Let's Get Some Runs

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 07:03:00 +0000

DG Quickie Commentary: Plaxico Reaction

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 06:32:00 +0000

I just saw the Plaxico Burress interview clip from E:60 that was shown on SportsCenter. He seemed very calm, and his explanation of the events of the night seemed very reasonable. Now I understand that there have been many stories of late that my not portray athlete's in the most positive and trusting light, but I see this situation as different. Granted, I have not seen the evidence presented in the actual trial that led to the 2-year prison sentence given to Plax, however from what I heard from Plax in this interview that sentence seems a bit harsh. Yes...he had a weapon in a club, which could have been dangerous. However, look at the circumstances surrounding this--no one was hurt (with the exception of his own injury), and he was just in feeling he needed the protection after Sean Taylor's murder.... take from this what you will. I apologize for the brevity of this article on such an important issue. I'm writing late at night, and just felt like jotting down a quick reaction to the ESPN interview. (By the way, way to listen Jeremy Schaap...Plax already told you he was in the club for about five minutes.)

Buff Talks USA Hockey

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:38:00 +0000

Team USA Hockey held an orientation camp at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, IL during the week of August 17th. After the first practice, cameras caught up with star Blackhawks forward Dustin Byfuglien.

Roenick Talks with Chelios During Retirement Announcement

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 18:55:00 +0000

A great moment during the Jeremy Roenick retirement press conference, when he talked with longtime Chicago teammate/friend Chris Chelios. For those growing up during the 90's watching Blackhawks hockey, JR and Cheli were fun to watch, and brought many exciting moments to Chicago (sound familiar...cough Toews, Kane cough)

2009 Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 08:13:00 +0000

Congratulations to the Penguins for winning the Stanley Cup. Sidney Crosby became the youngest captain in NHL history, as the 21-year-old hoisted the Cup above his head this evening in Detroit, after a well-executed team performance in Game 7. Marc Andre Fleury leaped after one, last, game-saving save as the seconds clicked down to zero and the Penguins stormed the ice (no, I'm not going to use the "March of the Penguins" phrase that every media outlet is using) to win the Cup.

P.S. It's gotta suck to be Marian Hossa right now...ouch......

Bulls Force Game 7

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 May 2009 18:19:00 +0000

We are witnessing a monumental event in the history of the game of basketball. The Bulls-Celtics opening round series in the 2009 NBA Playoffs is being called possibly the greatest series in history. After last nights triple-OT Bulls' win, this series has seen four of the six games go to overtime, and all but one game be decided in the final possessions. Last night's key plays:

-Brad Miller erupts for 3-pointer and "roller-skating" drive past Kendrick Perkins

-John Salmons scores 35 pts (11 in OT)...Ray Allen had 51 pts, while Rondo had 19 ast

-Joakim Noah steals ball from Paul Pierce and takes it the length of the floor for the poster-dunk, drawing the And-1 from Paul Pierce (who fouled out on the play)

-Derrick Rose blocks Rondo's attempt in final seconds and steals ball after tip by Hinrich

The Bulls will now return to Boston for the epic showdown, the final countdown, the game to end it all...GAME 7 at the Garden...Bulls.....Celtics....7:00 pm CT....NBA : Where this happens!

update: Video of OT below

Hawks Win to take 2-0 Series Lead over Flames

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:09:00 +0000

The prettiest goal of the night!

Tiger Thrills at Bay Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:42:00 +0000

Tiger Woods returned to winning form this weekend, coming back from five back entering Sunday to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational in stunning fashion. On the 18th green, with dusk approaching, flash bulbs flashing, Tiger knocked down his 15'11" birdie putt for the win in a scene eerily similar to last year's tournament. Tiger, competitive juices flowing, now waits for The Masters in two weeks from Augusta, GA.

The above image is copyrighted 2009 by DinoGriego - Graphics.

