Sunday, July 31, 2011

Nnamdi Asomugha Prize Cornerback Signs With Eagles


Suprise suprise, Nnamdi Asomugh didn't sign with the likes of the New York Jets or Dallas Cowboys, the all pro cornerback signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Who would've thought, especially after the Eagles landed cornerback Rodgers-Cromartie during the Kolb trade to Arizona, the day before. Add all pro Asante Samuel to the mix and the Eagles have 3 pro bowl defensive backs. Last season Philadelphia were one of the worse teams defensively, in terms of giving up passing touchdowns, 31 to be exact. Now they Eagles have so much talent at the position. Rumors have begin to swirl Samuel may be the odd man out and could be traded. Hopefully for one season at minimum Philadelphia retains all 3 defensive backs. The team could use Asante to acquire a linebacker or another defensive player, maybe an offensive lineman as well. Only time will tell.

New England Patriots Land Ochocinco & Haynesworth


The Patriots have appeared in 6 overall Super Bowls since 1985 and since 2001 they are 3-1 overall in 4 Super Bowl appearances. New England hasn't won a postseason game since the 2007 season, when they went 16-0 in the regular season, before losing to the Giants in Super Bowl XLII. The team isn't satisfied with their trophy case. New England only had to give up late round draft picks, to acquire Ochocinco from the Bengals and Albert Haynesworth from Washington. Now they booster the WR core and DL core as well. Haynesworth and Vince Wilfork will be a tough tandem to run the ball against. Ocho will help the likes of Wes Welker and Deion Branch.

Kolb Traded To Arizona


Kevin Kolb finally received his wish after the NFL lockout ended. The former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback was traded to the Arizona Cardinals for cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Arizona after the trade inked Kolb to a contract extension. Keven Kolb was drafted in 2007 to eventually replace Donovan McNabb. McNabb was traded to Washington in 2010, Kolb was announced as the starting quarterback in Philadelphia. However he was knocked out in week 1 vs. Green Bay. Michael Vick seized the moment and led Philadelphia to a NFC East title and playoff appearance. Kolb has wanted to start, now he has his chance. Philadelphia and Arizona will meet in November at Lincoln Financial Field.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Pittsburgh Pirates Making Noise In NL Central


Fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates, haven't seen a winning season since 1992, when the team were lead by Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla and Andy Van Slyke. During the 1991 & 1992 seasons Pittsburgh would win division titles, then fall short both seasons to Atlanta in the NLCS. The 2011 Pirates are led by young All Star outfielder Andrew McCuthchen. The young Bucs, no pun intended are battling the likes of St. Louis and Milwaukee for the top spot in the NL Central Division. The Pirates are over .500 this late in the season, past the All Star break for the 1st time in 19 seasons. Only time will tell in the 2nd half of the season, if the Pirates will be able to compete for a division title or Wild Card berth. The players have down their part thus far, led by excellent pitching. However, will the Pittsburgh front office make an additional move prior to the July 31st MLB trade deadline.

NBA Lottery Selections Walker & Williams Sign Shoe Deals

During the 2011 NCAA Tournament Kemba Walker and Derrick Williams were opponents. Walker and the UConn Huskies defeated Williams and the University of Arizona Wildcats, in the Elite Eight, which allowed the Huskies to advance to the Final Four. Now the Pac Ten Player Of The Year Williams and the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four, will be teammates. No, not NBA teammates as Williams was drafted by Minnesota and Walker by Charlotte. The two rookies will become UnderAmor teammates. Both lottery selections signed endorsement deals, with the company led by Milwaukee Buck Brandon Jennings. That's probably the best news the pair of rookies have recieved professionally, since the NBA Draft, their has been a league lockout, with no end in sight. Gone now are the rookie summer leagues and they contact between players and their respective NBA teams.

