Friday, July 23, 2010

Baseball in Stretch Run, Agents, Cowboys, and Summer League

Rangers actually Good!
Everything is bigger in Texas. Gigantic Trucks, bulging waistlines, and up till now Texas Rangers’ ERA’s. (Not poetic I know) Surprisingly, the usually inept Rangers are actually leading their Division. They are closely followed by the always good L.A/Anaheim/California Angels, but still they are leading their division! They even have a winning record! Bolstered by freshly minted acquisition Cliff Lee, the Texas pitching is actually pretty decent, eighth in the AL in era. We'll have to see if the Rangers can hold up and make the playoffs. (Where they'll probably get beaten by the Yankees, but still!)

Nick Saban really doesn't like Agents
College Sports has always had an issue with whether its big time athletes should be paid or not. This past week's Agent incidents with many of College Football's big names only highlights this. I am with Bama Coach/Czar Nick Saban on this one. The NCAA clearly needs to take a stand on one side of the issue: either pay its athletes and not have eligibility rules, or get rid of agents altogether by fining/suspending any having contact with a college player. Also, the Author would like to propose that all high school athletes are paid, specifically those residing in San Antonio.PIMPS!


Jerry Jones to suck more money out of San Antonio
NBA Summer League, We Hardly Knew Ye
On a more local note, America’s Team is coming to San Antonio. They will start having open practice to the public Friday July 23rd. Though the Cowboy's practice is the most boring thing you will ever watch, (I recommend Jersey Shore instead) there always seems to be hundreds of people every year that go to the Alamodome  to do so. Also, the NBA summer league is officially over. I don't know how much you can learn from a league of scrubs and rookies playing 5 games where they can get up to 10 fouls before being ejected, but the Spurs did go 5-0.Go Spurs Go!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Fantasy Football Tips and Tricks



Note: Do not draft any of the players seen in this video, the video is not real.The heat and early optimism of coaches shows that football season is almost upon us. In fact the Dallas Cowboys training camp opens next week in San Antonio. But anyway, football season also brings an even more important season; Fantasy Football! Since ESPN ALREADY published their Fantasy Football preview, I figured lowly Sporting Wood should also. Here are some tips for when you're drafting.

1. Only draft Rookies far away from the ball

The only adage goes that rooks have to adjust to the speed of the game. Really, the bigger adjustment is to the strength of the game. Rookies are almost fresh out of college 21/22 year olds (some older some even younger) and are facing grown men older, physically more mature, and just plain stronger. This is why you rarely see Rookie Lineman, Running Backs, or Quarterbacks do well, they are just too close to the ball and the real men. That being said, Rookie Wide Receivers are often very productive. Recent examples include Eddie Royal, DeSean Jackson,and Michael Crabtree (when he actually played). So if you must draft a rookie, draft a receiver.

2. Ray Rice is my No.1 Running Back

Odds are that the first three picks in your draft will be AP, CJ2K, and MJD in some order. If you somehow end up with the 3rd or 4th pick grab the Ravens' Ray Rice. Not only does he have the combination of Joe Flacco and new receiver Anquan Boldin to take pressure off him, he also has a solid O-line led by Michael "Blindside" Oher. He is very durable, I can't recall him missing a game, and has none of the holdout/fumblitis/other back to steal his carries that the other top backs have.

3. Keep an eye on the Jets' WRs

Braylon Edwards and new acquisition Santonio Holmes have both shown they can have big fantasy seasons. The only thing that appears to be holding them back is inconsistent/young QB Mark Sanchez. I'm betting that Sanchez will be better with the experience, and hey he's used to playing with pro-level paid talent, he went to USC! I’m betting one of these guys will have a big season, I just can’t tell you which.

4. Winslow and Davis for TEs

Vernon Davis is young and just coming into his talent under Coach Mike Singletary, so you probably already know about him. A good sleeper pick is Kellen “Soldier” Winslow of Tampa Bay.KW did have a knee injury this offseason and has an inconsistent young QB in Josh Freeman, but I think he will have Top 5 Tight End production this year.

5. Jammal Charles is a good pick

The former UT star RB rushed for 1120 yards last season and caught 40 passes this last season. This is only his 3rd season, so he has not hit the RB age wall yet. Also, he has new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis and a more experienced Matt Cassel to take a load off him. He finished strong with 258 yards against Denver in the last week of the 2009 season, and I expect more of the same this year.

Monday, July 12, 2010

THSCA All-Star Game Coming Soon...

