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Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Steelers Take Control of AFC North With Win over Baltimore

Yes, yes, the Pittsburgh Steelers improved to 3-1 to take the AFC North lead. But, not all was good in Pittsburgh last night. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looked pretty good on his first drive of the game, right after his defense forced Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens to a three and out. Big Ben led the Steelers 45 yards down the field on 11 plays, and Jeff Reed split the uprights from 49 yards out. But, the rest of the first half looked pretty ugly for the offense. Their second drive ended in an interception caught by defensive lineman Haloti Ngata. In the final 15:29 seconds of the first half the Steeler offense went -3 yards, and all three of their drives ended with Mitch Berger punts.

I guess it's a good thing Joe Flacco, and the Baltimore offense had trouble getting anything started on offense, too.

The Raven offense started off ugly as Flacco fumbled the ball on the first snap of the game. He did manage to recover the ball, but went -6 yards on their first two drives of the game. A Matt Stover field goal with just over 5 minutes to play in the opening quarter tied the game at 3 a piece. It looked like the game may be 3-3 at the end of regulation. But, Flacco and FB Le'Ron McClain, who had to step it up after RB Willis McGahee left the game with an injury, led the Ravens down the field early in the second quarter for a Stover 20-yard field goal. Then, late in the same quarter Baltimore scored again. This time, Flacco threw his only TD pass of the evening with a 4-yard lob to TE Daniel Wilcox, and the Stover extra point put the Ravens ahead 13-3.



Roethlisberger failed to score with seconds left in the half, and went into the locker room down ten points to the then 2-0, Division rivals.

With star RB, Willie Parker inactive for the game, rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall stepped in to make his first career start. Mendenhall ran for 30 yards on 9 carries, and just one catch for six yards before leaving the game with a fractured shoulder. Both Mendenhall, and starting right guard for Pittsburgh, Kendall Simmons, will be placed on the injured reserve, ending their season. Simmons suffered a torn achilles, which may take some time to heal. Former Minnesota Vikings RB Mewelde Moore, who has been doing some kick returning for the Steelers this season, may have to make his first start at RB with Pittsburgh next week if Parker still can't go.

This, of course, is very bad news. Another blow to the already poor offensive line, which gave up three sacks in the OT win. I have yet to mention the injury to the third-string RB Carey Davis. Davis suffered an ankle injury shortly after replacing the rookie Mendenhall, and even if he is able to play next week, he obviously won't be 100 percent.

The good news?? Well, even after running for just 2.5 yards a carry (28 attempts for 69 yards throughout the entire game), and picking up just three first-half first downs (11 total), the Steelers came out winners.

Yes, that's right. Roethlisberger started half number two a little shaky, just like the entire first half. But on their third drive of the half, managed to finally get into the end zone on a connection between Roethlisberger and play-maker Santonio Holmes. The play was fueled by an earlier mistake committed by Jarret Johnson who was flagged 15 yards for yet another unsportsmanlike conduct. The mistake kept the Steelers alive, and Big Ben stayed calm as he threw the 38-yard bomb. Flacco made his first critical mistake two plays later on a fumble deep inside their own territory. Second-year LB Lamarr Woodley scooped the ball up and walked 7 yards for a second touchdown. Reed's extra point gave Pittsburgh the 17-13 lead, and the momentum had suddenly shifted.



Pittsburgh's tight defense shut the Ravens out in the third quarter. But even after another Reed field goal (19-yarder) put the Steelers ahead 7, they weren't able to put the game away just yet. "Joe Cool" ran back onto the field looking to plead his case as the Ravens' franchise QB, and I'm pretty sure coach John Harbaugh heard him loud and clear. The University of Delaware alumnist conducted a five minute, 76-yard scoring drive in just 9 plays. His wonderful performance was capped by a two-yard run for McClain. 20-20.

Neither teams were able to score in the last four minutes of regulation, and the game headed to overtime, where Baltimore won the toss and, of course, elected to receive the kick first. Pittsburgh's D came up big again, and quickly forced a Baltimore punt, and Roethlisberger led the Steelers down the field to set up a potential game-winning field goal attempt by the seven-year veteran. Reed, of course, kicked it through the uprights, just barely though. Steelers win 23-20 in a hard fought, smashmouth football game. Just like I suspected.

Top performers:

BAL Derrick Mason- 8 rec, 137 yards, 0 TD

PIT Santonio Holmes- 3 rec, 60 yards, 1 TD

BAL Ray Lewis- 13 tackles (7 solo)

PIT James Harrison- 11 tackles (6 solo), 2.5 sacks

Let's all just hope Andre Frazier can walk again, and soon. Frazier suffered a spine injury on the opening kickoff. Hopefully he and "Fast Willie" will be back on that field soon.

Daily "Linkin' Logs" One Game Playoff Edition (9/30/08)


I was rooting for the White Sox yesterday (well, last night). Not because I hate Chicago (I hate them a little bit more today, heh), but because I'm a baseball fan and I love one game playoffs. Nothing says "Shit, this is do or die" more than one game playoffs to decide the fate of 2 teams. Last night the White Sox legged one out against a determined Tigers team who wanted to end Chicago's season. Dueling Phillies castoffs (Gavin Floyd and Freddy Garcia, who were once traded for eachother) battled, but Garcia relented due to injury, opening the door for Alexei Ramirez to lead the Sox onward.

It sets up tonight's Minnesota at Chicago Matchup, featuring Nick Blackburn and John Danks. 7:30 PM EST

The Steelers survived the Ravens last night, mostly thanks to a defense that bailed out an absolutely disheartened offensive line that might end up killing Big Ben if they don't step it up. The injuries keep piling up, as already injuried Willie Parker sat, and now Rashard Mendenhall, the vaunted rookie, will miss the rest of the season with a fractured shoulder.

Perhaps the more interesting news from the day was the Raiders coaching search. This tidbit from AGM writer SJ Hypocycloid provides a pretty valid point. Lane Kiffin hasn't been fired yet, but the Raiders are replacing him as we speak. Good work Raiders PR Department.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Movie Monday Daily "Linkin' Logs" (9/29/08)


Very interesting weekend in sports, perhaps one of the best we've had in a while (typical NFL fun and some serious baseball action).

The biggest news already on a Monday (Via TSN) is that Scott Linehan was finally fired. Hard to make a good team when you have an offensive lineman named Incognito.

Football was full of upsets: The Bucs stopped the Packers, in one of those games that will make fans question Aaron Rodgers and the decision to trade Brett Favre. The Bears beat the Eagles mostly thanks to a gift by the Eagles (Playcalling and an inability to punch it in)...Philadelphia will still be upset today, more later...The Chefs (not a typo!) beat the Broncos in a game, everyone should have seen coming (I did...A division game, in KC; personally, I just expected KC to cover) and in what many consider the surprised of the week (and it really isn't if you understand divisional football), the Redskins stunned the Cowboys 26-24. Washington, the apparently underrated NFC East team, is now in quasi-first place (the Giants, who had a bye are 3-0) and move on the Philadelphia next week in the type of game that could totally mix up the division (Eagles-Redskins games typically result in close scores).

