Sports Quote of the Day:
"Football is an incredible game. Sometimes it's so incredible, it's unbelievable." ~ Tom Landry, Legendary NFL Football Coach
Bear Down Chicago Bears!!! Is the Bears' fanbase 'stable'? What's your take?
By Tony Andracki
The old saying around Chicago sports is the two baseball teams divide the town, but the Bears unite it.
The Monsters of the Midway move the needle. The city practically shuts down every time they have a game, especially when the team is good.
But would you call the Bears fanbase "unstable" or "volatile"?
A pair of Emory University professors monitored Twitter after every 2012 regular-season NFL game and took note of whether the tweets were positive or negative. This went on for three days after each contest and the higher the ratio of negative-to-positive tweets, the more unstable they determined the fanbase.
The Bears came in at seventh on the list, with only Oakland, Pittsburgh, New England, Detroit, New Orleans and Seattle ahead of Chicago. The Dallas Cowboys, surprisingly, had the most stable fanbase, with the Colts and Eagles just below America's team.
That seems a bit, odd, doesn't it?
The Cowboys come under fire every season for underperforming enormous expectations and quarterback Tony Romo is ripped in social media seemingly every day. The Eagles had one of the most disappointing seasons in years, dropping nine of 10 games at one point.
So this can't just be about wins and losses and given the expectations for those two teams were high, it can't be about potential, either.
Maybe it's simply the Eagles' and Cowboys' fanbases are filled with a bunch of positive people sending out positive tweets, outweighing all the Debbie Downers complaining about yet another multiple-turnover game from Romo or Michael Vick.
When you think about it, it's not that surprising the Bears are toward the top of this list. After a 7-1 start in 2012, they wound up winning just three games the rest of the way and missed the playoffs, costing coach Lovie Smith his job.
In the preseason, I'd venture the Bears fanbase is one of the most "stable" of this group (by the same measure), given the positivity surrounding Marc Trestman's offensive changes.
But then again, everybody has hope in the preseason, when the games don't count.
After reading this article, we'd love to know what's your take, Is the Bears' fanbase stable?
Manning's 7 TDs lead Broncos past Ravens 49-27.
ARNIE STAPLETON (AP Pro Football Writer)
Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos waited eight long months, then another 33 minutes, to get the season started.
A record-tying seven touchdown passes - something no one had done in 44 years - made it worth the while.
Connecting with his most prized addition, Wes Welker, former college basketball player Julius Thomas and Demaryius Thomas for two TDs each, Manning directed Denver to a 49-27 victory over the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night in the NFL opener, a much-anticipated rematch against the team that ended the Broncos' playoff run in January.
Manning is the sixth QB in NFL history to throw seven TD passes in a game and the first since Joe Kapp did it for Minnesota against Baltimore on Sept. 28, 1969.
Manning was 27 of 42 for 462 yards with seven TDs and no interceptions.
How 'bout them Chicago Blackhawks? Is Bowman building a cap-era dynasty with Blackhawks?
By Nina Falcone
(USA TODAY Sports Images)
With the start of the 2013-14 campaign just weeks away, the Blackhawks will be entering the upcoming season as defending Stanley Cup champions with most of the members of their winning team on their roster.
Unlike the summer of 2010 -- when nearly half the team was dismantled following their big victory -- general manager Stan Bowman has spent this offseason continuing to lock up players to potentially create the NHL's first cap-era dynasty.
NHL.com's Dan Rosen took a look at what Bowman has accomplished and spoke with NHL Network analyst Craig Button on the strong potential the Blackhawks have moving forward.
"(Bowman) continues to keep the core of his team together and he's got good contracts," Button told NHL.com. "I think they're in position now to be that team for the next five, six, maybe seven years, somewhere in that range, that is in the conversation as Stanley Cup contenders. Can they win two, three, four, five? I don't know. But I do know that they're positioned perfectly."
Following the recent signings of Corey Crawford and Niklas Hjalmarsson, the Blackhawks now have 14 players from the 2013 championship team signed through the next two seasons. Both Andrew Shaw and Michal Handzus each have one year remaining on their current contracts.
Bowman's upcoming big tasks will be securing Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, but with the lockout behind us, an increase in league-wide revenues should be enough to provide both players with pay increases after the 2014-15 season.
"The biggest thing about Stan is he's not caught up in what could be or chasing anything," Button said. "He's got a really measured approach. Too many times, people chase things. There's no question in my view that the cap is going to go up, so [contracts for] Toews and Kane will become -- I don't want to say easier -- but ones he can accomplish."
