In a Tiger-less field at The Open Championship in Southport, England, I was wondering what would be the draw to this Major? The last thing on my mind was 53-year-old newlywed (he just married former tennis great Chris Evert on June 28) Greg Norman being in contention all the way through the final Sunday. The Shark, who doesn't play very much competitively anymore, played as good a golf as you could in really tough conditions at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club. With the wind whipping around all weekend, affecting shots and even balls sitting on the green, it was amazing to watch Norman stay in contention. He played steady golf and was leading after 3 rounds with a +2, two shots ahead of defending champion Padraig Harrington and K.J. Choi. The final round, however, was a different story.
I wouldn't call it a collapse by Norman, who has been known to do that over the years. In more tough conditions at Birkdale, he shot +7 while Harrington shot a -1 69 to win his second straight Claret Jug. Norman finished in a tie for third at +9. Choi shot a +9 79, to finish in a tie for 16th. It was a great run for Norman. It could be his final run in any Major Championship. What a great weekend he provided all of us.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Brett Favre
I don't know about you, but I'm sick and tired of hearing about Brett Favre. I'm sick of ESPN devoting hours upon hours on TV and Radio about this. When Favre announced his retirement back in March, did we think he wouldn't comeback? I don't know if it was the Green Bay Packers forcing him out or what, but I had a feeling this "retirement" wouldn't last long.
Retiring and coming back has been such a trend in athletics the past decade or more. From Michael Jordan to numerous boxers, "retiring" means nothing nowadays. When someone says they are going to retire, you always have in the back of your mind, so when are they coming back?
This whole Favre situation has become so unfortunate. You have one of the greatest statistical Quarterbacks ever and a sure Hall of Famer, pitted against his former team in this battle over what to do with him. Favre wants to be traded or released. The Packers, and rightfully so, don't want to release him for fear he will go to another NFC North team. They definitely don't want to trade him to a team that they will play either. This whole situation is sad. Until something happens, whether he is traded, released, stays with the Packers or stays retired, I don't want to hear about it.
Retiring and coming back has been such a trend in athletics the past decade or more. From Michael Jordan to numerous boxers, "retiring" means nothing nowadays. When someone says they are going to retire, you always have in the back of your mind, so when are they coming back?
This whole Favre situation has become so unfortunate. You have one of the greatest statistical Quarterbacks ever and a sure Hall of Famer, pitted against his former team in this battle over what to do with him. Favre wants to be traded or released. The Packers, and rightfully so, don't want to release him for fear he will go to another NFC North team. They definitely don't want to trade him to a team that they will play either. This whole situation is sad. Until something happens, whether he is traded, released, stays with the Packers or stays retired, I don't want to hear about it.
Josh Hamilton's Power Display
I think every sports fan knows the story of the Texas Rangers' Josh Hamilton. For those who don't, let's recap...
Hamilton was a number 1 overall pick by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1999. He played a couple of years in the Rays' Minor League system before being suspended several times for violating baseball's drug policy. From 2002-2006 he played virtually no baseball while his drug addiction was spiraling out of control. Homeless, hungry, and hopeless, he showed up on his grandmother's door step promising her that he would never do drugs again. The Rays didn't protect Hamilton for the Rule 5 draft and he was selected by the Chicago Cubs in 2006. He was then sold to the Cincinnati Reds. Rule 5 picks are required to be on the Major League roster the entire season in order for the team to retain a players rights. He made the team and didn't disappoint.
He finished his first big league season hitting .292 with 19 HRs and 47 RBIs in 90 games. During the winter the Reds traded him to the Rangers for pitchers Edinson Volquez (2008 NL All-Star) and Danny Herrera. That brings us to this season.
Hamilton had a monster first half of 2008, as he is among the leaders in homeruns and RBIs at the All-Star break, earning him a starting spot on the American League team (as voted by the fans). He was also selected to participate in the first and last Homerun Derby at Yankee Stadium. He put on a show, hitting 28 homeruns in the first round alone, bringing players from both All-Star teams to their feet. It was a tremendous display and a great moment for a former cocaine addict who was at the low of lows in his life just a few years back. You couldn't help but root for the guy. It was a moment that will go down as one of the greatest in the history of Yankee Stadium.
Hamilton's comeback has been a tremendous one and a great story. He has gotten such praise and admiration for kicking his drug addiction, which is well deserved. He admits he still has a hard time. He doesn't eat with his teammates, doesn't go out with them. He carries less than $10 with him at all times. He has said temptation is always there. I hate to be cynical, but his story is not over yet. He is still a recovering addict, and as a lot of people will tell you, you will always be a recovering addict for the rest of your life. What will be impressive is, that as time passes, he remains sober. He has so much to live for...a beautiful wife and kids, his faith, a promising baseball career, and that promise to his grandmother. I think as long as relies on all those factors, he will succeed. He has become a very humble and likable guy and has so much support from fellow players and fans. Let's cheer not only Josh Hamilton the player, but Josh Hamilton the person. He needs everyone's support to remain clean and sober. Let's hope and pray this story continues to write itself in a positive way.
