Russell Wilson was granted his release from NC State today. He's graduated and in the NC State graduate program. He's also playing baseball with the Asheville Tourists right now.
But he does have one year of football eligibility left if he wanted to use it.
It's been expected that Mike Glennon will be State's new starting QB to open the season, but Russell Wilson and NC State wanted to officially end any distraction about "will he or won't he come back" talk.
Wilson ends his State career 5th all-time in passing yards, essentially in 2 years of being a full time starter. He's 3rd in career touchdown passes. His 31 TD passes in a season is second only to Philip Rivers. He's got the 5th most passing years in any season in Wolfpack history. 3 of the 4 ahead of him are from Philip Rivers. He finishes up second to Rivers in QB Passing Efficiency Rating, and 3rd all time for total touchdowns responsible for.
Wilson will cast a pretty long shadow. He's #2 to Rivers in terms of best NC State quarterbacks since I've been paying attention to State.
State had some lean years finding a good QB after Rivers. Hopefully it won't take as long this time around before the position is out of shaky hands.
Thanks for everything Russell. I don't fault you one bit for wanting to give a professional baseball career a try. That's the better career path if it's an option.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Detroit collapsed late in Cleveland
Detroit was up 5-2 against Cleveland with none out in the 7th. Max Scherzer had given up 2 runs (the previous inning) in that time. He then gave up a leadoff homer. 5-3.
He got a couple outs but then walked Grady Sizemore as his pitch count hit about 100. The next batter hit a homer. Tie game.
Exit lead. Exit Scherzer.
Joaquin Benoit then gave up 2 hits and an intentional walk in the bottom of the 9th to step into a bases loaded no out situation. He got a strikeout, then fell behind 3-1.
He needed a strike to avoid the game winning bases loaded walk. Carlos Santana was waiting on it, and drove it over the right field fence for a walk-off grand slam. Detroit lost 9-5.
Detroit has lost 4 in a row to fall 2 under .500. Cleveland has won 11 home games in a row.
Miguel Cabrera hit a 2-run homer, his 6th of the season. Alex Avila was 2-2 with a double and 2 RBIs. Jhonny Peralta also drove in a run.
Ryan Raburn was 2-5 with a double. Austin Jackson was also 2-5.
He got a couple outs but then walked Grady Sizemore as his pitch count hit about 100. The next batter hit a homer. Tie game.
Exit lead. Exit Scherzer.
Joaquin Benoit then gave up 2 hits and an intentional walk in the bottom of the 9th to step into a bases loaded no out situation. He got a strikeout, then fell behind 3-1.
He needed a strike to avoid the game winning bases loaded walk. Carlos Santana was waiting on it, and drove it over the right field fence for a walk-off grand slam. Detroit lost 9-5.
Detroit has lost 4 in a row to fall 2 under .500. Cleveland has won 11 home games in a row.
Miguel Cabrera hit a 2-run homer, his 6th of the season. Alex Avila was 2-2 with a double and 2 RBIs. Jhonny Peralta also drove in a run.
Ryan Raburn was 2-5 with a double. Austin Jackson was also 2-5.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
odds and ends from the NFL Draft first round
Carolina took Cam Newton with the #1 pick int the NFL Draft. They needed a quarterback, but then they need alot. It will be interesting to see how he pans out. He's big and physical, and really run, and has a strong arm.
On the other hand, despite the fact that he won the Heisman and QBed the National Champion Auburn Tigers he played only one season of big time football. He did play junior college so he has some seasoning. It seems like he'll be starting early for Carolina. Can he he drop back and throw it well enough? Can he make effective running decisions in the NFL? Linebacker size or not, QB's just can't take regular hits from guys the size and speed of NFL linebackers and safeties. He better learn to slide.
The Lions, with the 13th overall pick, took another Auburn Tiger, DE Nick Fairley. At times Fairley looked like the best defensive player in college football, and a sure #1 pick. But he also had a tendency to take plays off. He also developed a reputation, fair or not, of being a dirty player. It could be a great pick for the Lions if it pans out. They've put together an excellent stable of pass rushers and a solid down four on defense the last couple drafts. I think they still need to work on the secondary, but #13 was too low to get the elite safety/corners.
On a non-football note, 1 Auburn and 2 Alabama players were taken in the first 6 picks, and 6 of the first 7 were SEC players.
I hope these new multi-millionaires contribute some money, especially the guys from the state of- and University of- Alabama, to relief in Tuscaloosa and Alabama, and the neighboring states that got hammered in that severe weather outbreak.
I'm not one to say that rich folks are obligated to make charitable donations. It's nice, but it's their money. But I'd hope, given the tremendous need of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama,and Tuscaloosa, after yesterday's massive tornado outbreak, that some of those kids step forward.
Alabama is known for having incredibly passionate and loyal football fans. I hope those Alabama guys share in that community spirit and give back in a time of dire need close to their roots.
On the other hand, despite the fact that he won the Heisman and QBed the National Champion Auburn Tigers he played only one season of big time football. He did play junior college so he has some seasoning. It seems like he'll be starting early for Carolina. Can he he drop back and throw it well enough? Can he make effective running decisions in the NFL? Linebacker size or not, QB's just can't take regular hits from guys the size and speed of NFL linebackers and safeties. He better learn to slide.
The Lions, with the 13th overall pick, took another Auburn Tiger, DE Nick Fairley. At times Fairley looked like the best defensive player in college football, and a sure #1 pick. But he also had a tendency to take plays off. He also developed a reputation, fair or not, of being a dirty player. It could be a great pick for the Lions if it pans out. They've put together an excellent stable of pass rushers and a solid down four on defense the last couple drafts. I think they still need to work on the secondary, but #13 was too low to get the elite safety/corners.
On a non-football note, 1 Auburn and 2 Alabama players were taken in the first 6 picks, and 6 of the first 7 were SEC players.
I hope these new multi-millionaires contribute some money, especially the guys from the state of- and University of- Alabama, to relief in Tuscaloosa and Alabama, and the neighboring states that got hammered in that severe weather outbreak.
I'm not one to say that rich folks are obligated to make charitable donations. It's nice, but it's their money. But I'd hope, given the tremendous need of Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama,and Tuscaloosa, after yesterday's massive tornado outbreak, that some of those kids step forward.
Alabama is known for having incredibly passionate and loyal football fans. I hope those Alabama guys share in that community spirit and give back in a time of dire need close to their roots.
Tigers again got beat up today
Brad Penny pitched reasonably well, 4 earned runs in 7 innings pitched, but didn't get much support. Alex Avila's 2 run double were the only runs. Seattle scored 3 more against Ryan Perry. They won 7-2, to sweep Detroit for the first time since 2003. Getting swept at home hurts.
Brennan Boesch was 2-4 with a double for Detroit. Brad Penny is now 1-3 on the season. Detroit fell back to 12-13 on the season.
Now with a 3 game trip to Cleveland before returning back home Detroit is taking a bus for the 180 mile trip down to Cleveland. It's the first time they haven't traveled by plane for a road trip in 10 years.
But it's a 2 and a half hour bus ride and the Red Wings have the team plane for their playoff series in San Jose against the Sharks.
Brennan Boesch was 2-4 with a double for Detroit. Brad Penny is now 1-3 on the season. Detroit fell back to 12-13 on the season.
Now with a 3 game trip to Cleveland before returning back home Detroit is taking a bus for the 180 mile trip down to Cleveland. It's the first time they haven't traveled by plane for a road trip in 10 years.
But it's a 2 and a half hour bus ride and the Red Wings have the team plane for their playoff series in San Jose against the Sharks.
Detroit's defense no-showed last night, annihilation ensued
Justin Verlader gave up 4 runs, 3 earned, in 6 innings of work. Detroit committed 4 errors, all on the left side of the infield, leading to 3 unearned runs, and got routed 10-1. Verlander fell to 2-3 on the season and Detroit fell back to .500 at 12-12.
Miguel Cabrera drove in the lone Tiger run with a double.
Miguel Cabrera drove in the lone Tiger run with a double.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Well well well...guess who's already had Ryan Harrow on campus?
Kentucky media outlets are saying that Ryan Harrow was on campus there. John Calipari is such a sleazy douchebag. I'm sure he was calling up Harrow doing whatever he could to get him to transfer before the office chair in Sidney Lowe's desk was even cold.
The Brewers Erick Almonte made his own baseball history yesterday
Almonte took is eyes off a throw during batting practice the other day and had it hit him in the forehead.
He became the first player every assigned to the new 7 Day Disabled List, which is reserved exclusively for concussions.
I figure it's only a matter of time before the Yankees whack one of their aging players in the head to buy a few days of free DL rest time so they can bring someone else up to fill the roster spot.
He became the first player every assigned to the new 7 Day Disabled List, which is reserved exclusively for concussions.
I figure it's only a matter of time before the Yankees whack one of their aging players in the head to buy a few days of free DL rest time so they can bring someone else up to fill the roster spot.
a little history for the Dodgers' Andre Ethier
Ethier extended his season opening hitting streak to 24 games with a single and a game winning home run in the 10th inning against the Marlins.
He's now set a new Major League record for a hitting streak in April.
Lots of guys get off to slow starts to the season. Teams play in some cold weather and bad weather in general, though L.A. fairs better than most in that regards.
Getting off and running with a 24 game hitting streak is pretty impressive.
He's now set a new Major League record for a hitting streak in April.
Lots of guys get off to slow starts to the season. Teams play in some cold weather and bad weather in general, though L.A. fairs better than most in that regards.
Getting off and running with a 24 game hitting streak is pretty impressive.
