The playoffs are finally here! The 2011 ALDS kicks off tonight with Game 1 of both series. And yes, in the mind of Bud Selig, it makes perfect sense to play the game in Arlington, Texas three-and-a-half hours before the game in New York.
Game 1: Rays vs. Rangers 5:07 (TBS - Don Orsillo and Buck Martinez, SR: Jamie Maggio)
Game 1: Tigers vs. Yankees 8:37 (TBS - Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, and John Smoltz, SR: Tom Verducci)
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Re-live September 28, 2011 In One Awesome 12-Minute Video
Has there ever been a more dramatic, chaotic, and improbable 20 minutes in the history of sports? There have been classic games in the past, but what happened last night, was not just one classic game. It was the finale of a 162-game season like no finale ever before. The chaos of last night was more than just one game, it was the frantic switching back and forth between stations ultimately culminating with two historic collapses coming complete in the span of twenty minutes and two walkoffs literally separated by three minutes. There are few times where it feels like time just stops. Last night was one of those nights.
Last night was an Fredi Gonzalez incredibly allowing Scott Linebrink to pitch to Hunter Pence who would ultimately hit the game-winning RBI with Michael Martinez on deck. Last night was a last place Baltimore Orioles going nowhere way too fast celebrating like they won the World Series. Last night was Dan Johnson, he of the .119/.187/.202 slash line in 31 games in 2011 hitting the game-tying home run with the Rays down to their last out and their last strike. Last night was Evan Longoria. Last night was the mathematically improbable coming to fruition.
And this is last night, condensed into one 12-minute, 5-second video.
Given the numbers in the above link, to say this was the most improbable night in sports history is not that much of a stretch. In fact, it may be a reality. For the Cardinals and the Rays, it is a comeback they will always remember. And for the Braves and the Red Sox, it is a collapse they will never be able to forget.
Last night was an Fredi Gonzalez incredibly allowing Scott Linebrink to pitch to Hunter Pence who would ultimately hit the game-winning RBI with Michael Martinez on deck. Last night was a last place Baltimore Orioles going nowhere way too fast celebrating like they won the World Series. Last night was Dan Johnson, he of the .119/.187/.202 slash line in 31 games in 2011 hitting the game-tying home run with the Rays down to their last out and their last strike. Last night was Evan Longoria. Last night was the mathematically improbable coming to fruition.
And this is last night, condensed into one 12-minute, 5-second video.
Given the numbers in the above link, to say this was the most improbable night in sports history is not that much of a stretch. In fact, it may be a reality. For the Cardinals and the Rays, it is a comeback they will always remember. And for the Braves and the Red Sox, it is a collapse they will never be able to forget.
2011 League Division Series Schedule
Well, after hours of torture and waiting, MLB and TBS have finally officially released their announce schedule for the NLDS and ALDS. After what some have claimed to be one of the greatest nights in the history of sports last night, these playoffs have a lot of live up to, but regardless, the small sample size crapshoot nature of the MLB Playoffs should mean fun regardless. Unless of course you are a Phillies fan like me and will be stuck listening to Dick Stockton for three to five games. I eagerly anticipate the numerous errahs in the booth. On a more serious note, Brian Anderson takes over as the lead play-by-play announcer this year as Ernie Johnson is dealing with some personal family issues. (all times ET)
National League Division Series
Philadelphia Phillies vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Game 1: October 1: Cardinals vs. Phillies 5:07 (TBS - Dick Stockton and Bob Brenly, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 2: October 2: Cardinals vs. Phillies 8:07 (TBS - Dick Stockton and Bob Brenly, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 3: October 4: Phillies vs. Cardinals TBD (TBS - Dick Stockton and Bob Brenly, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 4: October 5: Phillies vs. Cardinals TBD (TBS - Dick Stockton and Bob Brenly, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 5: October 7: Cardinals vs. Phillies TBD (TBS - Dick Stockton and Bob Brenly, SR: Craig Sager)
