Reds, Indians Update and MLB Roundup

April 14, 2009 By 4 Comments
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Cincinnati Reds logoThis week’s focus will primarily be on the Reds, which is good, since Ohio’s other team won their first game of the season just Sunday, then were beaten in Kansas City last evening despite having twice as many hits as the Royals and the tying runs in scoring position with nobody out in the 9th. Fausto Carmona was as bad in his first two starts as Cliff Lee was, and Cleveland has a team ERA of 8.24. It very well could be a long season on the shores of Lake Erie.

Due to a rain out and an off day, Cincinnati only played five games last week, all at home, and in the end salvaged just two, most recently Sunday with a complete game gem by Aaron Harang. Technically, Harang is the Reds’ ace, but that’s mostly based on his tenure and results the past half-decade. At the end of the day (or season), Edinson Volquez and perhaps Johnny Cueto are Cincy’s best hurlers and their future, though Volquez threw five more poor innings last night.

The Reds’ offense sputtered in week one, prior to the team embarking upon the season’s longest road trip last night in Milwaukee. (They’re hitting .219 as a team entering Tuesday.) Some have noted that time away for these young guys with high expectations might be beneficial. And, at least offensively, it absolutely was, as the RedLegs pounded out seven runs — all in the first three frames — then hung on with quality bullpen work for a 7-6 win at Miller Park.

A few asides:

1. I mentioned in a prior column how, though I pull for the Reds, I wouldn’t consider myself a fan. My favorite NL team is the San Diego Padres, for whom I grew up cheering. Though this is midwestsportsfans.com, allow me to note that after one of the worst seasons in club history, the Pads seemingly have little upside in 2009, but so far, so good: winning six of eight to start the campaign, including spoiling the Mets’ Citi Field opener last night. The Pads follow up their next two in New York with a series in Philly, then San Francisco. If they come back from this trip with four of five wins in nine tries, that’d be exquisite.

2. Not only did Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye hit their 300th HRs in the same game yesterday, but their career batting averages and even their career hit totals are very close as well. Eerie.

3. Josh Beckett showed why so many folks now despise the Red Sox more than even the Yankees. After a 12 second delivery pause, Bobby Abreu called time Sunday afternoon, so Josh decided to throw 96 mile per hour heat at his head. Abreu took umbrage, Beckett charged HIM, ran away like a coward, then the benches cleared. NO Boston player was tossed but four Angels were. Seems fair, I guess. Monday afternoon on ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption” program, Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon agreed with the ostensible favoritism toward Boston. Wilbon called Beckett “low class,” while Kornheiser, referring to all the Angels tossed but no Red Sox, said “No justice was served.” Neither of those guys has any connection to the Angels either.

Boston’s fans, naturally, scoffed, called names, blamed Mike Scioscia, the umpire, Abreu, but never their guy. They seem to take after their pompous front office, or maybe they’re made their beloved team is two and five and in the AL East cellar.

Angel fans and community, on the contrary, have always been classy, and it’s shown in the wake of the Nick Adenhart tragedy, as has the grieving around the baseball world.

On the same morbid but current subject:

RIP Harry Kalas.


Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB, Uncategorized Tagged With: Cincinnati Reds, cleveland indians, MLB

Overreaction Monday: Bigger Disappointment – 2008 Cleveland Browns or 2009 Cleveland Indians?

April 13, 2009 By 9 Comments
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Cleveland Indians Suck - 1-6 to start 2009Living in Dallas, one of the most famous local sports radio segments of every week during the NFL season is Randy Galloway’s “Overreaction Monday” on 103.3 the day after Dallas Cowboys games. Overreaction Monday is especially entertaining after Cowboys losses as the hosts and fans completely and unabashedly overreact in counting out the many reasons why this particular Cowboys team is horrible and will never win another game. (Tongues are often planted firmly in cheek, but there is still plenty of legitimate overreacting going on.)

Seeing as how it is Monday, and my beloved Chicago White Sox are currently riding a three game winning streak that has them back in their rightful spot atop the AL Central standings with K.C., allow me to indulge in a little bit of my own Overreaction Monday. But first, allow me to set the stage.

I hate the Cleveland Indians.

Not a little bit, but a lot.

You see, during my formative years as a Chicago White Sox fan, the mid- to late-90s, the Cleveland Indians were unbelievably good. They had guys like Kenny Lofton, Carlos Baerga, Manny Ramirez, Albert BellPaul Sorrento - The Cleveland Indians Sucke, and Jim Thome, and they dominated the White Sox seemingly every season. At that time a guy that my dad worked with was also a big Indians fan, and an annoying one at that. (My apologies for being redundant.) The Indians’ on-field superiority over the White Sox the majority of that time, combined guys like Paul Sorrento, and mixed in with my dad’s co-worker’s complete arrogance all coalesced to form a severe hatred for all things Cleveland Indians that continues to this day.

To put it into perspective, I don’t hate them as much as the Cubs — but it’s close.

So it is with great joy that I look at the current AL Central standings and see the Cleveland Indians, many experts’ preseason AL Central favorite, sitting at 1-5. The White Sox, last year’s AL Central champion and a World Series champion this decade, got no love heading into this season. The Indians, however, a franchise that consistently underperforms expectations and that has proven itself incapable of winning a championship, was fawned over all offseason as an up and coming AL contender.

If the Indians end up losing tonight and fall to 1-6 (currently they are down 4-0 to the Royals as I write this) you can stick a fork in them. I know it’s early and that there are still over 150 games left and blah blah blah. Cleveland may very well win a bunch of games again in August and September when they already have a double-digit deficit in the standings to get close to .500 (sound familiar?), but the odds say they won’t be sniffing the playoffs.

With all of this being said, this post is about to take a decidedly depressing turn for me.

You see, as much as I cheer against the Indians, that is how hard I cheer for the Cleveland Browns. And as much as it pains me to relive the awful memories of last season, I am about to delve into a comparison of the eerily similar 2008 Cleveland Browns and 2009 Cleveland Indians. In fact, you may have noticed that up and to your right in the sidebar we have begun a 16-game countdown to see if the Indians can outperform the Browns’ putrid 4-12 season from a year ago. So far, as bad as the Browns were in 2008, the Indians have been worse.

Call them the anti-Cavs. Seriously, what would Cleveland do without LeBron and the Cavaliers?

Anyway, let’s go through some of the reasons why the 2009 Indians are much more like the 2008 Browns than they would ever want to be.

Follow the link to find great deals on MLB Baseball Tickets including tickets to Indians games. Be there when the Indians lose another one!

Lofty Preseason Expectations that Came Crashing Down Immediately

The Browns were a trendy pick to compete with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North heading into 2008, on the heels of a surprising 10-6 2007 season that finished on the doorstep of the playoffs. However, the Browns opened up the season with a trouncing at the hands of the Cowboys, then lost a close, disgusting game to the Steelers, and then got absolutely dominated by the Baltimore Ravens. Not even four weeks into the season and the Browns were already doomed to playing an unwinnable game of catch-up for the entire season.

