Answering your comments from Sportingnews.com...
Around The Majors- Saturday's Bigger Picture
WVU Maniac Apr 05, 2008 11:04 PM
Great stuff! I'll have to bookmark your blog and check it more often, 'cause this is some good info. Ur right about the Braves: if they're bullpen doesn't pick it up, they will go nowhere. They have everything else under control so far, but their bullpen and defense (errors) have cost them some games so far.
-Thanks, and I realize that I'm right about the Braves and the day after you made this comment, the Braves bullpen was a major reason why they were able to sweep the Mets in the rain shortened 2 game series. If Ohman and others step up and make a good bridge to Rafael Soriano, then they may just end up fulfilling the lofty expectations that some pundits had for them.
miatay Apr 06, 2008 08:34 AM
All one of those struggling teams have to do is win 10 out of 12 games and everyone will forget their horrid starts. Conversely those teams like Tampa have to remain focused or they could lost several games in a row. But the Rays do have talent some experience now too.
-All one? Or every one? Anyway, I obviously realize that teams can get hot or cold and their starts will be completely forgotten about. But The Bigger Picture will be a weekly topic of just taking a step back and looking at what the hell happened that week. The Rays do have some talent and every game they play in that division is going to be a competetive struggle.
Stubhub
Monday, April 7, 2008
Around The Majors- Monday
Yesterday's scores, today's schedule, some news and notes and perhaps other things along the way. Unlike the Tigers, SOS gets off to a fast start on a Monday.
Sunday Scoreboard
-Hideki Matsui's 2 run homer was the only offense in the game as the Yankees blanked the Rays 2-0. Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain, and Mariano Rivera combined on a 4 hit shutout as James Shields took the tough luck loss.
-Josh Beckett was torched for 5 runs in 4 2/3 frames and a Frank Thomas grand slam was the big blow as Toronto swept Boston 7-4. Vernon Wells also homered for the Jays as Roy Halladay threw 8 innings for the win.
-Ian Snell struck out 10 over 6 innings, and Xavier Nady homered in Pittsburgh's 9-2 win in Florida. Nate McLouth also drove in 2 for the Pirates.
-Another rookie Red stepped up as Edinson Volquez fanned 8 over 5 1/3 as Cincy fried the Phillies 8-2 at GABP. Ken Griffey hit homer number 594, and Jeff Keppinger homered and drove home 3 in the win. Brett Myers was saddled with the loss.
-Felix Hernandez threw 8 shutout innings, but the closer committee couldn't seal the deal for Seattle. An Aubrey Huff groundout against Eric O'Flaherty made it 2-1 and then a Mark Lowe wild pitch allowed the tying run to score before a Luis Hernandez single gave the first place Orioles a 3-2 win over the Mariners. Jeremy Guthrie pitched seven strong for the Birds.
-John Smoltz and the Braves bullpen outdueled Johan Santana as the Braves beat the Mets 3-1. A Mark Teixeira two run blast off of Aaron Heilman broke the game open, and a late Met rally wasn't enough against Rafael Soriano, who picked up the save.
-Barry Zito allowed 5 runs in as many innings, as a complete game 5 hit shutout from Ben Sheets gave the Brewers a 7-0 win over the Giants. Gabe Kapler and Ryan Braun (go Jews!) homered for Milwaukee.
-The first place Royals got 5 shutout innings out of Brett Tomko and Alex Gordon drove in 2 in KC's 3-1 triumph in Minnesota. Joakim Soria struck out the side in the 9th, and Boof Bonser took the tough lucker for the Twins.
-The Cardinals have won 4 in a row as Kyle Lohse's 7 shutout frames guided St Louis past Washington 4-0. Rick Ankiel homered and drove in a pair for the Redbirds.
-The Cubs got seven strong from Carlos Zambrano, and Marmol and Wood shut the door on a 3-2 Cubs victory over Houston. A Derek Lee solo shot off of Oscar Villarreal proved to be the winner. Alfonso Soriano also went deep for Chicago.
-It was a wild one in Denver. With Colorado up 1-0 after a brilliant performance by Franklin Morales, Manny Corpas gave up a 2 run shot to Mark Reynolds to give Arizona the lead. Brandon Lyon then blew the save in the bottom half when he gave up a solo shot to Brad Hawpe. But then a Stephen Drew solo blast off of Micah Bowie started a 3 run 10th, and Chad Qualls picked up the save in the 5-2 10 inning win for the Snakes.
-Jon Garland allowed 7 runs in 5 innings as the Rangers roughed up the Angels 10-4. Gerald Laird homered twice with 6 RBI for Texas, and Ben Broussard also went deep for the Rangers.
-Cleveland scored 2 in the 7th on a groundout and a bases loaded walk against Joe Blanton to beat the A's 2-1. Cliff Lee allowed just a run in 6 2/3 as Joe Borowski picked up the save.
