Thursday Morning Quick Hitters

The Boston Red Sox used their young guns to take a game from the California Angels in Anaheim. Jacoby Ellsbury had 3 hits and was a force on the basepaths and Jon Lester pitched 7 very strong innings to bring the Sox post season win streak against the Angels to 10 games. Jason Bay broke the ice for the Red Sox with a 2 run HR off John Lackey. The Sox take a 1 – 0 series lead with the 4 – 1 win.

The 1st game of the day show just how playoff ready the Philadelphia Phillies are. Cole Hamels pitched 8 innings of 2 hit ball and Brad Lidge scared the hell out of every Phillies fan in the 9th, but he closes it out and gives the Phillies a 3 – 1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Phillies take a 1 – 0 series lead.

Ryan Dempster couldn’t find the plate and it finally cost him in the 5th inning as James Loney hit a grand slam propelling the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7 – 2 win over the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs took an early lead on a 2 run HR by Mark DeRosa, but the Dodgers were too strong for the Cubbies at Wrigley.

Bill Belichick denies yet another unfounded accusation from crazy man Al Davis.

Former Buffalo Bill and Denver Bronco Travis Henry arrested on cocaine trafficking.

Boise St reminded everyone they still exist last night with a blowout of LA Tech.

Saturday Morning Quick Hitters

Mark Buehrle stymied the Boston Red Sox for 7 innings, and Carlos Quentin added an insurance HR in the 8th to beat the Red Sox 5 – 3.

The Tampa Bay Rays moved 3 1/2 games up on the Red Sox by beating the Seattle Mariners 5 -3. Carlos Pena went 2 -3 with 2 RBIs to lead the Rays to victory.

The California Angels used a 17 hit barrage to nail the New York Yankees 10 – 5. Ian Kennedy looked as dismal as ever giving up 5 earned runs in just 2 innings of work. Torii Hunter continued his blazing year at the plate, going 4 – 5 with 4 RBIs.

Chipper Jones returned to the Atlanta Braves lineup Friday, and immediately brought his team a victory. Chipper went 2 – 4 with a HR and 2 RBIs in Atlanta’s 11 -6 win over Arizona.

Brad Penny returned to the LA Dodgers rotation Friday and looked like the Opening Day starter the Dodgers expected. Penny went 5 inning only giving up 1 hit on the way to leading the Dodgers to a 6 -2 win over the San Francisco Giants. With the win, the Dodgers are only 1/2 game back of the Arizona Diamonbacks for the NL West lead.

Former St Louis Cardinal Jim Edmonds, was a 1 man wrecking crew on his former team Friday. Edmonds hit 2 HRs and Henry Blanco singled home the winning run in the 11th inning, helping the Chicago Cubs to a 3 – 2 win over the St Louis Cardinals.

CC Sabathia was on his game again, throwing a complete game, 5 hit shutout against the listless Washington Nationals. Sabathia struck out 9 in the 80’s Old School Pinstripes, to lead the Brew Crew to a 5 – 0 win over the Nats. The Brewers stayed 5 games back of the Cubs.

The Minnesota Twins kept pace with the White Sox, beating the Kansas City Royals 4 -1. Kevin Slowey 5 2/3 innings and the Twins bullpen held it the rest of the way for the win. In other Twins news, Michael Cuddyer is possibly lost for the season, as he was hit in the foot by a line drive while he was leading off first.

The Philadelphia Phillies wasted a gem from newly acquired Joe Blanton, losing to the Pittsburgh Pirates 2 – 0. The Pirates used a bevy of pitchers and survived 2 walks by former Red Sox reliever Craig Hansen, in the 12 inning to secure the win. The Phillies have now gone 23 innings without scoring a run.

The New York Mets moved to within 1 game of the Phils, beating the Florida Marlins 3 – 0 Friday. Carlos Delgado and David Wright homered in the win.

The Atlanta Hawks didn’t waste much time deciding whether to keep Josh Smith. The Hawks kept Smith by matching the Grizzlies’ offer of 5 years, $58 million.

76ers center, Jason Smith, suffers ACL injury.

Tony Parker picked as EA Sports NBA Live 09 cover player.

Chad Pennington didn’t stay unemployed for long, signing a 2 year deal with the Miami Dolphins.

The Philadelphia Eagles locked up Brian Westbrook for another 3 years on Friday.

New York Jets tight end AJ Schable left the hospital after a helmet to helmet collision in Thursday’s game against the Browns.

