David Rudisha, Kenya's 800 metres world champion and world record holder, will kick off his 2012 season in two meetings in Sydney and Melbourne over the next month, Athletics Australia said on Tuesday.
After claiming the world title with an impressive display of front-running in South Korea last August, the 23-year-old will be a strong favourite to claim his first Olympic gold in London on August 9.
Rudisha, who will run the 400 metres at the Sydney Track Classic on February 18 and step up to the two-lap race in Melbourne on March 2-3, said he was looking forward to commencing his season Down Under, as he has for the last two years.
"The people are friendly, the meets are good and it works as a very good start to my year," he said in a news release.
"This year we of course have the Olympic Games and that is the big focus for all athletes but I want to run well throughout the year."
Rudisha, who set his 800m world record time of one minute 41.01 seconds in Italy in 2010, said running the 400m in Sydney could lead to a bid to run in the relay in London.
"My personal best in the 400m is still from when I ran in Sydney two years ago, so I'm hoping that I can maybe lower that time," he added.
"People have asked me if I will run on our 4x400 relay team, at the moment all I can say is that anything is possible but the focus for me is the 800. Having won the world championships I of course want to add that Olympic title."
2012年1月31日星期二
Players thrilled to greet Drake at All-Star Game
While the world's greatest hockey players congregated in their locker rooms at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa on Sunday, the biggest star in attendance may have been without skates.
Surrounded by his security detail, platinum-selling artist Drake visited the players, eliciting an exciting response from countless players, many of whom asked the hip-hop star to pose with them for photographs during the first intermission of the 2012 Tim Horton's NHL All-Star Game.
"That's a good shot," Drake said after posing for a photo with the Sedin twins. "I need that one for the house."
In a night full of stars, the Toronto-born Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, did his share of shining. After meeting the rapper in the first intermission, many of the All-Star players poured onto the ice and snapped photos with their phones as the star performed his hit single "Headlines" during the second-intermission.
"I think I was the first one to go on the ice on our side. I'm a huge Drake fan, I love his music. I'm a big hip-hop guy. It was great to be that close and watching him,” said Keith Yandle of the Phoenix Coyotes. "I actually asked him to sign a stick. He said it was the first hockey stick he has signed. It was pretty cool."
For the players in attendance, Drake's performance was a welcome change of pace compared to the regular season. For players used to discussing strategy with their coaching staff between periods, it was nice to spend the intermission enjoying a performance from a platinum-selling artist.
"We don't have time during the season to enjoy shows," Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang said. "To have the chance to see it live on the ice was pretty cool."
But Drake seemed just as taken with the NHL stars as they were with him. He asked Penguins center Evgeni Malkin for a stick and spent extra time with the three Toronto players represented at the game, calling it "an honor" as Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf approached him.
For all the Canadian players participating in the game, the rapper's visit even provided ample bragging rights.
"It's great … something else that Canada can brag about," said Yandle. "All the guys in the locker room can brag about how they have the best rapper now. They're taking over the world."
Surrounded by his security detail, platinum-selling artist Drake visited the players, eliciting an exciting response from countless players, many of whom asked the hip-hop star to pose with them for photographs during the first intermission of the 2012 Tim Horton's NHL All-Star Game.
"That's a good shot," Drake said after posing for a photo with the Sedin twins. "I need that one for the house."
In a night full of stars, the Toronto-born Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, did his share of shining. After meeting the rapper in the first intermission, many of the All-Star players poured onto the ice and snapped photos with their phones as the star performed his hit single "Headlines" during the second-intermission.
"I think I was the first one to go on the ice on our side. I'm a huge Drake fan, I love his music. I'm a big hip-hop guy. It was great to be that close and watching him,” said Keith Yandle of the Phoenix Coyotes. "I actually asked him to sign a stick. He said it was the first hockey stick he has signed. It was pretty cool."
For the players in attendance, Drake's performance was a welcome change of pace compared to the regular season. For players used to discussing strategy with their coaching staff between periods, it was nice to spend the intermission enjoying a performance from a platinum-selling artist.
"We don't have time during the season to enjoy shows," Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang said. "To have the chance to see it live on the ice was pretty cool."