-Rookie Chin-lung Hu's single off of Trevor Hoffman in the 9th gave the Dodgers a 3-2 win over San Diego. Derek Lowe and Chris Young both had good outings, but it was Takashi Saito who got the save and the best of today's closer clash.
-Justin Verlander allowed 9 runs, the Tigers committed 3 errors, and they still have no wins as they fell at home 13-2 to the White Sox. Nick Swisher led off the game with a homer, Crede and Cabrera each drove in 3, and Carlos Quentin had 4 RBI for Chicago.
Baseball Today
Cole Hamels will face Bronson Arroyo today as the Phillies play the Reds at 12:35. The Cubs and Pirates play at 1:30 as Lilly faces Gorzalanny, Seattle plays Baltimore at 3, Minnesota opens at Chicago at 4, and Cain faces Maddux at 4:30 as the Giants play the Padres. 7pm on ESPN2 has Hammel facing Mussina as the Rays close a 4 game set with the Yankees. Tom Glavine will face Colorado, Dan Haren will face the Dodgers, and Carmona pitches in LA as the Indians play the Angels.
News & Notes
-Curtis Granderson was cleared for baseball activities and could return to the Tigers lineup in 10 days. This is welcome news because they have been "embarrassing" according to manager Jim Leyland. And everyone else...
-Jack Wilson has been plaved on the Pittsburgh DL.
-After Rick VandenHurk's bad start for the Marlins yesterday, he was banished to AA Carolina.
-The Arizona Republic reports that the Snakes and OF Chris Young are close to a long term deal.
Sunday Scoreboard
-Hideki Matsui's 2 run homer was the only offense in the game as the Yankees blanked the Rays 2-0. Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain, and Mariano Rivera combined on a 4 hit shutout as James Shields took the tough luck loss.
-Josh Beckett was torched for 5 runs in 4 2/3 frames and a Frank Thomas grand slam was the big blow as Toronto swept Boston 7-4. Vernon Wells also homered for the Jays as Roy Halladay threw 8 innings for the win.
-Ian Snell struck out 10 over 6 innings, and Xavier Nady homered in Pittsburgh's 9-2 win in Florida. Nate McLouth also drove in 2 for the Pirates.
-Another rookie Red stepped up as Edinson Volquez fanned 8 over 5 1/3 as Cincy fried the Phillies 8-2 at GABP. Ken Griffey hit homer number 594, and Jeff Keppinger homered and drove home 3 in the win. Brett Myers was saddled with the loss.
-Felix Hernandez threw 8 shutout innings, but the closer committee couldn't seal the deal for Seattle. An Aubrey Huff groundout against Eric O'Flaherty made it 2-1 and then a Mark Lowe wild pitch allowed the tying run to score before a Luis Hernandez single gave the first place Orioles a 3-2 win over the Mariners. Jeremy Guthrie pitched seven strong for the Birds.
-John Smoltz and the Braves bullpen outdueled Johan Santana as the Braves beat the Mets 3-1. A Mark Teixeira two run blast off of Aaron Heilman broke the game open, and a late Met rally wasn't enough against Rafael Soriano, who picked up the save.
-Barry Zito allowed 5 runs in as many innings, as a complete game 5 hit shutout from Ben Sheets gave the Brewers a 7-0 win over the Giants. Gabe Kapler and Ryan Braun (go Jews!) homered for Milwaukee.
-The first place Royals got 5 shutout innings out of Brett Tomko and Alex Gordon drove in 2 in KC's 3-1 triumph in Minnesota. Joakim Soria struck out the side in the 9th, and Boof Bonser took the tough lucker for the Twins.
-The Cardinals have won 4 in a row as Kyle Lohse's 7 shutout frames guided St Louis past Washington 4-0. Rick Ankiel homered and drove in a pair for the Redbirds.
-The Cubs got seven strong from Carlos Zambrano, and Marmol and Wood shut the door on a 3-2 Cubs victory over Houston. A Derek Lee solo shot off of Oscar Villarreal proved to be the winner. Alfonso Soriano also went deep for Chicago.
-It was a wild one in Denver. With Colorado up 1-0 after a brilliant performance by Franklin Morales, Manny Corpas gave up a 2 run shot to Mark Reynolds to give Arizona the lead. Brandon Lyon then blew the save in the bottom half when he gave up a solo shot to Brad Hawpe. But then a Stephen Drew solo blast off of Micah Bowie started a 3 run 10th, and Chad Qualls picked up the save in the 5-2 10 inning win for the Snakes.
-Jon Garland allowed 7 runs in 5 innings as the Rangers roughed up the Angels 10-4. Gerald Laird homered twice with 6 RBI for Texas, and Ben Broussard also went deep for the Rangers.
-Cleveland scored 2 in the 7th on a groundout and a bases loaded walk against Joe Blanton to beat the A's 2-1. Cliff Lee allowed just a run in 6 2/3 as Joe Borowski picked up the save.
