Cam Newton's selection as the No. 1 pick was perhaps the only predictable element of this most unusual NFL draft.
While the league's labour dispute played out in the courts, and the commissioner struggled to speak over a howling crowd chanting “We want football,” the draft got under way Thursday night with a few surprises.
Newton was not one of them.
The Auburn quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner went to the Carolina Panthers —the worst team in the league — and vowed to immediately fix that. Newton led Auburn to an undefeated season and its first national championship since 1957.
“I'm ready to change this whole organization around, to go from worst to first,” he said. “Just being a Panther is the most special part about this.”
Not so special but certainly unusual was Commissioner Roger Goodell getting booed as he prepared to conduct a moment of silence for victims of the devastating storms that ripped through the South. He responded to their chants for football by saying, “I hear you. So do I.”
Then he was bear-hugged by a player who is suing the league.
With the second pick, Denver took Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller, a plaintiff in the antitrust lawsuit players filed to block the lockout. He strode across the stage with tears in his eyes and embraced Goodell.
“I've never had anything against Roger Goodell,” Miller said. “I just want to make sure football continues to get played. When I walked across the stage, I was meeting the commissioner. That was it.”
Later, offensive lineman Danny Watkins of Kelowna, B.C., was selected 23rd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles. Watkins is the fourth Canadian to be picked in the first round of the NFL draft.
The guard from Baylor apologized to Giants fans in the audience who booed him for going to the rival Eagles. Watkins was told to get used to such treatment in New York.
The 26-year-old Watkins is a former firefighter who took an unconventional route to the NFL. He has more experience as a firefighter (five years) than a football player (four) and played hockey and rugby in high school. Several Kelowna firefighters were in attendance in New York, and hockey personality Don Cherry announced his pick on CBC during the second intermission of the NHL playoff game between the Vancouver Canucks and the Nashville Predators.
Watkins, listed at six-foot-four and 312 pounds, played left tackle in college, but projects as a guard in the pros. He could help an offensive line that allowed 49 sacks last season, despite the presence of Michael Vick.
It was a strange opening for what normally is a festive occasion. In this off-season of labour strife, the league's first work stoppage since 1987 temporarily ends Friday. The 32 teams will resume business in compliance with U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson's order to lift the lockout.
Then again, the lockout could be back in place if the NFL wins an appeal. If that happens, Newton, Miller and all the players chosen Thursday night would be thrown back into a labour limbo.
For now, they will be allowed to report to their teams, meet coaches and get playbooks. Contract negotiations are uncertain until the league announces its rules for the 2011 season — rules that might be in force for only a short time if an appeal is granted.
The draft was never in danger of being held because it was protected under the old collective bargaining agreement that expired in March.
Moments before the annual spring ritual got under way, Goodell requested a moment of silence for victims of Wednesday's storms, which left at least 280 people dead in six states and hundreds more injured. On stage, he was surrounded by the Auburn and Alabama stars and their coaches.
Of those stars, none shined brighter than Newton, who has shown he can handle the heat of a spotlight. He turned in a sensational 2010 season while the NCAA investigated his recruitment. Newton's father, Cecil, has admitted soliciting money from Mississippi State during the recruiting process, but said neither the player nor Auburn knew about the pay-for-play attempt.
With the third pick, Buffalo selected Alabama nose tackle Marcell Dareus, who gave Goodell an even bigger hug. Of course, Dareus weighs 308 pounds, about 70 more than Miller — and at least 100 more than Goodell.
“I wanted to give him a hug because I finally made it to the big dance,” Dareus said.
Cincinnati, perhaps calling the bluff of quarterback Carson Palmer, who is demanding a trade, instead took the top receiver in this crop, A.J. Green of Georgia.
Arizona, also in need of a quarterback, selected the top cornerback available, Patrick Peterson of LSU.
The labour strife caused speculation not many trades would be made Thursday. But just six picks in, Atlanta cut a massive deal with Cleveland and moved up from No. 27 to grab Alabama receiver Julio Jones — the fifth Southeastern Conference player in the first six.
“We knew it was going to be an aggressive move and cost us,” Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff said. “As an organization we felt very strongly about the move for a player who truly adds the explosive, urgent athleticism we're looking for ...”
The Browns received the Falcons' first-rounder, second- and fourth-rounders, plus their first pick and fourth-rounder in 2012.
San Francisco chose defensive end Aldon Smith of Missouri to bolster a weak pass rush, then the second quarterback was selected: Washington's Jake Locker to Tennessee.
That began a small run on passers. After Dallas went for offensive tackle Tyron Smith of Southern California with the ninth pick,
Jacksonville saw a chance to get its future quarterback. The Jaguars moved up six slots for Missouri's Blaine Gabbert, dealing their first-round pick and a second-rounder to Washington.
“You really don't have any idea where you will go, especially with the lockout,” Gabbert said. “But the trades are happening now.”
Houston bolstered its weak defence with Wisconsin end J.J. Watt at No. 11 before yet another QB was chosen: Florida State's Christian Ponder, who impressed Minnesota with his workouts leading up to the draft.
Auburn DT Nick Fairley, once projected as a top-three selection, was chosen 13th by the Lions. It was a head-scratcher because the Lions already have a star defensive tackle in Ndamukong Suh, the 2010 defensive rookie of the year.
