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Monday, April 30, 2012
KK- Go Mostly Ad Free On KK
note 4/30/12, today is the last day to save $5.00 on this introductory offer. The price increases from $20 to $25 beginning May 1, 2012.
note: original post time was 12:57pm, 4/16/12
Some of the feedback on the ad free KK seems to be very positive.
Wow, ‘Thanks Paul… Pages loading instantly without the Ads.
-HockeyTownTodd
It looks wonderful! No ads. Thank you, Paul.
-hockeychic
note: original post time was 12:57pm, 4/16/12
Some of the feedback on the ad free KK seems to be very positive.
Wow, ‘Thanks Paul… Pages loading instantly without the Ads.
-HockeyTownTodd
It looks wonderful! No ads. Thank you, Paul.
-hockeychic
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/kk-_go_mostly_ad_free_on_kk/
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Video- What Was Legwand Thinking?
My explanation, he was tossing the puck to Rinne.
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/video-_what_was_legwand_thinking/
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2012 NFL Draft Results: Kansas City Chiefs Hit a Grand Slam with Jeff Allen
The Kansas City Chiefs were searching for depth and flexibility during the offseason, and that is why second-round offensive lineman Jeff Allen was their best pick of the entire 2012 NFL draft.
He might not have came out and said it directly, but Scott Pioli's biggest task as general manager seems to have been to completely overhaul the offensive line, and he has done a remarkable job.
When he first arrived on the scene, Pioli signed veterans like Ryan Lilja and Casey Wiegmann to help stabilize the front five while he was using early draft picks to build depth and create competition.
The work that Pioli has done is starting to pay dividends and picking Jeff Allen is the latest example of the massive transformation the Kansas City line has been under recently.
Allen played at left tackle during his time at Illinois but looks to kick inside and compete for playing time at guard immediately.
He should give incumbent Ryan Lilja a hard-fought training camp battle and don't be surprised to see Allen starting sooner rather than later.
Allen starred at Illinois during all four of his seasons and was an anchor on the offensive line.
He played at right tackle during his freshman year and when he moved over to the left side for his sophomore campaign, he was even better. Allen ended up starting 47 consecutive games for the Fighting Illini while being selected as a team captain in his junior season.
Scouts say Allen may not look the part physically, but he is a very gifted pass protector. He plays well in close areas and can play four spots on the offensive line adequately.
A veteran presence like Lilja should provide a smoother transition to the NFL for Allen, and hopefully do wonders for his conditioning issues.
Another positive for the Chiefs is the versatility of Allen. He likely projects as a better guard at the NFL level, and with Brandon Albert's contract expiring after this season, having a potential replacement at tackle on hand is smart business.
The premium that Kansas City has placed on the offensive line was evident in Round 3 as well when the Chiefs selected Oklahoma tackle Donald Stephenson.
Stephenson is more of a pure tackle than Allen and even though he is raw, his upside is through the roof.
Stephenson could also eventually replace Albert if he decides to test free agency next season, and his selection is a prime example of the quality depth that Pioli has implanted in Kansas City.
One glaring weakness that has not been solidified is the quarterback position. Matt Cassel has not convinced anyone outside of Scott Pioli that he is the long-term answer.
Cassel has played well in only a few spots, while looking lost for most of his tenure as a Chief.
In an attempt to protect and aid his investment, Pioli has placed a wealth of offensive talent around Cassel with hopes that the skill players will help him elevate his game.
Most of the offensive pieces are in place for the Chiefs, outside of quarterback. Allen will not have to start the season opener to make an impact.
He provides great depth and a long-term fix for a number of positions in the future, which easily makes Jeff Allen the best pick that Kansas City had in this draft.
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The 8 Stories Everyone Can't Stop Talking About Going Into The NBA Playoffs
Many questions will be answered when the NBA Playoffs tip off Saturday.
Do the New York Knicks even have a shot?
Is a Miami Heat-Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Finals inevitable?
Do the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers, and/or Boston Celtics have enough juice left to make one final run?
How quickly will the Orlando Magic wither away amid all the turmoil and without Dwight Howard?
Despite having other stars, the Lakers will only go as far as Kobe Bryant takes them
A third place Western Conference finish may hide it, but it's been an odd year for the Lakers.
The offense under new head coach Mike Brown has struggled at times, with the most glaring statistic being that Kobe has taken it upon himself to take over games. His field goal attempts per game and usage rate numbers compare with LA's lean years shortly after Shaq left town and there was no one around to help Kobe.
It's surprising because Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum are still on this team, yet Kobe's play shows he doesn't trust them all that much.
