Monday, August 30, 2010

Manny Ramirez to Join Chicago Today

Left Fielder Manny Ramirez formerly of the Los Angeles Dodgers is set to join the Chicago White Sox today in time for their game against the Cleveland Indians, one of the worst teams in baseball. Manny though, is not expected to be in the starting lineup because of fatigue from the flight. This is a great opportunity for the aging Ramirez because he will be playing the Designated Hitter position for a team that is in the hunt for a playoff spot. Being a DH will take some pressure off of him and his legs, hopefully helping him stay away from the Disabled List to which he has been a frequent visitor this season.

The White Sox, although taking on an amazing hitter in the heat of a divisional battle have taken on an incredible financial burden. Over the remainder of the season Ramirez is expected to cost over 3.8 million dollars. So far Manny has had an off year hitting only eight home runs with 40 RBI but when he has been healthy, he hitting a deadly .311. In Chicago Manny will probably have to cut his trademark dreadlocks though, because although they want Manny to be Manny, both manager Ozzie Guillen and the Sox organization both want him to look professional while doing this. Actions like this could hurt the support from Manny fans, but if they see him playing in the post season this year all would be forgiven.

I can't wait to see Manny back out on the field.

-A

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Stephen Strasburg to have Tommy John Surgery

Washington Nationals rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg is likely to undergo Tommy John Surgery to replace an elbow ligament.  After an MRI session on Thursday, a rumor that Strasburg had torn a ligament in his elbow was confirmed, probably the worst news possible for the re energized Nats who were depending on Strasburg to lead them along their rebuilding path.  Strasburg's development, and most likely that path, are going to be delayed another year, pretty much wasting the 2012 for if nothing else, to develop Bryce Harper in the minors and get other pitching prospects ready for a true run. 


Strasburg's injury also greatly hurts the chance that the Nationals will resign slugging first baseman Adam Dunn, who while still powerful, whiffs a lot and is getting up there in years.  The Nats figure, "why should they give an aging slugger a multi- year multimillion dollar contract when they wont even be in contention for a few years?"  And to be honest, I agree with them.  Why would you use money you could use to build your future on a "NOW" type off player, don't get me wrong, I love Adam Dunn and think he is a great player, I just do not see him playing a role in the future of this ball club.


One bright spot for the Nationals on the Day of Strasburg's MRI was that pitcher Jordan Zimmerman made his first start of the season after being out a year for undergoing the same surgery.  It gives the Nats a glimpse of hope and shows them its not a fatal blow to them, its just a minor setback.

-A

Friday, August 27, 2010

Puljols, 3rd youngest to 400

St. Louis Cardinals First Baseman Albert Pujols slammed his 400th career home run on Thursday night against the Washington Nationals.  Leading off the fourth inning at Nationals Park with the home team ahead 3-1, Pujols smashed a pitch from Jordan Zimmerman, who was making his 2010 MLB debut after needing to have Tommy John surgery last year.  With this homer, his 34th of the year Albert became the third youngest player in Major League history to reach that significant milestone and the only player to do so within a decade of their debut.  Sadly for Pujols his great day, 2-4, 3 IBB was slightly ruined because after going into the bottom of the ninth with a 10-8 lead the Cards blew it and ended up losing in 13 11-10.


We here at MVP Sports would like to congratulate Mr. Pujols on this historic and memorable achievement and wish him luck in the future.


-A

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Nationals Morgan Suspended 7 Games

Washington Nationals Center fielder Nyjer Moran was fined an undisclosed amount and he was suspended for seven games by Major League Baseball for intentionally pelting a fan in the stands with a baseball. The incident occurred during the ninth inning of a Nationals win on Saturday in Philadelphia, a city widely known for having annoying and profane fans.

When asked about it Nyjer said he could not disclose details but he did say that he was not expecting a suspension for the incident. He has appealed the suspension so while Major League Baseball reviews it Morgan will be allowed to play.

-A

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Will we see Strasburg again this year???????

Have we seen the last of Washington Nationals rookie phenom Stephen Strasburg for the season? We might have, yesterday night he was seen walking off the mound in Philadelphia wincing in pain. When manager Jim Riggleman and a team trainer rushed towards Strasburg Nationals fan's eyes were glued to the TV. As he was walked off the field to a chorus of boos in Philly Nats and Strasburg fans alike wondered if we will see the young rookie again this season. I firmly believe that the next time we see Strasburg throw a ball in a Major League game will be in the Spring of 2011.

