionals of the NCAA Tournament. I will keep everyone posted.
That's all for now...check back later.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Sweet 16 Down South: Tar Heels roll/Sooners will struggle
This years sweet 16 could not be any sweeter. There are 5 Big East schools representing the NCAA in the final 16. And a couple of them don't plan on losing anytime soon. I'm going to focus down in the South section of everyone's brackets and break down what we will see tonight when the final 4 in the south go head to head.
#1 UNC vs. #4 Gonzaga
This match up I am not going to waste too much time on because if Zaga pulls this game out somehow, I think the world will go into shock. This is UNC's game and it is their game to lose. They have an Elite 8 birth right around the corner and with Ty Lawson healthy, I just cannot see the Tar Heels losing this game. Gonzaga is a good team but they choke deep into the tournament. Last night we saw Duke get pummeled by the #3 seeded Villinova by 23 points. I am not going to go out and say that the Tar Heels are going to win by that much but it will be a slaughter in favor of the Heels.
Final Score: 78-63 UNC
#2 Oklahoma vs. #3 Syracuse
Now this game on the other hand could get interesting. This will be the second game starting in the 7 o'clock hour with Louisville and Arizona starting first. I will tell everyone right now that I picked against my home town Orange in advancing past tonight's game with Oklahoma in my Final 4. But with the way things are looking right now, my bracket could be in trouble.
Starting out in the back court, Jonny Flynn is the quarterback for SU who creates plays with his fantastic ball movement and he also has the ability to make plays for himself. Oklahoma is going to have to put their best defender face guarding Flynn if they want to control the lanes and make him use his other options. But SU has more. Eric Devendorf is the hottest 3 point shooter in this tournament. He is shooting well over 40 percent from downtown. Andy Rautins will come off the bench and he is also a pure shooter and if both of these guys get hot, I don't care if Blake Griffen puts up 30, SU will out shoot the Sooners and that in itself could lead them to victory.
Game Changer: Front Court Defense
SU will try and win this game tonight from the perimeter but Oklahoma is going to pick on the big guys for Syracuse. Arinze and Rick are going to have to double team Blake Griffen every time he touches the ball. Oklahoma is not the strong shooting Orange. Their game is in the paint. Kristof is going to be called on as well to play defense down low.
Overall, I truly think that the Orange of Syracuse outmatch the Sooners in the back court and with some tightly played zone defense on Oklahoma's big men, we could see SU back in the Elite 8. I have said it since day one of the tournament, it is going to take another Big East school to knock out the top teams out of the Big East. Right now, SU is one of those elite teams.
Final Score: 67-58 Syracuse
#1 UNC vs. #4 Gonzaga
This match up I am not going to waste too much time on because if Zaga pulls this game out somehow, I think the world will go into shock. This is UNC's game and it is their game to lose. They have an Elite 8 birth right around the corner and with Ty Lawson healthy, I just cannot see the Tar Heels losing this game. Gonzaga is a good team but they choke deep into the tournament. Last night we saw Duke get pummeled by the #3 seeded Villinova by 23 points. I am not going to go out and say that the Tar Heels are going to win by that much but it will be a slaughter in favor of the Heels.
Final Score: 78-63 UNC
#2 Oklahoma vs. #3 Syracuse
Now this game on the other hand could get interesting. This will be the second game starting in the 7 o'clock hour with Louisville and Arizona starting first. I will tell everyone right now that I picked against my home town Orange in advancing past tonight's game with Oklahoma in my Final 4. But with the way things are looking right now, my bracket could be in trouble.
Starting out in the back court, Jonny Flynn is the quarterback for SU who creates plays with his fantastic ball movement and he also has the ability to make plays for himself. Oklahoma is going to have to put their best defender face guarding Flynn if they want to control the lanes and make him use his other options. But SU has more. Eric Devendorf is the hottest 3 point shooter in this tournament. He is shooting well over 40 percent from downtown. Andy Rautins will come off the bench and he is also a pure shooter and if both of these guys get hot, I don't care if Blake Griffen puts up 30, SU will out shoot the Sooners and that in itself could lead them to victory.