Chicago can beat Miami without a fully healthy Derrick Rose
The first two rounds of the Eastern Conference playoffs are a mere formality to get us ready for Bulls-Heat in the conference finals.
Derrick Rose's health is a big question, but Chicago already beat Miami sans Rose earlier this season. Yes, they lost the other time Rose was absent, but the point is Chicago won't go quietly into the night if Rose can't go at 100 percent.
No one wants to face the winner of the Clippers-Grizzlies series
LA's other team was a trendy preseason NBA Finals pick, but the Clippers haven't exactly wowed anyone for most of this season.
As for the Grizzlies, they've slowly and quietly climbed up the Western Conference ladder this season after shocking everyone and almost making it all the way to the Western Conference Finals last year.
Now both the Clips and Grizz are clicking on all cylinders and look primed for deep playoff runs.
The winner will in all likelihood draw the Spurs in the second round and use their youth and depth to make it very hard for San Antonio to advance.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
Please follow Sports Page on Twitter and Facebook.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/businessinsider/sportspage/~3/u9V3uJcLIK0/nba-playoffs-preview-2012-4
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WWE: Why Brock Lesnar's Loss to John Cena Does Not Kill His Momentum
Many WWE fans are claiming that the WWE has killed Brock Lesnar’s momentum by having him lose to John Cena at Extreme Rules.
Fans are asking, “What was the point of bringing Brock Lensar back only to have him lose his first match back?”
Ultimately, fans who are asking such questions should not worry about Brock Lesnar’s momentum. Brock's momentum is intact. This is because while John Cena won the battle, Brock Lesnar won the war—just as Triple H won the war against The Undertaker at WrestleMania XXVII even though he lost the match.
At WrestleMania XXVII, The Undertaker left the ring on a stretcher after his match with Triple H. Triple H, on the other hand, left the ring under his own power.
Similarly, at Extreme Rules, John Cena left the ring with an injury that could take him out of action for some time, while Brock Lesnar left the ring a bit dazed but seemingly uninjured.
Before fans worry about Brock Lesnar’s momentum being lost, they should ask whether Brock’s goal at Extreme Rules was to pin John Cena or to destroy John Cena. Did Brock really care about winning the match, or did he just want to "beat" someone up?
If fans think that Brock’s goal was to destroy John Cena, Brock has likely succeeded—considering John Cena plans to take a vacation to heal from the beating he took at the hands of Brock Lesnar.
Wherever and whenever he decides to appear next, fans should expect Brock Lesnar to be as cocky as ever. That’s because although Cena won the battle, Brock won the war.
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Sunday, April 29, 2012
Chicago Bears 2012 Draft: 3 Positions of Need Not Addressed
In Phil Emery's first draft as General Manager of the Chicago Bears, he was able to address a lot of the team's needs: defensive end, wide receiver and cornerback. While not every pick has been applauded, many of these players will have the chance to grow and become NFL players.
Despite filling some ares of need there were still some major holes on this team that were not addressed in the draft.
Here are three positions of need that Phil Emery and the Chicago Bears did not address during the 2012 NFL draft.
Hal Gill John Madden Petr Kalus Colton Gilies Justin Falk Robbie Eal
Dwight Jones to Houston Texans: Video Highlights, Scouting Report and Analysis
The highly productive Dwight Jones comes from the University of North Carolina following an impressive season that ended with an ACC-leading 85 receptions, 12 touchdowns and a second-team All-ACC selection.
That impressive season has earned Jones his chance to prove his worth at the NFL level, as he signed a contract with the Houston Texans Sunday after going undrafted in the 2012 NFL draft.
At 6’3” and 230 pounds, Jones is a physical specimen at the wide receiver position, demonstrating much of the desirable traits teams seek in a big red-zone target. Though a discrepancy between Jones and the NCAA involving a party in his name brought upon some bad press and got him banned from taking part in UNC’s pro day, the former Tar Heel is a solid talent with no real character concerns to speak of otherwise.
Has the size, length, and strength to defeat press jams. Can make the spectacular catch. Decent open-field runner with some agility and ability to break tackles. Has good top speed and rarely is caught from behind once top speed is achieved. Uses huge frame and long arms to deliver quality, powerful blocks on defensive backs.
The Tar Heel standout has been questionable in his route-running and can get very choppy when transitioning into his breaks. Those issues have continued to arise in recent opportunities to showcase his abilities, which remain the biggest—and most detrimental—knock on his game.
Jones did not perform well at the Senior Bowl, displaying poorly run routes and a failure to gain separation from DBs. While WalterFootball.com have credited Jones with a positive combine performance, citing his 4.55 40 time, NFL Network’s Mike Mayock reported some more disappointing news regarding the position drills. Via Rotoworld:
According to NFL Network's Mike Mayock, position coaches at the Combine "jumped all over" North Carolina WR Dwight Jones in on-field drills for disobeying instructions and a lack of hustle. Jones apparently ran a bad route at one point in drills and didn't hustle to the other area of the field, where the quarterback placed his pass.
