Sports Quote of the Day:
"The ones who want to win championships motivate themselves." ~ Mike Ditka, NFL Coach, Player and Hall of Famer
Bear Down Chicago Bears!!! Bears camp: Very bad flashbacks for Cutler.
By John Mullin, 08/06/2013
Jay Cutler has said that it can take three years to master an offense. The Bears’ offense on Tuesday looked too often like it will need every one of those thousand days.
It’s only practice but ...
The offense hiccupped badly with a number of new plays installed, to the point where two defensive linemen had interceptions and nose tackle Stephen Paea deflected a third that was intercepted by emerging cornerback Isaiah Frey.
Cutler had a couple of hands-on-hips stare-downs of Brandon Marshall following missed connections, including one that sent a pass sailing to safety Chris Conte. And quarterback and receiver soulmate had a private chat after practice.
“You know we ... we’ll have a talk after practice and get back on the same page,” Cutler said. “It’s a long camp; today didn’t go exactly our way, but that’s how it is. We have to rebound and fix the problem and keep it going.”
Coaches and quarterback wrote some of the problems off to the defensive line not going by the “rules” for practice.
“I think we need to remind them [about the rules] again,” Cutler said, smiling.
But the rushmen were following a version of a technique typically used against a scheme such as Cutler and the Bears are installing. That was cause for concern.
How bad was it?
Cutler air-mailed a throw toward Marshall during 7-on-7 work, the “completion” going straight to Conte, who also intercepted Cutler’s first pass of this training camp.
During a subsequent team session, defensive tackle Henry Melton stuck up a hand, deflected a Cutler pass up in the air and grabbed it before heading toward the end zone.
“It was luck,” said Melton, although whether he believed that was another question. “I just put my hand up, and it came to me. It was in the air forever. I just caught it, and scored.”
Coach Marc Trestman called an all-offense huddle to straighten some things out, whereupon Paea tipped the pass that Frey intercepted.
Later in practice, defensive end Shea McCllellin stayed put on a Cutler throw toward the flat and picked that one off, then outran receiver Eric Weems into the end zone.
The last time Cutler was working in a West Coast offense was 2009 under then-coordinator Ron Turner. He had three passes intercepted that season by defensive tackles.
The good and the very not-so-good
The deflected passes have two sides, one OK, one very un-OK.
Defensive linemen have been told that hands-up is all right but trying to bat balls is not. And offensive linemen are limited in how and how hard they may block, meaning the D-linemen don’t have to worry about protecting their legs or such. They won’t be cut-blocked, for instance.
“Batted balls are a lot of things but in practice, [offensive linemen] are not going to try to, up front, knock the defensive linemen down when they bat a ball,” said offensive coordinator and line coach Aaron Kromer.
“One of our rules [for the defense] is really don’t bat a ball in practice. So guys get excited and they can’t help but put their hands up and swat at them. You live with it and you go on to the next play.”
Trestman said that he was not caught up in the tipped passes. Perhaps he privately may be.
Because on the decidedly less-optimistic side, the Bears are working daily to return Cutler to one of the skills inherent in the Trestman and West Coast schemes: getting rid of the ball.
The problem is that against a quick-release passing game, the first commandment, since long four-second rushes won’t be the norm, is “Two steps and get your hands up.”
Exactly what the Bears’ defensive linemen are being told to do. And did.
“That’s a little wrinkle [coordinator Mel Tucker] is bringing to us,” Melton said. “We’re just testing it out right now. We’re going to see how it works for us, and we’ll see if we’re going to run it.”
With games approaching, will Long be a starter for Bears?
By John Mullin
The first depth chart of the season came out on Monday and Tuesday’s practice lineups had some modifications that will make Friday’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers especially interesting:
What’s my line?
Right guard remains the only real competition, between James Brown and rookie No. 1 Kyle Long. Brown has been going with the No. 1 offense for the first “team” sessions of practice and Long the later ones, so Brown is expected to start on Friday.
But this will be the first true chance for Long to unchain all his physical tools and games remain the truest indicators of who is winning a job.
But Brown will play some left guard, and the likes of Eben Britton, a crucial swing man on the line, has filled in for Jermon Bushrod (calf) at left tackle and has played guard. Veteran Jonathan Scott (knee) remained out of practice on Tuesday.
“Training camp is the time to get them playing multiple positions because you don’t want Week 5 to be the first time somebody jumps into right guard or left guard,” said offensive coordinator/line coach Aaron Kromer. “Training camp is a time to move them around, get them a feel, understand the concepts of the plays and let them become while really trying to stick to a position they’re going to be comfortable at.”
How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Chicago Blackhawks, National Hockey League of Nations.
By Greg Wyshynski
(Getty Images)
Canada: Bobby Hull
Bobby Hull isn't just a perfect example of a hockey player, but also a Chicago Blackhawk, and above all, a Canadian.
Born in Ontario, Bobby didn't blow people out of the water with sheer talent, but when he coupled it with an incredible work ethic, a legend was born. Instead of lifting weights in the gym, he helped out on the farm, a workout like no other. The accolades were massive for such a humble man: 11-time all-star. Stanley Cup champion, 2-time MVP, Most Gentlemanly Player.
As a Blackhawk, Hull is considered the greatest of all time. Joining the team in 1957 at the age of 18, Hull began a 14- season journey that saw him become the league's preeminent superstar. He brought Chicago a Stanley Cup, led the league in scoring in just his third season and became the first player to score over 50 goals in a season. He left the Blackhawks as their leading scorer, and his mark will be forever left among the Blackhawks faithful as a statue of the legend was erected in 2011 outside the United Center.