-Rookie Chin-lung Hu's single off of Trevor Hoffman in the 9th gave the Dodgers a 3-2 win over San Diego. Derek Lowe and Chris Young both had good outings, but it was Takashi Saito who got the save and the best of today's closer clash.
-Justin Verlander allowed 9 runs, the Tigers committed 3 errors, and they still have no wins as they fell at home 13-2 to the White Sox. Nick Swisher led off the game with a homer, Crede and Cabrera each drove in 3, and Carlos Quentin had 4 RBI for Chicago.
Baseball Today
Cole Hamels will face Bronson Arroyo today as the Phillies play the Reds at 12:35. The Cubs and Pirates play at 1:30 as Lilly faces Gorzalanny, Seattle plays Baltimore at 3, Minnesota opens at Chicago at 4, and Cain faces Maddux at 4:30 as the Giants play the Padres. 7pm on ESPN2 has Hammel facing Mussina as the Rays close a 4 game set with the Yankees. Tom Glavine will face Colorado, Dan Haren will face the Dodgers, and Carmona pitches in LA as the Indians play the Angels.
News & Notes
-Curtis Granderson was cleared for baseball activities and could return to the Tigers lineup in 10 days. This is welcome news because they have been "embarrassing" according to manager Jim Leyland. And everyone else...
-Jack Wilson has been plaved on the Pittsburgh DL.
-After Rick VandenHurk's bad start for the Marlins yesterday, he was banished to AA Carolina.
-The Arizona Republic reports that the Snakes and OF Chris Young are close to a long term deal.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Around The Majors- Saturday's Bigger Picture
Instead of going through games and what not, let's look at the stats and standings before the news and notes today.
Standings
-How about the Jays and Rays stickin it to the Red Sox and Yankees thus far this weekend. Baltimore looked good against Seattle yesterday, and they're off to a decent early start.
-Raise your hand if you predicted the Tigers would start the year 0-5. Now put your hand down, because you're lying. The lineup hasn't quite gotten up to speed, and the pitching of Robertson and Dontrelle Willis isn't gonna cut it in the AL. Sure he went hitless for a while but what's the point if you walk 7? If there's an overrated pitcher in baseball right now (not counting Barry Zito) it's the D-Train (wreck). The Royals have fallen back to earth a bit after sweeping said Tigers. Minnesota and Cleveland are middling a bit at the start.
-Nobody really standing out in the AL West with perhaps the exception of Texas, who had a solid week.
-The Mets have looked fantastic at times, but not today against Atlanta who will go nowhere with their bullpen play. The Phillies have also showed their weaknesses and deficencies, and the Nats and Fish are what they are.
-The Cardinals had a fantastic week pitching and are 4-1 to start. Milwaukee is off to a nice start while the Cubs and Astros not so hot thus far. The Reds have shown flashes of a surprise team under Dusty Baker.
-Jake Peavy had a fantastic week that has led the Padres to a 4-2 start. Hiroki Kuroda was phenomenal on Friday and if he can continue this, the Dodgers can be a threat in the west. The Giants and Rockies have started out slow.
This Week's Hot Starts
-Catchers lead both leagues in hitting. No April Fools, Ryan Doumit and AJ Pierzynski set the standards at .533 and .529 respectively. Fukudome and Kendall aren't too far behind. Chase Utley and Justin Upton both have 3 homers. Who knew that Livan Hernandez would have 2 wins so far? Jake Peavy has been wonderful thus far as well.
News & Rumors
-Miguel Olivo and Hideo Nomo (that's right) were brought up by the Royals. Scott Shields is off the DL, while Dioner Navarro, Chad Cordero, and Russ Springer were shelved. Brad Lidge and Jim Edmonds were also activated. Michael Cuddyer was placed on the DL and speedy prospect Denard Span will get his shot in the OF, he should get a chance way more than Craig Monroe.
-After Wes Helms was designated for assignment, the Dodgers and Giants are reportedly not interested. The Astros are guaging interest for C Humberto Quintero. (LA Times, San Jose Mercury News, Houston Chronicle)
Standings
-How about the Jays and Rays stickin it to the Red Sox and Yankees thus far this weekend. Baltimore looked good against Seattle yesterday, and they're off to a decent early start.
-Raise your hand if you predicted the Tigers would start the year 0-5. Now put your hand down, because you're lying. The lineup hasn't quite gotten up to speed, and the pitching of Robertson and Dontrelle Willis isn't gonna cut it in the AL. Sure he went hitless for a while but what's the point if you walk 7? If there's an overrated pitcher in baseball right now (not counting Barry Zito) it's the D-Train (wreck). The Royals have fallen back to earth a bit after sweeping said Tigers. Minnesota and Cleveland are middling a bit at the start.
-Nobody really standing out in the AL West with perhaps the exception of Texas, who had a solid week.
-The Mets have looked fantastic at times, but not today against Atlanta who will go nowhere with their bullpen play. The Phillies have also showed their weaknesses and deficencies, and the Nats and Fish are what they are.