What to Expect
Though his issues at the combine and Senior Bowl might concern teams about his work ethic, there is nothing to indicate it is an existing issue or that it should continue.
Jones appears to be a quality prospect based solely on his size, but does not boast anything outstanding that really jumps out at you. The National Football Post sees the former Tar Heel as an inside receiver in the NFL, as he lacks a real dynamic quality to his game and has trouble beating press coverage.
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NBA Playoff Schedule 2012: Boston Primed for Tremendous Second-Round Upset
The 2012 NBA playoff bracket sets the East's No. 1 seed Chicago Bulls on a collision course with the No. 4 seed Boston Celtics in the second round.
These teams must get past their first opponents on the 2012 NBA playoff schedule first. Both will, setting up a colossal clash of NBA titans.
The Bulls should be worried without their star point guard, Derrick Rose, moving forward. Granted, they played 27 games this season without Rose's talents, but the playoffs are a different animal.
Boston will pull the upset in the last hurrah for their veteran-laden squad. This is how.
Battle of the Defenses
The Bulls rely on their team defense to win their games. They boast the No. 1 defense in the NBA. Normally, that is a recipe for success, but Boston has a defense to match their intensity.
The Celtics' No. 2 defense is an extremely reliable unit with an advantage over the Rose-less Bulls. Rose is Chicago's single go-to scorer. Without him, Rip Hamilton, Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah will have to carry the Bulls offense.
Boston's experienced squad will play with extra intensity on both ends of the floor in this series. They know their window is mostly closed and will want to capitalize on this golden opportunity to knock off the East's No. 1 seed.
Weakened Chicago Morale
Bulls fans will argue that Rose's absence is easy to face because of Chicago's experience this season without him. Like I said earlier, Rose's absence in the playoffs is a different animal.
First of all, the way Rose went out was shocking. Watching him go from a 23-point performance to a season-ending knee injury is painfully sudden. It is a dagger in the hearts of fans and Bulls players alike.
Also, Rose's teammates were getting used to the idea of playing next to the 2011 NBA MVP once again. Losing Rose right after getting him back stings more than anything.
The Celtics will prey on any crack in Chicago's morale or focus. Boston will be prepared to exploit any and all weaknesses shown by the Bulls.
Chicago must pick up the pieces quickly or the NBA's best regular-season record will be all for naught.
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Mistakes Magnified
from Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun, The trouble with playing the near perfect road game and holding the opposition to just 14 shots is this: A mistake as simple as a blown line change can ruin it all.
It would be an overreaction to place all of the blame for Washington’s 3-1 loss to the Rangers Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden on Capitals defenceman Mike Green’s lapse in the third period. But after Green lazily headed to the bench at the worst possible time, he put his team in deep trouble.
Until that point, the game had been all about what the Capitals were doing to throttle down the Rangers attack. Clogging up shooting and passing lanes, blocking shots and frustrating everything the fired-up Ranger were trying to do out of the gate.
Consider that the Rangers went a full 11:04 between their second and third shots of the game and that even though they had more than six minutes of power-play time, managed just 14 shots total.
continue plus notes on the games played yesterday…
It would be an overreaction to place all of the blame for Washington’s 3-1 loss to the Rangers Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden on Capitals defenceman Mike Green’s lapse in the third period. But after Green lazily headed to the bench at the worst possible time, he put his team in deep trouble.
Until that point, the game had been all about what the Capitals were doing to throttle down the Rangers attack. Clogging up shooting and passing lanes, blocking shots and frustrating everything the fired-up Ranger were trying to do out of the gate.
Consider that the Rangers went a full 11:04 between their second and third shots of the game and that even though they had more than six minutes of power-play time, managed just 14 shots total.
continue plus notes on the games played yesterday…
Source: http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/hockey/comments/mistakes_magnified/
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2012 NBA Playoff TV Schedule: Must-See Series Sure to Go the Distance
The 2012 NBA playoffs are upon us, and before the action gets too hot, let us take a closer look at some of the premier first-round matchups on the horizon.
Saturday's incredible opening day of events helped determine which series fans will be tuning into from here on out, but there is at least one series that has yet to get underway that NBA die-hards like myself can't wait to check out.
Without further ado, here are my must-see first-round playoff series poised to go the distance this spring:
No. 7 Dallas Mavericks vs. No. 2 Oklahoma City Thunder
The defending NBA champion Dallas Mavericks renewed their postseason rivalry with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night in an epic Game 1 which featured a game-winner from Kevin Durant with less than two seconds to play.