If this game was his last for the season, he can surely be proud of the year he has had. When he is healthy he has been lights out going 5-3 with a 2.91 ERA, a WHIP of 1.07, and he has help opposing batters to a .221 average. Also if he has thrown his last pitches he would rank second among rookie years behind only another flamethrower, Kerry Wood with a 12.18 strikeouts per 9 innings.

As a baseball fan, I say leave Strasburg in we want to see him play. As a Cardinals fan I say put on the 15 day DL and don’t make us face him. But as a person who wants to see the Nats rebuild I don’t want him further straining his forearm or getting inflammation in shoulder again. I don’t expect to see Stephen Strasburg for the rest of the year, and I actually don’t mind it.

-A

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Serena Williams Out of US Open

Serena Williams one of the great American Women Tennis Players has withdrawn from the US open citing that she is still recovering from foot surgery she underwent after she stepped on a piece of glass at a restaurant.  This injury is a big blow to Serena as she was looking forward to redeeming herself after a she threw a massive on court tantrum after a foot fault call by a line judge at last year's Open.  She expressed her feelings in this statement, "It is with much frustration and deep sadness that I am having to pull out of the U.S. Open."  She decided it would be best for her to pull out after being advised by her doctors to sit out the tournament to let her foot recover.  She stated that missing the US Open was "one of the most devastating moments of my career."

This news doesn't only affect Serena, the active leader in singles Grand Slam Championships among women and a three time winner at Flushing Meadows, It also affects her sister and doubles partner Venus.   Venus hasn't competed on tour since Wimbledon because of an injured knee and after this blow she will compete in the singles category.  Tennis Superstars Andy Roddick and Rodger Federer also commented on the loss of Serena and how it will affect the tournament.  Roddick stated that it was a "fairly big-sized hit for the tournament," and "because there's no doubt about who [Serena] the top draw card is in New York City as far as the women's side of the draw."  Federer than said "[Serena's missing it has] got to be disappointing for her and for the tournament. I'm sure it hurts, especially with her being an American."

We here at MVP Sports Talk wish Serena luck with her recovery and can't wait to see her back on the court.


-A

Friday, August 20, 2010

College Football Preview

Here's How I think the conferences in college football will pan out.

ACC

Atlantic

Florida State
Clemson
N.C. State
Boston College
Maryland
Wake Forest

Coastal

Virginia Tech
North Carolina
Miami
Georgia Tech
Virginia
Duke

Big East
Pitt
Rutgers
UConn
Cincinnati
West Virginia
South Florida
Syracuse
Louisville

Big Ten
Iowa
Ohio State
Penn State
Wisconsin
Northwestern
Michigan
Michigan State
Indiana
Purdue
Illinois
Minnesota

Big 12

North

Nebraska
Mizzou
Kansas
Colorado
Kansas State
Iowa State

South
Texas
Oklahoma
Texas Tech
Texas A&M
Oklahoma State
Baylor

Pac- 10
Oregon
USC
Oregon State
Stanford
Arizona
Washington
Cal
UCLA
Arizona State
Washington State

SEC

East

Florida
Georgia
South Carolina
Kentucky
Tennessee
Vandy

West
Alabama
LSU
Arkansas
Auburn
Ole Miss
Miss State

Other Notables
Boise State
TCU
Utah
Middle Tennessee

BCS Champion
Alabama

Heisman Trophy
Mark Ingram (Alabama)

Davey O'Brian
John Brantley (Florida)

Feel Free to comment and tell me what you think


-A

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Brett Favre to Return to Vikings for 20th season in NFL


Brett Favre, Quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings has announced that he will return to the NFL for a twentieth season. Favre, who turns 41 in October is coming off of off season ankle surgery and was heavily contemplating retirement, but since his ankle is holding up he feels he owes the Vikings another season. A season he says will be his last. That's when I cracked up. Everyone knows that Brett won't retire until he decides his ego has been fed enough, so if he doesn't win a Superbowl I am sure we will see this exact same thing next season.


Favre led the Vikings to the NFC Championship game last season but nobody should expect the same because he had one of the best years of his career. He passed for over 4200 yards and 33 touchdowns. He also had a career low 7 interceptions and shattered his own mark for quarterback rating with an amazing 107.2. Vikings fans have very high expectations coming into this season for both the team and Favre but there is no reason to expect a season anything like last year. Favre is an old man first and foremost, let alone an old man that is coming off of major ankle surgery. Also last season he had major surgery before training camp. So what the Vikings have is a beat up quarterback who thinks he has something left in the tank.