But Drake seemed just as taken with the NHL stars as they were with him. He asked Penguins center Evgeni Malkin for a stick and spent extra time with the three Toronto players represented at the game, calling it "an honor" as Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf approached him.
For all the Canadian players participating in the game, the rapper's visit even provided ample bragging rights.
"It's great … something else that Canada can brag about," said Yandle. "All the guys in the locker room can brag about how they have the best rapper now. They're taking over the world."
2012年1月12日星期四
Broncos to meet former coach in playoff vs. Patriots
Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have formed one of the best coach-quarterback partnerships in NFL history, so it's a bit surprising they've gone nearly four years since their last playoff win.
To end that drought Saturday night, they'll have to put a stop to Tebowmania -- again.
After Tim Tebow helped Denver pull off a breathtaking upset in his postseason debut, the Broncos will be even bigger underdogs in this divisional-round showdown in Foxborough, where Josh McDaniels' return to the New England staff adds further intrigue to a rematch of the Patriots' rout in Denver four weeks ago.
The Broncos' 29-23 overtime win over Pittsburgh on Sunday gave Tebow more playoff victories than the Patriots have in the last three seasons combined.
Belichick and Brady combined for a 14-2 postseason record and three Super Bowl wins before New England was denied a perfect season by the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. The team missed the playoffs the next year following Brady's knee injury, then lost its playoff opener at home each of the next two seasons.
Just like they are now, the Patriots (13-3) were the AFC's top seed last January when they were upset 28-21 by the New York Jets.
"I haven't thought about anything about last year or last week," Brady said.
"It's a different team. It really is. ... None of those games mean anything. How teams are going to attack us, we'll see."
The Steelers seemed to attack Tebow by guarding against the run and daring him to throw the ball deep, something the left-hander had struggled to do during a three-game losing streak that began Dec. 18 with a 41-23 home loss to New England.
After a six-game win streak, Tebow was 30 of 72 (41.1 percent) for 439 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions while losing the final three regular-season games. Denver (9-8), though, backed into the AFC West title based on other results.
John Elway urged Tebow to "pull the trigger" Sunday, and the controversial quarterback obliged.
He stunned Pittsburgh with four passes of at least 30 yards as the Broncos scored 20 straight points in the second quarter, then landed the ultimate blow with an 80-yard touchdown strike to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime.
"We were just waiting for him to come out and play the way we knew he could and show everybody," receiver Eddie Royal said.
Both Tebow and Thomas, who had 204 yards receiving Sunday, were drafted in the first round in 2010 by McDaniels, the Broncos' head coach at the time. McDaniels' tenure in Denver got off to a rousing start with six straight wins to begin the 2009 season, but he was fired after the team lost 17 of the next 22.
After serving as offensive coordinator for St. Louis this season, McDaniels was rehired this week by New England, where he worked from 2001-08. He'll become offensive coordinator again next season after Bill O'Brien's departure for Penn State, but McDaniels rejoined the staff immediately.
"He's ready to help us in any way that he can. I'm sure that he'll be an asset to our coaching staff and our team," Belichick said. "I'm not sure exactly how that will pan out."
The move didn't violate any rules, but it has prompted questions about the fairness of a coach -- especially one familiar with a certain opponent -- changing teams in the midst of the playoffs.
"I'll let you guys answer that one," said Denver defensive end Robert Ayers, another first-round pick McDaniels helped to make. "I'm pretty sure I'm thinking the same thing you guys are thinking. I'm just not going to say it."
Without McDaniels, New England racked up 451 yards in Denver last month. Brady threw for 320 yards and two touchdowns in that game, rushing for a third score.
The Patriots recovered three Broncos fumbles and didn't turn the ball over. However, their defense was vulnerable early as the team fell behind 16-7, allowing 167 rushing yards in the first quarter.
The struggles of the 31st-ranked unit have prompted doubts about whether the Patriots can seriously contend for a title. New England won its final eight games, but its last three opponents took sizable early leads -- Miami 17-0 and Buffalo 21-0 -- before the offense rallied.
"I think any champion (wins) with a good defense, that's how you slice it," defensive lineman Vince Wilfork said. "If you can't stop anyone, you can't win. I don't care how many points you put up. At the end of the day, you have to stop someone."
