Hello all. I know it's been a long while since i last posted, but it seemed to be the most appropriate time. The baseball season is finally upon us, and already hearts are heavied. Following Wednesday nights Angels-A's game, 22 year old right hander, Nick Adenhart, of the Angels, was involved in a hit-and-run traffic collision in Fullerton, California. Adenhart and three friends where driving early Thursday morning, when a mini-van ran a red light striking the the car with the four friends and sending it into a street light. Three of the four young men, including Adenhart, where pronounced dead while the fourth is in intensive care. The young man driving the mini-van was found shortly after fleeing on foot, it turns out the 22 year old was driving on a suspended license with a blood alcohol content well above the legal limit. So, instead of taking a cab home after going out drinking and getting home safe, albeit with a little less money in his pocket, he decided to drive home and not only got in legal trouble but took the lives of three young men. Now instead of spending the money on a taxi he may spend the rest of his life behind bars, facing felony hit-and-run, felony DUI, and, now, murder charges. It's a shame that one act of stupidity can ruin so many lives.
Later in the day rookie right hander Joe Martinez was struck in the head with a batted ball. In the top of the ninth inning with two outs , in the Giants-Brewers game, Martinez toed the rubber stared in to get his sign rared back and fired a pitch towards the waiting Mike Cameron. Cameron squared up the pitch a drove it on a line right back where it came from, literally, unfortunately Martinez was unable to get out of the way or get his glove up in time. The ball hit with such force that it ricocheted directly off of his forehead to the backstop, dropping Martinez to the ground. You could see the pain even on Cameron's, who suffered a similar incident while with the Mets, face as he ran down the line. Martinez was able walk off the field under his own power. It is expected that he will make a full recover, suffering three hairline fractures on his face and a concussion. As of now he is on the 15-day disabled list, but it is hoped that when he is eligible to come off he will be ready to take the mound again. This is a happy ending to what could have been devastating. (link to video: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090410&content_id=4209782&vkey=news_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf)
May all of our thoughts be with these families and all of the families that face tragedy on a daily basis.
-Daemon
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Manny
Today saw Manny Ramirez turn down a contract offer that would have made him the second highest paid player next season, at $25 million. The offer was a one year $25 million contract from the Dodgers, he had already turned down a two year deal worth $45 million. It is believed that Ramirez is seeking a 4+ year contract that would pay upwards of $25 million a year, but at 37 years old this wish looks less likely than a one or two year deal. The Dodgers have said they are still interested in retaining Ramirez, but not at the length that he is looking for, the Giants have said that they have interest as well, but they also won't go to the length that he is seeking. There is some speculation that he may want to join the Mets in New York, where he went to high school, and there is a fit seeing as they could use a left fielder and his bat would take pressure off the entire team. But as of now the front runner seems to be the Dodgers.
The most evident thing though is that regardless of where he signs he better be happy, or the team that gets him may get the Manny that was in Boston last season. And an unhappy Manny is not something that you want on your team. Just stay tuned, to see where he ends up.
-Daemon
The most evident thing though is that regardless of where he signs he better be happy, or the team that gets him may get the Manny that was in Boston last season. And an unhappy Manny is not something that you want on your team. Just stay tuned, to see where he ends up.
-Daemon
Monday, February 2, 2009
Super Sunday
We have now seen a franchise win six Super Bowls, with the Pittsburgh Steelers defeating the Arizona Cardinals 27-23. It was a well played game, especially the second half, and ended up being a high scoring game. Arizona nearly pulled off the upset, if it wasn't for a touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to, Super Bowl MVP, Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds left. After trailing the whole game the Cardinals took the lead with 2:37 left on a 64 yard pass from Kurt Warner to, postseason star, Larry Fitzgerald, which immediately followed a safety by Arizona's defense due to an offensive hold in the end zone. All in all the game moved fairly quickly, even though there were plenty of penalty calls 18 in all. A lot of the calls could have easily been no calls, and in the biggest game of the year should have been, with Arizona feeling the burn more so to the tune of 11 penalties for 106 yards. Both teams witnessed strong play from their passing games, but lackluster performances out of the running attack gaining a combined 91 yards on the ground with the edge going to Pittsburgh with 58 yards. All that remains in the football season is the Pro Bowl next weekend.