-The Cardinals had a fantastic week pitching and are 4-1 to start. Milwaukee is off to a nice start while the Cubs and Astros not so hot thus far. The Reds have shown flashes of a surprise team under Dusty Baker.
-Jake Peavy had a fantastic week that has led the Padres to a 4-2 start. Hiroki Kuroda was phenomenal on Friday and if he can continue this, the Dodgers can be a threat in the west. The Giants and Rockies have started out slow.
This Week's Hot Starts
-Catchers lead both leagues in hitting. No April Fools, Ryan Doumit and AJ Pierzynski set the standards at .533 and .529 respectively. Fukudome and Kendall aren't too far behind. Chase Utley and Justin Upton both have 3 homers. Who knew that Livan Hernandez would have 2 wins so far? Jake Peavy has been wonderful thus far as well.
News & Rumors
-Miguel Olivo and Hideo Nomo (that's right) were brought up by the Royals. Scott Shields is off the DL, while Dioner Navarro, Chad Cordero, and Russ Springer were shelved. Brad Lidge and Jim Edmonds were also activated. Michael Cuddyer was placed on the DL and speedy prospect Denard Span will get his shot in the OF, he should get a chance way more than Craig Monroe.
-After Wes Helms was designated for assignment, the Dodgers and Giants are reportedly not interested. The Astros are guaging interest for C Humberto Quintero. (LA Times, San Jose Mercury News, Houston Chronicle)
Friday, April 4, 2008
Around The Majors- Friday
All the scores from today, a preview of tonight's action, the news and notes, and something that every Reds fan must see.
Day Games
-Who knew that Tigers and winless go in the same sentence, it must be since I picked them to win the World Series. AJ Pierzynski was out of his mind today, homering and driving in 5 as the White Sox trounced the 0-4 Tigers 8-5 at Comerica. AJ's 3 run blast off of loser Jason Grilli proved to be the winner, as Dotel, Linebrink, and Danks closed the door after another awful start from Jose Contreras. Pudge Rodriguez drove in a pair in the loss as Carlos Quentin also homered for Chicago.
-The Brewers home opener was a success as the jolted the Giants 13-4 at Miller Park. Johnathan Sanchez did his best Barry Zito impression (at a fraction of the price!), allowing 7 runs over 4 innings to take the loss. Bill Hall homered twice and drove in 6 in the Milwaukee win, as Prince Fielder drove in 3 while Gabe Kapler knocked home a pair. Bengie Molina homered for Frisco, who couldn't do much against winning pitcher Carlos Villanueva. Salmon Torres pitched the final 3 innings to exploit the rediculous loophole in the saves rule.
-Rich Hill and Chris Sampson put out good starts for Houston and the Cubs, but a two run 8th off of Jon Lieber gave the Astros a 4-3 win over Chicago at Wrigley. Houston took the lead in the 4th on a 2 run JR Towles blast, but the Cubs tied the game in the 7th on a two run Geovany Soto single. Go Catchers! But then Miguel Tejada went throwback and TRIPLED home Lance Berkman for the 3-2 lead and then scored on a Ty Wigginton sac fly for the 4th run that would hold up. Jose Valverde gave up a homer to Mark Derosa but still picked up the save. Arizona and Colorado are still in progress.
Friday Night Hardball
Washburn and Trachsel are the starters as Seattle plays Baltimore, as the game will go slower than a Friday at the office. Sonnanstine and Kennedy will pitch as the Yankees and Rays will be warned at the first hint of a beanball affair. Spikes up, everyone! Tim Wakefield will pitch for Boston in Toronto, Scott Baker goes for the Twins against the unbeaten Royals, and Texas takes on the Angels in LA. Paul Byrd takes the hill for Cleveland in Oakland. Kyle Kendrick makes his first start of the year against Cincinnati, Morris and Olsen go in Miami, and Tim Hudson faces John Maine as the Mets and Braves renew their rivalry from the Ted. Odalis Perez and Braden Looper pitch in the STL, and Hiroki Kuroda makes his big league debut as the Dodgers face Justin Germano and the Padres.
News & Notes
-Toronto has finalized Alex Rios' 6 year deal worth 64 million, and 2B Aaron Hill has signed a 4 year deal worth 12 million that could be worth 40 million if the team exercizes an insane number of options.
-Sidearming grandpa southpaw Randy Johnson allowed 5 runs in 4 innings for the AAA Tuscon Sidewinders in a loss. To put that in perspective, Bartolo Colon pitched 5 shuout innings for AAA Pawtucket, and even the lowly Kei Igawa pitched 6 perfect innings for AAA Scranton while striking out 7.