But the type of success the Blackhawks hope to experience goes beyond their current roster. As the team prepares for training camp, a number of young players will be fighting for playing time inside the United Center and want that chance to be part of the Blackhawks' dynasty. But as Bowman has proved in the past, there's no need to rush them.
"We have a lot of guys in Rockford who are ready for the NHL," Brandon Bollig told CSNChicago.com at the Blackhawks Convention. "When the time comes they'll be ready, and they'll be fighting for a spot at training camp. We're confident in them and know they can do big things for us in the future."
Blackhawks preparation begins in eight days.
By Tracey Myers
The Blackhawks will begin their 2013 training camp at the University of Notre Dame, with the first practice at 10 a.m. on Sept. 12 at Compton Family Ice Arena.
The team will spend its first four training camp days (Sept. 12-15) at the university. Practices begin at 10 a.m. each day. The Blackhawks will return to Chicago on Sept. 16, when they’ll have their annual training camp festival at the United Center. Doors to that event open at 5 p.m., with the scrimmage beginning at 7 p.m. The Mad Dash to Madison 10K starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the 5K run/walk at 6:30 p.m.
All race participants will receive a Jonathan Toews bobblehead. For registration and more information, visit chicagoblackhawks.com.
Unlike the summer of 2010 -- when nearly half the team was dismantled following their big victory -- general manager Stan Bowman has spent this offseason continuing to lock up players to potentially create the NHL's first cap-era dynasty.
NHL.com's Dan Rosen took a look at what Bowman has accomplished and spoke with NHL Network analyst Craig Button on the strong potential the Blackhawks have moving forward.
"(Bowman) continues to keep the core of his team together and he's got good contracts," Button told NHL.com. "I think they're in position now to be that team for the next five, six, maybe seven years, somewhere in that range, that is in the conversation as Stanley Cup contenders. Can they win two, three, four, five? I don't know. But I do know that they're positioned perfectly."
Following the recent signings of Corey Crawford and Niklas Hjalmarsson, the Blackhawks now have 14 players from the 2013 championship team signed through the next two seasons. Both Andrew Shaw and Michal Handzus each have one year remaining on their current contracts.
Bowman's upcoming big tasks will be securing Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, but with the lockout behind us, an increase in league-wide revenues should be enough to provide both players with pay increases after the 2014-15 season.
"The biggest thing about Stan is he's not caught up in what could be or chasing anything," Button said. "He's got a really measured approach. Too many times, people chase things. There's no question in my view that the cap is going to go up, so [contracts for] Toews and Kane will become -- I don't want to say easier -- but ones he can accomplish."
But the type of success the Blackhawks hope to experience goes beyond their current roster. As the team prepares for training camp, a number of young players will be fighting for playing time inside the United Center and want that chance to be part of the Blackhawks' dynasty. But as Bowman has proved in the past, there's no need to rush them.
"We have a lot of guys in Rockford who are ready for the NHL," Brandon Bollig told CSNChicago.com at the Blackhawks Convention. "When the time comes they'll be ready, and they'll be fighting for a spot at training camp. We're confident in them and know they can do big things for us in the future."
Blackhawks preparation begins in eight days.
By Tracey Myers
The Blackhawks will begin their 2013 training camp at the University of Notre Dame, with the first practice at 10 a.m. on Sept. 12 at Compton Family Ice Arena.
The team will spend its first four training camp days (Sept. 12-15) at the university. Practices begin at 10 a.m. each day. The Blackhawks will return to Chicago on Sept. 16, when they’ll have their annual training camp festival at the United Center. Doors to that event open at 5 p.m., with the scrimmage beginning at 7 p.m. The Mad Dash to Madison 10K starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by the 5K run/walk at 6:30 p.m.
All race participants will receive a Jonathan Toews bobblehead. For registration and more information, visit chicagoblackhawks.com.
Just another Chicago Bulls Session... Bulls veteran Hinrich anxious for start of upcoming season.
By Aggrey Sam
“It’s almost here,” he said by way of greeting. “You ready for it?”
Kirk Hinrich never sounded quite that upbeat last season and with the various ailments he endured, it was understandable. In his second tour of duty with the Bulls, the veteran guard missed 22 regular-season games and the entire second round of the playoffs as he suffered of litany of injuries, from hurting his groin in the preseason to the ruptured calf muscle that caused him to miss the Miami series.
But with the entire summer to recover from aches and pains that included injuries of the freakish variety, Hinrich, set to enter his 11th professional campaign, is amped up about the upcoming season.