Congratulations to the Steelers, and Cardinals.
-Daemon
Congratulations to the Steelers, and Cardinals.
-Daemon
Saturday, January 17, 2009
New Hire
The St. Louis Rams have hired their next head coach, Giants Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. As Defensive coordinator, the 49 year old, turned the Giants defense into a force to be reckoned with, amassing 53 sacks in his first season plus a strong Super Bowl sacking Tom Brady five times. This season, even after losing two of his defense's stars (Micheal Strahan, retirement, and Osi Umenyiora, injury), he had his defense ranked 5Th over all. Spagnuolo has his work cut out for him, as the Rams are 5-27 over the past two seasons and have struggled on both sides of the ball, with the defense being ranked 28Th over all and the offense tied for 30Th scoring just 14.5 points a game. The Rams signed him to a four year deal, reportedly worth $12 million, in hopes that he can turn them back into the perennial playoff team they were not too long ago.
-Daemon
-Daemon
Friday, January 16, 2009
Bye Bye Chucky
Today the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired John Gruden. The high profile Gruden suffered a late season collapse to lose a playoff spot by being beat by his former team, the Raiders, in the season finale. Aside from winning the Super Bowl in 2003, he led the Bucs to the playoffs once. Giving him a 60-57, making him the winningest coach in franchise history, and to postseason appearances in seven season. Joining Gruden in the unemployment line is the General Manager Bruce Allen.
Set to replace Gruden is new defensive coordinator, 32 year old, Raheem Morris. Morris was set to take over the coordinator's job for the departing Marty Kiffin, serving as the Defensive Backs coach for the last two years, but after Gruden's dismissal moved right into the head coach's possession. The Bucs are hoping that Morris will turn out to be a whiz kid and turn the team into a perennial playoff team. Mark Dominik will take over the General Manager's possession, having served as the Director of pro personnel and been a part of the franchise for 14 years.
Good luck to all four men.
-Daemon
Set to replace Gruden is new defensive coordinator, 32 year old, Raheem Morris. Morris was set to take over the coordinator's job for the departing Marty Kiffin, serving as the Defensive Backs coach for the last two years, but after Gruden's dismissal moved right into the head coach's possession. The Bucs are hoping that Morris will turn out to be a whiz kid and turn the team into a perennial playoff team. Mark Dominik will take over the General Manager's possession, having served as the Director of pro personnel and been a part of the franchise for 14 years.
Good luck to all four men.
-Daemon
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Stadium News
Baseball's great commissioner, Bud Selig, would like the city of Fremont to OK the building of a new stadium for the the Oakland A's. The stadium, primarily private financing, would cost close to $500 million and would replace the A's long time home in Oakland. Having already unveiled their plan in 2006, the A's have been waiting for the Fremont officials to okay the stadium. A plan of the A's, in partnership with Cisco Systems, came to an agreement to purchase 143-acres, that belongs to Cisco, in Fremont as the location for the new stadium. The A's hope to have their new stadium built and ready for the open of the 2011 season. In the case that Fremont doesn't approve the stadium, soon, Selig has given the A's permission to talk with neighboring cities in an attempt to find an accommodating city.
-Daemon
-Daemon
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
MLB
After losing John Smoltz to the Boston Red Sox, the Atlanta Braves have signed Derek Lowe to a 4 year $60 million contract. Lowe, most recently of the Los Angeles Dodgers also, played with Boston prior to the Dodgers. In four years with the Dodgers Lowe went 54-48, with sub 3.90 eras every year and averaged 200 innings. He was considered widely at the lowest the third best pitcher on the market. At 35 this may be Lowe's final contract, although pitchers have been throwing into their 40's in recent years. And on top of recent trends, Lowe is not your typical power pitcher who loses stuff as he gets older rather he is a ground ball pitcher who relys more movement and location. Although at $15 million a year it shows how deals,such as the Sabathia deal, affect the rest of the market.
