Monday, July 18, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Baseball Picks 7/16/11
My picks for today are...
Yankees over Blue Jays
Phillies over Mets
Cubs over Marlins
Angels over A's (the game Weaver is pitching)
Enjoy the games on this perfect baseball day : )
Yankees over Blue Jays
Phillies over Mets
Cubs over Marlins
Angels over A's (the game Weaver is pitching)
Enjoy the games on this perfect baseball day : )
Friday, July 15, 2011
Baseball Picks 7/15/11
Ok, back to the drawing board...
Here are some picks for today..
Indians over Orioles
Yankees over Blue Jays
Phillies over Mets
Red Sox over Rays
Pirates over Astros
We'll see how it turns out. Enjoy the games!
Here are some picks for today..
Indians over Orioles
Yankees over Blue Jays
Phillies over Mets
Red Sox over Rays
Pirates over Astros
We'll see how it turns out. Enjoy the games!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
USA Women Ride Wave of Success
The big question before today's semi-final World Cup soccer game was how would the U.S. women arrive after the dramatic and exhausting victory three days ago? Would they be emotionally let-down? Tired? Over-confident?
The U.S. Womens soccer team literally rode a wave en route to a 3-1 victory against France. They were on top of the wave as they began the game with confidence, and were obviously the better team. Once again they scored early (9 minutes in). However, by the end of the first half, France was the dominating team and had several good opportunities to score. They started the second half the same, and shortly after, the wave came crashing down on the U.S. as France scored the equalizer. They continued to dominate afterwards. The U.S. hung on for dear life, and France had several chances to take the lead.
The quality we admire most about this U.S. team is that they don't surrender under pressure. Gradually, the wave began to crest again. The U.S. regained much of the ball possession that they had lost earlier. They had some scoring chances. Finally, with about 15 minutes to go, Abby Wambach again came through on a perfect header from a perfect cross. Shortly after this sigh of relief, feisty sub Alex Morgan scored an insurance goal to clinch the victory.
This was not an easy win, as France proved to be a very formidible opponent. However, the U.S. showed their resolve again, and will now play in the Final on Sunday. Awesome victory once again!
The U.S. Womens soccer team literally rode a wave en route to a 3-1 victory against France. They were on top of the wave as they began the game with confidence, and were obviously the better team. Once again they scored early (9 minutes in). However, by the end of the first half, France was the dominating team and had several good opportunities to score. They started the second half the same, and shortly after, the wave came crashing down on the U.S. as France scored the equalizer. They continued to dominate afterwards. The U.S. hung on for dear life, and France had several chances to take the lead.
The quality we admire most about this U.S. team is that they don't surrender under pressure. Gradually, the wave began to crest again. The U.S. regained much of the ball possession that they had lost earlier. They had some scoring chances. Finally, with about 15 minutes to go, Abby Wambach again came through on a perfect header from a perfect cross. Shortly after this sigh of relief, feisty sub Alex Morgan scored an insurance goal to clinch the victory.
This was not an easy win, as France proved to be a very formidible opponent. However, the U.S. showed their resolve again, and will now play in the Final on Sunday. Awesome victory once again!
USA Follow-Up
As you already know, the USA Womens Soccer team won a very dramatic game in the quarter finals of the World Cup.
How does a team follow-up one of the most dramatic wins in its history? There are usually two possibilities. One is a major emotional let-down. After all, it is difficult to get going again after putting so much emotion in one game. The second scenario is one of invincibility. Winning such a big game in dramatic, last-second fashion as they did the other day leads a team to believe the can't and won't lose to anyone.
How will the U.S. respond in their semi-final against France? From what I've seen from this group of women, I believe we will see the second scenario. Don't get me wrong. France is a very good team, and the U.S. cannot take them lightly. However, I believe the already high confidence of this U.S. team has grown by leaps and bounds. I see a 2-0 victory for USA on the horizon.
Enjoy the game!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The True All-Star Game
Tonite, one of my favorite sporting event of the year takes place. It is the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
Yes, there is a bit of a damper on the game because some are "too tired" to play, while others have lingering hangnails that they don't want to risk injuring further. Regardless, I look very much forward to watching.
When all is said and done, this is the only true All-Star game in sports. In football they are not hitting and playing the real game. In hockey, regular style 2-1 games are replaced by offense only 12-11 games. Defense is also a foreign concept in the NBA game.
Baseball is different. Pitchers are still throwing 90 MPH fastballs. Batters are still hitting home runs. Runners are still stealing bases. I still don't know if I like the fact that the outcome determines home field advantage in the World Series, but it definitely adds another relevant element to the game.