DG Quickie: The Fight- 'Nucks v Hawks

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:18:00 +0000

Quote: "Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith is still rather stunned that Alex Burrows of the Vancouver Canucks pulled his hair last night like they were fighting over Bret Michaels on the Rock of Love Bus: "That's not something I've ever had happen to me ... My little sister never even pulled my hair when I was a kid. It's kind of comical when you have a grown man trying to pull your hair on the ice." Adam Burish, meanwhile, lamented the fact that no player should have to endure that, "especially a nice haircut like Duncan has." [Chicago Tribune] -per Yahoo! Sports Puck Daddy Blog

Two subtle highlights of the fight: One, I loved the fact that the United Center sound guy played U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday," amidst the ruckus. Also, when the camera was showing Burish exiting the ice on his way to the locker room, Coach Quenneville could be seen yelling at the opposing bench/head coach and appearing to say "You started it!"

Pictures:

The aftermath (right) after the fighting subsided, while the above--no, that's not the bench, that's the penalty box (it should be pointed out that Havlat and Kane were serving the penalties of their unavailable teammates).

YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ9nVbp_0U0

DG Quickie Commentary: Sears Tower Name Change

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 06:24:00 +0000

As of now, the story making rounds is that the Sears Tower will be renamed Willis Tower after a London-based company moves in occupying around 20 floors of the Chicago icon. Now, I'm all for making money, but it is my understanding that the building's owners are getting no extra money to rename the Sears Tower the Willis Tower. A lot of people are saying that this change is fine because Sears-Roebuck no longer owns the Sears Tower. To all those people, I say that's a bogus argument. So you're a Chicagoan, right? The building is just changing the name for no reason (and possibley painting it silver?) and you think because Sears-Roebuck no longer owns it, that's fine. Well check this---Wrigley Field is no longer owned by the Wrigley family so I guess by your logic you don't mind if they change the name of that Chicago iconic landmark, too?........OOOhhhhh! What?....You do care?....Exactly, so apply that logic to the Sears Tower name change and you see where all the hullabaloo is coming from.

DG Quickie: Friday the 13th

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 23:33:00 +0000

• Apple earlier this week released a new iPod shuffle. This version is about half the size of the last version, has 4 GB of storage, has no buttons (they're on the headphone cord), and...talks to you! (Apple.com-iPod Shuffle).

• Last night in the Big East Tournament from legendary Madison Square Garden, Syracuse and UConn went to 6 overtimes before the Orange came out victorius 127-117 to advance to play West Virginia tonight on ESPN. In a game for the ages, sophmore PG Johnny Flynn led the Orange with 34 pts/11 ast in 67 minutes (leading all players), with 29/22 reb coming from Paul Harris. Huskies' big man star, Hasheem Thabeet had 19/14 reb with 6 blocks, as senior G A.J. Price had 33/10 ast to lead Connecticut. Junior UConn forward Stanley Robinson also put on a show with 28pts/14 reb.

• Last night on the Daily Show, the entire episode featured the much-publicized interview between Jon Stewart and CNBC's Jim Cramer. Stewart nailed Cramer on the irresponsibility of financial reporters...the interview can be viewed here.

• Finally, some thoughts regarding the the Cubs and Spring Training rosters. Today, it was annouced that the Cubs added IF Esteban Germán to compete for a backup infielder role, as well as veteran Canadian Corey Koskie. The Cubs do need some depth behind Aramis Ramirez, and for that I'm keeping a close eye on Juan Uribe's status with the San Francisco Giants. Uribe was given and Minor League contract with a spring training invitation by the Giants in the offseason, and is currently in a race for their backup utility job. However, he is not a lock. If the Giants decide to let Uribe go at some point in the spring, he would be a good addition for the Cubs. Anyone who watched the White Sox World Series run in 2005 knows how good Uribe is defensively. Last season Uribe filled in at the hot corner when Joe Crede went down, and showcased good range, and an extremely strong throwing arm. In addition, he's shown some pop in the past, hitting 20+ HR in 2004, 2006, and 2007.

