This weekend gave us the end to the Tour de France, a shocking soccer result, and the heating up of baseball's pennant races.
TOP 5 PERFORMANCES
5. Mark Cavedish
Cavendish continued his amazing form on the streets of the Champs-Elysses in Paris by winning the final stage of the Tour de France to add his total of 6 stage wins in this year's tour. However, Cavendish did not win the green jersey, awarded to the sprinter who accumluates the most points), losing by 10 points to Norway's Thor Hushovd.
4. Jimmie Johnson
Johnson won his second straight Brickyard 400 on Sunday. Johnson led only 24 laps of the 160 lap race and took advantage of Juan Pablo Montoya's speeding penalty on pit road. Montoya led most of the race. With the win, Johnson gained ground on points leader, Tony Stewart, he is know only 192 points back in 2nd place.
3. Chicago Cubs
The Cubs swept the Reds this weekend at Wrigley Field and pulled in front of the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central. The Cubbies got stellar starts from Randy Wells, Kevin Hart, and Rich Harden to sweep the Reds, giving the Cubs a 1/2 game lead on the Cardinals.
2. Mexican Men's Soccer Team
The Mexicans ran all over the United States in the CONCACAF Gold Cup Final on Sunday at the Meadowlands. Mexico came out storming with 5 second-half goals scored by Gerardo Terrado, Giovanni dos Santos, Carlos Vela, Jose Castro, and Guillermo Franco. The win gives El Tri the confidence they needed going into their August 12 World Cup Qualifier versus the United States at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
1. Alberto Contador
The Spainard won his second Tour de France, and his fourth grand tour overall on Sunday. Contador was dominant throughout the 21-stage race. He covered every attack in the mountains by Andy and Frank Schleck and dominated the individual time trail on Thursday to win by over 4 minutes on Andy Schleck. Contador win defintely be the favorite to win next year's tour but he most likely do it on a different team than Astana.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Mont Ventoux is fight for 2nd and 3rd
While many cycling fans were hoping for Saturday's Stage 20 of the Tour de France to decide the yellow jersey race, instead the climb up Mont Ventoux will decide places 2 thru 7 in the this year's race. Barring a catastrophic turn of events, Alberto Contador will win the 2009 edition of the most prestigous race in cycling. Contador leads Andy Schleck by 4 minutes and 11 seconds. Even though Contador will be a key figure in the 18 kilometer climb, his position in the race will not be threatened like the 6 riders directly behind him in the overall classification.
Second thru seventh place are seperated by 3 minutes and 14 seconds. The riders(in order of place in the overall) are Andy Schleck(Team Saxo Bank, Luxembourg), Lance Armstrong (Astana, USA), Bradley Wiggins (Garmin-Slipstream, Great Britain), Andreas Kloden (Astana, Germany), Andy's brother, Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank, Luxembourg), and Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas, Italy). These six riders will be in the biggest fight for the podium spots the Tour de France has seen in years.
The Schleck brothers have continually put pressure on Contador and his two Astana teammates, with Nibali and Wiggins holding on to the very select group formed on every day in the Alps. Clearly, the advantage goes towards either Astana or the Schlecks, Wiggins has shown signs of cracking on near the top of the big climbs this year. Nibali is in the same shape but has an extra motivation because he is still in contention for the white jersey(best young rider competition), only behind Andy Schleck by 3:14. Although he is the longshot in both competitions, Nibali could feel inspired to have the ride of his life.
No matter who wins the stage and who ends up on the podium, one thing is clear: tommorrow's race up Mont Ventoux will be exciting to watch.
Second thru seventh place are seperated by 3 minutes and 14 seconds. The riders(in order of place in the overall) are Andy Schleck(Team Saxo Bank, Luxembourg), Lance Armstrong (Astana, USA), Bradley Wiggins (Garmin-Slipstream, Great Britain), Andreas Kloden (Astana, Germany), Andy's brother, Frank Schleck (Saxo Bank, Luxembourg), and Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas, Italy). These six riders will be in the biggest fight for the podium spots the Tour de France has seen in years.
The Schleck brothers have continually put pressure on Contador and his two Astana teammates, with Nibali and Wiggins holding on to the very select group formed on every day in the Alps. Clearly, the advantage goes towards either Astana or the Schlecks, Wiggins has shown signs of cracking on near the top of the big climbs this year. Nibali is in the same shape but has an extra motivation because he is still in contention for the white jersey(best young rider competition), only behind Andy Schleck by 3:14. Although he is the longshot in both competitions, Nibali could feel inspired to have the ride of his life.
No matter who wins the stage and who ends up on the podium, one thing is clear: tommorrow's race up Mont Ventoux will be exciting to watch.
