Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/college-bball/67-n-c-state-wolfpack-college-basketball-111-in-111/
A.J. Burnett Steve Garrison Phil Hughes Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera Kerry Wood
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
#67 N.C. State Wolfpack: College Basketball 111 in 111
Welcome to The Sports Bank?s second annual college basketball season preview series.� Last year we looked at 99 teams in 99 days.� This year, we are being slightly more aggressive and expanding to 111 teams in 111 days.� We will rank the 74 power conference teams and top 37 mid-majors in reverse power ranking order.� [...]
Venus Williams Withdraws from the US Open Tennis Tournment
American hopeful Venus Williams withdraws from the US Open Wednesday shortly before her second-round match against German Sabine Lisicki. Reason for the withdrawal is an autoimmune disease called Sjogren's Syndrome, which causes fatigue and joint pain.
The two-time US Open champion showed her frustration about the situation in a statement released by the tournament. "I enjoyed playing my first match here and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to. I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon,” Williams said.
It is yet another setback for 31-year-old Venus Williams, whose disappointing year of 2011 continues. The American has appeared in only 11 matches, and has an 8-3 record. The mysterious virus that force Williams to withdraw from the hard court tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati can be found in about four million Americans.
The magnitude of Williams’ sudden withdrawal from the US Open will be seen over the next couple of days, but first and foremost, with Williams, America has lost its only hope of winning the tournament.
The first beneficiary of Williams being out of the pictures is 22nd-seeded Sabine Lisicki, who gets a bye and advances to the third round. The 21-year-old German, who won 23 out of their last 27 matches, would have represented a tough matchup for Williams.
With Venus Williams out of the tournament the chances for other favorites like Caroline Wozniacki, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams have increased exponentially.
On the other hand the quality of the women’s US Open field and the quality of women’s tennis as a whole has decreased dramatically with one of their most prominent and most talented players gone.
Mike Fontenot Brett Pill Pat Burrell Jhan Marinez Anibal Sanchez John Baker
Chicago Bears Hope DE Corey Wootton Returns for Season Opener
It’s possible that Chicago Bears defensive end Corey Wootton will return from his knee injury in time for the regular season opener September 11 versus the Atlanta Falcons. Last year’s fourth-round pick out of Northwestern suffered meniscus damage in his right knee during the very opening kickoff of the Bears preseason opener against the Buffalo [...]
Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/nfl/chicago-bears-hope-de-corey-wootton-returns-for-season-opener/
Washington Capitals Arizona Diamondbacks Atlanta Braves Chicago Cubs Cincinnati Reds Colorado Rockies
Does Offensive Point Shares Underrate Gretzky?s 215 Point Season?
Lately, I have been looking into the point shares system published by Justin Kubatko at hockey-reference.com. This is an attempt to credit the points teams have in the standings to individual players on the team. I have first looked at offensive point shares and the top individual seasons by this method. One of the more surprising results is that the season when Wayne Gretzky set the record for most points in a season in 1985/86 with 215 points is ranked tenth in the best all time seasons. Five other Gretzky seasons, two Mario Lemieux seasons and two Phil Esposito seasons rank above it.
This has to do with the way the point share system treats assists. When Gretzky set his point record he did so with a lot of assists. Gretzky scored 52 goals and a record 163 assists for his 215 points in the 1985/86 season.
This has to do with the way the point share system treats assists. When Gretzky set his point record he did so with a lot of assists. Gretzky scored 52 goals and a record 163 assists for his 215 points in the 1985/86 season.
St. Louis Cardinals Washington Nationals Jonathan Albaladejo Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett Steve Garrison
Fantasy Football Rankings 2011: Cards' Larry Fitzgerald Is No. 1 Fantasy WR
The Arizona Cardinals Made Some Offseason Moves That Will Greatly Benefit the Stud WR
First Arizona went out and acquired former Eagles' QB, Kevin Kolb.
And whether the critics out there want to recognize it or not, Kolb has significantly improved the Cardinals' offense, and will make Larry Fitzgerald the most productive WR in the game.
For one, Fitz was still able to dominate the ranks when playing with QBs such as Max Hall, Derek Anderson, John Skelton, Josh McCown, Shaun King, and John Navarre.
Since his rookie year, he's also only had one QB to be under center on a consistent basis, and that was Kurt Warner for only 4.5 years.
Now there's Kolb, who although still has to establish himself, has an excellent amount of potential.
Moving on and we see the addition of TE Todd Heap from Baltimore, who will be a solid target for Kolb, but also complement Fitz very well.