Hull is among the best in the game's history. As the game changes, the legend of the 'Golden Jet' reminds us all of the way hockey used to be and just how exceptional of a player he was. –Skylar Peters
Finland: Antti Niemi
Finland: Antti NiemiThe Blackhawks may not have been known for their Finns, but they seem to have found a few Finnish net minders in recent history worth noting. Antti Niemi beats out forwards Christian and Tuomo Ruutu for top Finn in Hawks history.
His value became apparent when he took over as starter for Cristobal Huet. This change occurred after Huet got lit up by the Columbus Blue Jackets to the tune of 8-3. Niemi was undervalued at the time, and no one knew what his ceiling was as a player. Niemi may not have recorded the most mind boggling numbers in his brief stint as a Blackhawk, but he did backstop the Hawks to their first cup in 49 years. He ended that year with .912 SV% and a 2.25 GAA for the regular season, and .910 SV% and a 2.63 GAA for the playoffs.
Though, to be fair to Niemi, the Hawks were definitely not as defensively focused as they were for 2013.
One of his most impressive characteristics was his calm demeanor; he never let the pressure get to him. He ran with the opportunity as a starter, and when he struggled, he came out strong the next game.
Sure, his ending with the Hawks was a little sour, but he too was a victim of the cap purge. His continued success in San Jose is bittersweet, but he brought Chicago a long overdue cup. Niemi has solidified his position in Hawks history. –Joe Kremel
USA: Jeremy Roenick
How wonderful would it have been if Jeremy Roenick had spent his entire career in a Hawks sweater? We’ll never know the answer to that question, and it is very sad that it even has to be asked in the first place. Roenick burst onto the NHL scene in 1988 as a late season call-up for the Blackhawks.
It didn’t take long for “J.R” to start lighting the lamp at a regular pace, as well as play a young leadership role. Roenick’s meteoric rise represents a sort of changing of the guard for the Hawks. The players that represented the 1980s era for the Hawks were entering the twilights of their careers and being shipped out to other teams. For example, Denis Savard, who was traded to Montreal for Chris Chelios. The Hawks’ stars of the 1980s were on their way out while a bright looking new era appeared to be on the horizon in the 90s with players like Roenick leading the way.
However, things in the NHL hardly ever go the way of a Hollywood script. On Aug. 16, 1996, after progressing over 8 seasons to become an elite player in the NHL, Jeremy Roenick was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes for Alexei Zhamnov and Craig Mills.
Sadly, Roenick was one the many victims of the Bill Wirtz/Bob Pulford “budget-play” that would bring about the Dark Ages of Chicago Blackhawks hockey.
Roenick will always be a headliner for the what-could-have-been era of the 90s for the Blackhawks. It’s very sad, and it is often difficult for Hawks fans to truly remember and enjoy Roenick’s eight quality years spent in an Indian head sweater without thinking about what SHOULD have been. –Brian Kinkade
Sweden: Niklas HjalmarssonSweden has produced some great players over the past decades, and the Hawks have had the pleasure of working with some extremely dependable Swedes.
Hjalmarsson is one of those dependable guys. I was very tempted to put Michael Nylander in here instead, but Hjalmarsson has brought Chicago two Cups with his consistent play. His willingness to block any shot, combined with his knack for making a smart play, helps push him to the top.
The argument against Hjammer has always been his lack of offensive production or his lack of physicality. He will never be the guy that wins the Norris, but that isn’t why he’s here. He is the counter balance to any puck moving defenseman, while still being mobile enough to be a threat/option at all times offensively. He knows and understands his role. It’s hard to find a player with that type of balance, but he manages that even while improving.
The importance of his style trumps the raw consistency that Nylander brings to the argument. Hjalmarsson brings strength, confidence, and consistency to the Hawks blue line.
We are starting to see Hjalmarsson resurrect some of his physicality as well. He wasn’t throwing many reckless hits; instead he played the body when it was appropriate. He rarely got burnt by opponents last season, and that is a trend that should continue to improve, further cementing his integral role on the Blackhawks team. –Joe Kremel
Russia: Johnny Gottselig
When someone says a particular Blackhawks player is ranked 30 for points in all-time franchise history and has two Stanley Cup Championships, you would think of the names Patrick Sharp, Patrick Kane, or Jonathan Toews. But this is not the case, for it is the greatest Russian player of all-time, Johnny Gottselig. We are going old school, like really old school, with our selection for Russia.
Gottselig was born in Russia in 1906 but moved to Canada very early in life. Gottselig played 17 seasons with the Blackhawks from 1928-1945. On the way, he became the 2nd Russian born player to play in the NHL. During his career, he scored 176 goals and 195 assists. Gottselig was a member of the 1934 Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks, and in 1938 he was the Captain of the Blackhawks when they hoisted the Cup for the 2nd time in the 30's. Gottselig's 589 games played still ranks 26th in all-time franchise history, and after his playing days were over, he coached the Blackhawks from 1944-1948.
After his coaching career came to an end, he became the Director of Public Relations, a title he still held during the 1961 season which ended with the Blackhawks 3rd Stanley Cup.
Alexei Zhamnov may be a more recognizable Russian name in Blackhawks history, but he was the player that came to Chicago in exchange for fan favorite Jeremy Roenick, and he never won a Stanley Cup. Gottselig was an active player for two championships and a member of the front office for a third which trumps all other Russian Blackhawks players. As such, he ranks as the greatest Russian to every wear the Blackhawks sweater. –Keith Shultz
Slovakia: Stan Mikita
Stan Mikita is one the greatest and dirtiest players from Slovakia. Mikita compiled what was arguably one of the best seasons in NHL history.