Detroit's recent run of good pitching took a break last night
Detroit had a run of 14 quality starts in the last 18 games that had moved them 2 over .500 after their slow start.
But last night they made light hitting Seattle look like the Yankees or Rangers for the second time this season. Phil Coke gave up 7 runs on 8 hits, 6 of those for extra bases, in 4.1 innings pitched. He's now 1-4 on the season.
Ryan Raburn got an assist on a Seattle home run. He attempted to make a leaping catch at the edge of the warning track on a line-drive. The ball hit off the heel of his glove and ricocheted about 15-20 feet in the air, and over the left field wall. It could have been an out, should have been a double, and turned into a home run.
It was that kind of night, and Seattle cruised 7-3. Give Felix Hernandez 7 runs every game and he might go undefeated. Brandon Inge had a 2-run double for the Tigers, and Brennan Boesch drove in a run.
But last night they made light hitting Seattle look like the Yankees or Rangers for the second time this season. Phil Coke gave up 7 runs on 8 hits, 6 of those for extra bases, in 4.1 innings pitched. He's now 1-4 on the season.
Ryan Raburn got an assist on a Seattle home run. He attempted to make a leaping catch at the edge of the warning track on a line-drive. The ball hit off the heel of his glove and ricocheted about 15-20 feet in the air, and over the left field wall. It could have been an out, should have been a double, and turned into a home run.
It was that kind of night, and Seattle cruised 7-3. Give Felix Hernandez 7 runs every game and he might go undefeated. Brandon Inge had a 2-run double for the Tigers, and Brennan Boesch drove in a run.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
About that potentially good basketball news...
It was announced today that Ryan Harrow is transferring from NC State. That one stings. Certainly it's a loss of talent. It's also a loss of depth.
So about that 2011-2012 starting lineup and bench:
PG-Ryan Harrow Lorenzo Brown
SG - Scott Wood
SF/G - CJ Williams
PF-Richard Howell
F/C - CJ Leslie
More minutes off the bench - DeShawn Painter
Way More minutes off the bench - Jordan Vandenberg
incoming freshman Tyler Harris will also likely see time as he's a pretty highly touted recruit.
Unless there's a last minute recruit addition from Coach Gottfried and his staff that's pretty much it.
I have no idea who the backup point guard will be. Brown is more a combo guard though it can be said he was more stable running the point than Harrow last year. Harrow was flashy and ran up-tempo well but didn't organize the half-court offense very well. There's no other point guard on the roster right now. We may well see a walk on from last year stepping in to play some significant minutes. I have no idea.
CJ Williams can slide to shooting guard but he's not a point guard. Neither is Scott Wood. As it stands now the starting lineup is still talented. The bench depth is thin though, especially in the backcourt.
So about that 2011-2012 starting lineup and bench:
PG-
SG - Scott Wood
SF/G - CJ Williams
PF-Richard Howell
F/C - CJ Leslie
More minutes off the bench - DeShawn Painter
Way More minutes off the bench - Jordan Vandenberg
incoming freshman Tyler Harris will also likely see time as he's a pretty highly touted recruit.
Unless there's a last minute recruit addition from Coach Gottfried and his staff that's pretty much it.
I have no idea who the backup point guard will be. Brown is more a combo guard though it can be said he was more stable running the point than Harrow last year. Harrow was flashy and ran up-tempo well but didn't organize the half-court offense very well. There's no other point guard on the roster right now. We may well see a walk on from last year stepping in to play some significant minutes. I have no idea.
CJ Williams can slide to shooting guard but he's not a point guard. Neither is Scott Wood. As it stands now the starting lineup is still talented. The bench depth is thin though, especially in the backcourt.
Monday, April 25, 2011
some potentially good news for NC State basketball
The deadline for submitting NBA draft paperwork was 11:59 PM ET on Sunday. None of NC State's rising sophomores, most notably CJ Leslie, did so. A transfer to another program is a possibility but nobody is going pro. All the media chat regarding the new coaching staff has been hopeful. A transfer would require sitting out for one year unless the move was made to Division II or lower. Sitting on the sidelines for a season doesn't improve one's draft stock so I'd find that less likely since it pushes an NBA jump to 2 years away, one for sitting out for the transfer and one more for playing a season to get back on the radar.
So it looks like next season's starting lineup should be
PG-Ryan Harrow
SG - Lorenzo Brown
SF/G - Scott Wood
PF-Richard Howell
F/C - CJ Leslie
more minutes off the bench: CJ Williams
More minutes off the bench - DeShawn Painter
Way More minutes off the bench - Jordan Vandenberg
incoming freshman Tyler Harris will also likely see time as he's a pretty highly touted recruit.
It'll be interesting to see how the guard rotation especially works out since it seems like Harrow, Brown, Wood, and Williams are it. As far as I know the other roster spots would be walk-on level players.
Brown I guess would be the backup point guard if Harrow is on the bench. Wood, Brown, and Williams are the shooting guard options, though Williams is more a small forward.
That's just a bit thin, especially for ballhandler options, unless Mark Gottfried has a rabbit in his hat for coming up with another point guard option in the rotation.
There's talent there, but State definitely won't have the depth of last season. Still though, it could be far worse.
So it looks like next season's starting lineup should be
PG-Ryan Harrow
SG - Lorenzo Brown
SF/G - Scott Wood
PF-Richard Howell
F/C - CJ Leslie
more minutes off the bench: CJ Williams
More minutes off the bench - DeShawn Painter
Way More minutes off the bench - Jordan Vandenberg
incoming freshman Tyler Harris will also likely see time as he's a pretty highly touted recruit.
It'll be interesting to see how the guard rotation especially works out since it seems like Harrow, Brown, Wood, and Williams are it. As far as I know the other roster spots would be walk-on level players.
Brown I guess would be the backup point guard if Harrow is on the bench. Wood, Brown, and Williams are the shooting guard options, though Williams is more a small forward.
That's just a bit thin, especially for ballhandler options, unless Mark Gottfried has a rabbit in his hat for coming up with another point guard option in the rotation.
There's talent there, but State definitely won't have the depth of last season. Still though, it could be far worse.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Tigers shutout Chicago again
Today's great pitching performance came from Max Scherzer. He struck out 7 and allowed 4 hits in 8 innings pitched. Scherzer is now 4-0 on the season. Brandon Inge and Austin Jackson had back-to-back 2 out RBI doubles in the 6th inning. Alex Avila also drove in a run.
Jose Valverde closed out the 9th for his 5th save of the season. Detroit completed the series sweep with a 3-0 victory.
Jackson was 2-4, his second straight multi-hit game. Hopefully he's finally breaking out of his slump. Brennan Boesch was also 2-4.
Detroit swept Chicago in the series and has won 4 straight games to improve to 12-10 on the season. The sweep is very nice. The fact that Detroit outscored the White Sox 23-3 in doing it is very surprising.
Jose Valverde closed out the 9th for his 5th save of the season. Detroit completed the series sweep with a 3-0 victory.
Jackson was 2-4, his second straight multi-hit game. Hopefully he's finally breaking out of his slump. Brennan Boesch was also 2-4.
Detroit swept Chicago in the series and has won 4 straight games to improve to 12-10 on the season. The sweep is very nice. The fact that Detroit outscored the White Sox 23-3 in doing it is very surprising.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Tigers move above .500 for the first time this season
Brad Penny allowed 1 infield single, that Brandon Inge backhanded down the third base line but couldn't get enough on the throw and Miguel Cabrera couldn't pick it cleanly, in 7 innings. He earned his first Tigers victory and is now 1-2 on the season.
Alex Avila was 3-4 with a triple and 2 RBIs. Ryan Raburn was 2-4 with 3 RBIs. Miguel Cabrera was 2-5 with 2 doubles and an RBI. Jhonny Peralta was 2-4 with an RBI. Brandon Inge was 2-4 with an RBI, and Magglio Ordonez was 1-4 with his first RBI of the season.
Austin Jackson was also 2-4 in his first multi-hit game of the season, and Brennan Boesch was 1-3 with a double. Detroit pounded out 15 hits and cruised to a 9-0 victory. They're now 11-10 on the season after their third straight win.
Alex Avila was 3-4 with a triple and 2 RBIs. Ryan Raburn was 2-4 with 3 RBIs. Miguel Cabrera was 2-5 with 2 doubles and an RBI. Jhonny Peralta was 2-4 with an RBI. Brandon Inge was 2-4 with an RBI, and Magglio Ordonez was 1-4 with his first RBI of the season.
Austin Jackson was also 2-4 in his first multi-hit game of the season, and Brennan Boesch was 1-3 with a double. Detroit pounded out 15 hits and cruised to a 9-0 victory. They're now 11-10 on the season after their third straight win.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Tigers pounded the White Sox 9-3 tonight
It was Detroit's first meeting with one of their expected AL Central rivals this season. Justin Verlander allowed 3 runs on 4 hits in 7 innings pitched. He struck out 8, including his 1000th career strikeout, and walked none. Three of those four hits were home runs, including 2 by Carlos Quentin, but their sluggers were confined to solo shots tonight. Verlander evened his record at 2-2 on the season.
Ryan Raburn was 2-5 with his 3rd homer of the season and 4 RBIs. He's been playing second base the last few games with Will Rhymes struggling and Brennan Boesch hitting well, so both bats can be in the lineup.
Casper Wells was 2-4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Jhonny Peralta was 2-4 with a triple and an RBI. Alex Avila was 2-3 with 2 doubles and an RBI, and Brennan Boesch was 1-2 with an RBI.
