2012年7月25日水曜日

Columbus Blue Jackets Trade Rick Nash To New York Rangers

  After months of will he or won’t he, the Columbus Blue Jackets have finally pulled the trigger on a Rick Nash trade, sending him to the New York Rangers.  The Blue Jackets will get forwards Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov, defenseman Tim Erixon, and a the Rangers’ 2013 first round pick.  For more info [...]

Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/hockey/columbus-blue-jackets-trade-rick-nash-to-new-york-rangers/

Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres Montreal Canadiens Ottawa Senators

Brady Hoke Indefinitely Suspends Fitz Toussaint From Michigan

After his arrest Saturday night for driving under the influence, Fitzgerald Toussaint was suspended indefinitely by head coach Brady Hoke. This will be costly for the Wolverine offense as Toussaint is, or was, their number one running back. As a redshirt junior in 2011, Toussaint ran for 1,041 yards and nine touchdowns, second on the [...]

Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/college-fball/brady-hoke-indefinitely-suspends-fitz-toussaint-from-michigan/

Ramon Ramirez Sergio Romo Brian Wilson Eli Whiteside Mike Fontenot Brett Pill

Report- Flyers And Predators Have Not Talked Trade

from Sam Carchidi of Broad Street Bull, Two sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed that the Flyers and Nashville Predators have NOT had any trade talks since star defenseman Shea Weber signed a 14-year, $110 million offer sheet last Wednesday.

That would seem to suggest that Nashville plans to match the Flyers’ offer. Either that, or the Predators are delaying trade talks because they are trying to get the Flyers to call with a sweet proposal.///

One would think if Nashville didn’t plan to sign the offer sheet, it would be trying to orchestrate a trade in an attempt to get more than the four No. 1 picks.

read on

added 12:46pm,

Just got told by 1 NHL Exec it looks like Preds will matchWeber offer sheet. “Unless,Flyers are prepared to make a great trade”#doubtful— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) July 24, 2012

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/report-_flyers_and_predators_have_not_talked_trade/

Patrick Davis Tyler Eckford Mark Fraser Andy Greene zach Parise bryce Salvador

The Shane Doan grand tour gets serious sans assurances from Coyotes’ buyer

According to the Arizona Republic’s Sarah McLellan, Phoenix Coyotes captain and unrestricted free agent forward Shane Doan has not received assurances from the Coyotes’ prospective owner that his bid for the team will come to pass, and as such, Doan’s agent, Terry Bross, tells McLellan that he’s planning on asking Doan which other potential suitors he’d like to meet with after visiting the Rangers and Flyers during last week’s CBA negotiations in New York:

“We’re still trying to decide which other visits he’s going to take,” Bross said. “We’re mulling that over right now.”

Doan has had conversations with Jamison, but Bross said he hasn’t heard from Jamison and isn’t sure how recently the former San Jose Sharks executive reached out to Doan.

“I’ve had contact with (General Manager) Don (Maloney), who is giving me reports from them,” Bross said. “I haven’t heard anything from them.”

After participating in the labor meeting, Doan met with the Rangers and Flyers over the weekend. The visits haven’t ruled out the Coyotes, who remain Doan’s No. 1 target. But Bross wants Doan to be informed about his suitors should he need to choose that route over the Coyotes.

“When we get the news, whether it’s good or bad, at least we’ll be prepared,” Bross said. “Otherwise we’ll have to take a week to make a decision. If we find out it doesn’t happen, then we’re behind the 8-ball trying to go visit teams and make a decision. Let’s get them out of the way now. If it works (with the Coyotes), great. If it doesn’t, we’ve got a feel for the other places.”

added 10:51am, from Mike Sunnucks of the Phoenix Business Journal,

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

Baltimore Orioles Boston Red Sox Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals

2012年7月24日火曜日

British Open 2012: Ernie Els and Stars Ready for PGA Championship

With the 2012 British Open wrapped up, the golf world has already begun looking forward to the next major on the calendar—the PGA Championship.

After his huge win, it will be no surprise when Ernie Els does well in August’s Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina for the 94th edition of the PGA Championship, but he isn’t the only one.

Players like Tiger Woods and Brandt Snedeker learned a lot from their Open Championship experience this year, and will use that to make a great showing at the final major of 2012.

 

Ernie Els

While tour veteran Ernie Els has proven that his golf career is far from over, the PGA Championship has never been the best event for the star.

With 20 career starts in this Major, Els has just five top-10s and no wins.

As much as the odds will be stacked against the South African again at Kiawah Island, his calm demeanor and ability to keep the ball on the fairway will have him in contention at this year’s PGA.

With a little help from the Claret Jug, Els looks to win back-to-back majors for the first time in his illustrious career.

 

Tiger Woods

While there is no question that he melted down on Day 4, Woods has many positives to build from coming out of the British Open.

Not only was the former ace making shots that were reminiscent of his career years ago, his confidence was through the roof. It looked like the old Tiger out on the course.

If Woods can look at the tape and realize that he is better off going out there and just playing his game very natural and very free, he will be back to a winning form and the Open Championship proved it.

Expect to see plenty of Tiger in contention at the PGA.

 

Brandt Snedeker

Don’t let the fact that Snedeker is a relative unknown fool you. He is a veteran of the tour and 31 years old. With a third-place finish at the Open Championship, he is red hot too.

For an overnight sensation, he sure is getting a late start, but hey, isn’t that what golf is all about anyway?

After having a nice start to the week and carrying that momentum into the weekend, this was the kind of invaluable learning time that is necessary to build a star. When the PGA championship finally gets here, watch for Snedeker to make a big splash again.