Game Changer: Front Court Defense
SU will try and win this game tonight from the perimeter but Oklahoma is going to pick on the big guys for Syracuse. Arinze and Rick are going to have to double team Blake Griffen every time he touches the ball. Oklahoma is not the strong shooting Orange. Their game is in the paint. Kristof is going to be called on as well to play defense down low.
Overall, I truly think that the Orange of Syracuse outmatch the Sooners in the back court and with some tightly played zone defense on Oklahoma's big men, we could see SU back in the Elite 8. I have said it since day one of the tournament, it is going to take another Big East school to knock out the top teams out of the Big East. Right now, SU is one of those elite teams.
Final Score: 67-58 Syracuse
Monday, March 16, 2009
NCAA Bracket Picks: Big East Steals the Show
This years NCAA Men's basketball tournament made history as the first time 3 teams out of the conference has held 3 #1 seeds. Louisville winning the Big East tournament on top and hold the top spot overall in the big dance. This team has lulled people to sleep all year. They never once were ranked 1st in the nation with their highest being 3rd in the preseason polls as well as weeks 1 and 2. After a few early losses, Rick Pitino and the Cardinals dropped off to 11th and have been clawing their way back ever since. This week, first in America. But a field of 63 other teams all aiming for that bullseye on their backs.
MIDWEST
Round 1
1 Louisville over 16 Morehead St./Alabama St.
9 Siena over 8 Ohio St.
12 Arizona over 5 Utah
4 Wake Forest over 13 Cleveland St.
6 West Virginia over 11 Dayton
3 Kansas over 14 N. Dakota St.
7 Boston College over 10 USC
2 Michgan St. over 15 Robert Morris
Round 2
1 Louisville over 9 Siena
4 Wake Forest over 12 Arizona
6 West Virginia over 3 Kansas
2 Michigan St. over 7 Boston College
Sweet 16
1 Louisville over 4 Wake Forest
6 West Virginia over 2 Michigan St.
Elite 8
1 Louisville over 6 West Virginia
EAST
Round 1
1 Pittsburgh over 16 E. Tennessee St.
9 Tennessee over 8 Oklahoma St.
5 Florida St. over 12 Wisconsin
4 Xavier over 13 Portland St.
11 VCU over 6 UCLA
3 Villinova over 14 American
7 Texas over 10 Minnesota
2 Duke over 15 SUNY Binghamton
Round 2
1 Pittsburgh over 9 Tennessee
4 Xavier over 5 Florida St.
3 Villinova over 11 VCU
2 Duke over 7 Texas
Sweet 16
1 Pittsburgh over 4 Xavier
3 Villinova over 2 Duke
Elite 8
1 Pittsburgh over 3 Villinova
SOUTH
Round 1
1 UNC over 16 Radford
9 Butler over 8 LSU
12 W. Kentucky over 5 Illinois
4 Gonzaga over 13 Akron
6 Arizona St. over 11 Temple
3 Syracuse over 14 Stephen F. Austin
7 Clemson over 10 Michigan
2 Oklahoma over 15 Morgan St.
Round 2
1 UNC over 9 Butler
12 W. Kentucky over 4 Gonzaga
3 Syracuse over 6 Arizona St.
2 Oklahoma over 7 Clemson
Sweet 16
1 UNC over 12 W. Kentucky
2 Oklahoma over 3 Syracuse
Elite 8
2 Oklahoma over 1 UNC
WEST
Round 1
1 UCONN over 16 Chattanooga
9 Texas A&M over 8 BYU
5 Purdue over 12 Northern Iowa
13 Mississippi St. over 4 Washington
6 Marquette over 11 Utah St.
3 Missouri over 14 Cornell
7 California over 10 Maryland
2 Memphis over 15 CSU Northridge
Round 2
1 UCONN over 9 Texas A&M
5 Purdue over 13 Mississippi St.
3 Missouri over 6 Marquette
2 Memphis over 7 California
Sweet 16
1 UCONN over 5 Purdue
3 Misouri over 2 Memphis
Elite 8
1 UCONN over 3 Missouri
FINAL 4
1 UCONN over 1 Louisville
1 Pittsburgh over 2 Oklahoma
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
PITTSBURGH 68
UCONN 65
PITTSBURGH PANTHERS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
MIDWEST
Round 1
1 Louisville over 16 Morehead St./Alabama St.
9 Siena over 8 Ohio St.
12 Arizona over 5 Utah
4 Wake Forest over 13 Cleveland St.
6 West Virginia over 11 Dayton
3 Kansas over 14 N. Dakota St.
7 Boston College over 10 USC
2 Michgan St. over 15 Robert Morris
Round 2
