Friday, July 31, 2009

Anything you can do, I can do Better

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Weeks after Jonathan Sanchez threw the first No-Hitter of the 2009 MLB season, another player made his way into the record books. Only reaching a bigger achievement, a Perfect game. Mark Buerhle is no stranger to throwing the no-hitter, as he threw one just 2 seasons ago on April 18, 2007. & Similar to Jonathan Sanchez' remarkable accomplishment, a defensive switch may have been what saved the perfect game. Leading off the top of the 9th, Gabe Kapler belted what would have been a Home Run to left field, if it weren't for outfielder DeWayne Wise's brilliant catch to preserve the gem.

Buehrle became the first pitcher to throw a perfect game since Randy Johnson did so back in 2004. He's also only the 18th player to throw a perfect game in Major League history. The number that would have belonged to Sanchez if it weren't for an error committed by Buehrle's former White Sox teammate Juan Uribe (As mentioned in the post: A Giant No No). Sanchez threw the no no against a lack luster offense and a team that's been struggling and in desperate need of rebuilding. While Buehrle on the other hand threw his Perfect game against an offensive powerhouse team that's been rebuilding since they've existed - The 2008 American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays.

Sure celebrating after the game with his family and teammates was enjoyable, but a simple phone call might have topped all of that. Who the call was from you ask?, None other than President Obama. Obama, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the 2009 All-Star game in St. Louis just weeks ago, was decked out in White Sox gear and met with Buehrle in the locker room before the game. The former Chicago senator is a very loyal fan of the South side Chicago ball club, and I thought it was cool he took a moment to address Buehrle's accomplishment. Buehrle didn't just stop there, in fact he went on to retire the first 17 batters he faced in Tuesday's start against the Twins, setting a new Major League record of 45 consecutive batters retired. And just yesterday he was awarded his own day nammed after him, "Mark Buehrle Day" (July 30th), by the Governor of Illinois. I think it's pretty cheesy, but cool nonetheless.

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DeWayne Wise's perfect catch
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009

A GIANT NO-NO

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Almost 3 weeks ago, San Francisco Giants' left handed pitcher Jonathan Sanchez threw the best game of his life, and surely his most memorable one. Before making Baseball history, Jonathan Sanchez was just another regular big league pitcher. After a 2 hour and 22 minute game against division rival San Diego, Sanchez threw the first No Hitter at AT&T park and became the first Giant to do so since John "The Count" Montefusco, back in 1976. The south paw also became the first Giant to reach the feat at home since Ed Halick did it in 1975.

Sanchez who was the subject of trade rumors, was demoted to the bullpen after four straight agonizing starts and wasn't even scheduled to pitch, until learning days before that Giant veteran Randy Johnson would be sidelined after pulling a muscle in his shoulder while swinging a bat. After hearing about the news, Sanchez told his father in Puerto Rico to make the trip to San Francisco to watch him pitch a game that would make or break his spot in the rotation. Little did he know, what his son was about to achieve. Jonathan completed the no hitter without giving up any walks and would have had a pefect game if it weren't for a defensive switch that was later made moving Juan Uribe from second to third base in the 7th inning. Uribe later fumbled a hard hit ball in the 8th inning, to commit an error and end Sanchez' bid for a perfect game. However the no hitter was still in tact, and was later saved as Aaron Rowand made a leaping grab in the 9th inning to rob a hit and possible home-run. To add to the no-no, Sanchez added a career high 11 strikeout's.

Sanchez who pitched in substitution for the injured Randy Johnson, was the first left hander to throw a no hitter since Johnson threw one himself back in 2004 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Coincidence?

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Sanchez giving his father a hug inside the dugout
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Giants mascot Lou Seal congratulating Sanchez
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Wednesday, July 22, 2009

WITNESS BITCH-ASS-NESS

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Two weeks ago, we all heard about LeBron James getting dunked on in his own Basketball camp. Days later LeBron James along with Nike and the rest of the media made a big deal out of what seems to be nothing considering dunking and being dunked on are two well known aspects of the game of Basketball. And of all people to complain about the dunk, it's well known poster boy of the posterization "King James". The man has made a career out of dunking on players and finally gets a peice of his own medicine (by a college kid might I add) and acts like it's the end of the world.


The tapes were released today and if you ask me, I don't think the hype was worth it. Then again LeBron's the one who got himself into this mess. He along with Nike did everything possible to keep the videos from getting leaked, but instead only made a bigger ass out of himself for having the videos confiscated and helped make Xavior basketball player Jordan Crawford that much more famous. Their excuse for taking the tapes were because Crawford had on 'Adidas shoes'. So I'm guessing if LeBron was dunked on by another player wearing Nike's it would have been okay? Get the hell out of here with that shit.

