Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Houston You Have a World Series!
Before the 2012 season, The Houston Astros where in a complete rebuild phase. Five years later, they sit on top of the Baseball world. The Astros built their team around young talent, and additional pieces at this year’s trade deadline. They showed they were all in this season, and it worked. With the tragedy this past summer, this Championship is a bright spot, for a city that needed one. Beating a team that spent $93,676,188 more than you is sign that a shift is happening in Major League Baseball and the Astros are at the forefront. You don’t have to spend ridiculous amounts of money to compete, but you have to be willing to improve the 25-man roster when the opportunity presents itself.
The Road to The Championship
Ending the regular season, winning 6 of 7 games and cruising into the Divisional Round matchup with Boston. Once the Astros defeated the Boston Red Sox’s 3-1, winning those games got them a date with the New York Yankees, what a series that would turn out to be. A back and fourth battle that saw the Astros come within one game away from elimination. Having to win game 6 and 7 to punch their ticket to the big dance, they would handle that task by a combined score of 11-1 over those two games. Then it was off to Los Angeles for a date with the Dodgers, another series for the ages, that would need 7 games to decide a Championship. The Dodgers looking for their first title since 1988 and the Astros who had never won a title in franchise history. Charlie Morton who normally is in the starting rotation, came out of the bullpen in game seven for 4 innings of good work to get the victory 5-1, final score, franchise history made, and a city still working out of a natural disaster, had something to celebrate.
The Money Trail
The road to the World Series for the Astros saw the beat the three teams that spent the most money in 2017. The Red Sox’s end of the season payroll was $146,271,428 when the season was over the Red Sox’s saw a quick exit to the post season and parted ways with their Manager. Next up, the New York Yankees who spent $116,999,999. They came within one game of making it to the World Series, but also parted ways with their manager but have a young core group of players that make them a contender next year. Last stop on the road to the Championship was the biggest spender of 2017, the Los Angeles Dodgers spent $179,701,188 time will tell what the offseason will bring from LA but if the $2.8 billion that they have spent since 1988, the assumption has to be that they will spend more money and to build on this year’s performance.
The Pieces
This Houston team has the pieces to be a strong team for a long time, with the majority of the teams core being under the age of 29 things are looking good in Huston. They had 3 players with 20 or more home runs led by George Springers 34 dingers, the Astros could put up runs. José Altuve led the way with hits 204, batting average.346, and on base percentage .410. On the defensive side of the diamond, the team went out and made a big splash at the trade deadline, Justin Verlander went 5-0 in his role in the rotation for the Astros to end the regular season, and 4-1 in the postseason. Charlie Morton led the team with 14 wins and 163 strikeouts and of course the most important 4 innings of his career to close out game seven of the World Series.
The Houston Astros were pushed to the the brink of elimination and took down the finical giants of the baseball world to become champions. Just five short years ago the Astros were moving from the National League to the American League and completely rebuilding the team. This team when you watch them reminds you of why you watch sports, the players on the field look like little leaguers having a blast playing the game that they love. This team seems to be the new mold for Major League, using analytics instead of money they were able to develop a winning formula and turn it into a championship in just five years.
So, celebrate Houston go nuts, your team is the 2017 World Series Champion!
Written By:
Carlo Guadagnino
Edited by
Anna Riddle
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
#2 Penn State vs #6 Ohio State: Battle for the Playoffs
A year ago, Ohio State was the favored team going into Happy Valley 6-0, and the number two ranked team in the country. Penn State came into that game 4-2 overall and 2-1 in Big 10 play. A blocked field goal with 4:27 seconds left gave the Nittany Lions the victory. Since that game, Penn State won the Big Ten championship, was left out of the playoffs, and lost one game in a thriller in The Rose Bowl at the hands of USC. Ohio State made the Playoffs losing to future champion Clemson 31-0. This season the Buckeyes lost at home to Oklahoma, but since the loss have looked dominant. This is a game for football fans of all ages. A Heisman Trophy Candidate, one team looking for revenge and won looking at the playoffs. Trust me you are not going to want to miss this one!
The Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State comes into this week fresh off a bye week and is currently 6-1, perfect in the Big 10. The Buckeyes leads the Big 10 with 577.3 yards per game and with 47.3 points per game. The Buckeyes have scored at least 54 points in their last 4 games and I am sure J.T. Barrett and the offense want to do that to the visiting Nittany Lions Saturday. Barrett has had himself a season thus far, leading the Big 10 in passing touchdowns with 21, points per game 22.6 and total yards per game 313.9. He is second currently in passing yards per game and completion percentage. The Buckeyes defense is only giving up 15.4 points per game.
The other huge factor that you have to talk about is 3-time National Champion coach Urban Meyer who is 43-2 in 6 seasons at Ohio State. There is no question Meyer knows how to win and has the 2017 Buckeyes looking a lot like the 2014 National Championship team. Scoring and dominating teams on offense and strangling team on defense. Rested looking for revenge and looking to make a statement could be the recipe for a win for the Buckeyes!
Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State come into Saturday’s game winning its last 15 regular season games. They have also won their last 13 Big 10 games, largely in part to Heisman Trophy candidate Saquon Barkley. Barkley, to this point in the season, has 1478 all-purpose yards: 757 running the ball and 448 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns. A lot of experts are saying that Ohio State have the tools to shut Barkley down due to an extra week to prepare for him and the talent that the Buckeyes have on the defensive side of the ball.