1 Louisville over 9 Siena
4 Wake Forest over 12 Arizona
6 West Virginia over 3 Kansas
2 Michigan St. over 7 Boston College
Sweet 16
1 Louisville over 4 Wake Forest
6 West Virginia over 2 Michigan St.
Elite 8
1 Louisville over 6 West Virginia
EAST
Round 1
1 Pittsburgh over 16 E. Tennessee St.
9 Tennessee over 8 Oklahoma St.
5 Florida St. over 12 Wisconsin
4 Xavier over 13 Portland St.
11 VCU over 6 UCLA
3 Villinova over 14 American
7 Texas over 10 Minnesota
2 Duke over 15 SUNY Binghamton
Round 2
1 Pittsburgh over 9 Tennessee
4 Xavier over 5 Florida St.
3 Villinova over 11 VCU
2 Duke over 7 Texas
Sweet 16
1 Pittsburgh over 4 Xavier
3 Villinova over 2 Duke
Elite 8
1 Pittsburgh over 3 Villinova
SOUTH
Round 1
1 UNC over 16 Radford
9 Butler over 8 LSU
12 W. Kentucky over 5 Illinois
4 Gonzaga over 13 Akron
6 Arizona St. over 11 Temple
3 Syracuse over 14 Stephen F. Austin
7 Clemson over 10 Michigan
2 Oklahoma over 15 Morgan St.
Round 2
1 UNC over 9 Butler
12 W. Kentucky over 4 Gonzaga
3 Syracuse over 6 Arizona St.
2 Oklahoma over 7 Clemson
Sweet 16
1 UNC over 12 W. Kentucky
2 Oklahoma over 3 Syracuse
Elite 8
2 Oklahoma over 1 UNC
WEST
Round 1
1 UCONN over 16 Chattanooga
9 Texas A&M over 8 BYU
5 Purdue over 12 Northern Iowa
13 Mississippi St. over 4 Washington
6 Marquette over 11 Utah St.
3 Missouri over 14 Cornell
7 California over 10 Maryland
2 Memphis over 15 CSU Northridge
Round 2
1 UCONN over 9 Texas A&M
5 Purdue over 13 Mississippi St.
3 Missouri over 6 Marquette
2 Memphis over 7 California
Sweet 16
1 UCONN over 5 Purdue
3 Misouri over 2 Memphis
Elite 8
1 UCONN over 3 Missouri
FINAL 4
1 UCONN over 1 Louisville
1 Pittsburgh over 2 Oklahoma
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
PITTSBURGH 68
UCONN 65
PITTSBURGH PANTHERS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Syracuse Nabs the 3 seed
What a week it has been for the Orange. Syracuse pulled off a run in the Big East Tournament that honestly was unpredictable
. They played their hearts out these last 4 games and with that, a well deserved 3 seed in the big dance. Before this conference tournament, the Orange were a lock for the NCAA's. I had them listed at a 6 seed behind 6 other Big East schools. But with the show they put on, they are well deserving of this 3 seed. Personally I believe that they got put into what is an extremely underrated South bracket. UNC at the #1 seed obviously is not my point. First round against Stephen F. Austin will/should be a cake walk. The Lumberjacks are the 14 seed Southland Conference Champs. Yeah, you read right, Southland Conference. They were put to the test minimal times through the season with their biggest game coming in a 69-55 loss to Texas Tech. And no where in the field of 65 do you see Pat Knight and Texas Tech. As I said, should be no contest. Second round they will play the winner of Arizona State 
and Temple. Arizona State out of the non-threatening PAC 10 as an at large bid and Temple, conference champs out of the Atlantic 10. Arizona State should be the second round opponent for the Orange but I will save all these picks for a later post with my bracket and all my final picks. When it is all said and done, Syracuse I feel got lucky in a way because they are the only Big East team in the South while the East holds Pitt and Villinova, the West with UCONN and Marquette and finally the Midwest with Louisville and West Virginia. But do not underestimate the abilities of some of these teams the Cuse will have to face. Oklahoma is struggling as of late but with a possible Sweet 16 meeting, things could get interesting not to mention UNC possibly waiting in the Regional Finals. I give all the credit in the world to the Orange this past week. Hands down the best effort ever shown by a single team that I have ever witnessed. Congratulations to Jonny Flynn, Big East Tournament MVP!