Mikita was a no-brainer for this decision. He put together one of the greatest seasons of all time, and he is the Blackhawks Franchise leader in points, goals, and assists.
He was feared for his stick as well as his play making ability. He could send a tremendous shot into the back of the net or make a smooth pass to set up a nice goal. He could also give a nasty cross check or deliver a swift chop to the body whether the refs were looking or not.
Mid-career, his play style changed after being asked by his son why he spent so much time in the box. He went from being one of the dirtiest players to the cleanest players, which eventually won him the Lady Byng trophy. Not too many players can boast such a style change while maintaining elite numbers.
Mikita deserved to be on the Blackhawks team. In 1966-67, he won his third scoring title with a then NHL record 97 points. He also set the Blackhawks record with 62 assists and took home the Hart trophy as the league MVP. Mikita is an 8 time all-star and holds the Blackhawks franchise record in goals, assists, and points. He has 541 goals, 926 assists, and 1467 points in 1394 games. He had three seasons with over 100 penalty minutes and finished with 1270 career minutes. Mikita won the Art Ross Trophy in 1963-64, 1964-65, and 1966-67. He also won the Hart Memorial Trophy, Lady Byng Memorial Trophy in 1966-67. In 1967-68, he would again win the Art Ross Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, and Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. –Sean Fitzgerald
Czech Republic: Martin Havlat
Numbers shouldn’t be what defines Martin Havlat’s career with the Blackhawks, but if they could…(Insert Homer Simpson drooling sound effect). Marty Havlat may go down as an all but forgotten Hawk one day, and that’s really a shame.
Like many before him, he suffers from the “what could have been” ailment. This is largely due to the fact that Havlat’s tenure with the Hawks was mostly in the Dark Ages. Havlat was acquired from the Ottawa Senators via trade in July of 2006, and he didn’t take long to burst onto the scene. In his first game with the Blackhawks, Havlat recorded 2 goals and 2 assists in an 8-6 victory over the Nashville Predators.
Unfortunately, Havlat would not be able to play a full season, although he did make the All-Star team that season. At that time, the Hawks hadn’t had an offensive weapon like Havlat since Tony Amonte was a Hawk. The next season (2007-2008) saw the debut of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, and Havlat was once again hampered with injuries that limited him to just 35 games. The following season (2008-2009), Havlat lead the Hawks in scoring with 77 points in 81 games as he, and the new rising stars of the Blackhawks, lead the team to the Post-Season for the first time since 2002.
That would be Havlat’s final season with the Blackhawks as he and the team were unable to agree upon a new contract which then led the way for the signing of Marian Hossa. Marty Havlat may not be remembered as fondly as other Hawks, but it’s too bad. Havlat was the glimmer of hope that got Hawks fans through the late stages of the Dark Ages, and also played very well in the early stages of what will likely go down as the Golden Age of Chicago Blackhawks hockey. –Brian Kinkade
REST OF THE WORLD CATEGORY
England: Steve Thomas
Our all world player was born, of all places, in Stockport, England. From the start, Steve Thomas was not a fan favorite when he arrived in 1987 in place of two of our favorites, Al Secord and Ed Olczyk. But if you were to categorize Thomas, it would have to be said that he was a goal scorer.
Thomas scored 421 career regular season goals and 54 post-season goals in his career, and while he only played 334 of his career games in Chicago, he still had 110 goals in a Hawks sweater, along with 120 assists. Thomas ranks 40th in Blackhawks history for goals scored, and he is tied for 16th in team career hat tricks with 4 (1 of them was in fact four goals).
Thomas was traded during the 1992 season for Adam Creighton and Brent Sutter which was the Blackhawks last Stanley Cup Finals appearance before they won the 2010 Stanley Cup against the Philadelphia Flyers. Thomas returned to the Hawks in 2001-2003 in the twilight of his career.
Thomas never won a Stanley Cup in his career, but he's the best player to wear the Blackhawks sweater from England. –Keith Shultz
Teeing Off: Is this the most anticipated PGA Championship ever?
By Shane Bacon
Bacon: On Thursday the best in the world will take on Oak Hill, a true test of golf that sounds like the U.S. Open than PGA Championship. While the PGA is universally known as the least interesting major championship of them all, this year might be different. Considering all the possible storylines that could come out of this week, does this one have the most potential of any ever?
Busbee: I'm sure there's one from the mists of history that was more anticipated, but at the moment I can't imagine it. Tiger coming off a win, Phil playing as well as he ever has, the entire field with something to prove against these two aging giants ... what more could you want? How do you think it's going to shake out?
Bacon: The Tiger and Phil angle is great, with Phil having a shot to have one of his best seasons ever with a win and Tiger coming in playing absolutely flawless golf at the Bridgestone, but look at Rory McIlroy with a shot to shut up the critics, Adam Scott and Justin Rose coming in with legit chances to win two majors in the same season, and names like Luke, Henrik, Bubba and Dufner all with their best chance of a major in 2013.
The pre-tournament stories are out there, but I see a very, very stacked leaderboard come Sunday, much like the British, with a bunch of big names with a chance to win. Now that is what I think might happen, but my hope is what we've all wanted on a Sunday at a major - a Tiger-Phil pairing in the final group. What are the odds that happens?!
Busbee: The odds are pretty darn good. And you know the Masters, the US Open and the British would be pulling their silvery hair out, metaphorically speaking, at the PGA Championship getting this kind of gem.
