Which Shot was better?

In case you didn't hear/see the latest Rodger Federer highlight, he had done the impossible once again in the US Open in New York yesterday. The opening round games were yesterday and continuing today, as I type - but Federer's feat last night cannot be beat - or did his 2009 shot of the year surpass it? Take a look:

2010 US Open - Opening Match



2009 US Open - Semifinals against #3 Novak Djokovic



I believe that the 2010 shot was more impressive (the run-down Fed had to make, as well as the difficulty of the shot, since the ball was near the wall), and that he was under more pressure to win before he had that hit in '09.

Better Shot?: The 2010 US Open Shot of the Year

What do you think? Which shot was better, in your opinion?

Triple Play!

No, I am NOT talking about the video game series that was present in the early '00s. I am talking about one of the rarest feats in a baseball game - the triple play. It is when three outs occur on one play.

The most common of these triple plays is when there is a runner on both first and second base, with no outs, and the batter hits a ground ball to the third baseman. He would pick the ball up, step on third base, pass the ball to the second baseman standing on second base, then pass the ball to the first baseman, who has one foot on first base.

Such an event occurred in the fourth inning between the Oakland Athletics and the Seattle Mariners yesterday:

Click the picture to see how it's done!

Triple plays occur at least once a year, and the Yankees pulled off a similar one against the same Oakland Athletics in the beginning of the season:



Plays like these are fun to watch when you see them in action!

The Orioles are on a Roll!

Click the picture for the video and excitement!

Wow. Where do I begin? After the addition of ex-Ranger/Yankee/Diamondback manager Buck Showalter (who was an ESPN analyst prior to his position as O's manager), the Orioles are now 6-1 - with three of those wins as walk-offs (game-winning hits).

Imagine if they had fired Dave Trembley at the beginning of the season - they could have possibly been in the hunt for the Wild Card slot!

Showalter was a GREAT addition to the Orioles' franchise. He was the Manager of the Year in '94 for the Yanks, and 10 years later for the Rangers. He has changed the Orioles' environment for the better, from their listless state to now a new, promising state.

From this...

On April 10, the Orioles had a paid attendance of 9,129 - the smallest crowd at Oriole Park EVER. On the day Buck Showalter managed his first MLB game for the Orioles, the attendance was 16,723- a 16% increase in attendance. Such shows that one person can change a franchise for the better - heck, look what LeBron did with the Cleveland Cavaliers' organization when he first entered the league!

To hopefully this in the future!

With young players in pitchers Jake Arrieta (age 24), Brian Matusz (age 23), Matt Albers (age 27); catcher Matt Wieters (age 24); center-fielder Adam Jones (age 25) and right-fielder Nick Markakis (age 27), the Orioles have a bright future in front of them, and it all starts with the manager - Buck Showalter.

Run, Forrest, Run!

After watching Milwaukee Brewers' second baseman Rickie Weeks speed around the bases for an inside-the-park home run (where a player hits the ball and runs around the bases and touches home without being called out) on Saturday, that got me thinking...

What are the top 10 best inside-the park home runs this year? (We've had 17 inside-the-park HR's in 2010).

(Clicking on each picture will link you to the specific home run. All videos and images are courtesy of MLB)

10. Run, Rickie, Run!

By the time the center fielder caught the ball off the wall, Rickie was already at third base! Man, he's fast!

9. Double Trouble

It's amazing when a player gets one inside-the-parker in a season. It's surprising when a player gets two before the All-Star break! But Tony Gwynn Jr, the son of Hall-of-Fame first baseman Tony Gwynn Sr., is lightning fast, and I bet will get more of these kinds of home runs in the future.

8. A Bautista Bomb!

Even home run kings (Jose Bautista has a MLB-leading 34 home runs as of August 7) have their share of inside-the-park HRs. He Michael Jordans himself (sticking his tongue out) after touching home base.