Next post to come: Complete NCAA Bracket picks from 1st round to the National Champions!
MLB Previews to come...
. They played their hearts out these last 4 games and with that, a well deserved 3 seed in the big dance. Before this conference tournament, the Orange were a lock for the NCAA's. I had them listed at a 6 seed behind 6 other Big East schools. But with the show they put on, they are well deserving of this 3 seed. Personally I believe that they got put into what is an extremely underrated South bracket. UNC at the #1 seed obviously is not my point. First round against Stephen F. Austin will/should be a cake walk. The Lumberjacks are the 14 seed Southland Conference Champs. Yeah, you read right, Southland Conference. They were put to the test minimal times through the season with their biggest game coming in a 69-55 loss to Texas Tech. And no where in the field of 65 do you see Pat Knight and Texas Tech. As I said, should be no contest. Second round they will play the winner of Arizona State 
and Temple. Arizona State out of the non-threatening PAC 10 as an at large bid and Temple, conference champs out of the Atlantic 10. Arizona State should be the second round opponent for the Orange but I will save all these picks for a later post with my bracket and all my final picks. When it is all said and done, Syracuse I feel got lucky in a way because they are the only Big East team in the South while the East holds Pitt and Villinova, the West with UCONN and Marquette and finally the Midwest with Louisville and West Virginia. But do not underestimate the abilities of some of these teams the Cuse will have to face. Oklahoma is struggling as of late but with a possible Sweet 16 meeting, things could get interesting not to mention UNC possibly waiting in the Regional Finals. I give all the credit in the world to the Orange this past week. Hands down the best effort ever shown by a single team that I have ever witnessed. Congratulations to Jonny Flynn, Big East Tournament MVP!
Next post to come: Complete NCAA Bracket picks from 1st round to the National Champions!
MLB Previews to come...
Thursday, March 5, 2009
TO Gone From Big D
It was reported last night by two sources from ESPN that Terrell Owens was released from the Dallas Cowboys. Could this have been because of salary cap reasons or is it simply because he just wore out his welcome? Tough to say but when Jerry Jones just last year paid TO 12 million dollars in signing bonus, that kind of would look like the team was interested in his abilities for a few years to come. Whatever the case may be, Owens is needing to find a home once again this off season. What teams are interested? We'll have to wait and see.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Manny Inks with Dodgers!
After an off season full of drama, Manny Ramirez will be sporting that number 99 uniform in Dodger Blue in a few weeks as he signed a 2 year 45 million dollar contract with the Dodgers. Torre and the Dodgers will have the dread locks back roaming the left field grass for another two years. Maybe he will send a text message during a pitching change this year. Or even an email on his blackberry. We know now he is making the big bucks. Well not as much as he would have been making had he accepted their original offer. Who knows what you will get out of Manny. Thank goodness he remains in the National League!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Big East Conference: Tournament for all!
With the new vamped style that the Big East conference has put into effect starting this year that will include all 16 teams in the conference tournament in a couple of weeks, it is so tough to figure out what teams will and which ones will be left out of the big dance come mid March. The outlook of the conference has certainly changed from the beginning of the year as now teams like Providence and Cincinnati are in talks for at large bids and others like Georgetown and Notre Dame have basically been forgotten about. But nothing is over until it is over. All teams including 0-16 DePaul have the opportunity to get into the NCAA tournament with a conference title. What teams are truly on the bubble, safely in, and can pack their bags for home in the what has been said to be the toughest conference in Division I basketball?