Another position battle taking place in Cubs' camp is that of the 5th starter. Known candidates include Sean Marshall, Aaron Heilman, and Jeff Samardzija, but my solution is...none of the three. I believe that all three of them are best suited in bullpen roles. Marshall was very good last year when used as a spot starter and lefty out of the pen (to go with Neal Cotts). Aaron Heilman as had most of his success as a reliever, and Jeff Samardzija was electric out of the pen last year (his stuff could turn him in to the bridge between SP and late inning relievers Kevin Gregg and Carlos Marmól). So, who goes into the 5th rotation spot? One widely publicized solution is the possible acquisition of Padres' ace Jake Peavy. During a recent telecast of the World Baseball Classic on ESPN, Rick Sutcliffe could be heard saying that the Peavy-Cubs rumor was "more than a rumor"...we'll see what comes of this interesting insight. However another intriguing option could be Pedro Martinez. He looked great in the WBC pitching for the Dominican, and could come at a rather reasonable price. At his prime, Pedro was a Cy Young-caliber pitcher, dominating every hitter he faced. A look at the career WHIP (BB + H per IP) leaders, and Pedro is the only player there (along with Mariano Rivera) to pitch after 1920! His "2004 Red Sox idiot" personality would also be a welcome addition to the Cubs' clubhouse.

Manny Gets a Tricyle!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:34:00 +0000

Lex Luthor Wants a Bailout

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 19:38:00 +0000

"Lex Luthor Bailout" with Jon Hamm - watch more funny videos

Courtesy of the Huffington Post and Funny or Die

Bunch O' Links: Apple TouchNetBook-thing?, Obama & Stem Cells, Lil' Fontenot, Alltop

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:00:00 +0000

• Rumor sites have been abuzz the past few days of an Apple Tablet/Netbook in the works for release this year. Yeah, it seems like there have been rumors of such a product for nearly the past five years, but it may be coming closer to fruition. This article (Mac Rumors), sites some sort of touchscreen order put in by Apple. I hope that such a revolutionary product comes out soon, for it would benefit a lot of people of my generation (students taking notes and having to organize numerous aspects of their lives both in digital world and with a pencil). Such a product could allow someone to organize handwritten notes, sketches, and diagrams among various elements of new digital media. It would allow people to actually enter the world on their computers beyond using a mouse, but to truly interact. We can only wait for now, until Apple one day decides to blow us all away with some revolutionary technology we'd never have dreamed of.

• On to politics: President Obama on Monday signed an Executive Order (link) that will reverse the ban on

embryonic stem cell research that restricted it to only 60 lines of previously existing stem cells. As a result of this being brought to the forefront of the news by the President's actions, hopefully scientists will continue to further their research of stem cells as a possible portal to curing so many diseases. Stem cells could help treat and cure so many ailments, such as regrowing heart tissue damaged by heart attacks, finding a cure for Parkinson's disease, and possibly even helping the paralyzed walk again.

(President Obama's statement)

(CNN.com article)

(text of Executive Order)

• Lou Piniella and the the Cubs roll on in Spring Training from the Valley of the Sun. One of the positions where there appears to be a battle for playing time is second base, where Mike Fontenot and Aaron Miles are competing. After hitting his second long-ball of the spring, Lou had this to say per the Chicago Tribune:

❝ "I'll tell you what, the little kid at second base, he's after a job isn't he?" manager Lou Piniella say. Both Fontenot and Miles are listed at 5 feet 8 inches, but it was obvious after Fontenot's second home run that he was the one Piniella was

referring to as "the little kid." "What'd he have to say that for?" Fontenot said in mock protest. ❞

• And finally, I've been addicted to Twitter lately (who isn't?) and was brought to the attention of probably one of the coolest websites I've seen lately. Don't you wish that all the news, from all of the relevant websites, from just about any topic was all aggregated in one, easy to read, awesome-ly laid out website. Well, check out Alltop.com. It's amazing....seriously....click the link.... Below, I've also linked some of the best pages from Alltop.