In baseball, things got real interesting. With the Angels, Rays and Red Sox already positions, the White Sox and Twins were set to duke it out for the final spot (and AL Central title). After a Minnesota sweep mid-week, last week, both the White Sox and Twins lost (to Kansas City and Cleveland respectively) on Friday and Saturday, before both finally winning Sunday, leaving Chicago .5 games back and forced to play a makeup game today (2:05PM EST) against Detroit for the chance to play a one game playoff tomorrow with said winner moving on to Tampa on Wednesday. Me's thinks Tampa is rooting for Chicago today.

In the NL, the Dodgers and Cubs had already clinched last week, while the Phillies, Mets and Brewers were left duking it out for 2 spots. The Phillies took command, sweeping the Nationals and managed to capture the NL East title by Saturday, in part due to a Mets loss Friday. By Sunday, with the Mets and Brewers tied for the final spot, the Brewers, led by C.C. Sabathia, took control, while the Mets collapse like their old stadium will, leaving the Brewers free to go without the hopes of at least game 163.

You have to think the Brewers front office could care less about C.C. Sabathia. They're riding him hard (much like they did Sheets on Saturday), fully knowing neither will be a Brewer next April. I can't say I disagree too much, but you have to wonder if C.C. will pitch twice (if needed) in their series with Philly (Sabathia has already stated he'll "pitch every day" if he has to), who thanks to their early lock-up, may be able to use Ace Cole Hamels twice. I can foresee Sabathia pitching twice, given that he would start on Thursday at the earliest (3 days rest) and likely again the following Tuesday, if needed (normal 4 days rest).
  • Even though the Mets collapsed on the final day (again), Jerry Manuel appears poised to return. While the AL Manager of the Year award clearly belongs to Joe Maddon, you have to wonder who gets it in the NL. With Ned Yost (formerly of the Brewers) fired, Joe Torre bumbling into the playoffs by virtue of a major trade and lack of competition and Charlie Manuel basically doing what's expected, I don't see why mid-season replacement Jerry Manuel doesn't deserve it. If Willie Randolph stayed, the Mets win 80 or so and Manuel at least gave them a chance. Why not?
  • Apparently the Mariners have expressed interest in a new GM. She's pretty good from what I hear
  • Even Emmitt knows Terrell Owens is a huge douche. What's funny about the whole thing is, how upset the fanhouse blogger is in regards to Emmitt mocking T.O. Regardless of my hatred for the Cowboys (thought Smith and Aikman are generally pretty good dudes), Emmitt considers himself one of the faces of the franchise and I'm sure it hurts him (even if he can't vocalization it) to see T.O. act like such a baby.
  • I rarely update college football. One of my buddy's a Penn State alum is fairly pumped at their new #6 ranking (to which I pointed out their Temple and Sycracuse wins followed by the probably thumping they'll get against Wisconsin...and probably Michigan). Anyways EC gives us a simple College Football update.
  • Do the Nets really think Brook Lopez is going to be as good as Tim Duncan? Seriously? His name is Brook
  • And finally, thefightins.com have a slew of fun in Philly, with Shea-ja-vu, Prince Fielder, And of course a Brett Myers Playoff Guarantee.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

BNBSN-Highlights (September 21-September 27, 2008)


After discussing it with our fellow Bad News Blogger, Josh, I figured it would just be easier to sum up what has been going on weekly instead of daily. That way, I'd have more stuff to write about, and I wouldn't be so busy. ;)

Baseball News:
Firstly I'll start off with what just happened yesterday in the NL East. Yep, that's right. The Phillies proved Carlos Beltran wrong, as they clinched the division for the second time in a row, as they defeated the Washington Nationals 4-3 in Citizens Bank Ballpark. The game ended when Jimmy Rollins made a dazzling diving stop to start a game ending double play. Brad Lidge saved his 41st game of the season, and is still perfect: 41-for-41. With just one game to go, Philadelphia awaits who they will face in the postseason; it will either be one of the Wild Card Milwaukee Brewers, or the NL West winning Los Angeles Dodgers, who won their division thanks to an Arizona Diamondbacks loss against the St. Louis Cardinals in a blowout (12-3) on Thursday.
*This is the 13th consecutive season where Joe Torre has headed to the postseason, and the first time he's done it with Manny Ramirez ON his team. Will they be able to lead the Dodgers to a World Series win? We'll surely find out come October.

Speaking of the Diamondbacks, that wasn't the only disappointing thing that happened the day they lost the division. There has been a lot of talk about one man on that roster who would eventually set a record for strikeouts, and he has finally broken it. Arizona's third basemen Mark Reynolds broke Ryan Howard's single season strikeout record of last year, striking out for the 200th time. The milestone whiff was set in the 2nd inning when Joel Piniero threw a 1-2 pitch that Mark Reynolds wasn't able to check swing. First base umpire Ed Rapuano ruled that Reynolds went around, sending him back to the bench.

*Mark Reynolds currently has 202 K's, Ryan Howard has 199 for the second straight season, and Jack Cust is right behind at 196.

It has really been an exciting week of baseball in the NL Wild Card race. Many thought that the Mets would be safe, whether it was in the division or in the Wild Card. Now that the Mets can no longer win the division, they can only rely on the Wild Card for an appearance in the playoffs. Now they're scuffling to win the Wild Card, as they are currently tied with the Brew Crew. The Brewers finally lost to the Chicago Cubs last night, slowing them down [just a little bit] after a 5 game winning streak. The Mets just played the Cubs and won 2 out of the 4 games in the series. Right now, it all comes down the last game of two series: the Mets/Marlins series and the Brewers/Cubs series. Stay tuned to find out who wins...

*The Brewers and Mets (combined) have won a game via walkoff. Prince Fielder hit a walkoff two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth with 2 outs on Tuesday to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-5. Later on in the week, both the Mets and the Brewers won via walkoff. Ryan Braun hit a walkoff grand slam in the bottom of the 10th inning two games after Fielder hit his walkoff homer.
**As for the Mets, on the same day Ryan Braun hit his grand slam, Ryan Church slid in beautifully to avoid a tag at home plate to tie the game at 6. One inning later, Carlos Beltran brought in Jose Reyes from second to win the ballgame 7-6. Cubs' Micah Hoffpauir went 5-for-5 in the game, homering twice and falling a triple shy of the cycle. His story was diminished thanks to Beltran and Reyes.