St. Louis, undeterred by Robert Quinn's lost season — the linebacker-end was suspended from North Carolina for his role in an agents scandal — took him at No. 14.
Mike Pouncey, whose twin brother, Maurkice, was a sensational rookie centre for Pittsburgh last year, was chosen by Miami to play the same position.
After moving down to No. 16, Washington took Purdue LB Ryan Kerrigan. Cleveland traded again, from No. 27 to 21st for Baylor DT Phil Taylor, with Kansas City sliding to 27th.
New England addressed concerns about protecting Tom Brady by taking Colorado tackle Nate Solder, and archrival Indianapolis safeguarded Peyton Manning by selecting Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo.
Baltimore passed after using all 10 minutes at No. 26 and Kansas City, in the next slot acquired through Atlanta and Cleveland, swooped in. The Chiefs got Pitt wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin while the Ravens still pondered their pick.
Mark Ingram, the 2009 Heisman Trophy winner, went 28th overall to New Orleans, which traded with New England to get the spot. The Saints surrendered a 2012 first-rounder for the Alabama running back, giving them two Heisman winners in their backfield — sort of. Reggie Bush won the award in 2005, but he relinquished it after an NCAA probe found he accepted improper gifts while playing at Southern California.
Super Bowl champion Green Bay concluded the 3 1/2-hour first round by taking Mississippi State tackle Derek Sherrod. Defensive Da'Quan Bowers of Clemson, once considered a top-five pick, was not chosen after recent knee surgery.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Who Dat? Cameron Jordan
Every mock draft had Cameron Jordan going in the first round of Thursday night's NFL Draft.
But other teams kept passing over him, selecting other defensive ends instead of the former Cal standout. So Jordan waited at New York City's Radio City Music Hall, his tan suit and red plaid shirt perhaps too flashy for someone whose name had not yet been called.
They'll fit perfectly in New Orleans, where Jordan will play next NFL season after the Saints selected him with the 24th pick.
He is the 26th Cal player to be picked in the first round of the NFL draft.
Five defensive linemen were selected ahead of Jordan, whose father Steve played in the NFL for 13 seasons and was invited to six Pro Bowls as a tight end with the Minnesota Vikings.
The younger Jordan knows what it's like to be looked over.
Jordan arrived in Berkeley as Rivals' No. 8 prospect in Arizona. He played in all 13 games as a freshman, but did not earn his first start until his sophomore year. Against Arizona State on Oct. 4, the fifth game of the 2008 season, Jordan made his first career start. He had eight tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble, earning him Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week honors.
He started all but one game after that.
Jordan was a honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection in 2008 and 2009. As a senior, he finally made the first team, finishing the season with 62 tackles, 12.5 for loss. Pro Football Weekly dubbed him an honorable mention All-American.
The Chandler, Ariz., native was a star for Cal's defense, and when the season ended and pre-draft buzz and workouts started up, Jordan's name held more repute than his team that went 5-7 on the season.
In a sport full of egos, attitudes and off-the-field drama, the affable Jordan was targeted as much for his athletic abilities as his personality. His strong character stood out in interviews, according to many sources.
Teams also appeared to like his versatility, that at 6-foot-4, 283 pounds with a 4.74 40-yard dash, Jordan can play both defensive end and tackle, and perhaps linebacker as well. He is considered to have a quick first step, and the endurance to play every down.
Still, 23 picks went by without Jordan hearing his name called.
He's in good company though. The only other Bear to be the 24th pick in the first round? Aaron Rodgers.
But other teams kept passing over him, selecting other defensive ends instead of the former Cal standout. So Jordan waited at New York City's Radio City Music Hall, his tan suit and red plaid shirt perhaps too flashy for someone whose name had not yet been called.
They'll fit perfectly in New Orleans, where Jordan will play next NFL season after the Saints selected him with the 24th pick.
He is the 26th Cal player to be picked in the first round of the NFL draft.
Five defensive linemen were selected ahead of Jordan, whose father Steve played in the NFL for 13 seasons and was invited to six Pro Bowls as a tight end with the Minnesota Vikings.
The younger Jordan knows what it's like to be looked over.
Jordan arrived in Berkeley as Rivals' No. 8 prospect in Arizona. He played in all 13 games as a freshman, but did not earn his first start until his sophomore year. Against Arizona State on Oct. 4, the fifth game of the 2008 season, Jordan made his first career start. He had eight tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble, earning him Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week honors.
He started all but one game after that.
Jordan was a honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection in 2008 and 2009. As a senior, he finally made the first team, finishing the season with 62 tackles, 12.5 for loss. Pro Football Weekly dubbed him an honorable mention All-American.
The Chandler, Ariz., native was a star for Cal's defense, and when the season ended and pre-draft buzz and workouts started up, Jordan's name held more repute than his team that went 5-7 on the season.
In a sport full of egos, attitudes and off-the-field drama, the affable Jordan was targeted as much for his athletic abilities as his personality. His strong character stood out in interviews, according to many sources.
Teams also appeared to like his versatility, that at 6-foot-4, 283 pounds with a 4.74 40-yard dash, Jordan can play both defensive end and tackle, and perhaps linebacker as well. He is considered to have a quick first step, and the endurance to play every down.
Still, 23 picks went by without Jordan hearing his name called.