Monday, July 13, 2009
MLB Midseason Awards
With the All-Star break upon us here are my choices for the major awards for the first half of the year.
NL MVP- Albert Pujols, Cardinals
There is absolutely no debating this award. Pujols has hands down been the best player in National League so far this year. Pujols is hitting .332 with 32 HR and 87 RBI. Pujols has a chance to win the NL triple crown, he is only 17 points behind Florida's Hanley Ramirez.
Runner-up: Raul Ibanez, Phillies .309 avg. 22 HR 60 RBI
AL MVP: Joe Mauer, Twins
Mauer has not missed a beat this year hitting the ball, although he has missed a lot of games. Mauer was on the DL for the first month of the season andjust became eligible last week for the AL batting title. Mauer is batting .373 this year, 11 points ahead of Ichiro, who usually wins the AL batting title. Mauer is also putting up career high power numbers with 15 HR and 49 RBI. The 15 HR are his career high at the All-Star break, and Mauer will certainly hit his career high number of home runs for a season.
Runner-up: Ichiro Suzuki, .362 avg, 6 HR, 128 hits, 19 SB
NL Cy Young: Jason Marquis, Rockies
Marquis would not be a candidate at the beginning of the year, going to Colorado and becoming their ace. But at the All-Star break, Marquis leads the NL in wins (11) and surprisingly only has 58 strikeouts, while pitching a hitter's park, Coors Field.
Runner-up: Tim Lincecum, Giants 10-2 2.33 ERA, 149 strikeouts
AL Cy Young: Tim Wakefield, Red Sox
Wakefield's knuckle ball has been confusing hitters and catchers for over 15 years, and now Wakefield is 11-3 in a pitching staff with the likes of Josh Beckett, John Smoltz, and Jon Lester. Wakefield has been named to his first all-star game and it will be interesting to see how his catcher in the all-star game handles the knuckle ball.
Runner-up: Zach Greinke, Royals 10-5, 2.12 ERA 129 strikeouts, 5 complete games.
NL Rookie of the Year: Pablo Sandoval, Giants
Sandoval barely missed out on the All-Star game losing the final vote to Shane Victorino but Sandoval deserves it. He has 15 HR and 55 RBI with a .333 average this season. If Sandoval, playing first and third base this year continues this pace he will win Rookie of the Year.
Runner-up: J.A. Happ, Phillies 6-0 in 10 starts, 2.90 ERA
AL Rookie of the Year: Rick Porcello, Tigers
Porcello impressed many people around baseball with his quick start and although he has slowed down a bit he is still 8-6 with a 4.14 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. Porcello has been one of the keys to the rotation after Justin Verlander for the Tigers.
Runner-up: Nolan Reimold, Orioles 9HR, 23 RBI, .257 avg.
NL Manager of the Year: Joe Torre, Dodgers
Torre has led the Dodgers to the best record in baseball at 56-32. The Dodgers also faced the loss of Manny Ramirez for 50 games to a drug suspension. Torre's success has continued from last year after his move from New York and the Dodgers are by far one of the favorites to win the NL pennant.
Runner-up: Fredi Gonzalez, Marlins, 46-44, 4 GB in NL East
AL Manager of the Year: Ron Washington, Rangers
Washington has turned this team of mostly youngsters into a contending team. With prospects from the Mark Texeira trade (Elvis Andrus, Jarrod Saltalamacchia) and talented prospects (Taylor Teagarden, Scott Feldman, and David Murphy) and a mix of well-tested veterans (Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Kevin Millwood and Andruw Jones), and being only 1 1/2 games out, the Rangers have the talent to test the Angels throughout the second half in the AL West.
Runner-up: Terry Francona, Red Sox, 54-34, 3 games ahead in AL East.
Postseason Predictions:
AL East Champ: Red Sox
AL Central Champ: Tigers
AL West Champ: Angels
AL Wild Card: Rangers
ALCS: Red Sox over Angels in 6
NL East Champ: Phillies
NL Central Champ: Cardinals
NL West Champ: Dodgers
NL Wild Card: Giants
NLCS: Dodgers over Cardinals in 5
World Series: Red Sox over Dodgers in 6
MVP: Jason Bay
NL MVP- Albert Pujols, Cardinals
There is absolutely no debating this award. Pujols has hands down been the best player in National League so far this year. Pujols is hitting .332 with 32 HR and 87 RBI. Pujols has a chance to win the NL triple crown, he is only 17 points behind Florida's Hanley Ramirez.