7. The Good...

David DeJesus of the Kansas City Royals got really lucky on this play. Michael Cuddyer, the outfielder, thought the ball went over the wall for a home run, but DeJesus kept on running... and got himself a round-tripper!

6. ...And the Bad and the Ugly

A few months later, DeJesus found himself on the wrong side of an inside-the-park home run. On Derek Jeter's first home run of that sort - yes, that is NOT a typo - DeJesus rams his right hand into the padding - the injury was a broken wrist, which would end DeJesus's promising season - He will miss the rest of the year with that injury.

5. Can you say 'Ouch'?

Detroit Tigers' outfielder Ryan Rayburn tried to catch this fly ball - but ended up colliding with the Indians' bullpen door. Luckily he was okay, but the team wasn't, with Johnny Peralta scoring an inside-the-park home run.

4. Drawing up an Opening Day Home Run

What an opening day for Arizona Diamondbacks' shortstop Stephen Drew! He caromed a shot off the center field wall - with the Padres' centerfielder misplaying the ball - and scoring an easy home run.

3.Bam!

If you thought that the previous seven players that hit these home runs were fortunate because of a defensive lapse, then Gerardo Parra must have been really fortunate. Two Atlanta Braves' outfielders - rookie Jason Heyward and veteran Nate McLouth - both newbies to the Braves' franchise this year - collided, with McLouth receiving the worst of the hit. He would never play the same way he did in 2009 with the Pirates after that collision

2. Anger Management in Action

Washington Nationals' centerfielder Nyjer Morgan - thinking that the ball left his glove and went over the wall - threw his glove in frustration, only to realize that the ball was still in play. Orioles' batter Adam "my name is not Pac-Man" Jones had an easy inside-the-park home run after that gaffe.

1. Huffin' and Puffin' his way home

San Francisco Giants' first baseman Aubrey Huff (the ex-Ray and Oriole) is not one of the nimblest baseball players in the League. He gets the #1 spot for both his quick feet and the announcer's amazement that Huff would hit a round-tripper.

Which play do you think deserves the #1 spot?

First Jim Joyce, now Bob Davidson?

This year, we have heard many of the referee/umpire blunders - whether the event is the semifinals of the World Cup in July or the one of hundreds of Major League Baseball games. This time last night, the latter occurred.

First, some background. Two months ago, on June 1, the Detroit Tigers had a perfect game going into the bottom half of the ninth and final inning. The pitcher was Armando Galarraga, and the first base umpire was Jim Joyce. On the supposed final at-bat of the game, Cleveland Indians' hitter Jason Donald hit a ground ball to first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera, who was too far from the first base bag, lofted the ball to his pitcher, Galarraga. By the time Galarraga caught the ball, Joyce called the play safe. The perfect game was perfect no longer. Upon looking at the instant replay, Joyce knew he made a mistake, and, after the game, apologized to both the Tigers' organization and its fans (and those who had Galarraga in their fantasy baseball league)

The photo links to the youtube video of what actually happened during the game.

Now, fast-forward to yesterday, August 5. The game was between division rivals - the Philadelphia Phillies and the Florida Marlins in Miami. The game was tied at 4-all in the bottom of the ninth inning, with star shortstop Hanley Ramirez at second base (Runner in scoring position) and rookie Gaby Sanchez up to bat. I'll let you see as to what unfolded:

Video courtesy of MLB

As you see in the disgust of Marlins' manager Edwin Rodriguez and the outrage by Marlins' radio announcer, the ball was clearly fair, and third base umpire Bob Davidson did not see it that way. And, unlike Joyce, but similar to Koman Coulibaly - the infamous soccer referee that gave a no goal for the US when there was no penalty nor an offsides call - Davidson did NOT apologize - to the dismay of the Marlins' organization - to the fans, the front office and the players. 

I believe that, like Joyce, Davidson should come out tomorrow morning to apologize for the gaffe he made in a crucial division game. Such small cases can actually make or break a team's season.

What is your take on the Davidson situation?