Joining Lowe in Atlanta is Japanese import, the first Japanese-born player in franchise history, Kenshin Kawakami who signed a three year contract. A successful pitcher in Japan, winning the Central League MVP in 2004, he accumulated 112 wins in 11 seasons, he was widely regarded as one of the top Japanese free-agents on the market. In recent years there has been an in flux of Japanese pitchers, that tend to start strong but then fizzle out after the league adjusts seemingly unable to adjust to the teams new approach. Part of this may be because of the language barrier, but another may be the fact that by the time players come to the Majors they are already approaching or into their 30's and are already set in their way, not wanting to change their habits, plus they have already reached their peak and in some cases are already declining.
Smoltz finalized a one year $5.5 million contract with the Red Sox, and expects to start for them. Coming off of a shoulder surgery, like new team mate Brad Penny, it's unclear how he will preform. After 22 seasons with the Atlanta Braves this will be his first time playing for a different Major League team. This may be Smoltz's final season, but with a competitor like him it's hard to tell, only he truly knows, and at this point he may not yet either.
-Daemon
Joining Lowe in Atlanta is Japanese import, the first Japanese-born player in franchise history, Kenshin Kawakami who signed a three year contract. A successful pitcher in Japan, winning the Central League MVP in 2004, he accumulated 112 wins in 11 seasons, he was widely regarded as one of the top Japanese free-agents on the market. In recent years there has been an in flux of Japanese pitchers, that tend to start strong but then fizzle out after the league adjusts seemingly unable to adjust to the teams new approach. Part of this may be because of the language barrier, but another may be the fact that by the time players come to the Majors they are already approaching or into their 30's and are already set in their way, not wanting to change their habits, plus they have already reached their peak and in some cases are already declining.
Smoltz finalized a one year $5.5 million contract with the Red Sox, and expects to start for them. Coming off of a shoulder surgery, like new team mate Brad Penny, it's unclear how he will preform. After 22 seasons with the Atlanta Braves this will be his first time playing for a different Major League team. This may be Smoltz's final season, but with a competitor like him it's hard to tell, only he truly knows, and at this point he may not yet either.
-Daemon
New NFL Hirings
The Kansas City Chiefs have made a move in an effort to turn around their downward spiral, by hiring Scott Pioli. The former New England Patriots vice president of player personnel, will occupy the recently vacated General Managers position. While with the Patriots he teamed with Bill Belichick to build a team that annually competes for the Lombardi trophy. He has been involved in drafting multiple Pro Bowlers. With Kansas City he will have his work cut out for him, but as the credentials to turn it around, with just a few smart moves and a good draft, holding the third overall pick, it could be turned around very quickly, just look to Miami and Atlanta this season.
Former 49er's head coach Mike Nolan was hired on to Josh McDaniels staff, as the Denver Broncos new defensive coordinator. Before accepting his first head coaching job, with the 49er's, he served in the same post with the Ravens, Jets, Redskins and Giants. His first coaching job in the NFL was with the Broncos as a special teams and linebackers coach in 1987. Under Nolan the Broncos may switch from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4, although that isn't clear at this point. With Nolan added to the staff it gives the Broncos their fourth defensive coordinator in four years.
The Houston Texans have brought in Frank Bush to be their defensive coordinator, replacing the fired Richard Smith. Bush has been in league, in some facet, for 25 season and has been with the Texans for the past two seasons as a special defensive assistant.
-Daemon
Former 49er's head coach Mike Nolan was hired on to Josh McDaniels staff, as the Denver Broncos new defensive coordinator. Before accepting his first head coaching job, with the 49er's, he served in the same post with the Ravens, Jets, Redskins and Giants. His first coaching job in the NFL was with the Broncos as a special teams and linebackers coach in 1987. Under Nolan the Broncos may switch from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4, although that isn't clear at this point. With Nolan added to the staff it gives the Broncos their fourth defensive coordinator in four years.
The Houston Texans have brought in Frank Bush to be their defensive coordinator, replacing the fired Richard Smith. Bush has been in league, in some facet, for 25 season and has been with the Texans for the past two seasons as a special defensive assistant.