Anytime you think of the great WRs of pro football's history, there's always a solid TE right there with them.
Brent Jones with Jerry Rice and Jay Novacek with Michael Irvin, just to name a couple.
Also, Arizona has OL Deuce Lutui coming back, but have signed Daryn Colledge away from the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers.
Both of whom, are excellent pass blockers to protect Kolb, so Fitz has even more time to get open.
As for when you should draft Larry, it all comes down to how much you really trust Kevin Kolb.
Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report.
And you can follow him on Twitter @ Sportswriter27.
Vancouver Canucks Anaheim Ducks Dallas Los Angeles Kings Phoenix Coyotes San Jose Sharks
New Offer For Doughty
via Helene Elliott tweets, Kings say they?ve made ?refined? offer to Drew Doughty that gives him different contract lengths to consider. Said they?re awaiting
a response in a day or two. Said everything has been amicable, will have better idea of where they are when Doughty?s side responds.
a response in a day or two. Said everything has been amicable, will have better idea of where they are when Doughty?s side responds.
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/new_offer_for_doughty/
Colorado Rockies Florida Marlins Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers Milwaukee Brewers New York Mets
Miami Dolphins 2011 NFL Predictions and Betting Odds
The Miami Dolphins have most of the ingredients necessary to be a playoff contender. They can run the ball, they've got a pretty good offensive line, some nice receivers and one of the better defenses in the league.
But Miami, like a handful of other NFL teams in similar situations, is lacking at one very important position; of course, we're talking about the quarterback.
Last year, sportsbooks sent the Dolphins off with a regular season wins total of 8.5. Miami then opened last year with two road wins, led by former Michigan Wolverine Chad Henne at quarterback. After alternating wins and losses for the next eight weeks to get to 7-6 and within sight of the playoffs, the Dolphins finished the season by losing three at home to Buffalo, Detroit and New England.
Miami beat the Super Bowl-champion Packers and the Jets, both on the road, but lost at home to such "powerhouse" outfits as the Browns, Bills and Lions. In fact, amazingly, the Dolphins went 1-7 at home last year, and 6-2 on the road. And they finished with a losing record despite outgaining opponents by an average of 14 YPG!
The easiest place to put the blame on such a season is, of course, the quarterback. On the year Henne completed 61 percent of his passes, but for just a 15/19 TD/INT ratio and a 75.4 QB rating.
This year it looks like Miami will again begin with Henne behind center, but that could change, at almost any moment.
2011 Miami Dolphins Pick-ups and Losses
Over the offseason the Fish parted ways with RBs Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, among a few others, and QB Chad Pennington retired, for the time being. Miami then made a splash in trading for RB Reggie Bush. They signed LBs Jason Taylor and Kevin Burnett, and OG Marc Colombo and re-signed NT Paul Soliai.
The Dolphins also drafted Florida C Mike Pouncey, who's expected to step right in and start, at No. 15 overall, and they nabbed RB Daniel Thomas, who ran for 2,800 yards in two seasons at Kansas State, in the second round.
Offense
Miami struggled on offense last year, ranking 21st overall and 21st in rushing at 103 YPG. Injuries played a part, but so did the personnel.
This year the Dolphins have the makings of a very good offensive line, with the addition of Pouncey and Colombo to a group that already included LT Jake Long and LG Richie Incognito.
As of this writing Henne still tops the depth chart at QB, but former Carolina Panther Matt Moore looked good in Miami's exhibition opener. Bush is not a between-the-tackles kind of runner, so Miami might be forced to use rookie Thomas right away.
Defense
This unit is the strength of this team, after ranking sixth overall last year and seventh vs the run at 100 YPG.
The Dolphins have just about everybody back on this side of the ball, and they add Taylor and Burnett.
But if they want to contend in the AFC East this season they'll have to figure out a scheme for the Patriots, who put up 41 and 38 points on them last year. Still, this should again be a solid unit this season.
2011 Miami Dolphins Schedule
The Dolphins play six games this season against teams that made the playoffs last year, which includes, of course, two games vs both the Jets and Patriots. Miami also has home dates with Houston and Oakland, and road games at San Diego, the Giants and Dallas. Overall, Miami's schedule ranks tied for 10th-toughest in the league, based on last year's W/L records.
2011 Miami Dolphins Predictions and NFL Betting Odds
BetOnline is lining Miami at +900 to win the AFC East this season, +2,000 to win the AFC and +5,500 to win the Super Bowl, with a regular season wins "over/under" of eight ("O" +160/"U" -200). With the Dolphins playing in the same division as New England and New York, those division and conference odds are not worth taking.
