Tuesday Morning Quick Hitters

The Tampa Bay Rays grabbed home field advantage right back from the Red Sox, by homering their way to a win. Jon Lester gave up bombs to BJ Upton and Evan Don’t Call Me Eva Longoria to blow the game wide open. The Sox dormant offense could only muster a sac fly for their only run. The Rays beat the Sox 9 – 1. The Rays lead the series 2 – 1.

The LA Dodgers seemed to like home cooking, until the 8th inning that is, when Shane Victorino tied it and John Baptist of Bangor Maine Hockey Coach Matt Stairs wone it with a 2 run moonshot. The Phillies beat the Dodgers 7 – 5. The Phillies lead the series 3 – 1.

The New York Rangers 2007 #1 pick 19 year old, Alexei Cherepanov, collasped and died during a Russian league game yesterday.

The Boston Bruins traded former Boston College star Andrew Alberts to the Philadelphia Flyers yesterday.

The Cleveland Browns handed the New York Giants their 1st loss of the season, slamming the champs 35 – 14.

Tony Dungy confirmed Monday that Peyton Manning actually had 2 surgeries on his knee.

Monday Morning Quick Hitters

Well, guess that week on the west coast didn’t do much for the Patriots. The San Diego Chargers promptly dispatched the New England Patriots 30 – 10.

The St Louis Rams and interim coach Jim Haslett entered the ranks of the winners Sunday, getting a last second field goal to beat the Washington Redskins 19 – 17.

The Philadelphia Eagles were without Michael….really, I do know it is Brian Westbrook again, struggled early and then turned it on by scoring 23 4th quarter points, beating the 49ers 40 – 26.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wanted to get into the excitement in Florida by slamming the Carolina Panthers 27 – 3.

The NYJ kept Harvard product Ryan Fitzpatrick in check, beating the hapless Bengals 26 – 14.

The New Orleans Saints showed Raiders Coach Tom Cable just how bad they are. Drew Brees went 26 – 30 for 320yds and 3 TD in a Saints 34 – 3 win over the Oakland Raiders.

The NFL owes yet another apology to a team. A side judge call an amazingly questionable pass interference on Lions CB Leigh Bodden that allowed the Minnesota Vikings to hit a last second field goal to beat the Lions 12 – 10.

The Indianapolis Colts finally broke in Lucas Oil Stadium with their old school offense, slamming the Baltimore Ravens 31 – 3.

In one of the best games of the day, the Houston Texans used a last second QB sneak on 4th down to beat the Miami Dolphins 29 -28.

In what might be the most spectacular ending, Kyle Orton went 7 – 11 on the Bears last drive and threw a spectacular 17 yrd TD pass with only seconds left on the clock. Atlanta was able to bring the ball back to their 39 and with 6 seconds left, Ryan threw a strike on the sideline to Michael Jenkins with 1 second left, allowing previous goat Jason Elam hit a 48 yrd field goal to beat the Bears 22 – 20.

Jacksonville went a long way to defining their season with their 24 – 17 win over the Denver Broncos.

The Green Bay Packers beat the injury depleted Seahawks 27 – 17.

The Arizona Cardinals ended their game with the Dallas Cowboys the way an Nfl had never been ended before, on a game ending sudden death blocked punt TD. The offenses came to play in Arizona’s 30 – 24 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Fireworks ensued in the Phillies Dodgers Game 3. Dodgers starter Hiroki Kuroda threw way up and in on the Phillies Shane Victorinio and Manny being Manny almost started a brawl. After all was said and done, the Dodgers climbed their way back into the series beating the Phillies 7 – 2.

The AP Top 5 Rankings are: #1 Texas, #2 Alabama, #3 Penn State, #4 Oklahoma, and #5 Florida

The NHL suspended Michael Peca indefinitely for bumping a referee.

Hockey Night in Canada gets new theme song “Canadian Gold”

Friday Morning Quick Hitters

The Philadelphia Phillies offense was dormant until the 6th inning when a Furcal error and the classic Derek Lowe meltdown rulted in HRs by Chase Utley (yes Phillies Fever Cowbell Remix was playing in Matty’s home when Utley hit his HR) and Pat Burrell to give the Philles all they need to overcome Manny and the Dodgers in Game 1. The Phillies win 3 – 2. Remember today’s game is at 4:30 p.m. on Fox.

All of New England GASPED when Mike Timlin was added to the playoff roster(They must have thought he was closing). Game 1 tonight at or around 8 PM from The Trop in Tampa.

