2011年2月28日月曜日

Carmelo Anthony: What Is New York's Ceiling as a Team?

Carmelo Anthony Helped Lead the Knicks To a Huge Win Over Miami Last Night, But What is New York's Potential?

Last night was everything you wanted and more from the game between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat. Sure, both teams settled for jump shots and New York's defense was questionable at best at times, but it was one heck of a game.

In the end, the Knicks walked away with the win and made a statement after the shocking loss to Cleveland the other day. This team isn't going to flop, it's going to make a run. Now the question is how deep that run can be. Right now, if the playoffs started today, the Knicks would be sixth in the Eastern Conference and would have to play the Chicago Bulls in the first round.

That is a matchup the Knicks want to avoid at all costs. With the great defense that Chicago plays on a nightly basis, the Bulls would be able to exploit the fact that New York is working with limited options offensively and narrow things down.

New York is five games back of the Hawks, and if the Knicks and pass Atlanta and play the fourth seed, likely Orlando, it would be a better draw for them as a team. Sure, there would be no answer for Dwight Howard, but with the lack of consistent perimeter shooting, New York could make it interesting.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/622170-carmelo-anthony-lebron-james-detroit-pistons-and-mondays-nba-news/entry/50042-carmelo-anthony-what-is-new-yorks-ceiling-as-a-team

Anaheim Ducks Dallas Los Angeles Kings Phoenix Coyotes San Jose Sharks New Jersey Devil

BC is coming off a weekend that saw them lose to and tie a team that was playing without their head...

Source: http://www.bcinterruption.com/2011/2/25/2014704/bc-is-coming-off-a-weekend-that-saw-them-lose-to-and-tie-a-team-that

John Madden Petr Kalus Colton Gilies Justin Falk Robbie Eal Joe Callahan

Brad Boyes Dealt to Sabres, Blues Officially Sellers at Deadline

In an unlikely deal announced late in the day, the Buffalo Sabres are sending their second-round pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft to the St. Louis Blues. In exchange, they receive sniper Brad Boyes in an attempt to add some offense, as they continue their push to make the top eight and claim a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The move comes as St. Louis, which has been one of the most active teams in the league in the weeks heading up to tomorrow's trade deadline, had recently acquired power forward (and right winger) Chris Stewart from the Colorado Avalanche. They would have to consider either moving Boyes to another team or reconsidering his position as a top-six forward with the Blues.

Stewart has six goals in his first six games with the Blues, making Boyes expendable. The former first round draft pick and 40-goal scorer will look to regain his scoring touch with Buffalo, which has experienced trouble this season producing offense since the season-ending injury of top line center Derek Roy.

Despite the offensive contributions of players such as Thomas Vanek and Drew Stafford, the Sabres will most likely look to Boyes to jump-start their offense and help put them over the edge and into the playoffs this spring.

For the Blues, despite being only seven points out of the playoffs, this move is yet another in what appears to be the beginnings of a rebuild. They've already shipped away their former captain Eric Brewer to Tampa Bay and their former first overall pick Erik Johnson to the Avalanche as they continue to stockpile younger players and draft picks for a chance at future success.

The move comes off a 1-0 loss tonight at Calgary that saw the Blues shut out by Flames net minder Miikka Kiprusoff.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/622042-brad-boyes-dealt-to-sabres-blues-officially-sellers-at-deadline

chicago blackhawks columbus blue jackets detroit red wings nashville predators St Louis Blues Calgary Flames

Wolves of the Sea (Injured Wolf Mix). Play it loud, and pour one out for Oskars Bartulis and his...

Source: http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2011/2/24/2014082/wolves-of-the-sea-injured-wolf-mix-play-it-loud-and-pour-one-out-for

San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants St. Louis Cardinals Washington Nationals Jonathan Albaladejo Andrew Brackman

Jets swept over weekend, Cirone 'extremely disappointed'

Source: http://www.americanjuniorhockey.com/2011/02/jets-swept-over-weekend-cirone.html

Jonathan Albaladejo Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett Steve Garrison Phil Hughes Damaso Marte

Report: Joe Torre to Be Named to MLB Post by Bud Selig

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Joe TorreSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- A person with knowledge of the appointment says Joe Torre has been hired as Major League Baseball's executive vice president of baseball operations.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because commissioner Bud Selig isn't expected to formally introduce Torre until Saturday.

Major League Baseball said Friday that Selig would make a major announcement at the new Salt River Fields ballpark, the spring facility for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies.

The 70-year-old Torre won four World Series titles for the New York Yankees in a 29-year career as a manager, retiring after last season following three years with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played parts of 18 seasons in the majors.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/25/report-joe-torre-to-be-named-to-mlb-post-by-bud-selig/

Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett Steve Garrison Phil Hughes Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera

SUTTER'S FIRST WHL GOAL HELPS T-BIRDS THROTTLE CHIEFS

Source: http://www.americanjuniorhockey.com/2011/02/sutters-first-whl-goal-helps-t-birds.html

Chad Moeller Jorge Posada Lance Berkman Reegie Corona Juan Miranda Colin Curtis

Top 2011 NBA Free Agents

chauncey billups knicks

The 2010 NBA free agent class was unlike anything we have seen in the history of the league; loaded with superstar talent switching homes and of course, ?The Decision.?� The 2011 free agent class is going to be the exact opposite.� It is going to be weaker than a Survivor contestant on the 37th day of eating nothing more than mangos and rice.