Michael Phelps opened his quest for USA Swimming history by setting an Olympic record in the 400 meter individual medley. Larsen Jensen improved on his 400M freestyle American record

US Women’s Soccer got into the win to take his prelim heat.column, with a victory over Japan 1 – 0.

USA women’s saber fencing takes the 1st medals of the Olympics for The United States.

Thursdays (Hopefully this will be the last one with Brett Favre for a while) Quick Hitters

MLB

The Boston Red Sox offense took off again last night. Mike Lowell and Kevin Youkilis were the only 2 starters not to have an RBI in the game. Ellsbury hit a 3 run blast off Ron Mahay and Jed Lowrie and JD Drew added 2 RBIs apiece to pace the Sox to a 8 – 2 win over the Kansas City Royals.

Jason Giambi and Sidney Ponson sur the Yankees to a 5 – 3 win in Texas. The Yanks also lost newly aquired catcher Ivan Rodriguez to a knee injury after David Murphy took him out at the plate. In other Yankee news Joba Chamberlain was placed on the 15 day DL.

The Tampa Bay Rays used some heroics to stay 3 games up on the Sox in the AL East. Carlos Pena capped a 6 run 9th inning with a 3 run HR to top the Cleveland Indians 10 – 7.

The Chicago Cubs kept a 5 game lead over Milwaukee Brewers by beating the Houston Astros 11 – 4. Alfonso Soriano and Mark DeRosa powered the Cubbies with a 3 run HR and a grand slam respectively.

Rickie Weeks best day of his career at the plate (4 hits) helped the Brew Crew keep pace with the Chicago Cubs, beating Cincinnatti Reds 6 – 3.

Kyle Kendrick pitched a gem last night for the Philadelphia Phillies and Ryan Howard homered to power the Phils over the Florida Marlins 5 – 0. The win opened a 2 1/2 game lead over the Marlins and 3 full games over the Mets in the NL East.

Pedro Martinez and the New York Mets couldn’t hold down the San Diego Padres, losing 4 – 2. Brian Giles and Chase Headley both homered to help power the Pads.

Derek Lowe lasted only 3 1/3 innings allowing 8 runs in that span, getting the loss in St Louis’ win over the LA Dodgers 9 – 6. Albert Pujols and his grand slam help St Louis continue to play wild card killer.

The Chicago White Sox and the Minnesota Twins kept status quo in the tightest divisional race in MLB right now. Minnesota topped Seattle 7 – 3, and the Pale Hose topped the Tigers 5 – 1.

NFL

The Brett Favre saga is over, as previously reported by the Central Maine Sports Blog. The Jets traded a conditional 2009 4th Round pick for Favre. If Favre lights up Broadway, the draft pick could be a 2nd or even a 1st round pick.

That’s it…tomorrow we will get back to reporting real NFL stories.

NBA

The Boston Celtics will raise Banner 17 to the rafters October 28th in front of King James and his Cleveland Cavaliers.

The San Diego Clippers…ooops sorry I’m old….Los Angeles Clippers have acquired Steve Novak from the Houston Rockets.

Greg Oden will finally take an NBA court against the West Champ Los Angeles Lakers.

Tuesday Morning Quick Hitters

MLB

The California Angels take game 1 of the 3 games series against the Boston Red Sox 7 – 5. Dice K had set down 8 Angels in a row until the wheels came off in the 6th inning. Casey Kotchman and Torii Hunter both homered in the 6th to blow the game open. The Sox attempted a comeback but MLB saves leader Francisco Rodriguez closed it out after allowing a Manny HR. The latest Red Sox Trade Blog is here

Another day, another monster loss by the Atlanta Braves. The St Louis Cardinals gained a game on Milwaukee by beating the Braves 12 – 3. The Braves are taking bids , the leading contender for Mark Teixeira is Arizona.

Speaking of the Brewers, the Brewers lost a hard fought game with NL Central Division Leading Chicago Cubs 6 – 4. CC Sabathia and Ted Lilly both gave up 3 earned runs and didn’t factor in the decision. This game went back and forth until Salomon Torres set the stage for the Cubbies win by walking 2 batters in the 9th. The Brew Crew is now 2 games back of the Cubs.

The NY Yankees train came to a screeching halt again, losing to Orioles Magic crooner Kevin Millar ( 3 – 5, 3 RBIs) 13 – 4. Mike Mussina lasted just 5 innings giving up 6 earned runs as the Orioles rolled.