“I feel really good. I think I’ve used the offseason to manage the time fairly well. I have a lot of energy, my body’s feeling good. I’ve been feeling good on the court, so at this point, you’re always looking forward to next year,” he told CSNChicago.com in a phone interview. “You start getting real anxious when you get to two, three weeks left to go before training camp.”
Approaching the second season of his second go-around in Chicago, Hinrich is feeling more at ease, not just because of his health, but his comfort level in a different system with bigger expectations than the when he was traded to Washington three summers ago.
“I think it’s a little bit more relaxed for me because even though I had been here for so long, I was still coming into a new situation, I was a new player,” he explained. “I was kind of anxious to get familiar with everything, so now, I’m kind of familiar with the system, the coaches, my teammates and more of just working hard, relaxed and having a better idea of what to expect, so it’s definitely a more relaxed offseason in those terms.”
Early last season, as Hinrich struggled with injuries and shooting, perhaps his full impact couldn’t be appreciated to casual observers. But as time went on, the floor general’s quiet leadership by example, ability to ensure that the offense ran smoothly and physical embodiment of Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau’s defensive tone became clear, as his seemingly pedestrian averages of 7.7 points and 5.2 assists per game were far outweighed by the team’s 38-22 regular-season record when he was on the court.
With Thibodeau declaring Jimmy Butler the team’s starting shooting guard moving forward and Derrick Rose back in the Bulls’ lineup, “Captain Kirk” will go from starter to backup—something he did during Rose’s rookie year, though the pair started together the next season—but although his workload should be eased by the return of the former league MVP, Hinrich’s role backing up both backcourt positions will still be significant. A consummate professional, the Iowa native has high expectations for the duo’s first season starting together.
“I think everybody’s really excited. Obviously it’s pretty natural with Derrick, anticipating Derrick’s return. I’ve heard he’s been looking great. He sounds like he’s very motivated,” Hinrich said. “I expect Jimmy to just expect him to keep getting better and better. He’s still a very young player. Obviously he showed the league what he could do last year when he got the opportunity and that says a lot about a guy, when you’re not getting an opportunity and finally, you get an opportunity and you take full advantage of it, and I think that’s what he did. Obviously he gives us a lot of versatility, he’s very athletic, he can guard different positions, play different positions and he’s going to have a great year.”
Hinrich sees one of the Bulls’ best qualities being their newfound depth, as opposed to last season, when health and newcomers finding their niches conspired to delay chemistry, although defense was a constant. Now, with swingman Mike Dunleavy the only veteran newcomer—rookies Tony Snell and Erik Murphy won’t be expected to play major roles—and Rose back, Thibodeau will have plenty of lineup flexibility as his disposal, not to mention a strong second unit, potentially similar to the “Bench Mob” era.
“I think with Derrick coming back, the type of player he is, obviously we’re going to be a little bit different team. I anticipate, we’re going to try to utilize our strengths and I think our strengths are we have a lot of versatility, we’re going to be very deep and we’ve got a former MVP returning to the lineup, so there’s a lot of excitement. I think Mike Dunleavy is a really good addition, just a really good all-around player, very smart and I think he’s going to help us a lot. The main thing for us is just staying healthy and being hungry from the start to finish,” Hinrich explained. “I think we’re going to be very deep and a very good team.
“I think our bench is going to be really tough. I’m just excited to get going. Right now, we’re just excited to get into training camp and figure out who we’re going to be, then hopefully hit the ground running come opening night.”
Hinrich and Dunleavy were both prep standouts in the class of 1999, so they’ve crossed paths over the years, making Hinrich familiar with his new teammate’s game and what he brings to the table for the Bulls.
“I’m just excited to have him. I think he kind of gets labeled as just a guy who can knock down shots, but he’s really a very solid all-around player. He’s a good passer, he’s very good off the ball, good decisions, so I think that was a huge pick-up for us, to go along with everybody else we’ve got returning,” he observed.
That said, the former All-American at Kansas understands that the Bulls’ competition has also improved and while Miami, the champions and team that eliminated them from the playoffs, are certainly their target, Indiana, which stole supremacy of the Central Division last season, is another rival to focus on, and other opponents also made moves to get better over the summer.
“The whole Eastern Conference got a lot better, I think, and I think it’s exciting, it’s good for the league,” Hinrich said. “Players and teams love challenges and last year, Indiana won the division. They’re going to be really good, along with a lot of other teams who got a lot better, so we’re just looking forward to keeping the same approach.”