Since I first posted this article at the end of last July, a lot of the possible big names in the 2011 class have signed extensions that will prevent them from hitting the market.� That list includes Carmelo Anthony, Joakim Noah, Al Horford, and Tony Parker.� Here is an updated look at the very underwhelming crop of free agents that will be available this off-season.

By: David Kay

1. Chauncey Billups, PG, Knicks (TO)
Billups still has game and it would be hard to imagine New York choosing not to pay him the $14.2 million he would owed for the 2011-2012 season and leaving a massive void at the point.� Billups will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2012 so picking up his option would not kill New York?s salary cap situation and he could actually be used as a trade chip if the Hornets decide to deal Chris Paul.

2. Zach Randolph, PF, Grizzlies (UFA)
He has always been filled with talent and now that Randolph has seemed to mature, his value will be awfully high this summer.� The [More …]

Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/nba/top-2011-nba-free-agents/

Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera Kerry Wood Francisco Cervelli Chad Moeller Jorge Posada

Red Wings-Sabres wrap-up: Wings add a pleasant twist to a familiar script

Updated with Khan talking to Holland at 8:57, and other goodies at 9:37: Whether it?s at home or on the road, the Red Wings and a 2-0 first-period deficit have become inseparable, to the point that it?s almost expected that, on any given night, the 2-0 deficit will either become the cause of yet another disappointing loss or the pleasantly surprising foundation of yet another almost miraculous comeback, with either result having the same likelihood of occurring. Thankfully for the Wings, who are en route from Lincoln, NB to Los Angeles, CA as I write this, a last?minute-of-the-third-period goal allowed the Drew Miller-less Wings to rally and defeat the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in a shootout.

Joey MacDonald played perhaps his best game during his second stint with the Wings, stopping 13 of the 15 shots he faced in the first period, 30 shots overall and 2 Sabres shooters, and Pavel Datsyuk?s power PPG in the 2nd and Jiri Hudler?s goal with 57.2 seconds left set up a shootout in which Datsyuk and Hudler scored on nearly the same move.

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/tmr/comments/red_wings-sabres_wrap-up_wings_add_a_pleasant_twist_to_a_familiar_script/

Minnesota Wild Vancouver Canucks Anaheim Ducks Dallas Los Angeles Kings Phoenix Coyotes

Intrasquad game wrap-up

Source: http://www.lonestarball.com/2011/2/24/2013398/intrasquad-game-wrap-up

Jon Sim Jason Arnott David Clarkson Patrick Davis Tyler Eckford Mark Fraser

UFC 127 Results: BJ Penn Feels He Lost to Fitch, What Is Next for the Prodigy?

With a win or a loss, it is fairly easy to predict the next direction a fighter could take in their career. In the case of a draw, the decision creates uncertainty in what could be next.

With his draw against Jon Fitch at UFC 127, B.J. Penn now only has one win in his last four fights. In Penn's mind, he was lucky to come away without his third loss in four fights. After the fight, Penn felt that he did not do enough to win the fight and was open to a rematch with Fitch.

While a rematch is a possibility, there are a few other options for Penn's next opponent. Coming out of the draw, here are some possible options for Penn. 

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/621268-ufc-127-results-bj-penn-feels-he-lost-to-fitch-what-is-next-for-the-prodigy

columbus blue jackets detroit red wings nashville predators St Louis Blues Calgary Flames Colorado Avalanche

Remember The Super Bowl Ticket Fiasco? Jerry Jones Finally Takes Notice

JJerry Joneserry Jones finally admits that the stadium he built, owns, and controls probably played in a role in 400 fans with Super Bowl XLV tickets not getting to watch the game.

Check out his lame reply .... only about three weeks too late:

"I do, along with the NFL, take responsibility for the seating issue and some of the things that we would like to improve on regarding the seating issues. The informing of the fans that were involved, the NFL and I take responsibility for. You always like to look at areas you can do better, get better. We certainly intend to and will get much better in terms of the seating and how that is handled. I don't have a lot of details for you relative to specifics there, as to specifically what we would like to improve on. That's part of the process of the work ahead to do it better." 

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/mngAfPKCgx8/super-bowl-ticket-fiasco-jerry-jones-2011-2

Anibal Sanchez John Baker Brad Davis Logan Morrison Mike Stanton Josh Bailey

2011年2月27日日曜日

McCabe goes to the Rangers

Via TSN:

Florida Panthers captain Bryan McCabe has been traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Tim Kennedy and a third-round draft pick.

The hard-shooting McCabe joins his sixth NHL team since being drafted by the New York Islanders in the second round (40th overall) of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/mccabe_goes_to_the_rangers/

Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett Steve Garrison Phil Hughes Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera

Gunslinger Kevin Towers Settling In as Diamondbacks General Manager

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Kevin TowersSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Kevin Towers loathed the Diamondbacks in their heyday, calling them arrogant when he was general manager of the Padres, so it's something to see him now amid the sagebrush and cactus, talking of his paradise found as Arizona's GM.

Yet, where better than the Old West for a GM who shoots from the hip and has Gunslinger in his email address? Among his favorite spots in Phoenix is Rawhide, an Old West town where, for a PR stunt 11 years ago, he and other Padres honchos assembled in gunslinger garb.

But it's far more than locale that has Towers smiling on this February morning as he reviews his first five months on the job.