The Alamodome will be getting some use July 20(That's next tuesday btw). The Texas High School Coaches Associations All Star Game will be played on said date at 7:30 PM. The rosters consists some of the best of the recently gruaduated High School Football players.Also, Jordan Shipley's dad is one of the coaches for all my UT fans out there.Here are some of the local players in the game  and the colleges they'll attend.Click here for the full roster and other info.
San Antonio Ballers
Ryan Martin Smithson Valley H.S (Tarleton State)
Gabe Baker SA Macarthur H.S (Rice)
Kouri Jones Converse Judson H.S (Southern Utah)
Future UTSA Ballers
David Glasco Wagner (UTSA obviously)
Kam Jones Edna H.S
Chris Dorsey Rice Consolidated H.S
Devin Judkins Somerset H.S
Cody Rogers Brandeis H.S
Nick Garza McAllen H.S
Ethan Hiser Graham H.S
Future UIW Ballers
None!
Future Other SA College Ballers
Dylan Redding Robinson H.S.(Trinity)
There will also be many players attending the big Texas schools (Rice, A&M, UT, Tech,Baylor, SMU). It should be a football fan's dream.

UIW 2010 Football Season


University of Incarnate Word has San Antonio's other major college football team. They had their debut season last year going 5-5 with mainly transfers and fresh recruits. But their losses were all close; their only blowouts were 40-10 against Arkansas Tech, and 49-7 against D-2 powerhouse Midwestern State. This year, they bring back most of a very young roster. They also have an interesting schedule.
Date Time LSC Opponent


8/28/2010 7 p.m. Langston 7 p.m.

9/11/2010 6 p.m. * Southeastern Oklahoma 6 p.m.

9/18/2010 7 p.m. * Central Oklahoma 7 p.m.

9/25/2010 7 p.m. * Texas A&M-Kingsville 7 p.m.

10/2/2010 7 p.m. * Midwestern State 7 p.m.

10/9/2010 6 p.m. * East Central 6 p.m.

10/16/2010 7 p.m. * Abilene Christian 7 p.m.

10/23/2010 6 p.m. * Angelo State 6 p.m.

10/30/2010 2 p.m. * West Texas A&M 2 p.m.

11/6/2010 7 p.m. * Tarleton State 7 p.m.

11/13/2010 2 p.m. * Texas A&M-Commerce 2 p.m.
The home games will be against Langston, Central Oklahoma, Texas A&M Kingsville, Abiliene Christian, West Texas A&M,and Texas A&M Commerce. Basically, UIW will be playing every Texas A&M except the one in college station and every "state" you can think of. They also will road trip to Southeastern Oklahoma and Midwestern State. It should be an interesting season. Check back with me in the fall for UIW's season preview and predictions.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Spurs Off-Season

The Spurs entered this off-season with a crumbling veteran team. They had a few holes to fix and not much money to spend. This is what the Spurs have done so far.

Release/Retirement of Antonio McDyess & Keith Bogans
Not official but you got to assume it will happen. Both gave good gritty years to the Spurs, but are just too old.
Release of Roger Mason Jr.
I have to admit Mason's first season after coming over from the Wizards was pretty good. He hit shots, played defense and looked like a poor man's Bruce Bowen. But something happened, and he was never the same. He should be easily replaced by rookie James Anderson.

Drafted James Anderson and Ryan Richards
Anderson is a very good shooter which will help S.A. Richards could be the next Tiago Splitter (or any of the Spur's previous Draft Choices i.e. hyped big man who doesn't want to come to the U.S.)

Re-Signed Matt Bonner
The Red Rocket has never been too athletic or particularly good at anything but 3's, but he tries hard.

Released Richard Jefferson
This move is really not as harsh as it sounds. R.J wants to restructure his contract for more years, resulting in the termination of his current one. He should be back.

Moved Closer to getting Tiago Splitter to the U.S.

I can't say I know much about Splitter other than that he is supposed to be good. San Antone has not officially signed/convinced Splitter to come to the States, but all reports say they are very close. This is the Spur's biggest move of the summer as an athletic big man has been missing from their team the last couple of years.
I stand corrected. Splitter has been officialy signed! Pounding the Rock has a nice post about that and the other Spurs moves.http://www.poundingtherock.com/2010/7/9/1562037/in-one-fell-swoop

Friday, July 9, 2010

Heat to play 4 on 5

The Miami Heat officially traded former No.2 Pick Michael Beasley today. This humorously leaves only one player left on their roster, PG Mario Chalmers. Of course, Coach Pat Reilly is no run of the mill strategizer. His new plan? Play every game with his 4 of the Bosh, Wade, James, and Chalmers against the 5 of everyone else. LeBron has to count for at least 2 or 3 players. He is certainly paid enough.
Warning: This Video has nothing to with any of the above mentioned, or sports in general. It is, however, hilarious.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Boston signs the other O'Neal

I saw an article on Yahoo titled "O'Neal to sign with Celtics." Immediately I thought, "Oh great the big Shaq daddy is teaming up with the big three.”Also; "Why would a good team pay Shaq?"  But, it was not to be. Boston has signed Jermaine O'Neal, a journeyman kind of good big man who will probably take Rasheed's role (Minus the technical fouls). Shaquille O’Neal is still on the market and looking to fulfill his dream of playing in every state. So we'll see what happens.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