It's plain and simple, LeBron got shitted on and can't take something as small as a dunk without crying about it. First LeBron vanishes the court and building without addressing the media after losing in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, now this? They call this guy "King James", but he's only a "Prince" in my eyes until he acts like a man and actually wins something. Basketball season is nowhere near starting again, and this has already caused a stir among the sports world and other players. ESPN First Take's very own Skip Bayliss took shots at James, as did Kobe after being asked at his own Basketball camp about it. Kobe replied "You're not gonna see me getting dunking on me in my own camp".

Here's the long anticipated video courtesy of Ebaumnation:

For another version with better quality, CLICK HERE

Monday, July 20, 2009

Today was a Good Day



Growing up as a kid, no two things geld together better than music and skateboarding. Both were two things I was instantly hooked on and although I don't skate anymore or attend as many concerts as I used to, this commercial is one anybody can appreciate. If you're not the biggest fan of skateboarding, just check out the mesmerizing photography that Nike SB has put together in a commercial to promote P-Rod's 3rd generation of his SB pro model kicks. Notice the special appearance by one of the West Coast's very own. Hint: "Fat Bitches need love too Craig!"

R.I.P. Arturo Gatti

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Another death in the World of sports, and another troublesome relationship. This time former Boxing Champ Arturo Gatti. The Italian/Canadian born boxer was found murdered in a hotel in Brazil. Gatti's girlfriend Amanda Rodrigues was charged with first degree murder after the strap of her purse was found stained with blood. Amanda claims to have been in the same room with Gatti's body for ten hours before realizing he was dead. The two were said to have a rough relationship and were on the verge of separating.

The retired fighter and 4-time nominee for Ring Magazine's "Fight of the Year" had a record of 40 wins and 9 losses, with 31 wins by knockout. It's said he was considering a comeback, but instead he is off to a better place. Arturo was dubbed the nickname "Thunder" Gatti, and was planning on attending his sisters wedding the following day.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

If You Can't Beat 'em, Join 'em!

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Weeks after bringing home the Gold, the Lakers now have 1 less Free Agent to worry about, as Trevor Ariza decided to part ways and decline the offer L.A. offered him. Instead the 2009 NBA Champs countered by signing Forward Ron Artest. Artest, who's no stranger to Laker fans will now be paired up with the same man he almost tangled with during the playoffs, Kobe Bryant.

Artest, who was named Defensive Player Of The Year in 2004, proved he could hold his ground, after leading a Houston team without T-Mac and without an injured Yao Ming to a game 7 against the Lakers. However they lost in that game 7. It will be quite interesting seeing Kobe and Artest on the same team, rather than going at it 1-on-1. I'll admit, I'm not the biggest Ron Artest fan, but then again, who is? Ever since the melee at the Palace in Detroit, I've had a bad impression on him. However his act has somewhat straightened up since. Let's just hope Artest knows who's team this is and hope he doesn't show up to practice with the Lakers logo embroidered into his hair.

The signing was made official early Wednesday morning. Artest and the Lakers agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million. The Lakers also re-signed backup point guard Shannon Brown, early Wednesday morning, however terms were not yet released. Now the remaining question is, will the Lakers re-sign Free Agent Lamar Odom?

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Remember the Titans

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Just when we thought we could finally get back to being positive, another known Celeb passed away. This time it's sports related. Steve "Air" McNair, former QB of the NFL (Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans & Baltimore Ravens) was found lying dead in his Tennessee home with his 20 year old girlfriend on July the 4th. McNair died from (3) gunshot wounds to the head, as his girlfriend sustained 1 shot to the head, in what is now being called a Homicide-Suicide case. Who would do such a thing was the question many were asking considering the kind heart McNair had while both on and off the field. Coaches and players alike shared their sorrow in the media, and in interviews on ESPN.

A few of the later discoveries were found rather disturbing, as detectives found out days after the tragedy that the gun found under McNair's girlfriends body, was indeed hers. Records show she bought it 2 weeks prior of the shooting. Another shocking discovery found was that all of the doors and windows were locked from inside the house, preventing anyone from entering or exiting the home. Both families claim the couple had a healthy relationship, and neighbors never heard any ruckus or fighting coming from the two.

Steve was better known for his years as a Tennessee Titan and member of a 1-2-punch with former teammate and running back Eddie George. The 2 became close friends and led their team to the playoffs in 5 consecutive seasons, coming 1 yard short of tying SuperBowl XXXIV with time expiring. The reason of this tragic event may never be known. McNair was still married to his former wife, and is survived by his 3 children.