He's in good company though. The only other Bear to be the 24th pick in the first round? Aaron Rodgers.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tom Durkin calls it a career as Triple Crown voice, ends 27-year relationship with NBC Sports
Durkin, 60, will no longer call the Triple Crown series - ending a 27-year relationship with NBC Sports - the result of suffering from stress.
"It's something I had do to," Durkin said. "It's not something I wanted to do."
Durkin is currently taking the prescription drug Inderal, a beta blocker designed to help him deal with anxiety.
"The Triple Crown is part of my life for three months of the year and I'm always under stress," he said. "It doesn't go away. It stays with you and that's the dangerous kind of stress."
Durkin said the "numbers started going in the wrong direction" with his doctor, forcing him to make the difficult decision.
Despite being considered the voice of the Triple Crown, in actuality Durkin didn't call the last five Belmont Stakes since ABC had the rights to the event, but this year all three races are back with NBC.
Durkin will still call the June 11 Belmont Stakes at the track while the race will be broadcast on NBC with a yet to be determined announcer.
NBC Sports didn't name a replacement but is expected to do so shortly with the Kentucky Derby to be run on May 7.
Larry Collmus, the track announcer at Gulfstream Park and Monmouth Park who has been rumored to be Durkin's replacement, didn't comment on the developing situation.
"It's rare in this business that you find someone who has such extraordinary talent, who works relentlessly and never ceases to be the nicest person in any room he is in. We will truly miss Tom on our Triple Crown broadcasts," said NBC Sports Group Chairman Dick Ebersol.
Durkin will remain the track announcer at Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga.
"It's something I had do to," Durkin said. "It's not something I wanted to do."
Durkin is currently taking the prescription drug Inderal, a beta blocker designed to help him deal with anxiety.
"The Triple Crown is part of my life for three months of the year and I'm always under stress," he said. "It doesn't go away. It stays with you and that's the dangerous kind of stress."
Durkin said the "numbers started going in the wrong direction" with his doctor, forcing him to make the difficult decision.
Despite being considered the voice of the Triple Crown, in actuality Durkin didn't call the last five Belmont Stakes since ABC had the rights to the event, but this year all three races are back with NBC.
Durkin will still call the June 11 Belmont Stakes at the track while the race will be broadcast on NBC with a yet to be determined announcer.
NBC Sports didn't name a replacement but is expected to do so shortly with the Kentucky Derby to be run on May 7.
Larry Collmus, the track announcer at Gulfstream Park and Monmouth Park who has been rumored to be Durkin's replacement, didn't comment on the developing situation.
"It's rare in this business that you find someone who has such extraordinary talent, who works relentlessly and never ceases to be the nicest person in any room he is in. We will truly miss Tom on our Triple Crown broadcasts," said NBC Sports Group Chairman Dick Ebersol.
Durkin will remain the track announcer at Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Orlando Magic continue to search for way to stop Jamal Crawford
At some point Jamal Crawford has to cool off, right?
The Atlanta Hawks shooting guard has torched the Orlando Magic in the first four games of this playoff series, averaging 24 points and shooting 56.5 percent from three-point range. In a series defined by ugly offense and hard-nosed defense, Crawford's finesse and efficiency shooting the basketball have stood out.
And the frustrating part for the Magic is they're keeping a defender nearby and in his face — he's just connecting on the jumpers, anyway.
"I really don't think our defense has been that bad," Dwight Howard said. "They've been hitting a lot of tough shots."
Crawford's remarkable consistency — he's scored 25, 23, 25 and 23 points in the four games — has carried the Hawks. The Magic assumed the law of averages might help limit Crawford, but that hasn't worked.
His shooting percentage (47.1 in the playoffs compared to 42.1 in the regular season), three-point percentage (56.5 to 34.1) and points per game (24 to 14.2) are far above his usual performance.
He's not going to just start missing on his own, as the Magic may have hoped.
So on Monday at practice, the Magic focused on stopping Crawford (and Joe Johnson, who's averaging 20 points per game this series).
"A lot of it's just been one-on-one on the pull-ups, but we made a couple of adjustments today and we'll continue to do that," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. "What he's basically getting is he's just lining guys up one-on-one and either creating space for his pull-up or putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim. Not a whole lot to the rim, but some."
Very little to the rim, actually. Only three of Crawford's 32 field goals have come at the rim. So the Magic will continue to try and apply more pressure to his jumpers, which has been a fruitless endeavor so far this series.
"I just think we have to apply more pressure to him, not allow get into a rhythm," Howard said. "Once he has a chance to pat the ball and get into a rhythm, he's pretty good. We've got to do a better job of that."
The Atlanta Hawks shooting guard has torched the Orlando Magic in the first four games of this playoff series, averaging 24 points and shooting 56.5 percent from three-point range. In a series defined by ugly offense and hard-nosed defense, Crawford's finesse and efficiency shooting the basketball have stood out.
And the frustrating part for the Magic is they're keeping a defender nearby and in his face — he's just connecting on the jumpers, anyway.
"I really don't think our defense has been that bad," Dwight Howard said. "They've been hitting a lot of tough shots."
Crawford's remarkable consistency — he's scored 25, 23, 25 and 23 points in the four games — has carried the Hawks. The Magic assumed the law of averages might help limit Crawford, but that hasn't worked.