The Indians were a trendy pick to compete with the White Sox, Indians, and Twins in the AL Central heading into 2009, on the heels of a strong second half in 2008 that saw them reach the .500 mark after a horrible start. However, the Indians opened up the season losing 9-1, 8-5, and 12-8 in a three game sweep at the hands of the Texas Rangers, one of the worst teams in baseball for the last half of this decade. Then the Indians laid a 13-7 egg in their home opener against Toronto, followed up by a 5-4 loss to fall to 0-5. Not even a full week into the season and the Indians were already doomed to playing an unwinnable game of catch-up for the entire season.

Cliff Lee is Derek Anderson

Derek Anderson entered the 2007 season for the Cleveland Browns as a lightly regarded former Ravens cast-off who had a strong arm but a future as a back up QB at best. After Charlie Frye looked like Soliel Moon Fry in theCleveland Indians Suck - Derek Anderson Browns’ first game of the season, and then was subsequently traded, Derek Anderson stepped in and proceeded to author one of the most unexpected Pro Bowl stories in the history of the NFL. For all of his efforts though, he faded a bit down the stretch and the Browns fell short of the playoffs.

Unfortunately for Anderson and Browns fans, 2008 had to start. In 2008, Anderson looked like a shell of the player we all saw in 2007 and ultimately lost his job to Brady Quinn after being booed off the field in his home stadium. From rags to riches and back to rags, and now he enters the 2009 season locked in a QB battle with Brady Quinn that very few Browns fans hope he wins.

Cliff Lee entered the 2008 season coming off of a 5-8 season in 2007 in which his ERA was 6.29 and he spent time in the minors. Yes, Lee had won 14 games or more for 3 straight years (including a very solid 2005 campaign in which he went 18-5), but many in Cleveland were ready to write off Lee’s future as a front end of the rotation starter. Then, out of nowhere, Cliff Lee put together a 22-3, 2.54 ERA season, authoring one of the most unlikely Cy Young stories in the history of Major League Baseball.

Unfortunately for Lee and Indians fans, 2009 had to start. In his first two outings of this season, Cliff Lee is 0-2 with a 9.90 ERA and looks a hell of a lot more like Derek Anderson circa 2008 than he looks like Cliff Lee circa 2008. Lee certainly has a chance to turn things around, and very likely will. But let’s remember that Derek Anderson’s worst start of the year was his third, against the Ravens. How will Lee’s third start go? Indians fans better hope it’s a lot better.

Grady Sizemore is Braylon Edwards

This one is sure to piss off all of the Indians fans.

Braylon Edwards was one of the 20 or 30 best players in the NFL in 2007. After steadily improving from his rookie to sophomore campaign, Edwards exploded with 80 catches and 16 TDs in 2007. Then in 2008, inexplicably, Edwards turned into…

***We interrupt this post for a special bulletin. At this very moment, as I write this, Joakim Soria just struck out Jhonny Peralta looking to close out a 4-2 Royals victory over the Indians, dropping Cleveland to 1-6 on the season. Be right back. Time to go update the sidebar.***

…Travis Hafner circa 2008. (You remember Travis Hafner right? The guy who hit .308 with 42 HRs in 2006 and then hit .197 with 5 HRs in 2008?)

Entering 2008, Braylon Edwards was a can’t-miss future superstar who had supposedly only scratched the surface of his potential in 2007. He was being talked about in the class of WRs just below Randy Moss and Larry Fitzgerald. He was a sure-fire Pro Bowler and a rock for the Browns to build upon for the future. Now, after 2008, the Browns seem to be just waiting for the best offer before unloading Edwards and his massive ego and stone hands.

What a difference a year makes, huh?Cleveland Indians Suck - Grady Sizemore

So all of the Indians fans are now wondering how exactly their beloved pretty boy Grady Sizemore is like Braylon Edwards. Well, have you seen Grady Sizemore’s stats so far this year? He is hitting .207 with 12 Ks and an OBP of .324, which is far less than his career OBP of .370.

Hmm…Grady Sizemore is a 26-year old, can’t-miss, sure-fire superstar. Braylon Edwards is a 26-year old, can’t-miss, sure-fire superstar. Edwards was pathetic (by his own standards) in 2008, especially at the start of the season, and his team severely underachieved. Sizemore has been pathetic (by his own standards) in 2009 at the start of the season and his team is severely underachieving. Notice a trend?

In all actuality, I don’t think Grady Sizemore is anything like Braylon Edwards. I hate Grady Sizemore because he’s an Indian, but I respect his ability and would take him on my team any day. Braylon Edwards? Not so much. He is certainly talented, but with far too big an ego for so little professional achievement. (Truthfully, the more apt comparison for Braylon Edwards would have been Travis Hafner, but he’s actually having a halfway decent start to this season…and it’s more fun to piss off Indians fans by going after the Golden Boy.)

I am sure there are probably more comparisons I could make between the 2008 Browns and 2009 Indians that might get Cleveland fans riled up, but what’s the point? The purpose of this exercise was to create a long and drawn out way to say that the Indians suck and appear poised to follow the 2008 Browns in woefully underperforming expectations, and I think I accomplished that. (And, for what it’s worth, my next comparison was actually going to be a positive one for the Indians: Shin-Soo Choo is Jerome Harrison — get this guy at bats! — and I don’t feel like being positive about the Indians. They suck, are diminishing the reputation of the AL Central, and made me think about the 2008 Browns season. Screw the Indians.)

The question now becomes can the 2009 Indians win more games in their first 16 than the 2008 Browns won in their 16-game slate? And after that, can the Indians actually make a run to get back in the playoff race? I don’t know the stats on 1-6 teams making the playoffs, but they can’t be good. You can say it’s early in the season, and you’d be right. You would also be saying the same thing that Browns fans were saying early last year, and the Browns actually battled back to be 3-4 after 7 games. 1-6 sucks no matter how you want to rationalize it.

All I know is that I can’t wait for May 11-13. Sandwiched between a tough home series against the mighty Texas and a road tilt against AL East stalwart Toronto are four off days for the White Sox players to get a little rest, recovery, and relaxation; and, on three of the days, a little record and stat-padding.

Ah yes, that first series against the Indians will be nice.

Thoughts?

How many of their first 16 games will the Cleveland Indians win?

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After six losses in their first seven games, are the Indians' hopes of competing in the AL Central already buried?

  • Yes (44%, 7 Votes)
  • No (19%, 3 Votes)
  • Whoever wrote this garbage post is dumber than Eric Wedge. (37%, 6 Votes)

Total Voters: 16

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Grady Sizemore photo credit: Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer


Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: AL Central, braylon edwards, cleveland indians, Cliff Lee, derek anderson, grady sizemore, MLB

Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko Make History By Going Back-to-Back for 300th Career Homeruns

April 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye hit 300th Home Runs Back-to-BackJermaine Dye and Paul Konerko both joined the 300 Homerun Club today as the Chicago White Sox won their third straight game and moved back to a game over .500. And while a player reaching the 300 homer plateau in and of itself is not extraordinarily historic, two players reaching a century milestone in back-to-back at bats most certainly is extraordinarily historic.