"Ma! The Meatloaf!!!"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:02:00 +0000

Announcers are a varyingly entertaining bunch (yes, varyingly is the proper form of vary...I looked it up). The famous ones all have their own unique styles, and provide us with endless entertainment (unintentional or not); to see this just visit Awful Announcing. Below are two YouTube videos of the various goal calls of Florida Panthers' announcer Randy Moller, and the seamless movie quote references.

What? Me? No, my stick's not illegal!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:45:00 +0000

After the officials and Toronto coaching staff were heard discussing the possibility of Jason Spezza having an illegal stick, the hilarity of the cover-up and subsequent penalty ensues...

Deep Thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:07:00 +0000

A lot of people all over the internet (and the world for that matter), always ask questions about their favorite sports team. On the Cubs, such never-ending questions could be asked like why Kerry Wood hasn't been retained, or if Jake Peavy will be on the North Side next year via trade...the list goes on and on of common "talk-radio" type questions wondered aloud by the masses. However, some very important issues often go undiscussed and fade into a black hole of very important topics that never will get addressed, only to be overshadowed by improbably trade proposals, and other minor matters. Well here, in this post, will be collected some very important questions that never do seem to get answered. They will mainly include the Cubs, but may delve outside into other arenas of concern. It will be updated as new questions arise, or are thought of:

Topic #1: The LH-bat that could've been. In the offseason before the 2007 season, the Chicago Cubs had a very high pick in the Rule 5 Draft, which allows teams to pick from a variety of "unprotected" players in other teams farm systems. With that pick they selected a troubled outfielder in the Tampa Bay system named Josh Hamilton. Hamilton was drafted by the Rays in 1999 with the very first pick in the draft as a talented prospect. However, over the next six years, he never advanced above A-ball due to a dark time in his life with drugs (even out of the game for four years). After selecting him in the Rule 5 Draft, the Cubs immediately traded him to the Cincinnati Reds for cash (the Cubs were actually selecting him on the Reds' behalf all along). Now, as many baseball fans know, Hamilton as gone on the past two seasons to have quite a Hollywood-caliber comeback. In 2007, he started about half the season for the Reds, hitting .292 with 19 homeruns. He was then traded to the Rangers for Edinson Volquez (who had a solid 2008 for the Reds, putting up a Cy Young quality season). In 2008, Hamilton further developed his skills playing the entire season as the Rangers starting CF. Not only did he mash 32 homeruns, knock in 130 RBI, and hit .304, but he also finished runner-up in a Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium that caught the eyes of the nation. Now, my question: If the Cubs were in a position to obtain Josh Hamilton themselves, why did they not draft him in that Rule 5 Draft and keep him? He is exactly what they have been searching for the past few off-seasons (actually further back then that); he hits left-handed! He provides good defense, has some speed, hits for a lot of power, is a middle-of-the-order lefty to break-up Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, he has a high OBP, and did I mention POWER. He could be the solution in CF if Felix Pie never pans out, or he could play right, which is what the Cubs are looking for this off-season. So, that is a main question that has never been answered, nor discussed, in the world of sports commentary. How could such a perfect fit for the Cubs, that could so easily have been had in that Rule 5 Draft, just slip through the organization's fingers and be an All-Star now for another team? That's a deep thought that may never be answered.