OKC's 99-98 win puts them a leg up on the Mavs in a rematch of last May's thrilling Western Conference finals. Dirk Nowitzki scored 25 to lead Dallas in Game 1 and will need to return to Finals MVP form if the Mavs are to escape the first round in 2012.
This series provides fans with a beautiful battle of great offense versus exceptional defense. The Mavs boast the second-best scoring defense of any Western Conference playoff team, while the Thunder have been one of the highest scoring offenses in basketball since acquiring Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Series TV Schedule (via NBA.com)
Game 1 - Oklahoma City won 99-98 (Thunder lead 1-0)
Game 2 - Mon. April 30, Dallas at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Thu. May 3, Oklahoma City at Dallas, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 4 - Sat. May 5, Oklahoma City at Dallas, 7:30 p.m., TNT/R
Game 5 * Mon. May 7, Dallas at Oklahoma City, TBD
Game 6 * Thu. May 10, Oklahoma City at Dallas, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 12, Dallas at Oklahoma City ,TBD, TNT
* if necessary.
All times are Eastern.
TBD - To Be Determined
R - ESPN radio
No. 6 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers
Unlike the LA Lakers, the Denver Nuggets won't rely on one player so much as they will their collective unit. Denver must come to play on the glass in this series, otherwise Kobe Bryant and the Lakers could make relatively short work of them.
The undeniable X-factor for the Nuggets in this series though will be their strength playing away from home. Denver is 18-15 on the road this season; it's only the third time in franchise history that the Nuggets have finished the regular season with a winning record away from Denver.
That being said, the Lakers will be in for a long series against a team with virtually no stars, but instead a plethora of hardworking basketball players led by speedy point guard Ty Lawson.
Series TV Schedule (via NBA.com)
Game 1 - Sun. April 29, Denver at LA Lakers, 3:30 p.m., ABC/R
Game 2 - Tue. May 1, Denver at LA Lakers, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 3 - Fri May 4, LA Lakers at Denver, 10:30 p.m., ESPN
Game 4 - Sun. May 6, LA Lakers at Denver, 9:30 p.m., TNT
Game 5 * Tue. May 8, Denver at LA Lakers, TBD
Game 6 * Thu. May 10, LA Lakers at Denver, TBD
Game 7 * Sat. May 12, Denver at LA Lakers, TBD, TNT
* if necessary.
All times are Eastern.
TBD - To Be Determined
R - ESPN radio
No. 6 Orlando Magic vs. No. 3 Indiana Pacers
The Orlando Magic made it very clear on Saturday night that the Indiana Pacers will have nothing easy in the first round of these 2012 playoffs. The Magic, who are without superstar Dwight Howard for the rest of the season because he's recovering from back surgery, played stingy second-half defense, allowing just 33 total points from the Pacers.
That game plan will be key for Orlando going forward in this series as well, especially considering that the Pacers are the third-highest scoring Eastern Conference playoff team, averaging nearly 98 points per game during the regular season.
Indiana will come roaring back in Game 2 without a doubt. The Pacers and Magic are both gritty squads, and this series promises to entertain well into the month of May.
Series TV Schedule (via NBA.com)
Game 1 - Orlando won 81-77 (Magic lead 1-0)
Game 2 - Mon. April 30, Orlando at Indiana, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV
Game 3 - Wed. May 2, Indiana at Orlando, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV
Game 4 - Sat. May 5, Indiana at Orlando, 2 p.m., ESPN
Game 5 * Tue. May 8, Orlando at Indiana, TBD
Game 6 * Fri. May 11, Indiana at Orlando, TBD
Game 7 * Sun. May 13, Orlando at Indiana, TBD
* if necessary.
All times are Eastern.
TBD - To Be Determined
R - ESPN radio
Follow Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more on the 2012 NBA playoffs.
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#1 Bulls vs. #8 Sixers Playoff Series Preview: Homecoming Edition
Tomorrow at noon the #1 vs. #8 Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers playoff series tips off. This first round match-up of the NBA playoffs has a distinctive “homecoming” feel to it. Doug Collins who coached the Bulls for many years in the 1980s as Phil Jackson’s predecessor, was almost signed as the coach again in [...]
Source: http://www.thesportsbank.net/nba/1-bulls-vs-8-sixers-playoff-series-preview-homecoming-edition/
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2012 Wisconsin Badgers Spring Game notes, nuggets and tidbits
The weather didn’t necessarily pan out for the 2012 Wisconsin Badgers Annual Spring Game, but that didn’t stop a few thousand people from coming out to Camp Randall to watch some of the team’s young stars. Third-string running back Melvin Gordon stole the show with 30 rushing attempts for an impressive 159 yards. The future [...]