We've discussed this before...this is really shaping up to be a special season in golf. Two well-deserving first-time major winners, an amazing final round in the British, and now ... well, it just stands to reason that golf's No. 1 ought to have a big week at last, doesn't it? Is he your pick?
Bacon: I can't reveal my pick just yet, but I would venture to say that anyone that isn't picking Tiger to win this week just isn't paying much attention.
Sure, critics can lean on the fact that it has been more than five years since he won his last major, but I feel the way he's playing heading into this tournament, especially without a week off between the Bridgestone and PGA, is more important than has he has played in past majors.
The problem is, if Woods doesn't win this week we will again be scratching out heads wondering when, if ever, is he going to snag another major. I think unless he injuries himself he will be in the conversation come Sunday, it's just all about remembering that no matter if it's a money game with your best buddy or a major championship, it's still golf and Tiger is playing as good as anyone in the world.
Your thoughts on Mr. Five Wins?
Busbee: It's the standard he's set for himself. Win majors or nothing. It's absurd that we could consider a five-win season a failure, but that's the standard he set for himself way back in the early 2000s, and it's still true now.
It's all lining up just right for him. Can he bring it home? Well, that's always the question now, isn't it? But there's no better time than right now for Woods.Bacon: Or Phil! Or Rory! Or Justin!
Should be a fun week, and I can't wait until Sunday evening when Shaun Micheel raises his second PGA Championship trophy!
PGA Championship odds updated, Tiger Woods is the clear favorite at Oak Hill.
By Shane Bacon
(Getty Images - Tiger Woods)
It's PGA Championship week, and after Tiger Woods' win at the Bridgestone Invitational the odds have moved more in his favor.
Tiger is a 7-to-2 favorite to snag his 15th major championship, with Phil Mickelson coming in at 12-to-1 and Adam Scott landing at 18-to-1.
The rest of the odds are after the jump, so let us know which odds you like and who you think has the best shot at snagging the Wanamaker Trophy on Sunday.
USPGA Championship - Outright Winner
Tiger Woods 7/2
Phil Mickelson 12/1
Adam Scott 18/1
Brandt Snedeker 25/1
Henrik Stenson 25/1
Justin Rose 25/1
Lee Westwood 28/1
Rory McIlroy 28/1
Charl Schwartzel 33/1
Dustin Johnson 33/1
Hunter Mahan 33/1
Keegan Bradley 33/1
Luke Donald 33/1
Matt Kuchar 33/1
Graeme McDowell 40/1
Jason Day 40/1
Jason Dufner 40/1
Sergio Garcia 40/1
Bill Haas 50/1
Bubba Watson 50/1
Ian Poulter 50/1
Rickie Fowler 50/1
Steve Stricker 50/1
Zach Johnson 50/1
Ernie Els 66/1
Jim Furyk 66/1
Martin Kaymer 66/1
Webb Simpson 66/1
Angel Cabrera 80/1
Hideki Matsuyama 80/1
Jordan Spieth 80/1
Billy Horschel 100/1
Francesco Molinari 100/1
Matteo Manassero 100/1
Nick Watney 100/1
Nicolas Colsaerts 100/1
Paul Casey 100/1
Ryan Moore 100/1
Chris Kirk 125/1
Harris English 125/1
Martin Laird 125/1
Padraig Harrington 125/1
Peter Hanson 125/1
Ryan Palmer 125/1
Tim Clark 125/1
Bo Van Pelt 150/1
Branden Grace 150/1
Charles Howell III 150/1
Carl Pettersson 150/1
Fredrik Jacobson 150/1
Geoff Ogilvy 150/1
George Coetzee 150/1
Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano 150/1
Graham Delaet 150/1
Jamie Donaldson 150/1
John Senden 150/1
Jonas Blixt 150/1
K.J. Choi 150/1
Kevin Chappell 150/1
Kevin Streelman 150/1
Kyle Stanley 150/1
Miguel Angel Jimenez 150/1
Richard Sterne 150/1
Robert Garrigus 150/1
Russell Henley 150/1
Stewart Cink 150/1
Thomas Bjorn 150/1
Thorbjorn Olesen 150/1
Alexander Noren 200/1
Bernd Wiesberger 200/1
Boo Weekley 200/1
Brendon De Jonge 200/1
Brooks Koepka 200/1
Charley Hoffman 200/1
Chris Stroud 200/1
Chris Wood 200/1
David Lingmerth 200/1
David Lynn 200/1
David Toms 200/1
Davis Love III 200/1
John Merrick 200/1
Josh Teater 200/1
Ken Duke 200/1
Marc Leishman 200/1
Marcel Siem 200/1
Paul Lawrie 200/1
Peter Uihlein 200/1
Roberto Castro 200/1
Scott Piercy 200/1
Scott Stallings 200/1
Shane Lowry 200/1
Stephen Gallacher 200/1
Yong-Eun Yang 200/1
Ben Curtis 250/1
Brian Gay 250/1
D-A Points 250/1
Jason Kokrak 250/1
Jimmy Walker 250/1
John Huh 250/1
Joost Luiten 250/1
Luke Guthrie 250/1
Michael - H Thompson 250/1