Safely In:
It is obvious what teams in the Big East we can count on seeing in the big dance. Pitt is safe as well as UCONN, Louisville and Marquette. Those four are going to be my top 4 seeds, not in that order, for the conference tournament. All four, even if they get knocked out early, will all be in the NCAA tourney. After these teams are set, it is tough to say where the others will fall into place. But there are a few schools that in my eyes have already solidified a spot.
Villinova
Nova has proven to be a confident team that can play with any of those 4 I listed above. Yeah, they did get beat recently by West Virginia who ranks about middle of the pack but they have also beaten a lot of other teams who at the time, were ranked pretty high. They were able to sneak by Marquette which is a big win and also not as big but still a competitive Georgetown. What scares me about this team is that yeah they have taken a lot of teams to the wood shed but in some cases, they let teams that they should blow out hang with them. DePaul hung with them and they snuck away with a win 74-72. It is tough to say. They will not make it into the top 4 but have a good shot at a decent run in the Big East tourney and definite in NCAA birth.
Syracuse
Despite me being a huge Orange fan, this is not a homer pick. SU has played mediocre basketball down the stretch. They have dropped every game they have played against teams ranked higher than them in the Big East. Nova has beat them twice. Louisville, Pitt and UCONN have all gotten the best of the Orange. But this team wins games that they should. St. John's was a blow out. Cincinnati looked like a Division II school for most of the game. They have won 21 games this season so far with their only out of conference loss courtesy of Cleveland State who should get a bid to the dance. Syracuse may look like a middle of the road team, but with their schedule remaining, I see them at the very least the 5 or 6 seed in the Big East showdown.
Providence
This is probably the first time that I have ever written about this team before. At the beginning of the season, if you had told me Providence would be in contention for the NCAA's, I would have probably laughed. But this team is the real deal. Beating teams like Pitt and Syracuse makes their story look glorious. If anyone beats Pitt this year, consider yourself a contender especially when they were the #1 ranked team in the nation. Do I think they will win the Big Easy, absolutely not. But 8 teams have to get into the NCAA tourney therefore, Providence, you are in.
On the Bubble:
West Virginia
It is tough to say with this team. They have played some very good basketball this season. But their lack of ability to shut teams out and to hang with teams late in games really scares me. But this team has not really lost to any teams that I would consider a bad loss. Louisvillem Syracuse, UCONN, these are all respectable losses. But only beating Cincinnati by 4. They are winning the games they should be winning but they are not blowing teams out of the water which could cost them.
Cincinnati
After watching them play this weekend, I will confidently say that this team needs help. They did not show up to play Sunday against SU. They have struggled late into this season and if the trend continues, things are not looking good. Right now, Cincinnati sits 9th in the Big East. 9 teams I do not think will get into the dance. It could happen but the selection committee is not going to be impressed by the way the Bearcats have been playing lately.
Pack Your Bags
Notre Dame
Harengody could possibly still win player of the year for the conference with his team not making the NCAA tournament but his team has been just hard to watch. Talk about a team falling apart. I guess that is what you get when your team is supplied points by two players, one from downtown and the other from the paint. A conference title is really their last hope.
Georgetown
Another team that has disappointed a lot of fans this year. Greg Monroe can out of the gate this year like he was in contention for player of the year but then the team forgot that the object of the game is to put the ball in the hoop. As I said, a conference tournament title or bust. Same goes for the rest of the bottom dwellers of the conference.
And just for kickers, I think that this whole lets have all 16 teams play in this tournament is complete crap. The top 4 seeds get double byes with the next 4 getting a single bye. Who wants to watch the first round of DePaul vs. St. John's? And then have a team like South Florida get on a run and beat a team like Marquette (oh right, that actually happened already) and then be a spoiler. Do you really want to watch South Florida play in the quarterfinal round or even possibly the semis? No. No one does. It is a way to make more money for the conference and that is all. Just thought I would voice my disgust with the conference. Any thoughts? Leave me a comment and I will answer.