Detroit moved back to .500 on the season at 10-10
Ryan Raburn was 2-5 with his 3rd homer of the season and 4 RBIs. He's been playing second base the last few games with Will Rhymes struggling and Brennan Boesch hitting well, so both bats can be in the lineup.
Casper Wells was 2-4 with a double and 2 RBIs. Jhonny Peralta was 2-4 with a triple and an RBI. Alex Avila was 2-3 with 2 doubles and an RBI, and Brennan Boesch was 1-2 with an RBI.
Detroit moved back to .500 on the season at 10-10
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Interesting piece of baseball history
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=6396358
A possible indication that the Cubs threw the 1918 World Series one year before the 1919 "Black Sox" famously did so.
The truth may well be that this type of thing was much more common than ever suspected in that era of the game, in the time before the rise of Babe Ruth and the Yankees.
Babe Ruth was certainly paid well enough, as well as Lou Gehrig and the other greats that built both Yankees and Major League Baseball history, that they would be impossible for a gambler to buy. With the Yankees then starting to make appearances, win or lose, in a large percentage of World Series that probably extracted organized crime's claws from the World Series. They couldn't afford to buy Murderer's Row, not that I'm saying they were even for sale. Betting against them also wasn't a great way to make a living gambling.
Just my personal theory. But I wonder if the Yankees help save the integrity of baseball along the way in that era.
A possible indication that the Cubs threw the 1918 World Series one year before the 1919 "Black Sox" famously did so.
The truth may well be that this type of thing was much more common than ever suspected in that era of the game, in the time before the rise of Babe Ruth and the Yankees.
Babe Ruth was certainly paid well enough, as well as Lou Gehrig and the other greats that built both Yankees and Major League Baseball history, that they would be impossible for a gambler to buy. With the Yankees then starting to make appearances, win or lose, in a large percentage of World Series that probably extracted organized crime's claws from the World Series. They couldn't afford to buy Murderer's Row, not that I'm saying they were even for sale. Betting against them also wasn't a great way to make a living gambling.
Just my personal theory. But I wonder if the Yankees help save the integrity of baseball along the way in that era.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tigers rebounded from last night's debacle with some fine pitching
Rick Porcello allowed 1 run on 4 hits in 6.2 innings pitched. He struck out 6 and walked 1 to earn his first victory of the season. He's 1-2 on the year. Porcello got into a bit of trouble in the 7th. He walked his only batter with 1 out and advanced him to 3rd with 2 wild pitches. Ryan Perry came in, in his first appearance since being activated from the DL and got a strikeout to get out of the jam.
Joaquin Benoit pitched a perfect 8th. Jose Valverde gave up a lead-off homer in the bottom of the 9th and a 1 out double, but struck out the last 2 batters to save his 4th game of the season. Detroit held on 3-2.
Ryan Raburn hit his 2nd homer of the season and scored twice. Brennan Boesch and Miguel Cabrera also drove in runs. Detroit is now 9-10 on the season.
Joaquin Benoit pitched a perfect 8th. Jose Valverde gave up a lead-off homer in the bottom of the 9th and a 1 out double, but struck out the last 2 batters to save his 4th game of the season. Detroit held on 3-2.
Ryan Raburn hit his 2nd homer of the season and scored twice. Brennan Boesch and Miguel Cabrera also drove in runs. Detroit is now 9-10 on the season.
One of the great annual migrations of the natural world has again occurred
The animals of the Serengeti making their great marches across the plains of Africa in search of the seasonal watering holes?
Majestic flocks of songbirds making their migrations northward once more from the warm winter nesting grounds in Central and South America?
The swallows returning to Capistrano?
The monarch butterflies returning to the San Francisco area?
No. No. No. And No.
I'm talking about the annual march of the Kentucky One-and-Doners to the NBA Draft.
Kentucky freshmen Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones and junior DeAndre Liggins are heading for the draft, though they're not hiring agents so they could be back. That probably just means that they're doing a careful search for the best possible agent, or waiting to see if the NCAA might catch up with John Calipari for something between now and the deadline to withdraw from the draft. With Calipari that's always a very real possibility.
EDIT:
DISCLAIMER: Lest I get in the same hot water that Bob Knight got into the other day for saying that Kentucky had One-And-Done players not even bothering to attend class in the spring semester last year, I will say the same thing that Knight added and be careful to not single out Kentucky individually.
This type of one year rental of 4 or 5 players just to cocktease your fan base into hoping you can maybe win a championship with a roster of 5 or 6 freshmen (you can't) then hoping that MAYBE you can grab that same level of recruiting class the next year to MAYBE win a national championship in that one magic year (you still can't) doesn't happen at JUST Kentucky.
It could happen at any college....coached by John Calipari. Memphis. UMass. Providence. Hell, if Calipari magically started coaching Duke tomorrow that's suddenly how their program would operate.
Majestic flocks of songbirds making their migrations northward once more from the warm winter nesting grounds in Central and South America?
The swallows returning to Capistrano?
The monarch butterflies returning to the San Francisco area?
No. No. No. And No.
I'm talking about the annual march of the Kentucky One-and-Doners to the NBA Draft.
Kentucky freshmen Brandon Knight and Terrence Jones and junior DeAndre Liggins are heading for the draft, though they're not hiring agents so they could be back. That probably just means that they're doing a careful search for the best possible agent, or waiting to see if the NCAA might catch up with John Calipari for something between now and the deadline to withdraw from the draft. With Calipari that's always a very real possibility.
EDIT:
DISCLAIMER: Lest I get in the same hot water that Bob Knight got into the other day for saying that Kentucky had One-And-Done players not even bothering to attend class in the spring semester last year, I will say the same thing that Knight added and be careful to not single out Kentucky individually.
This type of one year rental of 4 or 5 players just to cocktease your fan base into hoping you can maybe win a championship with a roster of 5 or 6 freshmen (you can't) then hoping that MAYBE you can grab that same level of recruiting class the next year to MAYBE win a national championship in that one magic year (you still can't) doesn't happen at JUST Kentucky.
It could happen at any college....coached by John Calipari. Memphis. UMass. Providence. Hell, if Calipari magically started coaching Duke tomorrow that's suddenly how their program would operate.
Tigers got blown out last night
The game at Seattle started badly and stayed that way. Phil Coke has pitched well as a starter, but not last night. He walked 4 in the first inning, including one with the bases loaded, gave up 4 hits, and committed an error. He gave up 4 runs, though none were earned as a result of his error.
In the end, he gave up 6 runs, 2 earned, in 3.1 innings pitched before the hook finally came to fall to 1-3 on the season.
Detroit pitchers walked 11 batters. They gave up a 5 run 7th inning to go along with the 4 run 1st, in a 13-3 rout.
Brennan Boesch was 3-4 with a double. Miguel Cabrera was 2-5 with an RBI. Alex Avila and Jhonny Peralta also drove in runs.
But Detroit squandered any chances at a comeback. They had runners at second and third with no out in the second inning and could score only once. Twice they had the bases loaded with 1 out and did not score. The Tigers fell to 8-10 on the season.
In the slump department, Austin Jackson was 0-5 with 3 strikeouts. He's now hitting .152 on the year. I don't believe he has a multi-hit game.
Victor Martinez was placed on the 15-day DL as a result of his groin strain. Omir Santos got the call up to be the backup catcher. He pinch-hit for Alex Avila in the 9th and singled for his first Tiger hit.
In the end, he gave up 6 runs, 2 earned, in 3.1 innings pitched before the hook finally came to fall to 1-3 on the season.
Detroit pitchers walked 11 batters. They gave up a 5 run 7th inning to go along with the 4 run 1st, in a 13-3 rout.
Brennan Boesch was 3-4 with a double. Miguel Cabrera was 2-5 with an RBI. Alex Avila and Jhonny Peralta also drove in runs.
But Detroit squandered any chances at a comeback. They had runners at second and third with no out in the second inning and could score only once. Twice they had the bases loaded with 1 out and did not score. The Tigers fell to 8-10 on the season.
In the slump department, Austin Jackson was 0-5 with 3 strikeouts. He's now hitting .152 on the year. I don't believe he has a multi-hit game.
Victor Martinez was placed on the 15-day DL as a result of his groin strain. Omir Santos got the call up to be the backup catcher. He pinch-hit for Alex Avila in the 9th and singled for his first Tiger hit.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tigers finallly generate some offense last night, and a win
The West Coast swing moved up to Seattle last night. Jhonny Peralta's bases loaded triple punctuated a 6-run 7th inning and propelled Detroit to a 8-3 victory.
The big inning made a winner out of Max Scherzer. Scherzer gave up 2 runs on 4 hits in 6 innings pitched but with a pitch count over 100 seemed destined to be coming out in a tie game and a no-decision. Instead he came out with a 6 run lead. He improved to 3-0 on the season.
Brennan Boesch was 2-3 with an RBI double and 2 walks. Miguel Cabrera was 2-4 with an RBI and scored 3 times.
Detroit continued its recent trend of scoring runs in "non-RBI" ways. They scored a number of runs on Oakland errors in the last series, and last night they scored on another error and scored twice on wild pitches. RBI or not it still goes on the scoreboard.
On the downside Victor Martinez had to leave the game with a strained groin in the second. He singled in his only at bat and hobbled to first. Then barely hobbled his way into second on a single up the middle.
He may have to go on the DL. That hurts on multiple fronts. It takes a big bat out of the lineup behind Migeul Cabrera. I figure Boesch will move there. Martinez is also the backup catcher too. So on Avila off days a new DH and new catcher has to be in there. Detroit brought up Omir Santos to be the backup catcher as they make the DL decision. Santos got some regular playing time for the Mets a couple seasons ago.
