Temperatures are climbing in some places, while other places around the country didn't get the memo and are continuing to be snowed upon. As March rolls into April it is time to kick off the ultra-marathon known as Major League Baseball. The offseason has managed to shake the league beyond recognition; many teams have new faces and also a lack of familiar faces. These roster changes will have a direct impact upon the next few months and the outcome of the upcoming season.
The trading and brokerage firm the past few months had to have been the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays went from the twenty third largest payroll in 2012 ("MLB Salaries", CBSSports.com) to the tenth largest ("2013 Payrolls and Salaries For Every MLB Team", DeadSpin) in one offseason. They acquired Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, and former Miami Marlins Jose Reyes and Josh Johnson. With all the acquired talent, the Blue Jays' only worries should be injuries and the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays ironically ended up with former Blue Jays Yunel Escobar and Kelly Johnson. However, those two combined with the prior roster of the Rays should have a threat for the Al East teams. The late powers of the Al East, the Yankees and the Red Sox, have aged and receded.
In other areas of the American League, multiple teams have made improvement to attempt to overthrow long time kings of their respective divisions. For example, the Chicago White Sox have built a decent team to try to take on the Detroit Tigers. Out west, the Los Angeles Angels and the Oakland A's put together all star lineups to try and give the Texas Rangers who themselves have aged and lost talent, such as Josh Hamilton, to up and coming teams, like the LA Angels.
Meanwhile, the National League has its own power houses. The East is one of the most competitive divisions in the National League. Stephen Strausberg and Bryce Harper are starting to have an edge on the elite three, Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, and the Philadelphia Phillies. A power struggle is occurring in the NL Central; the Cincinnati Reds, the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Pittsburgh Pirates all should be relatively close in the upcoming season. The least hyped division, however, would be the NL West. The San Francisco Giants, who've won two titles in three years. Other members of the division include the Dodgers, who are rebuilding from a recent bankruptcy, and the Arizona Diamondbacks, who've been strong in recent years.
It looks like an interesting season in baseball. The long, odyssey-like journey of season should allow for lots of twists and turns throughout the season.
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Saturday, March 16, 2013
European Soccer Outlook
The quarter-final draw for the UEFA Champions' League has been announced, and thus scrutinized, discussed, and predicted. Managers from around the English Premier League have been are debating over the state of 'English Football' after not a single English club has advanced into the quarter-finals. Also in the news of England and soccer has been the recent calling up of centre-back Rio Ferdinand to the
National Team, and Sir Alex Ferguson's reluctance to let him respond to the call. There's so much to talk about in the world of European soccer.
Sixteen teams have been abbreviated to eight in the UEFA Champions' League. No English teams remain, to the alert of critics. Of course, there were multiple shockers in second round play taking place earlier this week. AC Milan went into the second leg of the tie versus FC Barcelona ahead on aggregate 2-0. Barcelona was required to score two goals to send the second game into extra time and possibly penalties, or a minimum of three goals to win outright. They scored four, with no one other then Lionel Messi contributing two goals to the total. Another head-liner was Real Madrid's defeat of Manchester United. Manchester United had a slight advantage in the second game, having drawn the first at one goal a piece. Manchester had the momentum of one away goal. Instead, Nani was sent off in a controversial play, and Real Madrid scored two goals after United scoring only one; thus allowing Madrid to advance into the quarter-finals. The last game of major speculation was the tie between Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Bayern won the first match in London one-to-three. However, Arsenal struck back as hard as they could in Munich, winning a game filled with controversy 2-0, yet very nearly making the score 3-0 towards the end. Thus, the aggregate was 3-3, and Bayern Munich advanced on the away goals rule, meaning Bayern scored more away goals so they advance. So, after all the drama, the quarter-final draw consists of:
I think that the amount of power in this quarter-final draw shows that the English shouldn't hang their heads. There's a lot of good soccer out there whether its German, Italian, Spanish or Turkish. I think there are someNemanja Vidić surprises in the draw though. One that really sticks out is the match up between PSG and Barcelona. Of course the draws are random, but Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are arguably two of the better teams of the eight remaining. However, it is probably widely known that Barcelona has the upper hand. Another key pairing is Bayern Munich and Juventus. Juventus is the last Italian team left in the Champions' League which will serve as fuel to the team. However, Bayern Munich are hungry to go all the way after being the runners up to Chelsea. In addition, Borussia Dortmund shouldn't have a tough time with Malaga, a Spanish club lost in the shadows of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Speaking of Spaniards, Real Madrid shouldn't have an issue with the little known Turkish club going by the name of Galatasaray.
On a final note of discussion, the 32-year-old Manchester United back Rio Ferdinand has been in the news lately for his calling up to the English National Side. He's played a vital role in United's defence lately. During
Nemanja Vidić's injury-related absence, Rio has stepped it up, contributing largely in United's last four games, all being clean sheets, or shut-outs as described in hockey or American football. However, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reluctant to let Ferdinand go play for the national squad, citing that he may be playing to many matches and thus cause to much physical stress on the 32-year-old footballer. However, I don't think this is a valid point, because during World Cup Qualifying matches, he will have to miss league games to play international games; Many of Ferdinand's Manchester United team-mates already do just that.