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Game 1: October 1: Diamondbacks vs. Brewers 2:07 (TBS - Victor Rojas and Joe Simpson, SR: Sam Ryan)
Game 2: October 2: Diamondbacks vs. Brewers 4:37 (TBS - Victor Rojas and Joe Simpson, SR: Sam Ryan)
Game 3: October 4: Brewers vs. Diamondbacks TBD (TBS - Victor Rojas and Joe Simpson, SR: Sam Ryan)
Game 4: October 5: Brewers vs. Diamondbacks TBD (TBS - Victor Rojas and Joe Simpson, SR: Sam Ryan)
Game 5: October 7: Diamondbacks vs. Brewers TBD (TBS - Victor Rojas and Joe Simpson, SR: Sam Ryan)
American League Division Series
New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers
Game 1: September 30: Tigers vs. Yankees 8:37 (TBS - Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, and John Smoltz, SR: Tom Verducci)
Game 2: October 1: Tigers vs. Yankees 8:37 (TBS - Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, and John Smoltz, SR: Tom Verducci)
Game 3: October 3: Yankees vs. Tigers 8:37 (TBS - Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, and John Smoltz, SR: Tom Verducci)
Game 4: October 4: Yankees vs. Tigers TBD (TBS - Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, and John Smoltz, SR: Tom Verducci)
Game 5: October 6: Tigers vs. Yankees TBD (TBS - Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, and John Smoltz, SR: Tom Verducci)
Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Game 1: September 30: Rays vs. Rangers 5:07 (TBS - Don Orsillo and Buck Martinez, SR: Jamie Maggio)
Game 2: October 1: Rays vs. Rangers 7:07 (TNT - Don Orsillo and Buck Martinez, SR: Jamie Maggio)
Game 3: October 3: Rangers vs. Rays 5:07 (TBS - Don Orsillo and Buck Martinez, SR: Jamie Maggio)
Game 4: October 4: Rangers vs. Rays TBD (TBS - Don Orsillo and Buck Martinez, SR: Jamie Maggio)
Game 5: October 6: Rays vs. Rangers TBD (TBS - Don Orsillo and Buck Martinez, SR: Jamie Maggio)
National League Division Series
Philadelphia Phillies vs. St. Louis Cardinals
Game 1: October 1: Cardinals vs. Phillies 5:07 (TBS - Dick Stockton and Bob Brenly, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 2: October 2: Cardinals vs. Phillies 8:07 (TBS - Dick Stockton and Bob Brenly, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 3: October 4: Phillies vs. Cardinals TBD (TBS - Dick Stockton and Bob Brenly, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 4: October 5: Phillies vs. Cardinals TBD (TBS - Dick Stockton and Bob Brenly, SR: Craig Sager)
Game 5: October 7: Cardinals vs. Phillies TBD (TBS - Dick Stockton and Bob Brenly, SR: Craig Sager)
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Game 1: October 1: Diamondbacks vs. Brewers 2:07 (TBS - Victor Rojas and Joe Simpson, SR: Sam Ryan)
Game 2: October 2: Diamondbacks vs. Brewers 4:37 (TBS - Victor Rojas and Joe Simpson, SR: Sam Ryan)
Game 3: October 4: Brewers vs. Diamondbacks TBD (TBS - Victor Rojas and Joe Simpson, SR: Sam Ryan)
Game 4: October 5: Brewers vs. Diamondbacks TBD (TBS - Victor Rojas and Joe Simpson, SR: Sam Ryan)
Game 5: October 7: Diamondbacks vs. Brewers TBD (TBS - Victor Rojas and Joe Simpson, SR: Sam Ryan)
American League Division Series
New York Yankees vs. Detroit Tigers
Game 1: September 30: Tigers vs. Yankees 8:37 (TBS - Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, and John Smoltz, SR: Tom Verducci)
Game 2: October 1: Tigers vs. Yankees 8:37 (TBS - Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, and John Smoltz, SR: Tom Verducci)
Game 3: October 3: Yankees vs. Tigers 8:37 (TBS - Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, and John Smoltz, SR: Tom Verducci)
Game 4: October 4: Yankees vs. Tigers TBD (TBS - Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, and John Smoltz, SR: Tom Verducci)
Game 5: October 6: Tigers vs. Yankees TBD (TBS - Brian Anderson, Ron Darling, and John Smoltz, SR: Tom Verducci)
Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Game 1: September 30: Rays vs. Rangers 5:07 (TBS - Don Orsillo and Buck Martinez, SR: Jamie Maggio)
Game 2: October 1: Rays vs. Rangers 7:07 (TNT - Don Orsillo and Buck Martinez, SR: Jamie Maggio)
Game 3: October 3: Rangers vs. Rays 5:07 (TBS - Don Orsillo and Buck Martinez, SR: Jamie Maggio)
Game 4: October 4: Rangers vs. Rays TBD (TBS - Don Orsillo and Buck Martinez, SR: Jamie Maggio)
Game 5: October 6: Rays vs. Rangers TBD (TBS - Don Orsillo and Buck Martinez, SR: Jamie Maggio)
Greatest Last Day Of Season Ever?
