Charlie Manuel It's Getting Late For The Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies head to the west coast for possibly the most important road trip of the season in SD, LA and Colorado vs. Padres, Dodgers and Rockies. Currently trailing Atlanta by 3 games in NL East & 1/2 game behind SF Giants in the Wild Card. The team made up no ground and also allowed Braves to increase their lead as Braves were swept in Colorado, their last game they blew 10-1 lead, however Houston came into Philadelphia and swept a 4 game series. All season the offense has been inconsistent, now players aren't sliding at home plate, getting picked off base, not playing small ball, scoring with RISP with less than two outs, getting excellent starting pitching especially from Roy, Roy and Cole. Hamels are 7-1o and Phillies aren't scoring in his starts, he's pitched extremely well thus far. The trend has been Philadelphia scoring less than 3 runs in games during this season or being shutout. Even more frustrating they are making below or average opposing starting pitchers look great. Few weeks ago they destroy R.A Dickey from the Mets, then they see him once again, they were a Cole Hamels hit away from getting no hit in New York, Dickey pitched a one hitter. Victorino Werth and Francisco has been picked off base recently, Utley and Howard has struggled coming off DL, Blanton and Kendrick has been inconsistent 4th & 5th starters, Rollins has had a up and down season, ditto for Lidge the closer. Philadelphia is looking to win it's 3rd straight NL Pennant and 4th division title in a row. However they need to start scoring runs and stop making mental errors on the bases or none of that will matter. Players are taking strikes down the middle and swinging at balls, guys are either pressing or trying to hit every pitch out the park, no patient approach at the plate. Which allows an opposing pitcher pitch count to rise. There is slightly more than a month in the regular season to be played. We'll see how the team respond down the stretch.

Carmelo Anthony Leaving Denver Or Staying

Carmelo Anthony, after leading Syracuse to a National Championship in 2003 during his freshman season and his only year at school, became a lottery selection of the Denver Nuggets. He's made the All Star team several times and won an Olympic bronze medal in 2004 and gold medal in 2008. Anthony recently married this summer and has a son as well, will be featured on a reality television show this fall. Carmelo Anthony, is heading into his 8th season. The Nuggets have a new owner, who owns the St. Louis Rams of the NFL as well. Carmelo has been offered a contract extension but hasn't accepted the deal. Plenty of rumors are around him, will he stay or will Nuggets deal him to get something for him, opposed to losing him for nothing via free agency after 2010-11 season. Teams such as Los Angeles Clippers and New Jersey Nets are listed as possible destinations, because they have young talent, Nuggets may desire. Rumors also have Anthony wanting to play in New York with Amare Stoudamire, who left Phoenix this offseason for the Knicks. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out moving foward.

Stephen Strasburg Could Be Heading Toward Tommy John Surgery

Steven Strasburg was placed on the disabled list by the Washington Nationals in July, the young pitcher returned. During a start vs. Philadelphia, he left the game with an injury. MRI revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Strasburg will have a second medical opinion. However many say he could miss 12-18 months if Tommy John surgery is needed. John Smoltz and Chris Carpenter to name a few pitchers who recently came back from that same procedure. Steven was the first selection during the 2009 Major League Baseball draft. Strasburg made his major league debut vs. Pittsburgh on June 10, 2010. Now a little over two months later he's suffered a serious injury. Atleast youth is on his side, for a timely recovery, prior to continuing his career.

Durant Leds USA Into World Championships Of Basketball

Kevin Durant, National Freshman Of Year during is only season in Austin, playing for the University of Texas, 2008 NBA Rookie Of Year, face of the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise after their move from Seattle when they were known as the Supersonics, Rookie Game MVP and Horse Champion during All Star Weekend in Phoenix, All Star, youngest scoring champion in NBA history during 2010 season, own endorsement deal with Nike, resigned with the Thunder this off season minus hour long announcement on ESPN, now he'll lead Team USA into FIBA competition. Durant along with Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green lead OKC to their first playoff appearance this past spring. Thunder gave Lakers all they can handle in a tough 6 game opening round Western Conference Playoff series. Terrific learning experience for Durant and his teammates. Unfortunately, Green didn't make the USA team, however Westbrook will join Durant in Turkey as they'll represent their country. Durant won't turn 22 until September and has accomplished many things, nevertheless the sky is the limit for the 6'9 combo wing player, who can finish in transition, create for others and himself, shoot the jumper especially from deep, can rise where his jump shot can't be affected, knock down free throws and quickly becoming one of the top 3-5 players in the National Basketball Association. More importantly he's a great guy off the court, recently purchased a twitter fan of his some sneakers, while in the mall himself.