The Patriots got safety Patrick Chung and linebacker Brandon Spikes back in Week 17 after extended injury absences. Spikes, a friend of Tebow's while the two were teammates at Florida, figures to help against Denver's top-ranked rushing attack.
The Broncos look like the more banged-up team now. Wide receiver Eric Decker isn't expected to play after suffering a sprained knee last weekend, and safety Brian Dawkins may remain out with a neck problem. Defensive end Elvis Dumervil (right ankle) also missed practice time this week.
Defensively, Denver managed to contain Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski last month, but Aaron Hernandez -- another former Tebow teammate with the Gators -- stepped up with nine catches for 129 yards and a touchdown.
"I feel like it was a good learning experience," Tebow said. "I think it's a privilege for us to play again.
"It's playing one of the best quarterbacks of all-time, one of the best coaches of all-time and playing in a big game. It's very exciting."
To end that drought Saturday night, they'll have to put a stop to Tebowmania -- again.
After Tim Tebow helped Denver pull off a breathtaking upset in his postseason debut, the Broncos will be even bigger underdogs in this divisional-round showdown in Foxborough, where Josh McDaniels' return to the New England staff adds further intrigue to a rematch of the Patriots' rout in Denver four weeks ago.
The Broncos' 29-23 overtime win over Pittsburgh on Sunday gave Tebow more playoff victories than the Patriots have in the last three seasons combined.
Belichick and Brady combined for a 14-2 postseason record and three Super Bowl wins before New England was denied a perfect season by the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII. The team missed the playoffs the next year following Brady's knee injury, then lost its playoff opener at home each of the next two seasons.
Just like they are now, the Patriots (13-3) were the AFC's top seed last January when they were upset 28-21 by the New York Jets.
"I haven't thought about anything about last year or last week," Brady said.
"It's a different team. It really is. ... None of those games mean anything. How teams are going to attack us, we'll see."
The Steelers seemed to attack Tebow by guarding against the run and daring him to throw the ball deep, something the left-hander had struggled to do during a three-game losing streak that began Dec. 18 with a 41-23 home loss to New England.
After a six-game win streak, Tebow was 30 of 72 (41.1 percent) for 439 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions while losing the final three regular-season games. Denver (9-8), though, backed into the AFC West title based on other results.
John Elway urged Tebow to "pull the trigger" Sunday, and the controversial quarterback obliged.
He stunned Pittsburgh with four passes of at least 30 yards as the Broncos scored 20 straight points in the second quarter, then landed the ultimate blow with an 80-yard touchdown strike to Demaryius Thomas on the first play of overtime.
"We were just waiting for him to come out and play the way we knew he could and show everybody," receiver Eddie Royal said.
Both Tebow and Thomas, who had 204 yards receiving Sunday, were drafted in the first round in 2010 by McDaniels, the Broncos' head coach at the time. McDaniels' tenure in Denver got off to a rousing start with six straight wins to begin the 2009 season, but he was fired after the team lost 17 of the next 22.
After serving as offensive coordinator for St. Louis this season, McDaniels was rehired this week by New England, where he worked from 2001-08. He'll become offensive coordinator again next season after Bill O'Brien's departure for Penn State, but McDaniels rejoined the staff immediately.
"He's ready to help us in any way that he can. I'm sure that he'll be an asset to our coaching staff and our team," Belichick said. "I'm not sure exactly how that will pan out."
The move didn't violate any rules, but it has prompted questions about the fairness of a coach -- especially one familiar with a certain opponent -- changing teams in the midst of the playoffs.
"I'll let you guys answer that one," said Denver defensive end Robert Ayers, another first-round pick McDaniels helped to make. "I'm pretty sure I'm thinking the same thing you guys are thinking. I'm just not going to say it."
Without McDaniels, New England racked up 451 yards in Denver last month. Brady threw for 320 yards and two touchdowns in that game, rushing for a third score.
The Patriots recovered three Broncos fumbles and didn't turn the ball over. However, their defense was vulnerable early as the team fell behind 16-7, allowing 167 rushing yards in the first quarter.