Safely In:
It is obvious what teams in the Big East we can count on seeing in the big dance. Pitt is safe as well as UCONN, Louisville and Marquette. Those four are going to be my top 4 seeds, not in that order, for the conference tournament. All four, even if they get knocked out early, will all be in the NCAA tourney. After these teams are set, it is tough to say where the others will fall into place. But there are a few schools that in my eyes have already solidified a spot.
Villinova
Nova has proven to be a confident team that can play with any of those 4 I listed above. Yeah, they did get beat recently by West Virginia who ranks about middle of the pack but they have also beaten a lot of other teams who at the time, were ranked pretty high. They were able to sneak by Marquette which is a big win and also not as big but still a competitive Georgetown. What scares me about this team is that yeah they have taken a lot of teams to the wood shed but in some cases, they let teams that they should blow out hang with them. DePaul hung with them and they snuck away with a win 74-72. It is tough to say. They will not make it into the top 4 but have a good shot at a decent run in the Big East tourney and definite in NCAA birth.
Syracuse
Despite me being a huge Orange fan, this is not a homer pick. SU has played mediocre basketball down the stretch. They have dropped every game they have played against teams ranked higher than them in the Big East. Nova has beat them twice. Louisville, Pitt and UCONN have all gotten the best of the Orange. But this team wins games that they should. St. John's was a blow out. Cincinnati looked like a Division II school for most of the game. They have won 21 games this season so far with their only out of conference loss courtesy of Cleveland State who should get a bid to the dance. Syracuse may look like a middle of the road team, but with their schedule remaining, I see them at the very least the 5 or 6 seed in the Big East showdown.
Providence
This is probably the first time that I have ever written about this team before. At the beginning of the season, if you had told me Providence would be in contention for the NCAA's, I would have probably laughed. But this team is the real deal. Beating teams like Pitt and Syracuse makes their story look glorious. If anyone beats Pitt this year, consider yourself a contender especially when they were the #1 ranked team in the nation. Do I think they will win the Big Easy, absolutely not. But 8 teams have to get into the NCAA tourney therefore, Providence, you are in.
On the Bubble:
West Virginia
It is tough to say with this team. They have played some very good basketball this season. But their lack of ability to shut teams out and to hang with teams late in games really scares me. But this team has not really lost to any teams that I would consider a bad loss. Louisvillem Syracuse, UCONN, these are all respectable losses. But only beating Cincinnati by 4. They are winning the games they should be winning but they are not blowing teams out of the water which could cost them.
Cincinnati
After watching them play this weekend, I will confidently say that this team needs help. They did not show up to play Sunday against SU. They have struggled late into this season and if the trend continues, things are not looking good. Right now, Cincinnati sits 9th in the Big East. 9 teams I do not think will get into the dance. It could happen but the selection committee is not going to be impressed by the way the Bearcats have been playing lately.
Pack Your Bags
Notre Dame
Harengody could possibly still win player of the year for the conference with his team not making the NCAA tournament but his team has been just hard to watch. Talk about a team falling apart. I guess that is what you get when your team is supplied points by two players, one from downtown and the other from the paint. A conference title is really their last hope.
Georgetown
Another team that has disappointed a lot of fans this year. Greg Monroe can out of the gate this year like he was in contention for player of the year but then the team forgot that the object of the game is to put the ball in the hoop. As I said, a conference tournament title or bust. Same goes for the rest of the bottom dwellers of the conference.
And just for kickers, I think that this whole lets have all 16 teams play in this tournament is complete crap. The top 4 seeds get double byes with the next 4 getting a single bye. Who wants to watch the first round of DePaul vs. St. John's? And then have a team like South Florida get on a run and beat a team like Marquette (oh right, that actually happened already) and then be a spoiler. Do you really want to watch South Florida play in the quarterfinal round or even possibly the semis? No. No one does. It is a way to make more money for the conference and that is all. Just thought I would voice my disgust with the conference. Any thoughts? Leave me a comment and I will answer.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Spring Training in Tampa: WBC losses...