Topic #2: What's goin' on with Josh? The Cubs had the 3rd overall pick in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft, and they selected high school third baseman Josh Vitters out Cypress, CA. He was highly-touted to have a great swing, hit for power and a high average. Numerous respected baseball websites have him ranked as the Cubs' top prospect, and one of their only blue-chip prospects. He has been mentioned as a future replacement for Aramis Ramirez when the time should come. So my question is: Why do we never hear about him? I'd like to know more about him. I want to see who some respected experts compare him to, and know how he's developing in the minor leagues. It could be possible that with all his high school credentials and tools, he may turn into another third baseman in the mold of David Wright, Ryan Zimmerman, or Evan Longoria (all with similar resumés at his age). Along with Vitters, the Cubs could have some other possible future stars on their hands, but unfortunately the mass-public can never get the chance to hear much about them, or what the real experts think. Supposedly, the Cubs recently signed some kids out of Korean high school, and one shortstop has been compared to Derek Jeter: that's pretty good. Another prospect projects as a future big-leaguer with Orlando Hudson like potential, but all we can find are a few pages of minor league stats (which in many cases can amount to not much). It would be really beneficial if all of these prospects could be spoken about more to the actual fans that are waiting for the next generation of stars. Every player out there got their start somewhere, so it is very important to always remain cutting edge in international and domestic scouting to find that talent. Some kid throwing mangos in the Dominican Republic is going to be the next Pedro Martinez. Some kid not even born yet will probably develop into another Alex Rodriguez. Some kid at home in Japan will dream of being the next Ichiro. The record books of baseball will keep being rewritten, and it would be nice for the average fan to have some insight on which prospects their team controls have the potential and growth to develop into that next Rookie of the Year, All-Star, super-star, or legend of the game. But until then, we'll just see lists of stats, top prospect signings and names, and wait for them to spring up on us in the majors and do their thing...Surprise!

Happy Holidays...2 Days Early!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:48:00 +0000

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

A Colbert Christmas: John Legend

Colbert at Christmas
Colbert Christmas DVD

Green Screen
Bill O'Reilly Interview

Solution for Cubs' Playoff Woes: Be "Idiots"

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:34:00 +0000

In 2004, the Boston Red Sox ended 86 years of frustration by winning the World Series. Many attributed their success to the "idiot" mantra put in place by many of the team's laid-back, easy-going players. In particular, Johnny Damon, Derek Lowe, Kevin Millar, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, and Pedro Martinez. Now, at the start of the 2009 campaign, the Chicago Cubs will embark on their season not having won a world championship in 101 years. This team, however, has done what past Cubs rosters couldn't: succeed on a consistent basis. Led by Lou Piniella, the Cubs won the NL Central Division Championship two years in a row (2007, 2008), however quietly exited the playoff picture both seasons. In each playoff appearance, the team look nervous, pressing, and not at all like the team that would win 97 games in a 2008 campaign in which they had eight All-Stars. Now, embarking on this offseason, there doesn't look to be any significant holes in the Cubs roster; most of the 97-win team is still intact. However, one notices a funny thing when looking at the list of free agents and available players...Damon, Lowe, Millar, Pedro Martinez, and Manny Ramirez are all presumably available. Thus a proposition can be made for the Cubs: why not bring some of these "idiots" in to not only add talent, but lighten the postseason clubhouse and put their "curse-ending' magic to work on another organization. Each of the following players could fit in the Cubs' 2009 plans:

-Johnny Damon is not a free agent, however, he is entering the final year of his contract with the New York Yankees making $13 million. When looking at the Yankees current situation, they are in desperate need of pitching, but along with the recent acquisition of Nick Swisher, have a surplus of OF/1B/DH types. Out of Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Xavier Nady, Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, Nick Swisher, Jorge Posada, and possibly FA, #3 hitter Bobby Abreu...Damon and Matsui would seem the most expendable entering the final year of their contracts. The Cubs could presumably trade Jason Marquis and his $9.875 million salary (along with maybe a mid-level prospect) to the Yankees for Damon. Therefore, both teams exchange high contracts while getting a more appropriate piece of need. On next year's Cubs team, Johnny Damon could fill a void in adding a left-handed lead-off hitter with speed and power, as well as adding exceptional defense in right field. In addition to the skills, he would be one piece of the previously aforementioned "idiots."