Barkley is not the only player the Nittany Lions have, Quarterback Trace McSorley who is not the 8-20 Quarterback he was a year ago. This young quarterback has improved every game and to this point in the season leads the Big 10 in passing yards per game (268.4) and completion percentage (68.8). McSorley is a true field general who can create plays with his feet as well as his are. McSorley likes to target his big tight end Mike Gesicki, who has caught at least one pass in 21 straight games. This is a team that is taking things one week at a time and playing a very high level especially coming off a huge 42-13 demolition of Michigan. If you are a Penn State fan, you must be happy with the way the Nittany Lions moves the ball on the number one defense in the Big 10 just a week ago.
Outcome
Ohio State is going to come out at home flying around, coming off the bye week and looking to ruin Penn State’s hope of making a run at the playoffs. The Buckeyes I am sure have had this game circled since day one of camp. If Penn State is not careful, J.T. Barrett could be poised to have a big game both with his feet and his arm. Penn State is a very disciplined team, they have only being penalized 3.57 times a game. That discipline and getting either Barkley or McSorley or both going on offense, Penn State is poised to go in to Ohio State and come out with a victory.
Both teams are looking to make statements for Ohio State. It is expressed that they deserve to be a one loss team in the playoffs and that they are the best team in the big 10. For Penn State, it is that last year’s win was no fluke and that they should have been in the playoffs last year and will be in the playoffs this year. I think Penn State and company win a nail biter and move to 8-0. Regardless of who you are rooting for these 18, 19, 20-year-old young men on both teams are going to put on a show for pure football fans! I am telling you, at 3:30 on Saturday, you are going to want to tune in, and enjoy!
Written by
Carlo Guadagnino
Edited by
Daniel Bishop M.A.
Reference
https://www.google.com/amp/collegefootballnews.com/2017/10/penn-state-ohio-state-prediction-game-preview/amp
http://www.gopsusports.com/saquonbarkley/
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.usatoday.com/story/92626674
http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/21129720/revenge-factor-ohio-state-matchup-penn-state-urban-meyer-says
The Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State comes into this week fresh off a bye week and is currently 6-1, perfect in the Big 10. The Buckeyes leads the Big 10 with 577.3 yards per game and with 47.3 points per game. The Buckeyes have scored at least 54 points in their last 4 games and I am sure J.T. Barrett and the offense want to do that to the visiting Nittany Lions Saturday. Barrett has had himself a season thus far, leading the Big 10 in passing touchdowns with 21, points per game 22.6 and total yards per game 313.9. He is second currently in passing yards per game and completion percentage. The Buckeyes defense is only giving up 15.4 points per game.
The other huge factor that you have to talk about is 3-time National Champion coach Urban Meyer who is 43-2 in 6 seasons at Ohio State. There is no question Meyer knows how to win and has the 2017 Buckeyes looking a lot like the 2014 National Championship team. Scoring and dominating teams on offense and strangling team on defense. Rested looking for revenge and looking to make a statement could be the recipe for a win for the Buckeyes!
Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State come into Saturday’s game winning its last 15 regular season games. They have also won their last 13 Big 10 games, largely in part to Heisman Trophy candidate Saquon Barkley. Barkley, to this point in the season, has 1478 all-purpose yards: 757 running the ball and 448 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns. A lot of experts are saying that Ohio State have the tools to shut Barkley down due to an extra week to prepare for him and the talent that the Buckeyes have on the defensive side of the ball.
Barkley is not the only player the Nittany Lions have, Quarterback Trace McSorley who is not the 8-20 Quarterback he was a year ago. This young quarterback has improved every game and to this point in the season leads the Big 10 in passing yards per game (268.4) and completion percentage (68.8). McSorley is a true field general who can create plays with his feet as well as his are. McSorley likes to target his big tight end Mike Gesicki, who has caught at least one pass in 21 straight games. This is a team that is taking things one week at a time and playing a very high level especially coming off a huge 42-13 demolition of Michigan. If you are a Penn State fan, you must be happy with the way the Nittany Lions moves the ball on the number one defense in the Big 10 just a week ago.
Outcome
Ohio State is going to come out at home flying around, coming off the bye week and looking to ruin Penn State’s hope of making a run at the playoffs. The Buckeyes I am sure have had this game circled since day one of camp. If Penn State is not careful, J.T. Barrett could be poised to have a big game both with his feet and his arm. Penn State is a very disciplined team, they have only being penalized 3.57 times a game. That discipline and getting either Barkley or McSorley or both going on offense, Penn State is poised to go in to Ohio State and come out with a victory.
Both teams are looking to make statements for Ohio State. It is expressed that they deserve to be a one loss team in the playoffs and that they are the best team in the big 10. For Penn State, it is that last year’s win was no fluke and that they should have been in the playoffs last year and will be in the playoffs this year. I think Penn State and company win a nail biter and move to 8-0. Regardless of who you are rooting for these 18, 19, 20-year-old young men on both teams are going to put on a show for pure football fans! I am telling you, at 3:30 on Saturday, you are going to want to tune in, and enjoy!
Written by
Carlo Guadagnino
Edited by
Daniel Bishop M.A.
Reference
https://www.google.com/amp/collegefootballnews.com/2017/10/penn-state-ohio-state-prediction-game-preview/amp
http://www.gopsusports.com/saquonbarkley/
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.usatoday.com/story/92626674
http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/21129720/revenge-factor-ohio-state-matchup-penn-state-urban-meyer-says
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Time For Change at QB for Buffalo Bills
Is A QB Change Needed In Buffalo?