Mikko Ilonen 250/1
Rafael Cabrera -Bello 250/1
Richie Ramsay 250/1
Sang Moon Bae 250/1
Thongchai Jaidee 250/1
Vijay Singh 250/1
Brett Rumford 300/1
Danny Willett 300/1
Darren Clarke 300/1
Kevin Stadler 300/1
Kiradech Aphibarnrat 300/1
Lucas Glover 300/1
Marc Warren 300/1
Marcus Fraser 300/1
Matt Every 300/1
Pablo Larrazabal 300/1
Ryo Ishikawa 300/1
Scott Jamieson 300/1
Woody Austin 300/1
Brendan Jones 500/1
Charlie Beljan 500/1
Derek Ernst 500/1
Hiroyuki Fujita 500/1
Jaco Van Zyl 500/1
Paul McGinley 500/1
Scott Brown 500/1
Shaun Micheel 500/1
Tom Watson 500/1
Tommy Gainey 500/1
Bob Gaus 1000/1
Bob Sowards 1000/1
Caine Fitzgerald 1000/1
Chip Sullivan 1000/1
Daniel Balin 1000/1
David McNabb 1000/1
David Muttitt 1000/1
J.C Anderson 1000/1
Jeff Martin 1000/1
Jeff Sorenson 1000/1
Kirk Hanefield 1000/1
Kohki Idoki 1000/1
Lee Rhind 1000/1
Mark Brooks 1000/1
Mark Brown 1000/1
Mark Sheftic 1000/1
Mike Small 1000/1
Rich Beem 1000/1
Rob Labritz 1000/1
Rod Perry 1000/1
Ryan Polzin 1000/1
Sonny Skinner 1000/1
Stuart Smith 1000/1
Phil Mickelson 12/1
Adam Scott 18/1
Brandt Snedeker 25/1
Henrik Stenson 25/1
Justin Rose 25/1
Lee Westwood 28/1
Rory McIlroy 28/1
Charl Schwartzel 33/1
Dustin Johnson 33/1
Hunter Mahan 33/1
Keegan Bradley 33/1
Luke Donald 33/1
Matt Kuchar 33/1
Graeme McDowell 40/1
Jason Day 40/1
Jason Dufner 40/1
Sergio Garcia 40/1
Bill Haas 50/1
Bubba Watson 50/1
Ian Poulter 50/1
Rickie Fowler 50/1
Steve Stricker 50/1
Zach Johnson 50/1
Ernie Els 66/1
Jim Furyk 66/1
Martin Kaymer 66/1
Webb Simpson 66/1
Angel Cabrera 80/1
Hideki Matsuyama 80/1
Jordan Spieth 80/1
Billy Horschel 100/1
Francesco Molinari 100/1
Matteo Manassero 100/1
Nick Watney 100/1
Nicolas Colsaerts 100/1
Paul Casey 100/1
Ryan Moore 100/1
Chris Kirk 125/1
Harris English 125/1
Martin Laird 125/1
Padraig Harrington 125/1
Peter Hanson 125/1
Ryan Palmer 125/1
Tim Clark 125/1
Bo Van Pelt 150/1
Branden Grace 150/1
Charles Howell III 150/1
Carl Pettersson 150/1
Fredrik Jacobson 150/1
Geoff Ogilvy 150/1
George Coetzee 150/1
Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano 150/1
Graham Delaet 150/1
Jamie Donaldson 150/1
John Senden 150/1
Jonas Blixt 150/1
K.J. Choi 150/1
Kevin Chappell 150/1
Kevin Streelman 150/1
Kyle Stanley 150/1
Miguel Angel Jimenez 150/1
Richard Sterne 150/1
Robert Garrigus 150/1
Russell Henley 150/1
Stewart Cink 150/1
Thomas Bjorn 150/1
Thorbjorn Olesen 150/1
Alexander Noren 200/1
Bernd Wiesberger 200/1
Boo Weekley 200/1
Brendon De Jonge 200/1
Brooks Koepka 200/1
Charley Hoffman 200/1
Chris Stroud 200/1
Chris Wood 200/1
David Lingmerth 200/1
David Lynn 200/1
David Toms 200/1
Davis Love III 200/1
John Merrick 200/1
Josh Teater 200/1
Ken Duke 200/1
Marc Leishman 200/1
Marcel Siem 200/1
Paul Lawrie 200/1
Peter Uihlein 200/1
Roberto Castro 200/1
Scott Piercy 200/1
Scott Stallings 200/1
Shane Lowry 200/1
Stephen Gallacher 200/1
Yong-Eun Yang 200/1
Ben Curtis 250/1
Brian Gay 250/1
D-A Points 250/1
Jason Kokrak 250/1
Jimmy Walker 250/1
John Huh 250/1
Joost Luiten 250/1
Luke Guthrie 250/1
Michael - H Thompson 250/1
Mikko Ilonen 250/1
Rafael Cabrera -Bello 250/1
Richie Ramsay 250/1
Sang Moon Bae 250/1
Thongchai Jaidee 250/1
Vijay Singh 250/1
Brett Rumford 300/1
Danny Willett 300/1
Darren Clarke 300/1
Kevin Stadler 300/1
Kiradech Aphibarnrat 300/1
Lucas Glover 300/1
Marc Warren 300/1
Marcus Fraser 300/1
Matt Every 300/1
Pablo Larrazabal 300/1
Ryo Ishikawa 300/1
Scott Jamieson 300/1
Woody Austin 300/1
Brendan Jones 500/1
Charlie Beljan 500/1
Derek Ernst 500/1
Hiroyuki Fujita 500/1
Jaco Van Zyl 500/1
Paul McGinley 500/1
Scott Brown 500/1
Shaun Micheel 500/1
Tom Watson 500/1
Tommy Gainey 500/1
Bob Gaus 1000/1
Bob Sowards 1000/1
Caine Fitzgerald 1000/1
Chip Sullivan 1000/1
Daniel Balin 1000/1
David McNabb 1000/1
David Muttitt 1000/1
J.C Anderson 1000/1
Jeff Martin 1000/1
Jeff Sorenson 1000/1
Kirk Hanefield 1000/1
Kohki Idoki 1000/1
Lee Rhind 1000/1
Mark Brooks 1000/1
Mark Brown 1000/1
Mark Sheftic 1000/1
Mike Small 1000/1
Rich Beem 1000/1
Rob Labritz 1000/1
Rod Perry 1000/1
Ryan Polzin 1000/1
Sonny Skinner 1000/1
Stuart Smith 1000/1
Mark McGwire on baseball’s steroid era — ’I wish I was never a part of it’,
By Mike Oz
They say as a man gets older, he gains perspective and regrets some of the mistakes he made in his younger years. Today, Mark McGwire might — might — be that man.