The type to let his play do the talking, Hinrich didn’t say anything inflammatory, but it’s obvious that he’s chomping at the bit to get back on the court, especially when he was relegated to street clothes at the end of the Bulls’ postseason run, as the team was eliminated by the Heat.
“It’s always hard to watch, especially in the playoffs. Ultimately, that’s what you play for all season,” said the 32-year-old, whose snatch of a late-game rebound out of All-Star big man Chris Bosh’s grasp might be the most enduring image of the Bulls’ streak-ending victory over the Heat at the United Center. “But Miami’s the two-time defending champs. You’ve got to give them credit. They’re the favorites; they’ve got an unbelievable team.”
In his typically unassuming fashion, Hinrich makes no guarantees or proclamations about the upcoming season, but the palpable energy in his tone speaks volumes.
“We just have to focus on ourselves and do everything we can, not skip any steps all year, continue improving, join as a team and I’m excited. I feel like we’re going to have one of the best benches in the league, our starting five is going to be rock solid, as always, Derrick coming back. Obviously there’s going to be a lot of anticipation, but at this point, it’s more just focusing on coming in ready. Everybody coming in ready with the right mindset and keep working to get better every day,” he said, complete with Thibodeau-esque mantras already in midseason form. “We just have to continue to go out there, do the little things every night, stick to our core principles and I think we’ll look to have a very good year.”
Kirk Hinrich never sounded quite that upbeat last season and with the various ailments he endured, it was understandable. In his second tour of duty with the Bulls, the veteran guard missed 22 regular-season games and the entire second round of the playoffs as he suffered of litany of injuries, from hurting his groin in the preseason to the ruptured calf muscle that caused him to miss the Miami series.
But with the entire summer to recover from aches and pains that included injuries of the freakish variety, Hinrich, set to enter his 11th professional campaign, is amped up about the upcoming season.
“I feel really good. I think I’ve used the offseason to manage the time fairly well. I have a lot of energy, my body’s feeling good. I’ve been feeling good on the court, so at this point, you’re always looking forward to next year,” he told CSNChicago.com in a phone interview. “You start getting real anxious when you get to two, three weeks left to go before training camp.”
Approaching the second season of his second go-around in Chicago, Hinrich is feeling more at ease, not just because of his health, but his comfort level in a different system with bigger expectations than the when he was traded to Washington three summers ago.
“I think it’s a little bit more relaxed for me because even though I had been here for so long, I was still coming into a new situation, I was a new player,” he explained. “I was kind of anxious to get familiar with everything, so now, I’m kind of familiar with the system, the coaches, my teammates and more of just working hard, relaxed and having a better idea of what to expect, so it’s definitely a more relaxed offseason in those terms.”
Early last season, as Hinrich struggled with injuries and shooting, perhaps his full impact couldn’t be appreciated to casual observers. But as time went on, the floor general’s quiet leadership by example, ability to ensure that the offense ran smoothly and physical embodiment of Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau’s defensive tone became clear, as his seemingly pedestrian averages of 7.7 points and 5.2 assists per game were far outweighed by the team’s 38-22 regular-season record when he was on the court.
With Thibodeau declaring Jimmy Butler the team’s starting shooting guard moving forward and Derrick Rose back in the Bulls’ lineup, “Captain Kirk” will go from starter to backup—something he did during Rose’s rookie year, though the pair started together the next season—but although his workload should be eased by the return of the former league MVP, Hinrich’s role backing up both backcourt positions will still be significant. A consummate professional, the Iowa native has high expectations for the duo’s first season starting together.
“I think everybody’s really excited. Obviously it’s pretty natural with Derrick, anticipating Derrick’s return. I’ve heard he’s been looking great. He sounds like he’s very motivated,” Hinrich said. “I expect Jimmy to just expect him to keep getting better and better. He’s still a very young player. Obviously he showed the league what he could do last year when he got the opportunity and that says a lot about a guy, when you’re not getting an opportunity and finally, you get an opportunity and you take full advantage of it, and I think that’s what he did. Obviously he gives us a lot of versatility, he’s very athletic, he can guard different positions, play different positions and he’s going to have a great year.”
Hinrich sees one of the Bulls’ best qualities being their newfound depth, as opposed to last season, when health and newcomers finding their niches conspired to delay chemistry, although defense was a constant. Now, with swingman Mike Dunleavy the only veteran newcomer—rookies Tony Snell and Erik Murphy won’t be expected to play major roles—and Rose back, Thibodeau will have plenty of lineup flexibility as his disposal, not to mention a strong second unit, potentially similar to the “Bench Mob” era.