And that is exactly what Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko did today against the Detroit Tigers, as two of the heroes of the White Sox 2005 World Series team proved that they are still on top of their game. Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye hit back-to-back homeruns, the 300th career homerun for each, in the 2nd inning of Tigers starter Zach Miner. It marks the first time in Major League Baseball history that two teammates reached a century milestone in back-to-back at bats.

I cannot wait to hear Hawk Harrelson’s calls of these two jacks.

And, of course, not to be outdone, Carlos Quentin went 4-5 and jacked two dingers today, his 3rd and 4th of the season, putting to rest the Spring Training whispers that Quentin’s power may be slow in returning after his wrist injury last season. (What idiot would say that?) Something tells me Carlos Quentin will be the next White Sox player to reach 300 homeruns. Just a hunch.

After today’s 10-6 White Sox victory, the first of the season for starter Gavin Floyd (1-1), the White Sox are all alone in first place in the AL Central at 4-3, a half game up on the Tigers, pending the result of the Royals-Indians game later today.

Update: I didn’t get a chance to watch today’s game, but I just read that Dewayne Wise separated his shoulder and will be out indefinitely. Brian Anderson will obviously be getting more ABs in Wise’s absence.

Click here for great deals on White Sox Tickets


Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: carlos quentin, Chicago White Sox, jermaine dye, MLB history, paul konerko

LOTD: Troy Glaus Among Confirmed Steroid Users in New York Times Article

April 13, 2009 By 1 Comment
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Troy Glaus - Steroids story in New York Times | Scott Schoeneweis, Todd Greene, Ismael ValdezIf anyone is surprised by this story I would just like to say welcome back to the United States. Next time you leave for an entire decade, be sure to browse to a US-based website sometime.

In a New York Times article posted this weekend, Troy Glaus is among a handful of players that have now been confirmed as former steroid users. Joining Troy Glaus in the article are Todd Greene, Scott Schoeneweis, and Ismael Valdez. I don’t think that these names will surprise anyone (they certainly did not surprise me), but I do think this is the first official confirmation beyond the Mitchell Report for any of the guys named in the article.

And while I am generally sick of steroid stories, I have to admit that this New York Times article was a relatively interesting read, with the story of Troy Glaus’ steroid use the most in-depth and compelling. Here is an excerpt and your Link of the Day:

LOTD: Troy Glaus, Others Balanced Risk-Reward of Using Steroids — (New York Times)

Found via: Report: Glaus Used Steriods in ’03, ’04 — (Eli’s MLB Rumors)

It was in 2003 that Glaus, a four-time All-Star and the most valuable player of the 2002 World Series, went on the disabled list for the first time in his career. He injured his right shoulder while trying to field a bunt in July and a month later received a diagnosis of a partly torn rotator cuff and fraying labrum. He missed the rest of the season.

Frustrated with his rehabilitation, Glaus contacted Scruggs, whose only request was for a blood sample to see whether Glaus’s testosterone levels were low enough to warrant a prescription for steroids. Medical files seized from Scruggs’s office show the steroids were sent before Scruggs reviewed Glaus’s blood test.

Asked by the investigators whether he was concerned that Scruggs did not ask to see him, Glaus was quoted in the report as saying: “I just wanted to get better, it didn’t alarm me. I just wanted to get better and play.”

…

Starting in November 2003 and for the next three months, Glaus injected himself once every four days with the steroids nandrolone and testosterone, the investigators say he told them.

“It worked, and I was getting better,” Glaus is quoted saying.

So, in conclusion, Troy Glaus and the others mentioned in the NY Times article now join the infamous list of baseball’s cheating liars:

And some other links before I get back to “real” work this afternoon:

The now infamous 2009 Masters boob grab — (Bob’s Blitz)

Stock Down: The Problem Children of the NFL Draft — (The Big Lead)

Dead goat found hanging at Wrigley Field — (Total Pro Sports)

Eric Karros really does have ridiculously strange hair — (Bugs and Cranks)

Sergio Garcia is a whiny bitch — (The Legend of Cecilio Guante)

Mets to Open Citi Field with Sass — (Hugging Harold Reynolds)

Overused. Unerrated. Rant. On. The. NFL – (Sparty and Friends)

2009 Hot Ladies Tournament — (Sharapova’s Thigh)


Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: links, MLB, steroids

Could Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome Reunite with the Cleveland Indians?

April 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Manny Ramirez Comments - Wants to Return to Cleveland Indians with Jim ThomeWhile browsing the headlines over at ESPN.com this afternoon I stumbled upon an interesting story regarding some comments by Manny Ramirez about possibly returning to Cleveland. Seeing as how the Indians are not providing much joy to the city of Cleveland right now with their 1-5 start (but plenty of joy for White Sox fans!), I figured I’d give all of you suffering Indians fans something to make you smile.

Here are Manny Ramirez’s comments about a possible return to Cleveland, from the original USA Today article by Bob Nightengale:

Manny Ramirez will be back in Los Angeles Monday to renew his love affair with the city, but before his career ends he hopes to be reunited with his first love: the Cleveland Indians.

“I would like to play for Cleveland one more time, to go back where I started,” said Ramirez, with the Dodgers playing their home opener Monday against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. “I have so many good memories there, why not?

“I think to go back where you started is everyone’s dream.”

The article goes on to discuss how Ramirez discussed the possibility during the offseason with former Indian and current White Sox DH Jim Thome. Thome says that Ramirez was “very sincere” when talking about rounding up all of the old school Indians for one more run in the AL Central.

“Me and Thome back in Cleveland?” Ramirez said. “That would be sweet.”

Apparently Albert Belle was not available for comment.

But before Indians fans get all excited and start packing Travis Hafner’s bags for him (if they are not doing that already), our buddies over at Waiting For Next Year provide a Lee Corso-style not-so-fast-my-friends.

From the WFNY story on the Manny Ramirez back to Cleveland comments:

Well, I can tell you what won’t happen: Jim Thome and Manny Ramirez coming back to Cleveland. It’s not saying that I wouldn’t welcome them both back; they would put a ton of fans in the seats, and a few baseballs in the bleachers. But to say that this team has moved on without Manny and Jim Thome would be an understatement.

Among the many reasons cited by WFNY for why Ramirez and Thome coming back to Cleveland won’t happen are the youth of the Indians and the fact that their future currently resides in Columbus with promising youngsters Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley.

Click here for great deals on Cleveland Indians tickets

I obviously don’t know the Indians inside and out, but I certainly cannot see something like this happening. While I’m sure Manny Ramirez would love to return to Cleveland, he certainly would not do so for free, and I cannot see the Indians shelling out significant money to get him — or they would have done it this offseason when Ramirez was available. In regards to Thome, the Indians would have to pull the cord on the Travis Hafner career life support and eat a huge chunk of change to open up the DH slot. I just cannot see that happening either.

