Archive for September, 2009

Betts Remains Unsigned; Flyers Rosters Finalized

Posted: 30th September 2009 by Tom Dougherty in NHL
Utility forward Blair Betts is still without a contract after seemingly earning a roster spot on his pro tryout with Philadelphia. But that doesnÆt necessarily mean the two sides will not come to an agreement sometime before FridayÆs opener against Carolina. General manager Paul Holmgren said today that if no deal is done by Thursday, theyÆll probably not sign Betts. It appeared to be a match made in heaven as Betts would provide ...

Ron Gardenhire, Minnesota Small-Ball, and the Three-Run Home Run

Posted: 30th September 2009 by Andrew Kneeland in MLB
Ron Gardenhire is generally regarded as a good manager. He is a likable man and a likable manager, but that doesn't mean he isn't second-guessed. Yesterday, in both games of a crucial doubleheader, Gardy made some questionable decisions. From an ill-advised suicide squeeze to not bringing in Jose Mijares to face a lefty, Twins' fans are split on Gardy. Most like the man, some can't stand his managerial tactics. It's accepted wisdom in ...

Philadelphia Phillies Look To Clinch NL East Title With Win Tonight

Posted: 30th September 2009 by Christian Karcole in MLB
On September 30, 2007, the Philadelphia Phillies began what has become one of their best three-year runs in franchise history. On that day, they defeated the Washington Nationals 6-1 to clinch the National League Eastern division crown. Almost a year later, the Phils reclaimed their title as division champions by once again defeating the Nationals. Moving to 2009, we see this same opportunity once again. The thought-to-be insurmountable eight-game lead over the Atlanta ...

MLB Expansion: A Necessary Step

Posted: 30th September 2009 by Bill Mckillop in MLB
The MLB should expand to 32 teams. This will make divisions even (four divisions of four in each league or two divisions of eight). The benefit of an even 32-team leagueáis that when you have Interleague play, you donÆt have to worry about having one NL-only series asáthe rest of the AL and NL faceáoff. Currentlyáin the AL, 14 teams fight for four spots, while 16 NL teams fight for the exact ...

Rex Ryan Is Already The Best Coach In The NFL

Posted: 30th September 2009 by Colin Linneweber in NFL
The New York Jets and their Head Coach Rex Ryan defeated the Tennessee Titans 24-17 Sunday in a rain-soaked contest at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. á Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (17-30, 171 yards) became the first rookie signal-caller in NFL history to lead his team to a 3-0 start. á ôWhen Sanchez is playing at the top of his game and the defense is playing like they are, and special teams doing what ...

Attention, Cleveland Indians Fans: The Wedgie Is Gone

Posted: 30th September 2009 by Matt Algarin in MLB
With another disappointing season under his command, the Cleveland Indians have finally decided to release Manager Eric Wedge.á With a current record of 64-92, what else can they do?á This is the second year in a row that the very talented Tribe have been a disappointment.How do you go from 96-66, one win away from a trip to the World Series, to becoming the bottom-dweller in your division?á The Tribe ...

Hey Bengals, Want to Be Taken Seriously? Beat Cleveland

Posted: 30th September 2009 by David Campbell in NFL
Sunday's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was a giant step in the right direction, but if the Cincinnati Bengals want to make a true statement, they must beat Cleveland this weekend on the road. The Browns enter the game in shambles. They are fighting with their coach, fighting with each other, and have been blown out in all three games so far this season. On paper, the game appears to be ...

A Suggestion For Mr. Stern

Posted: 30th September 2009 by Tyler Power in NBA
David Stern is a marketing machine. The man is credited with adding seven franchises, the D-League, and the WNBA. For quite some time I considered Stern the best commissioner in sports, but the other day while I was reading a preview of Golden Stare on RotoEvil.com I came across this. "The Thunder got shafted as far as nationally televised games go. TheyÆll have just 1 ESPN game and 0 TNT ...

Brady Quinn: Where Did The “Golden Boy” Go Wrong?

Posted: 30th September 2009 by Matt Algarin in NFL
The Date: Apr. 26, 2007 Location: NY City/Browns War Room Time: Desperation/First Round: 22nd Pick The Choice: Notre Dame QB and Hometown Hero Brady Quinn We all remember how this all started... Quinn was the toast of the town and the Browns looked like masterminds. Although the Browns passed on Quinn with the third overall pick, he was still on their minds. It was like destiny when he heard his name called by the ...

The Seventh Annual 2009-10 NHL Predictionsàof Truculence

Posted: 30th September 2009 by Mike Cranwell in NHL
Because letÆs face itàthis season means business. The burgeoning dynastic potential of the Pittsburgh Penguins vs the ôWeÆve still got it, damnit!ö approach of the Detroit Red Wings. The 2010 Olympicsàand rumour-mongering as to the status of 2014 in Sochi, The potential rebirth of the Toronto Maple Leafsàas well as the St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings, The potential for destruction inàMontreal. Will Boston or Washington take the next step? Are Carolina ...