Wow.
Videos tomorrow. Maybe. I have stuff to do and have spent too long obsession over today's games as it is.
Videos tomorrow. Maybe. I have stuff to do and have spent too long obsession over today's games as it is.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
MLB Last Day Of The Season Live Blog
Has there ever been a last day of the MLB Season better than this? Two races, both tied up, with both the Braves and the Red Sox trying to survive a collapse of Mets-ian proportions. If not on your regional sportsnet, all these games can be seen on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNJIP, ESPNThe17th, and I am pretty sure ESPN Français will pick up some exclusive footage as well. Join us for the fun!
NFL Week 4 Schedule
My Eagles are in the Pitts Game of the Week. Save me. (all times ET; games I get are in bold)
Fox games
Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys 1:00 (Fox - Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, SR: Pam Oliver)
Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears 1:00 (Fox - Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick, SR: Laura Okmin)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles 1:00 (Fox - Ron Pitts and Jim Mora, Jr.)
Minnesota Vikings vs. Kansas City Chiefs 1:00 (Fox - Gus Johnson and Charles Davis, SR: Tim Brewster)
New Orleans Saints vs. Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00 (Fox - Sam Rosen and Chad Pennington)
Washington Redskins vs. St. Louis Rams 1:00 (Fox - Chris Myers and Tim Ryan)
New York Giants vs. Arizona Cardinals 4:05 (Fox - Kenny Albert and Daryl Johnston, SA: Tony Siragusa)
Atlanta Falcons vs. Seattle Seahawks 4:05 (Fox - Craig Bolerjack and John Lynch)
CBS early games
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans 1:00 (CBS - Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf)
Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns 1:00 (CBS - Marv Albert and Rich Gannon)
Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals 1:00 (CBS - Andrew Catalon and Steve Tasker)
America's Game Of The Week and CBS late games
Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers 4:15 (CBS - Jim Nantz and Phil Simms)
Miami Dolphins vs. San Diego Chargers 4:15 (CBS - Ian Eagle and Dan Fouts)
New England Patriots vs. Oakland Raiders 4:15 (CBS -Kevin Harlan and Solomon Wilcots)
Sunday Night Football
New York Jets vs. Baltimore Ravens 8:20 (NBC - Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth, SR: Michele Tafoya)
Monday Night Football
Indianapolis Colts vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 8:30 (ESPN - Mike Tirico, Ron Jaworski, and Jon Gruden, SR: Suzy Kolber)
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Sean Avery And Wayne Simmonds Are Not The World's Most Thoughtful People
I have to work that needs to get done and I need to be up early so no long post tonight (if you want more serious thoughts on the matter, check out my Twitter account), but here is a video and an mp3 file of some, uh, actions from tonight's Rangers-Flyers pre-season game.
