RizzoSports Blog

Put Bryce Harper in the Home Run Derby at the All Star Game.

2009-07-10T10:34:00.004-04:00

Apparently MLB is having a difficult time finding guys from the AL to be in the All Star Home Run Derby at Busch Stadium. I suggest they ask high school phenom Bryce Harper. It would probably be the highest rated show in ESPN history if they did.

Think about the buzz it would generate. It would be a great showcase for baseball. I'm not sure the pros would like it, but if they're afriad of a high school kid, well that's their problem. Actally just the rumor might make the AL fill their slots.

Williams and Federer win Wimbledon.

2009-07-06T10:11:00.000-04:00

It will probably go down as the sporting event of the year. Roger Federer defeated American Andy Roddrick in an epic five set Wimbledon Final.

The final fifth set was decided by a score of 16-14, and it alone took over an hour an a half. The win gave Federer a 15th major title, one more than Pete Sampras. Sampras said that Federer went from a legend to an icon with the win. It’s now hard to argue that he’s not the best ever.

This completed a great weekend of tennis as Serena Williams won her 11th major title on Saturday.

US Men's National Team seek Title Win against Brazil.

2009-06-25T20:13:00.000-04:00

The US Men’s National Soccer Team is in Saturday’s Confederations Cup Final against Brazil. While most people view the Confederations Cup as nothing more than an eight team exhibition tournament, a win would be the most marketable achievement in history of Men’s National Team. Win or lose against Brazil, the team will obviously be better prepared for next summer’s World Cup Finals. However success this summer doesn’t mean the US will be a contender next year. If the US does qualify for the World Cup Finals, they’ll be up against 32 teams not eight. While the US has finally developed a team capable of knocking off a top side, they have yet to prove they can do it consistently.

Victoria Azarenka: UK FHM Wimbledon Stir.

2009-06-24T21:16:00.006-04:00

Victoria Azarenka figures she'll cause quite a stir when the British FHM hits during Wimbledon. She actually did photos in the French FHM for Roland Garros, so who know what is planing for the US Open.

She even gave some good advice for the guys, in my recent interview with her.

Harper Leaves School for MLB

2009-06-18T18:49:00.000-04:00

Bryce Harper from Las Vegas is leaving high school after completing his sophomore year. He will get his GED and enroll in a junior college. Therefore he should be eligible for next year’s MLB draft. A lot of people are upset with him and his family. I have to ask why? If he wants to quit high school to play professional baseball, go ahead. The same with those silly NBA and NFL rules that you have to be so many years removed from high school to be in the league. Now I think the money being paid to professional athletes is beyond ridiculous, but I don’t fault the players. Bryce Harper is going to receive over $20 million from Washington next summer, and if they want to pay him, he should not be held back.

Top Potential Pro Sports Transfers

2009-06-08T22:00:00.011-04:00

With Ricky Kaka’s 65 million euro transfer from AC Milan to Real Madrid, we’re taking a look what could be paid for our brightest sports stars.

To get you up to speed, in the soccer world, they really don’t have free agency or trades; instead they pay huge sums of money for the rights to sign a player. We don’t know the logistics, and if there are any that block this for being common place in North America’s pro sports leagues, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it starts happening soon.

Here’s the top 8 largest potential transfers.

8. $80m Evan Longoria – to Boston. The Red Sox need a future third baseman, and at 24 Longoria would own the city for years to come.

7. $85m – Carmelo Anthony - To Philly. NBA players dominate the list, because one guy is capable of having such a major impact. Philly would love to shell out the cash to bring Carmelo back to the east coast.

6. $90m – David Price – to New York. The Yankees have lacked one thing in recent years, pitching and though they thought about Linecum, Tampa Bay could use the cash, and the Yankees have no problem shelling out the bucks for this young phenom.

5. $100m – Adrian Peterson – to Dallas. The best young player in the NFL at 24, Jerry Jones can’t resist building a team around Peterson. Transfer are difficult with the NFL's Salary Cap, and large rosters, but he could be the biggest impact player in football. With a huge new stadium, the Cowboys will need a player to bring back the glamour.

4. $102m - Chris Paul – to LA. Think about this, the Lakers will try to keep the glory days going, and they’ll use their extra playoff revenue to help finance a move for the best young point guard in the NBA.

3. $108.7m Sidney Crosby - to Montreal. Pittsburgh isn’t going to like this but, of all these possible transfers, this one is most likely. First off, hockey has so many players coming in from foreign leagues, transfer fee start to make sense. Secondly the Canadians are Sidney boyhood favorites, and after accomplishing all that he has in Pittsburgh the opportunity to join Montreal would be too good to pass up.