But if you think Henne (or somebody else) can give the Dolphins better production at the QB spot this year, that "over" eight on the wins total (especially getting a price like +160) might be worth a shot.
Kevin Russo Curtis Granderson Nick Johnson Javier Lopez Alex Hinshaw Ramon Ramirez
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Former Wizards, Grizzlies Guard Javaris Crittenton wanted for Murder; Captured by FBI
Update: FBI arrest Crittenton at John Wayne/Orange County airport. From ESPN: Crittenton, who was suspended from the league in March 2010 for having guns in a locker room with teammate Gilbert Arenas, was arrested Monday in Southern California to face a murder charge in a deadly Atlanta shooting. Crittenton was taken into custody at about [...]
Colin Curtis Kevin Russo Curtis Granderson Nick Johnson Javier Lopez Alex Hinshaw
Managing Expectations
This is something that New York Rangers? fans must learn to do prior to the start of the regular season because if they do not, they could end up being disappointed in the long run.
I am not saying this to be downer. Instead, I want Rangers? fans to take a realistic approach to the season because while the team does look solid on paper, it does not necessarily mean that it will translate over well onto the ice.
For starters, fans need to be realistic about Brad Richards. Yes, he is going to produce and yes, he is going to play in all situations but the team did not bring him in to be Marian Gaborik?s savior. Rather, the team got him to be their No. 1 center for the foreseeable future.
Secondly, fans cannot want to boo Gaborik if he does not get going early on in the season. With Gaborik, fans need to practice patience because in the end, this could end up being a very big season for the third-year Blueshirt.
I am not saying this to be downer. Instead, I want Rangers? fans to take a realistic approach to the season because while the team does look solid on paper, it does not necessarily mean that it will translate over well onto the ice.
For starters, fans need to be realistic about Brad Richards. Yes, he is going to produce and yes, he is going to play in all situations but the team did not bring him in to be Marian Gaborik?s savior. Rather, the team got him to be their No. 1 center for the foreseeable future.
Secondly, fans cannot want to boo Gaborik if he does not get going early on in the season. With Gaborik, fans need to practice patience because in the end, this could end up being a very big season for the third-year Blueshirt.
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/glr/comments/managing_expectations/
Cleveland Indians Detroit Tigers Kansas City Royals Los Angeles Dodgers Minnesota Twins New York Yankees
Kentucky Wildcats: Five Great Highlights from the Kentucky "Pros" College Days
A couple of weeks ago, in preparation for Olympic qualifying, John Calipari matched up his Dominican Republic squad against an all-star team of former Kentucky players now making a living in the NBA. Over two games on back-to-back nights in Lexington and Louisville, the Kentucky Pros provided highlight after highlight for those lucky enough to attend.
And even though the Kentucky Pros actually lost both games, it was a hugely successful two-night event where the fans got to "show the love" to some beloved ex-Cats and some former stars got to bask in the glow of the college environment once again.
Still, while it was great to see these guys coming back from the pros, I just couldn't help but think that it was just more fun watching these guys play while they were in college and wearing the Kentucky uniform. So I got a bit nostalgic and decided to scour the Internet for highlights from these guys and their time in Lexington.
And I found plenty of good stuff.
Minnesota Wild Vancouver Canucks Anaheim Ducks Dallas Los Angeles Kings Phoenix Coyotes
Fantasy Football Sleepers 2011: Niners' Anthony Dixon
San Francisco 49ers running back Anthony Dixon may sit as second on the depth chart behind Frank Gore, but he's a value addition to your fantasy roster suitable for those owners with Gore and those without him, alike.
Gore missed five games last season with a fractured hip, and Dixon stepped up to fill his hole, rushing for 237 yards and two touchdowns in 2010.
And now Gore is having issues with his contract, which he is trying to restructure before the season opener on September 11. While he hopes that the ensuing contract makes him a 49er for life, it is not impossible that, if the deal hits significant snags, he could hold out.
If that is the case, Dixon may be called to step up in the starting role, and it's not going to be difficult for him to find success or the end zone if he does.
Combine that with Gore's spotty injury history, and Dixon is one of the premier sleeper running backs of the fantasy season.
Atlanta Trashers Carolina Hurricanes Florida Panthers Tampa Bay Lightning Washington Capitals Arizona Diamondbacks
NFL Power Rankings: 3 Teams in Desperate Need of a Win
The NFL preseason is a place for learning, but it hasn't been what a few teams expected it would be. Nobody wants to lose every preseason game, especially when you have high expectations for the upcoming season.