Manny Ramirez Comments: Wants to Return to Cleveland Indians with Jim ThomeAnd I will say this about Jim Thome: I wouldn’t want to see him go. Up until last year, I would have gladly shipped him back to the Indians. For whatever reason I always hated Thome, and I was not excited when the White Sox signed him. But he has grown on me the more removed he becomes from his Indians career, and the more I open my mind up to the value he brings to the South Side, both as a lefty power hitter and a clubhouse leader. Now that I’ve finally fully embraced Thome as a true South Sider, I hope he retires with the White Sox. I sure as hell don’t want to have to go back to hating him again if heads back over to Cleveland.

So while I’m sure it’s fun for Indians fans to think about a Ramirez-Thome reunion, much as it would be for White Sox fans to consider Frank Thomas and Robin Ventura reuniting at the corners, I think the chances of it happening are slim to none. At least Ramirez and Thome are still highly productive players, unlike the injured Thomas and retired Ventura, but it would signal a complete shift in organizational direction for the Indians. A shift that, I agree with WFNY, will not happen.

Now, maybe if they could bring back, say, Jaret Wright to replace Cliff Lee in the rotation we might actually be talking about something plausible…


Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: Chicago White Sox, cleveland indians, frank thomas, jim thome, manny ramirez

2009 NFL Draft Preview: TV Schedule, Draft Order, Ticket Info, and News Links

April 13, 2009 By 2 Comments
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2009 NFL Draft Preview - TV Coverage, draft order, first roundThe month of March and the beginning of April annually provide some of the most consistently exciting sports action of the year. Conference tournament week in college basketball turns into Selection Sunday which turns into March Madness all while Spring Training is going on in the background.

Then, right as March Madness hits its apex with the Final Four, Spring Training turns into Opening Day. And then, without even giving sports fans a breather, the greatest golf tournament of them all, the Masters, occurs the following weekend.

For the next two weeks, mercifully, we can all take a collective breather. But you would be wise to truly get some sports R&R over the next ten or so days, because things are about to get exciting and hectic again.

We are now about a week away from the NBA Playoffs getting started, and less than two weeks away from the NFL draft. And with each successive week, the MLB schedule becomes more and more important. We’re nowhere near the dog days of summer yet, but Toronto and Baltimore currently sit atop the AL East standings, so we can all just imagine what kind of urgency baseball coverage will get if that continues.

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Plan Ahead MSF Readers: Find Great Deals on 2009 NFL Tickets at StubHub

2009 NFL Draft Preview - TV Coverage, TV Schedule, draft order, first round

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As we always try to do here at Midwest Sports Fans, we will continue our habit of previewing the big sporting events and giving you as much schedule and background information as possible to ensure that you a) don’t miss a minute of the action; b) know what to expect; and c) understand the context of the event so you can fully appreciate whatever transpires.

There are still a few more things to be decided in the NBA regular season so this morning we turn our attention to the NFL Draft with our 2009 NFL Draft Preview. Here are some of the particulars:

2009 NFL Draft Preview and TV Schedule

  • 2009 NFL Draft date: April 25th-26th
  • 2009 NFL Draft location: Radio City Music Hall in New York City
  • 2009 NFL Draft TV Coverage: First day live pick-by-pick TV coverage on ESPN beginning at 4:00 PM ET
  • 2009 NFL Draft TV Coverage: Second day live pick-by-pick TV coverage on NFL Network beginning at 10:00 AM ET
  • Number of Rounds: 7
  • StubHub Tickets: 2009 NFL Draft Tickets
  • StubHub Tickets: NFL Tickets
  • Special Offer for MSF Readers: Subscribe to Sports Weekly – as low as $.67/issue


And here is the 1st Round draft order for the 2009 NFL Draft:

2009 NFL Draft 1st Round Order

Pick Team Record
1 Detroit Lions 0-16
2 St. Louis Rams 2-14
3 Kansas City Chiefs 2-14
4 Seattle Seahawks 4-12
5 Cleveland Browns 4-12
6 Cincinnati Bengals 4-11-1
7 Oakland Raiders 5-11
8 Jacksonville Jaguars 5-11
9 Green Bay Packers 6-10
10 San Francisco 49ers 7-9
11 Buffalo Bills 7-9
12 Denver Broncos 8-8
13 Washington Redskins 8-8
14 New Orleans Saints 8-8
15 Houston Texans 8-8
16 San Diego Chargers 8-8
17 New York Jets 9-7
18 Denver Broncos (from Chicago) 8-8
19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 9-7
20 Detroit Lions (from Dallas) 0-16
21 Philadelphia Eagles 9-6-1
22 Minnesota Vikings 10-6
23 New England Patriots 11-5
24 Atlanta Falcons 11-5
25 Miami Dolphins 11-5
26 Baltimore Ravens 11-5
27 Indianapolis Colts 12-4
28 Buffalo Bills (from Philadelphia Eagles, originally from Carolina) 9-6-1
29 New York Giants 12-4
30 Tennessee Titans 13-3
31* Arizona Cardinals 9-7
32* Pittsburgh Steelers 12-4

And now a whole bunch of links to try to satiate your insatiable desire for NFL draft news and projections, 95% of which will prove completely meaningless come April 25th:

2009 NFL Draft Preview: TV Schedule, Draft Order, Ticket Info, and NFL Draft News
Happy reading. I’ll be back as the week goes along with more interesting news, notes, and rumors — the latter of which is inevitable in the two-week run-up to next Saturday. The challenge is to sift through the mess and try to figure out what is actually true.

Which, of course, is why it’s usually better to just wait for draft day and see how the damn thing actually unfolds.


Filed Under: Featured Column, NFL, TV and Betting Tagged With: 2009 nfl draft, NFL, nfl offseason

2009 PGA Tour TV Schedule, Tournament Dates and Locations, Purses, Rankings, News and Ticket Info

April 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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2009 PGA Tour TV Schedule, Tournament Dates, Pursues, TicketsWell, as usual, watching The Masters has gotten me excited for the remainder of the 2009 PGA Tour schedule. In this post, we very simply break down the 2009 PGA Tour schedule with the TV schedule, tournament dates and locations, purse information, and links to buy tickets to PGA Tour events.

Before we break down the 2009 PGA Tour schedule, lets highlight the Majors and a few other important links and bits of information.