The big inning made a winner out of Max Scherzer. Scherzer gave up 2 runs on 4 hits in 6 innings pitched but with a pitch count over 100 seemed destined to be coming out in a tie game and a no-decision. Instead he came out with a 6 run lead. He improved to 3-0 on the season.
Brennan Boesch was 2-3 with an RBI double and 2 walks. Miguel Cabrera was 2-4 with an RBI and scored 3 times.
Detroit continued its recent trend of scoring runs in "non-RBI" ways. They scored a number of runs on Oakland errors in the last series, and last night they scored on another error and scored twice on wild pitches. RBI or not it still goes on the scoreboard.
On the downside Victor Martinez had to leave the game with a strained groin in the second. He singled in his only at bat and hobbled to first. Then barely hobbled his way into second on a single up the middle.
He may have to go on the DL. That hurts on multiple fronts. It takes a big bat out of the lineup behind Migeul Cabrera. I figure Boesch will move there. Martinez is also the backup catcher too. So on Avila off days a new DH and new catcher has to be in there. Detroit brought up Omir Santos to be the backup catcher as they make the DL decision. Santos got some regular playing time for the Mets a couple seasons ago.
Monday, April 18, 2011
College Recruiting Visit Fail
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6381701
When you steal stuff from the locker room of the football program you are visiting on a recruiting visit, they're probably not going to recruit you ;)
This limits his college options in general, to those schools where clean criminal records are historically optional, such as Florida State and Miami, or schools that look the other way while stuff is going on, such as Ohio State.
Maybe Ohio State can recruit this kid and he can steal back all the stuff that Tyrelle Pryor pawned off.
When you steal stuff from the locker room of the football program you are visiting on a recruiting visit, they're probably not going to recruit you ;)
This limits his college options in general, to those schools where clean criminal records are historically optional, such as Florida State and Miami, or schools that look the other way while stuff is going on, such as Ohio State.
Maybe Ohio State can recruit this kid and he can steal back all the stuff that Tyrelle Pryor pawned off.
....and lo, a great cheer was heard from the west in Chapel Hill
Harrison Barnes announced he's returning to UNC for his sophomore season. Tyler Zeller and John Henson already indicated shortly after the season ended that they were returning.
With that core group intact you'd have to make UNC a pre-season favorite to win it all next season. Certainly that won't be an overwhelming sentiment like when Hansbrough, Lawson, and Ellington all came back a few years ago, but if you have to make 4 or 5 early favorites, UNC is on that list.
With that core group intact you'd have to make UNC a pre-season favorite to win it all next season. Certainly that won't be an overwhelming sentiment like when Hansbrough, Lawson, and Ellington all came back a few years ago, but if you have to make 4 or 5 early favorites, UNC is on that list.
Sunday: Tigers at Oakland - still no offense, no win
Brad Penny was ineffective again, giving up 5 runs on 4 hits in 5 innings pitched. 4 walks killed him, even though he struck out 5.
Detroit fell 5-1 Casper Wells' first home run of the season was the only run that Detroit could plate. Other than the 7 run 10th the other night, fueled by 3 Oakland errors, the bats have been scarce of late.
Detroit fell 5-1 Casper Wells' first home run of the season was the only run that Detroit could plate. Other than the 7 run 10th the other night, fueled by 3 Oakland errors, the bats have been scarce of late.
Saturday: Tigers at Oakland - no offense
Justin Verlander gave up 3 ER in 6 innngs pitched. He got no support though, and the bullpen made sure no rally would be happening. Detroit squandered its first chance to get about .500, losing 6-2. Austin Jackson had the only RBI for Detroit. Justin Verlander is 1-2 on the season.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Tigers explode and the A's Implode, as the Tigers reach .500
Miguel Cabrera led off the top of the 9th inning with his 5th homer of the season to tie the game at 1. In the 10th Detroit erupted for 7 runs, helped in large part by 3 Oakland errors in the inning. Brennan Boesch had a 2-run bases loaded double to break the tie. He was 3-5 with the 2 RBIs on the night.
Victor Martinez followed an intentional walk to Miguel Cabrera with an RBI single. He was 2-5 on the night. After a 2-run throwing error by Oakland third baseman Andy LaRoche on a Casper Wells chopper, Brandon Inge added an RBI groundout and Alex Avila an RBI single. Avila was also 2-5 on the night.
Brayan Villarreal pitched 0.2 innings in the bottom of the 9th to earn his first Major League win. He also loaded the bases in the bottom of the 10t with 3 straight singles. Joaquin Benoit put the fire out with 2 straight outs, one a runs scoring ground out, before giving up a 2-out 2-run single. He retired the next batter to close out the 8-4 10 inning win.
Rick Porcello pitched by far his best game of 2011. He gave up 1 run in 6 IP, walking only 1 and striking out 4. Al Alburquerque made his Tiger debut after getting called up the other day. Detroit is very high on him, having signed him as a free agent and giving him a roster spot. They believe he has closer type stuff. So he gives Detroit a third theoretical dominant arm (maybe 4 or 5 if Joel Zumaya can make a return and Ryan Perry comes off the DL and gains consistency). Alburquerque struck out 4 in 2+ hitless innings. He was lifted after walking the leadoff batter in the bottom of the 9th.
Detroit has won 4 straight and is now 7-7 on the season, the first time they've reached .500. The win was also the 1500th of manager Jim Leyland's career.
Victor Martinez followed an intentional walk to Miguel Cabrera with an RBI single. He was 2-5 on the night. After a 2-run throwing error by Oakland third baseman Andy LaRoche on a Casper Wells chopper, Brandon Inge added an RBI groundout and Alex Avila an RBI single. Avila was also 2-5 on the night.
Brayan Villarreal pitched 0.2 innings in the bottom of the 9th to earn his first Major League win. He also loaded the bases in the bottom of the 10t with 3 straight singles. Joaquin Benoit put the fire out with 2 straight outs, one a runs scoring ground out, before giving up a 2-out 2-run single. He retired the next batter to close out the 8-4 10 inning win.
Rick Porcello pitched by far his best game of 2011. He gave up 1 run in 6 IP, walking only 1 and striking out 4. Al Alburquerque made his Tiger debut after getting called up the other day. Detroit is very high on him, having signed him as a free agent and giving him a roster spot. They believe he has closer type stuff. So he gives Detroit a third theoretical dominant arm (maybe 4 or 5 if Joel Zumaya can make a return and Ryan Perry comes off the DL and gains consistency). Alburquerque struck out 4 in 2+ hitless innings. He was lifted after walking the leadoff batter in the bottom of the 9th.
Detroit has won 4 straight and is now 7-7 on the season, the first time they've reached .500. The win was also the 1500th of manager Jim Leyland's career.
Joseph Uchebo has been granted his release from NC State
Uchebo was one of the prime members of State's incoming basketball recruiting classes. I can't say I blame him for wanting his release. You commit to a coach and a system and when that coach and system changes it's reasonable to re-evaluate what you want to do.
There are also coaches that are going to start calling to try to change your mind about staying with your commitment when that happens. While that shouldn't happen, and isn't supposed to, it does. And rumors say that happened here. While this makes it unlikely he'll play for State it's not a totally done deal. CJ Leslie de-committed at one point last year, then re-committed. It'll still be a bigger deal to get all the returning players to stay on board, though hopefully Gottfried can save the rest of the recruiting class, or maybe add too it, though it's very late in that process.
There are also coaches that are going to start calling to try to change your mind about staying with your commitment when that happens. While that shouldn't happen, and isn't supposed to, it does. And rumors say that happened here. While this makes it unlikely he'll play for State it's not a totally done deal. CJ Leslie de-committed at one point last year, then re-committed. It'll still be a bigger deal to get all the returning players to stay on board, though hopefully Gottfried can save the rest of the recruiting class, or maybe add too it, though it's very late in that process.
Tigers notched their first shutout of the year last night
Detroit went on the road to Oakland and beat the Athletics 3-0. Phil Coke earned his first major league victory as a starter. He pitched 7 innings of 3-hit ball. Joaquin Benoit pitched a perfect 8th and Jose Valverde a perfect 9th for his 3rd save of the season. Coke is now 1-2 on the season. His ERA dropped to 2.24. He's been the second best starter so far after Verlander, since he pitched well enough to win in his first start but got no run support.
Not that he got much last night ether, but Ryan Raburn had a 2-out RBI double in the 7th inning to break a scoreless tie. Ramon Santiago had a bases loaded sac fly. Brennan Boesch also scored after the left fielder's throw to third was met by nobody covering the bag, so the throw went into the dugout. That's 2 bases for all the runners, so Boesch was sent home from second, to account for the 3-0 final. Detroit had only 4 hits. Santiago was 2-3 with a run scored and the RBI.
Detroit's winning streak is up to 3. They're now 6-7 on the season.
Not that he got much last night ether, but Ryan Raburn had a 2-out RBI double in the 7th inning to break a scoreless tie. Ramon Santiago had a bases loaded sac fly. Brennan Boesch also scored after the left fielder's throw to third was met by nobody covering the bag, so the throw went into the dugout. That's 2 bases for all the runners, so Boesch was sent home from second, to account for the 3-0 final. Detroit had only 4 hits. Santiago was 2-3 with a run scored and the RBI.
Detroit's winning streak is up to 3. They're now 6-7 on the season.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Tigers earn their second straight walk-off win
Brandon Inge hit his first home run of the season with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th to give Detroit a 3-2 win over Texas. He'd driving in a run with a sacrifice fly earlier.
That earned Jose Valverde a win for the second straight day. He's now 2-0 on the season.