2. $150m Dwight Howard – to Chicago. Howard’s value skyrocketed this post-season, and the Bulls look to return to the glory days with a capture of this 23 year old superman.

1. $200m Lebron James – to New York. In a move that is destine to happen, the Knicks set a world record to bring King James to the Big Apple. New York then signs him to a $300 million contract, essentially paying a half of billion for the NBA's biggest star.

Bryce Harper - Baseball Prodigy

2009-06-08T12:23:00.004-04:00

High School Sophomore Bryce Harper was recently on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and has the sports' world buzzing.

Here is Deadspins' story on the 570 foot home run he hit when he was 15.

Time will tell, if he lives up to the phenom status.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Sensational Goal

2009-06-01T20:31:00.003-04:00

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's amazing back heel goal to win the Capocannoniere (Serie A Scoring Title) on the final day of the season.

FC Barcelona Champions of Europe 2009

2009-05-28T06:31:00.000-04:00

Barcelona were crowned European Champions Yesterday, as they defeated Manchester United 2-0. Barcelona impressively won all three trophies they played for this season, the Champions League, and the Spainish Copa del Rey and La Liga title.

Carlo Ancelotti's Auto-Biography Advice

2009-05-26T14:26:00.003-04:00

Carlo Ancelotti's new Auto-biography had the following to say, when discusing why Zlatan Ibrahimovic choose to join Inter instead on AC Milan in 2006. I thought it was a good line.

"Haste does not pay dividends, but Massimo Moratti does"

Watching the NBA Playoffs?

2009-05-14T14:19:00.001-04:00

While the NBA Playoffs hardly ever make news around here, I have to guess a few people are taking notice. For the record, the NBA playoffs have been filled with great games thus far. LeBron James and Cleveland are waiting for the winner of the Orlando vs. Boston series. Cleveland has yet to lose a game after sweeping their first two play-off opponents. With all the local attention focused on the Pens, the NBA playoffs have hard received a glance. While I by no means consider myself a follower of NBA basketball, I have to admit what LeBron is doing is incredible. Sidney Crosby is the most dominate player in the NHL period, but LeBron is on another level in the NBA. He is without a doubt the most dominate team athlete in this country. Remaining NBA play-offs might be worth a look.

Philadelphia Union: Philadelphia MLS Team

2009-05-12T11:00:00.004-04:00

The new 2010 Philadelphia MLS team will be called the Union.

I'm not sure what deal is with a snake, but anyway. They're currently building a $100+ million dollar stadium in Chester Pa. A large portion of the money is coming from the state and local governments. There are currently 14 teams in the MLS, with three on the way, as Portland and Vancouver will join after Philly. After these three teams join there will 10 teams in the west and 8 in the east. The big question is who will be next, presumably two cities from the east. Miami and Monteral look like the current favorties, but another city could emerge. The other interesing thing is that FIFA mandates relegation once a league reaches 20 teams, so I'm not sure how this will be handled by then.

The Day Tommy Lasorda Said Mass

2009-04-29T07:25:00.001-04:00

Once in his baseball career, a Tommy Lasorda argument with an umpire landed him in jail. More than 35 years ago, Lasorda was managing in the Dominican Republic’s Winter League, showcasing his managerial skills for any MLB team that might be interested.
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In one particular game, an umpire ruled that Lasorda’s centerfielder pulled a ball out of his pants pocket as a ruse on a deep fly ball that had gone over his head. The outfielder’s quick-throw prevented a loss in the last half of the 9th inning.
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Lasorda lost his cool and was later incarcerated with a few local weirdos, spending the entire night with a death-grip on the cell's bars away from the crazies, saying the Roman Catholic Mass, over and over and over again.
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Lasorda found out later that a politician had a wager on the game and, the umpire who had made the ridiculous call, had been threatened with jail time him

This story was taken from http://www.doubledribblebob.com/ - Here you can find hundreds of short sports related stories. I encourage my readers to check it out.

Victoria Azarenka - WTA Tennis Interview

2009-04-22T21:20:00.002-04:00

Tennis' Fabulous Phenom - Victoria Azarenka

You might not know who Victoria Azarenka is yet, but if she has anything to say about it, you soon will. The 19 year old "Vika" from Belarus is looking to emerge in 2009. Victoria has already taken her place in the world’s top 10, and with tennis looking for a new star, this summer could be her time to shine.