2009 PGA Tour Schedule Information

2009 PGA Tour TV Schedule, Tournament Dates, Purses, Ticket Info



2009 PGA Tour TV Schedule, Tournament Dates and Locations, Purses, Rankings, News and Ticket Info


2009 PGA Tour TV Schedule, Tournament Dates and Locations, Purses, Rankings, News and Ticket Info

2009 PGA Tour Schedule: Dates, Locations, TV Schedule, Purses, Tickets

Date Tournament Location TV / Winner Purse Score / Tickets
1/8 - 1/11 Mercedes-Benz Championship Maui, HI Geoff Ogilvy $1.12 M 268 (-24)
1/15 - 1/18 Sony Open in Hawaii Honolulu, HI Zach Johnson $972 K 265 (-15)
1/21 - 1/25 Bob Hope Classic Bermuda Dunes, CA Pat Perez $918 K 327 (-33)
1/29 - 2/1 FBR Open Scottsdale, AZ Kenny Perry $1.08 M 270 (-14)
2/5 - 2/8 Buick Invitational Torrey Pines Nick Watney $954 K 277 (-11)
2/12 - 2/16 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Pebble Beach, CA Dustin Johnson $1.098 M 201 (-15)
2/19 - 2/22 Northern Trust Open Riviera CC in CA Phil Mickelson $1.134 M 269 (-15)
2/26 - 3/1 WGC - Accenture MP Gallery Golf Club in Marana, AZ Geoff Ogilvy $1.4 M N/A
2/26 - 3/1 Mayakoba Golf Classic Riviera Maya, Mexico Mark Wilson $648 K 267 (-13)
3/5 - 3/8 The Honda Classic Palm Beach Gardens, FL Y.E. Yang $1.008 M 271 (-9)
3/12 - 3/15 WGC - CA Championship Doral - Miami, FL Phil Mickelson $1.40 M 269 (-19)
3/12 - 3/15 Puerto Rico Open Rio Grande, P.R. Michael Bradley $630 K 274 (-14)
3/19 - 3/22 Transitions Championship Palm Harbor, FL Retief Goosen $972 K 276 (-8)
3/26 - 3/29 Arnold Palmer Invitational Bay Hill in Orlando, FL Tiger Woods $1.08 M 275 (-5)
4/2 - 4/5 Shell Houston Open Humble, TX Paul Casey $1.026 M 277 (-11)
4/9 - 4/12 The Masters Augusta, GA ESPN/CBS $7 M  
4/16 - 4/19 Verizon Heritage Hilton Head, SC CBS / TGC $5.7 M Buy Verizon Heritage Tickets
4/23 - 4/26 Zurich Classic of New Orleans Avondale, LA CBS / TGC $6.3 M Buy Zurich Classic Tickets
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8/20 - 8/23 Wyndham Championship Sedgefield CC in Greensboro, NC CBS / TGC $5.2 M Buy Wyndham Championship Tickets
8/27 - 8/30 The Barclays (FedEx Cup) Jersey City, NJ CBS / TGC $7.5 M Buy Tickets to The Barclays
9/4 - 9/7 Deutsche Bank Championship (FedEx Cup) TPC of Boston in Norton, MA NBC / TGC $7.5 M Buy Tickets to the Deutsche Bank Championship
9/10 - 9/13 BMW Championship (FedEx Cup) Cog Hill in Lemont, IL NBC / TGC $7.5 M Buy BMW Championship Tickets
9/24 - 9/27 The TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola East Lake GC in Atlanta, GA NBC / TGC $7.5 M Buy Tickets to the TOUR Championship
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10/8 - 10/11 The Presidents Cup Harding Park GC in San Francisco, CA TGC   Buy Presidents Cup Tickets
10/15 - 10/18 Justin Timberlake Shriners Open TPC Summerlin GC in Las Vegas, NV TBA $4.2 M Buy Shriners Open Tickets
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  *CC - Country Club *GC - Golf Club *TGC - The Golf Channel    

And the following widgets (assuming the show up…it may not if you are using Internet Explorer) will keep you up-to-date with the latest PGA Tour news and scores:

Filed Under: Featured Column, Golf, TV and Betting Tagged With: 2009 British Open, 2009 Masters, 2009 PGA Championship, 2009 U.S. Open, Golf, PGA Tour

Biggest Final Round Comebacks in Masters History

April 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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biggest comebacks in masters history | largest comebacks | greatest masters comebacksTiger Woods is seven shots back entering final round play of the 2009 Masters. On Sunday, he will be teeing off with rival Phil Mickelson at 1:35. Both currently sit at 4-under, and staring up 12 other golfers above them on the leader board.

What are their chances of either mounting an incredible final round comeback? Well, not very good. But here is some good news for all the Tiger and Phil fans out there: if either come back to capture the Green Jacket, it will not be the biggest 54-hole deficit overcome.

Biggest Final Round Comebacks in Masters History


The record for the biggest 54-hole deficit overcome belongs to Jack Burke, who came back from 8 strokes down in 1956 to win the Masters. He actually fell to nine back before mounting his rally. And in 1978 Gary Player overcome a 8-stroke deficit to mount the second biggest final round comeback in Masters history. In 1996, Nick Faldo famously overcame a 6-stroke deficit to Greg Norma to win, the third biggest final round comeback in Masters history.

So, while the most likely scenario is Angel Cabrera or Kenny Perry taking home the green jacket, or one of the other 10 guys in front of Tiger and Phil, it would not be unprecedented for a comeback by either to take place. What I do not know, and have not had time to research, is if anyone has ever overcome 12 or more golfers in the final round to win. That certainly sounds like a lot. Anyone know?

Either way, Tiger’s deficit does nothing to dampen my excitement for tomorrow. At some point he’s going to come back and win a major after being down heading into Sunday. There isn’t much that Tiger has not done on a golf course yet, and while I’d rather he be a little closer, maybe he’s just setting us all up for his greatest comeback yet.

Would anyone really, truly be surprised?


Filed Under: Golf, Sports History Tagged With: 2009 Masters, Golf, tiger woods

2009 Masters Final Round Sunday Tee Times and Pairings

April 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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2009 Masters final round Sunday tee times and pairings | Tiger-Phil tee time | Angel CabreraFinal round Sunday action at the 2009 Masters tees off at 10:25 on Easter Sunday, with live TV coverage beginning at 2:00 on CBS. When the golfers take the course, Angel Cabrera (pictured, right) and Kenny Perry will be clinging to two stroke leads at -11 over Chad Campbell at -8. Jim Furyk (-8) and Steve Stricker (-7) round out the top 5, with Rory Sabbatini, Shingo Katayama, and Todd Hamilton sitting at -6. Tim Clark is at -5.

Then there are a whole host of golfers sitting at -4, seven strokes back from the leaders, and one of them is Tiger Woods. Tiger struggled throughout the day on Saturday before rallying with some birdies late to give himself a fighting chance. And one of the men he will have to hold off in his quest to storm up the leaderboard is Phil Mickelson, also at -4, and Tiger’s playing partner on Sunday.

Tiger and Phil tee off at 1:35, and their mano-a-mano battle, even if they do not vault to the top of the leaderboard, will no doubt be one of the most compelling storylines of Sunday.  What are their chances of making a comeback?  Not great.  However, it would not be the biggest final round comeback in Masters history if either ended up winning.