Goodell Says Owners Support 18 Game Regular Season Schedule

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is going into his 5Th season as the lead man in America's most popular sport. Goodell replaced Paul Tagliabue once the former commissioner retired in August 2006. NFL could possibly be facing a labor lock out if players and owners can't get on the same page prior to 2011 season. He's reported during meetings with owners, owners are in favor of an 18 game NFL regular season schedule. Currently teams play 4 preseason games & 16 regular season games. If the owners have it their way, it'll be 2 preseason games & 18 regular season games. However the players will seek additional money, that they feel should come with additional games, which is part of the issue NFL Players Union and owners have with one another. Who knows what'll happen after Super Bowl XLV in Arlington,TX next February, lockout or no lockout, 18 game regular season or 16 game regular season, stay tuned.

Harvin & Vikings Where Do They Go From Here

Thursday August 19Th, during training camp, Vikings 2ND year wide receiver and return man Percy Harvin was rushed to the hospital. According to reports he fielded punts, looked to the sky and felt a migraine coming on. Minnesota Vikings medical staff took him in to look at him. Shortly after his return, Harvin became sick to his stomach on the sideline and fell out. The entire Minnesota Viking family were concerned, Harvin missed time earlier in camp, due to the headache he's been experiencing since a child. Harvin a 2009 1st round selection of Minnesota missed practice and game time last season due to the attacks. The team has sent him to various treament centers and physicians to exam him. Anyone dealing with migraines including myself, never know when they can accur or how long they can last. Some headaches are worse than others, personally I feel for the player, like Terrell Davis who played parts of Super Bowl XXXII Broncos vs. Packers with a migraine headache. 22nd selection from University of Flordia, has had these issues during college as well. Percy returned to the practice field Friday, however he watched from the sidelines as teammates hugged him and gave hand shakes. Where do Harvin and the Vikings as an organization go from here, obviously everyone want whats best for Percy Harvin the person.

1992 USA Men's Basketball Team One & Only Dream Team

1992 Dream Team featured 13 Hall of Famers, 10 players and 2 coaches. 1989 FIBA allowed NBA players to compete in 1992 Summer Olympics and beyond. Formerly only amateur players usually college athletes would participate.

10 Dream Team players in 1996 were name to NBA 50 Greatest Players team. In route to a gold medal vs. Croatia and Toni Kukoc, USA ran through the competition literally, blowout after blowout, players said practicing versus each other were more difficult than the actual games. They'll be inducted into the basketball Hall Of Fame as a team, during 2010 enshrinement. This team changed the way fans around the world viewed basketball in the summer of 1992, more international players wanted to and have gone on to compete in the NBA. The league has since become global, when exibition games are played outside the USA & Canada, fans flock to see NBA teams and players.

Scottie Pippen & Basketball Hall Of Fame Class Of 2010

Scottie Pippen, 1st round selection of the Chicago Bulls during the 1987 NBA Draft from small Central Arkansas University, has now become a Naismith Basketball Hall Of Famer, along with Karl Malone, they'll both be going in for their work mainly in Chicago and Utah respectively. The pair of players also will go in as part of the 1992 Olympic team, known as the Dream Team. Those group of players were the first Olympic players from the NBA, as they captured goal in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Fellow pears from Class Of 2010 : Dennis Johnson, 1960 USA Men's Basketball Team, Dr. Jerry Buss, Bob Hurley, Cynthia Cooper & Marciel Perieira. Pippen was a 7 time NBA All Star, won 1994 All Star Game MVP, 6 time NBA Champion including 2 seperate 3peats, 7 time 1st team All NBA Defense, 3 time 1st team All NBA and lead the NBA in steals once. Pippen will be introduced by former teammate Michael Jordan

NFL HOF Class Of 2010

Russ Grim, Rickey Jackson, Dick Lebeau, Floyd Little, John Randle, Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith make of the National Football League, Class of 2010. Grim was part of the offensive line named the 'Hogs' in Washington, he also won multiple Super Bowls, ditto for Rice while play for the 49ers and retired with all major receiving records, ditto for Smith who retired as all time leading rusher of the National Football League. Jackson was the heart and soul of the New Orleans Saints 3-4 defense in the late 1980's and early 1990's. Floyd Little and Dick Lebeau were NFL All Pros during their respective eras, John Randle was a sack master when he played, well known for his personality as well. Many people will remember Rice for his 4 Super Bowl titles, 3 with Montana and 1 with Young. While Smith won 3 Super Bowl titles while playing along side Aikman and Irvin.