1. You’ve started out 2009 very strong, how would your rate your performances this year?
Yeah my performances this year been really good I think. Winning Brisbane was a really big step for me and I just started believing in myself that I could win the tournaments and the big matches. Beating Serena at the Sony Ericsson was the biggest win on my career, and I am just so happy that I finished that match.

2. What improvements to your game would you like to make in 2009?

Well there are always things to work on and improve in your game, and I want to keep working hard and improve my serve and just my game overall.

3. Tennis brings you to so many places across the world, do you have a favorite?

Yeah I love going to Australia, it is one of my favorite places to travel to.

4. What is the one tournament you would like to win the most?

Of course my goal is to win a Grand Slam, and my favorite ones are the US Open and Australian Open so I would really like to win one of these.

5. There are a lot of people who think you could become the next great tennis champion how are you handling you’re rise to fame and pressure.

You know, right now I'm just thinking about playing and the next match. If I'm going to get too excited, I won't be able to play.

6. How do you celebrate winning a tournament?

Well after winning in Miami the Tour made a reservation for me, my coach and trainer, mom and friends and we all went to Nobu and celebrated. I usually do something fun after winning a big tournament.

7. Since so many young men are becoming fans of yours. I feel obliged to ask; what would your ideal date consist of?

Haha, yeah I like to go out to nice restaurants and have dinner, and then afterwards go out somewhere in the city I am in and do something fun or go somewhere that plays good music.

8. Outside of tennis, is there something you enjoy doing, or do you have any hobbies?

Yeah I love shopping, I am just crazy about it. I love buying Gucci clothes and Diro shoes, and every city I go to I usually do some shopping there. Also, something most people don’t know about me is that I really like cars a lot and driving fast. I want to get a new Mercedes.

9. Looking ahead to what is your goal and expectations for the year?

Well I really want to win a Grand Slam. That’s the whole reason I'm playing, you know. I think everybody's goal is to try to be #1. I'm not going to say, yeah, I'm going to be there, but I'll try to do my best.

**Images used with permission from:via BEST Tennis - Top Image credit: (RON C. ANGLE) bottom image: (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Follow up: After this interview I can say two things for certain. Vika is determined to reach the top echelon of tennis players. The other is if your city, needs a jolt to its retail sector, host a tennis tournament, because Azarenka is a shopper! The WTA is having a hard time keeping its stars on the court. Sharapova seemly hasn’t been healthy for a year, and Jankovic and Ivanovic also have been struggling with injuries. The Williams sister are into their late twenties, and the WTA could really use a fresh young face. It’s going to be a very important summer for Victoria, we’ll see if she can capitalize.

If you would like to link to this story, please link to the achieved interview on RizzoSports.com

Major Changes at RizzoSports.com

2009-04-20T18:13:00.000-04:00

In an effort to clarify the website and blog, we’re making the following changes. We hope the changes will lead to an even better visitor experience and increase input from our readers.

RizzoSports.com – Will be for Pittsburgh / WPIAL sports related content. (Pirates, Pens, Steelers, Riverhounds, etc.) Including all of Mike’s columns for the Kittanning Paper. RizzoSports.com will now have a large news section which will be the center point for most new content.

RizzoSports Blog – Any thing non Western PA Sports related.

There will now be two RSS feeds one for the blog and one for the website news (Pgh Sports News)

If you’re currently linking to the site, you may want to revisit your links. No old content will be erased, so links to individual stories will remain. However moving forward the blog will only be non Pittsburgh sports. If you’re a Pittsburgh sports site you’ll probably want to link to RizzoSports.com or the RizzoSports.com News Section

All our links to Pittsburgh sports sites will originate from RizzoSports.com. If you want to write a commentary or story for RizzoSports.com or the RSW Blog, please feel free to send your writings to rizzosports [@] gmail.com. Also if you would like us to link to your site, please send your to us inquiries.

The RizzoSports YouTube will remain the same. The RizzoSports Twitter page will also remained the same, and general updates and annoucements for both sites will be on the Twitter page. If you’re not following us, we encourage you do so.

The RizzoSports.com News Section – The most recent articles will partially appear on the homepage of RizzoSports.com. This section will encompass all things Pittsburgh sports related, including a lot of Kittanning/Ford City coverage. However we're hoping to have a lot of input on all major wPA sports stories.

Once again,

RizzoSports.com – Pgh Sports News, Kittanning Paper Columns, WPIAL Rankings, Interviews, & the World Soccer Rankings.

RizzoSports Blog – Everything else.