-I usually don't feel bad for people, but Mike Hampton is back on the DL again with a strained pectoral muscle and will find a way never to play again. Gary Sheffield has a torn tendon in one of the fingers on his right hand, and will try to play once the swelling goes down. Rondell White had a similar injury when he was on the Yankees and had an awful season, so I don't know how well Sheff will do this year. My thanks to Yanks broadcaster John Sterling, who brought this point up yesterday.
-Inside sources have told SprungOnSports that a pack of wild pigeons near Yankee stadium have attacked three school children ironically named Davida Ortiz, Margie Ramirez, and Joan Papelbon. Take that, Red Sox scum!!
Fantasy Spin
-Johnny Cueto has the chance to be a truly amazing pitcher, and could win NLROY. His awe inspiring 10 strikeout, 1 run performance over 7 innings wowed the baseball world. Should we be getting carried away in a whirlwind of hype? ESPN baseball genious Jerry Crasnick will take us on a literary journey for our answer:
"Let's see -- Johnny Cueto is a 5-foot-10 Dominican pitcher with electric stuff, excellent control and a real feel for pitching." Crasnick told SOS. "I see dozens of Pedro Martinez comparisons in his short-term future. The kid looks great, but maybe we should give him a month before we get too carried away."
But getting carried away is the most fun part about doing the fantasy spin? Reds fans have a big reason to get excited, as do Cueto owners, but perhaps we should take this one day (or start) at a time.
Day Games
-Who knew that Tigers and winless go in the same sentence, it must be since I picked them to win the World Series. AJ Pierzynski was out of his mind today, homering and driving in 5 as the White Sox trounced the 0-4 Tigers 8-5 at Comerica. AJ's 3 run blast off of loser Jason Grilli proved to be the winner, as Dotel, Linebrink, and Danks closed the door after another awful start from Jose Contreras. Pudge Rodriguez drove in a pair in the loss as Carlos Quentin also homered for Chicago.
-The Brewers home opener was a success as the jolted the Giants 13-4 at Miller Park. Johnathan Sanchez did his best Barry Zito impression (at a fraction of the price!), allowing 7 runs over 4 innings to take the loss. Bill Hall homered twice and drove in 6 in the Milwaukee win, as Prince Fielder drove in 3 while Gabe Kapler knocked home a pair. Bengie Molina homered for Frisco, who couldn't do much against winning pitcher Carlos Villanueva. Salmon Torres pitched the final 3 innings to exploit the rediculous loophole in the saves rule.
-Rich Hill and Chris Sampson put out good starts for Houston and the Cubs, but a two run 8th off of Jon Lieber gave the Astros a 4-3 win over Chicago at Wrigley. Houston took the lead in the 4th on a 2 run JR Towles blast, but the Cubs tied the game in the 7th on a two run Geovany Soto single. Go Catchers! But then Miguel Tejada went throwback and TRIPLED home Lance Berkman for the 3-2 lead and then scored on a Ty Wigginton sac fly for the 4th run that would hold up. Jose Valverde gave up a homer to Mark Derosa but still picked up the save. Arizona and Colorado are still in progress.
Friday Night Hardball
Washburn and Trachsel are the starters as Seattle plays Baltimore, as the game will go slower than a Friday at the office. Sonnanstine and Kennedy will pitch as the Yankees and Rays will be warned at the first hint of a beanball affair. Spikes up, everyone! Tim Wakefield will pitch for Boston in Toronto, Scott Baker goes for the Twins against the unbeaten Royals, and Texas takes on the Angels in LA. Paul Byrd takes the hill for Cleveland in Oakland. Kyle Kendrick makes his first start of the year against Cincinnati, Morris and Olsen go in Miami, and Tim Hudson faces John Maine as the Mets and Braves renew their rivalry from the Ted. Odalis Perez and Braden Looper pitch in the STL, and Hiroki Kuroda makes his big league debut as the Dodgers face Justin Germano and the Padres.
News & Notes
-Toronto has finalized Alex Rios' 6 year deal worth 64 million, and 2B Aaron Hill has signed a 4 year deal worth 12 million that could be worth 40 million if the team exercizes an insane number of options.
-Sidearming grandpa southpaw Randy Johnson allowed 5 runs in 4 innings for the AAA Tuscon Sidewinders in a loss. To put that in perspective, Bartolo Colon pitched 5 shuout innings for AAA Pawtucket, and even the lowly Kei Igawa pitched 6 perfect innings for AAA Scranton while striking out 7.
-I usually don't feel bad for people, but Mike Hampton is back on the DL again with a strained pectoral muscle and will find a way never to play again. Gary Sheffield has a torn tendon in one of the fingers on his right hand, and will try to play once the swelling goes down. Rondell White had a similar injury when he was on the Yankees and had an awful season, so I don't know how well Sheff will do this year. My thanks to Yanks broadcaster John Sterling, who brought this point up yesterday.
-Inside sources have told SprungOnSports that a pack of wild pigeons near Yankee stadium have attacked three school children ironically named Davida Ortiz, Margie Ramirez, and Joan Papelbon. Take that, Red Sox scum!!