“I think with Derrick coming back, the type of player he is, obviously we’re going to be a little bit different team. I anticipate, we’re going to try to utilize our strengths and I think our strengths are we have a lot of versatility, we’re going to be very deep and we’ve got a former MVP returning to the lineup, so there’s a lot of excitement. I think Mike Dunleavy is a really good addition, just a really good all-around player, very smart and I think he’s going to help us a lot. The main thing for us is just staying healthy and being hungry from the start to finish,” Hinrich explained. “I think we’re going to be very deep and a very good team.
“I think our bench is going to be really tough. I’m just excited to get going. Right now, we’re just excited to get into training camp and figure out who we’re going to be, then hopefully hit the ground running come opening night.”
Hinrich and Dunleavy were both prep standouts in the class of 1999, so they’ve crossed paths over the years, making Hinrich familiar with his new teammate’s game and what he brings to the table for the Bulls.
“I’m just excited to have him. I think he kind of gets labeled as just a guy who can knock down shots, but he’s really a very solid all-around player. He’s a good passer, he’s very good off the ball, good decisions, so I think that was a huge pick-up for us, to go along with everybody else we’ve got returning,” he observed.
That said, the former All-American at Kansas understands that the Bulls’ competition has also improved and while Miami, the champions and team that eliminated them from the playoffs, are certainly their target, Indiana, which stole supremacy of the Central Division last season, is another rival to focus on, and other opponents also made moves to get better over the summer.
“The whole Eastern Conference got a lot better, I think, and I think it’s exciting, it’s good for the league,” Hinrich said. “Players and teams love challenges and last year, Indiana won the division. They’re going to be really good, along with a lot of other teams who got a lot better, so we’re just looking forward to keeping the same approach.”
The type to let his play do the talking, Hinrich didn’t say anything inflammatory, but it’s obvious that he’s chomping at the bit to get back on the court, especially when he was relegated to street clothes at the end of the Bulls’ postseason run, as the team was eliminated by the Heat.
“It’s always hard to watch, especially in the playoffs. Ultimately, that’s what you play for all season,” said the 32-year-old, whose snatch of a late-game rebound out of All-Star big man Chris Bosh’s grasp might be the most enduring image of the Bulls’ streak-ending victory over the Heat at the United Center. “But Miami’s the two-time defending champs. You’ve got to give them credit. They’re the favorites; they’ve got an unbelievable team.”
In his typically unassuming fashion, Hinrich makes no guarantees or proclamations about the upcoming season, but the palpable energy in his tone speaks volumes.
“We just have to focus on ourselves and do everything we can, not skip any steps all year, continue improving, join as a team and I’m excited. I feel like we’re going to have one of the best benches in the league, our starting five is going to be rock solid, as always, Derrick coming back. Obviously there’s going to be a lot of anticipation, but at this point, it’s more just focusing on coming in ready. Everybody coming in ready with the right mindset and keep working to get better every day,” he said, complete with Thibodeau-esque mantras already in midseason form. “We just have to continue to go out there, do the little things every night, stick to our core principles and I think we’ll look to have a very good year.”
Full Week 2 college football TV schedule, plus best games...
| DATE | GAME | TIME (ET) | NETWORK |
|---|
Friday
UCF at Florida International
8 p.m.
CBS Sports Network
Saturday
Army at Ball State
Noon
ESPN3
Presidents Cup captain’s picks announced, Jordan Spieth and Webb Simpson make U.S. Team.
By Shane Bacon
Wednesday marked the announcement of the 2013 Presidents Cup captain's picks, and while a lot of big names were outside the top-10 for an automatic bid, there were some names most expected to make the list.
Fred Couples, the United States captain, picked Webb Simpson and Jordan Spieth to join a team that includes Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker, Phil Mickelson, Matt Kuchar, Jason Dufner, Keegan Bradley, Steve Stricker, Bill Haas, Hunter Mahan and Zach Johnson.
Spieth, just 20-years-old, might have been a surprise pick at the beginning of the year, but as we pointed out earlier this week, he is the most deserving of the nod from Couples as he's playing some of the best golf of anyone in the world right now.
Simpson is a player that was inside the top-10 before Monday at the Deutsche Bank Championship when a final hole putt from Zach Johnson knocked him to No. 11, meaning he needed Couples to pick him to make the team.
International captain Nick Price went with Marc Leishman of Australia and Brendon de Jonge of Zimbabwe to join his team of Adam Scott, Jason Day, Charl Schwartzel, Ernie Els, Louis Oosthuizen, Hideki Matsuyama, Branden Grace, Graham DeLaet, Richard Sterne and Angel Cabrera.