#21 Wake Forest outduels the Clemson Tigers 12 – 7.

The NHL Season opened up on North American soil last night, as the Detroit Red Wings hoisted the Stanley Cup banner. The Toronto Maple Leafs had ideas of crashing the party and did so as Nikolai Kulemin scored at the 7:25 mark of the 3rd period to give the Leafs a 2 goal lead and the game winner. Toronto won 3 – 2.

The Boston Bruins won their opener against the Colorado Avalance 5 – 4. Tim Thomas has 35 save, standing on his head at times making huge stop after huge stop, none bigger than a flurry with 10 seconds left in the game.

Joe Thornton and his San Jose Sharks got off to a strong start, beating up on the rival Anaheim Ducks 4 – 1.

The Vancouver Canucks used an emotional tribute of Luc Bourdon, who was killed in a motorcycle accident in New Brunswick in May, to extinguish the Calgary Flames 6 – 0.

Friday Morning Quick Hitters

Tampa Evan Longoria has been touted as the savior all year, and he picked a great time to prove it. Longoria went 3 – 3, 2 HRs and 3 RBIs to power the Rays to a 6 – 4 win over the Chicago White Sox. The Rays lead the Best of 5 Series 1 Game to None.

In the 1st NL game of the day, Philadelphia, powered by a Shane Victorino grand slam and 7 innings of 2 hit pitching from Brett Myers, beat CC Sebathia and the Milwaukee Brewers 5 – 2. The Phillies go up 2 Games to None in the Series.

In the last game of the day, Chicago may be about to burn again. The Los Angeles Dodgers took it to the hapless Cubbies once again for a 10 – 3 win over the Cubs. The Cubs infielders all committed errors, leading directly to 5 Dodgers run and Manny hit another bomb to finish the Cubs off. The Dodgers lead the Best of 5 Series 2 – 0.

#15 Utah needed a last second field goal to polish off Oregon St. 31 – 28.

Pitt’s LeSean McCoy ran for 2 TD’s as Dave Wannstedt’s Panthers beat their 3rd ranked team of the season, upsetting #10 South Florida 26 – 21. Pitt is now 5 – 1 (2 -0 in the Big East) and South Florida dropped to 5 – 1 (0 – 1 in the Big East)

The Buffalo Bills have locked up an important piece of their offense, signing Lee Evans to a 3 year 37.25 million dollar deal with over 18 million guaranteed.

Redskins likely without top 2 DBacks for Philly game.

The Chicago Bears suspended DT Tommy Harris for violating team rules.

David Stern responds to the report that Tim Donaghy was the only person breaking the law.

Portland Trailblazers fans hold their breath as Greg Oden injures ankle.

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

#19 South Florida upended #13 Kansas with a late field goal, 37 – 34

Beanie will not play in the clash at the Coliseum.

Sedenka’s Mountaineers give Bill Stewart some security in a long term contract.

Lots of Rain Outs Friday

The Boston Red Sox stopped the surging Toronto Blue Jays in their tracks Friday, shutting them out 7 – 0.

The Los Angeles Dodgers slammed the Colorado Rockies 7 -2.

The Arizona Diamondbacks kept pace by beating the Reds 3 – 2. The D-Backs are 3 1/2 games back of the Dodgers.

Wednesday Morning Quick Hitters

The Boston Red Sox demolish the Baltimore Orioles 12 – 4 and finally gain a game on the Tampa Bay Rays, as the Rays lose to the New York Yankees 7 – 2.

The Minnesota Twins lost a game to the Red Sox in the Wild Card Standings, losing to the Toronto Blue Jays 7 – 5. The Chicago White Sox lost to the Cleveland Indians 9 – 3. The White Sox and the Twins stay tied for the Central lead.

The Atlanta Falcons beat the Miami Dolphins with a late safety.

The NL East stays status quo as the Mets and the Phillies both win. The Mets beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6 – 5 in 11 innings. The Phillies beat Nationals 4 – 0. The Phillies stay 2 games behind the Mets for the NL East lead, while the Brewers loss keeps them 4 1/2 games back of the Chicago Cubs.

Speaking of the Cubs, they lose the game to the Houston Astros 9 -7, but the bigger loss may be to Carlos Zambrano.

The LA Dodgers finally gained a game on the Arizona Diamondbacks as the Dodgers beat the Padres 8 – 4, and the D-Backs lose to the Cardinals 8 – 2. The Dodgers are 1 1/2 games back of Arizona on the NL West.

Jacksonville Jaguars player Richard Collier was critically shot yesterday.