Here are the tee times and pairings for final round Sunday action at the 2009 Masters:


2009 Masters Final Round Sunday Tee Times and Pairings

  • 10:25 – K. Sutherland | M. Weir
  • 10:35 – M. Jimenez | R. Mediate
  • 10:45 – B. Curtis | A. Romero
  • 10:55 – B. Watson | R. Fisher
  • 11:05 – P. Casey | D. Hart
  • 11:15 – D. Trahan | R. Allenby
  • 11:25 – R. Imada | T. Immelman
  • 11:35 – K. Duke | H. Stenson
  • 11:45 – R. McIlroy | L. Donald
  • 11:55 – S. Garcia | S. Applebly
  • 12:05 – G. McDowell | A. Baddeley
  • 12:15 – P. Harrington | S. Lyle
  • 12:25 – J. Rose | L. Mize
  • 12:45 – J. Merrick | G. Ogilvy
  • 12:55 – V. Singh | D. Johnson
  • 1:05 – S. Flesch | C. Villegas
  • 1:15 – H. Mahan | A. Kim
  • 1:25 – N. Watney | S. Ames
  • 1:35 – T. Woods | P. Mickelson
  • 1:45 – I. Poulter | L. Westwood
  • 1:55 – T. Clark | S. O’Hair
  • 2:05 – S. Katayama | T. Hamilton
  • 2:15 – S. Stricker | R. Sabbatini
  • 2:25 – C. Campbell | J. Furyk
  • 2:35 – A. Cabrera | K. Perry

Filed Under: Featured Column, Golf Tagged With: 2009 Masters, Golf, tiger woods

2009 Masters Round 3 Saturday Tee Times and Pairings

April 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Update: The Final Round Sunday Tee Times and Pairings have been posted for the 2009 Masters.

Masters Round 3 Tee Times, Pairings, Groupings - Tiger Tee Time - Chad CampbellThe tee times and pairings for Round 3 action of the 2009 Masters on Saturday have been announced. Heading into the third round, Chad Campbell and Kenny Perry are off to a couple of the best starts in Masters history and are tied for the lead at -9, with Angel Cabrera breathing down their necks at -8. Tood Hamilton is at -6, Tim Clark is at -5, and young Anthony Kim is currently at -4.

Others of note heading into Round 3 include Jim Furyk at -4, Sergio Garcia at -4, Vijay Signh at -3, Phil Mickelson at -3, at Tiger Woods lurking at -2, tied with Padraig Harrington and others. Youngster Rory McIlroy finished Friday at +1 and just made the cut.

Below are the third round tee times and pairings for Masters action on Saturday, with Masters TV coverage live on CBS beginning at 3:30 ET.

2009 Masters Round 3 Tee Times and Pairings for Saturday


  • 10:35 – R. Imada | S. Appleby
  • 10:45 – K. Sutherland | R. Fisher
  • 10:55 – T. Immelman | R. McIlroy
  • 11:05 – D. Trahan | R. Allenby
  • 11:15 – J. Rose | S. Flesch
  • 11:25 – B. Curtis | L. Donald
  • 11:35 – P. Casey | D. Hart
  • 11:45 – S. O’Hair | A. Romero
  • 11:55 – I. Poulter | B. Watson
  • 12:05 – M. Jimenez | M. Weir
  • 12:15 – R. Mediate | K. Duke
  • 12:25 – C. Villegas | L. Mize
  • 12:35 – L. Westwood | P. Harrington
  • 12:55 – S. Lyle | D. Johnson
  • 1:05 – G. McDowell | T. Woods
  • 1:15 – J. Merrick | A. Baddeley
  • 1:25 – G. Ogilvy | P. Mickelson
  • 1:35 – H. Stenson | V. Singh
  • 1:45 – N. Watney | S. Ames
  • 1:55 – S. Stricker | H. Mahan
  • 2:05 – J. Furyk | S. Garcia
  • 2:15 – R. Sabbatini | S. Katayama
  • 2:25 – T. Clark | A. Kim
  • 2:35 – A. Cabrera | T. Hamilton
  • 2:45 – C. Campbell | K. Perry

(Chad Campbell photo credit: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)


Filed Under: Golf Tagged With: 2009 Masters, Golf

Masters Round 2 Friday Coverage and Updates: Campbell Stays Strong Atop Leaderboard

April 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Masters Round 2 Friday Updates, Leaderboard, Coverage - Chad CampbellAs I write this, Lewisville, Texas (just up the road from me) native Chad Campbell continues to maintain a firm grip of the top spot on the 2009 Masters leaderboard. For the most up-to-date live Masters updates, coverage, and leaderboard, just look to your right because the widget is embedded in the sidebar.

Through 12 holes on Friday, Campbell sits at -2 for the day and -9 overall. Simply put, he’s been by far the best golfer through the first day and a half of action. Kenny Perry is also having a strong day so far, currently at -2 for the day and -6 overall.

Where’s Tiger? He’s toiling along at even par through 7 holes and still is at -2 for the tournament. I have a feeling that Tiger is going to make a strong charge on the bank 9 today, especially after leaving more than a few strokes out there yesterday.

Among the strugglers today are Larry Mize and Aaron Baddeley. Mize shot a 5-under 67 yesterday, but fall down the leaderboard to -1 with his 4-over 76 today. Baddeley shot a 68 yesterday, but currently is at +3 for the day. Conversely, Anthony Kim is making the strongest push upwards Firday with a -4 through 7 holes. HIs strong play today is helping him overcome a first day 75 and has him back under par for the tournament.

Rory McIlroy is at -1 overall now with a 1-under round so far through 7 holes. Phil Mickelson, who shot a +1 73 on Thursday, tees off at 1:52, hoping to make a strong push and avoid the current projected cut line of +2. (Follow the link to see all of the Masters Round 2 tee times.)

Masters.com has three bloggers following the action to help keep you updated as well:

Masters Round 2 Friday Coverage and Updates — (Will Durst, Masters.com)

Masters Round 2 Friday Coverage and Updates — (Tom Spousta, Masters.com)

Masters Round 2 Friday Coverage and Updates — (John Steinbreder, Masters.com)


Filed Under: Golf Tagged With: 2009 Masters, Golf

LOTD: Anderson Varejao and LeBron James – The Chosen Ones (and Twos)

April 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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My apologies for being so lax with the LOTD posts lately. The NCAA Tournament and The Masters have consumed me, but we’re back with our blogosphere roundup today.

Today’s Link of the Day is from our good friends over at Shaver Sports who sent over a link to their post about Anderson Varejao inking up a temporary Sharpie tattoo to say “Chosen 2″ and then posing next to LeBron James with his “Chosen 1″ tattoo.

Here is one of the images, but you’ll have to hop on over to Shaver Sports to see Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ hilarious reaction to Anderson Varejao and his Chosen 2 tattoo.