-After trading away Jason Marquis in the above proposal, the Cubs would be in need of a 5th starter. They could fill this need in-house, but there are two free-agent options that are intriguing. They could go the route of Derek Lowe, who has said he's seeking a 3-year deal on a team with a chance at a championship. Lowe dominated the Cubs in his postseason start against them, and would be a welcome addition to the pitching staff and the the clubhouse. Another option, however, which could pay dividends and be a low-risk, extremely-high reward type thing, would be a signing of free agent Pedro Martinez. After some injury slowed seasons in New York, Pedro would take an incentive-laden deal with ace potential. In addition to this former Cy Young winner's talent, Pedro is another aforementioned "idiot."

-I'm just gonna mention it here real quick...even though it'd be great, the Cubs are probably not going to sign Manny (the biggest "idiot" of them all in 2004...and I mean that with the utmost respect for him and his amazing talents).

-The last free agent possibility out there is none other than Mr. "Cowboy-Up" himself: Kevin Millar. Millar was an integral part in the "idiot" atmosphere in 2004, and would play a vital role of pinch-hitter, backup 1B/OF that was lost in Daryle Ward filing for free agency.

So in this very do-able proposal, the Cubs would add Johnny Damon to play RF, Pedro Martinez as the 5th starter with ace-potential, and Kevin Millar to the bench, thus reuniting the Damon-Pedro-Millar combo that brought the "idiot" attitude to the 2004 World Series Champion, Curse-breaking, Boston Red Sox...and can do the same for the 2009 Chicago Cubs.

Rahmbo will be Obama's Ari Gold?...Read on...

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:24:00 +0000

In the TV show Entourage, Jeremy Piven's character Ari Gold (rambunctious Hollywood superagent), is actually said to be based on real Hollywood superagent Ari Emanuel: the younger brother of new White House Chief-of-Staff Rahm Emanuel. So according to many articles around the internets, Rahm Emanuel will bring an Ari-like attitude to Washington. For those who have seen Entourage, these predictions are about to make Washington D.C. a little more interesting. For more insight on the real life Emanuel brothers, and a hilarious Piven-like tirade, SNL skit, see below:

-Jewish Journal article

-another funny article comparing Rahm to Piven's Ari Gold

-SNL video embedded below

Hot Stove Shines Red, White, and Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:01:00 +0000

At this time of year, GM's around baseball are thinking of ways to improve their clubs by throwing piles of cash at the plethora of free agents and drawing up countless trade proposals. However, there is a team being put together that will consist of baseball's biggest names and cost nothing; that team is Team USA, gearing up for the 2009 World Baseball Classic next spring. Three years ago, a stacked Team USA was bounced from the tournament with a disappointing 3-3 record, with many players citing a lack of preparation and team-gelling as the main downfall. This time around, players welcomed back to the team figure to fire-up the current roster into a much better showing. However, those 30 players who make up the roster are yet to be picked. There are numerous big names available, most of whose status is yet unknown, pending their team's approval. I believe that if Team USA was to be comprised of a close-knit group of superstars who were able to compete in a few of these tournaments and spend quality time together during them, it would be a valuable stepping stone to a possible United States gold medal journey at the 2016 Olympics in Chicago, (if baseball is re-admitted in the games) similar to the inspiring performance of Team USA Basketball in Beijing. Superstar teams in the Olympics, like basketball, not only inspire world audiences, but provide numerous marketing opportunities should baseball decide to go that path; as evident by the USA Basketball reality show, and Nike collection of Olympic apparel, as well as the high television ratings and commercial appeal. Back to this year's WBC, however, below is a detailed projection of what the 2009 USA Baseball team could look like, if those named decide to participate. This is one stacked team, if you ask me...