Monday, July 4, 2011

NBA NFL Lockout Which Will Come To An End First


We are four months into the NFL lockout. We are now nearly one week into the NBA lockout. Most fans see wealthy owners vs. rich players, while they work 9-5 jobs to see these teams and players play their respective sport. What they also see and more importantly can't fathom is why both sides can't simply split the money and live happily ever after. The NBA and NFL Drafts have respectively come and gone, since their are a pair of lockouts, rookie players can't sign their first professional contracts. The NFL has missed OTA's so far, players have tried to meet with one another to workout to stay in shape. Teams usually report to training camps in late July, we are only weeks away. NBA coaches similar to NFL coaches won't be allowed to contact players during the lockout. NBA coaches would like to tell their players what to work on and improve during the summer. Also NBA summer leagues for rookies have been cancelled. These leagues in Orlando, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas help players transition into the NBA. NFL lockout may have hurt the chances of late round draft picks, to impress the coaches and maybe find a spot on the team. No one really knows when either lockout will come to an end.

Bruins Add To Boston Sports Championships With Stanley Cup Title


Tim Thomas the veteran Boston Bruins goaltender, the previous year was a backup. He also could have been traded this past off season, however he remained a Bruin, now he's a Stanley Cup winning net minder. Boston 4 Vancouver 3 as the Bruins defeated the Canucks in 7 games. The Bruins had not won a Stanley Cup title in nearly 40 years, since the days of Bobby Orr. Now since 2000 Boston,MA sports fans have witnessed parade after parade, 3 from the Patriots, 2 from the Red Sox, 1 from the Celtics and now 1 from the Bruins. Boston has truly become the town of champions. Boston outplayed Vancouver most of the series, especially in Boston during three home games. The Bruins took their game to the next level while on the road for Game 7, they scored early and often, while Thomas closed the door and with the shutout victory, allowed the party in Boston to begin.

James, Wade, Bosh Miami Heat Where Do They Go From Here


Lebron James as an individual player is 0-2 all time in the NBA Finals, following Miami 2011 NBA Finals loss. Lebron James as an individual player is 0-2 all time in the NBA Finals vs. Texas teams after losing the 2006 NBA Finals to San Antonio and the 2011 NBA Finals to Dallas. Wade was the 2006 NBA Finals MVP after Miami won the series vs. Dallas 4-2, after originally trailing the series 0-2. Chris Bosh who was added last off season as well, were supposed to take Miami to the next level, starting in year one. Dallas ended those dreams in Miami during a Game 6 victory over the Heat. Now where do the Heat go from here ? They'll need supporting players around the Big 3 mainly at the center and point guard positions. Will they have the money in which to address their needs ? Basically in South Beach it's championship or bust moving forward, winning the Southeast Division or Eastern Conference simply isn't enough for Pat Riley's Miami Heat. Many people will remember James averaging 3ppg and scoring at total of 18 points during 6 NBA Finals 4th quarters.

Dirk Nowitzki Secures 13 Year Dream Dallas Wins 2011 NBA Title


Earlier in the 2011 NBA Playoffs, Dallas defeated Los Angeles by sweeping the two time defending NBA Champions. Prior to the 2011 NBA Finals may experts didn't believe Dallas had a chance to defeat James, Wade, Bosh and the Miami Heat. Miami in year one was supposed to win the NBA championship, the Heat even captured Game 1 vs. Dallas. Miami seemed to be heading to Dallas up 2-0, however the Mavericks stormed back to win Game 2 after down by double digits in the 4Th quarter. The momentum in the series, clearly changed after Game 2. Miami would eventually become the scene of a Game 6 Dallas victory led by Jason Terry who shot lights out when Nowitzki struggled from the field. Dirk won 2011 NBA Finals MVP, because he was spectator overall in the series. He also made up for the 2006 NBA Finals loss vs. Miami when the Heat won 4-2, after trailing 2-0. Now fellow veterans Kidd, Marion, Terry, Chandler among others finally have the championship they long desired. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is also a world champion.