The New Orleans Saints will stay at the Superdome for Sunday’s game.

Rudi Johnson now a Detroit Lion.

The Denver Broncos trade Dominique Foxworth to the Falcons for undisclosed draft pick.

The Miami Heat signed center Jamaal Magloire.

The Philadelphia 76ers sign Donyell Marshall.

Wednesday Morning Quick Hitters

Fenway Parked looked more like Gillette Stadium as the Boston Red Sox beat the Texas Rangers 19 – 17 Tuesday night. David Ortiz had 2 HRs in the 1st inning and Kevin Youkilis finished the scoring with his second HR of the night. In other Red Sox news, they acquired Cleveland Indians pitcher Paul Byrd for cash or a player to be named later.

Apparently 2 angry 2 run homers for Gary Sheffield were not enough for the Detroit Tigers as they lose to the Toronto Blue Jays 6 – 4. The Tigers put Sheffield on waivers Tuesday.

The Chicago White Sox moved 1/2 game ahead of the Twins by beating the KC Royals 9 – 0. Dye, Swisher and Pierzynski all had homers for the Pale Hose.

Injuries may be taking their toll on the Tampa Bay Rays, as they lost to the Oakland A’s 2 – 1 Tuesday. Scott Kazmir pitched well, but without their 2 spark plugs, the offense couldn’t get going. The Rays are still up by 3 games on the Red Sox.

The Philadelphia Phillies lost in the 9th inning to the surging Los Angeles Dodgers 4 – 3. Andre Ethier singled home Russell Martin for the win. Philly is now only 1 game up on the Mets, and the Dodgers are 1 game back of the D-Backs.

The New York Mets bullpen finally saved a game for Johan Santana, as the Mets beat the Nationals 4 – 3. The Nationals’ Saul Rivera hit the Mets Damion Easley with the bases loaded to bring in the winning run.

The Florida Marlins gained a game on the Phillies as well, by beating the Cardinals 4 – 3. The Cards were held scoreless over the last 8 innings. The Marlins are now 1 1/2 games behind the Phillies.

Randy Johnson continued to look like his old self, leading the Arizona Diamonbacks to a 4 -2 win over the Rockies. Newly acquired Adam Dunn doubled in his debut with Arizona.

Micheal Phelps won 2 more Gold Medals today, winning the 200m Butterfly (beating his own world record) and then, less then an hour later, started the 4×200 freestyle relay win.

US Girls Gymnastics can’t overcome injuries, but still take silver to China’s Gold.

The Miami Dolphins cut A.J. Feely.

The Minnesotta Vikings free agent acquisition CB Madieu Williams, who injured his neck, could be out for an extended period.

The Arizona Cardinals 1st Round pick was carted of the field Tuesday.

The Philadelphia 76ers re-signed Andre Iguodala.

Former Celtic Dan Dickau latest to bolt for Europe.

Sunday Morning Quick Hitters

The Boston Red Sox continued their mastery over the AL Central, beating the White Sox 6 – 2. The win give the BoSox an 18 – 7 record against the AL Central. Chicago lost Jose Contreras for the rest of the season while he was trying to cover 1st on a Jacoby Ellsbury grounder.

The California Angels pounded the New York Yankees once again. Vlad Guerrero triggered a 8 run 8th inning with a HR starting the onslaught. The Angels won 11 – 4.

Tampa Bay came back again, beating the Seattle Mariners in 11 innings 8 – 7. The Rays tied their franchise record for total wins, 70. The Rays stayed 3 1/2 games up on Boston.

The Minnesota Twins took sole possession of 1st place with their 7 – 3 win over the KC Royals. Francisco Liriano looked very good again in his 2nd start back from the DL. The Twins are 1/2 game up on the Pale Hose in the AL Central.

Philadelphia Phillies starter Brett Myers did not like being told “boom…Outta Here” by manager Charlie Manual after 7 2/3 strong inning, arguing with his skipper on the mound and in the dugout during the Phillies 4 – 2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. All seemed calm after the game from all parties.

The New York Mets used huge rookie contributions to stay within 1 game of NL East leaders, the Philadelphia Phillies. Mets outfielder Daniel Murphy ( pinch hit 2 run HR) and starter Brian Stokes (5 2/3 innings, 6 Ks) helped the Mets to the 8 – 6 win over the Florida Marlins.

The St Louis Cardinals playoff hopes got a slight bit brighter with their 12 – 3 win over the NL Central leading Chicago Cubs. Troy Glauss, who was previously hitless against the Cubbies, hit 2 HRs and had 5 RBIs. St Louis’ win puts them 6 games behind the Cubs.