His shooting percentage (47.1 in the playoffs compared to 42.1 in the regular season), three-point percentage (56.5 to 34.1) and points per game (24 to 14.2) are far above his usual performance.
He's not going to just start missing on his own, as the Magic may have hoped.
So on Monday at practice, the Magic focused on stopping Crawford (and Joe Johnson, who's averaging 20 points per game this series).
"A lot of it's just been one-on-one on the pull-ups, but we made a couple of adjustments today and we'll continue to do that," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. "What he's basically getting is he's just lining guys up one-on-one and either creating space for his pull-up or putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim. Not a whole lot to the rim, but some."
Very little to the rim, actually. Only three of Crawford's 32 field goals have come at the rim. So the Magic will continue to try and apply more pressure to his jumpers, which has been a fruitless endeavor so far this series.
"I just think we have to apply more pressure to him, not allow get into a rhythm," Howard said. "Once he has a chance to pat the ball and get into a rhythm, he's pretty good. We've got to do a better job of that."
Friday, April 22, 2011
Dodgers GM says he's operating with same budgetary guidelines
Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti is operating under the same budgetary guidelines he had before Major League Baseball seized control of the team and said Friday he reports to owner Frank McCourt until an administrator is appointed by commissioner Bud Selig.
Colletti talked with a league official Thursday but declined to identify the person. MLB spokesman Pat Courtney told The Associated Press that Colletti has been in contact with multiple people with the commissioner's office during the past couple days, including Rob Manfred, baseball's executive vice-president of labour relations.
“All I know is from the baseball perspective, that we're operating under the same guidelines we were before,” Colletti said before the Dodgers opened a weekend series at Wrigley Field. Asked about the previous instructions, Colletti responded: “Just budgetary guidelines.”
Selig told Dodgers owner Frank McCourt on Wednesday he will appoint a representative to oversee all aspects of the business and the day-to-day operations of the club.
Once among baseball's glamour franchises, the Dodgers have been consumed by infighting since Jamie McCourt filed for divorce after 30 years of marriage in October 2009, one week after her husband fired her as the team's chief executive.
Colletti said he wasn't asked about any potential MLB representatives when he talked to the official on Thursday, and no timetable was provided for the appointment.
Asked about his supervisor until the league announces its representative for running the team, Colletti responded: “I still report to Frank.”
Colletti and Frank McCourt have exchanged text messages since the move by Selig, but the notes were updates on transactions and injured players. Colletti said he hasn't talked to him about the situation with MLB, and they aren't scheduled to talk on the phone.
From Colletti to manager Don Mattingly to the players, the emphasis from the baseball-side of the Dodgers has been on the field. The Dodgers beat Atlanta 6-1 hours after the announcement and defeated the Braves again Thursday, 5-3 in 12 innings.
“I think our team is concentrating on the games at hand,” Colletti said. “I've talked to them. Donnie's talked to them. ... They're focused on winning games and that's where their focus should be and that's where we expect their focus to continue to be, as well as Donnie's and mine.”
Colletti talked with a league official Thursday but declined to identify the person. MLB spokesman Pat Courtney told The Associated Press that Colletti has been in contact with multiple people with the commissioner's office during the past couple days, including Rob Manfred, baseball's executive vice-president of labour relations.
“All I know is from the baseball perspective, that we're operating under the same guidelines we were before,” Colletti said before the Dodgers opened a weekend series at Wrigley Field. Asked about the previous instructions, Colletti responded: “Just budgetary guidelines.”
Selig told Dodgers owner Frank McCourt on Wednesday he will appoint a representative to oversee all aspects of the business and the day-to-day operations of the club.
Once among baseball's glamour franchises, the Dodgers have been consumed by infighting since Jamie McCourt filed for divorce after 30 years of marriage in October 2009, one week after her husband fired her as the team's chief executive.
Colletti said he wasn't asked about any potential MLB representatives when he talked to the official on Thursday, and no timetable was provided for the appointment.
Asked about his supervisor until the league announces its representative for running the team, Colletti responded: “I still report to Frank.”
Colletti and Frank McCourt have exchanged text messages since the move by Selig, but the notes were updates on transactions and injured players. Colletti said he hasn't talked to him about the situation with MLB, and they aren't scheduled to talk on the phone.
From Colletti to manager Don Mattingly to the players, the emphasis from the baseball-side of the Dodgers has been on the field. The Dodgers beat Atlanta 6-1 hours after the announcement and defeated the Braves again Thursday, 5-3 in 12 innings.
“I think our team is concentrating on the games at hand,” Colletti said. “I've talked to them. Donnie's talked to them. ... They're focused on winning games and that's where their focus should be and that's where we expect their focus to continue to be, as well as Donnie's and mine.”
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Giants spoil return of Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez
Jonathan Sanchez (FSY) gave up two hits over 6 1/3 innings one night after Tim Lincecum (FSY) flirted with a no-hitter and the San Francisco Giants beat Colorado 6-3 Tuesday night, spoiling Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez's (FSY) return from the disabled list.
San Francisco's offense, which spotted Lincecum a five-run first-inning cushion in an 8-1 win, gave Sanchez (2-1) a four-run lead to work with thanks to Pablo Sandoval's (FSY) three-run homer before the lefty even stepped foot on the mound.
Aubrey Huff (FSY) also went deep for the Giants, who go for the sweep Wednesday when Matt Cain (FSY) faces Jorge De La Rosa (FSY) after cutting their four-game deficit in the NL West in half by taking the first two games of the series.