The struggles of the 31st-ranked unit have prompted doubts about whether the Patriots can seriously contend for a title. New England won its final eight games, but its last three opponents took sizable early leads -- Miami 17-0 and Buffalo 21-0 -- before the offense rallied.
"I think any champion (wins) with a good defense, that's how you slice it," defensive lineman Vince Wilfork said. "If you can't stop anyone, you can't win. I don't care how many points you put up. At the end of the day, you have to stop someone."
The Patriots got safety Patrick Chung and linebacker Brandon Spikes back in Week 17 after extended injury absences. Spikes, a friend of Tebow's while the two were teammates at Florida, figures to help against Denver's top-ranked rushing attack.
The Broncos look like the more banged-up team now. Wide receiver Eric Decker isn't expected to play after suffering a sprained knee last weekend, and safety Brian Dawkins may remain out with a neck problem. Defensive end Elvis Dumervil (right ankle) also missed practice time this week.
Defensively, Denver managed to contain Wes Welker and Rob Gronkowski last month, but Aaron Hernandez -- another former Tebow teammate with the Gators -- stepped up with nine catches for 129 yards and a touchdown.
"I feel like it was a good learning experience," Tebow said. "I think it's a privilege for us to play again.
"It's playing one of the best quarterbacks of all-time, one of the best coaches of all-time and playing in a big game. It's very exciting."
Bills add University of Buffalo defensive coordinator to staff
The Buffalo Bills have hired William Inge as an assistant defensive line coach.
Inge has spent the past two seasons as the University at Buffalo's defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. Before that, he spent two years coaching linebackers at Cincinnati in helping the program win consecutive Big East titles.
He's the first newcomer to join the Bills defensive staff since Dave Wannstedt took over as coordinator after George Edwards was fired last week. Inge has no NFL coaching experience.
2012年1月4日星期三
Fisher has eyes for Bears, but Rams still probably destination
Bill Cowher and Jon Gruden were the headline candidates fueling the training market rumor mill through the fall.
But Shaun Fisher may be the one holding all of the cards if this counts.
The previous Leaders coach is offseason's energy broker while Cowher and Gruden watch in the sideline. Miami already has questioned Fisher, who had been spotted in the Buccaneers team hotel over the past weekend. Had Bill Polian made it in Indiana, and Jim Caldwell hadn't, it is a near certainty that Fisher could have been presents itself that list too. North Park had been as likely a landing place every until Dean Spanos made the decision to help keep Norv Turner.
But here's all that you should learn about Fisher's likely destination: Atop his listing of focal points is the existence of a franchise quarterback. Regardless of the Rams' lethargic 2011 season, I am told that's precisely how he sees Mike Bradford, who Fisher questioned and loved a great deal in the 2010 National football league Scouting Mix.
This is exactly why, hooking up the dots, St. Louis is towards the top of Fisher's list. The truth that Fisher is symbolized by Marvin Demoff, who boy Kevin may be the Rams' COO, only causes it to be much more likely that he'll land in Missouri.
There's, though, another factor at play here. This is the shakeup in Chicago.
Fisher performed safety for that Bears (1981-85) and it has maintained rapport with possession. Like a bonus, he transpires with like quarterback Jay Cutler a great deal. Cutler and former Leaders offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who died last September, labored together in Colorado in 2006-07 and were very close. The Leaders were split over Matt Leinart and Vince Youthful in 2006, with Bud Adams tugging rank and pointing the choice to take Youthful. The Leaders handed down Cutler, who visited college within their backyard at Vanderbilt.
Fisher understands the ball player Cutler is becoming since that time.
The Bears insist Lovie Cruz will stay the coach in Chicago for 2012, and that he warrants a mulligan for 2011, getting lost Cutler and Matt Forte for that stretch run. If your more youthful executive type for example Eric DeCosta or L'ensemble des Snead makes its way into the fold the training situation likely will not change. But when the Bears swing for that fences for any bigger title like Bill Polian, it's tough to rule anything out. Polian and Fisher are close, getting taken part within the AFC South for several years.
The end result is that Fisher will keep close track of Halas Hall. As you source with understanding of his thinking stated, "This is the one he's always wanted."