Pitching Staff

Bullpen

-Scott Shields -Kerry Wood

-Jonathan Papelbon -Huston Street

-Joe Nathan -Brian Fuentes (L)

-Bobby Jenks -David Price (L)

-Brad Lidge -Jonathan Broxton

Starting Rotation

1. C.C. Sabathia

2. Jake Peavy

3. Cole Hamels

4. Roy Oswalt

5. Matt Garza

(Other possibles: Beckett, Webb, Haren, Lester, Shields, Lilly, Chamberlain, Lincecum)

Starting Infield

1B-Mark Teixiera 3B-Alex Rodriguez

2B-Chase Utley SS-Derek Jeter

Starting Outfield

LF-Ryan Braun CF-Grady Sizemore RF-Josh Hamilton

Bench

IF-Evan Longoria, Chipper Jones, Michael Young

(Brian Roberts, Dustin Pedroia, Ian Kinsler, Dan Uggla, Jimmy Rollins, Stephen Drew, Ryan Howard, David Wright, Lance Berkman, Derrek Lee, Adrian Gonzalez, Prince Fielder)

OF-B.J. Upton, Carlos Quentin, Vernon Wells

(Torii Hunter, Nick Markakis, Carl Crawford, Curtis Granderson, Matt Holliday, J.D. Drew, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier)

Catchers

-Joe Mauer

-Brian McCann

-Jason Varitek

(A.J. Pierzynski, Kurt Suzuki, Taylor Teargarden)

DG '08: Bill Clinton Offers Insight

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:59:00 +0000

Are You Ready for Some Football?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:35:00 +0000

Football season is upon us as a slew of preaseason games went down tonight accross the NFL. Among them, the Chicago Bears took on the KC Chiefs at home at Soldier Field. Despite the 24-20 loss, it was a great chance to get a look at some of the new players, as well as players who don't get much playing time during the regular season. During the first half, the Bears were held to just a field goal, however rookie RB Matt Forte got 7 carries under his belt to start his NFL career, as he rushed for 25 yards. The second half was where the Bears really started to shine and show some depth. Backup LB Rod Wilson had an interception, which opened the door to a 25-yd TD on a Grossman-to-Wolfe screen play. On that offensive play, Wolfe showed extreme speed and elusiveness that could prove valuable in the regular season. Wolfe had that reception TD, as well as 64 rushing-yds on 7 carries (including a 42 yd burst). RB PJ Pope also provided some steady running, as he had 8 carries and 4 receptions for a total of 56 yds. Another surprisingly solid performance came from young Bear QB Caleb Hanie, and undrafted free agent out of Colorado State. Hanie entered the game in the third quarter and went 9/16 for 101 yds and a TD. He showed great poise as he led the Bears on a scoring drive in the 3rd quarter that included a 25-yd completion to rookie TE Kellen Davis, and 13-yd TD pass to WR Brandon Rideau. Hanie then led the Bears on the final drive of the game, again showing poise down the stretch. He made two fine passes (which could have won the game for the Bears) that were unfortunately dropped by rookies Marcus Monk and Earl Bennett (rookie jitters, hopefully). In other notes, the young O-Line provided some nice pass protection, despite the news that first-rounder Chris Williams had undergone back surgery the night before to repair a herniated-disk. Also, youngsters S Kevin Payne, DT Marcus Harrison, and LB Nick Roach turned in solid performances on defense. Overall, this was a good night that gave the players some valuable game experience, and also gave us a look at some of our rookies who may be able to fill key roles during the regular season.

Tonight's stats:

Passing- Caleb Hanie 9/16...101 yds...1 TD

Receiving-Pope 4 rec/39 yds...Wolfe 1/25 yds/TD...Davis 1/25 yds

Rushing-Wolfe 7 car/64 yds...Forte 7 car/25 yds...Hanie 2/21 yds

ESPN Box Score

NFL Game Center

"Oh, crap. I think I've made a huge mistake."- Broadway Brett

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:25:00 +0000

Is a picture worth a thousand words, or what? Brett Favre has been traded to the New York Jets for a conditional 2009 draft pick.