Alex Rodriguez 600th Home Run Extremely Diluted

Individuals such as Barry Bonds, Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa have all been linked to either steroids or some type of sports enhancer, among others. A. Rod formerly of the Seattle Mariners & Texas Rangers, currently New York Yankees recently hit his 600Th career home run. However in this current baseball era, who really cares, how tainted are these numbers from several players mentioned above. Especially when they've been linked to taking some performance assistance. Bonds, McGuire and Sosa have all like Rodriquez hit 500-600plus career home runs, however an asterisk has to be put next to each of those players names. During 2009 Alex came out and admitted to his usage of sports enhancer, after testing positive, previously in 2007 he denied taking anything. Nevertheless A. Rod has become youngest player to hit 600Th homerun at age 35 and 8 days.

NBA 2010-11 Partial Schedule Released

2010-11 NBA season will begin Tuesday October 26Th, 2010 headlined by a TNT doubleheader. Wade, James and Bosh bring the Miami Heat to Boston to take on Rondo, Peirce, Garnett and Allen the defending Eastern Conference Champion Boston Celtics. Second game of the evening will take place at Staples Center as Kobe Bryant and the back to back defending NBA Champion LA Lakers will host former Laker Ariza and the Houston Rockets. Another Ring night ceromony for Kobe his 5th and Lakers 15th overall championship. Many believe Miami and Los Angeles will square off during 2011 NBA Finals, the two will meet during Christmas Day on ABC at Staples Center, there will be four other national tv games during the day as well.

Lorenzen Wright Public Memorial Service Held

FedEx Forum home of the Memphis Grizzlies, held a public memorial service for former Grizzlie player Lorenzen Wright who played in Memphis for 5 seasons, 2001-2006. Wright played 13 overall seasons in the NBA for five different teams. He was a first round selection in 1996 by the Los Angeles Clippers from the University of Memphis, Wright had career averages of 8ppg & 6rpg. Reports have risen that his ex wife had been visited by men prior to Lorenzen being reported missing on July 18th, 2010. Wright was found dead July 28th, 2010 in a Memphis wooded area with gun shot wounds. The former player leaves behind six children. Various motivates have been rumored, money/debt have been mentioned. Nevertheless the case is being investigated as a homicide.

Favre Retiring Once Again...Maybe

Brett Favre, via sources seem to be retiring for the National Football League once again. We've heard it all before, nevertheless if it's true, could the Vikings make another Super Bowl run with the likes of Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson ?

If Favre were to return, the Vikings along with the Saints and Cowboys would be favorites to represent the NFC in Arlington,TX for Super Bowl XLV. Minus Favre, could the Vikings win the NFC North like they did in 2008, when Jackson were the starting quarterback. It'll be interesting to see if Favre will once again change his mind later in training camp. Will everyone see Favre return to the Superdome the place where the Vikings lost his last game vs. Saints during NFC Championship Game. 2010 opening game has those two teams facing off in a rematch to begin the season.

Albert Haynesworth Training Camp Distraction Failed Fitness Test

Albert Haynesworth during the 2009 off season signed a seven year $100 million deal with the Washington Redskins, including $41 million guaranteed. Haynesworth was suspended for the remainder of the 2006 season, while playing with the Tennessee Titans stomped a Cowboys offensive lineman, leaving a gash on the players' forehead, barely missing his eye. During the process Albert removed the players' helmet and was ejected from the game. Haynesworth questioned Redskins defensive cordinator following a loss during 2009 season, he also questioned the defensive scheme. During 2010 off season the Redskins hired two time Super Bowl champion Mike Shannahan formely of the Denver Broncos. Albert said he wasn't going to play in a 3-4 scheme for the upcoming season. Last week when camp started he was placed through a fitness test, which he has yet to pass, Shannahan informed Haynesworth he will not practice until he passes the test, regardless of how long it takes. It'll be interesting to see which direction the player and organization take moving forward whether thats in Washington or elsewhere.