It would only hurt your season outlook moving forward, which is why there a few teams in desperate need of a win this preseason. With the shortened offseason, a lot of teams received a great deal of hype entering actual game play.
Here are three teams on the decline that badly need a victory in Week 4 of the NFL preseason.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons took a huge risk in jumping up 21 spots in the NFL draft to select Julio Jones, but they believe it will pay off. Atlanta also paid Ray Edwards a lot of money this offseason to help get after the quarterback.
On paper this team got better, but with an 0-3 preseason record Atlanta isn't getting it done. The second team isn't very good, which hurt them in some games. However, the starters have failed to consistently and successfully move the ball well the entire preseason.
They play the Ravens on Thursday, and with a victory they can feel better heading into Week 1 of a tough 2011 schedule.
Indianapolis Colts
Peyton Manning won't be playing in the Colts final preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but the Colts need to have a good game. Their backup quarterbacks have struggled this preseason, and losing to Cincinnati would be a crushing blow.
The Colts did put up a good fight in Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers losing by only three points, but Indianapolis needs to have at least one preseason victory to make themselves feel better heading into the regular season.
Nobody knows how long Manning will be out, and if his backups struggle to beat the lowly Bengals then Colts' fans won't feel too good about the uncertainty of the 2011 season.
New York Giants
The Giants have been struggling all preseason, and after losing a few players to injury closing it out with a victory over the New England Patriots would help boost their confidence.
Eli Manning hasn't done well, and many are wondering if 2011 will be another tough year for him. With the departure of Steve Smith and Kevin Boss, Manning must find new favorite targets, which won't be easy.
The Giants will be playing their second game in just four days, which means their starters will be taking it easy. However, they still need a victory in order to have some positives to take away from the 2011 preseason.
These three teams have had a lackluster preseason, and are in desperate need of a win in Week 4 of the preseason. Another loss will have a big affect on these teams heading into the regular season.
New York Islanders New York Rangers Philadelphia Flyers Pittsburgh Penguins Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres
Ex-NBC Sports Chair Dick Ebersol Is Selling His Telluride Mansion For $13 Million
Dick Ebersol, a long-time NBC Sports executive who shaped Olympics coverage recently listed his Telluride, CO home for $13 million (Via Zillow).
Ebersol resigned in May from his position after a successful career at NBC where he served as Chairman of NBC Sports & Olympics in 1989, secured the rights for the ’96 Olympics, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2012 games.
While Ebersol was at the helm, NBC hosted the World Series, Super Bowl, NBA Finals and Summer Olympics for the 1995-'96 season -- the only time in history one network telecast them all.
Colorado is where Ebersol and his wife Susan St. James have called home since 2004, when they bought the 12,962-square foot home for $10.4 million.
The house sits on 1.7 acres of land atop a cul-de-sac, in a private community minutes away from the Mountain Village Center. Celebrities such as Oprah, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes and Jerry Seinfeld also have real estate in Telluride.
Ebersol's home has seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and two half baths.
The house also features a spa, hot tub, home theater and media room, an elevator, in-home fitness center and ski access.
The outside of Ebersol's Colorado home
The master bedroom complete with stone fire place
The kitchen
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
Please follow The Life on Twitter and Facebook.
See Also:
- Christina Aguilera Sells Sunset Strip Home For $4.6 Million After Huge Price Chop
- HOUSE OF THE DAY: A Scottish Castle Overlooking The Mountains Of Denver Is On Sale For $8.7 Million
- HOUSE OF THE DAY: Matthew Perry Picks Up A Hollywood Hills Home For $8.65 Million
New York Rangers Philadelphia Flyers Pittsburgh Penguins Boston Bruins Buffalo Sabres Montreal Canadiens
Tennis Star Maria Sharapova Is A Fashionista Off The Court
Maria Sharapova, tennis star on the court and fashionista off, shared some of her style secrets with the New York Post today.
Sharapova's fashion rep has also landed her modeling deals with Cannon, Tag Heuer, Tiffany's, and Sony Ericsson.
Take these tips from the tennis fashionista:
- On the red carpet she wears: Lanvin, Chloe, and Stella McCartney
- She wears wide leg pants, since she's tall she can pull off looser styles
- She's really excited to wear her Cole Haan boots for fall
- She loves shopping in SoHo
She's ranked number four going into the U.S. Open, she always looks great off the court, let's open that crosses over this week.
Here Maria is in floral, at a Vogue Fashion Fund event in LA
She was on the cover of InStyle Russia
Here she is in wider legged pants at the Sony Ericsson Xperia Hotshot launch
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
Please follow Sports Page on Twitter and Facebook.