Speaking of September 25th, another story was being told... in Minnesota. The Twins were trailing the Chicago White Sox by 2 1/2 games before they faced off in their final series against each other. The Twins won the first two games, narrowing the White Sox's lead to only a 1/2 game. The White Sox were leading 6-1 in the 4th inning. However, the Twinkies battled back and ended up tying the game in the 8th inning. In the bottom of the 10th, and Nick Punto on third, Alexi Casilla blooped a single in to win the game, sweep the White Sox, and lead the AL Central. They're still ahead of the ChiSox by a 1/2 game, but it's up to the White Sox now. If they win both of their games, they will [at least] tie with the Twins. If they lose once and the Twins win, it's all over. It's going to be a great final couple of games to a great 2008 season.

The finale of the Yankee Stadium era has ended. Mariano Rivera got the final three outs for the last time in "The House that Ruth Built" in a 7-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Andy Pettitte pitched 5 innings, surrendering 3 runs and picking up his 14th win of the season and ending his 5 game losing streak (a career high). Six [Yankee] Hall of Famers attended the game as well, along with former Yankee center fielder Bernie Williams, Julia Ruth Steven (the daughter of Babe Ruth, and family member of other Yankee greats, who were watching from above. I'm sure Roger Clemens was disappointed that he couldn't join the part of history too, but I guess that's what happens when you... you know...

As many of you may know, the Cubs have clinched the division for the second time in a row, defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4. Did you know that it was the first time they clinched the division twice in a row since 1907-1908? Oddly enough,the Cubs won the World Series both of those years, AND that was the last time they ever won a World Series.

The Rays have officially clinched the AL East, and the Boston Red Sox are officially the AL Wild Card.

In other [baseball] news:
Toronto Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston signed a two-year contract extension. General manager J.P. Ricciardi got a sigh of relief, as team president Paul Godfrey confirmed that Ricciardi will be back in 2009 as well. Let's see how well they'll do together in a fresh 2009 season. But we're not going to worry about that... it's the end of September!

Chicago Cubs' Jason Marquis hit a grand slam, which was the key hit that helped him get a win over the Mets; 9-5 was the final score. He also became the first pitcher in 26 years to collect 5 RBI's in one game

Gary Sheffield also hit his 498th home run. Getting close to that milestone. He's got two games left to hit 2 home runs to achieve the 500 HR milestone, or else he'll have to wait until next season to do it. If only he didn't get suspended; he would've had a better chance...

Onto NFL News:
The New England Patriots own, Troy Brown, has officially retired. After 15 years with the Pats, Brown walked out of the NFL as the Patriots' leader in catches in a career (557), and second to Stanley Morgan in yards receiving (6,366). We'll miss you, Troy.

Speaking of the Patriots, Miami Dolphins' Ronnie Brown ran for 4 touchdowns (a franchise record) and threw for another touchdown in a 38-13 clobbering over New England. That ended what was a 21 game regular season winning streak.

Reports have been continuing to state that Al Davis, GM of the Oakland Raiders, is sitting on the fence about whether he should fire head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin has said that he's going to assume that Davis is not going to fire him and "keep plugging away the same way [he has] been." Good luck, Lane... at least you're not 0-3 right now.

The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Green Bay Packers for the first time ever in Lambeau Field 27-16. Tony Romo threw over 260 yards, and running back Marion Barber ran [a career high] 140 yards.

Despite LaDanian Tomlinson's injury, he was able to rush 67 yards and score 2 touchdowns, as the San Diego Chargers defeated the New York Jets by a score of 48-29. Stunned with losses over the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers in very close games, Philip Rivers redeemed himself, throwing for 3 touchdowns and handing over the ball to the Jets only once. Brett Favre, on the other hand, threw for 3 touchdowns as well, but also had 2 interceptions, which were key to why they lost.

College Football News:
Onto the good stuff...

Hmm...where to start? How about we go with the (once) #1 ranked team: USC. Freshman Jacquizz Rodgers of Oregon State ran for 186 yards and scored 2 touchdowns in a shocking upset over the "unstoppable" USC Trojans, 27-21. The loss by USC was marked just the sixth time in AP poll history the [ranked] #1 team was beaten by an unranked team before October; the last time it happened was in 1985 when Tennessee defeated Auburn. I think people would refer to that as the biggest upset of the week... quite possibly of the year.

Yesterday was the University of Michigan's 500th game in the Big House. Wolverines'coach Rich Rodriguez was hailed for the first time as their coach, as Michigan was able to come back from a 19 point deficit against the University of Wisconsin, the largest comeback in Big House history, and the largest one in team history since they defeated the University of Minnesota in an away game back in 2003 when they were down by 21. UM defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 27-25, who as ranked 9th before the game. Boy, these rankings really mean something nowadays, don't they?

And there's one more. Don't think I forgot about the Ole Miss. Mississippi, another unranked team, defeated another highly ranked team: the Florida Gators! No gator bait clapping this week. Tim Tebow and the Gators were up 17-7 at the break, but I guess the Ole Miss coach pumped up his team and they came back to win it 31-30. It was the first time Tim Tebow ever stood up on a podium and apologized for his poor game (he never had to). The Ole Miss quarterback, Jevan Snead, threw for was involved in 3 touchdowns (one rushing, and two passing). Kentrell Lockett's block of a Florida PAT late in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference.

Maryland also defeated a ranked team: Clemson. Down 17-6, Maryland came back to win it 20-17. Their defense definitely got the job done in this game [in the second half], holding Clemson to just 31 yards on the ground after allowing 204 in the first half.

Other Sports News:
The United States defeated Europe (16 1/2 - 11 1/2) for the Ryder Cup. It was the largest margin of victory for the Americans since 1981. It's also the first time the U.S. has won this prestigious championship in 9 years.

NASCAR has decided to toughen its drug policy and will test all drivers in the three national series before the start of the 2009 season. Officials and licensed crew members will be tested as well.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Just Gloating a Little Bit...


I'm allowed to enjoy it a little right? The Philadelphia Phillies are the National League East Champions by virtue of their 4-3 win against the Washington Nationals. They look to open their NLDS series in Philadelphia against either the Brewers or Dodgers next Wednesday.

Friday, September 26, 2008

TGIF Daily "Linkin' Logs" (9/26/08)


If you haven't noticed already (and your head is in the sand), the battle for middle earth has begun on Capital Hill today. Democrats jeering a lack of regulation, Republicans clamoring a need to help Wall Street Banks and Americans just needing help all saw a plan come to fruition and then fall apart by a group of small government Republicans. For right or wrong, it should be a long day (and weekend) in the nation's capital.