State of UTSA Football

UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio for those not in the know) generated buzz when it first broke news of its new football program. They got a little more attention with the hire of sneaky good coach Larry Coker (Won Title with Miami in 2001, and Title Game in 2002). But what's up with UTSA right now? Info is scarce, but I did find their schedule for the 2011-2012 season:

2011 UTSA Football Schedule


Sept. 3: Northeastern State

Sept. 10: McMurry

Sept. 17: at Southern Utah

Sept. 24: Bacone College

Oct. 1: at Sam Houston State

Oct. 8: South Alabama

Oct. 15: at UC Davis

Oct. 22: at Northwestern State

Oct. 29: Georgia State

Nov. 12: at McNeese State

Nov. 19: Minot State

The cool thing is that all of their home games will be played in the Alamodome. Nice to get some use out of the place. I'll have more info on UTSA's new football program in the future.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Lonely At The Top Pt.2

2005#1Derrick Williams- So called “World Class Athlete” wasn’t too electric at Penn State but still productive. It was probably the mid west air that robbed him of his playmaking ability. That or Joe Paterno’s 1921 Notre Dame Box offense. (Kidding) He was still a part of the class that brought Penn State back, so no complaints here.

2004#1 Adrian Peterson- I can’t say many platitudes about AP that haven’t already been said. He may be  the greatest recruit in the Rivals.com era and has had a sparkling NFL career.Play on playa.

2003#1 Ernie Sims- you may not remember his name- I certainly didn’t- but Sims was a big deal in 2K3.He ended up as a productive 2-year starter at FSU, and has been okay for the Lions in the NFL. Fun Fact: Sims was on his High School’s varsity team..in Eight Grade!
2002#1 Vince Young- The one that started it all, Vince was very erratic at Texas before putting it together his Junior Season. NFL hijinks aside, he more than delivered on the hype.


There you have it, the college version of the Madden cover curse. Note to Mothers: Don’t Let your babies grow up to be 5-Star recruits, or anything involving a team coached by Lane Kiffin. (Dude is bad luck)

It's Lonely At The Top; #2 Recruit Seantrel Henderson Released from USC Part 1

USC's announcement to release the #2 (and long-time #1) prospect in this year's class, Seantreal Henderson, has numerous effects. The most obvious one is the weakening of USC's football future, but it also shows a recurring theme in College Football: the flaming out of top prospects. Since its creation in the early 2000's, Rivals.com has bestowed upon numerous prospects the rank of "5-Star". This player is always the bluest of the blue chips, the big time football version of the guy voted "most likely to succeed". But, with the exception of a couple, most have failed to meet expectations. Here's a rundown.

2009 #1 Bryce Brown- Considered a huge get by then-Tennessee Coach Lane Kiffin. B-Brown had a decent first year behind bell cow back Montario Hardesty.Of course, Kiffin then left for sunny L.A. and Brown was none too pleased and decided to transfer. He still could redeem his career, I guess.

2008#1 Terrelle Pryor- TP has been the Versace Suit to Coach Tressel’s sweatervest since his signing.It seems as if every season he has played there has been hype of opening up Ohio State’s button-down offense to suit his talents, (No pun intended) and the upcoming season will be no exception. I guess he has underachieved a bit, but he did deliver a Rose Bowl win.



2007#1 Jimmy Clausen- He famously promised future national championships while signing with Notre Dame, but predicting future Papa John’s Bowls now seems like it would have been a far-fetched goal. Clausen did put up some stats this past season, but also got his coach fired. Not what you want from the best recruit in America.

2006#1 Percy Harvin- Finally someone who lived up to the hype. Harvin was very productive whenever he toted the ball at Florida. His only real blemish is admitting to smoking marijuana at the NFL combine, but that little problem was solved by Urban Meyer’s glare.


Sunday, July 4, 2010

NBA Free Agency Update

The million dollar sweepstakes started July 1, and already there has been significant progress. Dirk Nowitzki has officially re-signed with the Mavs and Amare Stoudamire seems pretty much certain to join the Knicks. Not to discount  others left on the market, but these signings really leave only the holy trinity of Bosh, D-Wade, and King James. What will be the defining factor to hook these stars? Let's just say they all want to be billionaires… Sooo freakin’ bad.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

U.S Squeaks By Brazil

In the FIBA U18 Gold Medal Game Thursday, the U.S slipped by Brazil 81-78. Check out that hair!!!



World Cup Update

Today was a sad day for Paraguay fans. The team lost on a late goal to Spain and are thus out of the tournament. The Paraguayans (?) played the same great defense they have played all tournament long, but never really attacked the Spanish and couldn't make much progress offensively as a result. The greatest sorrow will fall upon Men all around the world. Lingerie Model and "Paraguay's Number 1 Fan" Larissa Riquelme will not be running the streets of Paraguay nude. On the bright side, neither will flashy Argentina Coach Diego Maradona whose squad was blitzed 4-0 by Germany today.