 

Check back for more on golf as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s Golf page to get your fill of all things PGA Tour.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1269345-british-open-2012-ernie-els-and-stars-ready-for-pga-championship

Texas Rangers Toronto Blue Jays chicago blackhawks columbus blue jackets detroit red wings nashville predators

Fantasy Football 2012: Ranking the 5 Best Options at No. 1 Overall

Say you have the No. 1 pick in your fantasy football league; who are you going to choose?

As we enter the 2012 season, there is no clear-cut choice, and if you have the No. 1 overall pick there are few options for you to consider.

The pick does come with a lot of pressure, as you have to nail it ,as you’ll likely have to wait 18 picks, or probably more, to nab your next player. Hence, a lot of strategy and preparation goes into deciding who you want to lead your team to fantasy greatness.

As the old Spiderman saying goes: “With great power comes great responsibility.” That in essence is what it’s like to hold the No. 1 pick.

With that said, there are basically five players worthy of being drafted No. 1 overall. In this slideshow, I will give the case for and the case against the five worthiest candidates.

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1270087-2012-fantasy-football-ranking-the-5-best-options-at-no-1-overall

Phoenix Coyotes San Jose Sharks New Jersey Devil New York Islanders New York Rangers Philadelphia Flyers

Red Wings GM Ken Holland tells Pleiness that he’s happy with his team…but plans on making moves

Red Wings GM Ken Holland was bound to say something more than he offered the Free Press’s Helene St. James regarding what was all but certainly a better offer for Rick Nash than what the New York Rangers ended up giving Columbus, which declined doing business with Detroit…

#RedWings GM Ken Holland: “I talked to Scott Howson a number of times, we did make an offer for Rick Nash.”— Helene St. James (@HeleneStJames) July 23, 2012


And he did just that while speaking to the Macomb Daily’s Chuck Pleiness, albeit while keeping what I can best describe as that strangely dichotomous party line going—cue the “happy with our team” versus the team will move aggressively to improve itself spiel. First, Pleiness confirms that the Wings offered the Blue Jackets More than the Rangers did….

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/tmr/comments/red_wings_gm_ken_holland_tells_pleiness_that_hes_happy_with_his_team...but_/

Mike Fontenot Brett Pill Pat Burrell Jhan Marinez Anibal Sanchez John Baker

Video: Breaking down the Shea Weber offer sheet

Source: http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2012/7/20/3172639/shea-weber-offer-sheet-video-flyers-predators

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

De-Villainizing Jeremy Lin: Some Clarity to His Contract Negotiations


Jeremy Lin started RFA negotiations with only one deal; a customary qualifying offer from the Knicks of $1 million for one year.  Since the Knicks could not right-out offer what many expected Lin to receive, they could only match.  They told Lin to test the market and solicit a bid.  Everyone expected the Knicks to match.

Of the teams that expressed interest, Jeremy Lin traveled to meet with only one team, the Houston Rockets.  They made it abundantly clear that they wanted Jeremy as the starting point guard, envisioned a future for him, and were willing to make an offer reflective of that.

After that meeting Jeremy left for New York with an offer of $28 million over four years, though still unsigned.  After several vocal comments by the New York front office about matching the offer and Jeremy definitely being back as a Knick, Houston upped their offer.

And that's when the Rockets changed their offer and asked Jeremy to come back.  Despite what some Knicks fans believe, Jeremy could not go back to the Knicks and inform them of what was to come. Nor would it be realistic for him to decline the Rockets new offer on the pretence that it would be tougher for the Knicks to match.

The Rockets are looking out for the Rockets, and vice versa with the Knicks.  Same for Jeremy, or any player who enters into negotiations. In contract negotiations, they have to act with honesty and good faith, with the intention of actually playing for that team.

Jeremy had two options: to sign the new deal, or decline and go back to New York with no deals for the Knicks to match.  With no point guard, the Rockets' needs are what drove them to give their offer; there is no basis for assuming Lin was trying to play one team for the other.  In the end, he only had one offer sheet available for him to sign.

Although some would like to villainize Jeremy Lin, in the end, Houston had to do what was best for itself.  Whether Jeremy "preferred New York," doesn't mean anything to Houston; they made an attractive deal. 

If James Dolan and the Knicks wanted Jeremy Lin back, they would've matched.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1269917-de-villainizing-jeremy-lin-some-clarity-to-his-contract-negotiations

bryce Salvador Wade Belak Martin Erat Marcel Goc Jamie Lundmark Nick Spaling

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Five Who Cannot Get Hurt in 2012

Football is a violent sport, so it comes as no surprise that injuries play a significant role in the outcome of countless contests week in and week out.

So much so, that many teams specifically game-plan around the idea of finding the opposing teams' injured players (or substitutes), and formulating schemes that best position their team to exploit weaknesses.

Like many teams, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves in a position where should they lose a handful of key players, their chances for success diminish exponentially.

Truth be told, the Bucs can ill afford to lose anyone, considering the lack of depth at several positions throughout the roster. 

Nevertheless, I've compiled a list of five players that the Bucs could least afford to lose for some or all of the season.

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1269824-tampa-bay-buccaneers-five-who-cannot-get-hurt-in-2012

Washington Nationals Jonathan Albaladejo Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett Steve Garrison Phil Hughes

Atlanta acquires Ryan Dempster from the Cubs. (UPDATE -- Or maybe they don't)

Source: http://www.lonestarball.com/2012/7/23/3178112/atlanta-acquires-ryan-dempster-from-the-cubs

Philadelphia Flyers Pittsburgh Penguins Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres Montreal Canadiens Ottawa Senators

Ichiro Suzuki Traded To The New York Yankees

Ichiro Suzuki

The New York Yankees added another aging All-Star to their arsenal this afternoon when they acquired Ichiro Suzuki from the Seattle Mariners, according to Jack Curry of the Yes Network (via Twitter). The Yankees gave up a pair of minor league pitchers.