LOTD: Pictures of Anderson Varejao Standing Next to Lebron with Chosen 2 Tattoo — (Shaver Sports)

Picture of Anderson Varejao with Chosen 2 tattoo next to LeBron James

Solid stuff as always from the guys at Shaver Sports. And now a few other Good Friday links from around the blogosphere:

Royals: Year of the Lion — (Josh Q. Public)

College Sports Economics: Justifiable Compensation? — (Sparty and Friends)

Remembering the best friend I ever had — (Sharapova’s Thigh)

Better Collegiate Player: Magic or Bird? — (West Coast Bias Sports Blog)

What? Malik Story is transferring?? To USC perhaps? — (Former Trojans)

Wise move: Guillen shakes up White Sox lineup — (RosenBlog)

Remember when we had doubts about LeBron? — (That NBA Lottery Pick)

Are the Browns interested in Mark Sanchez? — (The Scores Report)

Have a great day everybody.


Filed Under: Featured Column, NBA Tagged With: Anderson Varejao, Cleveland Cavaliers, lebron james, links

Reliving The Greatest Moments in Masters History with Jack and Tiger

April 10, 2009 By 1 Comment
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Greatest Masters Moments Video - Jack Nicklaus 1986One of the best parts about watching The Masters every year is the ability to relive all of the many memorable moments throughout Masters history. Like baseball, and seemingly much more so than football and basketball, truly appreciating The Masters involves placing each shot, each moment, and each champion’s path within the proper historical context.

How do you appreciate Tiger’s quest for seven Green Jackets without appreciating and understanding the Golden Bear’s journey to six?

(Photo of Jack Nicklaus making birdie on 17 in 1986 credited to David Cannon of Getty images.)

How can we appreciate the longing for Phil Mickelson to consistently stand toe-to-toe with Tiger to recreate the Nicklaus-Palmer rivalry from the 60s?

If a young prodigy like Rory McIlroy makes a run into Sunday, how can we understand the importance and rarity of such a performance without remembering Tiger’s incredible 1997 performance?

Obviously, I could go on and on.

I am no Masters historian by any means, but I do recognize and appreciate many of the big moments. One of my goals heading into the 2009 Masters, especially now that I have this blog, was to do a little bit of research and educate myself on some of the missing links in my Masters memories. That is the purpose of this post, and hopefully it does the same for you.
Video: Memorable Masters Moments - Tiger Chip 2005, Jack Birdie 1986
First off, I just did some browsing on YouTube and found video of my favorite Masters moments, which I will share. I know I’m not breaking any new ground here, and these are relatively cliched favorite moments involving Tiger and Jack, but can you really argue?

Masters Moment #1 Video: Amazing Chip Shot at 2005 Masters by Tiger Woods



Masters Moment #2 Video: Jack Nicklaus Birdies 17 to Win 1986 Masters

Masters Moment #3 Video: Tiger Woods Dominates Masters Field to Win 1997 Masters

By no means is this an exhaustive list of Masters video on YouTube. In fact, search “the masters golf tournament” on YouTube and it brings up plenty of great Masters moment videos. (Do not, however, simply search “the masters” expecting to get just golf videos. You get video game stuff and videos from He-Man. And as cool as He-Man and the Masters of the Universe were, this weekend we are really only concerned about Tiger, the Master of the Universe.)

The Independent put out a list of the best Masters moments in history, complete with a nice photo slideshow. Here is how their list breaks down:

  1. Jack wins #6 in 1986.
  2. Tiger Woods become youngest winner by dominating 1997 Masters.
  3. Gene Sarazen hit ‘the shot heard ’round the world’.
  4. Sandy Lyle and his sweaty armpit victory in 1988.
  5. Zach Johnson wins the war of attrition in 2007.
  6. Nick Faldo annihilates Greg Norman for comeback win on Sunday in 1996.
  7. Arnold Palmer plays his final Masters in 2004.
  8. Larry Mize wins three-way playoff in 1987.
  9. Tiger completes “Tiger Slam” by winning 2001 Masters.
  10. Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson compete in grueling 18-hole playoff; Nelson wins.

Memorable Masters Moments - Video Tiger Chip 2005, Video Jack Birdie 17 1986
I suppose I like this list. It definitely nails the first two, but I think those are generally hailed as the greatest Masters moments of all-time. I certainly think that Tiger’s amazing 2005 chip shot that helped him beat Chris DeMarco belongs on the top 10 list. It might not be the most important, the most clutch, or even the most skilled shot — there was certainly skill, but also lots of luck — but it was without question the most amazing and exciting shot I have ever seen at The Masters. A moment that memorable and indelible belongs on any list of the greatest moments in Masters history.

For some other lists of the greatest moments in Masters history, here are a few links for you:

Biggest Final Round Comebacks in Masters History — (MSF)

Top 10 Moments Masters Moments of All-Time — (Bryan Hollister at Bleacher Report)

Most Memorable Masters Moments — (Erik Barzeski at TheSandTrap.com)

30 Years at Augusta: Top Masters Moments — (TheState.com)

50 Greatest Masters Moments — (Lewine Mair at Telegraph.co.uk)

As far as I’m concerned, nothing makes a Masters weekend more rich and enjoyable than soaking in the current tournament while reliving the details of the many wonderful tournaments of the past. And I think CBS does a great job of it during their weekend coverage.

What do you think? Chime in with your opinion on the two polls below regarding my three most memorable Masters moments. Then, use the comment section to tell us what your favorite or most memorable Masters moment is, especially if it is not listed above.

And then go enjoy what should be a great Friday-Saturday-Sunday of Masters action.

Which is the more memorable shot? (Use your own definition of memorable.)

View Results

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Which performance was more memorable? (Again, use your own definition of memorable.)

View Results

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Filed Under: Featured Column, Golf, Sports History Tagged With: Golf, Jack Nicklaus, Masters, tiger woods

2009 Masters: Round 2 Groupings and Tee Times for Friday

April 9, 2009 By 1 Comment
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Update: The Final Round Sunday Tee Times and Pairings have been posted for the 2009 Masters.

2009 Masters Round 2 Groupings, Pairings, Tee Times 2nd Round TwoThere were plenty of low rounds posted during the first round of Masters action on Thursday. As I write this, Chad Campbell is currently the leader at -7, with Hunter Mahan also at -7 and on 18. Jim Furyk sits at -6 with a whole bunch of other golfers under par for the day. Tiger Woods currently sits at -1 playing 13, phenom Rory McIlroy is at +1 on 13, and Phil Mickelson is at +1 and done for the day.

We shall see what the leader board looks like before the 2nd round begins once everyone is in the clubhouse.