-Daemon
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
NFL
Back to the world of professional football. As expected, after Bill Cowher said no, the Cleveland Browns have brought in former New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini, to man the same position. He brings with him a 23-25 career record, after three seasons with the Jets. He is expected to bring along the Jets quarterbacks coach, Brian Daboll, to run the offense and Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, to mind the same position. Also a possibility to stay on is, recently fired Browns head coach, Romeo Crennel who worked with Mangini while with the Patriots. Mangini takes over a Browns team that has much higher expectations and talent than the Browns that Crennel took over four years ago. Mangini received a four year contract to run the Browns, and see if he can turn them into a playoff team.
On another note former 49ers running backs coach, Tom Rathman, was brought back by new head coach Mike Singletary to take over the same role with the team. Rathman, who manned the same position with the Raiders for the last two season, is a former 49er fullback and was the teams running backs coach from 1997-2002 before following former head coach Steve Mariucci to Detroit. Singletary interviewed Rathman on Tuesday and didn't delay in bringing him on to his staff, which he wants to become more of a running offense, even before hiring an offensive coordinator.
There are still teams that need head coaches and assistants, so we will see many more moves in the coming weeks.
-Daemon
On another note former 49ers running backs coach, Tom Rathman, was brought back by new head coach Mike Singletary to take over the same role with the team. Rathman, who manned the same position with the Raiders for the last two season, is a former 49er fullback and was the teams running backs coach from 1997-2002 before following former head coach Steve Mariucci to Detroit. Singletary interviewed Rathman on Tuesday and didn't delay in bringing him on to his staff, which he wants to become more of a running offense, even before hiring an offensive coordinator.
There are still teams that need head coaches and assistants, so we will see many more moves in the coming weeks.
-Daemon
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
MLB
Fresh from the hot stove league are some moves that teams hope will vault them to the next level.
One was the defending American League champion Tampa Bay Rays signing of former Phillie Pat Burrell. Burrell is expected to step in and be the teams DH, and probably step in to rest Carl Crawford in left. He brings impressive numbers with him, although inconsistent at times, averaging about 30 homers and 100 rbi's a year over the last four years. In a line up that struggled against left-handed pitching Burrell will give them a powerful right to go along with Carlos Pena, B.J. Upton, Carl Crawford, and Evan Longoria. And at just $8 million a year over two years, he comes at a relatively low price especially compared to some other sluggers.
Another was the signing of Milton Bradley by the Chicago Cubs. Long heralded as a five-tool player he has struggled to put up numbers that his talent would imply, often because of either off the field issues or problems on the field. Although for most of last season he either led the American League in batting or was near the top, before finishing with a .321 average. The signing pushes Kosuke Fukudome to bench, the big Japanese signing of last season started the season strong before completely falling off the map. But at $10 million a year for three years, if he falls into one of his spirals again will be grossly over paying, however if he finally puts it together and stays so it could turn into a bargain for the cubs.
Yet another also involves the Cubs, in a trade that sent pitcher Jason Marquis to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for reliever Luis Vizcaino. A move that improves the Rockies rotation, Marquis has reached the 10+ win plateau in each of the last five seasons including a an 11-9 record last season. Vizcaino gives the Cubs another bullpen arm that can help ease the loss of closer Kerry Wood. This move appears more as a means of freeing up money in light of the Bradley signing.
And then there is the probability of a Jason Giambi Oakland A's reunion. All reports have deal done as early as tomorrow. Giambi, the 2000 AL MVP while with Oakland, will likely man the DH role and give the A's another bat to team with first year Athletic Matt Holliday. Last season Giambi hit .247 with 32 homers and 96 rbi's. And the soon to be 38 year old will most likely make this his final stop of his career, with a one year $4.5 million contract with a club option worth $5 million. If able to put up numbers like last season he will be another great signing by Billy Beane, to go along with past signings like Frank Thomas, and at a lot less than he would have been slated to make had the Yankees picked up his option, $22 million.