The question has been posed in Buffalo, “is it time to move on from Tyrod Taylor for Nathan Peterman?” With fair reason coming off one of Taylor’s worst professional performances this past Sunday in a 20-16 loss to Cincinnati. Taylor threw the ball 37 times against the Bengals, but only managed 166 yards total. He was sacked 6 times losing 27 yards. With all that, is it Tyrod’s fault or is the offense just making due with what it has? Could this be the beginning of the end of Taylor’s career in Buffalo? What does the quarterback need to change to keep his prime spot on the team?
The lack of passing game has made nearly impossible to run for LeSean McCoy, who is only averaging 3.1 yards per carry. The Bills two biggest receiving threats, tight end Charles Clay and Jordan Matthews, are both out with injuries. That means the Bills and Tyrod are relying on Nick O’Leary who led the team last week with 5 catches for 54 yards, Andre Holmes, Brandon Tate, and Zay Jones a rookie. Plus, an offensive line who can not keep Taylor protected or off the ground. Does Tyrod need to play better yes, but is he doing the best with what is around him absolutely!
Coach Sean McDermott was asked of a possible move. Without hesitation, he proclaimed his confidence in his current starting Quarterback Tyrod Taylor. “Tyrod’s working hard to continue to improve. I’ve got all the confidence in the world in Tyrod Taylor.” McDermott went to say, “When you look at what we’ve done in the Jets game, in the Denver game, and then also in Atlanta those are what we want the standard to be.” The coach even took a moment to reflect on himself saying “obviously Sunday against the Bengals wasn’t the standard we want and that starts with me, we have to continue to grow and get better.” With coaching confidence behind him I just do not see a move for Peterman coming anytime soon. I also do not believe Peterman is a better Quarterback than Taylor.
This Week
This week, the Bills returned to action following a bye week, to their home field where they have yet to lose, to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. First year head coach Sean McDermott has come up with a simple phrase for his players, “Defend Our Dirt”, and with the offense needing a pick me up this week looks to be just that. If the Bills defense plays as well as it has thus far and the offense finds its rhythm, this week will set up nicely for the Bills and its Bills Mafia. The running game being successful will open up Tyrod Taylor’s passing opportunities. If the running game gets going, the Bills offense could be at its most explosive that we have seen this season. Either way, look for the Bills by 7 at home!
The facts
At the end of the day, with the talent that is on that offensive unit, Tyrod Taylor plain and simple gives the Bills the best chance at making the playoffs. His play has not been lights out but it also has not kept them from winning; his ability to create plays with his feet are what make him dangerous. Truth be told, the offensive line must play better and protect him, the running game needs to improve to open the passing game and the Bills need to get healthy. With all the components working together, this team could be a force to be dealt with.
The defense for the Bills is going to put them in position to compete and win football games. Tyrod just needs to manage the offense better. He not a go out and win you every game. He needs to be a game manager, and when the opportunity does present it self go out and win your team a game or two. The rest of the time Taylor should put the ball in players hands and learn from game situations. The running game improving goes hand and hand with the offensive line improving. Make blocks, open gaps for running lanes, if you do that the passing game will open up.
At this point in the season, you cannot make a quarterback change because the guy who gives you the best chance is already on the field. Come on Bills fans, your Bills are still at the top of the AFC East; get excited and stay with Tyrod and your Bills will be playoff bound in 2017.
Written by
Carlo Guadagnino
Edited
Daniel Bishop M.A.
Reference
NFL.com/2017standings
Buffalorumblings.con
The question has been posed in Buffalo, “is it time to move on from Tyrod Taylor for Nathan Peterman?” With fair reason coming off one of Taylor’s worst professional performances this past Sunday in a 20-16 loss to Cincinnati. Taylor threw the ball 37 times against the Bengals, but only managed 166 yards total. He was sacked 6 times losing 27 yards. With all that, is it Tyrod’s fault or is the offense just making due with what it has? Could this be the beginning of the end of Taylor’s career in Buffalo? What does the quarterback need to change to keep his prime spot on the team?
The lack of passing game has made nearly impossible to run for LeSean McCoy, who is only averaging 3.1 yards per carry. The Bills two biggest receiving threats, tight end Charles Clay and Jordan Matthews, are both out with injuries. That means the Bills and Tyrod are relying on Nick O’Leary who led the team last week with 5 catches for 54 yards, Andre Holmes, Brandon Tate, and Zay Jones a rookie. Plus, an offensive line who can not keep Taylor protected or off the ground. Does Tyrod need to play better yes, but is he doing the best with what is around him absolutely!
Coach Sean McDermott was asked of a possible move. Without hesitation, he proclaimed his confidence in his current starting Quarterback Tyrod Taylor. “Tyrod’s working hard to continue to improve. I’ve got all the confidence in the world in Tyrod Taylor.” McDermott went to say, “When you look at what we’ve done in the Jets game, in the Denver game, and then also in Atlanta those are what we want the standard to be.” The coach even took a moment to reflect on himself saying “obviously Sunday against the Bengals wasn’t the standard we want and that starts with me, we have to continue to grow and get better.” With coaching confidence behind him I just do not see a move for Peterman coming anytime soon. I also do not believe Peterman is a better Quarterback than Taylor.