The Brawl that started it all

What I have noticed this year in MLB is that there are fewer dugout-emptying brawls than in previous years. Yesterday's game between the Indians and the Red Sox may have proved me wrong.

In the third inning, Red Sox starting pitcher hits Indians' right fielder Sin-Soo-Choo in the lower right leg. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Indians' relief pitcher Justin Germano pitches behind Red Sox designated hitter David "Big Papi" Ortiz.

Then, here's where bad turns to worse. The next Indians' relief pitcher - Jensen Lewis - throws behind All-Star third baseman Adrian Beltre. Beltre starts to storm the mound, but is held back by the umpire and Indians' catcher Lou Marson. Then, this happens:

Click on the image to see the drama! (photo and video courtesy of MLB)

I think this is the spark of a new rivalry this year - we'll see in the upcoming Red Sox - Indians games this week if more tempers flare after this mess.

Better Shimmy?

This tweet by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Kevin Durant got me thinking... who does have the better shimmy? I'll let you take a look and decide for yourself.

Greivis Vazquez	Antoine Walker

I think, hands-down, Greivis has the best shimmy, and is more creative with it.

What do you guys think?

I am not sure if this is a ruse or to actually believe him. Minnesota Vikings' quarterback Brett Favre has text-messaged his teammates saying "I'm done!" and that he is leaving the game - but is he bluffing? My guess is that Favre WILL pull a Houdini and on September 9, 2010, surprise everyone by coming out of the tunnel and starting for the Vikings when the play the Saints to open the 2010 season.

His on-again, off-again statements drive nearly every football fan, media member and me insane. I think Favre is trying to make headline news after the Albert Haynesworth fiasco, since he cannot live without profession football and the adoration of his fanson-and-off the field. Many columnists and television analysts (myself included) believe he cannot live without playing the sport he clearly loves, which is why I think he will return to the Vikings on Opening Day. But, then again, I am the same person that thought LeBron James would sign with the Chicago Bulls this offseason and McNabb would still be playing with the Eagles in 2010.

But, then again, he had surgery in the offseason to repair an ankle injury he suffered in the Saints-Vikings NFC Championship game last year, so, if the ankle is not fully healed, maybe he does not have enough to continue playing.


Will this pass be the last one he ever throws with the Vikings? I sure hope not.

After all, like the Energizer Bunny, he just "keeps going and going and going..."

Here's Part II of the Depth Chart, pre-Preseason style. Today, I will be covering the Redskins' defense and special teams. Here we go!

(By the way, here's the link to yesterday's coverage of the depth chart, offense-only)

Since the defense is led by ex-Saints coach Jim Haslett, the Redskins will be running a 3-4 defense (three defensive linemen and four linebackers). Originally, the Redskins, under former defensive coordinator Greg Blatche, ran a 4-3 defense.

* = possibly cut to fit the 53-man roster

Left Defensive End:

L DE1: Adam Carriker
L DE2: Philip Daniels
L DE3: Vonnie Holliday

The Redskins brought in both Carriker and Holliday in the offseason. Carriker came from the St. Louis Rams, and was under Haslett while with the Rams last year. He has had some injury-plagued years, but is the healthiest he has ever been coming into training camp. The battle is for the top left DE spot - between Daniels, the veteran Redskin - and Carriker. Holliday is just a veteran who can step in, in case one of the two gets injured.

Nose Tackle:

NT1: Maake Kemoeatu
NT2: Albert Haynesworth
NT3: Anthony Bryant

And, here we go! Kemoeatu, brought over in a trade with the Carolina Panthers, is finally 100% healthy and ready to go! He'll be the #1 nose tackle, with Haynesworth being the disruptive third-down tackle. The competitive position is the backup NT slot - between traveling veterans Anthony Bryant and Howard Green. I think that Bryant will take the last spot, but I know little about each player.

Right Defensive End:

R DE1: Kedric Golston
R DE2: Jeremy Jarmon
R DE3: *Darrion Scott

Here, we have a pretty much set position, with the veteran Golston taking the starting Right DE spot, and backing him up is youngster Jarmon. Scott may be cut or be a part of the practice squad on opening day.