For all his headline-grabbing trades and quips as Padres GM, he wasn't always allowed to indulge his, well, his gunslinger-ishness, sometimes for his own good, he admits, citing mostly his early years as a GM under the savvy, if obsessive Larry Lucchino. Now, befitting his 14 years of GM experience, he's getting more elbow room.

"It's a perfect job," he says.

Most fun he's had in a decade-plus, he adds, calling Diamondback-dom "the best working environment" of any front office where he's worked.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/gunslinger-kevin-towers-settling-in-as-diamondbacks-general-mana/

Jon Sim Jason Arnott David Clarkson Patrick Davis Tyler Eckford Mark Fraser

Hey, Skiers, Don't Fall Over A Cliff Like This Guy

Dear executives: If you're planning to blow some of your year-end bonus on some powder skiing, take a tip from the fellow in the video below:

Put your skis on BELOW the ridge line.

(Make sure you blow this one up to full-screen before you watch it, with the little 4-arrow icon to the left of "VIMEO"...)

Ager Stefan Stubai drop PTTP from Stefan Ager on Vimeo.

(via Chris Nelder and Outside Magazine).

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/S4ooCG82sC8/skier-falls-over-cliff-2011-2

Atlanta Trashers Carolina Hurricanes Florida Panthers Tampa Bay Lightning Washington Capitals Arizona Diamondbacks

Why Erik Gustafsson should play tomorrow

Source: http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2011/2/25/2015323/erik-gustafsson-flyers

Vancouver Canucks Anaheim Ducks Dallas Los Angeles Kings Phoenix Coyotes San Jose Sharks

Miami Football: Hurricanes Aim To Improve Their Fortunes, Become Elite in 2011

The Miami Hurricanes are coming off of a disappointing 7-6 campaign which included a 33-17 New Year's Eve loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sun Bowl, losses to Florida State and Virginia Tech, and the regular season finale loss to USF, costing Randy Shannon his job hours after the game was over. 

The Hurricanes, reeling since the 2000-2002 dynasty crumbled, tabbed former Temple coach Al Golden to try and revive the struggling program, which hasn't won an ACC division title, much less competed for a conference championship as envisioned when the 'Canes joined the conference in 2004.  Much has been made of the fact that the Hurricanes are on the way back up after impressive opening stretches, but they have faded down the stretch as Virginia Tech has been the obstacle to the 'Canes finally hoisting a championship banner in Coral Gables, FL. 

The core of players is strong and talented. Senior QB Jacory Harris returns and he is backed up by Stephen Morris and former Michigan QB Tate Forcier.  The other skill positions are stocked, led by WR Aldarius Johnson as he takes over the group after seeing WR Leonard Hankerson graduate. 

The defense is led by five-star former USC commit Seantrel Henderson as they also have some blue chip defensive ends coming in the first recruiting class by Coach Golden.  Led by returning starters Ray-Ray Armstrong and Sean Spence, the goal is to get more pressure on opposing QB's as the Hurricanes have let the likes of Tyrod Taylor, Terrelle Pryor and Christian Ponder beat them with their legs in the past. 

The Hurricanes' 2011 schedule starts with ACC opponent Maryland. Then they get into yet another rematch with the Ohio State Buckeyes and continue their ACC schedule with contests against Virginia Tech, North Carolina and Georgia Tech.  The schedule looks to be favorable for Miami to finallty contend with Virginia Tech and the other ACC powers to finally win a long-chased conference championship.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/621160-golden-standard-miami-aims-to-improve-its-fortunes-and-become-elite-in-2011

John Madden Petr Kalus Colton Gilies Justin Falk Robbie Eal Joe Callahan

FanHouse 15: No. 5 Stephen Strasburg

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It may seem like just weeks ago that the baseball season ended, but, believe it or not, Spring Training is here.

If you're like the rest of us at FanHouse, you can't wait for the season to begin. We've got you covered until opening day arrives.

It's the FanHouse 15, a countdown of the 15 most talked about, blogged about, tweeted about, sensational stars of America's pastime. Who will be number one?

The list continues with No. 5, Nationals' phenom Stephen Strasburg.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/26/fanhouse-15-no-5-stephen-strasburg/

Colorado Rockies Florida Marlins Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers Milwaukee Brewers New York Mets

Adam Wainwright, Cardinals Ace, Needs Tommy John Surgery

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Ace Adam Wainwright will need Tommy John surgery, the Cardinals announced Thursday. The pitcher, who finished second in NL Cy Young voting last year and third in 2009, felt a tug in his right elbow while throwing batting practice on Monday.

He returned to St. Louis on Wednesday for examination, and it was there that the Cardinals' worst fear was realized -- Wainwright has a tear in his ulnar collateral ligament and will need it replaced.

Both Dr. George Paletta, the team's head physician, and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lewis Yocum recommended Tommy John surgery for Wainwright, which typically carries with it a 12-18 month timetable for recovery and rehab.

"It's not a real surprise to us this morning, but certainly a disappointment and a finality to this process." Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak told reporters in Jupiter, Fla.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/adam-wainwright-cardinals-ace-needs-tommy-john-surgery/

Jamie Lundmark Nick Spaling Pikka Rinne Mathieu Carle Lars Eller Hal Gill

McCabe goes to the Rangers

Via TSN:

Florida Panthers captain Bryan McCabe has been traded to the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Tim Kennedy and a third-round draft pick.