Sanchez gave up three runs, two of them earned, on two hits, walked four and struck out four, stifling the heart of Colorado's batting order, which finished 0-for-12.
Sanchez allowed one hit through the first six innings one night after Lincecum took a no-hitter into the seventh. Dexter Fowler (FSY) led off the first with a double but the Rockies went hitless after that until Ty Wigginton (FSY) singled with one out in the seventh, putting runners at first and second.
Ramon Ramirez (FSY) replaced Sanchez and struck out Chris Iannetta (FSY) before walking pinch-hitter Jonathan Herrera (FSY) to load the bases for Fowler, who doubled home two runs to make it 6-3. Ramirez then whiffed Ryan Spilborghs (FSY) on three straight pitches to end the threat.
Javier Lopez (FSY) pitched a perfect eighth and Brian Wilson (FSY) got the final three outs for his fifth save in six chances.
The Giants have won nine of 12 since starting 1-4.
Jimenez (0-1) went on the DL after an awful season opener, the culprit a cut cuticle on his pitching thumb that prevented him from getting oomph on his heater and spin on his breaking pitches. The Rockies didn't slack off during their ace's absence, jumping out to a 12-4 start.
After being dominated by Lincecum, the Rockies said they were glad their own ace was back on the mound Tuesday.
He was rusty, however, and again the Rockies found themselves playing catch-up against a very good pitcher — Sanchez hasn't allowed more than three earned runs over his last 11 starts dating to Aug. 30 of last season, forging a 1.75 ERA over that span.
Jimenez's second pitch plunked Aaron Rowand (FSY), who came around to score on Buster Posey's (FSY) single before Sandoval deposited an 84-mph slider into the Rockies bullpen in right-center for a three-run homer, his fifth.
Jimenez settled down after that, allowing two more hits through five innings. He walked two and struck out six.
He was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the fifth, and Seth Smith's (FSY) sacrifice fly scored Wigginton.
Huff's two-run homer off Jose Morales (FSY) made it 6-1 in the seventh. Those are the only runs the Rockies bullpen has allowed in its last 15 innings of work.
San Francisco's offense, which spotted Lincecum a five-run first-inning cushion in an 8-1 win, gave Sanchez (2-1) a four-run lead to work with thanks to Pablo Sandoval's (FSY) three-run homer before the lefty even stepped foot on the mound.
Aubrey Huff (FSY) also went deep for the Giants, who go for the sweep Wednesday when Matt Cain (FSY) faces Jorge De La Rosa (FSY) after cutting their four-game deficit in the NL West in half by taking the first two games of the series.
Sanchez gave up three runs, two of them earned, on two hits, walked four and struck out four, stifling the heart of Colorado's batting order, which finished 0-for-12.
Sanchez allowed one hit through the first six innings one night after Lincecum took a no-hitter into the seventh. Dexter Fowler (FSY) led off the first with a double but the Rockies went hitless after that until Ty Wigginton (FSY) singled with one out in the seventh, putting runners at first and second.
Ramon Ramirez (FSY) replaced Sanchez and struck out Chris Iannetta (FSY) before walking pinch-hitter Jonathan Herrera (FSY) to load the bases for Fowler, who doubled home two runs to make it 6-3. Ramirez then whiffed Ryan Spilborghs (FSY) on three straight pitches to end the threat.
Javier Lopez (FSY) pitched a perfect eighth and Brian Wilson (FSY) got the final three outs for his fifth save in six chances.
The Giants have won nine of 12 since starting 1-4.
Jimenez (0-1) went on the DL after an awful season opener, the culprit a cut cuticle on his pitching thumb that prevented him from getting oomph on his heater and spin on his breaking pitches. The Rockies didn't slack off during their ace's absence, jumping out to a 12-4 start.
After being dominated by Lincecum, the Rockies said they were glad their own ace was back on the mound Tuesday.
He was rusty, however, and again the Rockies found themselves playing catch-up against a very good pitcher — Sanchez hasn't allowed more than three earned runs over his last 11 starts dating to Aug. 30 of last season, forging a 1.75 ERA over that span.
Jimenez's second pitch plunked Aaron Rowand (FSY), who came around to score on Buster Posey's (FSY) single before Sandoval deposited an 84-mph slider into the Rockies bullpen in right-center for a three-run homer, his fifth.
Jimenez settled down after that, allowing two more hits through five innings. He walked two and struck out six.
He was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the fifth, and Seth Smith's (FSY) sacrifice fly scored Wigginton.
Huff's two-run homer off Jose Morales (FSY) made it 6-1 in the seventh. Those are the only runs the Rockies bullpen has allowed in its last 15 innings of work.
Monday, April 18, 2011
NBA confirms Thunder's go-ahead basket was illegal
Denver coach George Karl started to lean up against a courtside table at the Oklahoma City Arena on Monday when he stopped to move a flat-panel television out of the way first.
The screen that referees use to check instant replay during games was still in place, about 16 hours after it sat idle following a controversial call in the Nuggets' 107-103 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
"Is this the referee thing we should have used last night?" Karl asked reporters before starting his interview session.
The NBA ended up agreeing with Karl's take on the pivotal disputed basket.