Hamilton was a number 1 overall pick by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 1999. He played a couple of years in the Rays' Minor League system before being suspended several times for violating baseball's drug policy. From 2002-2006 he played virtually no baseball while his drug addiction was spiraling out of control. Homeless, hungry, and hopeless, he showed up on his grandmother's door step promising her that he would never do drugs again. The Rays didn't protect Hamilton for the Rule 5 draft and he was selected by the Chicago Cubs in 2006. He was then sold to the Cincinnati Reds. Rule 5 picks are required to be on the Major League roster the entire season in order for the team to retain a players rights. He made the team and didn't disappoint.
He finished his first big league season hitting .292 with 19 HRs and 47 RBIs in 90 games. During the winter the Reds traded him to the Rangers for pitchers Edinson Volquez (2008 NL All-Star) and Danny Herrera. That brings us to this season.
Hamilton had a monster first half of 2008, as he is among the leaders in homeruns and RBIs at the All-Star break, earning him a starting spot on the American League team (as voted by the fans). He was also selected to participate in the first and last Homerun Derby at Yankee Stadium. He put on a show, hitting 28 homeruns in the first round alone, bringing players from both All-Star teams to their feet. It was a tremendous display and a great moment for a former cocaine addict who was at the low of lows in his life just a few years back. You couldn't help but root for the guy. It was a moment that will go down as one of the greatest in the history of Yankee Stadium.
Hamilton's comeback has been a tremendous one and a great story. He has gotten such praise and admiration for kicking his drug addiction, which is well deserved. He admits he still has a hard time. He doesn't eat with his teammates, doesn't go out with them. He carries less than $10 with him at all times. He has said temptation is always there. I hate to be cynical, but his story is not over yet. He is still a recovering addict, and as a lot of people will tell you, you will always be a recovering addict for the rest of your life. What will be impressive is, that as time passes, he remains sober. He has so much to live for...a beautiful wife and kids, his faith, a promising baseball career, and that promise to his grandmother. I think as long as relies on all those factors, he will succeed. He has become a very humble and likable guy and has so much support from fellow players and fans. Let's cheer not only Josh Hamilton the player, but Josh Hamilton the person. He needs everyone's support to remain clean and sober. Let's hope and pray this story continues to write itself in a positive way.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Tigers' First Half
As the first half of the 2008 Major League Baseball season winds down, the Detroit Tigers have come a long way since their dismal 0-7 start. As of today, they are back at .500 (46-46), 7 games behind the Central Division leading Chicago White Sox (53-39), with a lot of work left to do. With the Wild Card not being a real possibilty since the surging Tampa Bay Rays (yes, I almost said Devil Rays) are leading the East Division, with the Boston Red Sox close behind, it looks like it will likely come from there. I think they can, however, catch the White Sox and the Minnesota Twins.
The key to a Tigers surge back to the top of the Central will be health, continued solid starting pitching, middle relief, and big contributions from the kids they are bringing up from the Minors. Matt Joyce, Clete Thomas, Mike Hollimon, Dane Sardinha, Jeff Larish, among others, who have made big contributions in one way or another, upon being called up. If Magglio Ordonez comes back healthy, if Edgar Renteria can get out of his hitting funk, and if Gary Sheffield can just give them something, they will be well on their way.
Miguel Cabrera has finally started hitting like everyone was expecting (.291, 16, 56) and what about Marcus Thames? He is "Country Strong!" as Tigers' TV Color Analyst, Rod Allen, likes to say. Thames had one of the most remarkable homerun streaks in Baseball History, by having 8 straight hits all be homeruns (tied for second in history only to Mark McGwire's 11 straight in 2001). If he can continue on his tear in the second half, it will be a big lift to the team, as well.
The starting pitching has finally picked it up over the last month to 6 weeks. Armando Galarraga has been a huge surprise, leading the team with a 7-3 record and a 3.27 ERA. Justin Verlander is finally showing what an ace he really is, along with lefties Kenny Rogers and Nate Robertson, who have had some solid pitching performances as well. With Dontrelle Willis down in Lakeland for the forseeable future working on his control, it looks like it will be up to rookie Eddie Bonine. He had a few good starts early on, but has struggled in his last couple.
The relief core, led by veteran closer Todd Jones, has been bolstered by the return of flame thrower Joel Zumaya and change-up artist Fernando Rodney. Both are throwing at a high velocity and have been better of late. If they both can improve on their control, they have three bonafide solid relievers at the back end of their bullpen. Both Freddy Dolsi and Aquilino Lopez have been impressive. Lefty Bobby Seay has been effective and fellow lefty Casey Fossum has improved dramatically over his last few appearances.
Magglio Ordonez should come off of the Disabled List soon after the All-Star break, which will give the team a huge boost offensively, especially if he can return to his Batting Cchampionship form of 2007.
Yes, there is a lot of "ifs" out there. What club doesn't have a lot of "ifs" though? I believe if (yes, there is another one) the Tigers can end up at .500 or above by the All-Star break, I think that will put them in good position to have a monster second half and over take the White Sox and Twins.