The hard-shooting McCabe joins his sixth NHL team since being drafted by the New York Islanders in the second round (40th overall) of the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/mccabe_goes_to_the_rangers/

Pittsburgh Pirates San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants St. Louis Cardinals Washington Nationals Jonathan Albaladejo

Garoon on learning lessons from the Young contract extension

Source: http://www.lonestarball.com/2011/2/22/2008255/garoon-on-learning-lessons-from-the-young-contract-extension

Montreal Canadiens Ottawa Senators Toronto Maple Leafs Atlanta Trashers Carolina Hurricanes Florida Panthers

Jets swept over weekend, Cirone 'extremely disappointed'

Source: http://www.americanjuniorhockey.com/2011/02/jets-swept-over-weekend-cirone.html

Kevin Russo Curtis Granderson Nick Johnson Javier Lopez Alex Hinshaw Ramon Ramirez

Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan Still Isn't Sure What To Do With Donovan McNabb

Donovan McNabb vs. Eagles

The Redskins-Donovan McNabb saga endured so many twists-and-turns this season, that it probably requires a brief recap.

Got all that?

Well, Shanahan addressed the McNabb situation for the first time this offseason yesterday, and essentially said he hasn't decided what to do with the quarterback, the Washington Post reports. Shanahan said he had a "great conversation" with McNabb's agent, but won't make a decision on the quarterback until sometime around the draft.

(Not surprisingly, the Redskins are rumored to be in the mix for Blaine Gabbert or Cam Newton come April's draft.)

Whether that's a wise strategy wholly depends on how the quarterback class shakes out as we get closer to the draft. If Ryan Mallet and Jake Locker don't impress, and teams don't think they can fill a hole behind center through the draft, McNabb could actually have some trade value. But more than likely, the Redskins will just drop him.

Thing is, for all the controversy, McNabb actually played pretty well last season, and probably would have broken the franchise's passing record if not for the three-game benching. Don't rule out a 2011 resurgence.

Shanahan, by the way, also addressed the Albert Haynesworth situation by saying – surprise! – he's not sure what we're going to do. As tempted as we are to question Shanahan's comments, we'll chalk all his uncertainty to the questionable labor situation. That seems to be the convenient excuse for everything this offseason, anyway.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/AkoNxacCpTg/redskins-donovan-mcnabb-shanahan-offseason-2011-2

Anibal Sanchez John Baker Brad Davis Logan Morrison Mike Stanton Josh Bailey

Mariners Send Franklin Gutierrez Back to Seattle for Tests on Stomach

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Franklin GutierrezPEORIA, Ariz. -- Center fielder Franklin Gutierrez flew back to Seattle Wednesday night to have his ongoing battle with stomach issues checked out by the Mariners' medical crew.

Manager Eric Wedge said Gutierrez probably would be back sometime Friday but he wasn't a definite to take part in the club's intrasquad game.

Wedge did say he didn't believe the issue to be serious, and said "these are just tests on the stomach region to be proactive and try to stay ahead of things."

"We don't want Guti to have the same issues as he did last year," Wedge said.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/mariners-send-franklin-gutierrez-back-to-seattle-for-tests-on-st/

Boston Red Sox Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals Los Angeles Dodgers

2011年2月26日土曜日

What To Watch For In The Rest Of The NBA Season

Derrick Rose

This week we saw a flurry of trade activity that dramatically altered the landscape of the NBA.  The NBA Title favorites remain the same, but plenty of other things have changed in the Association.  Here's what we'll be paying close attention to the rest of the way:

  • How will the new-look Knicks fare?  We already know they won't be playing much defense, but it will be very interesting to see how Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire co-exist.  Amar'e made his desire for a co-leader well known, but both of these guys are used to being the alpha dogs of their teams.  Much like how Miami struggled at the beginning of the year, the new-look Knicks might take time to learn how to play together.  If that's the case, how will the fans react?
  • Will Boston regret dealing Kendrick Perkins?  We've already discussed this ad-naseum, but we think the Celtics made a critical error by dealing away their big man.  Perkins hasn't been the same since returning from injury, but it takes time to fully recover from a torn ACL, and Perkins has only been back for a month.  Boston gave up its biggest advantage by dealing Perkins, so it will be very interesting to see how they handle life without him in the playoffs.
  • Is Oklahoma City a contender now?  The Thunder have taken their time allowing their young core to develop, but it's clear they believe they can compete for an NBA Title right now.  The biggest thing missing from OKC was big-time size down low, and they got that with Perkins.  Jeff Green is a nice player, but the Thunder can replace him fairly easily.  With a top notch scorer, an elite point guard, a banger down low, and some very solid role players, the Thunder are now a team to be reckoned with.
  • How good are the Bulls?  Chicago went 22-8 without Joakim Noah, who happens to be one of the league's best rebounders and probably the second most important player to the Bulls after Derrick Rose.  Chicago may regret not upgrading at shooting guard, but this team has shown it can play with anyone as currently constructed.
  • Will the Lakers figure it out?  The Lakers slogged through the first half, and though they're still the three-seed in the West, there are clearly some chinks in their armor.  Of course, that may not matter come playoff time when the Lakers have proven that no one is better than them.  Still, you had to figure that this team would get old at some point.
  • What will Blake Griffin do next?  The Clippers aren't in the playoff race, but Blake Griffin's nightly highlights have made them must-watch TV nevertheless.  After he jumped over a car at the Slam Dunk Contest, Griffin officially became a household name.  The Clippers have a young group and could be a playoff team next year, so it will be very interesting to monitor their development as the season rolls along.
  • Will Portland sneak up on people?  The Trail Blazers have been attacked by the injury bug yet again, but once again they're in the thick of the playoff hunt. Yesterday's acquisition of Gerald Wallace was a genius move, and if Portland can squeeze one more run out of Brandon Roy, they could shock the world in the playoffs. 
  • How will Miami do in the playoffs?  With everything else that has gone on in the NBA over the last few weeks, the Heat have actually avoided the spotlight for the first time this season.  That won't last long, as the most scrutinized part of the year is about to arrive.  The Heat have silenced critics and look like they'll be an NBA Title threat annually, and we'll get our first glimpse of the Heat in the postseason shortly.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/URIsVbTtqhw/nba-second-half-2011-2