McGwire is 49 now and the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He's more than twice the age he was when he won Rookie of the Year in 1987, and he's 15 years removed from hitting those historic 70 home runs in 1998.
The day the Biogenesis suspensions hit, McGwire found himself returning to St. Louis. It was there he hit all those home runs for the Cardinals and where, ultimately, his career was marred by performance-enhancing drugs suspicions. It wasn't until 2010 that he finally admitted using steroids and took his spot on baseball's Mount Rushmore of drug users.
Maybe being totally earnest — or maybe sensing an opportunity to shed more of his steroid baggage — McGwire spoke out about the steroid era Monday, telling ESPN he wished he had done things differently.
"I wish I was never a part of it. Just get rid of it. If it's better to have bigger suspensions, then they're going to have to change it ...
"I wish there were things in place earlier. They were put in in 2003 I think. I just really hope and pray that this is the end of it. Everybody, especially the players, don't want any more part of it, and I hope this is the end of it."
(Getty Images)
McGwire will most likely never make the Hall of Fame and the steroid taint on his career will exclude him from growing into a beloved elder statesman of the game. He can work in baseball, as a hitting coach, but being linked to PEDs — unless something drastic changes — will always follow him around and limit where he can go. He'll always be, to many people, a cheater.
"It's not worth it at all," he told ESPN, now far more aware of the consequences of his actions than he was when he was a Bash Brother.
"It doesn't matter what I think; I think it matters what the players think, and from what I hear every day in the clubhouse, they're just happy it's coming to an end," McGwire said. "They're happy that Major League Baseball is taking care of it and we can move forward. Hopefully this will be the end of it."You have to admit, it all sounds a bit odd. Mark McGwire, PED opponent. It's like Walter White speaking out against meth. But maybe this Mark McGwire, the 2013 version, the older and wiser version, truly does have regrets.
Are you ready for some football? No seriously, are you ready for some football?
If you are, please read the link below!!!
Link: http://allsportsamerica.blogspot.com/2013/07/are-you-ready-for-some-football-no.html
Remember, (1) Competition breeds excellence and (2) You can't win if you aren't in!!!
Remember, (1) Competition breeds excellence and (2) You can't win if you aren't in!!!
NBA 2013-14 schedule's 10 games to watch.
By Marc J. Spears
By Marc J. Spears
For all of the Los Angeles Lakers' storied history, Dwight Howard's return to L.A. will be a new experience for the franchise and its fans.
Magic Johnson, Jerry West and James Worthy played their entire careers with the Lakers. So far, Kobe Bryant has done the same. Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar retired as Lakers. Shaquille O'Neal was traded.
But Howard? He became the first elite free agent in the 16-time NBA champions' history to leave town when he signed a four-year, $88 million max contract this summer with the Houston Rockets.
When Howard returns to Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Feb. 19, expect boos to rain down from all corners of Staples Center. Howard spent just one season in L.A., but the way he left might have made a bigger impression than anything he did on the court.
Howard's return to L.A. leads Yahoo! Sports' top-10 games for the 2013-2014 NBA season.
1. Dwight Howard returns to L.A. to face the Lakers, Feb. 19
Howard described his lone season with the Lakers as a "nightmare." He clashed with Kobe Bryant, played for two coaches named Mike in Brown and D'Antoni, didn't like D'Antoni's offensive system and didn't feel he received the proper respect for his return from back surgery.
After losing Bryant to an Achilles injury late in the season, the Howard-led Lakers were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs. By departing to Houston to join the Rockets, who are led by James Harden, Howard turned down the opportunity to be the face of the Lakers once Bryant retires.
2. Kobe Bryant returns from injury for the Lakers, TBD
Bryant suffered a torn Achilles tendon injury April 12 against Golden State that caused him to miss the postseason for the first time in his career. He says his recovery is ahead of schedule; it's even possible he could return on opening night.
All eyes will be on Bryant whenever he gets back on the court. While six to nine months is the normal recovery time for such an injury, Bryant, 35, will be fighting Father Time.
But if there is an athlete that could accomplish such a feat, Bryant is the one.
3. Derrick Rose returns to the Chicago Bulls, Oct. 29
The big question: Will the athleticism that made Rose special also return?
If Rose can get back to being himself – or an improved version of himself – the Bulls immediately become an Eastern Conference title defender that the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers should worry about. After such a long layoff and plenty of criticism in his hometown of Chicago, Rose has pressure to return as good as ever.
4. Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett return to Boston, Jan. 26
This time, however, Pierce and Garnett will be in the visitors' locker room.
Pierce, who will one day have his No. 34 jersey hanging from the Boston Garden rafters, will likely be emotional as the Celtics faithful give him a heartfelt, loud and lengthy standing ovation. Garnett also should be well received.
5. Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers returns to face the Celtics, Dec. 11
Rivers spent nine seasons as the coach of the Celtics, winning one championship with them in two Finals appearances, before controversially exiting this summer to coach the Clippers.