The biggest surprise off the list for the Internationals would be Tim Clark, who Price said basically wasn't picked because of his lack of distance off the tee, something that could hinder his ability to really attack Muirfield Village.
The biggest surprise for the Americans is Dustin Johnson, who was right there in the standings but got passed over by the incredible run of Spieth, who will be a rookie for Couples but went undefeated at the 2011 Walker Cup.
So there you have it. The rosters are set for the Presidents Cup, which begins on October 1 and should be an extremely interesting week and a chance for the Internationals to win their first Cup since 1998.
Keselowski picks Logano to win NASCAR championship.
Fred Couples, the United States captain, picked Webb Simpson and Jordan Spieth to join a team that includes Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker, Phil Mickelson, Matt Kuchar, Jason Dufner, Keegan Bradley, Steve Stricker, Bill Haas, Hunter Mahan and Zach Johnson.
Spieth, just 20-years-old, might have been a surprise pick at the beginning of the year, but as we pointed out earlier this week, he is the most deserving of the nod from Couples as he's playing some of the best golf of anyone in the world right now.
Simpson is a player that was inside the top-10 before Monday at the Deutsche Bank Championship when a final hole putt from Zach Johnson knocked him to No. 11, meaning he needed Couples to pick him to make the team.
International captain Nick Price went with Marc Leishman of Australia and Brendon de Jonge of Zimbabwe to join his team of Adam Scott, Jason Day, Charl Schwartzel, Ernie Els, Louis Oosthuizen, Hideki Matsuyama, Branden Grace, Graham DeLaet, Richard Sterne and Angel Cabrera.
The biggest surprise off the list for the Internationals would be Tim Clark, who Price said basically wasn't picked because of his lack of distance off the tee, something that could hinder his ability to really attack Muirfield Village.
The biggest surprise for the Americans is Dustin Johnson, who was right there in the standings but got passed over by the incredible run of Spieth, who will be a rookie for Couples but went undefeated at the 2011 Walker Cup.
So there you have it. The rosters are set for the Presidents Cup, which begins on October 1 and should be an extremely interesting week and a chance for the Internationals to win their first Cup since 1998.
Keselowski picks Logano to win NASCAR championship.
JENNA FRYER (AP Auto Racing Writer)
Brad Keselowski was probably a dark horse at best to win the Sprint Cup championship a year ago.
This year, he's got his money on a long shot.
The defending NASCAR champion likes Penske Racing teammate Joey Logano to win the championship.
Assuming, of course, Keselowski himself can't defend his own title.
The two Penske drivers go into Saturday night's race at Richmond trying to lock up spots in the 12-driver Chase for the Sprint Cup championship field. Logano is in far better shape than the defending champion - he's ranked eighth in the Sprint Cup standings and has one win on the season.
''Quite honestly, as it stands right now with how he's ran over the last six weeks, he would be my favorite to win the championship,'' Keselowski said Thursday night at Richmond International Raceway. ''He's definitely got the momentum. His team has got things going for them in so many different directions. There's a lot of confidence that comes with that. He's been catching the breaks, too.''
Since a 40th-place finish at New Hampshire in July dropped Logano to 18th in the points, he's been on a tear to pull himself into the title picture.
He was eighth at Indianapolis, grabbed consecutive seventh place finishes at Pocono and Watkins Glen, won at Michigan, was fifth at Bristol and was second Sunday night in Atlanta. He's not finished lower than eighth in six weeks.
Told that Keselowski liked him to win the title, Logano grinned.
''I'd be pretty stoked. It's going to be a hell of a party,'' the 23-year-old said. ''I don't know, milk and cookies or something for me. I don't know how to party. Somebody has to teach me. I don't know how to do that. It's a big deal. It is a goal of mine, yes. It is a very big goal of mine. You strive for it every year when the season starts. I've come up short every time. This is my big shot so far in my career. Doing it with Penske Racing, as a new driver over there, it's kind of a cool story.''
Especially considering Keselowski may not have a shot to defend his title.
He's 15th in points, winless and a victory Saturday might not be enough to get in the Chase. But just getting in wouldn't be enough to satisfy Keselowski.
''Any season you don't win a championship should be a lost season for every driver,'' Keselowski said. ''I can tell you just making the Chase this year and running eighth or 10th or whatever would not have been a good year either. That's how I feel about it.''
Kelly Heaphy, woman who slapped Max Papis, suspended indefinitely from NASCAR events.