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Teenage Baseball Phenom Bryce Harper To Make Major League Debut Saturday
Harper will take the roster spot of third baseman Ryan Zimmerman after he's placed on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder injury.
The 19-year-old outfielder had been widely expected to make the jump to the majors at some point this season, but no one really thought it would happen before May 1.
Zimmerman's injury is obviously not the way the Nationals wanted this to happen.
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports says that as of now, the Nats only plan on having Harper up with the big club while Zimmerman is out.
Harper has struggled so far in AAA Syracuse with a .250 batting average, .708 OPS, and only 1 home run.
Were Harper's numbers to pick up in the majors, there's no reason why he wouldn't stick around. As phenomenal as their pitching has been, the Nats could really use some hitting (only 3.6 runs per game).
Nats brass and fans are probably a bit bummed Saturday's game isn't in Washington. Not only will Harper be making his immensely anticipated debut, but pitching sensation Stephen Strasburg will be on the mound as well.
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Saturday, April 28, 2012
Hopkins vs. Dawson: 5 Things We Learned in Chad Dawson's Victory over B-Hop
ATLANTIC CITY—Bernard Hopkins thinks he can stop the world. Still. The WBC and Ring light heavyweight world champion, very much in the twilight of his Hall of Fame career, decided to enter through the media entrance Saturday prior to his fight with Chad Dawson at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, instead of the back entrance as usual, closing the area down for about six minutes.
Because he's Bernard Hopkins, and you're not!
Maybe it made “B-Hop” feel important again for a few minutes. The move certainly didn’t endear Hopkins to the many who were forced to wait outside in line on a brisk early Saturday, as Hopkins and his entourage shut down the area and big-timed their way through.
After beating Hopkins in a rather ugly display by both fighters in a rematch of their controversial October bout, Dawson is now the new WBC light heavweight champ—something he should have been crowned four or five years ago. But Hopkins’ reluctance to fight Dawson prevented “Bad Chad” from acquiring what was rightfully his.
One thing is for certain: Bernard Hopkins won’t be holding up any lines or people, nor will there be files of people waiting to see him fight again anytime soon.
Here Are the top five things we learned about Hopkins-Dawson:
5. Chad Dawson Is A Much Better Fighter Than He Gets Credit For
Sure, he can be difficult to watch, much like his opponent Saturday night, but Chad Dawson is an excellent fighter with victories over Tomasz Adamek, Eric Harding, two victories over Antonio Tarver and one dominating decision over tough Glen Johnson.
No, he’s not always smooth. And yes, he does suffer concentration lapses, but Dawson is a competent fighter who’s now a world champion. Now adding Hopkins to his list puts Dawson on that rare pantheon of top 175-pounders.
4. How Much More Can Fans Endure Hopkins' Ugly Style
“The Executioner” is at a stage in his career where it’s painful to watch him fight. His counter-punching and defensive tactics are not entertaining in the way Floyd Mayweather’s magical defensive talents are. He wrestles more than he throws punches. His best device is the clinch, where the ref is on one side and his free fist taps the opponent on the other.
3. Hopkins Simply Grew Old Overnight
He looks physically great, but doesn’t have the stamina to hang with the young bucks anymore (at least not against the world’s elite). Proof of that came at Boardwalk Hall Saturday night, where Hopkins was calculating, though hesitant at times to pull the trigger.
2. We Don’t Have To Hear Bernard Hopkins Anymore
Hopkins is a fight-media darling. Using his bully pulpit he’s attained from his boxing fame, he’ll spout off about everything from politics to his hometown Philadelphia Eagles’ starting quarterback situation. Sometimes, he makes sense. Most of the time, he doesn’t.
1. We Don’t Want To See Bernard Hopkins Again
Hopkins’ amazing career and endless comebacks have run its course.
His act is tired. His body is tired—regardless of how much he maintains some of the wear and tear of his 23-year career has been “preserved like peaches on the porch.” He hasn’t been in any wars. The nearest battering he took was in the first Jean Pascal fight in December 2010.
Maybe Chad Dawson did us all a favor Saturday night and vanquished someone who wore out about 20 extra welcomes. Maybe now Bernard Hopkins and his sorry, counter-punching mundane style can crawl off into the sunset.
Maybe it’s time B-Hop stop the world in his own mind and come to the reality his superstar luster is considerably tarnished. Now it's time for him to come back to reality and get in line with everyone else.
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Teenage Baseball Phenom Bryce Harper To Make Major League Debut Saturday
Harper will take the roster spot of third baseman Ryan Zimmerman after he's placed on the 15-day disabled list with a shoulder injury.