This Week
This week, the Bills returned to action following a bye week, to their home field where they have yet to lose, to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. First year head coach Sean McDermott has come up with a simple phrase for his players, “Defend Our Dirt”, and with the offense needing a pick me up this week looks to be just that. If the Bills defense plays as well as it has thus far and the offense finds its rhythm, this week will set up nicely for the Bills and its Bills Mafia. The running game being successful will open up Tyrod Taylor’s passing opportunities. If the running game gets going, the Bills offense could be at its most explosive that we have seen this season. Either way, look for the Bills by 7 at home!
The facts
At the end of the day, with the talent that is on that offensive unit, Tyrod Taylor plain and simple gives the Bills the best chance at making the playoffs. His play has not been lights out but it also has not kept them from winning; his ability to create plays with his feet are what make him dangerous. Truth be told, the offensive line must play better and protect him, the running game needs to improve to open the passing game and the Bills need to get healthy. With all the components working together, this team could be a force to be dealt with.
The defense for the Bills is going to put them in position to compete and win football games. Tyrod just needs to manage the offense better. He not a go out and win you every game. He needs to be a game manager, and when the opportunity does present it self go out and win your team a game or two. The rest of the time Taylor should put the ball in players hands and learn from game situations. The running game improving goes hand and hand with the offensive line improving. Make blocks, open gaps for running lanes, if you do that the passing game will open up.
At this point in the season, you cannot make a quarterback change because the guy who gives you the best chance is already on the field. Come on Bills fans, your Bills are still at the top of the AFC East; get excited and stay with Tyrod and your Bills will be playoff bound in 2017.
Written by
Carlo Guadagnino
Edited
Daniel Bishop M.A.
Reference
NFL.com/2017standings
Buffalorumblings.con
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Looking For Answers: Pittsburgh Steelers 3-2
The Steelers started the season with drama and it has surely followed them through the first five games of the season. From an unhappy star running back, a tantrum from the star receiver, and a sub par five games from the aging franchise QB, things have not been easy for the Black N Gold. All of this, despite having all stars healthy for the first time in 3 years, having one of the best projected offensive lines, and a revamped young defense that has been doing their part in the passing defense. Uncharacteristic, the defense has struggled against the run, and the offense with all the weapons has just not clicked. Many in the media have placed blame throughout the team, but little have questioned the coaching. Mike Tomlin has shown that he does not have much control over the star players and Todd Haley has proven that his play calling is what we all thought it was questionable at best.
The Killer Bs
The season started with Le’Veon Bell holding out through all of training camp, after reportedly turning down a five year, $12 million per year contract that would have given him $30 million in the first two years of the deal. After a slow start to the season, the young running back Bell seemed to have a breakout game against rival Baltimore with 35 carries, 144 yards, and 2 touchdowns, while catching 4 passes for 42 yards in the AFC North win. Then this week, after only 15 carries he gets into a Twitter scuffle with former Steeler Ryan Clark. The distractions did not stop there; leading wide receiver Antonio Brown threw a temper tantrum on the sideline shortly before halftime in the Baltimore game when he did not get the ball while he wide open in the middle of the field. He later apologized after being called out by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. This action by Brown showed that there is tension behind the scenes in the Steel City. Lastly, all-season Ben Roethlisberger has been saying he must play better, but that was not the outcome this Sunday against Jacksonville. 5 interceptions, 2 returned for touchdowns, he threw the ball 55 times only completing 33 of them in a lackluster offensive performance. The 35-year-old quarterback stated after the game jokingly “maybe I just don’t have it anymore.” The truth of the matter is Roethlisberger is getting older and there were questions last year on wether or not he would return for 2017, but the coaching staff must call a better game and put the ball in the offensive weapons hands. Let Big Ben facilitate but not force or should create because the truth of the matter is the talent is there around him, USE IT!
Coaches Must be Better
Mike Tomlin seems to be having some issues controlling his younger star players and it is making the team look bad as a result. Tomlin has had issues with Antonio Brown; he had the Facebook live issue last year immediately after a victory that sent the Steelers to the AFC Championship. This year he had the Chicago National Anthem distraction and now against Le’Veon Bell and Ryan Clark Twitter scuffle is just another distraction facing Tomlin. It appears at times that Tomlin might be the Head Coach but does not always have control of his team. Then there is Todd Haley, who Sunday against the 32-ranked rush defense in the league runs the ball just 15 times but chooses against a young talented secondary to throw the ball 55 times. Where is the logic in that? How as an offensive coordinator with what looks to be a two-headed monster of finesse in Le’Veon Bell and power in James Conner do you not run the ball? Not saying that the interceptions are completely Haley’s fault because he is not the one on the field playing, but to quote Herm Edwards “Come On Man”, there is no reason that Bell should not have had 30 touches and Conner could not have gotten more involved. Just a poor performance all the way around.
Ultimately the Steelers lost an opportunity to separate themselves from a struggling AFC conference minus the 5-0 Kansas City Chiefs. But they are still in control of the AFC North division and are now aware hopefully of what needs to be fixed. The Steelers will travel to Kansas City for a 4:25PM showdown with the Chiefs. A year ago, Pittsburgh went into Kansas City and ended the Chiefs season in the playoffs. For that to be the case again Sunday, the Steelers will need to get back to the run game, which will allow the passing game to open up down field for players like Martvis Bryant and Antonio Brown. Stop forcing the ball and simplify the offense and get back to Steeler football or it could be another long Sunday afternoon for Steelers fans.
Written by
Carlo Guadagnino
Edited:
Daniel Bishop M.A.