Runner-up: Raul Ibanez, Phillies .309 avg. 22 HR 60 RBI
AL MVP: Joe Mauer, Twins
Mauer has not missed a beat this year hitting the ball, although he has missed a lot of games. Mauer was on the DL for the first month of the season andjust became eligible last week for the AL batting title. Mauer is batting .373 this year, 11 points ahead of Ichiro, who usually wins the AL batting title. Mauer is also putting up career high power numbers with 15 HR and 49 RBI. The 15 HR are his career high at the All-Star break, and Mauer will certainly hit his career high number of home runs for a season.
Runner-up: Ichiro Suzuki, .362 avg, 6 HR, 128 hits, 19 SB
NL Cy Young: Jason Marquis, Rockies
Marquis would not be a candidate at the beginning of the year, going to Colorado and becoming their ace. But at the All-Star break, Marquis leads the NL in wins (11) and surprisingly only has 58 strikeouts, while pitching a hitter's park, Coors Field.
Runner-up: Tim Lincecum, Giants 10-2 2.33 ERA, 149 strikeouts
AL Cy Young: Tim Wakefield, Red Sox
Wakefield's knuckle ball has been confusing hitters and catchers for over 15 years, and now Wakefield is 11-3 in a pitching staff with the likes of Josh Beckett, John Smoltz, and Jon Lester. Wakefield has been named to his first all-star game and it will be interesting to see how his catcher in the all-star game handles the knuckle ball.
Runner-up: Zach Greinke, Royals 10-5, 2.12 ERA 129 strikeouts, 5 complete games.
NL Rookie of the Year: Pablo Sandoval, Giants
Sandoval barely missed out on the All-Star game losing the final vote to Shane Victorino but Sandoval deserves it. He has 15 HR and 55 RBI with a .333 average this season. If Sandoval, playing first and third base this year continues this pace he will win Rookie of the Year.
Runner-up: J.A. Happ, Phillies 6-0 in 10 starts, 2.90 ERA
AL Rookie of the Year: Rick Porcello, Tigers
Porcello impressed many people around baseball with his quick start and although he has slowed down a bit he is still 8-6 with a 4.14 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. Porcello has been one of the keys to the rotation after Justin Verlander for the Tigers.
Runner-up: Nolan Reimold, Orioles 9HR, 23 RBI, .257 avg.
NL Manager of the Year: Joe Torre, Dodgers
Torre has led the Dodgers to the best record in baseball at 56-32. The Dodgers also faced the loss of Manny Ramirez for 50 games to a drug suspension. Torre's success has continued from last year after his move from New York and the Dodgers are by far one of the favorites to win the NL pennant.
Runner-up: Fredi Gonzalez, Marlins, 46-44, 4 GB in NL East
AL Manager of the Year: Ron Washington, Rangers
Washington has turned this team of mostly youngsters into a contending team. With prospects from the Mark Texeira trade (Elvis Andrus, Jarrod Saltalamacchia) and talented prospects (Taylor Teagarden, Scott Feldman, and David Murphy) and a mix of well-tested veterans (Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Kevin Millwood and Andruw Jones), and being only 1 1/2 games out, the Rangers have the talent to test the Angels throughout the second half in the AL West.
Runner-up: Terry Francona, Red Sox, 54-34, 3 games ahead in AL East.
Postseason Predictions:
AL East Champ: Red Sox
AL Central Champ: Tigers
AL West Champ: Angels
AL Wild Card: Rangers
ALCS: Red Sox over Angels in 6
NL East Champ: Phillies
NL Central Champ: Cardinals
NL West Champ: Dodgers
NL Wild Card: Giants
NLCS: Dodgers over Cardinals in 5
World Series: Red Sox over Dodgers in 6
MVP: Jason Bay
Weekend Wrap July 10-12
This weekend produced little excitement compared to the past few weekends but it did feature a no-hitter, UFC 100, and French pride in the Tour de France. So while your wondering why Jason Marquis and Zach Grienke are not starting the all-star game, here are the top 5.
TOP 5 PERFORMANCES
5. Brock Lesnar
Lesnar defeated Frank Mir at UFC 100 on Saturday night to win the UFC heavyweight title. Lesnar used his skills from his wrestling past to dominate Mir and win by TKO.
4. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies continued to turn around their luck at home this week going 6-1 against the Reds and Pirates, including a 22-1 outburst on Monday, a comeback win on Saturday highlighted by a Ryan Howard 3-run homer and capped by a Paul Bako walk-off single. Then on Sunday, J.A. Happ continued his great season going to 6-0 with a 5-0 win over Pittsburgh.