There's so much going on at the moment in the world of soccer. Many of the European leagues, such as the Premier League, have less than ten matches to go in the season. Soccer is at its busiest this time of year.
National Team, and Sir Alex Ferguson's reluctance to let him respond to the call. There's so much to talk about in the world of European soccer.
Sixteen teams have been abbreviated to eight in the UEFA Champions' League. No English teams remain, to the alert of critics. Of course, there were multiple shockers in second round play taking place earlier this week. AC Milan went into the second leg of the tie versus FC Barcelona ahead on aggregate 2-0. Barcelona was required to score two goals to send the second game into extra time and possibly penalties, or a minimum of three goals to win outright. They scored four, with no one other then Lionel Messi contributing two goals to the total. Another head-liner was Real Madrid's defeat of Manchester United. Manchester United had a slight advantage in the second game, having drawn the first at one goal a piece. Manchester had the momentum of one away goal. Instead, Nani was sent off in a controversial play, and Real Madrid scored two goals after United scoring only one; thus allowing Madrid to advance into the quarter-finals. The last game of major speculation was the tie between Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Bayern won the first match in London one-to-three. However, Arsenal struck back as hard as they could in Munich, winning a game filled with controversy 2-0, yet very nearly making the score 3-0 towards the end. Thus, the aggregate was 3-3, and Bayern Munich advanced on the away goals rule, meaning Bayern scored more away goals so they advance. So, after all the drama, the quarter-final draw consists of:
- Bayern Munich v. Juventus
- Paris Saint-Germain v. FC Barcelona
- Malaga v. Borussia Dortmund
- Real Madrid v. Galatasaray
I think that the amount of power in this quarter-final draw shows that the English shouldn't hang their heads. There's a lot of good soccer out there whether its German, Italian, Spanish or Turkish. I think there are someNemanja Vidić surprises in the draw though. One that really sticks out is the match up between PSG and Barcelona. Of course the draws are random, but Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona are arguably two of the better teams of the eight remaining. However, it is probably widely known that Barcelona has the upper hand. Another key pairing is Bayern Munich and Juventus. Juventus is the last Italian team left in the Champions' League which will serve as fuel to the team. However, Bayern Munich are hungry to go all the way after being the runners up to Chelsea. In addition, Borussia Dortmund shouldn't have a tough time with Malaga, a Spanish club lost in the shadows of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Speaking of Spaniards, Real Madrid shouldn't have an issue with the little known Turkish club going by the name of Galatasaray.
On a final note of discussion, the 32-year-old Manchester United back Rio Ferdinand has been in the news lately for his calling up to the English National Side. He's played a vital role in United's defence lately. During
Nemanja Vidić's injury-related absence, Rio has stepped it up, contributing largely in United's last four games, all being clean sheets, or shut-outs as described in hockey or American football. However, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is reluctant to let Ferdinand go play for the national squad, citing that he may be playing to many matches and thus cause to much physical stress on the 32-year-old footballer. However, I don't think this is a valid point, because during World Cup Qualifying matches, he will have to miss league games to play international games; Many of Ferdinand's Manchester United team-mates already do just that.
There's so much going on at the moment in the world of soccer. Many of the European leagues, such as the Premier League, have less than ten matches to go in the season. Soccer is at its busiest this time of year.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
NFL Newslines
Over a month after the Super Bowl and over day since free agency has begun, the NFL has some new headlines. Looking back, we saw that New Orleans can sure throw a party, especially for a Super Bowl. A week before that, the NFL's best managed to save the Pro Bowl...for now. Lastly, free agency has begun and the league's being shook up. There's so much going on in the NFL right now.
Despite the power going out in the Mercedes-Benz Dome midway through the third quarter, New Orleans threw a great Super Bowl. It seemed like all week long the media was constantly fixated on the never ending party being thrown in the Big Easy. Then came the game itself. Everything was good until the power went out because Beyonce managed to use it all. It was either that, or the Forty Niners have a curse which they cut the power at random times wherever they play because there power went out in San Francisco earlier last season. Either way, New Orleans proved itself as a great host for a Super Bowl.
However, a week before that, all eyes were on the Pro Bowl. Peyton Manning came out wearing the jersey of a totally different conference and a determination to prove the Pro Bowl's worth. Commissioner Roger Goodell threatened to drop the Pro Bowl if there was a lack of effort displayed, as there was in 2012's Pro Bowl. However, the game was a blowout, ending 62-35 in favour of the NFC team. Such a thrashing proved that the Pro Bowl wasn't just a recreational game.