Please understand there will be many minor changes over the next month. Once again thanks for your continued support, and we hope to welcome you back soon.

Incredible Run for Ford City Boys

2009-04-15T17:02:00.000-04:00

In the three major boys’ high school sports; Football, Basketball, Baseball, the Sabers have reached six straight WPIAL playoffs. The 06-07 basketball team missed the playoffs with a 10-14 record. If you look at the senior class, since their sophomore year, they’ve reached 7 of 8 playoffs, and own 3 section titles. The baseball team looks to make it 8 of 9 playoffs, and 4 section titles. Okay Ford City historians; has there been a better period for boys’ athletics? Certainly the increases in classifications have helped, and this senior class is still looking to make it to a WPIAL title game in boys’ sports. However it’s very impressive run which could continue for a few more seasons.

Pirates to call Neil Walker?

2009-04-14T14:29:00.003-04:00

Neil Walker could be only days away from his MLB debut. Easily the most heralded Pirate in more than a decade Walker has started the season strong in “AAA” Indianapolis. He also creates an added interest and marketability since he grew up in close by in Pine-Richland. Since the Pirates moved him from catcher to third base, he has improved his defense dramatically. The current third base situation is less then ideal. Andy LaRoche has yet to get a hit in 14 at bats, and Ramon Vazquez is a career .257 hitter as a utility player. Walker currently leads his triple-A team in hitting. Walker has been in the minor leagues since 2004, including over a full year in at the triple-A level. His defense is solid enough that the Pirates should bring him to Pittsburgh now, they have nothing to lose.

Searching For the Next Great American Golfer

2009-04-08T11:03:00.014-04:00

The first major of golf year starts today with the Masters. The media seems solely focused on three players, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Padraig Harrington. Harrington of course is going for his third straight major title. If you watched the tournament build up on the Golf Channel you might be surprised to learn there another 90 plus guys in the field. An interesting question over the first two days is will a young American be able to make a name for himself.

Here are three young Americans who could emerge:

Nick Watney (27) - 4 pro wins, best major result 11 in 08' Masters.

Sean O'Hair (26) - 2 pro wins, best major result: 12th 06' PGA

Dustin Johnson (24) - 2 pro wins, best major result: 48th 08' US Open

All three are under the age of thirty and are currently in the top 10 of 2009 FedEx Cup. Since 2000 only Phil and Tiger have won two or more majors. Will this be the year the wave of young American talent finally arrive and stays on the scene?

2009 Pittsburgh Pirates Season Preview.

2009-04-05T18:00:00.007-04:00

2008: W-L (67-95)
2008 Attendance: 1,609,076

Acquisitions:
Eric Hinske (TB) - IF/OF
Ramon Vasquez (Tex) - IF
Craig Monroe (Min) - OF

Gone from 2008
Jason Michaels - OF
Doug Mientkiewicz - 1B
Luis Rivas - IF
Chris Gomez - IF

The Pirates have finished 67-95 in three out of the the four seasons. With no free agent acquisitions of note, the 2009 Pirates are clearly looking to build with in. Here is what the Bucco Experts predict for the 2009 Season.

Matt - Pittsburgh Lumber Co. - 72-90
Jim - Sportocacy - 70-92, not a game better
Brian - Raise the Jolly Roger - 71-91
Nick - Pgh Sports & Mini Ponies - 82-80
Pat - WHYGAS - 65-97
Sean - Sean's Ramblings - 76-86
Jesse Behr - TheBurghBlues - 81-81

RizzoSports.com - 70-92 - I just don't think they have right people in place to do anything better.

Here are 5 questions for the season:

1. The Losing Record - The Pirates have a chance to set professional sports history with a 17 consecutive losing season.

2. Encore - Will Ryan Doumit, Nate McLouth, and Paul Maholm improve on last year's season? Recent Bucco History says no. Don't forget the Pirates reinvested their Bay/Nady/Marte money in contract extensions for this group.

3. Where are the Young Guys? - How long until we see Neil Walker, and Andrew McCutchen.

4. Coaching / Front Office - Joe Kerrigan is the new pitching coach, but John Russell and Neal Huntington have been here long enough that they can't blame anyone but themselves. I like to point out that Huntington was demoted in Cleveland and John Russell was fired by the Pirates as Third Base Coach. The simple point is if Pittsburgh is going to be a wining team, they'll need an above average front office and manager.

5. We'll they come - The biggest star the Pirates have is the stadium tax payers in Western PA built for them. However given the down economy and team that could lose 100 games, attendance could be a lot lower than last year's 1,609,076.