Fantasy Spin
-Johnny Cueto has the chance to be a truly amazing pitcher, and could win NLROY. His awe inspiring 10 strikeout, 1 run performance over 7 innings wowed the baseball world. Should we be getting carried away in a whirlwind of hype? ESPN baseball genious Jerry Crasnick will take us on a literary journey for our answer:
"Let's see -- Johnny Cueto is a 5-foot-10 Dominican pitcher with electric stuff, excellent control and a real feel for pitching." Crasnick told SOS. "I see dozens of Pedro Martinez comparisons in his short-term future. The kid looks great, but maybe we should give him a month before we get too carried away."
But getting carried away is the most fun part about doing the fantasy spin? Reds fans have a big reason to get excited, as do Cueto owners, but perhaps we should take this one day (or start) at a time.
SprungOnSports Mailbag
Answering your comments from Sportingnews.com...
N.F.L. Rules Special
wiltfongjr Apr 03, 2008 01:43 PM
I wish the NFL would just make it so receivers only need 1 foot in bounds
-Here's where I vehemently disagree, Wiltfong. What separates the college from the pro game for receivers is the need to have one foot in bounds. It makes it more difficult for wideouts, and is a big reason as to why the NFL is such a step up. And the offense has enough advantages in this league from the pass interference, to the not being able to lay one finger on the QB without being called for roughing the passer. The feet and the forceout are two of the few rules the defense has going for them. Let's not turn this into the Arena League...
Favre_is_overrated_2007 Apr 03, 2008 02:29 PM
I wish the NFL would allow the receivers to be moving forward before the snap. Imagine what the yardage would like then.
-The offense has enough advantages in this league from the pass interference, to the not being able to lay one finger on the QB without being called for roughing the passer. The feet and the forceout are two of the few rules the defense has going for them. Let's not turn this into the Arena League...Hmm.
SpokaneOakfan Apr 03, 2008 05:42 PM
The hair thing isn't about No Fun.
A KC player tackled Polumalu by his long hair and got flagged for it. So the question is- if you had a player with Crystal Gayle hair, would he be untackle-able? The solution here is the high school rule- it's part of the uniform and you can and will be taken down by it.
-The Chiefs may be trying to get the rule for a specific case, but that's the main premise the other owners are going on, rather then an isolated incident. But your line of thinking is a valid one, if you're going to have hair that long you run the risk of having it pulled to the ground WWF style.
N.F.L. Rules Special
wiltfongjr Apr 03, 2008 01:43 PM
I wish the NFL would just make it so receivers only need 1 foot in bounds
-Here's where I vehemently disagree, Wiltfong. What separates the college from the pro game for receivers is the need to have one foot in bounds. It makes it more difficult for wideouts, and is a big reason as to why the NFL is such a step up. And the offense has enough advantages in this league from the pass interference, to the not being able to lay one finger on the QB without being called for roughing the passer. The feet and the forceout are two of the few rules the defense has going for them. Let's not turn this into the Arena League...
Favre_is_overrated_2007 Apr 03, 2008 02:29 PM
I wish the NFL would allow the receivers to be moving forward before the snap. Imagine what the yardage would like then.
-The offense has enough advantages in this league from the pass interference, to the not being able to lay one finger on the QB without being called for roughing the passer. The feet and the forceout are two of the few rules the defense has going for them. Let's not turn this into the Arena League...Hmm.
SpokaneOakfan Apr 03, 2008 05:42 PM
The hair thing isn't about No Fun.
A KC player tackled Polumalu by his long hair and got flagged for it. So the question is- if you had a player with Crystal Gayle hair, would he be untackle-able? The solution here is the high school rule- it's part of the uniform and you can and will be taken down by it.
-The Chiefs may be trying to get the rule for a specific case, but that's the main premise the other owners are going on, rather then an isolated incident. But your line of thinking is a valid one, if you're going to have hair that long you run the risk of having it pulled to the ground WWF style.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Around The Majors- Thursday
Today's games will be followed by the latest news and notes, and a look at AAA's opening day.
Today's Games
-Both John Danks and Jake Westbrook pitched well today, but a Joe Crede homer off of Westbrook in the 8th gave Chicago the lead, and then Linebrink and Jenks closed out a 2-1 White Sox win over the Indians. Juan Uribe also homered for the ChiSox, and Ryan Garko drove in the lone Cleveland run.
-Johnny Cueto's struck out 10 over 7 innings while allowing just one run as the Reds edged the Diamondbacks 3-2. Doug Davis allowed 3 runs and 6 walks in less than 4 innings of work, as Jeff Keppinger homered for Cincy. Justin Upton homered for Arizona, as Weathers, Lincoln, and Cordero closed the door for the Reds.