See Also:
- Here?s Everything You Need To Know Going Into This Week?s U.S. Open
- The Most Outrageous Women?s Outfits In U.S. Open History
- How To Become A Ballperson At The U.S. Open
Tampa Bay Rays Texas Rangers Toronto Blue Jays chicago blackhawks columbus blue jackets detroit red wings
Monday, August 29, 2011
Cedric Benson Heads to Jail for Bengals' Bye Week
Most NFL players spend their bye weeks resting, relaxing and recuperating.
Not Cedric Benson.
The Cincinnati Bengals running back will spend his bye week behind bars.
Benson will turn himself in October 17th and spend seven days in jail after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from his 2010 attack on an Austin, Texas bar employee.
“We are pleased that Mr. Benson took responsibility for his actions today,” Assistant Travis County Attorney Corby Holcomb said.
Originally a 20-day jail sentence, the courts agreed to reduce Benson's time, assuming he exhibits good behavior.
Please follow Sports Page on Twitter and Facebook.
Join the conversation about this story »
See Also:
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Are Replacing Their Playbooks With iPads
- Lambeau Field Expansion Could Give You A Chance To Own The Green Bay Packers
- After Anointing The Eagles A "Dream Team," Vince Young Is Losing His Grip On His Backup QB Job
Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners Tampa Bay Rays Texas Rangers Toronto Blue Jays chicago blackhawks
Madden NFL 2012 Is Definitely Worth Buying
Earlier this month, EA sports released a demo of the 2012 installment of their most valuable series of games, Madden.
Tonight, at midnight, the real deal comes out, and you should definitely buy it.
Madden's gameplay was solidly established in last season's version. The plays ran crisply, and the defense could stop the run more often. On the other hand, their long vaunted "hit stick" feature wasn't anywhere close to perfect, and practically every defensive back in the game, Ed Reed and Nnamdi Asomugha included, had hands that were apparently sculpted out of granite. The problems that have long plagued Madden such as their terrible announcing and poor production value were still abound.
The newly released demo can only tell us so much about the game, but the wizards over at Electronic Arts have added a few new wrinkles, and surprisingly enough, the game feels pretty fresh.
The tackling component of the game has been improved vastly. The collision detection never seems to clip, and the game won't skip a beat if a player's animation becomes interrupted. The players movement has more fluidity, and the bone crunching hits only come when they are earned.
Speaking of bone crunching hits, the "hit stick" has been solved. A selected defensive player won't kneel forward and rush with his head down towards the ball carrier like a drunken bull anymore. Instead, the defender will better read the movement of the ball carrier and make the most solid hit possible. Runner's juking ability has also improved to make the game more fair.
Although the demo doesn't have any commentary in it, the production value is leagues ahead of where it was last year. The game's graphics, camera angles, and player introductions act as if they were ripped directly from a Sunday NFL telecast.
Other features added include more lifelike player celebrations (Aaron Rodgers actually does his championship belt routine after scoring), improved ball physics, a revamped and more RPG like "Franchise Mode," improve online communities, and the game seems a bit faster.
Even with all their improvements in the production department, EA didn't add player tattoos or cheerleaders that look like human beings. The demo was surely an inferior product to what will come out in stores today, so it's possible that these additions have been made.
One of the biggest criticisms of sports games is that they don't add enough features in between off-seasons other than roster updates and new graphics. But that criticism is unfair. The base engine of a video game takes years to program and execute. It's nearly impossible for video game designers to totally revolutionize the gameplay a sports game in a single year.
But it's evident there will still be room for improvement once Madden NFL 2013 rolls around.
Please follow Sports Page on Twitter and Facebook.
Join the conversation about this story »
See Also:
- Here's Everything You Need To Know To Create The BEST Fantasy Team Out There
- SPORTS CHART OF THE DAY: Cam Newton Is Off To A Rough Start
- NFL Player's Association Threw Eight Players Under Bus To Get CBA Done
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/V1_12d59O_4/madden-2012-2011-8
Matt Martin Frans Nielsen Dwayne Roloson Jon Sim Jason Arnott David Clarkson
Arsenal Transfers :Santos, Marvin Martin & the Other Deadline Deals Wenger Eyes
If Arsene Wenger ever thought the Arsenal squad needs overhauling, the time is now. Although Gunner fans may argue that with the suspended players back, the diabolical Arsenal performance may well be considered an anomaly in the days to come, Wenger surely needs to add a few players to the squad for first team action.
