The Red Sox are on the West Coast, and let's face it, the baseball season has been rather tame this season. So why not talk some football, our national pastime.
With training camp starting in a few weeks, I'm already getting excited, even for the annual Brett Favre uncertainty. The Patriots will undoubtedly have a tougher time in the division this season, with the Jets and Dolphins loading up during the offseason.
The offense, which underperformed last season, I'm hoping will be a bit better, and it has to be because the defense has plenty of question marks, especially in the defensive backfield. Will Patrick Chung turn into the player everyone thought he'd be after being drafted in the second round? Will first-round choice Devin McCourty be an immediate impact player?
The Jets, who advanced to the AFC title game last year as a wild card, are the early favorites in the AFC East after adding Jason Taylor, Antonio Cromartie and LaDainian Tomlinson. The Dolphins bolstered their defense with Karlos Danby. The Patriots didn't make many offseason moves, but I still like what they have going into the season.
But keep an eye out for the Colts, always dangerous, and the Ravens, who I believe are the favorites in the AFC.
The NFC, assuming Brett Favre is back, will be a two-dog race between the Vikings and the Saints. I took the Vikings to go to the Super Bowl last season, and they were one stupid Favre interception from making me look like a genius.
The Hall of Fame game between the Bengals and Cowboys is Sunday, Aug. 8. That's 18 days away and I can't wait.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Champs, a chump and an odd ending
Some random thoughts from the weekend that was in sports, from the other side of town to the other side of the world …
I’m still not sure how to pronounce the last name of British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, but I’m really good at spelling it after typing it half a dozen times today. That said, I’ll be surprised if we hear or see the South African’s name much after the Open excitement dies down.
The only reason I ever turn on a golf tournament is to check how Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are doing — and that only happens during the majors. But for some reason, big names have faltered in most of the sport’s major championships in recent years.
First-time major champions have been crowned in six of the last eight majors. Oosthuizen joined a list that includes U.S. Open champs Graeme McDowell (2010) and Lucas Glover (2009), Stewart Cink (2009 British), Yang Yong-eun (2009 PGA) and Trevor Immelman (2008 Masters).
Parity in team sports keeps things interesting, but that’s certainly not the case in golf.
Speaking of champions, it’s looking less and less likely that the proposed Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight is ever going to happen. The Pacquiao camp gave Mayweather until midnight Friday to agree to a Nov. 13 bout, but the deadline passed with no word from Mayweather.
I now have no choice but to believe that Mayweather doesn’t want to see Pacquiao, the current WBO welterweight champ, in the ring. I’d like to see Pacquiao channel his inner Clubber Lang and goad Mayweather into this fight.
“I reject the challenge, because Mayweather is no challenge. But I’ll be happy to beat up on him.”
Mayweather must really be scared of Pacquiao, though. This likely would be the biggest payday in boxing history for both fighters, yet “Money” seems to want no part of it.
The New England Collegiate Baseball League All-Star Game was played at Cardines Field on Sunday night and had the strangest finish since the 2002 MLB game ended in a tie. With the Eastern Division leading 6-0 heading to the ninth inning, when the West failed to score, the game didn’t end. In an effort to get every Eastern Division player an at-bat, they played the bottom of the ninth, and the East ended up winning 12-0.
I completely understand wanting to get every player an opportunity to play, but there were plenty of chances before the bottom of the ninth. With the Eastern Division leading the whole way, obviously there was a chance the home half of the ninth wouldn’t be necessary. It seems odd that no one recognized this so the East could start emptying its bench earlier.
But it has to be difficult to manage a baseball all-star game. It’s not a job I’d want.
I’m still not sure how to pronounce the last name of British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, but I’m really good at spelling it after typing it half a dozen times today. That said, I’ll be surprised if we hear or see the South African’s name much after the Open excitement dies down.
The only reason I ever turn on a golf tournament is to check how Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are doing — and that only happens during the majors. But for some reason, big names have faltered in most of the sport’s major championships in recent years.
First-time major champions have been crowned in six of the last eight majors. Oosthuizen joined a list that includes U.S. Open champs Graeme McDowell (2010) and Lucas Glover (2009), Stewart Cink (2009 British), Yang Yong-eun (2009 PGA) and Trevor Immelman (2008 Masters).
Parity in team sports keeps things interesting, but that’s certainly not the case in golf.
Speaking of champions, it’s looking less and less likely that the proposed Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather fight is ever going to happen. The Pacquiao camp gave Mayweather until midnight Friday to agree to a Nov. 13 bout, but the deadline passed with no word from Mayweather.
I now have no choice but to believe that Mayweather doesn’t want to see Pacquiao, the current WBO welterweight champ, in the ring. I’d like to see Pacquiao channel his inner Clubber Lang and goad Mayweather into this fight.
“I reject the challenge, because Mayweather is no challenge. But I’ll be happy to beat up on him.”
Mayweather must really be scared of Pacquiao, though. This likely would be the biggest payday in boxing history for both fighters, yet “Money” seems to want no part of it.