The Yankees will also receive  approximately $7.75 million in cash according to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. Ichiro is in the final year of his contract and has ~$10 million remaining on the 5-year, $90 million contract. He will be a free agent after the season.

Ichiro, a 10-time All-Star, has a .322 career batting average, but is hitting just .261 with 15 stolen bases this season.

In 12 seasons, all with the Mariners, Ichiro has 2,533 career hits. He has 3,811 hits in Major League Baseball and Japan combined.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/wApAljN_fdM/ichiro-suzuki-traded-to-the-new-york-yankees-2012-7

Chicago White Sox Cleveland Indians Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals Los Angeles Dodgers Minnesota Twins

These 21 Sports Franchises Have Been The Worst Investments Since 2000

Philadelphia flyers

Forbes recently released its list of the most valuable sports teams in the world. And last week we took a look at the 18 North American sports franchises that have grown in value the most since 2000.

But while those are the franchises that should be commended for being good investments, what fun would it be if we didn't also look at the franchises that have been the worst investments.

The good news is, of the 117 franchises from the four major North American sports leagues (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL) that were around in 2000, none have decreased in value. However, 21 clubs have grown less than 50% and seven clubs have seen less than 20% growth in 12 years.

On the next few pages, we will take a look at the not-so-elite 21...

#21 Boston Bruins

League: NHL

Value in 2000: $217 million

Value in 2012: $325 million

% Increase: 49.8%



#20 San Jose Sharks

League: NHL

Value in 2000: $141 million

Value in 2012: $211 million

% Increase: 49.6%



#19 Utah Jazz

League: NBA

Value in 2000: $226 million

Value in 2012: $335 million

% Increase: 48.2%



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/6Hf5YkmfSxU/these-21-sports-franchises-have-been-the-worst-investments-since-2000-2012-7

Dallas Los Angeles Kings Phoenix Coyotes San Jose Sharks New Jersey Devil New York Islanders

Denver Cutthroats, Colorado Avalanche sign affiliation agreement

Source: http://www.milehighhockey.com/2012/7/19/3169703/denver-cutthroats-colorado-avalanche-sign-affiliation-agreement

Minnesota Twins New York Yankees Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners Tampa Bay Rays Texas Rangers

Hansen Hype: Must-Read AFC West Links, July 23 Edition

Here are the links to the latest buzz surrounding the AFC West.

 

Denver

A superb job by the Denver Broncos' organization and its players to reach out to the Aurora shooting victims. The Broncos' official website and the Denver Post have quotes and photos from the visit.

Ryan Clady was offered a five-year, $50 million contract and turned it down, according the Denver Post. He's reportedly seeking a deal that would pay him more than Joe Thomas. Clady might be overplaying his hand because of the arrival of Peyton Manning. As ProFootballFocus points out, you don't need an elite left tackle to win, and Clady hasn't been an elite left tackle, either.

Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post writes that the Broncos are hoping their tight ends can produce like Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez did in New England last season. Broncos might need to do a little more than hope Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen can produce to that level.

Manning loves training camp—he might convince the Broncos to move it off-site next year.

 

Kansas City

The Chiefs have the youngest roster in the NFL, according to the Kansas City Star. They are also the youngest in the AFC West by a large margin, with the Raiders being the next closest with seven players over 30. 

Chiefs' cornerback Donald Washington was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, according the Kansas City Star. He was also arrested for marijuana possession and cited for speeding. Unfortunately, this is becoming commonplace in the NFL.

Allen Bailey is one of Football Outsiders' under-the-radar prospects (via KCChiefs.com).

 

Oakland

Carson Palmer thinks the Raiders are a playoff team. He also eagled the 16th hole at the American Century Golf Classic in Lake Tahoe over the weekend. If Palmer plays quarterback like he plays golf, the Raiders should be in the hunt. 

 

San Diego

Aubrayo Franklin and Jackie Battle were signed over the weekend, bringing valuable depth to the sideline in San Diego.

Here is the San Diego Union-Tribune's Chargers' camp preview.

Nick Cepena of the Union-Tribune has 10 issues facing the Chargers this summer.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1268975-hansen-hype-must-read-afc-west-links-july-23-edition

Seattle Mariners Tampa Bay Rays Texas Rangers Toronto Blue Jays chicago blackhawks columbus blue jackets

Khan: Shane Doan’s on a grand tour, and KH wants Doan to stop in Detroit to talk to the Red Wings

Via RedWingsFeed, MLive’s Ansar Khan offers some welcome relief to what has otherwise been a bit of a frustrating week and weekend for Red Wings fans, stating that Red Wings GM Ken Holland wants Shane Doan to come to Detroit as the unrestricted free agent forward continues his “grand tour” of possible suitors’ rinks and visits with their respective front office personnel:

Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said Sunday that he hopes to meet face-to-face with Shane Doan, as the club continues its pursuit of the free-agent forward.

Doan met with the Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers over weekend, after attending NHL labor talks in New York on Friday.

His agent, Terry Bross, did not respond to messages Sunday. But Bross told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that Doan likely will meet with a couple of more teams, including the Penguins.

Doan, 35, is in the process of determining whether to re-sign with the Phoenix Coyotes or go elsewhere. Bross has said Doan would prefer to remain in Phoenix, where he has played since 1996, but that the team’s unsettled ownership situation has cast some doubt of his future. Doan wants some assurance that the franchise won’t relocate following the 2012-13 season. The Red Wings are seeking a top-six forward and Doan is their main target.

Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/tmr/comments/khan_shane_doans_on_a_grand_tour_and_kh_wants_doan_to_stop_in_detroit_to_ta/

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

2012年7月23日月曜日

Nashville Predators: Why They Should and Will Match the Shea Weber Offer Sheet

As I'm sure you all know, a few days ago the Philadelphia Flyers signed Shea Weber to an offer sheet of 14 years worth $110 million. 

The future of Shea Weber is now entirely in the hands of David Poile of the Nashville Predators, who are allowed seven days from the date of the signing to decide whether or not to match it. 

According to NHL.com, if Nashville was to pass on the contract and let Weber become a Flyer, they would receive four first round draft picks over the next five years.

The following are three reasons why the Predators should and will match the offer sheet, keeping Weber in Nashville for the remainder of his career. 

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1268241-nashville-predators-why-they-should-and-will-match-the-shea-weber-offer-sheet

Los Angeles Kings Phoenix Coyotes San Jose Sharks New Jersey Devil New York Islanders New York Rangers

Paterno Family: 'Tearing Down The Statue Of Joe Paterno Does Not Serve The Victims Of Jerry Sandusky's Horrible Crimes'

Joe Paterno Statue

The family of the late Joe Paterno released a statement today in response to the school's decision to remove the statue of the former football coach from outside Beaver Stadium on the campus of Penn State University.

[WATCH THE STATUE BEING REMOVED]

In the statement (via CentreDaily.com), the family once again questioned the conclusions reached by The Freeh Report and the acceptance of those findings by the media, calling it a "flawed and one-sided presentation."

The family added that it is not the school's "responsibility to defend or protect" Paterno and that removing the statue "does not serve the victims."

Here's the full statement from the Paterno Family (via CentreDaily.com):

Tearing down the statue of Joe Paterno does not serve the victims of Jerry Sandusky's horrible crimes or help heal the Penn State community.

We believe the only way to help the victims is to uncover the full truth.

The Freeh report, though it has been accepted by the media as the definitive conclusion on the Sandusky scandal, is the equivalent of an indictment - a charging document written by a prosecutor —and an incomplete and unofficial one at that.

To those who truly want to know the truth about Sandusky, it should matter that Joe Paterno has never had a hearing; that his legal counsel has never been able to interview key witnesses, all of whom are represented by lawyers and therefore unavailable; that there has never been an opportunity to review critical evidence which has not been made public; that selective evidence and the opinion of Mr. Freeh is treated as the equivalent of a fair trial.

Despite this obviously flawed and one-sided presentation, the university believes it must acquiesce and accept that Joe Paterno has been given a fair and complete hearing.

We think the better course would have been for the university to take a strong stand in support of due process so that the complete truth can be uncovered.

It is not the university's responsibility to defend or protect Joe Paterno.

But they at least should have acknowledged that important legal cases are still pending and that the record on Joe Paterno, the board and other key players is far from complete.

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/Uf95AzvUlIY/full-text-of-paterno-family-statement-on-joe-paternos-statue-being-taken-down-2012-7

Marcel Goc Jamie Lundmark Nick Spaling Pikka Rinne Mathieu Carle Lars Eller

Sunday Morning Hockey Notes Out Of Boston

from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe, • Before the start of free agency, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said he would examine the post-July 1 trade market. So far, there hasn’t been much that’s caught Chiarelli’s attention. On a 1-10 scale, Chiarelli termed his trade chatter between 1 and 2. “It’s really quiet right now,” Chiarelli said. “I’m not forcing anything. I’m happy the way the roster is right now. Going forward, it doesn’t mean I won’t look to improve the team later or in the fall via trade. But right now, it’s really quiet.” Several lower-revenue teams have inquired about acquiring Tim Thomas’s $5 million annual cap hit to reach the floor. But those teams will likely wait until the next collective bargaining agreement sets the new cap floor (currently $54.3 million). If and when the Thomas interest kicks up, the Bruins would seek a conditional draft pick. One of the conditions would hinge on whether Thomas changes his mind and plays in 2012-13.

• Two ex-Canadiens still on the market: Mathieu Darche and Jaroslav Spacek. Darche is a bottom-six forward who can move up in the lineup when necessary. He has seen regular shifts on the penalty kill and isn’t afraid of skating in the danger areas. Spacek, wheeled from Montreal to Carolina in the Tomas Kaberle salary dump, could be a bottom-pairing defenseman who could see some power-play time. Spacek is known for his humorous approach and uplifting presence in the dressing room.

• Best of luck to word whiz and good guy Michael Farber, who has accepted a buyout from Sports Illustrated.

more

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

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

The Role Of The NCAA In Punishing Penn State

Source: http://www.bcinterruption.com/2012/7/22/3176221/the-role-of-the-ncaa-in-punshing-penn-state

Buffalo Sabres Montreal Canadiens Ottawa Senators Toronto Maple Leafs Atlanta Trashers Carolina Hurricanes

Virginia Tech Football: Why 2012 Will Spell Disaster for Frank Beamer

2012 could be a big year for the Virginia Tech Hokies.

They return junior quarterback Logan Thomas and all but two starters on an already very good defense. The Hokies have excellent depth at linebacker and all across the defensive line.

But, on offense, the Hokies will be replacing eight starters.

Four of those starters are offensive linemen. 

On Friday, we looked at why Virginia Tech fans should be confident in head coach Frank Beamer, now we will take a look at how the 2012 season could be a disastrous one for Beamer and his Hokies. 