3. Jeff Francoeur
The Mets outfielder proved why people need a change of scenery to kickstart their season. Francoeur was traded by the Braves to New York for OF Ryan Church. Francoeur, who became out of favor in Atlanta went 4-for-9 in 2 games this weekend with 2 RBIs in Saturday's win over the Reds.
2. French riders in the Tour de France
France has found many riders to cheer for over the years, but it has not this many stage wins in the first week of the tour in a while. On Friday, Brice Feillu of Team Agritubel, won the stage up to the summit of Arciles in Andorra with fellow Frenchman Cristophe Kern of Team Cofidis finishing second and gaining the King of the Mountains jersey. On Saturday, Sandy Casar of the French team, Francaise de Jeux, finished second in Stage 8. Then on Sunday, the French luck continued with a win by Pierrick Fedrigo of another French team, Bouyges Telecom, who got their second stage win after another Frenchman, Tomas Voeckler won Stage 5 on Wednesday. The French hope their luck can continue on the biggest day on the tour for the French on Tuesday, Bastille Day.
1. Jonathan Sanchez
Sanchez threw the Giants' first no-hitter since 1976 over the Padres Friday night. Sanchez would have had a perfect game but Juan Uribe's error in the 8th put on a runner on base. Sanchez's defense did come to his rescue in the 9th with Aaron Rowand's leaping catch against the centerfield wall. Sanchez completed the no-no with a called thrid strike against Padres SS Everth Cabrera. Sanchez's final line was 9 IP, 0 hits, 0 walks, and 11 strikeouts.
TOP 5 PERFORMANCES
5. Brock Lesnar
Lesnar defeated Frank Mir at UFC 100 on Saturday night to win the UFC heavyweight title. Lesnar used his skills from his wrestling past to dominate Mir and win by TKO.
4. Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies continued to turn around their luck at home this week going 6-1 against the Reds and Pirates, including a 22-1 outburst on Monday, a comeback win on Saturday highlighted by a Ryan Howard 3-run homer and capped by a Paul Bako walk-off single. Then on Sunday, J.A. Happ continued his great season going to 6-0 with a 5-0 win over Pittsburgh.
3. Jeff Francoeur
The Mets outfielder proved why people need a change of scenery to kickstart their season. Francoeur was traded by the Braves to New York for OF Ryan Church. Francoeur, who became out of favor in Atlanta went 4-for-9 in 2 games this weekend with 2 RBIs in Saturday's win over the Reds.
2. French riders in the Tour de France
France has found many riders to cheer for over the years, but it has not this many stage wins in the first week of the tour in a while. On Friday, Brice Feillu of Team Agritubel, won the stage up to the summit of Arciles in Andorra with fellow Frenchman Cristophe Kern of Team Cofidis finishing second and gaining the King of the Mountains jersey. On Saturday, Sandy Casar of the French team, Francaise de Jeux, finished second in Stage 8. Then on Sunday, the French luck continued with a win by Pierrick Fedrigo of another French team, Bouyges Telecom, who got their second stage win after another Frenchman, Tomas Voeckler won Stage 5 on Wednesday. The French hope their luck can continue on the biggest day on the tour for the French on Tuesday, Bastille Day.
1. Jonathan Sanchez
Sanchez threw the Giants' first no-hitter since 1976 over the Padres Friday night. Sanchez would have had a perfect game but Juan Uribe's error in the 8th put on a runner on base. Sanchez's defense did come to his rescue in the 9th with Aaron Rowand's leaping catch against the centerfield wall. Sanchez completed the no-no with a called thrid strike against Padres SS Everth Cabrera. Sanchez's final line was 9 IP, 0 hits, 0 walks, and 11 strikeouts.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Team Time Trial Could Give Lance Yellow
With the surprising breakaway from the peloton propelled by Team Columbia in Stage 3 of the Tour de France, Lance Armstrong could be in the yellow jersey tommorrow afternoon in Montpeiller, France. Armstrong did not fall asleep on the move by Team Columbia and joined the group of 27 riders that broke away from the peloton. Armstrong and Columbia's Michael Rogers were the only two main contenders for the title that made the move. Armstrong didn't have a chance to take the leader's yellow jersey today because Fabian Cancellara, the leader through the first 3 stages, jumped on the move as well. Being heads up may turn out very well for Armstrong tommorrow as he is 3rd overall going into the team time trial.
Armstrong's Team Astana is by far the strongest team at the 21-stage tour. With 2007 winner Alberto Contador of Spain, fellow American Levi Leipheimer, and Germany's Andreas Kloden, Astana boasts 4 contenders for the general classification title. The team time trial that occurs tommorrow around Montpeiller, France is based on the times of the 5 best riders of the team that finish. If Astana beat Cancellara's Saxo Bank team and Columbia by 40 seconds or more, Armstrong will be in the yellow jersey for the first time since winning on the Champs-Elysses in Paris after winning his 7th tour in 2005.