The hot stove league is far from over with many players still unsigned and spring training just over a month away.
-Daemon
One was the defending American League champion Tampa Bay Rays signing of former Phillie Pat Burrell. Burrell is expected to step in and be the teams DH, and probably step in to rest Carl Crawford in left. He brings impressive numbers with him, although inconsistent at times, averaging about 30 homers and 100 rbi's a year over the last four years. In a line up that struggled against left-handed pitching Burrell will give them a powerful right to go along with Carlos Pena, B.J. Upton, Carl Crawford, and Evan Longoria. And at just $8 million a year over two years, he comes at a relatively low price especially compared to some other sluggers.
Another was the signing of Milton Bradley by the Chicago Cubs. Long heralded as a five-tool player he has struggled to put up numbers that his talent would imply, often because of either off the field issues or problems on the field. Although for most of last season he either led the American League in batting or was near the top, before finishing with a .321 average. The signing pushes Kosuke Fukudome to bench, the big Japanese signing of last season started the season strong before completely falling off the map. But at $10 million a year for three years, if he falls into one of his spirals again will be grossly over paying, however if he finally puts it together and stays so it could turn into a bargain for the cubs.
Yet another also involves the Cubs, in a trade that sent pitcher Jason Marquis to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for reliever Luis Vizcaino. A move that improves the Rockies rotation, Marquis has reached the 10+ win plateau in each of the last five seasons including a an 11-9 record last season. Vizcaino gives the Cubs another bullpen arm that can help ease the loss of closer Kerry Wood. This move appears more as a means of freeing up money in light of the Bradley signing.
And then there is the probability of a Jason Giambi Oakland A's reunion. All reports have deal done as early as tomorrow. Giambi, the 2000 AL MVP while with Oakland, will likely man the DH role and give the A's another bat to team with first year Athletic Matt Holliday. Last season Giambi hit .247 with 32 homers and 96 rbi's. And the soon to be 38 year old will most likely make this his final stop of his career, with a one year $4.5 million contract with a club option worth $5 million. If able to put up numbers like last season he will be another great signing by Billy Beane, to go along with past signings like Frank Thomas, and at a lot less than he would have been slated to make had the Yankees picked up his option, $22 million.
The hot stove league is far from over with many players still unsigned and spring training just over a month away.
-Daemon
Monday, January 5, 2009
Playoffs Day Two
Today we saw two more teams move on in the NFL playoffs. Unlike yesterday, when the two home teams won, today both road teams came out victorious.
The first were the Baltimore Ravens, who absolutly controled the Miami Dolphins. It was a tight game until 2:30 left in the second quarter, when Ed Reed picked off a Chad Pennington pass and returned it 64 yards for a score putting the Ravens on top 10-3. At the half Baltimore pushed it to 17-3, and continued to play strong aggressive defense picking Pennington off four times and sacking him three times. The Ravens defense allowed them to outscore the Dolphins 14-6 in the second half, with Miami score a touchdown two minutes into the fourth quarter, but missing the point after. Now Baltimore moves on to play Tennesse, in Tennesse, and pushes San Diego to play Pittsburg, in Pittsburg.
The second team to move on to the second round were the Philadelphia Eagles, who beat the Minnesota Vikings. Neither team really dominated this game, with the Eagles getting a pair of first quarter field goals. The second quarter is when most of the scoring happened, Adrian Petterson scored a pair of touchdowns and Asante Samuel picked off a Tarvaris Jackson pass returning it for a touchdown, giving Samuel four postseason pick sixes breaking an NFL record. Going into the half the Eagles were on top 16-14, and it stayed that way until 6:37 left in the game when Donovin McNabb hooked up with Brian Westbrook on a screen pass that went for 71 yard touchdown. The Eagles would add a field goal making the final 26-14, sending the Vikings home and the Eagles to play divison rival New York Giants and the Arizona to Carolina to play the Panthers.
Now we wait until next weekend to see what happens in the world of professional football.