In a statement, the NBA said referees Steve Javie, Zach Zarba and Bill Kennedy should have ruled Kendrick Perkins' go-ahead basket with 1:05 left was goaltending and disallowed it. Instead, it counted and put Oklahoma City ahead 102-101, and the Nuggets never recovered.
"Weren't you in shock at the game? I think we were in shock that the call wasn't made," Karl said. "How can three guys (miss it)? We were in shock, I think, that next possession."
Karl said he made his own mistake in the moments that followed, in failing to call a timeout to let his team regroup. The Nuggets, who had several players pointing toward the net and seeking a goaltending call, settled for Kenyon Martin's off-target 21-foot jumper from the left wing on the ensuing possession.
Russell Westbrook then drained the clock to 22.4 seconds before hitting a jumper to extend the lead to three, and Oklahoma City went on to close out the game from the foul line.
"I'm not smart enough," Karl said. "When your team's in shock, you're not going to probably have a good possession. I thought the guy was up through the rim. That's how tight he was on the rim."
Perkins' hand went through the net but then just outside the rim to tap in Westbrook's missed 11-foot jumper from the right side.
"Although a player is permitted to touch the net while the ball is in the cylinder above the rim, Perkins also touched the ball while it was still in the cylinder which is a violation and constitutes goaltending," the NBA said in its statement.
Perkins, who suggested after the game that missed calls are a part of the sport, wasn't about to admit Monday that it was goaltending.
"They didn't call it," he said, before the NBA's ruling came out. "So, it was a basket."
Game 2 will be Wednesday night in Oklahoma City, and Denver trails 0-1.
"I think it's a sign of respect. I'm happy they're acknowledging the situation, but it doesn't mean anything other than we can go out and win Wednesday night," Karl said.
"Our respect has got to come from wins and losses. It doesn't come from the league office."
The NBA's current rules don't allow for instant replay to be used to review whether a player committed goaltending, but Karl checked out the video to confirm his suspicions.
"When I looked at it on film, I thought it had a chance of going in if he doesn't touch it," Karl said. "That's how much it was in the cylinder. It could have caught the rim and bounced up and maybe caught it again and gone in."
Karl said he thought the call helped break the Thunder out of rough shooting stretch, in which they had scored on just one of nine possessions while squandering an eight-point lead.
"In a strange way, the goaltending thing kind of frustrated us and got us in a funk, so we don't score for two or three possessions in a row," he said.
"I think that was a powerful play. It's a powerful play."
NOTES: Nene, who suffered a right knee bruise after banging up against Perkins' metal knee brace in the third quarter didn't practice Monday. Neither did Arron Afflalo, who missed Game 1 with a left hamstring strain. Nor did Ty Lawson or Raymond Felton, both resting tender ankles. "I think everybody will play except Arron still," Karl said. ... In the first playoff game in Oklahoma City last year, the Lakers made their first seven shots - just as Denver did in Game 1. ... Among the main reasons Karl thought Denver lost the game was a 21 for 33 night at the foul line.
The screen that referees use to check instant replay during games was still in place, about 16 hours after it sat idle following a controversial call in the Nuggets' 107-103 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
The NBA ended up agreeing with Karl's take on the pivotal disputed basket.
In a statement, the NBA said referees Steve Javie, Zach Zarba and Bill Kennedy should have ruled Kendrick Perkins' go-ahead basket with 1:05 left was goaltending and disallowed it. Instead, it counted and put Oklahoma City ahead 102-101, and the Nuggets never recovered.
"Weren't you in shock at the game? I think we were in shock that the call wasn't made," Karl said. "How can three guys (miss it)? We were in shock, I think, that next possession."
Karl said he made his own mistake in the moments that followed, in failing to call a timeout to let his team regroup. The Nuggets, who had several players pointing toward the net and seeking a goaltending call, settled for Kenyon Martin's off-target 21-foot jumper from the left wing on the ensuing possession.
Russell Westbrook then drained the clock to 22.4 seconds before hitting a jumper to extend the lead to three, and Oklahoma City went on to close out the game from the foul line.
"I'm not smart enough," Karl said. "When your team's in shock, you're not going to probably have a good possession. I thought the guy was up through the rim. That's how tight he was on the rim."
Perkins' hand went through the net but then just outside the rim to tap in Westbrook's missed 11-foot jumper from the right side.
"Although a player is permitted to touch the net while the ball is in the cylinder above the rim, Perkins also touched the ball while it was still in the cylinder which is a violation and constitutes goaltending," the NBA said in its statement.
Perkins, who suggested after the game that missed calls are a part of the sport, wasn't about to admit Monday that it was goaltending.
"They didn't call it," he said, before the NBA's ruling came out. "So, it was a basket."
Game 2 will be Wednesday night in Oklahoma City, and Denver trails 0-1.
"I think it's a sign of respect. I'm happy they're acknowledging the situation, but it doesn't mean anything other than we can go out and win Wednesday night," Karl said.
"Our respect has got to come from wins and losses. It doesn't come from the league office."
The NBA's current rules don't allow for instant replay to be used to review whether a player committed goaltending, but Karl checked out the video to confirm his suspicions.
"When I looked at it on film, I thought it had a chance of going in if he doesn't touch it," Karl said. "That's how much it was in the cylinder. It could have caught the rim and bounced up and maybe caught it again and gone in."