Brennan Boesch went 2-4 with an RBI double. He also stole his 2nd base of the season. Both teams scored 2 runs in the 6th. Max Scherzer allowed those 2 runs in 6 innings pitched. He struck out 7.
Bryan Villarreal pitched 2 innings of 1 hit relief. He actually had to pitch today. Yesterday he pitched one-third of an inning without ever throwing a pitch. He came in to relieve Brad Penny in the 7th and picked off the baserunner to end the inning.
Will Rhymes was 2-4 as he tries to get his offense going. Victor Martinez had a double.
Detroit is now 5-7 on the season. We'll see if maybe they're now building a bit of momentum and confidence in some guys. So far the Big Bats of Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez are hitting well. Brennan Boesch, Ryan Raburn, and Alex Avila are hitting pretty well, though the overall clutch hitting isn't good other than Cabrera.
Austin Jackson and Will Rymes are struggling at the top of the lineup. Magglio Ordonez is getting some hits but doesn't have an RBI yet. Brandon Inge has been light hitting as well, though a homer and 2 RBIs today will maybe bring him around.
That earned Jose Valverde a win for the second straight day. He's now 2-0 on the season.
Brennan Boesch went 2-4 with an RBI double. He also stole his 2nd base of the season. Both teams scored 2 runs in the 6th. Max Scherzer allowed those 2 runs in 6 innings pitched. He struck out 7.
Bryan Villarreal pitched 2 innings of 1 hit relief. He actually had to pitch today. Yesterday he pitched one-third of an inning without ever throwing a pitch. He came in to relieve Brad Penny in the 7th and picked off the baserunner to end the inning.
Will Rhymes was 2-4 as he tries to get his offense going. Victor Martinez had a double.
Detroit is now 5-7 on the season. We'll see if maybe they're now building a bit of momentum and confidence in some guys. So far the Big Bats of Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez are hitting well. Brennan Boesch, Ryan Raburn, and Alex Avila are hitting pretty well, though the overall clutch hitting isn't good other than Cabrera.
Austin Jackson and Will Rymes are struggling at the top of the lineup. Magglio Ordonez is getting some hits but doesn't have an RBI yet. Brandon Inge has been light hitting as well, though a homer and 2 RBIs today will maybe bring him around.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Detroit finally comes through in the clutch
Miguel Cabrera hit a walk-off game winning single with 1 out in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Texas 5-4 today. That made a winner of Jose Valverde, who had pitched the 9th.
Brad Penny pitched well, allowing 3 runs in 6.2 innings pitched but was denied the win when Joaquin Benoit gave up a 2-out game tying single in the 8th inning.
Miguel Cabrera went 2-5 with a double and the game winning RBI. Ryan Raburn was 2-4 with a double, an RBI, and 2 runs scored. He also drew a 9th inning walk to bring Cabbrera to the plate.
Brennan Boesch was 1-4 with an RBI. Ramon Santiago was 1-5 with an RBI and Victor Martinez drove in a run. Austin Jackson was 1-3 with a triple and a run scored. He also delivered a sacrifice bunt as part of the 9th inning rally. Detroit improves to 4-7 on the season.
Brad Penny pitched well, allowing 3 runs in 6.2 innings pitched but was denied the win when Joaquin Benoit gave up a 2-out game tying single in the 8th inning.
Miguel Cabrera went 2-5 with a double and the game winning RBI. Ryan Raburn was 2-4 with a double, an RBI, and 2 runs scored. He also drew a 9th inning walk to bring Cabbrera to the plate.
Brennan Boesch was 1-4 with an RBI. Ramon Santiago was 1-5 with an RBI and Victor Martinez drove in a run. Austin Jackson was 1-3 with a triple and a run scored. He also delivered a sacrifice bunt as part of the 9th inning rally. Detroit improves to 4-7 on the season.
Monday, April 11, 2011
the Tigers remained in an offensive coma again today
Justin Verlander pitched a 6 hit complete game, allowing 2 runs in the 7th inning. But he fell to 1-1 on the season when the offense could muster only 4 hits.
Victor Martinez grounded out to end the game after Ryan Raburn doubled with 2 outs and Texas intentionally walked Miguel Cabrera with 2 outs to face Martinez even though he represented the winning run. It paid off for Texas. Cabrera was 2-3 with a double.
Detroit falls to 3-7 on the season.
Victor Martinez grounded out to end the game after Ryan Raburn doubled with 2 outs and Texas intentionally walked Miguel Cabrera with 2 outs to face Martinez even though he represented the winning run. It paid off for Texas. Cabrera was 2-3 with a double.
Detroit falls to 3-7 on the season.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
today was another shaky starting pitching performance
Rick Porcello is still struggling to throw strikes with his secondary pitches. He have up 5 runs on 9 hits in 5 innings pitched to fall to 0-2 on the season.
Detroit went down 9-5 to KC to lose their first home series of the season. The hot Texas Rangers come to town next. Detroit's schedule the first 2 months isn't easy. They have to try to stay near .500 until they can stablize their bullpen and maybe get the offensive identity clicking. This team needs a bit of time to gel but it has a rough early stretch in which to do it.
Jhonny Peralta was 3-4 with a double and his first home run of the season. Miguel Cabrera hit a 2-run homer, his 4th of the season. Alex Avila hit his 3rd. Ryan Raburn also drove in a run. But Detroit isn't stringing together baserunners or base hits for the last couple games.
Whether the pitchers can control a potent Rangers team that's been tearing the cover off the ball in the early going remains to be seen.
Detroit went down 9-5 to KC to lose their first home series of the season. The hot Texas Rangers come to town next. Detroit's schedule the first 2 months isn't easy. They have to try to stay near .500 until they can stablize their bullpen and maybe get the offensive identity clicking. This team needs a bit of time to gel but it has a rough early stretch in which to do it.
Jhonny Peralta was 3-4 with a double and his first home run of the season. Miguel Cabrera hit a 2-run homer, his 4th of the season. Alex Avila hit his 3rd. Ryan Raburn also drove in a run. But Detroit isn't stringing together baserunners or base hits for the last couple games.
Whether the pitchers can control a potent Rangers team that's been tearing the cover off the ball in the early going remains to be seen.
Tigers got shut down by Kansas City yesterday
They were held to 5 hits in a 3-1 loss. Ryan Raburn hit his first homer of the season with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th to avert the shutout. But offense was hard to come by otherwise. Magglio Ordonez doubled for his first extra base hit of the season, but Will Rhymes was thrown out at the plate to end the inning.
That was about the only other burst that Detroit mustered besides the homer. That spoiled a very solid first start of the season for Phil Coke. He gave up 2 runs on 3 hits in 6.2 innings of work, but fell to 0-2 on the season, having taken the Opening Day loss in relief of Justin Verlander.
That was about the only other burst that Detroit mustered besides the homer. That spoiled a very solid first start of the season for Phil Coke. He gave up 2 runs on 3 hits in 6.2 innings of work, but fell to 0-2 on the season, having taken the Opening Day loss in relief of Justin Verlander.
Friday, April 8, 2011
A Milestone for Chipper Jones
Chipper Jones had thought about retiring after last season, going out at the same time as the only manager he'd ever played for, Bobby Cox. But he changed his mind when his season ended suddenly after tearing his ACL trying to feld a groundball. He decided he didn't want to end like that. Tonight he went 2-4 against the Phillies to reach 2500 hits.
Good for Chipper. He's been a class act for the game.
Good for Chipper. He's been a class act for the game.
so long Manny Ramirez
Many Ramirez, 5 games into his first season with Tampa Bay, abruptly retired today. He had been informed by Major League Baseball that he had failed a second drug test for PEDs. He already served a 50 game suspension for a first offense a couple years ago with the Dodgers. A second offense would be a 100 game suspension. At the age of 38 he decided he might as well retire.
Manny retires with 55 career home runs. His On base + Slugging Percentage (OPS) of 154 trails only Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Joe DiMaggio by 1 point as the highest values for a right handed hitting outfielder in history.
His overall slugging percentage is 9th overall in baseball history. But he's also the only player so far to test positive for PEDs on 2 different occasions. Neifi Perez had 3 drug tests failed, the 3rd of which ended his Detroit Tigers career, but those were for amphetamines.
That black mark I think makes his Hall of Fame enshrinement very unlikely. Raphael Palmero had 3000 hits and 5000+ home run and has barely stayed on the ballot. Mark McGwire is nowhere near close to election either.
Manny retires with 55 career home runs. His On base + Slugging Percentage (OPS) of 154 trails only Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Joe DiMaggio by 1 point as the highest values for a right handed hitting outfielder in history.
His overall slugging percentage is 9th overall in baseball history. But he's also the only player so far to test positive for PEDs on 2 different occasions. Neifi Perez had 3 drug tests failed, the 3rd of which ended his Detroit Tigers career, but those were for amphetamines.
That black mark I think makes his Hall of Fame enshrinement very unlikely. Raphael Palmero had 3000 hits and 5000+ home run and has barely stayed on the ballot. Mark McGwire is nowhere near close to election either.
Tigers beat Kansas City in their home opener
Victor Martinez became popular with the home crowd in a hurry. He hit a bases loaded 3-run double in the first inning, in his first home at-bat.
Jhonny Peralta was 2-3 with a double and 2 RBIs.
Max Scherzer allowed 1 earned run in 6 innings pitched to improve to 2-0 on the season.
Joaquin Benoit locked down the 8th inning and Jose Valverde finished off the 9th for his second save of the season.
Detroit won 5-2 over KC to improve to 3-4 on the season.
Jhonny Peralta was 2-3 with a double and 2 RBIs.