The AL Central showdown Part 1 was won by the Minnesota Twins. Kevin Slowey pitched a complete game 6 hitter, shutting out the White Sox 7 – 0. Justin Morneau and Denard Span both hit 2 run HRs in the 3rd inning. Span’s HR was his 1st career HR. Minnesota is now 1 1/2 games back of the Pale Hose. Late news that the Twins might still be in hot pursuit to bring back LaTroy Hawkins.

The Florida Marlins continued their trek to 1st place in the NL East, and beat the Mets 7 – 3. The Marlins got good news off the field as well, as former Red Sox farmhand Anibal Sanchez will start on Thursday

The Philadelphia Phillies had the night off, but Pat Gillick reveals Chase Utley injury, which Utley denies. If he played for the Patriots, they would list him as questionable, then just start him every game.

The NL West keeps the status quo, Arizona over the Dodgers by 1 game, as the Giants beat the Dodgers 7-6 and the DBacks lose to the Padres 8 – 5.

The Toronto Blue Jays kept the Tampa Bay Rays at bay for the Red Sox another night. Former Portland Sea Dog pitcher, AJ Burnett, matched his career high in wins with 12, beating Tampa 3 -1. Former Red Sox player and Bangor, Maine hockey coach Matt Stairs hit a 2 run HR in the 6th inning to put Toronto up for good. JP Ricciardi addressed rumors that AJ might be moved at the trade deadline. Tampa designates Gary Glover for assignment. His brother Danny had no comment.

Ken Rosenthal’s early morning wrap-ups including Miguel Tejada is off the table. Apparently the Red Sox had interest.

NBA

Former UConn standout Emeka Okafor reached agreement on a 6 year deal.

Another UConn star, Ben Gordon, and the Bulls are getting nowhere fast.

Delonte West’s agent doesn’t like how the Cavs are negotiating. There is word within that article that both Miami and Boston approached Cleveland about a sign and trade but were rebuffed.

Toronto Raptors add another guard to the mix.

Sasha Vujacic, I have a name for him that I won’t use here…just go download any old Sports Vortex from the NBA Finals and you will hear it over and over and over again (it rhymes with Moo-Ya-Witch), signed his deal with the Lakers.

Kwame Brown has a new home, I assume it’s nowhere near 8 Mile or Rick Mahorn.

The Pistons feel that the asking price for Josh Smith is too steep.

The Tim Donaghy Saga should come to some kind of an end today as he is sentenced for his crimes.

Ricky Davis goes to yet another team, signing with the LA Clippers.

The NY Knicks traded away one fan favorite Renaldo Balkman to the Denver Nuggets basically for draft picks and cap space.

NFL

Mike Reiss has observations from Patriots Camp .

Ryan Grant is not pleased with the Packers latest offer.

NY Daily News hypothesizes that Eric Mangini gave the NYJ the day off from camp yesterday to secretly talk to Brett Favre. The Jets deny that statement, saying they needed a break after 5 days. In related news, Patriots Fans laugh their asses off.

Joe Horn still wants out of Atlanta. The Falcons have yet to comply.

Terence Newman is injured in The Cowboys AM session yesterday. The Cowboys are taking cues from the New England Patriots and not saying a freaking thing.

Steven Jackson still holding out of Rams camp.

Shawn Andrews is still MIA for the Eagles, and DeSean Jackson and Asante Samuel have something in common.

The Titans are trying to figure out who their returner is going to be.

Monday Morning Quick Hitters

The Boston Red Sox finally stopped the Yankees winning streak, beating the Yanks 9 – 2. Jon Lester pitched 7 innings, getting out of a few jams along the way. The Sox Drama show got weirder when Manny said before the game that he would OK a trade, then, reminded Sox Nation exactly why they put up with his stuff going 3 – 5 with 2 RBIs. Papi had 3 RBIs and Mike Lowell added 2 more.

The Philadelphia Phillies played HR Derby against the Atlanta Braves, outslugging them 12 – 10. 5 Phillies went deep, a couple off former Sox Julian Tavarez, in the slam fest. The win puts the Phils 1 game behind the Mets.

Johan Santana pitched a complete game 6 hitter to shut down Central Division leaders ST Louis Cardinals 9 – 1. Delgado and Wright continue their offensive surge, and with Fernando Tatis, the Mets demolished the Cards.

Jeff Supan was once again the fly in the ointment for the Milwakuee Brewers, allowing 8 earned runs in 8 innings and giving the Houston Astros an 11 – 6 win. The Brew Crew missed an opportunity to take sole possession of 1st place in the Central.