It is the site that draws in fans from all over the country. Tampa, Florida where Steinbrenner field lies, home of the Yankees Spring Training games held its first action of the 2009 season this afternoon welcoming in Tampa native the Rays. This was the second game as the Yankees and many other teams started yesterday but the first of many to come in the months of February and March. But the personnel taking the diamond this spring will look somewhat different come next week. The World Baseball Classic will take many big names away from many different teams across America and for the Yankees it is no different.
Who's going?
Derek Jeter: USA
Jeter is going to be representing the United States next week along with many other US natives from around the league. Derek did not play four years ago when this event first was developed. He wanted to stay with the Yankees and he believe that leaving his team in probably the most important time of camp was not necessary and his main concern is his teammates in NY. Do I blame Jeter for changing his mind? Not at all. This is a way that Derek can represent the red, white and blue and give his talents toward a new team besides the Bronx Bombers. Since he came up in 1995 he has never dawned another uniform except for during All-Star weekends. As team captain I can see questioning his decision to leave the team for this period of time, but the Yankees will continue to work and he will continue to build his game even away from Tampa.
Alex Rodriguez & Robinson Cano: Dominican Republic
I won't get on a soap box about Alex and the off season that he has had in store for him. I will make one simple comment and that is all you will here out of me because I feel that it is waste of media coverage and a topic that has been gone about in the wrong and very unprofessional way. Alex and Robinson have looked good in the first two games of the Yankees spring schedule. Cano has looked very well out at second base not committing an error. Alex took a pitch yard in the first game yesterday and today was a little more quiet. The Dominican team is definitely better off having these two guys as half of their infield and the Yankees will give some younger guys a look across the diamond in their absence.
Who's staying?
Mark Teixeira 1B
Mark was one of NY's top pickups this season signing him to a huge contract over 8 years for 180 million dollars. He has selected not to participate in this years World Baseball Classic. He just got to a new team. The Yankees advised him not to go and that his duties with the team in camp should be taken into deeper consideration. First base has been a position that has haunted the Yankees since Donny baseball left and finally a guy who someday probably will surpass the stature of such a great ball player. Joe Girardi decided that the #3 spot in the lineup was Mark's and is the best fit for a player of his ability. A switch hitter and really a dominant hitter from both sides of the plate. He is my pick as the most valuable addition to New York's roster in 2009. Yes, even over CC.
Jorge Posada C/1B/DH
I list his positions like that because right now, I don't think that Girardi and the Yankees know what he is going to be doing come April. He was in the DH spot today and took the first pitch he saw to the grass beyond the wall in right center. His next at-bat, a ground-rule double to straight away center. He is seeing the ball well and with that surgically repaired shoulder, he definitely looks to be feeling better but still not ready to gear up and get behind the plate. I doubt you will see him at first after Texeira came to town. Hey-Hey Jorge will still be chanted from the bleacher creatures this season, just not sure how many days a week he will be in the lineup. He is slated to get behind the plate March 15th for the first time since his surgery.
The Yankees pitching staff is obviously much improved this year. Phil Hughes looked great today in 2 innings of work not allowing a hit or a run. He walked one and hit two batters but worked out of trouble in both innings. The starting rotation looks something like this as announced by Joe Girardi...
CC Sabathia
Chien-Mng Wang
A.J. Burnett
Andy Pettitte
Joba Chamberlin
Things seem to be in place for the Yankees. Time will certainly tell and the loss of a few big names could play a factor in team chemistry come time for Opening Day.
Who's going?
Derek Jeter: USA
Jeter is going to be representing the United States next week along with many other US natives from around the league. Derek did not play four years ago when this event first was developed. He wanted to stay with the Yankees and he believe that leaving his team in probably the most important time of camp was not necessary and his main concern is his teammates in NY. Do I blame Jeter for changing his mind? Not at all. This is a way that Derek can represent the red, white and blue and give his talents toward a new team besides the Bronx Bombers. Since he came up in 1995 he has never dawned another uniform except for during All-Star weekends. As team captain I can see questioning his decision to leave the team for this period of time, but the Yankees will continue to work and he will continue to build his game even away from Tampa.