The New England Collegiate Baseball League All-Star Game was played at Cardines Field on Sunday night and had the strangest finish since the 2002 MLB game ended in a tie. With the Eastern Division leading 6-0 heading to the ninth inning, when the West failed to score, the game didn’t end. In an effort to get every Eastern Division player an at-bat, they played the bottom of the ninth, and the East ended up winning 12-0.
I completely understand wanting to get every player an opportunity to play, but there were plenty of chances before the bottom of the ninth. With the Eastern Division leading the whole way, obviously there was a chance the home half of the ninth wouldn’t be necessary. It seems odd that no one recognized this so the East could start emptying its bench earlier.
But it has to be difficult to manage a baseball all-star game. It’s not a job I’d want.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Golf's double standard
To the sports media covering this week's British Open, shame on you.
You're the writers and columnists who took a jab at Tiger Woods when the opportunity arose, and continue to do so whenever he puts up a number above par. To you, Tiger Woods is the enemy after his "indiscretions" sidetracked his career and assault on Jack Nicklaus' record for major championships. Personally, I got sick of reading this drivel week in and week out, mostly because Tiger's personal affairs belonged only to Tiger.
But after Thursday's first round, there were no bullets in your gun. The world's No. 1 golfer carded a 5-under-par 67 and put himself in great position, rendering you defenseless.
Phil Mickelson, on the other hand, struggled through his first round and was tied for 74th after a 1-over 73. Ranked No. 2 in the world - and although he keeps knocking at the door, he can seem to find the knob - Mickelson skipped out on reporters following his round.
Had Woods put up such a number and failed to talk to the media afterward, you would have had a field day. You would have said this round is just a continuation of Tiger's fall from grace and Jack's record is safe. Because he's the bad guy. Because he cheated on his wife.
No such words were written about Mickelson, who's been America's darling since he won the Masters. It's a double standard, and it's a bit troublesome. Tiger faces unfair criticism week in and week out, while Phil just coasts along without the fear of a scathing column.
There's a good chance Phil won't make the cut and will be home watching Tiger and company compete for the Claret Jug this weekend. And while Tiger might come up short, and he might self-destruct, giving you more fodder for your columns, at least he'll be playing.
The lovefest for Mickelson, however, will go on. Shame on you.
You're the writers and columnists who took a jab at Tiger Woods when the opportunity arose, and continue to do so whenever he puts up a number above par. To you, Tiger Woods is the enemy after his "indiscretions" sidetracked his career and assault on Jack Nicklaus' record for major championships. Personally, I got sick of reading this drivel week in and week out, mostly because Tiger's personal affairs belonged only to Tiger.
But after Thursday's first round, there were no bullets in your gun. The world's No. 1 golfer carded a 5-under-par 67 and put himself in great position, rendering you defenseless.
Phil Mickelson, on the other hand, struggled through his first round and was tied for 74th after a 1-over 73. Ranked No. 2 in the world - and although he keeps knocking at the door, he can seem to find the knob - Mickelson skipped out on reporters following his round.
Had Woods put up such a number and failed to talk to the media afterward, you would have had a field day. You would have said this round is just a continuation of Tiger's fall from grace and Jack's record is safe. Because he's the bad guy. Because he cheated on his wife.
No such words were written about Mickelson, who's been America's darling since he won the Masters. It's a double standard, and it's a bit troublesome. Tiger faces unfair criticism week in and week out, while Phil just coasts along without the fear of a scathing column.
There's a good chance Phil won't make the cut and will be home watching Tiger and company compete for the Claret Jug this weekend. And while Tiger might come up short, and he might self-destruct, giving you more fodder for your columns, at least he'll be playing.
The lovefest for Mickelson, however, will go on. Shame on you.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Local Little Leaguers have plenty of game
As the summer wears on, it’s getting to be about that time when Little Leaguers take center stage in states across America. The good news is that Aquidneck Island has two very good teams who will be vying for a spot in the state’s final four, then perhaps a trip to Bristol, Conn., for the New England Regional.
The bad news is, only one of those teams will have a chance to make it. The 11-12-year-old All-Stars from Portsmouth and Middletown will meet tonight at 5:45 at the Aquidneck School Field in a District 2 winners’ bracket game.
Additionally, the Middletown 11-12 All-Stars have already won the District 2 title, beating Barrington 14-7 in the final, and begins the state tournament, which pits the four district teams against one another, on Saturday in Westerly. In Portsmouth, the 9-10 softball team hosts East Providence tonight for the District 2 crown.
Good luck to all the teams as they progress through their respective tournaments.
Speaking of Little League, the Fifth Ward Little League will host the national youth team from Ireland on July 24 at 11 a.m., at King’s Park in Newport. The game is in conjunction with the country’s national team playing the Sunset League All-Stars later in the day at Cardines Field.
The Irish national team is playing a number of games in New England, beginning on Sunday in Boston. The youth team is staying in Rhode Island, playing most of its games at Wilson Park in North Kingstown.
The bad news is, only one of those teams will have a chance to make it. The 11-12-year-old All-Stars from Portsmouth and Middletown will meet tonight at 5:45 at the Aquidneck School Field in a District 2 winners’ bracket game.