Arizona keeps a 1 game cushion against the LA Dodgers Sunday. The D-Backs beat the Giants 7 – 2. The Dodgers beat the Nats 2 – 0.

The Chicago Bears signed Devin Hester to a contract extension Sunday. ESPN’s John Clayton reports the 4 year deal is worth 30 million, half of which is guaranteed. Hester was right into the offense in his visit to camp, so look for a Hester strong offense this season.

Joe Palmeri’s Philadelphia Soul beats the San Jose Sabercats to win the Arena Bowl, 59 – 56.

Goose Gossage……calm blue ocean, calm blue ocean……..entered the Baseball Hall of Fame Sunday, along with (thank GOD) Impossible Dream manager Dick Williams.

Sunday Morning Quick Hitters

Join us for a LIVE edition of The Sports Vortex, brought to you by Chicago Dogs, 285 RT 1 Scarborough, ME, to be simulcast on WJZF from 4 to 6 PM EST

MLB Round-Up

Sox lose again in the land of Angels. Beckett looks great for 6 and then gives up 4 in the 7th. Vlad gets it started and Willy Aybar finishes them off. In a related story Air Force One may be making an unscheduled flight from Pawtucket, RI to California. In another related story, people are setting fire to eBay in Portland Maine.

Dan Haren’s 7 scoreless combined with Chad Billingsly’s rough 1st inning, Arizona beat the Dodgers 3 – 2. Former Sox Brandon Lyon made it interesting in the 9th giving up a leadoff HR to Jeff Kent and allowing 1 more to cross, but does just enough to get his 20th save.

Another former Sox (see a trend) Lenny DiNaaaaaaado hit Jose Molina in the 12 to bring home the winning run allowing the Yankees to beat the A’s 4 – 3. The Yanks offense continues its struggles leaving an astounding 21 runners on. Both closers blew leads in this 4 hour and 45 minute marathon.

The Brewers win its 3rd straight game, beating the Giants with offense this time. Prince Fielder homered for the 2nd straight game and Ricky Weeks had a 2 run double to spur the victory. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting the Brewers prospect Darren Ford has been traded to Oakland for Huston Street. There is no MLB confirmation of the deal as of yet.

Evan Longoria blew open a pitchers dual between the Jays Roy Halladay and the Rays Matt Garza, in the 6th inning with his 1st career grand slam. Dan Wheeler closes out the game for his 4th save and moves Tampa 1 1/2 games up on the Sox.

The Cubbies lose their 2nd straight game to the Astros and 3rd straight overall, 4 -1 Saturday, as their bats fall silent again. Carlos Zambrano fell to 10 – 4 on the season, but tried to help his own cause with his second homer of the season in the 7th. Wandy Rodriguez went 6 2/3 for his 5th win of the season.

The Cardinals are steaming back into the race with the Cubs with their 4th straight win. The Cards are now just 2 games back of Chicago. Down by 5, the Cards came back with help from Albert Pujols who went 3 – 4 with 4 RBIs. The Cards bullpen shut out the Padres the rest of the way and the Cards came away with a 6 – 5 victory.

In a wild one in Miami, the Florida Marlins outlast the Phillies 9-5 for the victory. Cody Ross (4 – 5 and a homer short of a cycle) and Jorge Cantu drive the offense for the Marlins. Pat Burrell hit 2 homers for the Phillies. Kevin Gregg made it interesting in the 9th, loading the bases then striking out Ryan Howard on 3 pitches and getting the previously mentioned Burrell to ground out to end the game. The Phils are still 1 game up on the Mets…speaking of the Mets

Josh Fogg continued his resurgence for the Reds, beating the Mets 7 – 2. The Mets looked like the hapless Mets of the Willie Randolph era, hitting into 3 double plays, making errors and taking a called third strike, twice, wit the bases loaded.

Other scores Baltimore Magic struck Luke Scott as he walks off against the Tigers 11 – 10. The Nats rookie John Lannan helps his team over the Braves 8 – 2. Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer help demolish Texas 14 – 2. The win pulls the Twins to 1/2 game back of the White Sox, who lost to the Royals, 9 -1.

Other News

Greg Norman could be the oldest person to win a major PGA event today, as he leads the British Open by 2 strokes with 18 holes to go.

The little QB that could, Doug Flutie, along side JoPa, entered the College Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.

And just for the hell of it, The Indiana Fever beat the New York Liberty 71 – 55 in the WNBA’s first outdoor game. With temps hovering around 90 degrees, the teams did battle on a makeshift court at Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open facilities in NYC.