The Celtics say Rivers wanted out of rebuilding process. Rivers, however, has said the Celtics were open to him leaving if they could get a draft pick for him.
What do the Celtics fans believe? Their opinion will be heard when Rivers is introduced prior to the announcing of the Clippers' starting lineup.
6. Brooklyn Nets at New York Knicks, Jan. 20
Any Knicks-Nets game is going to be intense, emotional and fun to watch. But the first one in Madison Square Garden this season will be even more special to attend: It will be the first time the Nets visit MSG with ex-Knick Jason Kidd as head coach and Pierce and Garnett in uniform.
New York appeared to be the better team last season in this strengthening rivalry and has added tall shooter Andrea Bargnani. But after the Nets acquired Pierce and Garnett, there is legitimate debate about which team in the Big Apple is truly the best.
Barclays Center is one of the world's best venues, but there will be no greater stage than at the famed Garden.
7. Miami Heat at Cleveland Cavaliers, Nov. 27
Speculation about LeBron James' possible free agency next summer will swell when the former Cavaliers star returns to Cleveland for the first time. Three years ago, it was laughable to think the Akron, Ohio, native would ever return to Cleveland after he left for the Heat. Angry Cavaliers fans burned James' jersey, cursed him and threw objects at a big sign near the downtown arena that showcased his image.
Time, however, has healed much of these wounds. The up-and-coming Cavaliers now have the talent to be an attractive destination for James, should he decide to leave.
Cleveland's roster now includes the NBA's widely regarded top young point guard in Kyrie Irving, center Andrew Bynum, No. 1 draft pick Anthony Bennett, forward Tristan Thompson and forward-center Anderson Varejao. Even Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has tried to make nice. Heat president Pat Riley will certainly have some say and influence in the end. Stay tuned.
8. New York Knicks at Los Angeles Lakers, March 25
Will Carmelo Anthony's lone trip to face the Lakers at Staples Center serve as a precursor for him signing with the Lakers next summer?
Anthony will be a free agent at the end of the season. Yes, he was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., is tight with Knicks owner James Dolan and appears to enjoy playing for the Knicks. But 'Melo is also a good friend of Bryant's, spends much of his offseason in his L.A. home and has been playing pickup ball this summer at the Clippers' facility.
Oh, and his wife, LaLa, is an actress.
But if Bryant is close to retiring, arguably the best pure scorer to fill his void would be Anthony. Anthony recently told TMZ he doubts he'll leave New York for the Lakers, but if Bryant gives a strong sales pitch? It could get interesting.
9. San Antonio Spurs at Miami Heat, Jan. 26
American Airlines Arena in Miami certainly has horrible memories for the Spurs, who blew a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals by losing Games 6 and 7 there.
And if they need any other reminders, the Heat now have a big mural on the arena that celebrates their titles in 2004, 2012 and 2013.
10. Miami Heat at Indiana Pacers, Dec. 10
The Pacers took the Heat to a Game 7 in last season's Eastern Conference finals, and could again emerge as the two-time defending champions' toughest competition in the conference.
The Heat's roster hasn't changed much, minus Mike Miller leaving and the addition of Greg Oden. The Pacers are expected to be much improved after adding forward Luis Scola, guard C.J. Watson, forward Chris Copeland and intriguing rookie forward Solomon Hill. All-Star swingman Paul George is expected to move to shooting guard with the return of injured forward Danny Granger. With guard Lance Stephenson moving back to the bench, the bitter Pacers are much deeper, bigger and possibly more talented than James and the aging Heat.
Each of the meetings between the Heat and Pacers will loom large in the battle for home-court advantage in the playoffs.
By Kenny Bruce
J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing, says he learned one thing about Tony Stewart during the driver's successful 10-year run with the organization.
"You don't try to tell Tony what to do," Gibbs said Tuesday.
Stewart, who won two of his three NASCAR Cup titles and 33 races while competing for JGR, suffered a broken right leg in a crash Aug. 5 during a sprint car race at Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Stewart-Haas Racing, of which Stewart is co-owner, has named Max Papis to drive the team's No. 14 Chevrolet in Saturday's Cheez-It 355 (1 p.m., ESPN) at Watkins Glen International.
"You know, that's where he came from," Gibbs said of Stewart's penchant for competing on the dirt in winged sprints. "So you just prayed a lot that he wouldn't get hurt. He kind of did his own thing.
"I hate the fact that it happened to him, but it could happen to any driver out there."
"I hate the fact that it happened to him, but it could happen to any driver out there."
Stewart, who raced in open-wheel before making the transition to stock cars, often spends his time away from his Cup duties competing for his own Tony Stewart Racing organization, a separate entity from SHR. His schedule often includes 50 or more of the "outside" events each season.
Fellow team owner and driver Michael Waltrip was with Stewart and veteran racer Ken Schrader Aug. 1 at Paducah International Raceway, where Stewart and Schrader were competing.
"I got on the plane with Tony and he and I flew to Pocono (site of Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race) together," Waltrip said. "He was talking about 'I'm going to go here, and I'm going to go there and I'm going to race a sprint car there ? and I've got to be in Atlanta (for testing),'"
"What you have to understand (is) he loves sprint cars. He loves them. We watched videos on his phone of sprint car races. He would say 'you can see here I bobbled a little bit.' He was like a kid. It's his passion."
Both JGR and Michael Waltrip Racing field multiple Cup teams, and each have drivers that compete in the occasional non-NASCAR event.
Gibbs said there are "some rules," but added, "at the same time, if that's their passion, you can't say no to everything.