-Daemon
The first were the Baltimore Ravens, who absolutly controled the Miami Dolphins. It was a tight game until 2:30 left in the second quarter, when Ed Reed picked off a Chad Pennington pass and returned it 64 yards for a score putting the Ravens on top 10-3. At the half Baltimore pushed it to 17-3, and continued to play strong aggressive defense picking Pennington off four times and sacking him three times. The Ravens defense allowed them to outscore the Dolphins 14-6 in the second half, with Miami score a touchdown two minutes into the fourth quarter, but missing the point after. Now Baltimore moves on to play Tennesse, in Tennesse, and pushes San Diego to play Pittsburg, in Pittsburg.
The second team to move on to the second round were the Philadelphia Eagles, who beat the Minnesota Vikings. Neither team really dominated this game, with the Eagles getting a pair of first quarter field goals. The second quarter is when most of the scoring happened, Adrian Petterson scored a pair of touchdowns and Asante Samuel picked off a Tarvaris Jackson pass returning it for a touchdown, giving Samuel four postseason pick sixes breaking an NFL record. Going into the half the Eagles were on top 16-14, and it stayed that way until 6:37 left in the game when Donovin McNabb hooked up with Brian Westbrook on a screen pass that went for 71 yard touchdown. The Eagles would add a field goal making the final 26-14, sending the Vikings home and the Eagles to play divison rival New York Giants and the Arizona to Carolina to play the Panthers.
Now we wait until next weekend to see what happens in the world of professional football.
-Daemon
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Playoffs Day One
Today we saw two teams move on to the second round of the NFL playoffs.
The first was the Arizona Cardinals, who hosted a playoff game for the first since 1947 when the then Chicago Cardinals beat Philadelphia. Going into half time it looked as though the Atlanta Falcons were destined for victory, after a shaky start, going to the locker room with a 17-14 lead. But coming out of the half it looked like Arizona just wanted it more, outscoring the Falcons 16-7 in the second half, and sending them home in the process. Now they have to wait for the results of tomorrows Minnesota - Philadelphia game.
The other were the San Diego Chargers, who hand Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts a 23-17 overtime loss. The Chargers were arguably the hottest team going into the postseason, riding the tails of a four-game win streak. In the first half the chargers out scored the Colts 14-10. But in the second half struggled to score, allowing Indianapolis to score a third quarter touchdown. But getting off a game tieing field goal with 31 seconds left in the fourth, sending the game to overtime where Darren Sproles ran it in from 22 yards out to win the game for San Diego. Sproles, who stepped up huge for the Chargers after LaDainian Tomlinson went down with a groin injury, had 105 yards and two scores on 22 carries, including the game winner. The Chargers have to wait to see the outcome of tomorrows games to see who they play next.
Good luck to the teams moving on and congradulations on a good season to all.
-Daemon
The first was the Arizona Cardinals, who hosted a playoff game for the first since 1947 when the then Chicago Cardinals beat Philadelphia. Going into half time it looked as though the Atlanta Falcons were destined for victory, after a shaky start, going to the locker room with a 17-14 lead. But coming out of the half it looked like Arizona just wanted it more, outscoring the Falcons 16-7 in the second half, and sending them home in the process. Now they have to wait for the results of tomorrows Minnesota - Philadelphia game.
The other were the San Diego Chargers, who hand Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts a 23-17 overtime loss. The Chargers were arguably the hottest team going into the postseason, riding the tails of a four-game win streak. In the first half the chargers out scored the Colts 14-10. But in the second half struggled to score, allowing Indianapolis to score a third quarter touchdown. But getting off a game tieing field goal with 31 seconds left in the fourth, sending the game to overtime where Darren Sproles ran it in from 22 yards out to win the game for San Diego. Sproles, who stepped up huge for the Chargers after LaDainian Tomlinson went down with a groin injury, had 105 yards and two scores on 22 carries, including the game winner. The Chargers have to wait to see the outcome of tomorrows games to see who they play next.
Good luck to the teams moving on and congradulations on a good season to all.
-Daemon
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy New Year
Hey Everyone. I just wanted to wish everybody a happy and prosperous new year. I'll keep it short and sweet tonight. Have a great 2009.
-Daemon
-Daemon
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