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1268459-virginia-tech-football-why-2012-will-spell-disaster-for-frank-beamer

Phoenix Coyotes San Jose Sharks New Jersey Devil New York Islanders New York Rangers Philadelphia Flyers

USA vs. Argentina Basketball: Momentum on Team USA's Side After Key Victory

Any win against Manu Ginobili and company is a good win.

Team USA defeated Argentina on Sunday in a pre-Summer Olympics exhibition contest by the score of 86-80. Fans shouldn’t be alarmed by the close call like they were when the Americans struggled to beat Brazil. Against the Argentines, a victory by any means is a cause for celebration.

Remember, this is an older version of the club that won gold in the Athens Olympics back in 2004. Ginobili, Luis Scola, Carlos Delfino and Andres Nocioni are all back. Argentina is one of the few teams, on paper, that look capable of defeating the U.S., but the red, white and blue took care of business.

The Associated Press reported that Team USA was well aware of the feat that it had accomplished. LeBron James was actually pumped about the challenge that the Argentines presented. He said following the triumph (via ESPN):

I love it. You hate to breeze through exhibition games and then you get into London, and then you start getting competitive. So we have a very good team. It doesn't matter about how many points you win by, you just want to play well and get better that night, and I feel like we got better tonight.

Kobe Bryant was a little less enthusiastic. He said after the contest (via ESPN):

“It's tough. Argentina's a very good team, very tough-minded. They continue to play hard and for us it was a big challenge to try to put the game away, we could just never do it.”

The U.S. will get another chance to blow Argentina out on Aug. 6. Both teams are in the same group in London so they’re guaranteed to see each other again. And considering that they’ll face off in the final game of the group stage, the stakes will definitely be high.

There, the world will witness if this year’s squad is closer to the original Dream Team or the 2004 version.

 

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1268295-usa-vs-argentina-basketball-momentum-on-team-usas-side-after-key-victory

Mathieu Carle Lars Eller Hal Gill John Madden Petr Kalus Colton Gilies

British Open 2012: Analysis of Adam Scott's Disastrous Collapse

Going into the final round of the 2012 British Open no one could have predicted the kind of collapse that Adam Scott experienced.

There is no other word to describe it than disastrous.

At the start of the round, Scott held a four stroke lead over the rest of the contenders and seemed primed to continue his strong play en route to his first major win.

He was able to battle through a few early ups and downs, and finally on the 14th hole Scott was able to make birdie to once again extend his lead to four strokes.

A four stroke lead with only four holes to play. It seemed in the bag for Scott at this point—as long as he could keep playing decent golf.

What happened next will surely go down as one of the greatest monumental collapses ever.

In case you missed the downfall live, here is a play by play analysis of it—hole by hole—from the 15th to Scott's final collapse at the 18th.

Begin Slideshow

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1268082-adam-scott-british-open-analysis-of-a-disastrous-collapse

zach Parise bryce Salvador Wade Belak Martin Erat Marcel Goc Jamie Lundmark

Tiger Woods, British Open: Icon's Transformation into Choke Artist Is Complete

Tiger Woods has changed.

Today, the world watched Eldrick fail to close strongly in the 2012 British Open. Coming up short in PGA Tour majors isn’t a new development for Woods—it’s become a pattern.

The killer is gone. The most clutch athlete on the planet has been reduced to a choke artist.

Steve DiMeglio of USA Today reported that Tiger talked about his letdown after the tournament. He said:

I was right there. The game plan was to shoot under par going out. And with the wind the way it was blowing, I was right there in position. But I didn't get it done. Overall I'm pleased with the way I played, unfortunately just a couple here and there ended up costing me some momentum, especially today at No. 6.

Woods began Sunday five strokes back from Adam Scott. It would’ve taken an extraordinary effort for Tiger to fight back to win the title.

Key word: would’ve—as in, it would’ve if Scott didn’t generously set him up for a comeback.

Scott shot five over par in Round 4. Woods just needed to go even on the day to force a playoff. Instead, he shot three over.

You know what hurts the most about Tiger failing to take advantage of Scott’s collapse, though? The golfer that did (Ernie Els) began Sunday one stroke behind Woods.

But again, Tiger’s choke job isn't exactly mind-blowing.

In the U.S. Open, Woods bogeyed and/or double bogeyed five out of the first six holes on the final day to take himself out of the running for the Olympic Club crown. At the Masters, five Round 4 bogeys were only the cherry on top of a weekend-long struggle. In last year’s PGA Championship, he didn’t even make the cut.

And the drought continues. Tiger hasn’t won a major tournament in over four years.

He keeps fooling fans into believing that he’s back with meaningless wins in other PGA Tour events. On the grandest of stages, though, when it counts the most, Woods continues to come up short.

 

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1268024-tiger-woods-british-open-icons-transformation-into-choke-artist-is-complete

Washington Nationals Jonathan Albaladejo Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett Steve Garrison Phil Hughes

San Diego Padres sign Carlos Quentin to 2 year contract extension

Source: http://www.lonestarball.com/2012/7/22/3176231/san-diego-padres-sign-carlos-quentin-to-2-year-contract-extension

Jason Arnott David Clarkson Patrick Davis Tyler Eckford Mark Fraser Andy Greene

If Shea Weber Watch ends in trade, Flyers have all the leverage

Source: http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2012/7/20/3172114/shea-weber-offer-sheet-trade-flyers-predators

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

Kyle Busch, NASCAR add more interactivity for fans

At a press conference Friday outside the House of Blues in Chicago, NASCAR announced the launch of the inaugural interactive fan event: NASCAR Contenders Live. The event will allow fans to interact directly with the 12 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup contenders at the House of Blues on Wednesday, Sept.12 at 1:30 p.m. Present [...]

Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/nascar-2/kyle-busch-nascar-add-more-interactivity-for-fans/

Lars Eller Hal Gill John Madden Petr Kalus Colton Gilies Justin Falk

2012年7月22日日曜日

What Do You Think Of A Revenue Sharing/Luxury Tax System In The NHL?

Player agent Allan Walsh expresses his views regarding the CBA…

NHL owners/Gary Bettman have a salary cap obsession. Their solution is to always take from the players by revenue grab each CBA cycle.— Allan Walsh (@walsha) July 21, 2012


What NHL owners/Bettman don’t get is salary cap just a band aid. Players took hard cap, 24% rollback last time. Now, NHL wants 22% rollback.— Allan Walsh (@walsha) July 21, 2012


What will the NHL want next time? The solution is revenue sharing/luxury tax system to ensure financial health of all franchises.— Allan Walsh (@walsha) July 21, 2012

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

Justin Falk Robbie Eal Joe Callahan Bryan Allen Mark Cullen Baltimore Orioles

British Open TV Schedule 2012: When and Where to Catch the Open's Final Round

The final round of the 2012 British Open features Tiger Woods and some of the world's best golfers chasing Adam Scott, who leads the field by four strokes. You can catch all of the leaders on TV, as ESPN will be covering all the live action, starting at 6:00 a.m. ET.

Royal Lytham & St. Annes has proven to be a fair test of golf so far, as the multitude of pot bunkers and brutally thick rough have caused many a golfer to lose valuable strokes. But, when the guys can manage to keep their balls in the fairways and manage to hit greens, there are some low scores to be had. 

Scott, with his four-shot lead, only needs to make pars tomorrow. If he stays out of trouble and plays a solid round of golf, he'll force the rest of the field to be aggressive on this high-risk, high-reward golf course, and he's likely to win his first career major championship. 

 

TV Schedule for Sunday's Final Round 

ESPN: 6 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET 

ABC: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. ET (an abbreviated version of ESPN's coverage earlier in the day)

TSN: 6 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. ET (TSN will stream ESPN's coverage to Canadian viewers)

BBC One: 12:35 p.m. – 7:00 p.m BST

BBC Two: 11:00 a.m. - 12:35 p.m. BST

 

Players Who Can Catch Scott

There are three players within five shots of Scott's lead.

We've seen players shoot a 64 on this golf course already this week, so we know it can be done. Obviously, Sunday pins are traditionally the toughest of the tournament, but great players have the ability to rise to the occasion when the chips are down.

Here are the five golfers in position to challenge Scott on Sunday in Round 4. 

 

Tiger Woods

You can't start a list like this without starting with Eldrick. He's so close to returning to the form that won him 14 major championships, and there's no doubt that he knows it better than any of us. 

At six-under par heading into Sunday, Woods has a long ways to go. His best round of the week so far has been a three-under 67, which he carded twice. He'll need to do better than that to catch Scott, though, and I'll be surprised to see him win tomorrow.

 

Graeme McDowell

McDowell—a Northern Irishman and local favorite—has a terrific chance to catch Scott, as he's only four shots back at seven-under par.

He's never come close to winning the Open Championship, though. In his eight career appearances, McDowell's best showing came in 2005 when he tied for 11th place. He'll be in the final group with Scott, and I can't wait to see the two of them duke it out all day long.

 

Brandt Snedeker

Snedeker was the Round 2 leader at 10-under par. He shot a 64 on Friday, and despite a woeful showing on Saturday that resulted in a three-over par round of 73, he's still in this thing.

He'll be paired with Woods in the second-to-last group, so the crowds that follow Tiger around could become an issue. That said, Snedeker looked so good during the first two rounds that I will be surprised if we don't see another terrific outing from him on Sunday to challenge Scott's lead.

 

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1267655-british-open-tv-schedule-2012-when-and-where-to-catch-the-opens-final-round

Nick Spaling Pikka Rinne Mathieu Carle Lars Eller Hal Gill John Madden

This Is The Set For Erin Andrews' College Football On Fox Commercial

Erin Andrews was on the set of a commercial for College Football on Fox yesterday. Andrews tweeted photos of the set, and we are very confused [h/t Big Lead Sports].

erin andrews

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Join the conversation about this story »


Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/_I-puoSAk1k/erin-andrews-fox-commercial-2012-7

Edmonton Oilers Minnesota Wild Vancouver Canucks Anaheim Ducks Dallas Los Angeles Kings

Game 93 Game Day Thread

Source: http://www.lonestarball.com/2012/7/21/3173744/game-93-game-day-thread

Alex Hinshaw Ramon Ramirez Sergio Romo Brian Wilson Eli Whiteside Mike Fontenot

UFC 149 Results: Surprising Results from Underrated Card

In spite of the hype surrounding the Barao-Faber bout, the prelims at UFC 149 were arguably as enticing as the main event is set to be.

Ryan Jimmo's result against Anthony Perosh was arguably the most promising of any, ending in a record time of seven seconds. The result was tied for the fastest KO in UFC history.

These are the three of the most jaw-dropping prelim results at UFC 149.

 

Francisco Rivera defeats Roland Delorme

A Round 1 KO for Francisco Rivera was well deserved, but there is no question Roland Delorme should have put up a better performance.

This is a fighter that has won three of his last four bouts and yet was unable to keep up with the firepower Rivera boasts. Rivera's punches were lethal in this contest and proved to be too much for Delorme to handle after several punches that led to a KO.