Meanwhile Washington Mutual finally bit the dust, resulting in the biggest bank collapse ever (though one might suggest, with inflation, it could not be, I have not researched this). A bank failure is not atypical during times like these, but is strikingly ridiculous considering the American experience in the Great Depression and the existence of the FDIC (i.e. relax folks, your money is fine, leave it at the bank). Washington Mutual has been rated a going concern for years and yet, only now, with mass hysteria, has it fallen.

Enough business (you can click on ft.com yourself), last night the New York Mets saved their season. With Milwaukee topping Pittsburgh in 10, the Mets needed a little magic of their own, provided by none other than overpaid Carlos Beltran. Thus leaving the Phillies in first place of the NL East by one game and the Mets and Brewers tied atop the wild card. All teams control their destiny (as it were), win out and you play a 163rd game (at least). If the Phillies win out, they win the NL East. Should the Mets win one more game than the Phillies (over the next 3), then the Mets win the East (by virtue of a season series lead, 11-7) unless the Brewers have a better record than both, in which case the Phillies and Mets would play a game next week to decide the champion. The Mets must keep pace with the Brewers (and vica versa) and should they be tied, they would play to get in. The same applies to the Phillies, should the Mets pace them, but they tie with the Brewers. Should all three teams tie, the Mets and Phillies would square off to decide the division and then the loser would play the Brewers for the Wild Card.

The Dodgers already took care of business. They are in and await either the Phillies (in which they'll travel to Philadelphia first) , the Mets (same scenario) or the Cubs (if the Brewers win the WC). The AL on the other hand is all but set. Assuming the Rays can win a game this weekend, they'll claim the AL East and prepare for Chicago, while the Red Sox will pack up and head out west to face the Angels (who have secured home field throughout). Should the Rays back into the playoffs (no very likely, but possible), they'll head out west while the Red Sox take on the White Sox in Boston. These scenarios are much simpler. The real hitch will rest in weather this weekend, as many games stand a chance to be cancelled or post-poned with serious impact on the playoffs.
UPDATE: I figure we might be able to top the "And Finally" today (ok, not really, but...), while "preparing" for the debate tonight, I think I found the goldmine for entertainment. The Presidential Debating Drinking Game Rules...Finish all the liquor if McCain says "Listen, the mutherfucking surge worked!"

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Afternoon Coffee Daily "Linkin' Logs" (9/25/08)


The news is grand in Detroit. As mentioned yesterday in my shortened links, Matt Millen was canned as Detroit Lions GM.

From the article,William Clay for was quoted as saying in a statement: “I have relieved Matt Millen of his duties effective immediately. I believe that this decision is in the best interest of this organization. I appreciate Matt’s efforts. Matt worked tirelessly during his tenure to win, and he would be the first one to tell you that you have to win in this league. It just didn’t work out.

The support of our fans continues to be incredible and they deserve a winner. Every decision we make must focus on that goal, and I believe this decision today will allow this team to move forward in a positive manner.

“I am very disappointed with where we are as a team after our start this season. Our sole focus now is preparing for our next game against Chicago. The entire organization must work together and do whatever we can to make this a successful season. Despite our record, it is still early and there is time to turn this season around.

“These decisions are for the duration of the 2008 season. Once the season is over, we will undergo a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of our entire football operation and put together a plan that we believe will transform this team into a winner.”

Really, the fans of Detroit deserve a winner. The fans of an NFL franchise that has won exactly one NFL playoff game in the last 50 years, suffered under the worst regime in the NFL over the last 7 years, the fans of a team that odds are, if they are not baby boomers have never seen Detroit even remotely close to the pinnacle of success deserve a winner?

Is there a stronger word than deserve? Merriam-Webster's Thesaurus suggests there is not. The point of this is, the Ford family is an utter joke at leading this franchise. It is entirely one thing, to make a poor decision in hiring a GM, but its entirely different to allow such an insolent and ineffective GM to run hog wild for 7 years. And when Steve Mariucci believes you're ineffective...and blatantly unqualified, then perhaps there's an issue that should have been resolved, in, oh say, 2003.

My respected Detroit fans, your franchise's owners have been sucking at the tit of the NFL for years, ripping you and the NFL off for being a complete waste of a franchise in one of the 11 largest metro areas in the United States. Its a travesty that you have suffered through this era with Millen, but even more of a tragedy that you must live with the Ford Family taking you and your franchise to the cleaners.

You deserve a winner, the Fords do not.
"The biggest problem is the divisional setup in major league baseball. I didn't like it in the 1970s, and I hate it now. Baseball went to a multidivision setup to create more races, rivalries and excitement. But it isn't fair. You see it this season, with plenty of people in the media pointing out that Joe Torre and the Dodgers are going to the playoffs while we're not. This is by no means a knock on Torre - let me make that clear-but look at the division they're in. If L.A. were in the AL East, it wouldn't be in the playoff discussion. The AL East is never weak."

The Yankees currently have the fourth best winning percentage in the AL, 6th in MLB (tied with the Brewers and Mets at 87-71). If the Yankees were in the NL West (or AL Central), its true they'd be in the playoffs. If the Yankees were in the AL West, NL East or NL Central, they would not. If you use the 1969-1994 system, the Yankees would have missed the playoffs on the basis of the Red Sox and Rays making it, and therefore rendering the Yankees 3rd (at best) finish in the AL East worthless. Take it further to a pre-1969 situation and since the Yankees aren't first, they're out.

So to answer Hank's question, yes they have one of the top 8 records in baseball, and if we followed that, they would be in, but that system has never existed (and I don't think it will), so its a moot point to even consider the Dodgers. I don't remember Phillies, Blue Jays, Red Sox, or Angels bellyaching when the Cardinals won the World Series in 2006 with 83 wins (having the 5th best record in the NL, 12th in MLB).

Besides, you want to complain about unfair rules, ask the Toronto Blue Jays about being the smallest market in the MLB and still managing pretty good records with no playoff births.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Walker-Sports Meet & Greet:Erin Andrews meet Kelli Johnson


Okay so everyone and their brother knows who Erin Andrews is. I know we have done our part to make her as famous as possible (like she needs our help). However, she is by no way the only hot sideline reporter out there. Here in the Washington D.C. area we are bless to have Kelli Johnson. Washington Redskins reporter, she also follows the Capitals. And best of all she actually knows what she is talking about. Check her out and let us know what you think.



Returning Daily "Linkin' Logs" (9/24/08)


Sometime we'll have to teach Romi, how to use blogger (and not wiki, which caused the formatting errors). But I thought he did a good job and I appreciate it. I just got back from some serious business, but all's well now. Just a few links tonight to keep things current.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Walker-Sports Top 25 Poll:Who Doesnt Love UGA?


The week is done, and for once Georgia actually did something to deserve their rank (congrats to them). Elsewhere, with SEC action kicking off, that almost guarantees there will be some movement in the Top 25. Let’s see how things shook out.