Left Outside Linebacker:

L OLB1: Brian Orakpo
L OLB2: Chris Wilson
L OLB3: *Curtis Gatewood

Orakpo is the linebacker of the future for the Redskins, so he's entrenched at that spot for years to come. Vet Chris Wilson will take the backup job, and Gatewood is practice squad material.

Left Inside Linebacker:

L ILB1: London Fletcher
L ILB2: H.B. Blades
L ILB3: Perry Riley

I'll be watching what Riley will show during the preseason - I'll expect the back-up left inside linebacker job to be one of the most competitive positions for the Redskins heading into the season. Riley, a rookie, comes from an excellent defensive-run university - Gator Country (a.k.a. University of Florida). He's a great player and will give Blades a run for his money.

Right Inside Linebacker:

R ILB1: Rocky McIntosh
R ILB2: *Chris Draft
R ILB3: *Robert Henson

McIntosh is the starting right inside linebacker, with the battle for the backup be be a hot contest. Draft is the veteran from the Rams and Henson is the amateur. One of these backups may be cut to be at the 53-man roster limit.


Right Outside Linebacker:

R OLB1: Andre Carter
R OLB2: Lorenzo Alexander
R OLB3: *Rob Jackson

Carter, the veteran from San Fran, will move from his normal defensive end position to the position he played w/ the Niners - linebacker - a position he is NOT used to. 'Zo is a versatile player - he played both offensive and defensive lines last season. So, we will see him play a variety of positions - not just linebacker. And Jackson is a emergency linebacker - in case of injury, he'll step up.

Left Cornerback

L CB1: Carlos Rodgers
L CB2: Kevin Barnes
L CB3: Philip Buchanon

Rodgers will man one starting cornerback position. The first-year Maryland alum - Kevin Barnes - will hopefully overtake the vet Philip Buchanon to take the backup role. Since CB is an inexperienced position (Rodgers, Buchanon and DeAngelo Hall are the veteran cornerbacks) - Buchanon is a vital player to the team.

Right Cornerback

R CB1: DeAngelo Hall
R CB2: Justin Tryon
R CB3: Byron Westbrook

Hall, the speedster from Atlanta, will man the other cornerback spot heading into the season. Tryon, if he is impressive during training camp and in the preseason, might, might overtake Hall by season's end. I think Westbrook will just barely make the final 53-man squad as an emergency corner and as a friend of McNabb (Bryron's older brother is Brian Westbrook).

Strong Safely

SS 1: LaRon Landry
SS 2: Kareem Moore

No questions here. Next.

Free Safety

FS 1: Chris Horton
FS 2: Reed Doughty

One of the tightest battles for the defense. I hope Horton will get the job (w/ his performance in '08), but, in the end, Doughty will have the final say.

Kicker

Graham Cano

Punter

Josh Bidwell 

Both players will change if they punt/kick poorly in the preseason. These two positions (outside of QB) change the most often in the Redskins organization.

Long Snapper

Nick Sundberg

He replaces fan-favorite and redhead Ethan Albright. 

Kick Returner/Punt Returner

Santana Moss/DeAngelo Hall

I doubt this pairing would occur, but these two players are two of the fastest with great hands.

What a Day for Car-Go!

Since this blog is not just about the NFL, I will talk about something amazing that happened yesterday - a Major League Baseball (MLB) player hit for the cycle yesterday - but more importantly, hit a walk-off home run to cap it off. What's a 'cycle', you say? I'll tell you. A cycle is when a player hits a single, a double, a triple AND a home run (not necesarily in that order) in the same game. And a 'walk-off home run' is a home run by a home team's player to win - and end - the game. It's basically like a sudden-death game-winning hit. The Colorado Rockies' player - Carlos Gonzalez - did both last night:

Click on the image to see the excitement! (photo courtesy of MLB)