All I have to say that expect a big disappointment Vikings Fans.


-A

Check out DIY Sports Baseball.  A great fast Growing MMO RPG Game.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Bobby Thomson, Dead at 86


Bobby Thomson, made famous by his "Shot heard 'round the world," a walk off Homer that Thomson hit off of Brooklyn Dodgers (now the Los Angeles Dodgers) pitcher Ralph Branca to win the 1951 National League Pennant, died yesterday at 86. The Blast, which took place on October 3, 1951 won the game 5-4 for his New York Giants and took the playoff series 2-1 from the Dodgers after the Giants had a four run bottom of the ninth and that moment is one of the most famous in baseball history.

During his career, which spanned fourteen years from 1946- 1960 Thomson was regarded as a very good player. He was a three time all- star and often put up high triples numbers. His best season came 1949 when he played in 156 games batting .309 with 24 homers and 109 RBI.

He will be remembered as a very good player and for giving baseball one of its greatest moments. He will surely be missed.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Redskins Fans Show New Life


The Washington Redskins have a long and victorious past that is overshadowed by several bad seasons in a row. Have Redskins fans lost hope? The answer is no. While spending the day at Redskins training camp this past weekend, I learned what it meant to be a true football fan. Although the Skins ended 4-12 last season, there was upwards of 200 people at training camp to watch their beloved Redskins.

As the players took the field at 8:30 in the morning, fans lined the walkway and did nothing but cheer. I heard “welcome to Washington” from fans as Donovan McNabb took the field and “Cooooooooooley” echoed throughout Ashburn as Chris Cooley strapped up for practice, but no other player was welcomed as much as Albert Hanseworth. Fans started yelling congratulatory remarks to him since he had recently passed his conditioning test.

As head coach Mike Shanahan took the field, a long and loud round of applause arose from spectators because we all knew that he was the one man that was going to take our beloved Redskins back to the top where they belong.

- Michael Sensenig (Guest Writer)

Check out DIY Sports Baseball.  A great fast Growing MMO RPG Game.
 

Friday, August 13, 2010

NFC East Preseason Predictions

The Dallas Cowboys are the obvious favorites in the NFC East and should win the division with ease. The ‘Boys offense promises to one of the most explosive in the league with stars such as Quarterback Tony Romo, Half Back Marion Barber, and Tight End Jason Witten, and Wide Receiver Miles Austin, who broke out last year with 1,320 receiving yards. The Cowboys also have a very strong Defense led by sack master DeMarcus Ware and shutdown corners Mike Jenkins and Terrance Newman.

The Washington Redskins have improved a lot this offseason through trades and the draft. After firing Jim Zorn, now the Baltimore Ravens Quarterbacks Coach, they inked the proven Mike Shanahan as their new Head Coach and Jim Haslett, who coached the UFL’s Florida Tuskers to a 6-0 season and a championship game appearance, is their new defensive coordinator. The ‘Skins also drastically improved their offensive line drafting Tackle Trent Williams out of Oklahoma with the 4th overall pick in the draft and trading for All- Pro Tackle Jammal Brown. Now that former All- Pro Defensive Tackle Albert Haynseworth has passed his conditioning and is trying to learn the new 3-4 D the Redskins can focus on winning. Although they probably won’t compete for the Division Title this season, they could contend for a wild card spot.

The biggest splash that the Philadelphia Eagles made this season was trading star quarterback Donovan McNabb in the Division to the Washington Redskins. They also released running back Brian Westbrook cutting ties with what were their two best known players. They have a good, young receiving corps lead by DeSean Jackson. Quarterback Kevin Kolb, who takes over for McNabb has shown lots of potential but if he slips up Michael Vick is waiting for his chance to snap up that job. The Eagles are a good team in a good division with a shot at a playoff spot.

Someone has to be predicted last in this very tough division and I’m going to go with the New York Giants. As always, Quarterback Eli Manning will be good and he has very good receivers in Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, and Hakeem Nicks. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Manning throw for over 4,000 yards again and even improve on his 27 Touchdown Passes. The Giants also have a strong ground game led by running back Brandon Jacobs who hits as hard as any linebacker in the league. As any team in this division, the Giants have a shot at the playoffs and look for their motors to be running all season long.