"You'd like less than more, obviously. You want to make sure they're in safe stuff ? it's about all you can do."
Clint Bowyer, driver of the No. 15 Toyota for MWR, fields a dirt Late Model team of his own.
"You'd like less than more, obviously. You want to make sure they're in safe stuff ? it's about all you can do."
Clint Bowyer, driver of the No. 15 Toyota for MWR, fields a dirt Late Model team of his own.
"If Clint had shown up at Michael Waltrip Racing as a sprint car driver, knowing the dangers of it I would say, 'can we consider maybe not running a sprint car? Maybe just run a dirt car, a dirt modified?'" Waltrip said. "Sprint cars are crazy fast."
Waltrip said there is nothing written in stone that prevents his organization's drivers from occasionally racing in non-NASCAR events.
"I just think it's important for people to know that (Stewart) loves it," Waltrip said. "And he is making people happy all over the country.
"People were so happy he was at Paducah to race. That's his deal. He went to Iowa to race and unfortunately he got hurt."
Chicago Fire vs. DC United | US Open Cup Semifinal Preview.
MLS
CHICAGO FIRE vs. D.C. UNITED
TOYOTA PARK, Bridgeview, Ill.
Aug. 7, 2013 (US Open Cup Semifinal)
8:30 pm ET (Streaming live on Chicago-Fire.com)
Two sides on the outside-looking-in for the MLS playoff picture have a chance to advance to a final of their own with a win when the Chicago Fire hosts D.C. United in the US Open Cup semifinal Wednesday night at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.
The Fire advanced to the semifinals of the storied tournament with a 5-1 victory over the Orlando City SC June 26 at Toyota Park. A Chris Rolfe brace and goals from Patrick Nyarko, Mike Magee and Joel Lindpere led the Men in Red to their 33rd all-time victory of the 100-year old tournament.
D.C. United advanced after a 3-1 victory over the New England Revolution at the SoccerPlex in Boyds, Md.
CHICAGO FIRE
Since 1998 the Fire have racked up an impressive 33-10-4 record all-time in Open Cup play, which has helped the squad reach the semifinal round nine out of 16 times and the final six times. The Fire have previously hoisted the coveted Dewar Trophy four times, in 1998, 2000, 2003 and 2006. The 2006 title marked the ninth time a team from Chicago won the Open Cup and made the Fire one of six teams to capture the crown at least four times in the tournament's 100-year-long history.
Determined by a coin flip, the winner of the Fire vs. D.C. United semifinal match will hit the road for the final. If the Portland Timbers defeat Real Salt Lake in its semifinal match on Aug. 7 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, the Open Cup Final will be played on Sept. 24 at JELD-WEN Field. If Salt Lake wins the semifinal, the championship will be played on Oct. 1 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Determined by a coin flip, the winner of the Fire vs. D.C. United semifinal match will hit the road for the final. If the Portland Timbers defeat Real Salt Lake in its semifinal match on Aug. 7 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, the Open Cup Final will be played on Sept. 24 at JELD-WEN Field. If Salt Lake wins the semifinal, the championship will be played on Oct. 1 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
The Fire are 21-0-1 all-time in Open Cup matches played in the state of Illinois. The Fire have reached the semifinal round nine out of 16 times The Fire are 1-1-0 all-time against D.C. United in Open Cup play. The Fire defeated D.C. United 3-0 in the 2006 semifinal round and fell 2-1 in the 2008 quarterfinals. This is the third meeting across all competitions between the two sides this year.
The Fire defeated D.C. United 2-0 on June 2 and 4-1 on July 20 in MLS play at Toyota Park.
D.C. UNITED
With the club’s recent additions to its roster, D.C. United’s average age across all first team players is now 25.4 years. The average age of all players who started the game against the Montreal Impact on Aug. 3 was 25.9 years. In addition, the average age of D.C. United players who picked up either an assist or goal was just 23 years. Meanwhile, the average age of the Chicago Fire starters against the Philadelphia Union on the same day was 27.2 years, while the average age of those who contributed a goal or assist was 28.6 years.
Since joining D.C. United from Toronto FC on July 9, Luis Silva has made three appearances, all starts, for his new club and netted three goals. His latest came in D.C. United’s 3-1 win over the Montreal Impact on Aug. 3 as the fourth overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft continues to make an immediate impact for the Black-and-Red. In fact, Silva and Mike Magee of the Chicago Fire are the only two MLS players with an active three-goal scoring streak.
D.C. United captain Dwayne De Rosario is currently the joint-second leading scorer in this year’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, having scored four goals in three games. De Rosario notched a hat-trick in the fourth round match on 6/19 against the Philadelphia Union, earning him Player of the Round honors. De Rosario’s hat-trick was the third by a D.C. United player in the history of the Open Cup, following Raul Diaz Arce (2000) and Abdul Thompson Conteh (2001).
D.C. United have won the second-most number of games (32) among MLS teams in the Open Cup. Semifinal opponent the Chicago Fire has won the most (35) in the domestic tournament.
The Chicago Fire have conceded 10 goals between the 61st and 75th minutes in its 21 MLS games this season. The Fire has also conceded 21 goals in the second half of league matches, compared to 10 in the first half of games.
D.C. United has now reached the semifinals of the U.S. Open Cup nine times in its history, the joint-most among MLS teams with the Chicago Fire. United last reached this stage in 2010, when the team lost 2-1 in extra time to the Columbus Crew on 9/1/10. The Black-and-Red last won in the semifinals on 7/21/09, when the squad beat the Rochester Raging Rhinos 2-1, thanks to goals from Jaime Moreno and Thabiso Khumalo.
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