DG Live: Trade Deadline '08 Looking to Impress

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:58:00 +0000

When it looked like all was going to be relatively quiet, MLB GM's sprung into action moving star players left and right. After the previous weeks had seen such large deals as C.C. to Milwaukee and Harden to the Cubs, another big deal went down days before the deadline. The Atlanta Braves traded star, switch-hitting 1B Mark Teixeira to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. This move, made by baseball's best team (statistically, of course) is clearly a addition in ammo meant for October. Tex adds another huge bat to an offense already featuring Vlad, Tori Hunter, and Garret Anderson. Then, today (a day before the July 31 [non-waiver] Trade Deadline, the Yankees made a move to replace their star catcher (Jorge Posada who is out for the season with a shoulder injury) with another star catcher, acquiring "Pudge" Rodriguez from the Tigers for reliever Kyle Farnsworth (a move that nearly brought Yankee manager Joe Girardi to tears, because of their close relationship after Girardi caught Farnsworth in Chicago). Now, with less than 24 hours remaining before the Trade Deadline, there looks to be a third major trade on the brink of happenning. The Boston Red Sox seem set on trading Manny being Manny, seemingly sick of his personality. There is a trade on the table, according to sources citied by MLBTradeRumors.com, which would send Manny to the Marlins, while the Red Sox get Jason Bay from the Pirates, and the Pirates get Hermidia from the Marlins (with prospects also involved to all teams). Now to me, this trade seems extremely stupid. While Manny may be causing distractions for the Red Sox front office, he is still producing on the field (.301 AVG/20 HR/68 RBI) and is one of the greatest hitters in history. And they want to get him off the team for Bay, a guy who would certainly be a downgrade from Manny: 1)he is not the seasoned hitter mentally that Manny has proven to be, 2)you'd be losing Manny's electric personality in Fenway, 3) you'd be losing the invaluable friendship between Manny and fellow partner-in-crime David Ortiz. If I had those two in the middle of my lineup, I'd ride the power wave to championship town (2 WS titles in last 5 years) as long as I could. Now if this deal was made, it would certainly be a steal for the Marlins here. They'd be acquiring a proven hitter for the middle of their lineup, who along with Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla would give them a nice core to compete in the N.L. East (of which they're only 1.5 games out right now). In other trade news, the Cubs are looking great, beating the Brew Crew the last three games in convincing fashion. They already bolstered their team this year by adding released center fielders Reed Johnson and Jim Edmonds who have been key cogs to the offense (along with much-improved Mike Fontenot and Ronny Cedeño). They also traded for a true #2 (actually an ace of his former staff), Rich Harden who has been stellar in three outings. In addition to the offense and starting staff, the bullpen has also become a strength as the emergence of Jeff Samardzija, Chad Gaudin, Neal Cotts, and Sean Marshall adds to the already stellar Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol for a solid staff of late-inning, shut-down arms that Lou can feel confident in calling upon. However, there have been rumblings that the Cubs have inquired on a few left-handed, outfield bats. Most notable, according to MLBTradeRumors.com, Brian Giles, Raul Ibanez, and David DeJesus. One last item that this blogger would like to touch upon, is the stunning availability of a major offensive threat to any of the 30 MLB teams. There is a player out there who can be had for no prospects or players of any level. He can give you instant help to the tune of major power, a +.400 OBP, a leadership prescence in the clubhouse, and a serious offensive boost for the fall. And he'll only cost around $300,000. Who is this player? The answer: Barry Bonds. He is still a FA, who told the Yankees last week (before they acquired Nady and Pudge) that he'd play for them for $300 K and donate it all to buy tickets for kids. If you're worried about his legal troubles, he doesn't have a court date of any kind until next spring. If you're worried about his clubhouse consequences a signing will have, he has been said to be a great clubhouse prescence who improves younger players. And if you're worried about his offensive production, well he said he could be ready in about 10 days, he is BARRY BONDS!!, and he has produced every single year he's been healthy. I don't think there is a question about his offense. If I was a GM, I would sign him in a heartbeat. And looking at teams like the Rays, who seemingly need one DH/OF bat to be serious contenders, I think it'd be a smart idea.