Rivera came off of a May 15 fight and has an overall record of just 4-2. This is a top-notch fighter, but Delorme should have had a more promising performance in this contest.

 

Nick Ring defeats Court McGee

Nick Ring and Court McGee duked it out for three rounds before it came down to a unanimous decision in Ring's favor.

The middleweight competition at the prelims went the distance, when Ring's 13-1 record should have easily had him on top in this epic bout. Yet it was a top-notch performance from McGee that helped him stay neck and neck with Ring throughout the bout.

Make no mistake about it: the better fighter came out on top. Yet the fact it lasted three rounds was undoubtedly a shocking result.

 

Ryan Jimmo defeats Anthony Perosh 

These underrated prelims had a defining moment when Ryan Jimmo took down Anthony Perosh in stunning fashion.

It was an outright jaw-dropping seven-second KO, which is tied for the quickest KO in UFC history. Perosh was backing up from the start of the bout, and it was a lethal right jab that left him down and out in a hurry.

Easily the most ground-breaking result of the prelims, it was quite a sight to see Jimmo make a mockery of Perosh in this light heavyweight contest of epic proportions.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1267740-ufc-149-results-surprising-results-from-underrated-card

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

Cubs hosting Ron Santo Hall of Fame watch party

The Chicago Cubs will host a Ron Santo Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony viewing party at the Captain Morgan Club adjacent to Wrigley Field Sunday, starting at 11 a.m. CDT. Attendees can watch the ceremony live on dozens of televisions from 12:30-2:30 p.m., just steps away from Ron Santo’s statue at the corner of [...]

Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/basewars-chicago-cubs/cubs-hosting-ron-santo-hall-of-fame-watch-party/

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

Reports: Penn State taking down Joe Paterno statue

The school won’t make it official yet, but word is that Penn State is ready to take down the Joe Paterno statue, and it could happen as early as this weekend. PSU trustees have not confirmed as of yet, but here’s the word via NBC’s Pro Football Talk Multiple reports Friday morning from former ESPN/CBS [...]

Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/college-fball/reports-penn-state-taking-down-joe-paterno-statue/

Mathieu Carle Lars Eller Hal Gill John Madden Petr Kalus Colton Gilies

New York Yankees' Clutch Hitting Woes and Whether It Matters

Entering play on Saturday, July 21st, the New York Yankees have the best record in baseball, surging of late, winning nine of their previous 13 games. The Bronx Bombers lead Major League Baseball in home runs, are eighth in team batting average and first in OPS (on base + slugging percentage).

However, the Yankees are second to last in the American League while batting with runners in scoring position (RISP). Huh?

Of all the major sports, baseball is the simplest to quantify and to project team and individual performance. It's a sport that is eminently easy to follow statistically, given its large sample sizes and isolated moments of game action.

Baseball's statistical projections and prognostications are mostly based on past performance and studying trends. In certain respects, this differs very little from the methods behind predicting stock market successes or failures.

These trends project whether a player or team will perform at certain levels given their age, health and the aforementioned past performance. Most teams now employ personnel that help them to gain a statistical advantage that they hope translates to success on the field.

Just like a Wall Street brokerage firm, any general manager or front office person in Major League Baseball can tell you that having all of the best statistical information and algorithms at your disposal does not always guarantee future success.

How else can one explain the Yankees strong overall offensive performance and simultaneous ineptitude while hitting with men on second and/or third base? Manager Joe Girardi is at a loss. Following their victory in Atlanta last month, the Yankees skipper said "Let's not (talk about it) and let's see if it changes," he said. "Let's try a different way, and let's see if it changes."

Something may need to change sooner rather than later; otherwise, the Yankees could be looking at another disappointing October. Given the increasingly competitive battle within their division this season, the Yankees no longer have any "gimme" games.

The Baltimore OriolesTampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays have significantly stepped up their hitting this season and each team has batters that can rake on a nightly basis. While none of these three teams match the offensive prowess of the Bombers, two of the three (Toronto and Tampa Bay) are ahead while hitting with RISP. But does it matter?

The two teams which represented their leagues in the Fall Classic last season were the two best hitting teams with RISP during the 2011 regular season. Yet, if you go back to the 2010 season, you find that the San Francisco Giants finished last in the National League in batting average with RISP. In case you forgot, those same Giants won the World Series.

In 2009, when the Yankees won their 27th World Series title, they finished eighth in the majors batting with RISP. The NL champions, Philadelphia, were 23rd. In 2008, the Rays and Phillies won the AL and NL pennants. Tampa finished last in the AL while hitting with RISP and Philly were right smack in the middle of all major league teams in the same category.

The Yankees have enjoyed tremendous success in the regular season during their incredible, sustained run of dominance since the start of the 1994 season. The Yanks have reached the postseason every year but one since the 1995 season, winning five World Series titles and capturing seven American League pennants.

In the Yankees' past two postseasons, the lack of big hits in big spots have ruined the Bombers' chances of reaching the World Series. There's no question that these hitting woes are under greater scrutiny given the magnitude of October baseball.

Baseball players, especially those in New York, understand that all too well. Though the answer that no one seems to have is how to improve in that area—in those moments.

It may give fans no comfort, there simply does not appear to be a consistently proven correlation, over the course of a season, between a superior batting average with men in scoring position and winning championships.

Though it sure couldn't hurt for the Yankees to improve in that category.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1267627-yankees-clutch-hitting-woes-and-whether-it-matters

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

British Open Live: Online and Streaming Info for Day 4

And then there was one day remaining.

Adam Scott leads the field in the 2012 British Open by four strokes with one round remaining. If you can't get yourself in front of a TV on Sunday, don't worry—I got you covered.