The much more likely result remains that Cruz will remain put and Fisher lands in St. Louis. But until tips over with Fisher, the training slide carousel will probably spend time at a dead stop.
Once he makes his move, pieces elsewhere will begin to fall under place.
But Shaun Fisher may be the one holding all of the cards if this counts.
The previous Leaders coach is offseason's energy broker while Cowher and Gruden watch in the sideline. Miami already has questioned Fisher, who had been spotted in the Buccaneers team hotel over the past weekend. Had Bill Polian made it in Indiana, and Jim Caldwell hadn't, it is a near certainty that Fisher could have been presents itself that list too. North Park had been as likely a landing place every until Dean Spanos made the decision to help keep Norv Turner.
But here's all that you should learn about Fisher's likely destination: Atop his listing of focal points is the existence of a franchise quarterback. Regardless of the Rams' lethargic 2011 season, I am told that's precisely how he sees Mike Bradford, who Fisher questioned and loved a great deal in the 2010 National football league Scouting Mix.
This is exactly why, hooking up the dots, St. Louis is towards the top of Fisher's list. The truth that Fisher is symbolized by Marvin Demoff, who boy Kevin may be the Rams' COO, only causes it to be much more likely that he'll land in Missouri.
There's, though, another factor at play here. This is the shakeup in Chicago.
Fisher performed safety for that Bears (1981-85) and it has maintained rapport with possession. Like a bonus, he transpires with like quarterback Jay Cutler a great deal. Cutler and former Leaders offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who died last September, labored together in Colorado in 2006-07 and were very close. The Leaders were split over Matt Leinart and Vince Youthful in 2006, with Bud Adams tugging rank and pointing the choice to take Youthful. The Leaders handed down Cutler, who visited college within their backyard at Vanderbilt.
Fisher understands the ball player Cutler is becoming since that time.
The Bears insist Lovie Cruz will stay the coach in Chicago for 2012, and that he warrants a mulligan for 2011, getting lost Cutler and Matt Forte for that stretch run. If your more youthful executive type for example Eric DeCosta or L'ensemble des Snead makes its way into the fold the training situation likely will not change. But when the Bears swing for that fences for any bigger title like Bill Polian, it's tough to rule anything out. Polian and Fisher are close, getting taken part within the AFC South for several years.
The end result is that Fisher will keep close track of Halas Hall. As you source with understanding of his thinking stated, "This is the one he's always wanted."
The much more likely result remains that Cruz will remain put and Fisher lands in St. Louis. But until tips over with Fisher, the training slide carousel will probably spend time at a dead stop.
Once he makes his move, pieces elsewhere will begin to fall under place.
2011年11月29日星期二
Time drained to election for 2011 GIBBYs
This Year's GIBBYs is going to be revealed 12 ,. 16 at 9 p.m. ET inside a prime-time show on Major league baseball Network, and because the final say on honours season, you've until 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday to election solely at Major league baseball.com which are more deserving candidates inside a record 19 groups.
A banner year of online balloting at Major league baseball.com concludes using the GIBBYs, and don't forget that you could election as much as 25 occasions per category, much like with all of-Star starters last summer time. Just like that-Star balloting program, this honours presentation is exclusive from others for the reason that it features nominees all 30 Mlb clubs.
Individual honors is going to be introduced on Major league baseball Network and Major league baseball.com for that top everyday player, beginning pitcher, closer, setup guy, rookie, breakout player, comeback player, opponent, wow factor, manager, executive and postseason artist.
GIBBYs (Greatness In Baseball Yearly) trophies also visit the year's best play, moment, performance, oddity, walk-off, fan moment and postseason moment from Major league baseball.com's Must C highlight reels.
Fundamental essentials ultimate honours following a great regular season as well as an memorable postseason concluding having a Cardinals World Series championship. They derive from votes by fans at Major league baseball.com, media, front-office personnel and Major league baseball alumni. It's a diverse mix-section of people that passionately stick to the national pastime every single day.
The Baseball Writers' Association of America just had their say and gave probably the most Valuable Player honours to Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander within the American League and also to Machines left fielder Ryan Braun within the National League.