The Killer Bs
The season started with Le’Veon Bell holding out through all of training camp, after reportedly turning down a five year, $12 million per year contract that would have given him $30 million in the first two years of the deal. After a slow start to the season, the young running back Bell seemed to have a breakout game against rival Baltimore with 35 carries, 144 yards, and 2 touchdowns, while catching 4 passes for 42 yards in the AFC North win. Then this week, after only 15 carries he gets into a Twitter scuffle with former Steeler Ryan Clark. The distractions did not stop there; leading wide receiver Antonio Brown threw a temper tantrum on the sideline shortly before halftime in the Baltimore game when he did not get the ball while he wide open in the middle of the field. He later apologized after being called out by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. This action by Brown showed that there is tension behind the scenes in the Steel City. Lastly, all-season Ben Roethlisberger has been saying he must play better, but that was not the outcome this Sunday against Jacksonville. 5 interceptions, 2 returned for touchdowns, he threw the ball 55 times only completing 33 of them in a lackluster offensive performance. The 35-year-old quarterback stated after the game jokingly “maybe I just don’t have it anymore.” The truth of the matter is Roethlisberger is getting older and there were questions last year on wether or not he would return for 2017, but the coaching staff must call a better game and put the ball in the offensive weapons hands. Let Big Ben facilitate but not force or should create because the truth of the matter is the talent is there around him, USE IT!
Coaches Must be Better
Mike Tomlin seems to be having some issues controlling his younger star players and it is making the team look bad as a result. Tomlin has had issues with Antonio Brown; he had the Facebook live issue last year immediately after a victory that sent the Steelers to the AFC Championship. This year he had the Chicago National Anthem distraction and now against Le’Veon Bell and Ryan Clark Twitter scuffle is just another distraction facing Tomlin. It appears at times that Tomlin might be the Head Coach but does not always have control of his team. Then there is Todd Haley, who Sunday against the 32-ranked rush defense in the league runs the ball just 15 times but chooses against a young talented secondary to throw the ball 55 times. Where is the logic in that? How as an offensive coordinator with what looks to be a two-headed monster of finesse in Le’Veon Bell and power in James Conner do you not run the ball? Not saying that the interceptions are completely Haley’s fault because he is not the one on the field playing, but to quote Herm Edwards “Come On Man”, there is no reason that Bell should not have had 30 touches and Conner could not have gotten more involved. Just a poor performance all the way around.
Ultimately the Steelers lost an opportunity to separate themselves from a struggling AFC conference minus the 5-0 Kansas City Chiefs. But they are still in control of the AFC North division and are now aware hopefully of what needs to be fixed. The Steelers will travel to Kansas City for a 4:25PM showdown with the Chiefs. A year ago, Pittsburgh went into Kansas City and ended the Chiefs season in the playoffs. For that to be the case again Sunday, the Steelers will need to get back to the run game, which will allow the passing game to open up down field for players like Martvis Bryant and Antonio Brown. Stop forcing the ball and simplify the offense and get back to Steeler football or it could be another long Sunday afternoon for Steelers fans.
Written by
Carlo Guadagnino
Edited:
Daniel Bishop M.A.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Three of a Kind: OKC Big 3
There has been news all summer long coming out of the NBA; players are going all over the place. The move that had shocked the basketball world was Cleveland and Boston trading Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas. That was the talk of the summer, until this past Saturday afternoon when Carmelo Anthony chose to join Russell Westbrook and Paul George. With this move, the Thunder, who saw a first round exit to the playoffs, have now jumped to the frontline of teams that can compete, and beat Golden State. If that is the case, the Thunder will have to strike as quickly as possible. All three All Stars George, Anthony and franchise face Russell Westbrook are eligible for free agency. This move could either be the beginning of securing a long-term team with OKC, or this could be players staging a tryout to earn themselves top dollar come next summer. Only time will tell, but putting these three super stars together gives the Warriors something to worry about. These two teams are on a collision course for each other which makes for good, exciting basketball!
2016 OKC Thunder
Going into the 2016 season, the Thunder had to play with only one of the two super stars that had made them a force in the Western Conference. Kevin Durant was gone, he was gone to play with the Warriors, a team that eliminated OKC just a year earlier. Speculation swirled around how the Thunder could even compete, let alone make the playoffs. Insert Russell Westbrook and the 2016 Thunder; Westbrook had himself a career year finished the season with 31.6 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game and 10.4 assists. For those of you keeping track at home regarding a triple double a game average, he also had 42 triple doubles on the season which set the NBA record previous of 41 set by Oscar Roberts in 1961-62. As a team, the Thunder went 47-35 and lost in the first round in five games to the Houston Rockets.
The New Big 3
General manager of the Thunder, Sam Presti, was optimistic but also realized what he had to do at the end of the 2016 season. Presti reportedly told everyone in the front office that “like MacGyver” he would have to get creative to improve on the 3rd youngest roster in franchise history. The first addition was small forward/shooting guard Paul George; he brings 23.7 points per game. Coming over from the Pacers, George is in a rebuild in his career and could be using his year with the Thunder as a tryout for his upcoming free agency. Then three months later, this past Saturday the NBA world was stunned when it was announced that Carmelo Anthony joined the roster. Anthony, the 10-time all-star and 4-time Olympian brings 22.4 points per game, and pretty much looks like the most challenging opponent for the Golden State Warriors. Adding this proven talent, to a young team with a leader in Westbrook. The biggest question mark will be, can the egos of the three super stars coexist and can they square up and take on Kevin Durant and the Warriors?