By Nick Bromberg
Kelly Heaphy, the girlfriend of Mike Skeen and the woman who slapped Max Papis after Sunday's Camping World Truck Series race at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park, has been fined $2,500 and suspended from NASCAR events indefinitely.
Skeen's crew chief, Bryan Berry, was also fined $2,500.
From NASCAR:
In the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Bryan Berry, crew chief of the No. 6 team, has been fined $2,500 for violating Sections 12-1 and 9-4A (Crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his team members) following Sunday’s race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.Heaphy slapped Papis after he and Skeen made contact on the track in the final corner of the race. Papis was unhappy with the contact and he and Skeen gestured and drove alongside each other on the cool-down lap back to the pits. Before Papis got out of his truck, someone attempted to get to him before being tackled, and Heaphy slapped Papis after a post-race interview.
Kelly Heaphy, who was with the No. 6 team at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, has been fined $2,500 and denied access to all NASCAR events indefinitely for her involvement in an altercation with a competitor following Sunday’s race.
The confrontation between the teams also continued after that, as Papis went to Skeen's hauler. According to Skeen, Papis tried to pull Heaphy down the stairs to get to Skeen while Papis said he moved her aside. Papis also says he suffered a dislocated jaw from the slap.
Chase Elliott won the race after contact with Ty Dillon in the final corner, just moments before Skeen and Papis crashed there.
USA close in on 2014 World Cup berth.
AFP
The United States will try to keep their pursuit of a 2014 World Cup berth on the fast track on Friday with a first-ever qualifying triumph in Costa Rica.
Jurgen Klinsmann's USA lead the six-nation final round of qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) with 13 points -- two more than the Ticos who are itching to avenge a March 22 defeat in Denver, where the decision to play on in a snowstorm sparked bitter complaints by the vanquished visitors.
The Americans -- with US football icon Landon Donovan back in the qualifying mix for the first time in more than a year -- could indeed punch their ticket to the finals in Brazil with a win, but only if Mexico and Honduras draw and Panama lose or draw against Jamaica.
"The hardest thing to do in this whole process is finish it off," Donovan said. "When it gets down to the end and you need points to qualify, the stakes get raised. There's more pressure and there can be more tension."
That will no doubt be magnified for the Americans in Costa Rica, where they have lost seven straight qualifiers under four coaches since a draw there in 1985.
That will no doubt be magnified for the Americans in Costa Rica, where they have lost seven straight qualifiers under four coaches since a draw there in 1985.
"This game could put us absolutely in the driver's seat for Brazil," Klinsmann said.
"One, we haven't won there ever before and two, you want to set the tone in CONCACAF."
Altidore has scored in his past five matches with the US team, and has been a key contributor to the 12-match winning streak they take to San Jose.
America's nearest neighbors to the south, meanwhile, find themselves in an unexpected battle for one of the three automatic berths on offer in the group. The fourth-place team will play off against New Zealand for a spot.
America's nearest neighbors to the south, meanwhile, find themselves in an unexpected battle for one of the three automatic berths on offer in the group. The fourth-place team will play off against New Zealand for a spot.
It seems unthinkable that Mexico, once the undisputed powerhouse of the region, could fail to qualify, but they hold third place on eight points, just one more than Honduras, and have yet to win a match at home in a campaign that has yielded five draws and one victory at lowly Jamaica.
USA's national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, pictured during their friendly international match.
"We let three games go by us at home, but we can no longer go back to that," Moreno said. "We have to give everything so that we can leave happy and, above all, with three points."
Jose Manuel "Chepo" de la Torre has named an experienced squad for this make-or-break period, with 33-year-old Fernando Arce a possible starter in a competitive match for Mexico for the first time in more than four years.
Panama are currently fifth in the standings with six points. Although they ride the momentum of a runner-up finish to the United States in the Gold Cup, they will be hosting a re-tooled Jamaica, who installed 63-year-old German Winfried Schafer as coach after a disastrous qualifying start that included four straight defeats.
Panama will be keen to notch a win before a tough away match at Honduras on Tuesday, when Jamaica are at home to Costa Rica.
Panama will be keen to notch a win before a tough away match at Honduras on Tuesday, when Jamaica are at home to Costa Rica.
MLB Regular-Season Standings, 09/05/2013.