First an mp3 of Sean Avery threatening murder! (h/t @9inOrange)
Secondly, later in the game, Wayne Simmonds called Sean Avery a homophobic slur (you can lip read and find out what it is for yourself; that is a word I will not type here) (h/t the almost always despicable @twolinepass)
Breaking news: Sports athletes may not be the kindest, gentlest, and most politically correct people, even those who are victims of racial taunts and those who support gay rights! Outrage!
I pass not judgment on either men, but on the culture of professional sports in general (especially hockey, which is notorious for its homophobia). Yeah, I despise that 6-letter f-word with every fiber of my being. Yeah, I would prefer an autopsy not need to be done on my favorite Flyer. But if I were a betting man, Wayne Simmonds is not the first sports athlete to utter that word this year and Sean Avery is not the first person to threaten someone with the grim reaper (in fact, some people on Twitter are positive they heard Tony Romo threaten death to his center tonight).
There are reasons to be outraged that people call other people the 6-letter f-word in sports and in a serious tone say they are going to kill someone. This stuff has no place in sports. It should be removed. In a perfect world, it would be removed But the select few who get caught, Kobe Bryant, Wayne Simmonds, Tony Romo, and Sean Avery are merely biproducts of a sports culture where intolerance (especially the homophobic kind) are not outside the norm. It is a shame and has no place in the game, but there is a long way to go before we eliminate homophobia, death threats, and racism in sports. A long way. And yes, it sucks, because there are gays who I am sure are offended by their favorite player using that word. They hear (heard) it enough at school and they do not need to hear it anymore, and I do not begrudge them outrage that sports players use this language. But it is also unfair to single out the aforementioned guys who have gotten caught as the only ones who help contribute to this.
As a sports fan, I knowingly acknowledge the people I cheer for may not be the kindest of gentlemen or even people that I would want to associate myself with in everyday life. But sadly, there are people in this world much more naive than me.
The best way to get rid of this junk would probably be through education and by somehow teaching them what impact words can have on others. Now how do you go about giving a much-needed education to an entire culture? Beats me.
First an mp3 of Sean Avery threatening murder! (h/t @9inOrange)
Secondly, later in the game, Wayne Simmonds called Sean Avery a homophobic slur (you can lip read and find out what it is for yourself; that is a word I will not type here) (h/t the almost always despicable @twolinepass)
Breaking news: Sports athletes may not be the kindest, gentlest, and most politically correct people, even those who are victims of racial taunts and those who support gay rights! Outrage!
I pass not judgment on either men, but on the culture of professional sports in general (especially hockey, which is notorious for its homophobia). Yeah, I despise that 6-letter f-word with every fiber of my being. Yeah, I would prefer an autopsy not need to be done on my favorite Flyer. But if I were a betting man, Wayne Simmonds is not the first sports athlete to utter that word this year and Sean Avery is not the first person to threaten someone with the grim reaper (in fact, some people on Twitter are positive they heard Tony Romo threaten death to his center tonight).
There are reasons to be outraged that people call other people the 6-letter f-word in sports and in a serious tone say they are going to kill someone. This stuff has no place in sports. It should be removed. In a perfect world, it would be removed But the select few who get caught, Kobe Bryant, Wayne Simmonds, Tony Romo, and Sean Avery are merely biproducts of a sports culture where intolerance (especially the homophobic kind) are not outside the norm. It is a shame and has no place in the game, but there is a long way to go before we eliminate homophobia, death threats, and racism in sports. A long way. And yes, it sucks, because there are gays who I am sure are offended by their favorite player using that word. They hear (heard) it enough at school and they do not need to hear it anymore, and I do not begrudge them outrage that sports players use this language. But it is also unfair to single out the aforementioned guys who have gotten caught as the only ones who help contribute to this.
As a sports fan, I knowingly acknowledge the people I cheer for may not be the kindest of gentlemen or even people that I would want to associate myself with in everyday life. But sadly, there are people in this world much more naive than me.
The best way to get rid of this junk would probably be through education and by somehow teaching them what impact words can have on others. Now how do you go about giving a much-needed education to an entire culture? Beats me.
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