1)Georgia Bulldogs: They went on the road across the country and beat a good ASU team. And why the score was 27-10, the win was much more impressive than that. The Georgia Bulldogs made a statement and their defense dominated the opposition.


2) USC: The Trojans enjoyed a week off, and for all intents and purposes they can put it into cruise control till January when they play in the BCS Championship game. The key will be maintaining focus and not allowing a mishap like they had against Stanford last season.


3) Oklahoma: The Sooners rested this weekend, and are gearing up for another tough Big 12 schedule. Although Stoops won’t admit it, it is my belief that he has a very special team on his hands this season. Let’s just hope they can avoid their annual pitfall to Oklahoma State.


4) Florida Gators: What a show the Gators put on at Neyland Stadium in Tennessee. I knew they Gators could beat the Vols, but they way they dismantled that team was very impressive. That is why they managed to jump the Mizzu Tigers in this week’s poll. Impressive wins are always rewarded.


5) Missouri Tigers: The Tigers got the big win last weekend against Buffalo, but it looks like some of their players may be reading too many of their own press clippings. The Tigers had a very sloppy game that saw three fumbles by their wide outs. This is a talented team, but they will need to tighten up if they want to survive the Big 12.


6) LSU: Gutsy Gusty Gutsy performance this weekend against Auburn. Hell, scoring 26 points against that team was impressive in its own right. LSU may be the quietest big name player in the title hunt today. They are playing very good football, and largely have been overlooked by most. The win over Auburn gives them the leg up on a trip to ATL to play for the SEC Championship.


7) Wisconsin: The Badgers are about to go one a one month stretch that will determine their entire season. If they win all their games, they will factor into the national title race. If they lose even two of them, then it’s back to the Capital One Bowl. At Michigan, followed by home games against Ohio State and Penn State. All three games are anything but a give men (yes I realize Michigan is on that list). October could be a big month in Badger country.


8) Texas: Okay they destroyed another mediocre school from the state of Texas. I’m beginning to think that Mack Brown is taking all his scheduling hints from the king of the Ohio Cup Jim Tressel and OSU. Texas rolled Rice, next week they take on a horrible looking Arkansas team. The test for the Longhorns begins in two weeks when they face the Sooners, and turn around and have to play Missouri the following week. That could make or break the Longhorns season.


9) Alabama: I cannot believe Nick Saban made this turnaround this quickly. I don’t like the guy but he is a helluva coach. A balanced attack that is explosive on offense and special teams, and a defense that knows how to go out and find the ball. Saban is making me a believer that his Alabama team could factor into the SEC Championship race.


10) Texas Tech: The Red Raiders are here because I cannot demote them for having the most cupcake schedule in the world. In all honesty this is a team that still barely cracks the top half of the Big 12. Another big win over UMass (I didn’t know they played football) and now the Red Raiders are ready for a reality check in the Big 12 season.


11) South Florida: There is a disturbing trend with this team they give up way too many points late in games. Last week they gave up 9 points in about 3 minutes in the fourth and all of a sudden a lock game becomes a close one. Lucky for the Bulls, they play in the Big East and WVU has proven they can’t beat anyone.


12) BYU: Another week and another shutout victory. The most impressive part of this BYU team may be their defense which now has back to back shutouts. They are just waiting to play cross state rival Utah and then punch their ticket to crash the BCS. The Rose Bowl committee should be looking at this team.


13) Penn State: Much like Alabama, this years Penn State team is a squad I am gaining confidence in. Granted beating Temple is something that any Div IA school should be able to do. PSU opens its Big 10 schedule next week, against Illinois. From then on it will be full throttle for the Lions who will need to win each week to keep pace with the Badgers.


14) Auburn: They may have lost to LSU at home, but one thing Auburn can take away from Saturday’s football game is they have settled on a QB. Chris Todd actually had a good day at QB. Now Auburn will have to build on that and put last week’s game behind them. There is still a lot of football left to play on the season.


15) Ohio State: Terrelle Pryor is looking to make his impact be felt immediately at Ohio State. He got the first start of his career only four games into his freshmen season, and more importantly he got the win. With Beanie Wells’ health still in question Pryor gives the Buckeyes more options on offense due to his athleticism. Granted a 28-10 win over Troy is not what you expect from OSU, it is a building block.


16) Wake Forest: The Demon Deacons placed their mark on the 2008 ACC season by knocking off FSU in Tallahassee. What’s even more impressive is how the Deacons did it, they were held to just 59 yards on the ground, and their normally reliable kicker was horrible missing 4 attempts. Yet somehow they came away with the win.


17) Utah: It took a late TD run with 58 ticks left on the clock to keep Utah’s magical season alive. They have not been able to blow out teams the way BYU has, but somehow the Utes are finding away. Maybe they can recapture the glory of their 2004 run to a BCS game.


18) Clemson: Finally we saw the Clemson team that was ranked inside the top 10 in all the preseason polls. Too bad the Tigers had to step down and play a Div IAA team, to get the blow out victory. The Tigers travel to Wake Forest next weekend; this could be an interesting game and will have a long term affect on the ACC standings.


19) Kansas: QB Todd Reesing is the hero of this Jayhawks team, and they will go as far as his arm can take them. That being said, they probably will not finish higher than fourth overall in the Big 12. Just not enough firepower out in Kansas this season.


20) Illinois: Lying dormant this past weekend, Illinois could be facing a rude wakeup call next week when they take on a hot PSU team. Illinois may not be the cream of the crop this year, but they can play spoiler to plenty of Big 10 teams. Do that enough and they could luck up and be in a BCS game again like they were last year.


21) Fresno State: 55-54, last one out turn off the lights. That was the story last weekend when Fresno St. took on Toledo, in one of the highest scoring football games you will find anywhere. I like the Fresno team, they just have toughness about them, and I love that they will go anywhere to play anyone.


22) TCU: Every couple years TCU pops up with a surprising season, and this year could be one of those. Next week they have the chance to play spoiler against the Oklahoma Sooners. The result of that game could vault TCU into the top 15 or drop them from the poll, it could be very interesting.


23) Vanderbilt: Undefeated… Ranked in the Top 25? This is not your typical Vandy team. After a 24 year drought Vandy is here, and they are ready to stay, well at least for one more week. A game against Miss St. next week should allow Vandy to remain ranked till the hit the meat of their SEC schedule.


24) Boise St.: They got their first road win against a BCS team this weekend and now they are back in the top 25. Once again Boise seems ready to make their typical run. While it is doubtful this one will have the magical ending they experienced a couple years ago, it is always fun to watch them play on that blue turf.


25) Oregon: The Ducks are accepting all applications for QB’s who have any experience at the D-I level. Oregon dropped a home game to Boise St. last weekend and now they are trying to find their way. Injuries appear to be ready to decimate this team once again.