Here I have summarized some names of which some reports claim as many as 4 players could sign for the London club on or before the deadline day.
Kansas City Royals Los Angeles Dodgers Minnesota Twins New York Yankees Oakland Athletics Seattle Mariners
Tennis Star Maria Sharapova Is A Fashionista Off The Court
Maria Sharapova, tennis star on the court and fashionista off, shared some of her style secrets with the New York Post today.
Sharapova's fashion rep has also landed her modeling deals with Cannon, Tag Heuer, Tiffany's, and Sony Ericsson.
Take these tips from the tennis fashionista:
- On the red carpet she wears: Lanvin, Chloe, and Stella McCartney
- She wears wide leg pants, since she's tall she can pull off looser styles
- She's really excited to wear her Cole Haan boots for fall
- She loves shopping in SoHo
She's ranked number four going into the U.S. Open, she always looks great off the court, let's open that crosses over this week.
Here Maria is in floral, at a Vogue Fashion Fund event in LA
She was on the cover of InStyle Russia
Here she is in wider legged pants at the Sony Ericsson Xperia Hotshot launch
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
Please follow Sports Page on Twitter and Facebook.
See Also:
- Here?s Everything You Need To Know Going Into This Week?s U.S. Open
- The Most Outrageous Women?s Outfits In U.S. Open History
- How To Become A Ballperson At The U.S. Open
Andrew McDonald Matt Martin Frans Nielsen Dwayne Roloson Jon Sim Jason Arnott
Pair Of Devil Attend Rookie Showcase
Per Tom Gulitti of Fire & Ice:
?The Devils? Adam Larsson and Adam Henrique will be among the 27 top NHL rookie prospects in attendance at the MasterCard Centre outside Toronto on Tuesday, Aug. 30 for the 2011 NHLPA Rookie Showcase.?
The full story can be read here.
?The Devils? Adam Larsson and Adam Henrique will be among the 27 top NHL rookie prospects in attendance at the MasterCard Centre outside Toronto on Tuesday, Aug. 30 for the 2011 NHLPA Rookie Showcase.?
The full story can be read here.
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/pair_of_devil_attend_rookie_showcase/
Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers Milwaukee Brewers New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies Pittsburgh Pirates
Boston Celtics: 6 Greatest Guards of the Larry Bird Era
The Boston Celtics were not a team known for their guard play during the years of Larry Bird and his three championship seasons with the team, yet there are a fair share of guards who were big-time producers.
Bird said Dennis Johnson, a player who never really got as much credit as Robert Parish and Kevin McHale for the three rings, was the "best player [he] ever played with."
Those are some big words coming from one of the NBA's all-time greats.
Here are the six best guards of the Larry Bird era for the Boston Celtics.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/825257-boston-celtics-6-greatest-guards-of-the-larry-bird-era
Andrew Brackman A.J. Burnett Steve Garrison Phil Hughes Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera
#7 Boise State Broncos: College Football 77 in 77
This is the year. It has to be. To quote Elvis Presely “It’s now or Never.” (by the way, anyone notice that song is a blatant rip off of “O Solo Mio” just like “My Country Tis of Thee” is a rip off of “God Save the Queen) Anyways, the Boise State Broncos, the mid-major [...]
Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/college-fball/7-boise-state-broncos-college-football-77-in-77/
Steve Garrison Phil Hughes Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera Kerry Wood Francisco Cervelli
Hockey Notes On The Last Sunday Of August
from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, • The Maple Leafs are all excited about adding Tim Connolly, John-Michael Liles and potentially Matthew Lombardi to their lineup this season. I would tend to share their excitement if all three of them hadn?t been let go or given away by their previous teams with little in return to show for them.
• I don?t know about you, but if I had Drew Doughty on my team, I?d do everything to make sure he was signed, happy, and ready to lead my Los Angeles Kings team. The last thing I?d want is to drag my franchise player through the negotiating mud all summer with no contract agreed to with three weeks until training camp.
a few more hockey notes?
• I don?t know about you, but if I had Drew Doughty on my team, I?d do everything to make sure he was signed, happy, and ready to lead my Los Angeles Kings team. The last thing I?d want is to drag my franchise player through the negotiating mud all summer with no contract agreed to with three weeks until training camp.
a few more hockey notes?
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/hockey_notes_on_the_last_sunday_of_august/
Kerry Wood Francisco Cervelli Chad Moeller Jorge Posada Lance Berkman Reegie Corona
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Madden 12 Reviews: Why Gamers Should Get This Year's Madden
On Tuesday, Madden NFL 12 will be released unto the world.