Max Scherzer allowed 1 earned run in 6 innings pitched to improve to 2-0 on the season.
Joaquin Benoit locked down the 8th inning and Jose Valverde finished off the 9th for his second save of the season.
Detroit won 5-2 over KC to improve to 3-4 on the season.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Tigers forgot to pack the bullpen tonight
On the last game of their season-opening road trip Detroit had the lead on Baltimore 3 different times and lost it. They finally gave up 5 runs in the 7th inning to lose 9-5.
Alex Avila hit his 2nd homer of the season. Brennan Boesch was 2-4 with an RBI double. Austin Jackson was 2-5 with an RBI double. Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez also drove in runs.
But Brad Penny was bit by the long-ball bug as has been frequent for Tigers' pitchers so far. He went 5.1 innings but surrendered 2 2-run homers.
Brad Thomas took the loss in relief, allowing 2 runs without retiring a batter. Enrique Gonzalez, called up because Ryan Perry had to go on the 15-day DL with an eye infection, gave up 3 runs in 2/3 of an inning.
Detroit heads home for its home opening against Kansas City tomorrow.
Alex Avila hit his 2nd homer of the season. Brennan Boesch was 2-4 with an RBI double. Austin Jackson was 2-5 with an RBI double. Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez also drove in runs.
But Brad Penny was bit by the long-ball bug as has been frequent for Tigers' pitchers so far. He went 5.1 innings but surrendered 2 2-run homers.
Brad Thomas took the loss in relief, allowing 2 runs without retiring a batter. Enrique Gonzalez, called up because Ryan Perry had to go on the 15-day DL with an eye infection, gave up 3 runs in 2/3 of an inning.
Detroit heads home for its home opening against Kansas City tomorrow.
Duke's 11 game rental of Kyrie Irving has ended
Irving announced yesterday he's hiring an agent and declaring for the NBA draft. He's on the short list of #1 candidates. But he played all of 11 games in his single season at Duke. He probably goes down as their most "useless" One and Done. More like 0.25 and Done.
After Arizona dropped a 55 point second half on Duke in the NCAA Tournament, showing them the door, Irving was out the door quicker than Rent-A-Center repo-ing a big screen TV if you miss a payment.
After Arizona dropped a 55 point second half on Duke in the NCAA Tournament, showing them the door, Irving was out the door quicker than Rent-A-Center repo-ing a big screen TV if you miss a payment.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Tigers thumped the Orioles tonight
Coming into tonight Baltimore hadn't lost a game this season. Not only that but they'd never trailed, and hadn't given up more than 1 run in a game.
Detroit took care of that. For the first time they got good pitching to go along with good hitting. Justin Verlander gave up 3 ER and struck out 9 in 8 innings of work to win his first game.
Alex Avila was 3-5, with his first homer of the season, a 2-run shot, a 2-run double, and a career high 5 RBIs. Just for good measure he also stole his first base of the season. I wonder when the last time Detroit got a 5 RBI game from its 8 hitter was.
Miguel Cabrera added his 3rd homer of the season and Victor Martinez his 2nd. The two went back-to-back for the first of hopefully many times this season. V-Mart was 3-5 on the game, also adding a double.
Magglio Ordonez broke out of an early season mini-slump by going 2-4. Brandon Inge and Ryan Raburn also added doubles. It was Brennan Boesch who got the start in left tonight but Raburn got in late to go 1-2 in his playing time. So far they're both hitting, so that's a good problem for Detroit to have.
Joaquin Benoit pitched a 1-2-3 9th to finish off the 7-3 win. Detroit improved to 2-3 on the season, and sent Baltimore to their first loss.
Detroit took care of that. For the first time they got good pitching to go along with good hitting. Justin Verlander gave up 3 ER and struck out 9 in 8 innings of work to win his first game.
Alex Avila was 3-5, with his first homer of the season, a 2-run shot, a 2-run double, and a career high 5 RBIs. Just for good measure he also stole his first base of the season. I wonder when the last time Detroit got a 5 RBI game from its 8 hitter was.
Miguel Cabrera added his 3rd homer of the season and Victor Martinez his 2nd. The two went back-to-back for the first of hopefully many times this season. V-Mart was 3-5 on the game, also adding a double.
Magglio Ordonez broke out of an early season mini-slump by going 2-4. Brandon Inge and Ryan Raburn also added doubles. It was Brennan Boesch who got the start in left tonight but Raburn got in late to go 1-2 in his playing time. So far they're both hitting, so that's a good problem for Detroit to have.
Joaquin Benoit pitched a 1-2-3 9th to finish off the 7-3 win. Detroit improved to 2-3 on the season, and sent Baltimore to their first loss.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
my impersonation of the idiot portion of the NCSU sports community *clears throat*
MARK GOTTFRIED?!?!??!?! BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Way to judge the guy before he's even so much as set foot on campus in an official capacity. Let alone signed a recruit. Or run a practice. Or coached a game.
Some idiots you just can't make happy no matter who you hire.
COACH K?!?!?! BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!! HE COACHED AT DUKE, AND OF THE 31 YEARS HE'S COACHED AT DUKE HE HASN'T WON A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN 27 OF THEM!!!!
PHIL JACKSON????? BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! MICHAEL JORDAN PLAYED FOR HIM AND ENDED UP RETIRING FROM BASKETBALL! HOW GOOD CAN HE BE?????
BOBBY KNIGHT???? BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! HE'S OLD!!! AND HE MAKES STUPID TV COMMERCIALS!!
Seriously, you start slaughtering a guy the moment he gets hired. No wonder nobody wants to come coach at State.
Way to judge the guy before he's even so much as set foot on campus in an official capacity. Let alone signed a recruit. Or run a practice. Or coached a game.
Some idiots you just can't make happy no matter who you hire.
COACH K?!?!?! BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!! HE COACHED AT DUKE, AND OF THE 31 YEARS HE'S COACHED AT DUKE HE HASN'T WON A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN 27 OF THEM!!!!
PHIL JACKSON????? BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! MICHAEL JORDAN PLAYED FOR HIM AND ENDED UP RETIRING FROM BASKETBALL! HOW GOOD CAN HE BE?????
BOBBY KNIGHT???? BRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! HE'S OLD!!! AND HE MAKES STUPID TV COMMERCIALS!!
Seriously, you start slaughtering a guy the moment he gets hired. No wonder nobody wants to come coach at State.
Okay I poke fun at it and something real happens...
Breaking news says that former Alabama head coach Mark Gottfried will be announced as State's next head coach, at a 5 PM news conference.
In 10 and a half years at Alabama he was 210-132. He took them to 5 NCAA tournaments in that time, including 1 Elite 8. Alabama won 20 or more games 5 times in that period, including a 27-8 record in 2001-2002.
Gottfried also took Murray State to the NCAA tournament 2 of the 3 years he was head coach there, before Alabama. Prior to that he was an assistant coach at UCLA and was on staff for a national championship there.
It's probably not the world stopping slam dunk that fans or even the university was looking for. I already see bitching in the Twitterverse about it. But Debbie Yow has a good eye so I'll trust her judgment. Gottfried does have a much better college track record coming in than Sidney Lowe did, as well as some previous successful results to go along with it, rather than a .330 NBA winning percentage or whatever.
It was Debbie Yow who hired Ralph Friedgen at Maryland and turned around their football program. That worked out well, so I'll certainly give the benefit of the doubt and see what she's found with Gottfried.
In 10 and a half years at Alabama he was 210-132. He took them to 5 NCAA tournaments in that time, including 1 Elite 8. Alabama won 20 or more games 5 times in that period, including a 27-8 record in 2001-2002.
Gottfried also took Murray State to the NCAA tournament 2 of the 3 years he was head coach there, before Alabama. Prior to that he was an assistant coach at UCLA and was on staff for a national championship there.
It's probably not the world stopping slam dunk that fans or even the university was looking for. I already see bitching in the Twitterverse about it. But Debbie Yow has a good eye so I'll trust her judgment. Gottfried does have a much better college track record coming in than Sidney Lowe did, as well as some previous successful results to go along with it, rather than a .330 NBA winning percentage or whatever.
It was Debbie Yow who hired Ralph Friedgen at Maryland and turned around their football program. That worked out well, so I'll certainly give the benefit of the doubt and see what she's found with Gottfried.
Also not going to be NC State's next basketball coach...
That Creepy Old Bastard from the Six Flags Commercials
(this will not be an NCSU basketball pep rally in 2011-2012)
Any of these tools from Jersey Shore:
Ronald McDonald, even though you could turn the M on his pocket to an N:
(this will not be an NCSU basketball pep rally in 2011-2012)
Any of these tools from Jersey Shore:
Ronald McDonald, even though you could turn the M on his pocket to an N:
Monday, April 4, 2011
congratulations to UConn and the Big East
UConn beat Butler 53-41. Butler shot 18%, the lowest ever in an NCAA Championship game.
Jim Calhoun claimed his 3rd title. At the age of 68 he's the oldest coach to win a title.
And to the Big East....they took the "throw some shit at the wall and see what sticks" approach to winning a title. Aka "Sending 11 teams to the tournament and managing to cram one home".
But to UConn's credit, 5 wins in 5 days to win the Big East Tournament. Running the NCAA Tournament. They were the undisputed kings of the post-season this year, credit where credit is due.
Jim Calhoun claimed his 3rd title. At the age of 68 he's the oldest coach to win a title.
And to the Big East....they took the "throw some shit at the wall and see what sticks" approach to winning a title. Aka "Sending 11 teams to the tournament and managing to cram one home".