Whether you're a baseball fan or not, you know that, when watching this game, you're getting a real game the way it's supposed to be played. Enjoy : )
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Soccer Justice is Served
I am one of those individuals who lacks confidence in our country's justice system. Yet at the same time, I strongly believe that justice is eventually served. This is true in all aspects of life.
It includes sports, and based on today's events, the soccer field. I share this after watching one of the most incredible soccer games I have ever seen. The U.S womens soccer team defeated Brazil on penalty kicks in the quarter finals of the World Cup.
The U.S were off to a great start as they scored after just 74 seconds to take a 1-0 lead. Besides some minor opportunities from Brazil, the Americans dominated the first half and took the lead to intermission.
It was the second half and beyond where all the craziness began. About midway through the second half, Brazilian star Marta rushed toward the goal with American defense(wo)man Rachel Buehler battling alongside. The two became tangled and came down hard in the box. Not only was a penalty kick awarded, but Buehler received a red card, and the U.S were now down to 10 players. In my opinion, the penalty kick should have been awarded, though I thought the red card was a bit harsh and un-merited.
The great injustice arrived with the penalty kick itself. A great kick was made, but goalkeeper Hope Solo dove hard to the left and made an incredible save. Momentum back on the U.S. side, right? Wrong! The referee indicated that Solo had moved off the goal line before the kick was made, and allowed a re-kick. This time Marta took the kick and scored, resulting in a tie game.
Was the referee justified? I answer with an adament no. Hope moved slightlty before the kick. However, it appeared that she moved laterally, not forward. Also, many penalty kick saves have been made with far less movement, and they are never called. Now, instead of the U.S. up by one, it is tied.
We now move to extra time. Shortly into the first extra period, Brazil scores. It was a ligitimate goal, a fine one at that by Marta. Things are not looking good for the U.S. To make it worse, Brazil began pulling the stunts which turns off fans from around the world in both the womens and mens game. Things like diving, delaying, etc. In one of the worst cases of bad sportsmanship I have seen, a Brazilian player stayed on the field long enough to require a stretcher. Then, after a minute and a half had gone by and she was off the field, jumps off the stretcher and jogs to the bench, back in the game within seconds.
At this point, even the referee had seen enough. A generous amount of injury time was awarded after the 30 minutes of extra time. The U.S. then drove down the field with their final chance to score. Megan Rapinoe, who had made some fine passes earlier, ran down the left wing. She made a perfect cross, and there was striker Abby Wambach who received the pass, and headed it as perfectly as it was crossed, resulting in the tying goal with seconds left. Justice served! The fact that it was the veteran Wambach, who had come close so many times in previous games but was shut out for the World Cup and never gave up, was even greater justice. But wait! Brazil makes a last second attack, and won a corner kick. In almost all other situations they would have been allowed to take the kick. However, the referee did not allow them to take the kick and signalled the end of time. Justice again!
The penalty kick shootout was as exciting as they always are. Exactly twelve years to the day of the U.S shootout victory to in the Final of 1999, the shootout went exactly the same as that victorious one from back then. The two teams each made their first kick, and the U.S. made their third. Just like 12 years ago, the U.S. 'keeper made a huge save. It went to the 5th U.S. shooter with a chance to win the game. Sure enough, Alex Krieger scores, to give the U.S. an incredible victory.
Justice was served on that soccer field in Germany. At the same time, I witnessed a sports match that I will not soon forget.
It includes sports, and based on today's events, the soccer field. I share this after watching one of the most incredible soccer games I have ever seen. The U.S womens soccer team defeated Brazil on penalty kicks in the quarter finals of the World Cup.
The U.S were off to a great start as they scored after just 74 seconds to take a 1-0 lead. Besides some minor opportunities from Brazil, the Americans dominated the first half and took the lead to intermission.
It was the second half and beyond where all the craziness began. About midway through the second half, Brazilian star Marta rushed toward the goal with American defense(wo)man Rachel Buehler battling alongside. The two became tangled and came down hard in the box. Not only was a penalty kick awarded, but Buehler received a red card, and the U.S were now down to 10 players. In my opinion, the penalty kick should have been awarded, though I thought the red card was a bit harsh and un-merited.
The great injustice arrived with the penalty kick itself. A great kick was made, but goalkeeper Hope Solo dove hard to the left and made an incredible save. Momentum back on the U.S. side, right? Wrong! The referee indicated that Solo had moved off the goal line before the kick was made, and allowed a re-kick. This time Marta took the kick and scored, resulting in a tie game.
Was the referee justified? I answer with an adament no. Hope moved slightlty before the kick. However, it appeared that she moved laterally, not forward. Also, many penalty kick saves have been made with far less movement, and they are never called. Now, instead of the U.S. up by one, it is tied.