At this point, the skeptics will ask something like "What's the point?" After all, isn't it the same thing every year?
I know this because I've been there myself. While it's nice to have a new Madden, it oftentimes does seem like I'm paying $60 for the same game every year.
This year, though, things are supposed to be a little different. From the sound of things, the folks at EA Sports have made several changes that are going to make the game worth both your time and your money.
For a rundown on those, let's turn to the reviews.
While we all know that the game is going to look better from a graphics standpoint every year, one of things that caught the attention of IGN.com's Jack DeVries is the improvements that have been made to the game's AI (or artificial intelligence if you're not into the whole brevity thing).
As DeVries notes:
The AI upgrade changes nearly every player reaction. Dozens of different options are available ranging from how quickly a QB will throw the ball away, to whether a player performs better in the clutch, to how hard a DT hits. It's a simplified version of "tendencies" used in other sports games, and it adds a new level of depth to the game.
And so on, and so on. The point is that the game is much smarter. Instead of a simplified version of the real thing, steps have been taken to make sure gamers are playing something that actually feels like the real thing.
It's not all about the AI in that regard. Despite the fact Gamespot.com had some criticisms of Madden 12, the site conceded that one of the biggest upgrades in this year's addition can be found in the tackling animations:
Players are no longer sucked into each other, which makes lining up a big hit when you're on the defensive side much more empowering, and evading an eager defender while on offense is even more satisfying now that you're rarely subjected to unfair takedowns.
Because both of these things have long been among my own biggest gripes about Madden every year, I for one find this to be a huge relief.
As far as game modes go, gamers will probably be saddened to hear that EA Sports didn't make any big changes to the online portion of the game. But as noted by Joystiq.com's Mike Suszek, they did make some cool changes to the much-celebrated "Franchise" mode.
Specifically:
Franchise mode's more noteworthy additions add excitement to the offseason general manager process, such as a new rookie scouting system and free agent bidding. Scouting a handful of players out of the upcoming draft class unlocks a few stats at a time, leading up to a more tense, exciting drafting period.
Suszek then notes that he had some trouble with trusting the game to sign rookies for him, but I trust that won't be a problem for those who really like to get into their franchises.
On the odd chance you're a gamer who actually demands to see major improvements in presentation, don't worry. EA Sports took care of that too. To give you an idea, I'll let Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Brandon Galvin explain.
Thanks in large part to EA Sports' decision to use the music from Inception, Galvin notes several times that the opening montage of the game itself is "epic." In addition, he notes that the different camera angles in this year's game "make you feel like you?re watching a real telecast."
And of course, there's the attention to detail to consider:
When Nick Barnett makes a tackle he?ll throw down his patented double sledgehammer celebration. When Hines Ward comes up with a big third down reception, you?re going to know it because he?s going to sit on the turf and pump his fists.
By now, you probably get the gist. While this is a small taste of the things that were added to this year's Madden, you can see that some pretty glaring issues were addressed. The game itself is more realistic on a variety of different levels, and the extent to which a given gamer can truly immerse him or herself into the game is considerable.
In other words, it's worth playing. And if you're a gamer, what more can you ask for?
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Cody Hodgson Prepared For Camp
from Tony Gallagher of the Vancouver Province, Given what Cody Hodgson means to both the present and the future of the Vancouver Canucks, there was a good deal of talk and thought this summer put towards turning around the rough start this terrific NHL prospect has experienced so far.
The Canucks coaches and management have held several conversations with the Hodgson camp ? which now includes his personal coach Claude Lemieux, if you can call him that ? and whether or not the club agrees 100 per cent with this new initiative and all it might one day involve, it certainly has the player stoked and ready to try to have his best training camp ever.
?I am really excited to be completely healthy again, strong and really looking forward to camp,? said Hodgson, who will come into town right after Labour Day.
?It?s been the best summer in a long time for me and I?m coming in as ready as I can be to help regardless of the roster, what positions are open or not or what the coach is thinking. It?s his job to make those decisions and my job to be the best player I can be no matter where I?m used.?
continued
The Canucks coaches and management have held several conversations with the Hodgson camp ? which now includes his personal coach Claude Lemieux, if you can call him that ? and whether or not the club agrees 100 per cent with this new initiative and all it might one day involve, it certainly has the player stoked and ready to try to have his best training camp ever.
?I am really excited to be completely healthy again, strong and really looking forward to camp,? said Hodgson, who will come into town right after Labour Day.