The 19-year-old outfielder had been widely expected to make the jump to the majors at some point this season, but no one really thought it would happen before May 1.
Zimmerman's injury is obviously not the way the Nationals wanted this to happen.
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports says that as of now, the Nats only plan on having Harper up with the big club while Zimmerman is out.
Harper has struggled so far in AAA Syracuse with a .250 batting average, .708 OPS, and only 1 home run.
Were Harper's numbers to pick up in the majors, there's no reason why he wouldn't stick around. As phenomenal as their pitching has been, the Nats could really use some hitting (only 3.6 runs per game).
Nats brass and fans are probably a bit bummed Saturday's game isn't in Washington. Not only will Harper be making his immensely anticipated debut, but pitching sensation Stephen Strasburg will be on the mound as well.
Please follow Sports Page on Twitter and Facebook.
Join the conversation about this story »
Phil Hughes Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera Kerry Wood Francisco Cervelli Chad Moeller
Mr. Irrelevant 2012: Quarterback Prospects Who Are Jealous of Chandler Harnish
Chandler Harnish's new career goal is to hold a clipboard and wear a baseball cap on the sidelines.
He will have to get used to his own coaches forgetting his name.
He is happy to know that people are even talking about him right now.
Chandler Harnish is...Mr. Irrelevant.
Yup. With the 253rd overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts chose to take Harnish, thus beginning and ending the draft by taking a quarterback.
This is where we make jokes (as I just did), but the truth is that there are quite a few QB prospects out there who would love to be in Harnish's shoes.
Here's a few examples.
Jordan Jefferson, LSU
I'll forever remember Jordan Jefferson's college career for two reasons.
First, for going and getting in a bar fight mere days before he and the LSU Tigers were slated to open the season against Oregon at Cowboys Stadium.
Second, for having an absolutely brutal game in the BCS National Championship Game, and then blaming his performance on the play-calling (see The Sporting News).
Because of those two things alone, I can't say I'm surprised that Jefferson did not get drafted at any point in the last three days. It's a bit of a shame seeing as how he has NFL size and NFL arm strength, but the simple fact of the matter is that Jefferson lacked everything else NFL teams look for.
Darron Thomas, Oregon
Darron Thomas could have gone back to Oregon for one more season. Instead, Drew Rosenhaus whispered something in his ear and he decided to go chase an NFL payday.
Oops.
Thomas also went completely undrafted. Let that be a lesson. This is what happens when you're a quarterback with inferior skills who also happens to come from a gimmick offense.
I could have seen an NFL team taking a chance on Thomas as a Brad Smith-like gimmick player, and that could still happen. Teams obviously didn't think that a potential gimmick player was worth a draft pick.
Case Keenum, Houston
I have to be honest about this one. I'm pretty surprised Case Keenum went undrafted.
Yes, Keenum is pretty short for a quarterback. And no, he doesn't have NFL arm strength. But if ever there was a guy who could succeed in a West Coast offense in the NFL, it's Keenum.
The good news for Keenum? The word from John McClain of the Houston Chronicle is that the Texans are going to bring Keenum aboard as an undrafted free agent:
Case Keenum us signing with the Texans.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) April 29, 2012
Well, why not? They need a quarterback, and Keenum is in the area.
But don't worry, Matt Schaub. Your job is probably safe. You too, T.J. Yates.
Kellen Moore, Boise State
Good news. Kellen Moore is also getting an NFL job, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network:
Boise St. QB Kellen Moore went 50-3 in college. Undrafted. Now, he's headed to the #Lions, I'm told by a source.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 29, 2012
Judging from what I'm seeing on Twitter, there's a lot of outrage that Moore didn't get drafted. Are NFL teams really that dumb?
No, they're that smart.
I feel the same way about Moore as I do about Tim Tebow. Great college player, great guy, but not an NFL quarterback. He's too short and too thin, he doesn't have a strong arm and he has a delivery that needs to be fixed.
I'm glad Moore is getting a shot in the NFL, but I doubt he'll make much of an impact.
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Lamar Miller and Other Biggest Steals in the NFL Draft
When a top-10 player drops to late in the first round or even the second round, it’s a major steal for whichever team selects them.
Well, in the 2012 draft, there were three such players rated in Matt Miller’s top 10 who were selected long past expectations.
Namely, Alshon Jeffery, Matt Miller’s No. 7 overall player, fell to the Chicago Bears with the 45th overall pick. The Bears must be pinching themselves after getting such an athletic player so late.