The Milwaukee Brewers gained a game in the standings by beating the Washington Nationals 6 -0. The win marks the 1st time since 1992 that the Brewers has back to back complete game shutouts by their pitching staff. The Brewers are now 4 games behind the Cubs.

The Arizona Diamondback’s playoff push may have taken a monstrous blow Saturday. 2nd Baseman Orlando Hudson broke his wrist attempting a tag. Hudson could be gone for the year. The Atlanta Braves used a 7 run 6th inning to top the D-Backs 11 – 4.

The Los Angeles Dodgers missed a golden opportunity to take sole possession of 1st place in the NL West Saturday, losing to the San Francisco Giants 3 – 2 in 10 innings. Jeff Kent gave the Dodgers the lead with a solo HR in the top of the 10th. Captain Fake Tan aka Jonathan Broxton quickly blew that lead when he had a wild throw home on a squibber, loaded the bases and allowed a line drive through the drawn in infield for a blown save. Manny “I Love LA” Ramirez had 3 more hits for the Dodgers. The win came on the Giants 50th Anniversary in San Francisco which Barry Bonds attended.

Michael Phelps won, what is likely the 1st of many Gold Medals setting a blazing world record of 4:03.84 in the 400M Individual Medley (IM consists of all 4 swimming strokes, freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly).

The Men’s Volleyball team overcomes shock and sadness to win their 1st match of the Olympics.

Dara Torres became the oldest competitor in Olympic swimming to win a medal, when at age 41, the US 4×100 freestyle team took home silver. Torres won her 10th Olympic Medal in her 5th Olympic competition.

US sprinter Tyson Gay feels good in 1st full workout in Beijing.

Denver Broncos linebacker Louis Green was carted off the field in a violent collision in the 1st quarter of Denver’s 19 – 16 loss to the Houston Texans.

Multi-year Multi-Million dollar RB Ryan Gran has a hamstring injury that is causing concern for the Packers.

Brett Favre was a huge hit in his 1st practice with the Jets.

Sports Vortex guest Paul Kuharsky has a nice story on David Garrard and his 1st full off season as starting QB.

The Los Angeles Lakers signed their 2nd round draft pick Sun Yue, who is currently playing for the Chinese Olympic Basketball Team.

Better Late Than Never Quick Hitters

Well the aftermath of the Manny trade is far and wide. New England newspapers, websites and sports radio are rampant with after the fact Manny stories. Apparently Sox players had to beg Manny to go to Seattle from LA. Manny told the players he was going to be out 11 weeks with injured knees. Sox management threatened Manny with suspension if he didn’t play the 2nd game in Yankee Stadium, for the rest of the year. No matter how you look at it, the Manny Ramirez Era in Boston is over.

Bill Reynolds of The PriJo has a nice write up.

Dan Shaughnessy always has his $ .02.

And as always, a no holds barred approach from Gerry Callahan.

And from the other coast, everyone’s favorite, Bill Plaschke.

MLB

The California Angels spoiled I Rod’s debut with the Yanks, slamming them 12 – 6. Torri Hunter, Vlad Guerrero and Juan Rivera all blasted 3 run homers off Yankee pitching. The Angels are 11 – 2 post All Star break.

The Chicago Cubs complete a 4 game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers with a 11 – 4 drubbing. Jim Edmonds continues his offensive surge, going 2 for 3, 2 HRs including a grand slam and 5 RBIs. The win put the Cubs 5 games ahead of both the Brew Crew and the Cards.

The Philadelphia Phillies move to 1 game up over the Mets in the NL East with an 8 – 4 win over the Washington Nationals. Rollins and Werth homered in thbe win. The Phils are winners of 5 straight.

Florida kept pace in the east beating the Rockies 12 – 2. Anibal Sanchez looked like his rookie form in 5 2/3 innings. Florida is coming off a day where they almost landed the biggest Marlin if all…Manny Ramirez.

The Minnesota Twins survive John Danks, their manager being tossed and unruly fans, to beat the Chicago White Sox 10 – 6, to move 1/2 game behind the Pale Hose. Ron Gardenhire got tossed when the umps changes a HBP to strike while it looked clearly like a HBP. Then the Twins fans on top of the White Sox dugout got into it with Ozzie Guillen and hats and balls began peppering the field. Guillen pulled his team off the field until order was restored.

NFL

The Miami Dolphins add 1 more QB to the competition.

Steven Jackson’s holdout reaches 7th day.