?It?s been the best summer in a long time for me and I?m coming in as ready as I can be to help regardless of the roster, what positions are open or not or what the coach is thinking. It?s his job to make those decisions and my job to be the best player I can be no matter where I?m used.?
continued
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/cody_hodgson_prepared_for_camp/
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Analyzing the Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart
The addition of Donovan McNabb and Michael Jenkins on the offensive side of the ball have been the two most notable positive amendments during the offseason. The most newsworthy departure is undoubtedly the exit by offensive lineman and consistent Pro Bowler Bryant McKinnie. After taking a look at the depth chart on the team?s official [...]
Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/nfl/analyzing-the-minnesota-vikings-depth-chart/
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Fantasy Football Sleepers: Drafting Value at Tight End Will Lead to Championship
Tight End Could Make or Break Fantasy Season
Having a premier tight end used to be considered an asset but not a necessity to win a fantasy football title, but things have changed. Players like Antonio Gates have changed the way we view the tight end position, and fantasy GMs are now selecting tight ends earlier than ever before.
Four tight ends are considered top 55 picks according to ESPN's Average Draft Position (ADP). Antonio Gates, Dallas Clark, Jason Witten, and Jermichael Finley are considered the top four and are without a doubt the most intriguing tight ends of the bunch.
What happens when you don't land one of these premier tight ends? Feat not. There are plenty of late-round options who could put up big numbers.
The No. 12 drafted tight end is Tony Gonzalez, the best receiving tight end of all-time. While he may be getting older by the year, he has a chance to put up solid numbers in an offense that added Julio Jones this offseason. There should be more holes in the secondary for Gonzalez and he is good for at least 600 yards and five touchdowns.
Feel comfortable drafting Gonzalez to be your starter late, but be sure to grab a sleeper tight end afterwards.
One name comes to mind when taking a look at sleeper tight ends, that name is Ed Dickson. Dickson is the No. 29 ranked TE on ESPN's ADP projections and generally does not hear his name called, so wait until the last round to snag him.
Dickson is the starting tight end for the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens were comfortable letting Todd Heap leave because of what they have with Dickson. He is more athletic than Heap and also has solid hands.
As the starting tight end for Baltimore last year he recorded nearly 600 yards and six touchdowns. Dickson has the potential to exceed those numbers.
He is built more like a receiver than a tight end and could very well make a big impact in Baltimore's passing game.
Don't be surprised if Dickson cracks the 700 yard barrier and adds seven touchdowns this year. That could be exactly what the doctor ordered for your fantasy team.
If you can't land one of the top four tight ends or Vernon Davis don't panic. A combination of Tony Gonzalez and Ed Dickson will provide excellent value.
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Just Kidding Ron Artest, You Can't Become Metta World Peace Until You Pay Your Traffic Tickets
Ronald William Artest Jr. will have his name officially changed to Metta World Peace today.
The engimatic Los Angeles Lakers forward will get his wish after originally filing for the name change in Los Angeles court in June.
“It’s about love, world peace,” the basketball player formerly know as Ron Artest said. “Everybody can relate to that, whether it’s in the same community or the same state or the same country or whether it’s a country going to war.”
In addition, Artest plans to switch his jersey number to 70.
This wouldn’t be the first such change.
Artest has worn Nos. 23, 91, 93, 95, 37 and 15. He destines to wear 10 different numbers before he retires.
“I’m changing it to 70 because it’s like something to do with the universe,” Artest said. “Everything kind of repeats itself. The universe is one. It’s the same thing. Healthy minds, just keeping the kids positive.”
UPDATE: False alarm! The world must wait three more weeks for Peace. A judge ruled today there will be no name change until Artest pays his outstanding traffic tickets. A new hearing is set for September 16th. But your honor, what about the kids?
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- SPORTS CHART OF THE DAY: See What The Highest-Paid Athletes Make Per Game
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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/Uoz2wR3al-M/ron-artest-name-2011-8
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You Probably Shouldn?t Go To The Jets-Giants Game On Saturday If You Live In New York
The preseason game between the Jets and the Giants has been moved to Saturday at 2 p.m. because of Hurricane Irene.
But Mayor Bloomberg just announced that NYC public transit is shutting down tomorrow at noon, meaning that there will be no MTA service after the game.
In addition, tomorrow and Sunday's Mets games this weekend have been cancelled.
Click here for the very latest on Hurricane Irene >>
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- We?re Paying Attention To The NFL Preseason So You Don?t Have To: Takeaways From Week Two
- What It's REALLY Like To Tailgate For A Meaningless NFL Preseason Game
- Bill Belichick Thinks The Extra Point Is Bad For Football
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