The short and sweet ending to this is can the Thunder get the revenge they seek with the Warriors and Kevin Durant? Have we already seen the best of Carmelo Anthony and he is now a shell of the super star he once was? Can Paul George return to being dominant, with dominant players around him or will he just be a flash in the Pan stud, that had an injury and never fully returns to form? Are the Thunder in your opinion the team to unseat the defending Western Conference and NBA Champion Golden State Warriors? This year the West will be fun to watch and the Eastern Conference will be very lopsided as it has been for a few years now.
Written by:
Carlo Guadagnino
Edited by:
Daniel Bishop
Reference
http://m.espn.com/nba/playercard?playerId=4251&src=desktop
http://m.espn.com/nba/playercard?playerId=1975&src=desktop
http://m.espn.com/nba/playercard?playerId=3468&src=desktop
2016 OKC Thunder
Going into the 2016 season, the Thunder had to play with only one of the two super stars that had made them a force in the Western Conference. Kevin Durant was gone, he was gone to play with the Warriors, a team that eliminated OKC just a year earlier. Speculation swirled around how the Thunder could even compete, let alone make the playoffs. Insert Russell Westbrook and the 2016 Thunder; Westbrook had himself a career year finished the season with 31.6 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game and 10.4 assists. For those of you keeping track at home regarding a triple double a game average, he also had 42 triple doubles on the season which set the NBA record previous of 41 set by Oscar Roberts in 1961-62. As a team, the Thunder went 47-35 and lost in the first round in five games to the Houston Rockets.
The New Big 3
General manager of the Thunder, Sam Presti, was optimistic but also realized what he had to do at the end of the 2016 season. Presti reportedly told everyone in the front office that “like MacGyver” he would have to get creative to improve on the 3rd youngest roster in franchise history. The first addition was small forward/shooting guard Paul George; he brings 23.7 points per game. Coming over from the Pacers, George is in a rebuild in his career and could be using his year with the Thunder as a tryout for his upcoming free agency. Then three months later, this past Saturday the NBA world was stunned when it was announced that Carmelo Anthony joined the roster. Anthony, the 10-time all-star and 4-time Olympian brings 22.4 points per game, and pretty much looks like the most challenging opponent for the Golden State Warriors. Adding this proven talent, to a young team with a leader in Westbrook. The biggest question mark will be, can the egos of the three super stars coexist and can they square up and take on Kevin Durant and the Warriors?
The short and sweet ending to this is can the Thunder get the revenge they seek with the Warriors and Kevin Durant? Have we already seen the best of Carmelo Anthony and he is now a shell of the super star he once was? Can Paul George return to being dominant, with dominant players around him or will he just be a flash in the Pan stud, that had an injury and never fully returns to form? Are the Thunder in your opinion the team to unseat the defending Western Conference and NBA Champion Golden State Warriors? This year the West will be fun to watch and the Eastern Conference will be very lopsided as it has been for a few years now.
Written by:
Carlo Guadagnino
Edited by:
Daniel Bishop
Reference
http://m.espn.com/nba/playercard?playerId=4251&src=desktop
http://m.espn.com/nba/playercard?playerId=1975&src=desktop
http://m.espn.com/nba/playercard?playerId=3468&src=desktop
Tuesday, September 19, 2017
The Cleveland WIndians: Path to the World Series
Starting on August 24th, the Cleveland Indians began a winning streak that Major League Baseball had not seen since 2002. Four games shy of MLB history, of a record set in 1916 the Indians lost to the Kansas City Royals 22 games after their last loss on way back on August 23rd. Terry Francona and his club out scored opponents 140-36 over 22 games; they trailed only 7 of the 181 innings. This team must be the favorite team to win the American League and is my favorite to win the World Series. The best thing that could have happened to the Indians was the streak ending; baseball is a game of waves. Having a little adversity with two weeks left in the season, it’s good to have some of that before entering October baseball.
The Streak
Out scoring opponents 140-36 over the 22-game winning streak brought the Indians total run differential to 220 only 6 teams have a differential greater than 100. To put it in perspective, the second closest team is 52 runs behind the Cleveland. The Indians win in dominant fashion only trailing for 7 of the 181 innings of the streak. They hit 41 homer runs during the streak, they only gave up 36 runs total in those 22 games. When asked about the streak manager Terry Francona said, “That day, for no particular reason, we decided to start winning a bunch of games in a row.” If that does not tell you the mentality of this team, how about the fact that although Corey Kluber is a potential Cy Young Winner, he was not the best pitcher during the streak, that title goes to third starter Mike Clevinger. Clevinger only allowed opposing batters to hit for a .159 batting average practically unhittable.
Historical Run
Although the Major League record was 26 games set in 1916 by the New York Giants, the Indians broke the American League record set by the 2002 Oakland Athletics. To show the dominance of the Indians, they were a full 7 runs above both the 1916 Giants and 2002 A’s. When the Indians won their 21st game, they tied the 1935 Chicago Cubs streak, which was the 2nd longest in baseball history. When they won 22, they moved into sole possession of the MLB second longest winning streak. The 22 games have come into question with the top streaks in sports ever. If you are going to say that, in my opinion the Indians would have had to win 26 or 27 straight games and own the record. The streak of 22 game is quite the impressive feat, it ranks up there with the 90 games the UCONN’s women had, the 17 games the Pittsburgh Penguins had or the 21 consecutive games the New England Patriots had. The reason being baseball is a game of waves, a pitcher can be on one game and 5 days later for their next start they just might not have it in the next game. The Indians’ starters and pitching staff managed to stump the teams they played over a 22 game stretch, impressive but not the most impressive streak in sports history.