Also, if Armstrong takes yellow, the power struggle within the team will continue to strengthen. Armstrong has already stated repeatedly that Contador is the team leader but with yellow on his shoulders possibly, the tides could change going into the first mountain stage on Friday.
Armstrong's Team Astana is by far the strongest team at the 21-stage tour. With 2007 winner Alberto Contador of Spain, fellow American Levi Leipheimer, and Germany's Andreas Kloden, Astana boasts 4 contenders for the general classification title. The team time trial that occurs tommorrow around Montpeiller, France is based on the times of the 5 best riders of the team that finish. If Astana beat Cancellara's Saxo Bank team and Columbia by 40 seconds or more, Armstrong will be in the yellow jersey for the first time since winning on the Champs-Elysses in Paris after winning his 7th tour in 2005.
Also, if Armstrong takes yellow, the power struggle within the team will continue to strengthen. Armstrong has already stated repeatedly that Contador is the team leader but with yellow on his shoulders possibly, the tides could change going into the first mountain stage on Friday.
Weekend Wrap July 3-5
Fourth of July weekend brought many fireworks to sports' fans all over the globe. With an epic final at Wimbledon, a large number of hot dogs eaten by Joey Chestnut, Manny's return to baseball and the beginning of the Tour de France.
TOP 5 PERFORMANCES
5. Joey Chestnut
Anyone who eats 68 hot dogs in 12 minutes deserves to be on here. 1. because thats crazy 2. he won the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition for the third straight year.
4. Philadelphia Phillies
After being swept in Atlanta by the Braves during the week, the Phillies pulled it together and swept the New York Mets. By sweeping the Mets, Philadelphia expanded their lead in the very tight NL East. With great starting pitching performance by Rodrigo Lopez, Jamie Moyer, and Joe Blanton the Phils showed no sign of weakness this weekend.
3. Team Columbia-High Road
The American-based cycling team pulled off yet another flawless lead-out in the sprint finish in Stage 2 of the Tour de France. Propelled in the last kilometre by Austrailian Mark Renshaw, the fastest cyclist in the world, Mark Cavendish of Great Britain won his 5th stage overall and 1st of the tour.
2. Andy Roddick
Roddick showed Roger Federer and the rest of men's tennis that he is here to stay again with his amazing performance despite losing in a five-set thriller to Federer in the Wimbledon final Sunday. Roddick did not give up a break in serve until the last game of the championship, but what was more impressive was his newly found fitness and confidence in his game. Although he lost, Roddick should not hold his head down because he made a statement to the sport in his match Sunday.
1. Roger Federer
Federer is now officially the best player ever in men's tennis. Federer survived not breaking Andy Roddick's serve until the last game and also had over 50 aces in the match. With the win, he won his 7th Wimbledon title and more importantly won his 15th major title, surpassing American Pete Sampras to become the all-time leader in major championships.
TOP 5 PERFORMANCES
5. Joey Chestnut
Anyone who eats 68 hot dogs in 12 minutes deserves to be on here. 1. because thats crazy 2. he won the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition for the third straight year.
4. Philadelphia Phillies
After being swept in Atlanta by the Braves during the week, the Phillies pulled it together and swept the New York Mets. By sweeping the Mets, Philadelphia expanded their lead in the very tight NL East. With great starting pitching performance by Rodrigo Lopez, Jamie Moyer, and Joe Blanton the Phils showed no sign of weakness this weekend.
3. Team Columbia-High Road
The American-based cycling team pulled off yet another flawless lead-out in the sprint finish in Stage 2 of the Tour de France. Propelled in the last kilometre by Austrailian Mark Renshaw, the fastest cyclist in the world, Mark Cavendish of Great Britain won his 5th stage overall and 1st of the tour.
2. Andy Roddick
Roddick showed Roger Federer and the rest of men's tennis that he is here to stay again with his amazing performance despite losing in a five-set thriller to Federer in the Wimbledon final Sunday. Roddick did not give up a break in serve until the last game of the championship, but what was more impressive was his newly found fitness and confidence in his game. Although he lost, Roddick should not hold his head down because he made a statement to the sport in his match Sunday.
1. Roger Federer
Federer is now officially the best player ever in men's tennis. Federer survived not breaking Andy Roddick's serve until the last game and also had over 50 aces in the match. With the win, he won his 7th Wimbledon title and more importantly won his 15th major title, surpassing American Pete Sampras to become the all-time leader in major championships.
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