Daily Links: September 23, 2008

What's up everyone? I'm filling in for Justin today, as he said that he's a little busy for the next couple of days. I apologize for the lack of football news. I couldn't seem to find anything; maybe I just didn't look hard enough.

Baseball

“He’s a little tender.” Those were four words that Terry Francona said once he realized what Julio Lugo’s new situation was. According to RotoWorld, it was said that Boston Red Sox’ former starting shortstop felt “optimistic” about playing again this season. According to an article in the Boston Globe, Lugo was feeling pretty good about “possibly” starting again during this season… until he pulled his left quadricep once again while taking infield practice [fielding groundballs]. According to Boston Herald, if he gets the chance to play, the shortest time he’d have to wait is after the first round of the playoffs.

It looks like Joe Crede has played his last game for the Chicago White Sox. A free agent after this season, Crede’s locker has been cleared out already, as well as his nameplate. He is currently trying to recover from back problems. For more information, go to this link that leads to the Chicago Tribune.



Pedro Alvarez has agreed to a new deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The no. 2 draft pick for 2008 have reworked a guaranteed $6.355 million according to a Monday report by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Alvarez will sign the contract following a physical later on this week. For more information, click on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette link here.

Many of you know Wally Joyner as a baseball player in the ‘80s to early 2000’s. However, in case you didn’t know, he was the San Diego Padres’ hitting coach this season. Anyway, getting to the point, he turned in his resignation letter to GM Kelvin Towers on Monday. The Padres’ main problem, according to many people, has been their offense, so I’m surprised they didn’t let him go since they were able to win 89 games last season, and have only been able to win 61 with 6 games left to play. “It bothers me a lot that I have come to the point where it is clear that I need to move on,” Joyner said. “I came to the job hoping to put my experience and ideas to good use in teaching and coaching the Padres' hitters, but it has become obvious to me in the past few months that the organization's approach is different from mine.Click on the San Diego Union Tribune link here.

Basketball



Sacramento Kings’ Shareef Abdur-Rahim has officially announced his retirement. The 12 year forward played with the Vancouver Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trailblazers, and of course, the Sacramento Kings. He made the 2002 All-Star team, and was a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 2000 (who won it all that year). We thank you, Shareef, for your diligence on and off the court. Here is a link that leads to more information about his retirement, his accomplishments, and what he had to say.

In other news, The New York Knicks just can’t seem to get rid of Zach Randolph. Knicks president Donnie Walsh was most recently in discussions with the Memphis Grizzlies. However, it has been said that the Grizzlies decided to pass on Randolph. Poor Knicks…


Until next time, this is Romi Ezzo, saying goodbye.

This is Bad News Bloggers, with the Daily Links. We hope you enjoyed it.

Monday, September 22, 2008

The Weekly F.U. to Peter King Daily "Linkin' Logs" (9/22/08)


Admittedly, I missed last weeks "Weekly F.U. to Peter King," but only because I'm such a self-absorbed prick that I won't really write much about it unless I have my own football motivations. Rest assured, I do today (sorry Stillers' Fans).

Talk about a fantastic week of football and Peter backed it up with a pretty mild lead in for his MMBBQ. Regardless, even when King appears to have some bias, he backs off it the next week (well, except for some general NFL biases, such as pre-season pricing...but we all have opinions). Even his "holier-than-thou" attitude was slightly off today (what's wrong Peter?).

I suppose the game of the day would be Miami over New England, but as a general rule, a romp is hardly entertaining, even at the expense of a wounded Patriots squad.
Peter's fine 15 is always an exercise in futility. Including the blowjob given by Peter to the Eagles last week, he now ranks them 2nd (in the NFL) just behind the Cowboys with the belief that those two might make it a lot more interesting in their week 17 matchup (and they will), though he dropped New England like a rock and has little faith in unbeatens like Tennessee (6), Denver (7) or Buffalo (8) - with Buffalo, in my opinion, being slighted the most...laughed at Donte Whitner a few years ago, guess what, you're a dumbass.

I am rather confused by Peter's own confusion over the draw that is the NFL. Peter was convinced (admittedly by others, as he claims) that the NFL would somehow suffer (as a marketble product) without Tom Brady. Turns out, he provided insight to the contrary, suggesting that without Brady, the games are more compelling (and yes, people prefer not to see blowouts). Its all fairly factually accurate and understandable, but what I don't get is how someone so close to the NFL hasn't yet realized that the NFL runs on parity, on a league where a team like the Giants can topple a juggarnaut for the championship.

He's also got a nice jab at Warren Sapp (sorry Peter, but Warren's right)

And finally, he brought up some nice facts on Jeff Pearlman's new book Boys will be Boys. Namely, the players we thought were total dicks were indeed total dicks. Namely proving how respectable characters like Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith coped with the bad guys like Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin (and yet, some people think booing a guy, admittedly while he layed on the field, who stabbed another man because he wouldn't get up mid-haircut, is somehow wrong...Irvin, at least in my opinion, clearly is every bit the asshole I've always thought he was). Clearly, there was at least a contingent of the Dallas Cowboys squad that was total scum. It really has to make you wonder, what even today's lockerrooms are like.
Want to send me hatemail: Justin@badnewsbloggers.com

UPDATE: Apparently, What Would Tyler Durden do is reporting that Eagles Receiver Hank Baskett and Girl Next Door, Kendra Wilkinson are engaged...Needless to say, we'll work on sexual innuendos later on this week...

Double UPDATE: Since I'm going to be away from the internet for the bulk of tomorrow and Wednesday, our new BNBer Romi will be filling in for me as much as he can (the poor college kid already has to fit this, schoolwork and drinking into his college schedule, so we'll give him some credit). If things aren't up to par...well...I'll let you know when his BNB e-mail is set up...

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Pigskin Jeopardy: Horrible GM/Owner Edition

By Josh Galligan

NOTE:
The following is a parody. It is entirely fictional and in no way accurately represents how the given person would act/react. If you don't like these types of things, then just simply turn the other way.

The Jeopardy theme song plays and the camera swoops in to show a setting similar to normal Jeopardy’s but with football jerseys and pictures of players all over the place. The camera focuses on a man in an all white suit. Wait, is that…

Lynn: “Hello, I’m Mike Lynn and I welcome you to Pigskin Jeopardy. This edition is focusing on horrible GM’s and owners and a deal has been struck where all four contestants are competing to keep their job. Only the winner will remain employed – the remaining three will be fired on the spot, live on this show. It sounds promising, I know! So go and grab your popcorn, call down your family, and get yourselves ready for some good old fashioned redemption!

“Now let’s introduce our contestants! First up is a jolly old GM from up north. He is a BIG fan of wide receivers, jelly beans, and Enron! Here he is, the Detroit Lions GM – Matt Millen!”