Looking ahead to action on Friday, the Masters Round 2 pairings and tee times have been posted, and they are posted below:

2009 Masters Round 2 Groupings and Tee Times


  • 8:00 – L. Mize | J. Merrick | D. Kittleson
  • 8:11 – T. Hamilton | S. Flesch | M. Goggin
  • 8:22 – T. Watson | I. Poulter | S. Wilson
  • 8:33 – A. Baddeley | B. Watson | G. McDowell
  • 8:44 – M. O’Mears | P. Perez | D. Trahan
  • 8:55 – F. Couples | R. Mediate | J. Newman
  • 9:06 – S. Kjeldsen | S. O’Hair | R. Sterne
  • 9:17 – A. Romero | B. Weekley | C. Campbell
  • 9:28 – B. Crenshaw | P. Casey | S. Stricker
  • 9:39 – Y. Yang | R. Allenby | H. Mahan
  • 9:50 – Z. Johnson | W. Lin | R. Karlsson
  • 10:12 – J. Olazabal | M. Kaymer | B. Snedeker
  • 10:23 – K. Choi | A. Quiros | K. Perry
  • 10:34 – T. Immelman | A. Scott | D. Lee
  • 10:45 – T. Woods | S. Cink | J. Singh
  • 10:56 – A. Kim | R. McIlroy | R. Ishikawa
  • 11:07 – I. Woosnam | C. Reavie | B. Baird
  • 11:18 – S. Lyle | B. Mayfair | T. Clark
  • 11:29 – K. Sutherland | R. Fisher | P. Marksaeng
  • 11:40 – L. Oosthuizen | C. Pettersson | D. Hart
  • 11:51 – R. Floyd | J. Leonard | R. Saxton
  • 12:02 – F. Zoeller | M. Campbell | K. Duke
  • 12:24 – B. Curtis | N. Watney | M. Jimenez
  • 12:35 – C. Stadler | R. Sabbatini | D. Johnson
  • 12:46 – G. Player | L. Donald | S. Ames
  • 12:57 – R. Goosen | S. Hansen | S. Katayama
  • 1:08 – B. Langer | G. Norman | L. Westwood
  • 1:19 – J. Rose | H. Stenson | A. Cabrera
  • 1:30 – V. Singh | G. Ogilvy | E. Els
  • 1:41 – M. Weir | P. Harrington | R. Imada
  • 1:52 – P. Mickelson | C. Villegas | J. Furyk
  • 2:03 – S. Appleby | O. Wilson | S. Garcia

The following links will help you keep track of the Masters TV schedule and all the resources for tracking the Round 2 Masters action online. We’ll see if Tiger makes his charge tomorrow…or waits for the weekend.


Filed Under: Golf Tagged With: 2009 Masters

Tragic Breaking News: Angels Pitcher Nick Adenhart Dies in Hit-and-Run

April 9, 2009 By Leave a Comment
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Nick Adenhart Dies - Adenhart Killed in Car Accident

(Nick Adenhart screenshot above taken from the Angels’ home page)

In a very sad and tragic breaking news story in the world of sports, Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart and other were killed early this morning, the result of a fatal hit-and-run accident in Fullerton, California. I believe that TMZ first reported the story of Nick Adenhart, and coverage is now obviously breaking out all over the Internet. (Here is the story on the car accident that killed Nick Adenart from the Angels’ official website, which includes a statement from his family.)

Adenhart, who has been listed on many Top Prospects lists over the past few years, was stellar in his first start of the season last night for the Angels. He pitched six shutout innings while striking out 5 and giving up 7 hits and 3 walks. The Angels ultimately fell to the A’s 6-4.

The details of the accident that killed Nick Adenhart are as follows, according to ESPN.com:

Los Angeles Angels rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart and two other people were killed early Thursday when a minivan ran a red light and struck the sports car they were traveling in, authorities said.

Adenhart, 22, died after undergoing surgery, University of California, Irvine Medical Center spokesman John Murray said.

A fourth person remained hospitalized in critical condition.

…

Adenhart and three other people were in a silver Mitsubishi that was struck shortly before 12:30 a.m. local time by a minivan that ran a red light and also hit another vehicle, police said.

The sports car struck a light pole, killing three people inside.

…

Police Lt. Craig Brower said the minivan driver fled the crash scene and was captured a short time later. The driver was arrested and booked for investigation of felony hit-and-run.

According to the Los Angeles Times, two people were pronounced dead at the scene, and two were taken to Irvine Medical Center.

I really have no words to describe how sad and tragic this accident and death is. This is just a terrible, terrible story and certainly my condolonces and thoughts go out to Nick Adenhart’s family and teammates. How the Angels will go out on the field tonight and play, I have no idea. Perhaps the distraction of a game will actually help as they deal with their grief, but there is just no way to accurately express how senseless and unncessary and accident and a death like this is.

Here are some links for more information about Nick Adenhart’s background, and some quotes from stories that covered the death of Nick Adenhart already:

Nick Adenhart player page — (MLB.com)

Nick Adenhart Minor League statistics — (Baseball-Reference.com)

Nick Adenhart Dies — (Ray Ratto, SFGate.com)

Sometimes there are no lessons to learn, no cautionary tales to tell. Sometimes existence just plain stinks because it does.

Nick Adenhart, the Angels pitcher who shut out the A’s for six innings Wednesday night, died with two other people, one of them an Angels employee, when his car was struck by a van running a red light after the game. The driver fled the scene but was caught later and charged with felony hit-and-run.

And that’s that. Dead, for no better reason except that they were in the wrong place. Top of the world, then gone.

Nick Adenhart Killed in Car Accident Early Thursday Morning — (Josh Alper, MLB FanHouse)

Adenhart’s family released a statement on Thursday.

“Nick’s family expresses sincere gratitude for all the help the Angels have provided. He lived his dream and was blessed to be part of an organization comprised of such warm, caring, and compassionate people. The Angels were his extended family. Thanks to all of Nick’s loyal supporters and fans throughout his career. He will always be in everyone’s hearts forever.”

It seems so insignificant now, but Adenhart’s start on Wednesday was an example of why he was one of the brighter pitching prospects in baseball. He threw six shutout innings against the A’s and struck out five in a game that the Angels ultimately lost 6-3. Adenhart was expected to be a major part of the Angels’ effort to retain their AL West crown this season.

Nick Adenhart Killed After Game Last Night — (baseballgirl, Athletics Nation)

This is absolutely devastating. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Angels’ organization and to Nick’s family. I am shocked, saddened, and just heartsick at the loss of this young pitcher.

And let’s not forget the other two people who were also killed in the crash; reports say that out of the four in the car, three have died.

Nick Adenhart Killed in Car Accident — (Rich Lederer, Baseball Analysts)

Hours after pitching six shutout innings on Wednesday night, Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Nick Adenhart, 22, was killed in a felony hit-and-run car accident in Fullerton, California early this morning. The story is still developing. You can read a brief news story here.

The Angels have had a history of bad luck when it comes to player deaths. But the more important concern for now is Adenhart’s family, friends, and teammates.

Like the rest of the baseball world, all of us at Baseball Analysts are shocked and reach out with our deepest sympathies and most heartfelt condolences at a time when the game itself seems so meaningless.

I had the privilege of interviewing Nick three years ago after he made his debut in the California League. In honor of him, we are going to re-run that interview today.

I have not seen any official word yet on whether or not the Angels are going to play their scheduled game tonight against the A’s. The game time is currently is set for 7:25 PDT, but obviously the Angels and MLB may see fit to cancel the game as the team tries to properly deal with the shock of losing one of their own.

Rest in peace Nick Adenhart, and the other victims of this morning’s accident.


Filed Under: Featured Column, MLB Tagged With: deaths, MLB
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