Similarly, defensive end Nick Perry and offensive lineman David DeCastro were rated No. 9 and No. 6 overall respectively by Miller, but both came off the board late in the first round. Green Bay and Pittsburgh were hit with a stroke of luck when those two were still available.
As for other big shockers from the 2012 draft, Matt Miller is live in New York with all the answers.
Stayed tuned all weekend as Bleacher Report provides wall-to-wall coverage of the 2012 NFL draft. Bleacher Report Draft Expert Matt Miller is live at Radio City Music Hall with all the news and analysis.
NFLDraft365 is a production of Bleacher Report Videos. The show highlights all of the players, news, happenings and opinion surrounding the NFL draft and is covered year-round for NFL fans, who are serious about their teams.
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Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1164559-lamar-miller-and-other-biggest-steals-in-the-nfl-draft
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Luis Suarez' Rain-Soaked Hat Trick Included This Bomb From 50 Yards
To say Liverpool's Luis Suarez has had an eventful season in the English Premier League would be an understatement. But as the season winds down, he is going out on a high note with his first hat-trick for Liverpool including one of the longest strikes you will ever see.
On the next few pages we will show you all three goals in the win versus Norwich City, including his long-range missile.
In the 24th minute Suarez took a pass from Steven Gerrard and blasted the ball past the keeper with a powerful left boot
In the 28th minute Suarez stole this lazy back-pass and then blasted it past the keeper with his right boot
But the true beauty came in the 82nd minute with Norwich City pressing. Suarez caught the keeper a little too far from the goal knocked it home from 50 yards
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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Bruno Gervais Dustin Kohn Andrew McDonald Matt Martin Frans Nielsen Dwayne Roloson
NFL Draft 2012 Results: Career Projections for RBs Taken on Day 2
Whenever the NFL draft rolls around, all eyes are on where the top quarterbacks are going to end up. They hog all the attention.
But hey, running backs get a lot of attention too. And this year, we surprisingly saw three running backs go in the first round. A lot of people expected to see just one go in the first round.
Four more came off the board on Day 2, with two backs going in the second round and two going in the third round. Nobody should be too quick to overlook these guys, as recent history has shown that running backs found after the first round are very much capable of becoming stars.
Will any of the four running backs taken on Day 2 become stars? Let's gaze into their futures and take a look.
Note: I wrote up a complete recap of Day 2 picks, for your convenience.
Isaiah Pead (No. 50 Overall Pick of St. Louis Rams)
Before the draft, there was buzz about the Rams making a move to get Trent Richardson, which would have meant the end of Steven Jackson's career in St. Louis.
Instead, the Rams went for Isaiah Pead in the second round. He won't take Jackson's job, but he will provide the Rams with some much needed depth at running back.
There are things to like about Pead. He's a guy with very good speed, and he's very good in space. He's pretty much the anti-Jackson, as he's not going to make his living plowing through defenders with brute strength.
However, it's hard to see Pead as a starter down the line. He looks more like a change-of-pace back, a guy the Rams can bring in on third down to open up the playbook a little. I wouldn't be surprised if they used him in the return game too.
Best-case scenario, Pead will be a Darren Sproles-like player. But let's face it, there's only one Sproles.
Career Path: Situational back
LaMichael James (No. 61 Overall Pick of San Francisco 49ers)
The 49ers are doing some very interesting things in this draft. When they made the move to draft LaMichael James in the second round, a lot of eyes were opened.
James is a guy who does look like he may have a Sproles-like career in his future. He's too small to cut it as an every-down running back in the NFL, but he's a guy who can accelerate very quickly and make would-be tacklers miss in space. He'll be able to turn broken plays into home runs.
The issue with James in San Francisco is that it's hard to decipher how he's going to fit in right away. The 49ers have Frank Gore as their feature back, and they also have Brandon Jacobs to bring the thunder and Kendall Hunter to provide lightning on third-down plays.
The 49ers are creative enough to work James in somehow, but early on in his career, he'll probably be used more on special teams than on offense. Remember, he got some experience returning punts in 2011.
I love the idea of James in San Francisco, but it's going to be very hard for him to get his career off to a hot start. That's going to plague him going forward.
Career Path: Situational back, special teams player
Ronnie Hillman (No. 67 Overall Pick of Denver Broncos)
Some mocks had the Broncos going for a running back in the first round, and it's easy to see why. Running back was a pretty big need in Denver heading into the draft, and there were going to be some good ones available at the end of the first round.
I don't blame the Broncos for waiting; however, I'm not sure why they decided to go for Ronnie Hillman.
Hillman had a productive career at San Diego State, rushing for over 1,500 yards in each of the last two seasons. He also made big strides as a receiver in 2011, which bodes well for him as he joins a Denver offense that will be passing the ball a lot. Ball security, however, was an issue.