But to UConn's credit, 5 wins in 5 days to win the Big East Tournament. Running the NCAA Tournament. They were the undisputed kings of the post-season this year, credit where credit is due.
this game has been woeful
This is the worst NCAA Championship game I've ever seen. Butler can't buy a basket. They're shooting about 15% for the game. 2 points in the paint. Butler is down by half the points they've scored. They're going to be hard pressed to hit 40 points at this rate.
I feel bad for Butler though. All they've done over 2 seasons and they'll be remembered for this bricktastic dud about all of it. That's kind of unfair, but they just came up with about the worst shooting performance I have ever seen, on the biggest and worst possible stage.
I feel bad for Butler though. All they've done over 2 seasons and they'll be remembered for this bricktastic dud about all of it. That's kind of unfair, but they just came up with about the worst shooting performance I have ever seen, on the biggest and worst possible stage.
a neat little tidbit
I just read that (former?) NC State quarterback Russell Wilson has received his first minor league assignment from the Rockies. He'll be starting the season playing second base for the Asheville Tourists.
Gregg Marshall apparently won't be NC State's head coach either
Marshall announced this evening that he's staying at Wichita State. That now eliminates State's supposed top two wants.
Tigers lose again
The road so far has not been kind to Detroit. Tonight opened a 3 game set at Baltimore. Detroit went down 5-1. Rick Porcello gave up 5 runs in 5 innings pitched to take the loss. He gave up a 3-run homer in a 4 run 4th.
Will Rhymes was 2-3 with an RBI and also stole a base. Brennan Boesch got another start after yesterday's big game. He delivered a double. Jhonny Peralta and Brandon Inge also delivered doubles. But Detroit was 2-9 with runners in scoring position.
Baltimore is now 4-0, their best start since 1997.
Will Rhymes was 2-3 with an RBI and also stole a base. Brennan Boesch got another start after yesterday's big game. He delivered a double. Jhonny Peralta and Brandon Inge also delivered doubles. But Detroit was 2-9 with runners in scoring position.
Baltimore is now 4-0, their best start since 1997.
Shaka Smart will not be NC State's next head coach
VCU announced this afternoon that NC State did make him an offer. VCU made a counter-offer and Smart accepted. He'll be remaining at VCU.
The days of a hot mid-major coach automatically snapping up an offer from a power conference team are over. Mid-majors have more opportunities than ever before to make deep post-season runs. Big schools reel in the big talent, which then heads off to the NBA Draft in a year or two. Rinse. Lather. Repeat. Mid-majors get fewer of those ESPN Top 100 and McDonald's All-American players, but those guys aren't lured early to the NBA. So there is time for player development, continuity of system, etc. As those teams' success increases that makes it more likely that they might be able to sneak in an elite level of player or two. Strong veteran team plus perhaps 1 NBA level talent can make for extreme success. See Gonzaga the last 10 years. And Butler now.
Those teams have every bit the chance of going to the NCAA Tournament and making a decent run that NC State has. Maybe even more given the presence of Duke, UNC, and the meatgrinder nature of the ACC.
The days of a hot mid-major coach automatically snapping up an offer from a power conference team are over. Mid-majors have more opportunities than ever before to make deep post-season runs. Big schools reel in the big talent, which then heads off to the NBA Draft in a year or two. Rinse. Lather. Repeat. Mid-majors get fewer of those ESPN Top 100 and McDonald's All-American players, but those guys aren't lured early to the NBA. So there is time for player development, continuity of system, etc. As those teams' success increases that makes it more likely that they might be able to sneak in an elite level of player or two. Strong veteran team plus perhaps 1 NBA level talent can make for extreme success. See Gonzaga the last 10 years. And Butler now.
Those teams have every bit the chance of going to the NCAA Tournament and making a decent run that NC State has. Maybe even more given the presence of Duke, UNC, and the meatgrinder nature of the ACC.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
The Tigers outslug the Yankees to win their first game of the season
Miguel Cabrera hit a pair of 2-run home runs today, scoring Brennan Boesch each time, and had 4 RBIs. Boesch, playing DH and hitting third because Magglio Ordonez's surgically repaired ankle was sore, went 4-4 with a home run, 4 RBIs, and 4 runs scored. Boesch tied his career high for hits in a game and is the first Tiger since Dmitri Young in 2005 to go 4-4 with 4 RBIs and 4 runs scored in a game.
Ramon Santiago was 2-5 with a double and an RBI. Ryan Raburn was also 2-5 with a double and an RBI. Jhonny Peralta went 3-4 and Austin Jackson walked twice, stole his first base of the season, and scored twice. He went hitless but still got on base twice.
Max Scherzer made it through 5 innings to get the win. He gave up 6 runs, becoming the first Tiger pitcher in 4 years to give up 4 homers and still win the game. Scherzer walked 2 and struck out 6.
Phil Coke allowed 1 run in 2 winnings of relief work. Joaquin Benoit locked down the 8th inning and Jose Valverde closed it out to earn his 1st save of the season. Detroit won 10-7.
They gave up 9 home runs to the Yankees in three games though. That sets a Yankees franchise record for home runs over a season's first 3 games. Mark Teixeira hit a homer in each game of the series. Jorge Posada had 2 today. This may not indicate a long term problem with Detroit keeping the ball in the park. Teixeira's 3 homers and Posada's 2 today were both from left handed batters hitting the ball to the home run friendly right field area of Yankee Stadium. Robinson Cano hit one yesterday and he's one of the game's most feared all around hitters right now. Alex Rodriguez hit one yesterday off a kid facing his first big league batter. He's hit 614 of them.
So it's not like the pitching staff was giving up bombs to a bunch of lightweights. Needless to say they can't sustain that clip though and have a successful season.
Ramon Santiago was 2-5 with a double and an RBI. Ryan Raburn was also 2-5 with a double and an RBI. Jhonny Peralta went 3-4 and Austin Jackson walked twice, stole his first base of the season, and scored twice. He went hitless but still got on base twice.
Max Scherzer made it through 5 innings to get the win. He gave up 6 runs, becoming the first Tiger pitcher in 4 years to give up 4 homers and still win the game. Scherzer walked 2 and struck out 6.
Phil Coke allowed 1 run in 2 winnings of relief work. Joaquin Benoit locked down the 8th inning and Jose Valverde closed it out to earn his 1st save of the season. Detroit won 10-7.
They gave up 9 home runs to the Yankees in three games though. That sets a Yankees franchise record for home runs over a season's first 3 games. Mark Teixeira hit a homer in each game of the series. Jorge Posada had 2 today. This may not indicate a long term problem with Detroit keeping the ball in the park. Teixeira's 3 homers and Posada's 2 today were both from left handed batters hitting the ball to the home run friendly right field area of Yankee Stadium. Robinson Cano hit one yesterday and he's one of the game's most feared all around hitters right now. Alex Rodriguez hit one yesterday off a kid facing his first big league batter. He's hit 614 of them.
So it's not like the pitching staff was giving up bombs to a bunch of lightweights. Needless to say they can't sustain that clip though and have a successful season.
the obvious benefits of getting on base in front of Miguel Cabrera revealed
Austin Jackson has walked and stolen a base in the early going against the Yankees today. Brennan Boesch is 2-2 in the 3 spot, the second of those driving in Jackson. Miguel Cabrera has then brought Boesch home twice with a pair of 2 runs homers.
If Detroit is going to score runs in bunches and have people on base for the frequent homers that Cabrera is going to hit, the top 3 in the order have to get on base. Admittedly the Yankees have tossed 2 very good pitchers out there so far, but that hasn't been happening in the early going.
If Detroit is going to score runs in bunches and have people on base for the frequent homers that Cabrera is going to hit, the top 3 in the order have to get on base. Admittedly the Yankees have tossed 2 very good pitchers out there so far, but that hasn't been happening in the early going.
Congratulations to Ichiro Suzuki
With a 2-5 performance against Oakland last night Ichiro passed Edgar Martinez as Seattle's all-time hit leader with 2248. The historic hit was also the game winner for the Mariners.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
It will be UConn vs. Butler in for the NCAA Title
UConn beat Kentucky 56-55, as Kentucky couldn't make a shot on the final possession. It'll go down as more "What If?" for a John Calipari led team. Kentucky lost by 1, and shot 4-12 from the free throw line. Flash back to Memphis missing key free throws down the stretch a few users ago in the title game versus Kansas.
That's another reason I don't like John Calipari, besides the NCAA allegations are are one step behind him at every stop in his coaching career. He seems to preach style over substance, flash over fundamentals. Free throw shooting is secondary to him. A point guard that can run a flashy fast break is important. Free throws cost his team a title in Memphis. They cost his Kentucky team a trip to the finals here.
Contrast that with the coach Calipari won't be facing off with on Monday, Brad Stevens. Substance over style. Fundamentals over flash. Butler is appearing in its second straight title game as a result.
Maybe Calipari would learn something if he tuned into the game. But I'm sure he's already turned his attention to sucking in the next round of recruits that will replace this year's legion of One and Dones who will be committing a mass exodus out of Lexington to the NBA Draft.
That's another reason I don't like John Calipari, besides the NCAA allegations are are one step behind him at every stop in his coaching career. He seems to preach style over substance, flash over fundamentals. Free throw shooting is secondary to him. A point guard that can run a flashy fast break is important. Free throws cost his team a title in Memphis. They cost his Kentucky team a trip to the finals here.
Contrast that with the coach Calipari won't be facing off with on Monday, Brad Stevens. Substance over style. Fundamentals over flash. Butler is appearing in its second straight title game as a result.