We now move to extra time. Shortly into the first extra period, Brazil scores. It was a ligitimate goal, a fine one at that by Marta. Things are not looking good for the U.S. To make it worse, Brazil began pulling the stunts which turns off fans from around the world in both the womens and mens game. Things like diving, delaying, etc. In one of the worst cases of bad sportsmanship I have seen, a Brazilian player stayed on the field long enough to require a stretcher. Then, after a minute and a half had gone by and she was off the field, jumps off the stretcher and jogs to the bench, back in the game within seconds.
At this point, even the referee had seen enough. A generous amount of injury time was awarded after the 30 minutes of extra time. The U.S. then drove down the field with their final chance to score. Megan Rapinoe, who had made some fine passes earlier, ran down the left wing. She made a perfect cross, and there was striker Abby Wambach who received the pass, and headed it as perfectly as it was crossed, resulting in the tying goal with seconds left. Justice served! The fact that it was the veteran Wambach, who had come close so many times in previous games but was shut out for the World Cup and never gave up, was even greater justice. But wait! Brazil makes a last second attack, and won a corner kick. In almost all other situations they would have been allowed to take the kick. However, the referee did not allow them to take the kick and signalled the end of time. Justice again!
The penalty kick shootout was as exciting as they always are. Exactly twelve years to the day of the U.S shootout victory to in the Final of 1999, the shootout went exactly the same as that victorious one from back then. The two teams each made their first kick, and the U.S. made their third. Just like 12 years ago, the U.S. 'keeper made a huge save. It went to the 5th U.S. shooter with a chance to win the game. Sure enough, Alex Krieger scores, to give the U.S. an incredible victory.
Justice was served on that soccer field in Germany. At the same time, I witnessed a sports match that I will not soon forget.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Baseball Picks 7/6/11
I'm going to keep it simple today...
I'm going Rays, Nationals, and Angels as my sure picks today.
Enjoy the games!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Baseball Picks 7/5/11
I picked 9 games yesterday and went 6-3. Not as many today, but here goes..
In my opinion the pick of the day today is Cardinals over Reds.
Others...
Yankees over Indians
Red Sox over Blue Jays
Rockies over Braves (upset pick of the day)
Phillies over Marlins
Brewers over Diamonbacks
Enjoy!
In my opinion the pick of the day today is Cardinals over Reds.
Others...
Yankees over Indians
Red Sox over Blue Jays
Rockies over Braves (upset pick of the day)
Phillies over Marlins
Brewers over Diamonbacks
Enjoy!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Baseball Matchups 7/4/11
It's 4th of July today, so I'm going all out. Some obvious picks, some not..
Nats over Cubs
Blue Jays over Red Sox
Rays over Twins
Mariners over A's
Giants over Padres
Reds over Cardinals
Indians over Yankees
White Sox over Royals
Angels over Tigers
Enjoy the games and fireworks!!
Nats over Cubs
Blue Jays over Red Sox
Rays over Twins
Mariners over A's
Giants over Padres
Reds over Cardinals
Indians over Yankees
White Sox over Royals
Angels over Tigers
Enjoy the games and fireworks!!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Baeball Matchups 7/3/11
Here are some picks for today. Some are obvious, some are not.
Philadelphia over Toronto
Boston over Houston
San Francisco over Detroit
Cincinnati over Cleveland
I hate to say it, but I see the Yankees sweeping the Mets.
Enjoy today's games!
Philadelphia over Toronto
Boston over Houston
San Francisco over Detroit
Cincinnati over Cleveland
I hate to say it, but I see the Yankees sweeping the Mets.
Enjoy today's games!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Womens World Cup
I've always had a spot in my heart for womens soccer. My mother and two sisters played, and I always enjoyed watching their games. Besides that, I developed a new love for the womens game after the USA team won the 1999 World Cup.
The results in the following World Cups for Team USA were not quite as good. However, something about this year's team seems special. The team played well and won the first game. If you haven't heard yet, the USA women beat Colombia 3-0 today. It could have easily been 6-0. The team dominated from start to finish, and the game was never really in doubt. The only negative is that several easy chances were missed, and they ONLY scored the three goals.
I look forward to the next game Weds. July 6 against Sweden. The U.S. has clinched a spot in the quarter finals, but winning or tying this game would result in winning the group, and a less difficult game in the next round. Stay tuned!
The results in the following World Cups for Team USA were not quite as good. However, something about this year's team seems special. The team played well and won the first game. If you haven't heard yet, the USA women beat Colombia 3-0 today. It could have easily been 6-0. The team dominated from start to finish, and the game was never really in doubt. The only negative is that several easy chances were missed, and they ONLY scored the three goals.