Karl said he thought the call helped break the Thunder out of rough shooting stretch, in which they had scored on just one of nine possessions while squandering an eight-point lead.
"In a strange way, the goaltending thing kind of frustrated us and got us in a funk, so we don't score for two or three possessions in a row," he said.
"I think that was a powerful play. It's a powerful play."
NOTES: Nene, who suffered a right knee bruise after banging up against Perkins' metal knee brace in the third quarter didn't practice Monday. Neither did Arron Afflalo, who missed Game 1 with a left hamstring strain. Nor did Ty Lawson or Raymond Felton, both resting tender ankles. "I think everybody will play except Arron still," Karl said. ... In the first playoff game in Oklahoma City last year, the Lakers made their first seven shots - just as Denver did in Game 1. ... Among the main reasons Karl thought Denver lost the game was a 21 for 33 night at the foul line.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Texans' DeMeco Ryans provides Alabama with $300K scholarship
Texans LB DeMeco Ryans earned an education on and off the field at the University of Alabama. He wants to make sure another student-athlete gets the same opportunity he did.
On Thursday, Alabama announced a $300,000 pledge from Ryans to endow a full scholarship in his name. The scholarship will be awarded to a football player studying in Alabama's Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.
"DeMeco Ryans made a tremendous difference as one of the finest players to ever wear crimson and white," said Alabama President Robert E. Witt.
"With this gift he will continue to make a tremendous impact for the team and the University."
Ryans graduated cum laude in just seven semesters, earning a bachelor's degree in business marketing. In 2006, he was one of eight recipients of the NCAA's Top VIII Award, which recognizes achievement in athletics, scholarship and community service.
"I have always wanted to do this since the day I left," said Ryans, a four-time Academic All-SEC pick before being drafted in the second round by the Texans in 2006.
"The University of Alabama is such a special place to me, and I am honored to have the opportunity to endow a scholarship."
Ryans, a two-time Pro Bowler, was the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2006 and was named an All Pro in 2007.
On Thursday, Alabama announced a $300,000 pledge from Ryans to endow a full scholarship in his name. The scholarship will be awarded to a football player studying in Alabama's Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration.
"DeMeco Ryans made a tremendous difference as one of the finest players to ever wear crimson and white," said Alabama President Robert E. Witt.
"With this gift he will continue to make a tremendous impact for the team and the University."
Ryans graduated cum laude in just seven semesters, earning a bachelor's degree in business marketing. In 2006, he was one of eight recipients of the NCAA's Top VIII Award, which recognizes achievement in athletics, scholarship and community service.
"I have always wanted to do this since the day I left," said Ryans, a four-time Academic All-SEC pick before being drafted in the second round by the Texans in 2006.
"The University of Alabama is such a special place to me, and I am honored to have the opportunity to endow a scholarship."
Ryans, a two-time Pro Bowler, was the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2006 and was named an All Pro in 2007.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Na sets record with sixteen strokes on par four
Na’s nightmare is the highest score on a par-four since PGA Tour records for scorecards began in 1983.
The South-Korean born American’s horrible hole is tied as the second highest on any single hole since 1983 — behind John Daly’s 18 on a par-five at Bay Hill in 1998.
South Korea-born American Na sent his tee shot on the ninth into the woods, found the ball and declared an unplayable lie and returned to the tee.
Na, ranked 64th in the world, then hit deep right into the woods again, played a provisional shot left but went to the second shot on the right to play it from the woods.
That shot, his fourth, hit a tree and the ball ricocheted onto his pant leg, costing him a two shot penalty.
Na hit six shots in the woods, trying to get out of the trees, before he finally found the rough and played from there to the fringe of the green.
The 27-year-old ended his nightmare with a putt from just under six feet to make 15.
Na, who was one under par before the ninth, regained his composure impressively to record three birdies on a flawless back nine to finish with an eight over-par 80, leaving him 13 strokes back of the lead.
Among the scores from before 1983, according to the PGA Tour’s website, Tommy Armour hit the worst single-hole score when he shot a 23 during the 1927 Shawnee Open.
Ray Ainsely made the same score during the 1938 US Open.
The South-Korean born American’s horrible hole is tied as the second highest on any single hole since 1983 — behind John Daly’s 18 on a par-five at Bay Hill in 1998.
South Korea-born American Na sent his tee shot on the ninth into the woods, found the ball and declared an unplayable lie and returned to the tee.
Na, ranked 64th in the world, then hit deep right into the woods again, played a provisional shot left but went to the second shot on the right to play it from the woods.
That shot, his fourth, hit a tree and the ball ricocheted onto his pant leg, costing him a two shot penalty.
Na hit six shots in the woods, trying to get out of the trees, before he finally found the rough and played from there to the fringe of the green.
The 27-year-old ended his nightmare with a putt from just under six feet to make 15.
Na, who was one under par before the ninth, regained his composure impressively to record three birdies on a flawless back nine to finish with an eight over-par 80, leaving him 13 strokes back of the lead.
Among the scores from before 1983, according to the PGA Tour’s website, Tommy Armour hit the worst single-hole score when he shot a 23 during the 1927 Shawnee Open.
Ray Ainsely made the same score during the 1938 US Open.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Rory McIlroy falls apart on Masters' back nine
Rory McIlroy may yet become the face of golf's future, but the roars he heard Sunday during a nightmarish back-nine collapse at the Masters weren't for him. His shots brought groans.