Favorite to Win World Series
Half an inning and 1 run, that is all the separated the Cleveland Indians from a World Series Title. This year, the Indians look to have Home Field advantage throughout the Playoffs. They will have to at least go through either the Houston Astros or Boston Red Soxs. Once the Indians make it out of the American League they will have to get past the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Pitching for Cleveland could manage to stifle the Dodgers. Adding in the offensive production, from players like back up catcher Roberto Perez, who batted .382 during the streak and late season addition Jay Bruce, who hit the game winning double in win number 22 of the streak. Plus, the consistency of the everyday starters Carlos Santana who batted .365 during the streak and Carlos Carrasco who in four starts during the streak, pitched 34 strikeouts and had a 0.62 ERA.
The Indians where so close just a year ago, and now seem to be poised to make another run for the title. They are coming off the most impressive winning streak in recent baseball history and this team just seems to be the overall favorite. On top of that, Terry Francona seems to have made it possible for this team to just go out and continue to have fun. That is what makes the Indians so enjoyable to watch and easy to root for; they appear to be big kids just out there playing the game they love and having a good time doing it. My prediction is that Cleveland wins the World Series over the Los Angeles Dodgers in 6 games and that the Indians’ pitching staff will be the reason that the title comes back to Chief Wahoo and the tribe!
Written by
Carlo Guadagnino
Edited by
Daniel Bishop
References
https://www.si.com/mlb/2017/09/08/cleveland-indians-winning-streak
https://www.cheatsheet.com/sports/10-of-the-longest-winning-streaks-in-sports-history.html/?a=viewall
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-indians-win-streak-wasnt-mlbs-longest-but-it-might-be-the-most-impressive/
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/the-indians-amazing-22-game-winning-streak-by-the-numbers/
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
The Battle for The Keystone State: Pitt vs Penn State A Rivalry Reborn
For the 96th time since 1893, the Panthers of Pittsburgh and the Nittany Lions of Penn State squared off on the gridiron Saturday afternoon. The rivalry was abandoned for 15 years, Pitt took the first game in the recent series revival last year at Heinz Field 42-39 in a classic rivalry type game and atmosphere. This year’s game went how most expected Penn State dominated in route to a 33-14 win at home in Happy Valley. The part of the game garnering the most attention is the post game comments of Penn State head James Franklin. The question I have is, is this even really a real rivalry anymore? Does it still hold the same weight as it used to with fans from both schools? Should it continue to happen?
2017 Game at Happy Valley
The Penn State Nittany Lions, lost two games a season ago. The loss that many experts believe kept them from making the College Football Playoffs came at Heinz Field to the Panthers of Pittsburgh 42-39 in a wild contest. Penn State welcomed the Panthers to Happy Valley with one goal in mind, win the game. Pittsburgh however led in all the important statistical categories, time of possession went to the Panthers 38:20 to Penn States 21:40. The Panthers had more yards and first downs than the rivals in blue and white, but the stat that jumps out is the turnover difference Pitt had three Penn State just one. The Panthers managed to keep one of the top running backs under 100 yards rushing as Saquon Barkley finished with 14 carries, 85 yards and one score. He also found his way into the end zone on a receiving touchdown, to go with his 4 catches for 45 yards. Just another ring added to this 96-year-old rivalry that saw Penn State win 33-14. Many experts say that the Nittany Lions dominated, but the stars tell a different story, what did you think of the game?
The History of the Battle for the Keystone State
The first meeting between the two schools came November 6th, 1893; a game that saw Penn State win convincingly 33-0. Penn State holds the all-time record in the series 51-43-4, but it is the Panthers of Pittsburgh that hold the longest win streak in the series at 14 games from 1922-1938. The rivalry has produced 12 players now in Canton in the football Hall of Fame, for Pittsburgh the notable names are Dan Marino, Tony Dorsett (a Hiseman Trophy winner) and Mike Ditka. On the Penn State side, there are six players also in the Hall of Fame most notably Franco Harris. If that is not enough of a reason to take notice to this rivalry, 24 times the game has pinned two AP Top 10 schools against each other, including a streak of 13 out of 15 years from 1968-1982. Also for those that want to say that this is not Penn States rival and that the title of rival belongs to Ohio State, the Panthers and Nittany Lions have met 96 times. The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions have met just 20 times. Lastly the rivalry has seen the winner of the interstate battle be in the AP Top 5 13 times in its 96 years.
The Rivalries Return
When the two schools met in 2016, it set the record for sporting event attended in the City of Pittsburgh’s history with 69,983 gathered at Heinz Field. In 2017, 109,898 fans filled Happy Valley to watch and cheer for there respected sides, and fans seem to be eating up. The coaches are doing their parts to keep the rivalry alive whether is was the 2016 season with Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi calling Penn State “arrogant” before the game, or calling them “whiners” after the Panthers won. Then this past weekend after the Penn State victory, Head Coach James Franklin said of Pitt, “Last year them beating us was like there Super Bowl, this year us beating them is like beating Akron.” The coaches are not holding back verbal punches, which is what you want in a rivalry like this. The other great thing about the return of the rivalry is what it does for recruiting in the state for both schools. Now when you sit down at the table with a 17 or 18-year-old High School prospect you can offer them the opportunity to be apart of a great rivalry, that has seen many football legends both between the white lines. It is great for the schools, for football and it is an amazing showcase of Pennsylvania football!