But Finally, the latest and greatest NFL topic has been the recently born free agency period. Among the hype has been Wes Welker, who didn't resign with the New England Patriots, has gone ironically to the Denver Broncos. This means he has gone from one cannon, Tom Brady, to another, Peyton Manning; two quarterbacks whose names often can't be mentioned separately. Other headlines include Steven Jackson moving to Atlanta where he will replace Michael Turner, who was cut after failing a physical earlier this month. Also, Matt Cassel will go to Minnesota to compete with incumbent quarterback Christian Ponder.
And so, the NFL Offseason is under way. Ironically, the offseason is almost as followed and debate as the actual playing season is. The next few months will help define and shape the coming season.
Despite the power going out in the Mercedes-Benz Dome midway through the third quarter, New Orleans threw a great Super Bowl. It seemed like all week long the media was constantly fixated on the never ending party being thrown in the Big Easy. Then came the game itself. Everything was good until the power went out because Beyonce managed to use it all. It was either that, or the Forty Niners have a curse which they cut the power at random times wherever they play because there power went out in San Francisco earlier last season. Either way, New Orleans proved itself as a great host for a Super Bowl.
However, a week before that, all eyes were on the Pro Bowl. Peyton Manning came out wearing the jersey of a totally different conference and a determination to prove the Pro Bowl's worth. Commissioner Roger Goodell threatened to drop the Pro Bowl if there was a lack of effort displayed, as there was in 2012's Pro Bowl. However, the game was a blowout, ending 62-35 in favour of the NFC team. Such a thrashing proved that the Pro Bowl wasn't just a recreational game.
But Finally, the latest and greatest NFL topic has been the recently born free agency period. Among the hype has been Wes Welker, who didn't resign with the New England Patriots, has gone ironically to the Denver Broncos. This means he has gone from one cannon, Tom Brady, to another, Peyton Manning; two quarterbacks whose names often can't be mentioned separately. Other headlines include Steven Jackson moving to Atlanta where he will replace Michael Turner, who was cut after failing a physical earlier this month. Also, Matt Cassel will go to Minnesota to compete with incumbent quarterback Christian Ponder.
And so, the NFL Offseason is under way. Ironically, the offseason is almost as followed and debate as the actual playing season is. The next few months will help define and shape the coming season.
Monday, March 4, 2013
"Wherever I Wind Up" by RA Dickey
In R.A. Dickey’s memoir, Wherever
I Wind Up he recaps his journey as a person and as a baseball player. R.A.
Dickey’s story is truly inspiring and captivating. His book did a great job of
describing Dickey’s struggles in both life and baseball. The book begins in
Dickey’s childhood and tells the story of his journey up to a recent point in
Dickey’s life. R.A. Dickey’s Wherever I
Wind Up reveals life lessons universal in life such as the values of
determination, flexibility, and courage.
R.A. Dickey literally
came from nothing. He was born to unmarried parents, whom eventually married,
and then divorced. His mother had alcoholism problems which motivated him to
leave his mother and younger sister and go live with his father. It wasn’t long
before Dickey didn’t feel welcome in his father’s trailer home, and he resorted
to sleeping in his car as well as vacant houses. However, baseball was R.A.’s
haven and he made something of himself by being a star pitcher in High School,
then later in college at the University of Tennessee. Even after college, Dickey
still exhibited vast amounts of determination. It took multiple setbacks and
obstacles to make it to Major League Baseball. He never gave up, and strived to
be his best despite what the circumstances may have been. Determination was a
huge factor in R.A. Dickey’s story.
Another big character
value displayed by Dickey was his flexibility. Not physically, but mentally.
His life story centers on his switch from being a generic speed pitcher into a knuckleball
pitcher. This transition took place at a low point in R.A.’s baseball career.
He was nearly out of chances with advancing his career when he decided to
transform into a unique genre of pitcher. This exemplified extraordinary
flexibility. To be able to drop what you know and have been doing for many
years and suddenly learn something totally new is remarkable. It sets an
example for people with maybe less exciting careers, and if they’d change their
career or even just a method, they’d be better off.
The last, and possibly
most valiant theme told in Wherever I
Wind Up was courage. Dickey showed an immense amount of courage time and
time again. Even his transition as described earlier took loads of courage.
Courage can be hard to come by especially during difficult times; however, R.A.
Dickey was able to channel his passion and exhibit great amounts of courage.
Times where Dickey showed his courage were during parts of his baseball career
where he was in a tight spot during a game and was able to battle his way out. It
showed athletic skill, but more importantly it showed the courage to not fold under
pressure.
Wherever I Wind Up was an inspiring book and quite unforgettable.
It told the tale of Toronto Blue Jays pitcher R.A. Dickey and his rise from
nothing into one of the most respectable athletes and people around. It
exemplified numerous universal character traits; traits that are vital not just
for athletes but for the ordinary person as well. Inside every professional
athlete is an ordinary person. Even though it can at times be hard to believe,
these people are just like us and come from all backgrounds. It is people like
R.A. Dickey who truly exemplify that inside every rags-to-riches athlete is a
remarkable person.
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