Andrew McDonald Matt Martin Frans Nielsen Dwayne Roloson Jon Sim Jason Arnott

National Team Development Program Weekly Update

Source: http://www.americanjuniorhockey.com/2011/02/national-team-development-program_24.html

Trent Hunter Andy Hilbert Bruno Gervais Dustin Kohn Andrew McDonald Matt Martin

Sam is Here

Greetings from Portland, Oregon.

I have been blogging about hockey since 2009, when the humiliation of claiming to be a hockey fan who didn?t even know what a hat trick was became too much. Since then, I?ve learned and blogged about the NHL Rulebook, the IIHF Rulebook, the Collective Bargaining Agreement and a few things in between. I don?t live in an NHL town, but I?m lucky enough to be a season ticket holder for the WHL?s Portland Winterhawks, home to the 4th and 5th overall draft picks from the 2010 Entry Draft.

Above the Glass is named for the location of my season tickets and my overall, big picture take on the game. I don?t claim to be an expert on stats, who will be snatched up at the trade deadline, who you should put on your fantasy team or why the Calgary Flames? Heritage Classic retro jerseys made them look like Tigger from Winnie the Pooh. What I can tell you is that I love the game of hockey and I love what it can teach us about life. Among the hot topics on my mind are: ?does having a roster full of hockey names up your chances for winning a Stanley Cup??; ?who invented hockey terms like dipsy doodle, spinorama, deke and dangle and how high were they when they did so?? and ?how to use hockey clich�s without injuring yourself or others.?  I hope you?ll enjoy these and the other content you?ll find here. 

When I?m not trying to make sense of all things NHL, I?m busy trying to make sense of all things junior hockey in my Portland Winterhawks blog on www.oregonlive.com/hawks.

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/atg/comments/sam_is_here/

Florida Marlins Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers Milwaukee Brewers New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies

North Carolina 48, Boston College 46: Jackson's Potential Game-Winner Rattles Out; Eagles Now 16-10

Source: http://www.bcinterruption.com/2011/2/22/2004238/north-carolina-48-boston-college-46-reggie-jackson-acc-basketball

Brian Wilson Eli Whiteside Mike Fontenot Brett Pill Pat Burrell Jhan Marinez

Stampede's Jacobson commits to Brown University

Source: http://www.americanjuniorhockey.com/2011/02/stampedes-jacobson-commits-to-brown.html

Tampa Bay Lightning Washington Capitals Arizona Diamondbacks Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds

Garoon on learning lessons from the Young contract extension

Source: http://www.lonestarball.com/2011/2/22/2008255/garoon-on-learning-lessons-from-the-young-contract-extension

San Francisco Giants St. Louis Cardinals Washington Nationals Jonathan Albaladejo Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett

Game 60 Preview: New Colorado Avalanche Vs Old Colorado Avalanche

Source: http://www.milehighhockey.com/2011/2/22/2006927/game-60-preview-new-colorado-avalanche-vs-old-colorado-avalanche

Milwaukee Brewers New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies Pittsburgh Pirates San Diego Padres San Francisco Giants

Coach Quenneville Returns to the Ice

Coach Quenneville

The man who handed Chicago its dignity in a sterling silver Cup, Joel Quenneville, was rushed to the hospital last Wednesday with a hole in his abdomen.

With the joys of coaching the returning Stanley Cup champions, comes the pains of stress and lack of sleep. Although popping aspirins every morning may seem like the easy way out, it?s definitely not the painless way out.

Quenneville?s use of aspirins had landed him in the emergency room with serious gastrointestinal bleeding brought on by a small peptic ulcer. He was hospitalized till Sunday, forcing him to miss two games, which to ?Coach Q? must have been the most painful part.

By Harrini Krishnan

Coach Q with the Stanley Cup

Since October of 2008, when Quenneville joined the Hawks on the bench, he has been there every night rallying the men in the red, black and white sweaters. Within two seasons, he led the team to the 2009 Western Conference Final and, of course the 2010 Stanley Cup Final. In reality, he?s just a man. But in Chicago, he is a god.