This rivalry is just that; the schools, coaches, players, and fans do not like each other, which make for great football atmospheres and better ratings which earns the schools and NCAA more money. Both teams will only continue to get better under coach Narduzzi for Pitt and coach Franklin for Penn State, which means this interstate battle is just heating up next will only grow and get better. Lastly, as stated earlier, it is a great recruiting tool, being a part of such a historic rivalry, getting to play on national television and play in front 100,000 plus people. The rivalry hands down sells the schools to potential recruits. Those are my thoughts, what are yours? Do you like the rivalry? Do you want to see it continue? Does the coaches verbal battle make it that much more appealing? Only time will tell.
Written by
Carlo Guadagnino
Edited by
Daniel Bishop M.A.
References
http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400935245
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/9/9/16279242/pitt-penn-state-final-score-results-james-franklin-2017
http://www.pennlive.com/news/2017/09/penn_state_students_share_thou.html
http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/gallery/penn-state-pitt-rivalry-preview-history-facts-james-franklin-joe-paterno-090816
http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/news/pitt-penn-state-rivalry-2016-james-franklin-pat-narduzzi-james-conner/1aghm0ahufx1g1rlznbygiq8xa
2017 Game at Happy Valley
The Penn State Nittany Lions, lost two games a season ago. The loss that many experts believe kept them from making the College Football Playoffs came at Heinz Field to the Panthers of Pittsburgh 42-39 in a wild contest. Penn State welcomed the Panthers to Happy Valley with one goal in mind, win the game. Pittsburgh however led in all the important statistical categories, time of possession went to the Panthers 38:20 to Penn States 21:40. The Panthers had more yards and first downs than the rivals in blue and white, but the stat that jumps out is the turnover difference Pitt had three Penn State just one. The Panthers managed to keep one of the top running backs under 100 yards rushing as Saquon Barkley finished with 14 carries, 85 yards and one score. He also found his way into the end zone on a receiving touchdown, to go with his 4 catches for 45 yards. Just another ring added to this 96-year-old rivalry that saw Penn State win 33-14. Many experts say that the Nittany Lions dominated, but the stars tell a different story, what did you think of the game?
The History of the Battle for the Keystone State
The first meeting between the two schools came November 6th, 1893; a game that saw Penn State win convincingly 33-0. Penn State holds the all-time record in the series 51-43-4, but it is the Panthers of Pittsburgh that hold the longest win streak in the series at 14 games from 1922-1938. The rivalry has produced 12 players now in Canton in the football Hall of Fame, for Pittsburgh the notable names are Dan Marino, Tony Dorsett (a Hiseman Trophy winner) and Mike Ditka. On the Penn State side, there are six players also in the Hall of Fame most notably Franco Harris. If that is not enough of a reason to take notice to this rivalry, 24 times the game has pinned two AP Top 10 schools against each other, including a streak of 13 out of 15 years from 1968-1982. Also for those that want to say that this is not Penn States rival and that the title of rival belongs to Ohio State, the Panthers and Nittany Lions have met 96 times. The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions have met just 20 times. Lastly the rivalry has seen the winner of the interstate battle be in the AP Top 5 13 times in its 96 years.
The Rivalries Return
When the two schools met in 2016, it set the record for sporting event attended in the City of Pittsburgh’s history with 69,983 gathered at Heinz Field. In 2017, 109,898 fans filled Happy Valley to watch and cheer for there respected sides, and fans seem to be eating up. The coaches are doing their parts to keep the rivalry alive whether is was the 2016 season with Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi calling Penn State “arrogant” before the game, or calling them “whiners” after the Panthers won. Then this past weekend after the Penn State victory, Head Coach James Franklin said of Pitt, “Last year them beating us was like there Super Bowl, this year us beating them is like beating Akron.” The coaches are not holding back verbal punches, which is what you want in a rivalry like this. The other great thing about the return of the rivalry is what it does for recruiting in the state for both schools. Now when you sit down at the table with a 17 or 18-year-old High School prospect you can offer them the opportunity to be apart of a great rivalry, that has seen many football legends both between the white lines. It is great for the schools, for football and it is an amazing showcase of Pennsylvania football!
This rivalry is just that; the schools, coaches, players, and fans do not like each other, which make for great football atmospheres and better ratings which earns the schools and NCAA more money. Both teams will only continue to get better under coach Narduzzi for Pitt and coach Franklin for Penn State, which means this interstate battle is just heating up next will only grow and get better. Lastly, as stated earlier, it is a great recruiting tool, being a part of such a historic rivalry, getting to play on national television and play in front 100,000 plus people. The rivalry hands down sells the schools to potential recruits. Those are my thoughts, what are yours? Do you like the rivalry? Do you want to see it continue? Does the coaches verbal battle make it that much more appealing? Only time will tell.
Written by
Carlo Guadagnino
Edited by
Daniel Bishop M.A.
References
http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400935245
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/9/9/16279242/pitt-penn-state-final-score-results-james-franklin-2017
http://www.pennlive.com/news/2017/09/penn_state_students_share_thou.html
http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/gallery/penn-state-pitt-rivalry-preview-history-facts-james-franklin-joe-paterno-090816
http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/news/pitt-penn-state-rivalry-2016-james-franklin-pat-narduzzi-james-conner/1aghm0ahufx1g1rlznbygiq8xa
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