There will be a role for Hillman to play in Denver, potentially a major one. The Broncos got a great season out of Willis McGahee in 2011, but he's getting pretty long in the tooth. Knowshon Moreno, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2009 draft, has been a bust.
The tricky part is that Hillman is a project running back, so handing him a huge role right away would be a roll of the dice. By asking him to do too much right away, the Broncos will be running the risk of ruining Hillman completely.
My guess is that he'll eventually end up starting in Denver. He just won't be a very good starter.
Career Path: Backup, then average starter
Bernard Pierce (No. 84 Overall Pick of Baltimore Ravens)
Uh oh. Should Ray Rice be looking over his shoulder?
Um, no. With all respect to Bernard Pierce, Rice is one of the best running backs in the NFL. Pierce is going to Baltimore to play second fiddle.
However, Pierce is different from the first two guys on this list. He's not a fast, quick change-of-pace back. He's big guy who will bring the thunder and leave a few bruised defenders in his wake.
He'll fit in well in Baltimore. Rice is an outstanding back, but his game is based more on elusiveness than power. Earl Campbell he is not. Pierce will provide the thunder to his lightning, not unlike Ricky Williams did this past season.
There will be carries for Pierce in Baltimore, and I think he's going to do quite well in relief of Rice. Down the line, don't be surprised when Pierce is starting as a feature back.
Career Path: Situational back, then starter
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Michigan St. Legend, NBA Prospect Draymond Green: exclusive part one of three
There’s already been a movement to have Draymond Green‘s number retired at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Michigan. That’s how much he meant to the Michigan State Spartans and Big Ten college basketball. He’s also an NBA draft prospect, potentially in the first round. The Sports Bank’s Ngozi Ekeledo had a very detailed exclusive [...]
Phil Hughes Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera Kerry Wood Francisco Cervelli Chad Moeller
NFL Draft 2012 Start Time: When and Where to Catch Saturday's Final Day Action
The first three rounds of the 2012 NFL draft are in the books and most of the elite talent is off the board, but that won't stop diehard football fans from tuning in to watch the final four rounds on Saturday. Most of the prospects that will be taken are unheralded at the moment, but several of them will become Pro Bowlers and some may even be Hall of Fame-caliber players.
As important as it is for teams to make good picks early, the fourth through seventh rounds are often what make or break a franchise over the long haul. It's important to supplement good picks in the first couple rounds with capable players later in the draft as well since not team can aspire to be a champion without a total effort across its roster.
With all of that said, here is all of the information you need with regards to when and where to watch the conclusion of the 2012 NFL draft. Here's hoping your team finds the final pieces to its Super Bowl puzzle.
Where: Radio City Music Hall in New York, N.Y.
When: Saturday, April 28 at 12 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN and NFL Network
Live Stream: NFL.com
Best Remaining Prospects
Bobby Massie, OT, Ole Miss
ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr. has raved about Mississippi offensive tackle Bobby Massie and can't believe he is still on the board at this point. Most figured he would be taken at some point in the second round and nobody thought that he would escape the third, but Massie is still available somehow.
When you get into the final few rounds of the draft, teams often go with the best player available rather than drafting for need since it will take some time for late-round players to develop anyway. With that in mind, it's hard to imagine Massie lasting too long in the fourth round since some team is bound to take a chance on his raw talent.
Lamar Miller, RB, Miami
Following the college football season, many were mocking Miami running back Lamar Miller to the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round, and he was considered to be a second-round prospect by most. At 5'11" and 212 lbs., Miller has good size for the position and he may be the most dynamic back in the entire draft as he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds at the combine.
Quality running backs are found later in the draft all the time these days and Miller may be another example of that. Even if he doesn't become a starter, Miller should be an effective change-of-pace back as he possesses more speed than most. Playmakers are at a premium on the draft's final day, so Miller should be snapped up quickly.
Jared Crick, DL, Nebraska
Missing most of his senior season with a torn pectoral muscle probably hurt Nebraska defensive lineman Jared Crick's draft stock quite a bit, but he was dominant when he did play and has the potential to be a great pro. At 6'4" and 279 lbs., Crick has the frame to be either a 4-3 tackle or a 3-4 end, and that type of versatility will appeal to someone.
Crick doesn't look particularly explosive in workouts, but when it comes to performing in the game, Crick is often an unstoppable force. He has the ability to penetrate into the backfield to stop running plays as well as to pressure the quarterback. Even if Crick isn't a star at the next level, he should be a rotational player that is well worth a Day 3 pick.
Matt Martin Frans Nielsen Dwayne Roloson Jon Sim Jason Arnott David Clarkson
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