?Coach Q is a great coach and a great asset for the hawks. I was lucky enough to play hockey with his son, when he was coaching the Blues. He actually coached our team as well,? Jake Rock, now a freshman at the University of Illinois, said. ?He was a great teacher to us as little kids?around 10 yrs old, at the [More …]

Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/blackhawks/coach-quenneville-returns-to-the-ice/

Los Angeles Dodgers Minnesota Twins New York Yankees Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners Tampa Bay Rays

Friday morning Rangers things

Source: http://www.lonestarball.com/2011/2/25/2014928/friday-morning-rangers-things

Jhan Marinez Anibal Sanchez John Baker Brad Davis Logan Morrison Mike Stanton

The Future is Unwritten

Source: http://www.milehighhockey.com/2011/2/24/2013831/the-future-is-unwritten

Pikka Rinne Mathieu Carle Lars Eller Hal Gill John Madden Petr Kalus

LATE RALLY NOT ENOUGH, AMERICANS FALL TO ?TIPS 3-2

Source: http://www.americanjuniorhockey.com/2011/02/late-rally-not-enough-americans-fall-to.html

Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres Montreal Canadiens Ottawa Senators Toronto Maple Leafs Atlanta Trashers

Bryce Harper to Make Nationals Spring Training Debut Monday

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Bryce HarperVIERA, Fla. (AP) -- Top draft pick Bryce Harper is to make his spring training debut Monday when the Washington Nationals visit the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie for their spring training opener.

Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said he expects the 18-year-old Harper will get at least one at-bat in the game.

"I'm hoping that he kind of blends in," Riggleman said. "I'm not looking for him to excel against major league pitching."

Harper is learning a new position, moving from catcher to the outfield. Nationals outfielder Jerry Hairston said it will take time to make the adjustment.

"He's got a good head on his shoulders," Hairston said. "We've talked a little bit. He's a humble guy. He realizes what's going on. I'm sure everybody's excited about watching him play. He's a great talent. It's a spring training game. I know he's going to be a little excited."

Jayson Werth, who signed to a $126 million, seven-year contract with Washington in the offseason, will not make the trip. Neither will All-Star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and first baseman Adam LaRoche. Their debuts likely will come Tuesday or Wednesday when Washington hosts the Mets and the Florida Marlins.

Chad Gaudin will pitch the first game for Washington on Monday. Livan Hernandez throws Tuesday and John Lannan goes Wednesday.

 

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Source: http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2011/02/24/bryce-harper-to-make-nationals-spring-training-debut-monday/

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2011年2月25日金曜日

2011 NFL Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Land Steal with Gabe Carimi No. 31

Pittsburgh Steelers Miss Out on Pouncey Twin, Still Fill Void

 

Doesn?t it seem like everyone and their non-football watching mother wants to see Maurkice and Mike Pouncey reunited in Pittsburgh so we can see them together on a special NFL twin brothers edition of Oprah?

Sorry, folks, that?s not happening. Even if Pouncey doesn?t have a great combine, his versatility will not allow him to fall to No. 31.

The No. 1 priority for the Pittsburgh Steelers, in my eyes, for years, has been to upgrade the offensive line. Somehow, some way, the Steelers? offensive line seems to do pretty well each year. Still, the Steelers desperately need to upgrade this bad boy unit to account for aging veterans and the usual injury they suffer each season.

Gabe Carimi can be a bad, bad man in the NFL. He has all of the tools necessary to dominate and he could very well become the best offensive lineman on this unit. Carimi fits the pounding, smash-mouth style of Pittsburgh.

Don?t fret, Pittsburgh, Mike Pouncey might not be coming, but Gabe Carimi is going to help pave the road to yet another Super Bowl appearance as he plows defenders to open lanes for Rashard Mendenhall and stops them in their tracks trying to demolish Ben Roethlisberger.

 

1. Carolina: Nick Fairley, DT 17. New England: Justin Houston, OLB
2. Denver: Da'Quan Bowers, DE 18. San Diego: Cameron Jordan, DE
3. Buffalo: Patrick Peterson, CB 19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT
4.Cincinnati: Cam Newton, QB 20. Tampa Bay: Adrian Clayborn, DE
5. Arizona: Von Miller, OLB 21. Kansas City: Corey Liuget, DT
6. Cleveland, A.J. Green, WR 22. Indianapolis: Tyron Smith, OT
7. San Francisco: Marcell Dareus, DL 23. Philadelphia: Brandon Harris, CB
8. Tennessee: Robert Quinn, DE 24. New Orleans: Muhammed Wilkerson, DT
9. Dallas: Prince Amukamara, CB 25. Seattle: Mike Pouncey, OG/C
10. Washington: Blaine Gabbert, QB 26. Baltimore: Rahim Moore, S
11. Houston: Aldon Smith, OLB 27. Atlanta: Derek Sherod, OT
12. Minnesota: J.J. Watt, DE 28. New England: Ryan Kerrigan, DE
13. Detroit: Jimmy Smith, CB 29. Chicago Bears: Nate Solder, OT
14. St. Louis: Julio Jones, WR 30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, DT
15. Miami: Mark Ingram, RB 31. Pittsburgh: Gabe Carimi, OT
16. Jacksonville: Akeem Ayers, LB 32. Green Bay: Jonathan Baldwin, WR

 

For more draft coverage, check out Bleacher Report?s NFL Draft Hub.

For a complete first round mock draft with video, check out these projections.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/619768-2011-nfl-mock-draft-special-nfl-combine-edition/entry/49735-2011-nfl-mock-draft-pittsburgh-steelers-land-steal-with-gabe-carimi-no-31

Jonathan Albaladejo Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett Steve Garrison Phil Hughes Damaso Marte

Game 61 Live Thread: Oilers at Avalanche

Source: http://www.milehighhockey.com/2011/2/23/2011288/game-61-live-thread-oilers-at-avalanche

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UFC 127 Fight Card: BJ Penn's Top 7 Career Defining Moments

UFC 127 will be headlined by what Dana White has announced to be a No. 1 contendership welterweight bout between Jon Fitch and BJ Penn.