The 21-year-old from Northern Ireland began the day with a four-stroke lead at 12 under. After nine holes, he was at 11 under, with his lead down to one. A triple-bogey 7 on No. 10 started his collapse en route to an 8-over 80 final round and a tie for 15th at 4 under.
"For 63 holes in this golf tournament, I was leading and just a couple of bad holes on the back nine just sort of derailed me," McIlroy said in the players' locker room at Augusta National.
As McIlroy left the course, fans greeted him with warm applause as he walked under the big oak behind the clubhouse. It turned to rhythmic clapping and cheers. He had heard the same while walking on his final holes.
In the locker room, McIlroy kicked off his golf shoes, slipped on a pair of white sneakers and looked every bit the 21-year-old. He managed a smile and said he was grateful for the fan support.
"I don't know if people were just feeling sorry for me or what," he said with a hint of a smile. "But I'm incredibly grateful for it. I really appreciate it. It was a very tough day for me. … It makes it a lot easier to take."
McIlroy had three bogeys during the first three rounds. Sunday, he had four, plus the triple and a double.
Such collapses happen in golf, often in majors. Including McIlroy's 80 on Sunday, the 54-hole leader in three of the last four majors has crashed and burned in the final round. Dustin Johnson took a three-shot lead into the final day of the U.S. Open and shot 82; Nick Watney led by three at the PGA Championship before a final-round 81.
It has happened to McIlroy before. Last year at the British Open, he followed an opening 63 with an 80. He rallied in the final two rounds to end up tied for third.
The triple-bogey on No. 10 Sunday took McIlroy from 11 under to 8 under. His tee shot landed between two cabins well off the fairway. It took him five shots to reach the green, including one that hit a tree branch.
"I have played with Rory a lot," fellow pro Lee Westwood of England said. "When he gets under a bit of pressure, he's got a pull hook in his bag, and he hit it on 10. … So that's something he'll learn to cope with (as he gains) experience, but that's why they go on so much about experience at the Masters, the value of it."
McIlroy said he still kept his "focus and calm OK" after No. 10. But he four-putted from 20 feet for double-bogey on the par-3 12th. "Just lost a little bit of confidence on the greens around the turn," he said.
He said he tried not to do any scoreboard watching. But while his game unraveled, he knew others were making moves.
"When you're hearing roars, you knew pretty much what was going on," he said with a shrug.
What did he learn Sunday?
"I think it's a Sunday at a major, what it can do," he said. "This is my first experience at it, and hopefully the next time I'm in this position, I'll be able to handle it a little better. I didn't handle it particularly well today, obviously, but it was a character-building day. Put it that way. I'll come out stronger for it."
The 21-year-old from Northern Ireland began the day with a four-stroke lead at 12 under. After nine holes, he was at 11 under, with his lead down to one. A triple-bogey 7 on No. 10 started his collapse en route to an 8-over 80 final round and a tie for 15th at 4 under.
"For 63 holes in this golf tournament, I was leading and just a couple of bad holes on the back nine just sort of derailed me," McIlroy said in the players' locker room at Augusta National.
As McIlroy left the course, fans greeted him with warm applause as he walked under the big oak behind the clubhouse. It turned to rhythmic clapping and cheers. He had heard the same while walking on his final holes.
In the locker room, McIlroy kicked off his golf shoes, slipped on a pair of white sneakers and looked every bit the 21-year-old. He managed a smile and said he was grateful for the fan support.
"I don't know if people were just feeling sorry for me or what," he said with a hint of a smile. "But I'm incredibly grateful for it. I really appreciate it. It was a very tough day for me. … It makes it a lot easier to take."
McIlroy had three bogeys during the first three rounds. Sunday, he had four, plus the triple and a double.
Such collapses happen in golf, often in majors. Including McIlroy's 80 on Sunday, the 54-hole leader in three of the last four majors has crashed and burned in the final round. Dustin Johnson took a three-shot lead into the final day of the U.S. Open and shot 82; Nick Watney led by three at the PGA Championship before a final-round 81.
It has happened to McIlroy before. Last year at the British Open, he followed an opening 63 with an 80. He rallied in the final two rounds to end up tied for third.
The triple-bogey on No. 10 Sunday took McIlroy from 11 under to 8 under. His tee shot landed between two cabins well off the fairway. It took him five shots to reach the green, including one that hit a tree branch.
"I have played with Rory a lot," fellow pro Lee Westwood of England said. "When he gets under a bit of pressure, he's got a pull hook in his bag, and he hit it on 10. … So that's something he'll learn to cope with (as he gains) experience, but that's why they go on so much about experience at the Masters, the value of it."
McIlroy said he still kept his "focus and calm OK" after No. 10. But he four-putted from 20 feet for double-bogey on the par-3 12th. "Just lost a little bit of confidence on the greens around the turn," he said.
He said he tried not to do any scoreboard watching. But while his game unraveled, he knew others were making moves.
"When you're hearing roars, you knew pretty much what was going on," he said with a shrug.
What did he learn Sunday?
"I think it's a Sunday at a major, what it can do," he said. "This is my first experience at it, and hopefully the next time I'm in this position, I'll be able to handle it a little better. I didn't handle it particularly well today, obviously, but it was a character-building day. Put it that way. I'll come out stronger for it."
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