Millen comes jogging out wearing a Herman Moore jersey and waving to the crowd. They boo him but either it’s not fazing him or he’s just learned to filter it out over the years.

Lynn: “Welcome to the show, Matt! Planning on saving your job today?”

Millen: “Oh I definitely plan on proving I’m the best today, Mike. GOOOOOOOO LIONS!!!!

Silence falls over the crowd and if there were crickets present, they would likely be the only audible sound. The booing eventually commences.

Lynn: “Sure. Um, next up is a high roller from our nation’s capital. He enjoys bubble baths, being ridiculously wealthy, and wasting some of his money on multiple, unnecessary, assistant coaches. That’s right folks; let’s hear a big round of applause for Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder!

Snyder comes out dressed to the nines in a suit, and walks towards his podium. He is incredibly stoic and if one didn’t know any better, may have guessed that he was in a supermarket or something. More boos are issued for Snyder, although they aren’t as loud and passionate as they had been for Millen.

Lynn: “Dan! Good to see you. You’re looking sharp as usual!”

Snyder: “Yes.” He looks at his watch.

Lynn: “Charming as ever I see. But moving on to our next contestant… he’s been around longer than dirt and you can absolutely notice that when looking at him. He enjoys complaining, firing people, sardines, and prune juice. Here he is, the corpse formerly known as Al Davis!

Davis zooms out on a motorized scooter, shooting dirty looks at all on path to his podium.

Lynn: Al, good to see you again. How are you?”

Davis: “WHERE ARE MY SLIPPERS!?!?”

Lynn shrugs, with a look of worry spreading over his face as he realizes that it’s going to be a LONG day.

Lynn: “Anyway, on to our last contestant. He enjoys lasagna, fine wine, and bargain shopping. You got it, it’s Jerry Angelo!

Angelo comes out sporting a Ryan Leaf jersey to the bewilderment of all. He looks a bit smug as he moves towards his podium.

Lynn: “Jerry, welcome to the show! Is that a Ryan Leaf jersey you’re wearing there?”

Angelo: “Yes I actually just finalized a four year contract with him. He will be battling it out with Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton for our starting QB position. I think I can speak for all of Chicago when I say that the excitement will be palpable.”

Some gasps can be heard. Lynn holds in his earpiece and mumbles something into his breast pocket. He nods.

Lynn: “Jerry, I’m sorry, but I’ve just checked with the producers of the show and they said that we have the authority to do this since it was in the contracts you all signed. You’re fired. I suggest you leave immediately with all of the Bears fans we have in the crowd.”

The Bears fans in the crowd look unsure of how to react. On one hand, they’re happy Angelo’s been fired, but on the other – the team was now stuck with Ryan Leaf for the next four years. Still though, they start celebrating as Angelo is happily led backstage by… uh-oh, is that Lance Briggs?

Lynn: “Okay, down to only three now!”

Snyder: “I would like to offer the show one million dollars if they declare me the winner.”

Lynn: “Denied Dan. Sorry.”

Snyder: “Two million.” His tone Is very monotonous.

Lynn: “No, shut up. You can’t buy your way out of this one my friend. Let’s get started, though. Just press the buttons in front of you when you think you know the answer to the question.

Davis: “Haven’t I fired you before, boy?” Davis is squinting, trying to get a better look at Lynn.

Lynn: “No. OKAY! The categories are going to be: Business, scouting, strategy, and roster moves. We will go in order and pick the categories for you, starting with $100. Let’s start with business for $100.”

Snyder smirks.

Lynn: “You are currently $2.5 million dollars UNDER the salary cap heading into the regular season. An aging, veteran QB has become available but wants at least $3 million. You could probably get by with your current backup QB. What do you do?”

Snyder buzzes in.

Snyder: “Offer him a $5 million dollar contract and have him over for dinner on my yacht.”

Lynn: “Um… no. That… is incorrect. That is VERY incorrect.”

Millen buzzes in.

Millen: “Sign a WR for about $6 million from the free agent list instead. You can never go wrong with wide receivers you know.”

Lynn: “Uh, not quite. That is also very incorrect. Al, would you like to take a shot?”

Davis does not respond. He appears to have dozed off.

Lynn: “Wow. Okay, well, an acceptable answer would have been anything that didn’t involve going over the salary cap.”

Millen shakes his head, pounding his podium with his fist as if he had JUST missed the question.

Lynn: “Next up is scouting for $100.”

Millen looks up excitedly and turns to Snyder and Davis.

Millen: “A ha, that happens to be my best subject!”

Lynn: “You have two running backs available to you in your draft slot. One is from a BCS school and flirted with being a Heisman candidate during his junior year, although he has had some significant injury problems in the past. The other player is from a mid-major who didn’t win too much while he was on the team, although he did put up some solid stats and his injury history is practically empty. Which selection is the SAFER pick? And you have to choose one or the other, you can’t choose to select a wide receiver instead Mark.”

Snyder buzzes in as Millen does an Eli Manning ‘Aw-shucks’ impersonation.

Snyder: “The first one.”

Lynn: “I’m sorry, but that is incorrect.”

Snyder: “Why?”

Lynn: “Because the SAFER pick would have been the player without an injury history.”

Snyder: “But the first player would be a safer pick if you wanted a better player.”

Lynn: “Perhaps, but that was definitely not the question. So it’s incorrect.”

Millen buzzes in excitedly.

Millen: “THE SECOND PLAYER!?”

Lynn: “That’s correct, but will not count since it was the only other option. Nice effort though, Matt.” Lynn rolls his eyes and looks at the ceiling.

Millen mutters something that sounds suspiciously like ‘Herschel Walker’.

Lynn: “Next up is strategy for $100. Your offensive coordinator that you hired just last year has improved the offense by leaps and bounds, however, he’s impressed so much that he’s outshined the head coach and the local media is demanding he be made the head coach. What do you do?”

Millen buzzes in.

Millen: “Fire the offensive coordinator!”

Lynn: “Wait – what? Why in the world… No, that is disgustingly incorrect.”

Snyder buzzes in.

Snyder: “Give both the offensive coordinator and head coach larger, more lucrative contracts with signing bonuses and an option to join me for dinner on my yacht a few times.” He looks at his watch, as if this was the most obvious answer in the world.

Lynn: “No. No! NO! That is incorrect! The correct answer would have been anything EXCEPT what you two have just said. This is ridiculous – Al, are you awake?”

Davis appears to still be sleeping.

Lynn: “AL!!”

Davis jumps up, startled.

Davis: “AH -- JUST WIN BABY!” He looks around. “Who the hell are you? Where the hell am I?”

Lynn: “Okay, get him out of here. He’s in no position to be overseeing an NFL franchise either. None of these geniuses are!”

Davis: “Neither are you!”