-The Royals are 3-0 after a 4-1 win over the Tigers. Zach Greinke allowed a run over 7 innings as Ramirez and Soria shut the door for the win. Alex Gordon and Mark Teahan homered for KC, as Brandon Inge went deep for the lone Tiger tally. Jeremy Bonderman took the loss for Detroit. -Washington blew 5-0 and 6-1 leads and lost in the 10th on a bases loaded walk to Jason Werth gave the Phillies an 8-7 win. Clay Condrey defeated Jesus Colome in the contest. Chris Coste homered for the Phillies, and Pedro Feliz drove in 2. Ronnie Belliard drove in a pair in the loss.
-Ervin Santana allowed 2 runs over 6 strong innings, as Matthews, Hunter, and Napoli all homered in a 5-4 Angels win over Minnesota. Joe Mauer homered and drove in 2 for the Twins as Oliver, Speier, and K-Rod closed out the win.
-Brad Thompson struck out 6 over 6 2/3 shutout innings as St Louis blanked Colorado 3-0. Ubaldo Jimenez took the loss for the Rox.
-The Cubs salvaged the last game of their series, defeating the Brewers 6-3. Ryan Dempster allowed just 2 runs over six innings, and Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood shut the door on the win. Aramis Ramirez homered and Alfonso Soriano had 2 RBI for Chicago. Dave Bush gave up 6 runs over 5, and Prince Fielder drove in a pair for Milwaukee.
-Houston and San Diego are in progress...Toronto and the Yankees will play the rubber match of their 3 game set at 7 as Dustin McGowan matches up with Phil Hughes. Sonnanstine and Trachsel will go as Baltimore battles Tampa Bay. Mike Hampton makes his grand return against Zach Duke as Atlanta plays Pittsburgh.
News & Notes
-Jose Canseco has to watch his back. While in New York signing copies of his new book, MLB officials cornered the slimeball former big league star and questioned him on what he knew about players who used steroids. It's unknown why he was addressed now rather then the time of his first book. We'll see how this turns out, but it could end up juicy......Speaking of juicy, Cubs minor league pitcher Robert Hernandez was suspended 50 games for steroids. He was slated to start the season in Middle A Peoria.
-Houston signed LHP Tim Byrdak and assigned him to AAA Round Rock.
AAA Opening Day
-In the International League, Syracuse defeated Louisville 2-0. Jays prospect starter David Purcey outdueled Reds pitcher Homer Bailey as Adam Ling homered for the Chiefs. Rochester-Richmond, and Durham-Toldeo are in progress. Kei Igawa will pitch for AAA Scranton tonight as they face Lehigh Valley. Haeger and O'Connor go in Columbus, Laffey and Penn pitch in Norfolk, and Bartolo Colon will start tonight for Pawtucket in their game against Indianapolis.
Today's Games
-Both John Danks and Jake Westbrook pitched well today, but a Joe Crede homer off of Westbrook in the 8th gave Chicago the lead, and then Linebrink and Jenks closed out a 2-1 White Sox win over the Indians. Juan Uribe also homered for the ChiSox, and Ryan Garko drove in the lone Cleveland run.
-Johnny Cueto's struck out 10 over 7 innings while allowing just one run as the Reds edged the Diamondbacks 3-2. Doug Davis allowed 3 runs and 6 walks in less than 4 innings of work, as Jeff Keppinger homered for Cincy. Justin Upton homered for Arizona, as Weathers, Lincoln, and Cordero closed the door for the Reds.
-The Royals are 3-0 after a 4-1 win over the Tigers. Zach Greinke allowed a run over 7 innings as Ramirez and Soria shut the door for the win. Alex Gordon and Mark Teahan homered for KC, as Brandon Inge went deep for the lone Tiger tally. Jeremy Bonderman took the loss for Detroit. -Washington blew 5-0 and 6-1 leads and lost in the 10th on a bases loaded walk to Jason Werth gave the Phillies an 8-7 win. Clay Condrey defeated Jesus Colome in the contest. Chris Coste homered for the Phillies, and Pedro Feliz drove in 2. Ronnie Belliard drove in a pair in the loss.
-Ervin Santana allowed 2 runs over 6 strong innings, as Matthews, Hunter, and Napoli all homered in a 5-4 Angels win over Minnesota. Joe Mauer homered and drove in 2 for the Twins as Oliver, Speier, and K-Rod closed out the win.
-Brad Thompson struck out 6 over 6 2/3 shutout innings as St Louis blanked Colorado 3-0. Ubaldo Jimenez took the loss for the Rox.
-The Cubs salvaged the last game of their series, defeating the Brewers 6-3. Ryan Dempster allowed just 2 runs over six innings, and Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood shut the door on the win. Aramis Ramirez homered and Alfonso Soriano had 2 RBI for Chicago. Dave Bush gave up 6 runs over 5, and Prince Fielder drove in a pair for Milwaukee.
-Houston and San Diego are in progress...Toronto and the Yankees will play the rubber match of their 3 game set at 7 as Dustin McGowan matches up with Phil Hughes. Sonnanstine and Trachsel will go as Baltimore battles Tampa Bay. Mike Hampton makes his grand return against Zach Duke as Atlanta plays Pittsburgh.