There's one Player of the season (unlike MVP) and something Beginning Pitcher of the season (unlike Cy Youthful) to become made the decision here, and it'll be interesting to ascertain if Verlander usually takes both, or whether a situation player is going to be recognized within this situation. Will Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp be seen through the diverse panel like a better NL candidate compared to writers' choice in Braun?
Unlike BBWAA balloting, the GIBBYs don't have any agreement of thinking about nominees only with the last day's the standard season. Does which means that Tony La Russa goes off into retirement using the Manager of the season award, given simply to one league skipper? You've some tough choices there.
Closer of the season seems to become a wide-open race. Jose Valverde was perfect in save conversions throughout the standard season for Detroit, Braves closer Craig Kimbrel broke the rookie saves record and Machines closer John Axford emerged like a pressure in Milwaukee. Options likewise incorporate J.J. Putz from the D-backs, Came Storen from the Excellent and Joel Hanrahan from the Pirates. Additionally, Mariano Rivera was his usual make of excellent and recorded all-time save No. 602.
There's one Rookie of the season across Major league baseball in your ballot. Who could it be? Buster Posey got the Rookie jerk this past year following a dream season, including a World Series title. Kimbrel, the BBWAA's unanimous NL pick, is out there here, too, out of the box Mark Trumbo from the Angels, Ivan Nova from the Yankees, Jeremy Hellickson from the Sun rays (BBWAA's AL pick) and eight others.
Comeback Player of the season is totally new for 2011. The state Major league baseball version of this hardware visited All-Star outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury from the Red-colored Sox and Lance Berkman from the Cardinals. They are some of the options around the GIBBYs ballot, additionally to Orioles shortstop J.J. Sturdy, Yankees catcher Russell Martin and Sun rays pitcher James Shields.
Cardinals third baseman David Freese might be a lock for Postseason MVP, but Postseason Moment may well be more suspenseful. His game-tying triple and walk-off homer within the classic World Series Game 6 are generally strong candidates, but same with the 3rd homer Albert Pujols hit at Texas to tie the planet Series record in Game 3, while setting an autumn Classic record of 14 total bases in one game.
Remember this past year when Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus was snubbed within the AL Gold Glove choices but won the GIBBYS trophy for Opponent of the season? Which was an emphatic statement by voters. Maybe it's a similar setup this year with Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera.
There's an acceptable chance that Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is a double champion. Jeter expires for Moment of the season and gratifaction of the season due to his 5-for-5 day that incorporated a house run for career hit No. 3,000. Jeter could win Moment for that third amount of time in 4 years, getting done this in 2008 for praising fans following the final game at Yankee Stadium, then in '09 for passing Lou Gehrig because the Yankees' all-time hits leader.
Performance is definitely among the most difficult options around the GIBBYs ballot. You might also need three no-players: Verlander, Ervin Santana from the Angels and Francisco Liriano from the Twins.
All voters are urged to look at the Must C clips and help decide individuals those who win, as only Major league baseball.com might have video-based Major league baseball honours. It's area of the fun for voting on these, out of the box knowing your preferred team includes a stake within the drama. Experience again the thrill of individuals days, place yourself back to that point, click your preferred after which get ready for the large unveiling on 12 ,. 16.
The GIBBYs go as far back to 2002, when there have been five groups. One of these was Bloopers, also it progressively grew to become referred to as "Oddity." That's always probably the most fun options. Remember when Miguel Olivo hit a drive to left in April also it returned off Ryan Raburn's glove and also over the wall?
You will find lots of great options like that certain, and also the clock is ticking should you haven't consumed all 25 ballots yet to create your voice heard.
A banner year of online balloting at Major league baseball.com concludes using the GIBBYs, and don't forget that you could election as much as 25 occasions per category, much like with all of-Star starters last summer time. Just like that-Star balloting program, this honours presentation is exclusive from others for the reason that it features nominees all 30 Mlb clubs.
Individual honors is going to be introduced on Major league baseball Network and Major league baseball.com for that top everyday player, beginning pitcher, closer, setup guy, rookie, breakout player, comeback player, opponent, wow factor, manager, executive and postseason artist.