As the weather heats up, let's hope the Tigers do. The dog days of Summer are just around the corner.
The key to a Tigers surge back to the top of the Central will be health, continued solid starting pitching, middle relief, and big contributions from the kids they are bringing up from the Minors. Matt Joyce, Clete Thomas, Mike Hollimon, Dane Sardinha, Jeff Larish, among others, who have made big contributions in one way or another, upon being called up. If Magglio Ordonez comes back healthy, if Edgar Renteria can get out of his hitting funk, and if Gary Sheffield can just give them something, they will be well on their way.
Miguel Cabrera has finally started hitting like everyone was expecting (.291, 16, 56) and what about Marcus Thames? He is "Country Strong!" as Tigers' TV Color Analyst, Rod Allen, likes to say. Thames had one of the most remarkable homerun streaks in Baseball History, by having 8 straight hits all be homeruns (tied for second in history only to Mark McGwire's 11 straight in 2001). If he can continue on his tear in the second half, it will be a big lift to the team, as well.
The starting pitching has finally picked it up over the last month to 6 weeks. Armando Galarraga has been a huge surprise, leading the team with a 7-3 record and a 3.27 ERA. Justin Verlander is finally showing what an ace he really is, along with lefties Kenny Rogers and Nate Robertson, who have had some solid pitching performances as well. With Dontrelle Willis down in Lakeland for the forseeable future working on his control, it looks like it will be up to rookie Eddie Bonine. He had a few good starts early on, but has struggled in his last couple.
The relief core, led by veteran closer Todd Jones, has been bolstered by the return of flame thrower Joel Zumaya and change-up artist Fernando Rodney. Both are throwing at a high velocity and have been better of late. If they both can improve on their control, they have three bonafide solid relievers at the back end of their bullpen. Both Freddy Dolsi and Aquilino Lopez have been impressive. Lefty Bobby Seay has been effective and fellow lefty Casey Fossum has improved dramatically over his last few appearances.
Magglio Ordonez should come off of the Disabled List soon after the All-Star break, which will give the team a huge boost offensively, especially if he can return to his Batting Cchampionship form of 2007.
Yes, there is a lot of "ifs" out there. What club doesn't have a lot of "ifs" though? I believe if (yes, there is another one) the Tigers can end up at .500 or above by the All-Star break, I think that will put them in good position to have a monster second half and over take the White Sox and Twins.
As the weather heats up, let's hope the Tigers do. The dog days of Summer are just around the corner.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Nadal Defeats Federer in Match for the Ages
The question was, what would happen first? Would Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon or would Federer beat Nadal at the French Open? Sunday, we got our answer...
In one of the greatest matches tennis has ever seen, Nadal ends Federer's reign as a 5-straight Wimbledon champion, with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 win. It was one of those matches that rivaled Bjorn Borg-John McEnroe, McEnroe-Jimmy Connors, Martina Navratilova-Chris Everet.
I admit, I'm not a huge tennis fan, but anytime Nadal and Federer are playing, I will watch. They have had so many good matches over the past couple of years, that you can't help be drawn in. The Wimbledon Final on Sunday was one of those matches.
With Federer dropping the first two sets, and after a rain delay, he comes out and takes the next two sets. The 5th set was so back and forth that at one moment you thought Nadal was going to win, the next you thought Federer would win. It was simply amazing tennis and an amazing sporting event. Even if you don't like the sport, you have to appreciate the competitiveness of these two athletes.
Tennis has lost a lot of its' luster over the past decade, but it certainly took center stage on Sunday. With the hard court season beginning and the U.S. Open coming up in August, could we see another epic Nadal-Federer battle in the finals? The chances are good, and if so, I hope everyone gets a chance to watch, because if you we weren't watching Sunday, you missed something that may never be topped.
In one of the greatest matches tennis has ever seen, Nadal ends Federer's reign as a 5-straight Wimbledon champion, with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5), 6-7 (8), 9-7 win. It was one of those matches that rivaled Bjorn Borg-John McEnroe, McEnroe-Jimmy Connors, Martina Navratilova-Chris Everet.
I admit, I'm not a huge tennis fan, but anytime Nadal and Federer are playing, I will watch. They have had so many good matches over the past couple of years, that you can't help be drawn in. The Wimbledon Final on Sunday was one of those matches.
With Federer dropping the first two sets, and after a rain delay, he comes out and takes the next two sets. The 5th set was so back and forth that at one moment you thought Nadal was going to win, the next you thought Federer would win. It was simply amazing tennis and an amazing sporting event. Even if you don't like the sport, you have to appreciate the competitiveness of these two athletes.
Tennis has lost a lot of its' luster over the past decade, but it certainly took center stage on Sunday. With the hard court season beginning and the U.S. Open coming up in August, could we see another epic Nadal-Federer battle in the finals? The chances are good, and if so, I hope everyone gets a chance to watch, because if you we weren't watching Sunday, you missed something that may never be topped.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