American League
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Away | Streak | RS | RA | Diff | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 85 | 57 | .599 | -- | 47-25 | 38-32 | W-3 | 720 | 566 | 154 | 8-2 |
| Tampa Bay | 77 | 62 | .554 | 6.5 | 44-26 | 33-36 | L-1 | 600 | 555 | 45 | 3-7 |
| NY Yankees | 75 | 65 | .536 | 9.0 | 43-29 | 32-36 | L-1 | 563 | 557 | 6 | 6-4 |
| Baltimore | 74 | 65 | .532 | 9.5 | 39-29 | 35-36 | W-1 | 654 | 614 | 40 | 4-6 |
| Toronto | 64 | 76 | .457 | 20.0 | 35-34 | 29-42 | L-1 | 621 | 669 | -48 | 7-3 |
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Away | Streak | RS | RA | Diff | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit | 81 | 59 | .579 | -- | 44-27 | 37-32 | L-2 | 707 | 556 | 151 | 4-6 |
| Cleveland | 74 | 65 | .532 | 6.5 | 42-27 | 32-38 | W-2 | 621 | 593 | 28 | 4-6 |
| Kansas City | 73 | 67 | .521 | 8.0 | 38-34 | 35-33 | W-1 | 561 | 519 | 42 | 7-3 |
| Minnesota | 61 | 77 | .442 | 19.0 | 28-36 | 33-41 | L-1 | 545 | 629 | -84 | 4-6 |
| Chi White Sox | 56 | 83 | .403 | 24.5 | 32-34 | 24-49 | L-7 | 523 | 605 | -82 | 2-8 |
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Away | Streak | RS | RA | Diff | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 80 | 59 | .576 | -- | 39-29 | 41-30 | L-1 | 628 | 547 | 81 | 5-5 |
| Oakland | 80 | 60 | .571 | 0.5 | 44-27 | 36-33 | L-1 | 626 | 544 | 82 | 7-3 |
| LA Angels | 65 | 74 | .468 | 15.0 | 33-39 | 32-35 | W-1 | 617 | 640 | -23 | 7-3 |
| Seattle | 63 | 77 | .450 | 17.5 | 31-38 | 32-39 | L-1 | 541 | 643 | -102 | 4-6 |
| Houston | 47 | 93 | .336 | 33.5 | 23-49 | 24-44 | W-2 | 542 | 737 | -195 | 3-7 |
National League
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Away | Streak | RS | RA | Diff | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | 85 | 54 | .612 | -- | 51-20 | 34-34 | L-1 | 606 | 473 | 133 | 8-2 |
| Washington | 71 | 68 | .511 | 14.0 | 40-31 | 31-37 | W-2 | 549 | 563 | -14 | 6-4 |
| NY Mets | 63 | 75 | .457 | 21.5 | 28-38 | 35-37 | W-1 | 557 | 590 | -33 | 5-5 |
| Philadelphia | 63 | 77 | .450 | 22.5 | 36-33 | 27-44 | L-2 | 528 | 648 | -120 | 4-6 |
| Miami | 52 | 86 | .377 | 32.5 | 29-39 | 23-47 | L-1 | 448 | 560 | -112 | 3-7 |
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Away | Streak | RS | RA | Diff | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh | 81 | 58 | .583 | -- | 45-25 | 36-33 | L-1 | 545 | 490 | 55 | 5-5 |
| St. Louis | 80 | 60 | .571 | 1.5 | 41-25 | 39-35 | L-1 | 660 | 525 | 135 | 4-6 |
| Cincinnati | 79 | 62 | .560 | 3.0 | 44-24 | 35-38 | W-1 | 610 | 514 | 96 | 5-5 |
| Milwaukee | 60 | 79 | .432 | 21.0 | 31-40 | 29-39 | W-1 | 548 | 611 | -63 | 4-6 |
| Chi Cubs | 59 | 80 | .424 | 22.0 | 28-44 | 31-36 | W-1 | 542 | 595 | -53 | 4-6 |
| Team | W | L | Pct | GB | Home | Away | Streak | RS | RA | Diff | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Dodgers | 83 | 56 | .597 | -- | 43-28 | 40-28 | L-1 | 571 | 500 | 71 | 7-3 |
| Arizona | 71 | 68 | .511 | 12.0 | 40-31 | 31-37 | W-2 | 589 | 588 | 1 | 5-5 |
| Colorado | 66 | 75 | .468 | 18.0 | 41-31 | 25-44 | W-1 | 619 | 635 | -16 | 6-4 |
| San Diego | 62 | 77 | .446 | 21.0 | 38-33 | 24-44 | L-1 | 532 | 630 | -98 | 4-6 |
| San Francisco | 62 | 78 | .443 | 21.5 | 34-36 | 28-42 | L-1 | 532 | 609 | -77 | 4-6 |
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