Interesting April for Local Sports Fans.

2009-04-02T06:14:00.000-04:00

It figures to be an interesting April for sports fans through out Western Pa. The Pens will wrap up their season on the 10th, but so much is left to be decided between now and then. Before the end of the month we could see them in the second round of the NHL playoffs. The Pirates, open the season on April 6th against St. Louis. It has been 7 years since the Bucs finished an April above .500. The NFL Draft takes places on final weekend of the month, and the Super Bowl Champion Steelers have nine selections. Two in the fifth and seventh rounds if you’re wondering. Trout fishers have April 18th circled as the first day of trout. Also most local softball and baseball teams are scheduled to around dozen games this month.

No Final Four for Pitt

2009-03-29T19:54:00.003-04:00

Pitt’s Men’s Basketball team came as close as you can to the school’s first Final Four. Their 78-76 lost to Villanova, left them just shy and it left Pitt fans heartbroken. Pitt definitely could have won the game. The Final Four is set, with no real surprises and two Big East teams. Will the Panthers make it to a Final Four in near future? The first question for Pitt fans is does Blair return. I think he leaves and if he does, it will take them a couple years to get back to this level. With the urban campus and the Pete, they should always get top level recruits. I think everyone thought this was their year to the make the Final Four, now there is a lot of uncertainty.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds Head Coach Gene Klien to be on RSW.

2009-03-26T16:30:00.002-04:00

I wanted to get the news out early that Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ head coach Gene Klein will be my guest Tuesday night. Anyone who plays or is involved with soccer should be interested. Besides being the coach Gene is also the General Manager and I believe a partial owner of the team. There are a lot of angles to discuss, and it will be very intriguing to everyone. So not only will we be talking about on the field stuff, we’ll look at aspects of running a team, and player acquisition.

2009 Pittsburgh Riverhounds Home Schedule.

Saturday May 2nd REAL MARYLAND 7:05pm
Saturday May 16th HARRISBURG 7:05pm
Thursday June 11th BERMUDA 7:05pm
Sunday June 14th RICHMOND 7:05pm
Friday June 26th RICHMOND 7:05pm
Friday July 24th WESTERN MASS 7:05pm
Sunday July 26th WESTERN MASS 7:05pm
Saturday August 1st WILMINGTON 7:05pm
Saturday August 8th CHARLOTTE 7:05pm
Saturday August 15th CRYSTAL PALACE 7:05pm

If you live outside of Armstrong County you watch the show live online at 7:30 at www.familylifetv.com.

WPIAL Baseball / Softball Season Begins for Local Teams

2009-03-25T16:19:00.000-04:00

Last year Ford City was the only Armstrong County baseball team finish the season over .500. In 2009 Ford City will look to make the playoffs for their fifth straight year. Kittanning has improved each of the last two seasons, and it’s fair to call them a playoff contender this year. I’m curious if the once proud Freeport and Leechburg Baseball programs will get back to the WPIAL playoffs. In softball, Leechburg has been Armstrong County’s premier program in any sport. They lost the WPIAL “A” Championship 1-0 last year, and a return trip will be their goal. The Ford City and Kittanning girls will look to make the playoffs again this season. The softball and baseball season is officially underway and next week section play begins.

2009 Cager Classic & NCAAs

2009-03-22T20:17:00.001-04:00

This weekend it was all about teams from the East. Starting with the Cager Classic, The East Girls including Marisa Wolfe, Lynzee Panchik and Keri Neal won the Girl’s Classic. Bill Henry’s East Boys, with the help of Ryan Young, Matt Shanty, and Ryan Risch won the Boy’s Classic. In the NCAA Tournament the possibility of an all Big East Final Four is alive and well, as Uconn, Pitt, Villanova, Syracuse and Louisville all advanced to the Sweet Sixteen. Pitt will face Xavier next in what should be a good game, as Xavier always plays well in the Tournament. Pitt will play in Boston starting on Thursday night.

PIAA Basketball Champions 2009

2009-03-22T09:42:00.002-04:00

Here are the 2008-2009 PIAA High School Basketball Champions.

Girls
A - Bishop Guilfoyle
AA - Villa Maria
AAA - Archbishop Carroll
AAAA - Mount Lebanon

Boys
A - Girard College
AA - Imhotep Charter
AAA - Archbishop Carroll
AAAA - Penn Wood

Due to dropping attendance there is talk the Championship games will be moved from Penn State back to Hershey next season.