Alex Rodriguez & Robinson Cano: Dominican Republic
I won't get on a soap box about Alex and the off season that he has had in store for him. I will make one simple comment and that is all you will here out of me because I feel that it is waste of media coverage and a topic that has been gone about in the wrong and very unprofessional way. Alex and Robinson have looked good in the first two games of the Yankees spring schedule. Cano has looked very well out at second base not committing an error. Alex took a pitch yard in the first game yesterday and today was a little more quiet. The Dominican team is definitely better off having these two guys as half of their infield and the Yankees will give some younger guys a look across the diamond in their absence.
Who's staying?
Mark Teixeira 1B
Mark was one of NY's top pickups this season signing him to a huge contract over 8 years for 180 million dollars. He has selected not to participate in this years World Baseball Classic. He just got to a new team. The Yankees advised him not to go and that his duties with the team in camp should be taken into deeper consideration. First base has been a position that has haunted the Yankees since Donny baseball left and finally a guy who someday probably will surpass the stature of such a great ball player. Joe Girardi decided that the #3 spot in the lineup was Mark's and is the best fit for a player of his ability. A switch hitter and really a dominant hitter from both sides of the plate. He is my pick as the most valuable addition to New York's roster in 2009. Yes, even over CC.
Jorge Posada C/1B/DH
I list his positions like that because right now, I don't think that Girardi and the Yankees know what he is going to be doing come April. He was in the DH spot today and took the first pitch he saw to the grass beyond the wall in right center. His next at-bat, a ground-rule double to straight away center. He is seeing the ball well and with that surgically repaired shoulder, he definitely looks to be feeling better but still not ready to gear up and get behind the plate. I doubt you will see him at first after Texeira came to town. Hey-Hey Jorge will still be chanted from the bleacher creatures this season, just not sure how many days a week he will be in the lineup. He is slated to get behind the plate March 15th for the first time since his surgery.
The Yankees pitching staff is obviously much improved this year. Phil Hughes looked great today in 2 innings of work not allowing a hit or a run. He walked one and hit two batters but worked out of trouble in both innings. The starting rotation looks something like this as announced by Joe Girardi...
CC Sabathia
Chien-Mng Wang
A.J. Burnett
Andy Pettitte
Joba Chamberlin
Things seem to be in place for the Yankees. Time will certainly tell and the loss of a few big names could play a factor in team chemistry come time for Opening Day.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Canastota Girls Hoops Dominate in Section III B's
SECTION III
Not only are the pros at work this time of year but there are tons of high school athletes in action that deserve recognition for their accomplishments. Section III has always been one of the most dominant sections in New York State in many different sports. The B's always split in almost every sport as the competition is without a doubt top notch.
The Canastota Girls basketball team rolled by Hannibal in the quarterfinals of the B2 tournament. The team led 27-1 at the half holding Hannibal to a single free throw in 16 minutes of basketball. 54-19 was the final. Alicia Hibbard, WMCR player of the game, recorded a double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Raiders. Liz McGinley completed her personal stat book as she recorded her 1000 rebound in her 4 years career. She now has 1000 points and 1000 rebounds as a Raider.
The team will play again on Friday, February 27th at 7 pm at home against General Brown.
SECTION IV
From Section IV, Tompkins County representative Ithaca High School Little Red Girls will move on as well in their respective tournament. Routing Vestal 51-30 at home, the Little Red roll easily to victory. Leading the way for Ithaca was Ayanda Ntombela with 14 points as Lindsy Bryant helped the cause with 13.
Ithaca will be on the road for the next round of action on Friday.
Welcome Back
Sorry about the huge long break but I am going to try and continue to do weekly posts here basically covering any and all sports. It is almost time for March Madness. NFL draft will be coming up in April as well as plenty of NHL and NBA action currently taking place. MLB opening day is right around the corner. The New York Yankees play their first Spring Training game tomorrow. The World Baseball Classic is coming up as well.
Keep checking because there is plenty more sports coverage coming...
Keep checking because there is plenty more sports coverage coming...
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