-A

Monday, August 9, 2010

Tiger Woods at his worst ever

PGA Tour Golfer and A list celebrity Tiger Woods completed his worst 72 hole tournament finish of all time on Sunday at Bridgestone Invitational, a tourney that he has usually dominated. Woods finished on Sunday with a 77 seven over putting him at +18 for the tournament and tied for 78th in a field of 80. It also became the first time since the PGA Championship in 2003 that he has been above par each of the four rounds and it is only the fourth time in his career tha this has happen. In the misdst of the scandal that unraveled his personal life last fall and is still haunting today Tiger said that he wasn't suprised with his poor play because of all the distractions, and I don't think everyone is.


Hopefully Mr. Woods will get back on track though because for so many years he was the only reason a lot of Americans cared about golf and if focused on the round at hand he can dominate the competition.


-A

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Shaq to join Celtics

18 Year NBA Veteran Center Shaquille O'Neal who played last season with the Cleveland Cavs is very close to joining the Boston Celtics on a veteran's minimum 1.35 million dollar deal.  Although Shaq is not as dominant as he was during his younger years he is still a good center that can muscle with big men on other contending teams like Dwight  Howard of the Magic and Andrew Bynum of the Lakers.  Last season while playing with LeBron, who bolted for Miami at seasons end, O'Neal averaged career lows in points and rebounds (12.0 ppg and 6.7 rpg respectively), but I believe this was a very good signing for the C's because this will really help bolster a frontcourt that recieved a huge blow with the loss of Kendric Perkins for the first few months of the season.  Hopefully Mr. O'Neal can be productive for Boston this season and show he still has it.


-A

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Brett Favre to Retire... Again????

According to multiple reports, 19 year NFL veteran quarterback Brett Favre is set to retire from the NFL for the third time.  Favre is argueably the greatest Quarterback in the history of the NFL and is definatly the the best player in the history of the Green Bay Packers.  Although he is no longer the posterboy for the franchise and many Packer's Fans still feel betrayal over his backing out of retirement to join the rival Minnesota Vikings, we will all have a small place in our hearts for what he did to turn around the team when he took over the reins in 1992. 


Favre every significant career passing record and no one is even close to him in any of the categories.  He retires with 69,329 passing yards, 6,083 completions, and 497 career touchdown passes.  His longevity in the game and his gunslinger mentality has done one bad thing for him, he holds the NFL record for career interceptions with 317.  He won a Superbowl with the Green Bay Packers in 1997 but failed to win another, but came close many times including the next season where th Pack lost to the Broncos in the Big Game.  What is most suprising about this retirement is that Favre is coming off of his best player in years with 33 TD passes, over 4200 passing yards, and a career low 7 picks and this loss hurts the Viking's playoff hopes consideribly.  This comes as ahuge shock to everyone that follows the NFL but lets all just hope the third time's the charm and he finally hangs it up for good.


-A

Monday, August 2, 2010

Memphis set to join Big East

The University of Memphis, the Mens Basketball Powerhouse that has produced NBA Stars such as Derrek Rose and Tyreke Evans is set to dash from Conference USA to join th Big East for tougher competition and more exposure.  The announcement could come as soon as Tuesday.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Jets Revis Misses first day of camp


The Contract Dispute between All- Pro Corner Darrelle Revis and the New York Jets the superstar to hold out of the first day of camp. After being told in the off-season by Coach Rex Ryan and GM Mike Tannenbaum that he was the best corner in the NFL Revis decided that he wanted to be the highest paid. After receiving a contract extension himself Tannenbaum stated that he had made two large offers that would have made Revis the "Jet for life" that he wanted to be. As it’s easy to tell, Revis rejected both, but rumor has been floating around that the contract would pay only 5.3 million this year and had no guaranteed money in it all. Although I am not a big fan of guaranteed contracts I do believe that he should be paid more than that [5.3 million] and defiantly more than the one million he is set to make under the rookie contract he signed four seasons ago.

On this case I agree with and I encourage him to continue to hold out until he gets part of the money pie. He is one of the best players, let alone defenders in the league and he should be compensated as such, not be one of the lowest played defensive backs on the Jet’s roster. So Darrelle, continue to hold out, get your money, or at least until after the Jets play Green Bay in week eight.


-A