Here is everything you need to know to get you ready to watch Day 4 on TV or the Internet. 

 

When: Sunday, July 22, 2012

 

Watch: Coverage starts at 6 a.m. on ESPN

 

Live Stream: ESPN3

 

British Open Leaderboard, According to ESPN:

POS START CTRY PLAYER TO PAR TODAY THRU R1 R2 R3 R4 TOT
1 2 AUS Adam Scott -11 -2 F 64 67 68 - 199
T2 1 USA Brandt Snedeker -7 +3 F 66 64 73 - 203
T2 5 IRE Graeme McDowell -7 -3 F 67 69 67 - 203
4 3 USA Tiger Woods -6 E F 67 67 70 - 204
T5 15 USA Zach Johnson -5 -4 F 65 74 66 - 205
T5 10 RSA Ernie Els -5 -2 F 67 70 68 - 205
7 4 DEN Thorbjorn Olesen -4 +1 F 69 66 71 - 206
T8 5 RSA Thomas Aiken -3 +1 F 68 68 71 - 207
T8 15 USA Bill Haas -3 -2 F 71 68 68 - 207
T10 15 USA Mark Calcavecchia -2 -1 F 71 68 69 - 208
T10 5 USA Matt Kuchar -2 +2 F 69 67 72 - 208
T10 28 USA Bubba Watson -2 -2 F 67 73 68 - 208
T10 28 RSA Louis Oosthuizen -2 -2 F 72 68 68 - 208

 

Here is a full list of the tee-times, according to TheOpen.com:

1. 7:20 a.m.  Martin Laird  
2. 7:30 a.m. John Daly Tom Watson
3. 7:40 a.m. Jeev Milkha Singh Rafael Cabrera-Bello
4. 7:50 a.m. Charles Howell III Ross Fisher
5. 8 a.m. Chad Campbell Andres Romero
6. 8:10 a.m. Lee Slattery John Senden
7. 8:20 a.m.  Warren Bennett Aaron Baddelly
8. 8:30 a.m. Juvic Pagunsan Retief Goosen
9. 8:40 a.m. Bob Estes Richard Sterne
10. 8:55 a.m. Rory McIlroy Fredrik Jacobson
11. 9:05 a.m. Brendan Jones Ted Potter Jr.
12. 9:15 a.m. Thongchai Jaidee Yoshinori Fujimoto
13. 9:25 a.m. Gonzalo Fernandez Castanzo Nicolas Colsaerts
14. 9:35 a.m. Pablo Larrazabal KJ Choi
15. 9:45 a.m. SM Bae Adilson Da Silva
16. 9:55 a.m. Lee Westwood Toshinori Muto
17. 10:05 a.m. Geoff Ogilvy Miguel Angel Jimenez
18. 10:15 a.m. Ian Poulter Greg Owen
19. 10:30 a.m. Branden Grace Jim Furyk
20. 10:40 a.m. Rafa Echenique Troy Matteson
21. 10:50 a.m. Gary Woodland Rickie Fowler
22. 11 a.m. Paul Lawrie Carl Pettersson
23. 11:10 a.m. Simon Dyson Garth Mulroy
24. 11:20 a.m. Jamie Donaldson Dale Whitnell
25. 11:30 a.m. Francesco Molinari Harris English
26. 11:40 a.m. Padraig Harrington Joost Luiten
27. 11:55 a.m. Steve Stricker Peter Hanson
28. 12:05 p.m. Thomas Bjorn Hunter Mahan
29. 12:15 p.m. Alexander Noren Justin Hicks
30. 12:25 p.m. Matthew Baldwin Keegan Bradley
31. 12:35 p.m. Steven Alker James Morrison
32. 12:45 p.m. Greg Chalmers Simon Khan
33. 12:55 p.m. Anirban Lahiri Nick Watney
34. 1:05 p.m. Vijay Singh Jason Dufner
35. 1:20 p.m. Luke Donald Kyle Stanley
36. 1:30 p.m. Dustin Johnson Matt Kuchar
37. 1:40 p.m. Mark Calcavecchia Louis Oosthuizen
38. 1:50 p.m. Bubba Watson Thomas Aiken
39. 2 p.m. Bill Haas Thorbjorn Olesen
40. 2:10 p.m. Ernie Els Zach Johnson
41. 2:20 p.m. Tiger Woods Brandt Snedeker
42. 2:30 p.m. Graeme McDowell Adam Scott

 

Players in Good Position:

Adam Scott (-11)

Leading the pack at -11 is Adam Scott. No golfer has been as consistent from Thursday-to-Saturday as Scott, and that's why he leads the pack. 

 

Brandt Snedeker (-7)

After taking a step back on Saturday, Brandt Snedeker is still in contention at -7 to make a run at Scott. His confidence is shaky after a Round 3 73, but he's still alive in the race.

 

Graeme McDowell (-7)

Graeme McDowell shot a Round 3 67 to keep him afloat in the 2012 British Open. He's riding high off his performance Saturday, which makes him a wild-card sleeper pick.

 

Tiger Woods (-6)

Tiger Woods had his opportunity to break through, but he failed on Saturday, shooting an even par. His inability to finish after his consistent fairway hits has been destroying his chances.

It looks like an uphill climb from here, but never discount this man's ability to perform on the big stage. If Woods gets off to a good start, the pressure will be amped to another level for Scott. 

 

Prediction:

Scott has been the most consistent golfer thus far. He'll be able to win the tournament on Sunday even if he doesn't bring his A-game. 

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1267449-british-open-live-online-and-streaming-info-for-day-4

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