Maybe Calipari would learn something if he tuned into the game. But I'm sure he's already turned his attention to sucking in the next round of recruits that will replace this year's legion of One and Dones who will be committing a mass exodus out of Lexington to the NBA Draft.
The Butler Does It Again
Butler went on a 3-point barrage about midway through the second half against VCU to open a tight game into a 10 point lead. VCU closed to within 4 a couple times late but Butler held them off and advanced to the NCAA Championship game with a 70-62 win over VCU.
Butler is in the championship game for the second consecutive season. That's very impressive for any program. For it to be a mid-major school is even more impressive.
Butler is in the championship game for the second consecutive season. That's very impressive for any program. For it to be a mid-major school is even more impressive.
Tigers get thumped by the Yankees again
Brad Penny's Tiger debut was a rough one. He did settle down though and the results weren't quite as overwhelmingly poor as his line indicates. Penny gave up 8 runs on 7 hits in 4.1 innings pitched. He walked 4 and struck out 3. Penny gave up a 2-out 3-run homer to Mark Teixeira. It was Teixeira's second 3 run homer in 2 games. Brad Thomas also gave up a 2-out 3-run homer to Russell Martin. 2 of those runs were credited to Penny. So 2 better pitches would have had him off the hook with 2 ER allowed.
Brayan Villarreal made his major league debut in relief for Detroit. The first batter he faced was Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez crushed a 3-1 fastball to dead center for the 614th homer of his career. Welcome to the big leagues kid.
Detroit had a couple rallies in them, but those 2-out 3-run blasts kept digging holes. Austin Jackson hit his 1st homer of the season, and the first for the Tigers on the season.
Victor Martinez was 2-4 with a 2-run homer. It was his first Tiger home run and RBIs.
Alex Avila and Will Rhymes also knocked in runs. Detroit missed opportunities for big hits though. Magglio Ordonez struck out with 2 on to end an inning. Alex Avila also did the same.
Brandon Inge was 2-3 in the game. Brennan Boesch made his season debut in left, after Ryan Raburn started on opening day. There will be lots of eyes on how Boesch performs. He was 1-4.
Joaquin Benoit made his Tigers debut and Jose Valverde got his first work of the season. They combined for 1.2 hitless innings. There have been some other problems in the bullpen in 2 games but those 2 guys did what they're supposed to in the late innings. They just need to be doing it with Detroit in the lead.
The final was 10-6.
Brayan Villarreal made his major league debut in relief for Detroit. The first batter he faced was Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez crushed a 3-1 fastball to dead center for the 614th homer of his career. Welcome to the big leagues kid.
Detroit had a couple rallies in them, but those 2-out 3-run blasts kept digging holes. Austin Jackson hit his 1st homer of the season, and the first for the Tigers on the season.
Victor Martinez was 2-4 with a 2-run homer. It was his first Tiger home run and RBIs.
Alex Avila and Will Rhymes also knocked in runs. Detroit missed opportunities for big hits though. Magglio Ordonez struck out with 2 on to end an inning. Alex Avila also did the same.
Brandon Inge was 2-3 in the game. Brennan Boesch made his season debut in left, after Ryan Raburn started on opening day. There will be lots of eyes on how Boesch performs. He was 1-4.
Joaquin Benoit made his Tigers debut and Jose Valverde got his first work of the season. They combined for 1.2 hitless innings. There have been some other problems in the bullpen in 2 games but those 2 guys did what they're supposed to in the late innings. They just need to be doing it with Detroit in the lead.
The final was 10-6.
and just when I mention Austin Jackson doing good things when he puts the bat on the ball...
Jackson just hit the Tigers first home run of the season. He had 4 last season, and Detroit would like to see him get to double figures this season. So Jackson is now 2-2 with a homer and has scored 2 runs when he puts the ball in play.
the Tigers starting production is on par with the last couple years
Unfortunately that production is "not good". Brad Penny's first Tiger start (on TV on FOX ooooof course) has not been good. So far Penny has given up 6 runs on 5 hits with 3 walks and 3 strikouts in 2 innings of work. Mark Texiera has hit his 2nd 3-run homer of the season. He's now got more homers and RBIs than the Tigers through 2 games.
So far Brad Penny's line is very Jeremy Bonderman-esque. or Armando Gallaraga-esque. Or Dontrelle Willis-eque. Or Nate Robertson-esque. Or Jared Washburn-esque.
It's way too early to worry. Detroit's gone up against a couple very good pitchers. It's the first two games of the season, and playing at Yankee Stadium in the season opening series isn't easy.
But one of their woes last year was that they were dreadful on the road. They have to improve that. Austin Jackson has struck out 4 times in 5 at-bats. The other was a hit and a run scored. Again, if he can put the ball in play lots of good things happen. He just needs to put it in play more.
So far Brad Penny's line is very Jeremy Bonderman-esque. or Armando Gallaraga-esque. Or Dontrelle Willis-eque. Or Nate Robertson-esque. Or Jared Washburn-esque.
It's way too early to worry. Detroit's gone up against a couple very good pitchers. It's the first two games of the season, and playing at Yankee Stadium in the season opening series isn't easy.
But one of their woes last year was that they were dreadful on the road. They have to improve that. Austin Jackson has struck out 4 times in 5 at-bats. The other was a hit and a run scored. Again, if he can put the ball in play lots of good things happen. He just needs to put it in play more.
The Final Four
It's Final Four Saturday, and this is our most unlikely Final 4 ever. I read that ESPN reported that out of 5.9 million brackets that were submitted through their bracket pool contest, only 1 selected this Final Four. I swear whoever did ever had to have submitted multiple brackets with all sorts of variations, be an honest to God psychic, or be a VCU student or alum. Because nobody could have seen VCU coming.
This is the first Final Four ever to have no number 1 or number 2 seeds in the field. The combined seed number of 26 is the highest ever. I think the Butler vs. VCU 8/11 semi-final is the highest seeded semi-final ever. 11 seed VCU ties 2006 George Mason and 1986 LSU as the lowest seeds to ever reach a Final 4.
Villanova, as an 8 seed, is the lowest seed to ever win it all, when they shocked Georgetown compliments of their virtually flawless second half in 1985.
Either Butler will have a chance to tie that record on Monday or VCU will get a chance to break it.
I don't know who to pick in that game. I think Butler is the more fundamentally sound team. They also have the big game experience of playing in the Final Four. However VCU seems to have more quickness, tempo, and explosiveness in their game, if they're able to break down the Butler defense.
Both teams are obviously hot though, and playing very well. Looking at it on-paper and even with the "predictable" intangibles I would say that Butler is going to win. But VCU has looked very good in the tournament. They dismantled a Purdue team that, while their play fell off late in the season, at one time looked as good as any team in the country. They held a double digit lead for most of the game against Kansas, who I considered a co-favorite with Ohio State to win it all going into the Tournament. So I'm not going to discount VCU. It's a big toss-up and I want to see that game.
In the other semi I'm going with UConn since they have been on a post-season tear. Kemba Walker was 4th in the country in scoring average. He's carried them even more in the post-season. I'll take that over a young Kentucky team.
So I think it will be UConn vs. ????? for the National Championship.
I think The Underdog (whoever it is) has a very good chance of winning it all. But like the rest of the tournament, who the hell knows what will really happen.
This season has been a season of super parity. Even as teams accumulated gaudy records it never seemed like there were any dominant teams all year. There were just a bunch of teams who played very well for stretches of the the season. So the National Champion will end up being that team that plays well last.
This is the first Final Four ever to have no number 1 or number 2 seeds in the field. The combined seed number of 26 is the highest ever. I think the Butler vs. VCU 8/11 semi-final is the highest seeded semi-final ever. 11 seed VCU ties 2006 George Mason and 1986 LSU as the lowest seeds to ever reach a Final 4.
Villanova, as an 8 seed, is the lowest seed to ever win it all, when they shocked Georgetown compliments of their virtually flawless second half in 1985.
Either Butler will have a chance to tie that record on Monday or VCU will get a chance to break it.
I don't know who to pick in that game. I think Butler is the more fundamentally sound team. They also have the big game experience of playing in the Final Four. However VCU seems to have more quickness, tempo, and explosiveness in their game, if they're able to break down the Butler defense.
Both teams are obviously hot though, and playing very well. Looking at it on-paper and even with the "predictable" intangibles I would say that Butler is going to win. But VCU has looked very good in the tournament. They dismantled a Purdue team that, while their play fell off late in the season, at one time looked as good as any team in the country. They held a double digit lead for most of the game against Kansas, who I considered a co-favorite with Ohio State to win it all going into the Tournament. So I'm not going to discount VCU. It's a big toss-up and I want to see that game.
In the other semi I'm going with UConn since they have been on a post-season tear. Kemba Walker was 4th in the country in scoring average. He's carried them even more in the post-season. I'll take that over a young Kentucky team.
So I think it will be UConn vs. ????? for the National Championship.
I think The Underdog (whoever it is) has a very good chance of winning it all. But like the rest of the tournament, who the hell knows what will really happen.
This season has been a season of super parity. Even as teams accumulated gaudy records it never seemed like there were any dominant teams all year. There were just a bunch of teams who played very well for stretches of the the season. So the National Champion will end up being that team that plays well last.
Friday, April 1, 2011
today's statistical quirk....
Houston starter Brett Meyers has thrown 65 pitches so far today. So far there's been exactly 1 swing and a miss and no foul balls. So if the Phillies have swung they've put the ball in play. Meyer's is getting hammered right?
Nope, he's done that and given up 2 hits in 6 shutour innings and has outdueled Roy Halliday.
Nope, he's done that and given up 2 hits in 6 shutour innings and has outdueled Roy Halliday.
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