I look forward to the next game Weds. July 6 against Sweden. The U.S. has clinched a spot in the quarter finals, but winning or tying this game would result in winning the group, and a less difficult game in the next round. Stay tuned!
Baseball Matchups 7/2/11
I didn't do too well yesterday, but here goes...
Phillies over Blue Jays. How pumped do you think Halliday will be pitching in Toronto today?
Nationals over Pirates
White Sox over Cubs
Enjoy the games!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Baseball Matchups 7/1/11
Tough to pick today. I only have one obvious one today...Atlanta over Baltimore.
Other games...I'll go out on the limb a bit and pick the Blue Jays to beat the Phillies tonight.
Rivalry games? Ok, what the heck, though I'm not too sure about these.
Yankees over Mets in a down to the wire game
Cubs over White Sox
Angels over Dodgers
Enjoy the games!
Other games...I'll go out on the limb a bit and pick the Blue Jays to beat the Phillies tonight.
Rivalry games? Ok, what the heck, though I'm not too sure about these.
Yankees over Mets in a down to the wire game
Cubs over White Sox
Angels over Dodgers
Enjoy the games!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Baseball Matchups 6/30/11
Good morning...
I have just two sure picks today:
Detroit over the Mets. The Mets have been scoring about 100 runs a game lately, but that changes as Verlander is pitching today.
Cardinals over Orioles.
Enjoy the games : )
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Baseball Picks 6/29/11
Ok things went well yesterday as I was 3 for 3. Can the streak continue today? Here goes...
Tampa over Cincinnati
Atlanta over Seattle
Cleveland over Arizona
Mets beat Tigers again.
Oakland over Florida
Enjoy the games!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Baseball Matchups 6/28/11
Can you believe we are just about halfway through the 2011 baseball season? it's been a great one so far.
I'm going to try something. I'm going to pubicly see how much I know about the game on a daily basis. I'm not a betting man, though I do play for free on a particular site. I have a .600 winning percentage there, so I'll share my knowledge (or lack of it) here. For today:
I like some road teams. I'll go with the Mets over the Tigers, and the Pirates over the Blue Jays. How 'bout a big game pick? I'll take the Phillies (the home team) over the Red Sox. Two great pitchers, but Cliff Lee is pitching like Cliff Lee, and is almost unbeatable at home, especially lately.
We'll see how it goes.
I'm going to try something. I'm going to pubicly see how much I know about the game on a daily basis. I'm not a betting man, though I do play for free on a particular site. I have a .600 winning percentage there, so I'll share my knowledge (or lack of it) here. For today:
I like some road teams. I'll go with the Mets over the Tigers, and the Pirates over the Blue Jays. How 'bout a big game pick? I'll take the Phillies (the home team) over the Red Sox. Two great pitchers, but Cliff Lee is pitching like Cliff Lee, and is almost unbeatable at home, especially lately.
We'll see how it goes.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
2011 NHL Playoff Predictions
It's that time of year again. The real hockey season is starting. Here's my take on how things will pan out:
Eastern Conference:
New York vs. Washington - Rangers in 6. Yes, you read it right. Lunqvist makes the difference.
Buffalo vs. Philadelphia - Sabres in 6. The Sabres are playing some of their best hockey now and getting better. The Flyers seem to be going in the other direction.
Montreal vs. Boston - Bruins in 6. The Canadians put up a decent fight, though Price is not a playoff goaltender, and the Bruins are my pick to go all the way in the East.
Tampa vs Pittsburgh - Penguins in 5. It's the Penguins time of the year. They'll be ready to play. he Lightning are not quite playoff ready.
Western Conference
Chicago vs Vancouver - Canucks in 5. Every game will be close. However, these Hawks are a far cry from the '10 champs.
Los Angeles vs. San Jose - Sharks in 7. The Kings will battle to the end. However, the Sharks win out, perhaps in a 7th game OT.
Phoenix vs. Detroit - Red Wings in 5. The Wings are solid. The Coyotes are over-rated. Oh, and the Detroit fans care.
Anaheim vs. Nashville - Predators in 6. Another close series with two good teams. Both are playing well. However, I believe the Predators are the team more geared to playoff success.
Stanley Cup Final:
Boston vs. San Jose - Sharks in 7. Yes, I know the Sharks have not had playoff success in recent years. However, after being considered favorites for the past few seasons, they've flown under the radar all year. With them playing their best hockey now, and the high expectations lowered, I believe this is the year they prevail against a very tough Boston team. We'll see how it plays out!