GIBBYs (Greatness In Baseball Yearly) trophies also visit the year's best play, moment, performance, oddity, walk-off, fan moment and postseason moment from Major league baseball.com's Must C highlight reels.
Fundamental essentials ultimate honours following a great regular season as well as an memorable postseason concluding having a Cardinals World Series championship. They derive from votes by fans at Major league baseball.com, media, front-office personnel and Major league baseball alumni. It's a diverse mix-section of people that passionately stick to the national pastime every single day.
The Baseball Writers' Association of America just had their say and gave probably the most Valuable Player honours to Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander within the American League and also to Machines left fielder Ryan Braun within the National League.
There's one Player of the season (unlike MVP) and something Beginning Pitcher of the season (unlike Cy Youthful) to become made the decision here, and it'll be interesting to ascertain if Verlander usually takes both, or whether a situation player is going to be recognized within this situation. Will Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp be seen through the diverse panel like a better NL candidate compared to writers' choice in Braun?
Unlike BBWAA balloting, the GIBBYs don't have any agreement of thinking about nominees only with the last day's the standard season. Does which means that Tony La Russa goes off into retirement using the Manager of the season award, given simply to one league skipper? You've some tough choices there.
Closer of the season seems to become a wide-open race. Jose Valverde was perfect in save conversions throughout the standard season for Detroit, Braves closer Craig Kimbrel broke the rookie saves record and Machines closer John Axford emerged like a pressure in Milwaukee. Options likewise incorporate J.J. Putz from the D-backs, Came Storen from the Excellent and Joel Hanrahan from the Pirates. Additionally, Mariano Rivera was his usual make of excellent and recorded all-time save No. 602.
There's one Rookie of the season across Major league baseball in your ballot. Who could it be? Buster Posey got the Rookie jerk this past year following a dream season, including a World Series title. Kimbrel, the BBWAA's unanimous NL pick, is out there here, too, out of the box Mark Trumbo from the Angels, Ivan Nova from the Yankees, Jeremy Hellickson from the Sun rays (BBWAA's AL pick) and eight others.
Comeback Player of the season is totally new for 2011. The state Major league baseball version of this hardware visited All-Star outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury from the Red-colored Sox and Lance Berkman from the Cardinals. They are some of the options around the GIBBYs ballot, additionally to Orioles shortstop J.J. Sturdy, Yankees catcher Russell Martin and Sun rays pitcher James Shields.
Cardinals third baseman David Freese might be a lock for Postseason MVP, but Postseason Moment may well be more suspenseful. His game-tying triple and walk-off homer within the classic World Series Game 6 are generally strong candidates, but same with the 3rd homer Albert Pujols hit at Texas to tie the planet Series record in Game 3, while setting an autumn Classic record of 14 total bases in one game.
Remember this past year when Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus was snubbed within the AL Gold Glove choices but won the GIBBYS trophy for Opponent of the season? Which was an emphatic statement by voters. Maybe it's a similar setup this year with Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera.
There's an acceptable chance that Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is a double champion. Jeter expires for Moment of the season and gratifaction of the season due to his 5-for-5 day that incorporated a house run for career hit No. 3,000. Jeter could win Moment for that third amount of time in 4 years, getting done this in 2008 for praising fans following the final game at Yankee Stadium, then in '09 for passing Lou Gehrig because the Yankees' all-time hits leader.
Performance is definitely among the most difficult options around the GIBBYs ballot. You might also need three no-players: Verlander, Ervin Santana from the Angels and Francisco Liriano from the Twins.
All voters are urged to look at the Must C clips and help decide individuals those who win, as only Major league baseball.com might have video-based Major league baseball honours. It's area of the fun for voting on these, out of the box knowing your preferred team includes a stake within the drama. Experience again the thrill of individuals days, place yourself back to that point, click your preferred after which get ready for the large unveiling on 12 ,. 16.
The GIBBYs go as far back to 2002, when there have been five groups. One of these was Bloopers, also it progressively grew to become referred to as "Oddity." That's always probably the most fun options. Remember when Miguel Olivo hit a drive to left in April also it returned off Ryan Raburn's glove and also over the wall?
You will find lots of great options like that certain, and also the clock is ticking should you haven't consumed all 25 ballots yet to create your voice heard.