Additionally, the Middletown 11-12 All-Stars have already won the District 2 title, beating Barrington 14-7 in the final, and begins the state tournament, which pits the four district teams against one another, on Saturday in Westerly. In Portsmouth, the 9-10 softball team hosts East Providence tonight for the District 2 crown.
Good luck to all the teams as they progress through their respective tournaments.
Speaking of Little League, the Fifth Ward Little League will host the national youth team from Ireland on July 24 at 11 a.m., at King’s Park in Newport. The game is in conjunction with the country’s national team playing the Sunset League All-Stars later in the day at Cardines Field.
The Irish national team is playing a number of games in New England, beginning on Sunday in Boston. The youth team is staying in Rhode Island, playing most of its games at Wilson Park in North Kingstown.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
A couple of baseball notes
- It is being reported that George Steinbrenner, the longtime owner of the New York Yankees and the emperor of the Evil Empire, has died after suffering a massive heart attack. He was 80.
It's no secret the health of Steinbrenner has been in decline the last few years. Yes, I'm a Red Sox, but I think George Steinbrenner is one of the most fascinating people in baseball history. His sons, Hank and Hal, have taken over the day-to-day operations of the team, but when that duty belonged to George, every day was an adventure.
From his hiring-and-firing fiascoes with Billy Martin to Don Mattingly's hair to butting heads with Reggie Jackson, Steinbrenner did things his way, and that was the only way. He was a man who had plenty of ego, he loved spending his money and he love winning. And above all else, he loved owning the most popular franchise in American sports.
- The MLB Home Run Derby is one of the highlights of All-Star Weekend, but it's become a bit ridiculous. Chris Berman, who does the play by play for the event, is downright excruciating to listen to. His "Back, back, back ... " call is more than 20 years old and it's got to go.
Berman, who was honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier in the day Monday, has become a bit stale as a whole. I understand that he's not going to reinvent himself, but let somebody else have a shot at calling the home run derby - as long as it's not Stuart Scott.
I'm all for raising money for good causes, but now the Home Run Derby is filled with sponsors, from insurance companies to Century 21. I guess that's just a sign of the times.
- Speaking of the Home Run Derby, it'll be interesting to see how David Ortiz responds for the second half of the season. Historically, the winner of the event struggles in the second half, and I'm sure the brass of the Red Sox are on pins and needles after watching him win it.
I remember a few years ago Bobby Abreu had an outstanding first round, won the event and was never the same player.
It's no secret the health of Steinbrenner has been in decline the last few years. Yes, I'm a Red Sox, but I think George Steinbrenner is one of the most fascinating people in baseball history. His sons, Hank and Hal, have taken over the day-to-day operations of the team, but when that duty belonged to George, every day was an adventure.
From his hiring-and-firing fiascoes with Billy Martin to Don Mattingly's hair to butting heads with Reggie Jackson, Steinbrenner did things his way, and that was the only way. He was a man who had plenty of ego, he loved spending his money and he love winning. And above all else, he loved owning the most popular franchise in American sports.
- The MLB Home Run Derby is one of the highlights of All-Star Weekend, but it's become a bit ridiculous. Chris Berman, who does the play by play for the event, is downright excruciating to listen to. His "Back, back, back ... " call is more than 20 years old and it's got to go.
Berman, who was honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier in the day Monday, has become a bit stale as a whole. I understand that he's not going to reinvent himself, but let somebody else have a shot at calling the home run derby - as long as it's not Stuart Scott.
I'm all for raising money for good causes, but now the Home Run Derby is filled with sponsors, from insurance companies to Century 21. I guess that's just a sign of the times.
- Speaking of the Home Run Derby, it'll be interesting to see how David Ortiz responds for the second half of the season. Historically, the winner of the event struggles in the second half, and I'm sure the brass of the Red Sox are on pins and needles after watching him win it.
I remember a few years ago Bobby Abreu had an outstanding first round, won the event and was never the same player.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Rochus gains final against Fish
No. 4 seed Olivier Rochus from Belgium cruised into the finals of the Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Championships with a 6-3, 6-2 ousting of Brian Dabul of Argentina on Saturday afternoon.
Rochus will meet No. 5 seed Mardy Fish of Tampa on Sunday afternoon at 2.
Rochus will meet No. 5 seed Mardy Fish of Tampa on Sunday afternoon at 2.
Fish in final
No. 5 seed Mardy Fish from Tampa beat Richard Bloomfield from Great Britain 7-6(5), 6-4 on Saturday afternoon in the semifinals of the Campbell's Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.
Fish after winning the tiebreaker in the first set needed just one service break in the second set. He got it in the ninth game when Bloomfield at 40-15 served three straight double-faults that set up his defeat.
Fish will face the winner of the other semifinal between Brian Dabul from Argentina and No. 4 seed Olivier Rochus from Belgium currently being played.
The final will be Sunday afternoon at 2.
Fish after winning the tiebreaker in the first set needed just one service break in the second set. He got it in the ninth game when Bloomfield at 40-15 served three straight double-faults that set up his defeat.
Fish will face the winner of the other semifinal between Brian Dabul from Argentina and No. 4 seed Olivier Rochus from Belgium currently being played.
The final will be Sunday afternoon at 2.
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