Eastern Conference:
New York vs. Washington - Rangers in 6. Yes, you read it right. Lunqvist makes the difference.
Buffalo vs. Philadelphia - Sabres in 6. The Sabres are playing some of their best hockey now and getting better. The Flyers seem to be going in the other direction.
Montreal vs. Boston - Bruins in 6. The Canadians put up a decent fight, though Price is not a playoff goaltender, and the Bruins are my pick to go all the way in the East.
Tampa vs Pittsburgh - Penguins in 5. It's the Penguins time of the year. They'll be ready to play. he Lightning are not quite playoff ready.
Western Conference
Chicago vs Vancouver - Canucks in 5. Every game will be close. However, these Hawks are a far cry from the '10 champs.
Los Angeles vs. San Jose - Sharks in 7. The Kings will battle to the end. However, the Sharks win out, perhaps in a 7th game OT.
Phoenix vs. Detroit - Red Wings in 5. The Wings are solid. The Coyotes are over-rated. Oh, and the Detroit fans care.
Anaheim vs. Nashville - Predators in 6. Another close series with two good teams. Both are playing well. However, I believe the Predators are the team more geared to playoff success.
Stanley Cup Final:
Boston vs. San Jose - Sharks in 7. Yes, I know the Sharks have not had playoff success in recent years. However, after being considered favorites for the past few seasons, they've flown under the radar all year. With them playing their best hockey now, and the high expectations lowered, I believe this is the year they prevail against a very tough Boston team. We'll see how it plays out!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The Start of a New Season
One of my favorite things on this earth (besides my family and friends) is baseball. As of March 31 a new season is upon us. Besides the excitment of my favorite sport being available to watch regularly for the next 7 months, I enjoy this time for other reasons as well. The start of a new baseball season represents several things, such as:
1. Renewal - There is no better time for such a wonderful sport like baseball to start than in Spring. The dead of winter is now becoming the growth of Spring. The grey is becoming green again; flowers are beginning to bloom; the sound of singing birds is returning; warmer temperatures enable us to return to the beautiful outdoors. These are several examples. I'm sure you can think of others that appeal to you.
2. Hope - My favorite team is the New York Mets. If you read the pre-season reports, many are saying the Mets will not do well this year. Unfortunately, they are probably right. However, at this time, there is always hope. No matter how poorly they've done in the past or are are predicted to do this year, every team is just as good as the other right now. Every fan can dream World Series. Yes, for some reality hits fast, but for now everyone has a chance. It's like the New York lottery slogan..."hey, ya never know". In many cases, the teams that get to the World Series are not the ones people expected to be there in the beginning of the season.
3. Excellent competition - Yes, there are 162 games. However, each one can make a difference in the end. The thing I like about baseball players is they play most games as if it were the last. The results are not always there, but I rarely get the feeling a player or team is not taking the game seriously. Besides, baseball is the type of game I can enjoy o any beautiful afternoon or evening, especially with a bag of chips or peanuts in one hand, and a cold drink in the other.
These are just a few reasons I enjoy the game so much. I love it for what it is and for what it represents. Now the wait is over. So take me out to the ballgame, buy me some peanuts and cracker jack, and PLAY BALL!
Enjoy!
1. Renewal - There is no better time for such a wonderful sport like baseball to start than in Spring. The dead of winter is now becoming the growth of Spring. The grey is becoming green again; flowers are beginning to bloom; the sound of singing birds is returning; warmer temperatures enable us to return to the beautiful outdoors. These are several examples. I'm sure you can think of others that appeal to you.
2. Hope - My favorite team is the New York Mets. If you read the pre-season reports, many are saying the Mets will not do well this year. Unfortunately, they are probably right. However, at this time, there is always hope. No matter how poorly they've done in the past or are are predicted to do this year, every team is just as good as the other right now. Every fan can dream World Series. Yes, for some reality hits fast, but for now everyone has a chance. It's like the New York lottery slogan..."hey, ya never know". In many cases, the teams that get to the World Series are not the ones people expected to be there in the beginning of the season.
3. Excellent competition - Yes, there are 162 games. However, each one can make a difference in the end. The thing I like about baseball players is they play most games as if it were the last. The results are not always there, but I rarely get the feeling a player or team is not taking the game seriously. Besides, baseball is the type of game I can enjoy o any beautiful afternoon or evening, especially with a bag of chips or peanuts in one hand, and a cold drink in the other.
These are just a few reasons I enjoy the game so much. I love it for what it is and for what it represents. Now the wait is over. So take me out to the ballgame, buy me some peanuts and cracker jack, and PLAY BALL!
Enjoy!
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