While Jon Fitch has completely squashed the UFC outside of the Welterweight Champion Georges St. Pierre, it hasn’t always been as smooth sailing for his opponent, former multi-weight champion BJ Penn.

The Hawaiian native began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at just 17-years old. He became the first non-Brazilian in history to in the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the black belt category in 2000, just weeks after being awarded his black belt by Andre Pederneiras.

With his amazing accomplishments in Jiu-Jitsu, Penn was quickly contacted by the UFC who were able to convince him for a multitude of reasons to make the transition to mixed martial arts.

What came of the transition is now the stuff of legend. Many believe BJ Penn to be the greatest lightweight in the history of mixed martial arts and his overall game puts him among the best of all-time at any division.

As he heads into what is one of the biggest fights his his remarkable career, let’s look back at a timeline of some of the biggest career-defining moments in the career of “The Prodigy.”

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/619696-ufc-127-fight-card-bj-penns-top-7-career-defining-moments

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Here's Your NBA Trade Deadline Roundup

nba

Here's a list of the deals that were completed today:

  • Boston trades Marquis Daniels to Sacramento for cash.

Bookmark the Sports Page >

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/k9Oz8G-B_XA/nba-trade-deadline-list-2011-2

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This is creepy

Source: http://www.lonestarball.com/2011/2/23/2010211/this-is-creepy

Jon Sim Jason Arnott David Clarkson Patrick Davis Tyler Eckford Mark Fraser

Daily Dish: Silly CHL fans?

Source: http://www.americanjuniorhockey.com/2011/02/daily-dish-silly-chl-fans.html

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Wrestlemania XVII: A Realistic Yet, Fantastic Preview of the Epic Pay-Per-View

"Jim Ross coming to you live from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia!" The legendary announcer declares as he is making a return to the commentary booth.

"Oh man! It's going to be a good one!" Jerry Lawler replies to Jim Ross.

Finally Michael Cole has been replaced by JR for just this one pay-per-view. He is preparing for his 2-on-1 handicap match with Alex Riley versus Jerry Lawler.

This version of Wrestlemania has great potential. A WCW-themed Wrestlemania can bring out the nostalgia of the old WCW fans and revive the interests of the downtrodden WWE fans.

Just let me make some suggestions to get buy rates up. Vince, remember these are suggestions not commands so don't blame me.

This pay-per-view quasi-fantasy card of mine would be the way I would set up Wrestlemania according to logical continuations of the story lines currently set up.

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/595171-wrestlemania-xvii-a-realistic-yet-a-fantastic-preview-of-the-epic-pay-per-view

Andrew Brackman

Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks Will Shake Up the Eastern Conference

Although some Knicks fans have been complaining that too much was given up for Carmelo Anthony, they're wrong; when you have a chance to acquire one of the top-ten players in the league, you can't say no. 

Fact is, Amar'e isn't Jordan, and Jordan himself couldn't do it alone. Without Carmelo, you're looking at a team just barely hovering over .500 with one star player. With Carmelo, you're looking at a team that has potential to break the top three with two star players. 

Head coach Mike D'Antoni summed it up perfectly. We know that we want to win a championship, and the way to do it, you got to get some star players in here. And you can’t say, ‘Well, what if, what if.’ We could be here forever. And what-ifs never happen. But we know we have two of the best players in the league.” 

Carmelo could give you 30, 35, or even 40 on any given night. Could the same be said about Gallinari and Chandler? Combined, they average only seven more points than Anthony per game. Seven points that can easily be made up, and then some, by the likes of a Landry Fields or Corey Brewer.

But it's still too late in the season for Carmelo to make his full impact. The best the Knicks could hope for is a five seed or, if the Magic falter, a four seed. 

However, when the Knicks regroup next season, they'll have the number 1 seed in their sights. 

Don't believe me? Let's take a look at the last five NBA champions and their lineups with sixth men:

2010 – LA Lakers (Fisher, Kobe, Artest, Gasol, Bynum, Odom)

2009 – LA Lakers (Fisher, Kobe, Ariza, Gasol, Bynum, Odom)

2008 – Boston (Rondo, Allen, Pierce, Garnett, Perkins, Posey)

2007 – San Antonio (Parker, Finley, Bowen, Duncan, Oberto, Ginobili)

2006 – Miami (Williams, Wade, Walker, Haslem, O'Neal, Posey) 

Notice anything? Each team is made up of two bona-fide stars (Kobe/Gasol, Pierce/Garnett, Parker/Duncan, Wade/O'Neal), good to great complimentary starters (Artest/Ariza/Bynum, Rondo/Allen, Bowen/Finley, Williams/Haslem) and a starter-caliber sixth man (Odom, Posey, Ginobili). 

The Knicks are currently made up of two bona-fide stars in 'Melo and Amar'e. They have good to great complimentary starters in Billups and Fields. All they're missing is a starter-caliber sixth man. 

However, the answer isn't Chris Paul or Deron Williams.

You might think I'm crazy, but let's look at that list of NBA champions again and zero in on the point guards: Fisher, Rondo, Parker and Williams. Only Parker played the role of superstar on his team. The rest were simply asked to give it to Kobe, Pierce and Wade. 