Millen: “Yeah! Why don’t you go trade in your car, mortgage off your house, and sell all your belongings so you can get a signed Herschel Walker helmet!” He snickers.

Lynn: “Okay, fine! HAVE AT IT WITH THE HERSCHEL WALKER JOKES! Everyone acts like I traded away for some bum. IT WAS HERSCHEL WALKER! Did you see what he looked like back then without pads on?”

Snyder: “So? You still gave away nearly half the teams assets.”

Lynn: “Whatever! I’m not getting into it. I made a mistake, but it was the only major one that I made. You guys average one dumb decision every two weeks!”

Davis is escorted backstage, still yelling about slippers the entire way.

Lynn: “But since there’s only two of you left, and because I now have a migraine, we’re going right into Final Jeopardy. Whoever answers it correctly wins. It’s open-ended, so the better answer will be slated as the winner. The category is roster management. It is the Friday before week seven and your current starting QB has been struggling to consistently play well. Although your 3-3, the team has dropped the past two games and he hasn’t looked very good at all. The backup QB is young as well as a fan favorite. Putting him in for the rest of the season may do you well in the long run, but you would likely spoil your chances of a shot at the playoffs that year. What do you do? You have two minutes. Go.

Jeopardy music plays… for two whole minutes.

Lynn: “Times up, let’s take a look at your answers. Matt, you wrote:

‘I would trade the young promising QB for a solid and proven wide receiver. Then the struggling QB would obviously get better with a good WR to throw to.’

Why am I even surprised? I should have known. What is it with you and wide receivers? Seriously? Did a psychic tell you to try and involve them in as many roster moves as you can? Never got to be one but wanted to? What? What is it?! You just traded away the future franchise QB for a ‘solid’ wide receiver! WHY?”

Millen: “Uh, how can you NOT like wide receivers? They’re the best, most exciting position. They are the most integral position in building a championship contender in my opinion. If being a fan of wide receivers and getting as many of them as I can is wrong, then I DON’T WANT TO BE RIGHT!” He runs backstage, looking incensed.

Lynn: “Wow. Okay, well – Dan, you’re the last one left. That means that you win, I think. Let’s take a look at your answer though, just for fun… you wrote:

‘I would scan the free agent market and sign the best QB to a contract that he couldn’t refuse. I would offer him about double what he should have been offered so that he’ll sign quickly and there will be no problems. Then there would be one more option at QB for the coaches to go to.’

Wow, that’s a good idea Dan – make the QB situation even MORE complicated than it already is. And offer the QB double what he would normally get? Wow. Just, wow. Bravo!”

Snyder: “When will people realize that I have so much money that it doesn’t matter whether I overspend or not? I overspend because it makes everything go by quicker and I’m a very impatient person. I want things done when I want them done. Not three weeks later, not five hours later, not even five minutes later. I want them done right THEN because my name is Daniel Snyder and I get my way no matter what. If I don’t then I just spend more money.”

Lynn: “Such a nice alternative to pouting. That’s it though, I’m done. I’m not even going to try and comprehend how you can believe what you just said or else I think my head may explode. Congratulations, but your still an idiot. Goodbye!” He walks backstage.

There are several moments of awkward silence. Snyder looks at his watch and turns to walk off backstage as well. The Jeopardy music then cuts in and the credits roll as the crowd appears like they’re trying to wrap their minds around everything that was just said. Then it dawns on them that they are now free of Matt Millen, Al Davis, and Jerry Angelo and they all break into a ruckus applause.

Baseball Report: September 20, 2008

I apologize for the unoriginal title, but for right now, that was all I can come up with. And I apologize for this being [kind of] late, but it's better than nothing. I'm still trying to get used to this. Anyway, moving on to what this is all about: the first, the inaugural, Daily Sports Report!


Warning: This isn't the best I could do. I just didn't have enough time to write my best blog. Plus, I'm new at this, so bare with me.


Baseball

Turning Things Around in Turner Field

The New York Mets recently lost their [first place] lead recently to the Philadelphia Phillies, but the Mets were determined to regain that spot once again, as they were facing the Atlanta Braves in Turner Field. Prior to this game, Atlanta won all six contests against New York this season. That winning streak was stopped yesterday thanks to a rookie named Daniel Murphy. The former Jacksonville alumnus hit a two-run double in the 8th inning, which broke a 5-5 tie. Jose Reyes, who hit a leadoff home run on the fourth pitch of the game (his 14th career leadoff home run to start off a game) would eventually drive him in. A couple of defensive difficulties also sparked the eighth inning. A missed catch by Kelly Johnson and a rundown gone wrong led to thee unearned runs scoring.


Phillies Fall out of First

With the Mets winning, the Phillies needed to end the Florida Marlins' eight-game winning streak in order to keep their [5 day] first place lead. However, that was not the case, as the Phils dropped back into second place after losing to the Fish in a 14-8 slugfest. Ryan Howard added one more home run to his Major League leading total, as did Gregg Dobbs (9) and Shane Victorino (13). Brett Myers surrendered his 29th long ball to Dan Uggla, who has now tied his career best season total of home runs with 31. Alfredo Amezaga also hit a three run shot in the contest for his third of the year, and Jorge Cantu hit a solo shot in the 8th inning for his 29th of the year.


*Cameron Maybin has been RED HOT! He reached base in 10 consecutive at-bats until he popped out to Ryan Howard in the eighth.







Rays Make History... Close to Making More History

Can you say "AMAZING"? The Rays are closing in on history,and you probably know why. After crushing the Twins in an 11-1 landslide, including a three-run shot by Carlos Pena that was reversed from a two-run double to become the first call reversed in baseball's replay era, Tampa Bay needs only one more victory to clinch the first playoff berth in franchise history. Edwin Jackson threw 7 2/3 innings and only surrendered the solitary run that the Twins were able to score last night. If they win that one game, they'll become the first team to ever end up with the worst record one year, and make the playoffs the next.


Curt Schilling Rips Manny

Curt Schilling apparantly can't shut up, nor can he stay out of the headlines. Although Schilling hasn't thrown one pitch in the 2008 season, he is still on the news for what he does off the field. In a recent interview on Boston's radio station "WEEI", Schilling said, "Manny's level of disrespect to teammates and people was unfathomable."


Expect More Roger Clemens News Soon

Remember Brian McNamee? Yes, he is the former trainer of Roger Clemens who is trying to get Roger Clemens to drop his defamation lawsuit. There is going to be a ruling pretty soon. If the Clemens vs. McNamee case moves on, things are going to get ugly fast, as both parties threatened to take depositions from people who know intimate knowledge about the two men. What a way to focus on something other than the postseason, huh?


Thanks for reading, everyone. I look forward to writing more blogs soon. Hopefully, they'll be a little more creative, organized, and more diverse; maybe next time, I'll talk about something otehr than baseball.

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