News & Notes
-Jose Canseco has to watch his back. While in New York signing copies of his new book, MLB officials cornered the slimeball former big league star and questioned him on what he knew about players who used steroids. It's unknown why he was addressed now rather then the time of his first book. We'll see how this turns out, but it could end up juicy......Speaking of juicy, Cubs minor league pitcher Robert Hernandez was suspended 50 games for steroids. He was slated to start the season in Middle A Peoria.
-Houston signed LHP Tim Byrdak and assigned him to AAA Round Rock.
AAA Opening Day
-In the International League, Syracuse defeated Louisville 2-0. Jays prospect starter David Purcey outdueled Reds pitcher Homer Bailey as Adam Ling homered for the Chiefs. Rochester-Richmond, and Durham-Toldeo are in progress. Kei Igawa will pitch for AAA Scranton tonight as they face Lehigh Valley. Haeger and O'Connor go in Columbus, Laffey and Penn pitch in Norfolk, and Bartolo Colon will start tonight for Pawtucket in their game against Indianapolis.
N.F.L. Rules Special
The owners meetings took place this week, and some rules were changed while others were either shot down or tabled for the next set of meetings in May. One tabled proposal that I'm glad was shot down was the potential reseeding of the playoffs so that Wild Card teams could get home games if they finish with a better record than a division winner. Some will argue that this is good to reward regular season play, but it didn't go over too well with enough owners. "This idea we wanted to push this year to get the discussion going," Said Falcons executive and Competition Committe co-chair Rich McKay. "There were not a lot of hands up, so we withdrew the proposal for now." I believe that teams which won their division should be rewarded with a home game in the playoffs like hockey, baseball, and basketball do. "I do believe if you win a division, it's good for your fans to know you will have a home game," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said. "To win a division, there is a reward and we wanted to keep that." I agree with Kraft's statement completely.
Forceouts have always been one of the most subjective, judgemental calls in the game and now thankfully it'll be eliminated. The rule made it tougher on referees and on defenders who had to worry about whether the receiver would have came down with the ball or not. We don't live in a would have rule, now it's whether he had two feet inbounds or not, and if the wideout was pushed out of the play then call a pass interference. But thank you to the leaugue for eliminating this forceout garbage. In a game so tough for referees, it's nice to see them finally get a break.
In the "Phil Dawson Rule" refs can now review certain field goals on whether it was good or not. I don't see how anyone could argue against this, unless you don't want the right calls to always be made. Deferring on the coin toss will now be instituted in the pro game just like it is in college. For those not familiar with this, not only can a team choose to kick or receive, they can let the other team choose and just pick a side. Titans coach Jeff Fisher said that this could become a large factor in the later, colder months where wind and snow or rain could make one side of the field more advantageous over the other, and the winner of the flip would now get to benefit from that. No more incidental face mask penalties, now only the 15 yarder, which could get a bit dicy towards the beginning of the year while refs adjust to this. I agree with the ruling, it'll just take some time to iron out the potential deficiencies in my mind. And the hair rule was so rediculous, let's keep some expression in this No Fun League. First excessive celebrations, and now excessive hair length? Soon there will be excessive smiling, or way too many fancy plays. C'mon, have a little bit of energy. So this was a recap of the rule changes, more football talk will emerge as the draft quickly (and quietly) approaches
Forceouts have always been one of the most subjective, judgemental calls in the game and now thankfully it'll be eliminated. The rule made it tougher on referees and on defenders who had to worry about whether the receiver would have came down with the ball or not. We don't live in a would have rule, now it's whether he had two feet inbounds or not, and if the wideout was pushed out of the play then call a pass interference. But thank you to the leaugue for eliminating this forceout garbage. In a game so tough for referees, it's nice to see them finally get a break.
In the "Phil Dawson Rule" refs can now review certain field goals on whether it was good or not. I don't see how anyone could argue against this, unless you don't want the right calls to always be made. Deferring on the coin toss will now be instituted in the pro game just like it is in college. For those not familiar with this, not only can a team choose to kick or receive, they can let the other team choose and just pick a side. Titans coach Jeff Fisher said that this could become a large factor in the later, colder months where wind and snow or rain could make one side of the field more advantageous over the other, and the winner of the flip would now get to benefit from that. No more incidental face mask penalties, now only the 15 yarder, which could get a bit dicy towards the beginning of the year while refs adjust to this. I agree with the ruling, it'll just take some time to iron out the potential deficiencies in my mind. And the hair rule was so rediculous, let's keep some expression in this No Fun League. First excessive celebrations, and now excessive hair length? Soon there will be excessive smiling, or way too many fancy plays. C'mon, have a little bit of energy. So this was a recap of the rule changes, more football talk will emerge as the draft quickly (and quietly) approaches
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