The NBA is currently experiencing one of it's greatest talent boons in years, especially at the point guard position. Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook and John Wall were all taken with high picks in recent years, while the Clippers and Sixers were able to pick up steals with Eric Bledsoe and Jrue Holiday in the mid-to-late first round. 

What I'm trying to say is, the Knicks need to focus on surrounding 'Melo and Amar'e with solid role players, not another superstar like Paul or Williams. 

As it stands, now, the Knicks won't win the title this year. In fact, I foresee them struggling in the first round against possible opponents Miami or Chicago because of their lack of big men.

But Knicks fans do have something to cheer about for years to come, not just ten-game hot streaks. If the front office can keep drafting players such as Fields and Douglas, while 'Melo and Amar'e try and convince some solid role players and veterans to join up with them, then the Knicks definitely have a chance.


Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/619191-carmelo-anthony-and-the-new-york-knicks-will-shake-up-the-eastern-conference

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WATCH The Lamest Flop In The History Of Soccer

Chilean U20 soccer player Bryan Carrasco just committed the worst flop in soccer – perhaps, all of sports — history.

Trying to draw a card for his opponent, Carrasco grabbed his defender's arm and used it to punch himself in the face – then fall to the ground writhing in pain.

It worked too! The referee gave his team a free kick. (But they still lost the match.) Watch the lamest dive ever (via Reddit):

Join the conversation about this story »

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/EeU4eGrwfOc/lamest-soccer-dive-ever-2011-2

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Boston College Hockey Heads West To Open 2011-12 Season

Source: http://www.bcinterruption.com/2011/2/23/2010651/2011-ice-breaker-tournament-boston-college-hockey-north-dakota-michigan-state-air-force

Brad Davis Logan Morrison Mike Stanton Josh Bailey Mark Eaton Trent Hunter

Eagles Enter ACC Stretch Run Desperately Needing Win Over Miami

Source: http://www.bcinterruption.com/2011/2/23/2009079/boston-college-basketball-miami-hurricanes-acc-standings

Joe Callahan Bryan Allen Mark Cullen Baltimore Orioles Boston Red Sox Chicago White Sox

2011年2月24日木曜日

Deron Williams Trade: It Was The Right Move For Both Teams

If you’re a regular reader of mine, you might remember me starting my post “Decision,” LeBron James article by saying: “If you’re looking for a coherent column on LeBron James…you’ve come to the wrong place.”

Well, here we are eight months later and I’m in the same place, but for a completely different reason.

Deron Williams is now a New Jersey Net, you know that. If you’re looking for me to rip the Utah Jazz from head to toe for essentially waving the white flag on their season and trading one of the 10 best basketball players on the planet, you won’t get that from me.

If you’re hoping that I’m upset with Mikhail Prokhorov for rearranging the future of his franchise for potentially 18 months of Williams before he becomes a free agent, well that ain’t happening either.

The truth is that I love this trade.

I love it for both sides and I love it for all parties involved. I might not love it enough to dance like Elaine Benes, but I’m darn pretty close.

So, why do I love this trade? Why do I love it in the here and now, and so much for both teams?

Let’s take a look.

Let’s start with the Nets, and start with the nuts and bolts of this trade: They just traded for an All-Star point guard, a franchise player and someone who will instantaneously make every guy on the court better simply with his mere presence.

And you know what? They gave up next to nothing to get him; or, at least, no more than they would’ve had to give up to get Carmelo Anthony a week ago.

Speaking of Carmelo, I’ve got a newsflash for you: He was never coming to New Jersey; I think Prokhorov and everyone around the Nets knew that.

Now, I know that sounds laughable, if only because New Jersey had the parameters of a trade in place Friday, with yours truly even writing just a few hours prior, “For Carmelo, its New Jersey or bust,” meaning that if we’ve learned anything from this exercise, it’s that your buddy AT is a total idiot.

Although most of you probably already knew that.

But just because I don’t think Carmelo ever seriously considered New Jersey doesn’t mean that I don’t think he pretended to, in order to force the New York Knicks to make a move.

Remember, Carmelo has been saying since day one, hour one, minute one of last summer that he wanted to be a Knick, wanted his $65 million extension and he wanted them both.

The whole situation was more transparent than one of those Sports Illustrated spray-on bikinis.

Anyway, if you knew that and I knew that, don’t you think the Knicks knew that? Don’t you think they knew that they could wait until free agency, scoop up Carmelo without the extension and save the bounty of talent they were going to have to give away in a trade?

Of course they did. Which means that the only way Carmelo was going to get his cake and eat it too (the Knicks + the $65 million) was to dupe James Dolan into believing there was another bidder in his sweepstakes.

Which is why at the last possible second (after having no interest in them for nine months), all of a sudden Carmelo was happy to be a Net.

Right, and I’d be willing to marry Roseanne Barr if the price was right. Get the f*** outta here.

Carmelo was like the girl flirting with a guy at the bar just to get her own boyfriend’s attention—he was never going to be anything but a Knick, but he just couldn’t let the Knicks know it.

It led to his one final power play with the Nets over All-Star weekend.

But anyway, let’s get back to Williams...

 

(Because of length, this article was broken into two parts. To read PART II of this article, please click here or visit www.aarontorres-sports.com.

Also be sure to follow Aaron on www.twitter.com/Aaron_Torres)

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/618805-deron-williams-trade-it-was-the-right-move-for-both-teams

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