2011年8月2日星期二
Mets Begin Key Stretch With a Step Back
The Mets play 32 of their remaining 53 games at home. For most teams on the fringes of a playoff chase, that would be a blessing. For the Mets, it seems more like a curse.
Their .550 winning percentage on the road entering their game against the Florida Marlins on Monday night was the fifth best in the majors. Their .458 mark at home was fifth worst.
Settling in at Citi Field after rough weekend in Washington, the Mets played down to that trend.
The Mets’ offense slumbered against Marlins starter Javier Vazquez for most of the game, until Lucas Duda, the rookie tasked with replacing the departed superstar Carlos Beltran, hit a two-run homer with two outs in the ninth to tie the score.
But in the top of the 10th, Jason Isringhausen, who replaced the traded Francisco Rodriguez as closer, allowed three straight one-out singles. Then, with the bases loaded, Mike Stanton ripped a home run into the left field seats to give the Marlins a 7-3 victory.
The loss was the Mets’ third straight, and the second in a row in which they tied the score with a ninth-inning home run only to lose it in their opponents’ next time at bat.
“Very unfortunately, we’ve been here before,” Manager Terry Collins said. “And we’ve bounced back from before and we’ll bounce back again.”
Stanton’s grand slam could have been avoided had first baseman Daniel Murphy made a headier play when Dewayne Wise, who advanced runners to second and third with a single, overran first base. Murphy cut off the throw from Duda, but instead of throwing it to Justin Turner covering first, he tried chasing Wise back to the bag. He made a belated flip to Turner, but it was too late.
“I was trying to make sure the run didn’t score, and I got caught in no man’s land,” Murphy said. “It changed the whole inning. It was a bad play on my part.”
Getting Wise would have left Isringhausen with two outs and first base open, and after the game Collins said he probably would have walked Stanton, one of the more dangerous power hitters in baseball this season.
“He makes mistakes,” Collins said of Murphy. “But I bet you that never happens again.”
Hours earlier, the first day of August had offered a symbolic demarcation of sorts, a chance for the Mets to step back and consider the state of their affairs as they enter the final two months of the season.
To be sure, they are long shots to make the playoffs. They are seven and a half games behind the Atlanta Braves in the National League wild-card race, but with the Braves visiting New York for a three-game series this weekend, along with another set later this month, the Mets on Monday could not help portraying their current 10-game homestand as vital.
The actions, or lack thereof, of the Mets’ front office last weekend as well seemed to underscore the team’s hopeful outlook.
General Manager Sandy Alderson disclosed some of his thought processes from the past week. The Mets’ two big trades, which sent away Rodriguez and Beltran, were interpreted by some as a clear signal of surrender. But Alderson said he refrained from dealing other players to give his team a chance to win this year.
“We could have done something with one or two other players,” Alderson said. “But we decided on balance that we were better off keeping those players and giving the remaining group as good of an opportunity as possible to see how far they could go.”
He said that as the nonwaiver trade deadline approached on Sunday, the Mets looked for a middle reliever to bolster their floundering bullpen. Alderson said it was not uncommon for teams to morph from sellers to buyers in the trade market in a matter of weeks. The Mets still have time to make that switch, he said.
But on Monday, they showed that their needs may extend beyond the bullpen.
The Marlins nagged Mike Pelfrey from the start, piecing together a three-run lead through the first three and a half innings. Pelfrey left the game after six innings, having given up only three runs. But he battled hard to get there, throwing 119 pitches.
The Mets got a run back in the fourth, when Jason Bay smashed a 1-2 fastball that drifted up in the strike zone into the bullpen in right-center field, making the score 3-1.
Duda’s blast in the ninth — 425 feet into the center-field seats — sent the fans into frenzy. The Mets players urged Duda, a soft-spoken 25-year-old, out of the dugout for a curtain call.
“It was really loud,” Duda said of the crowd of 28,862. “I went out there, and gave them a little fist pump, and that was it. It was pretty cool.”
But they were booing soon enough, after Stanton’s homer settled into the seats in left.
Their .550 winning percentage on the road entering their game against the Florida Marlins on Monday night was the fifth best in the majors. Their .458 mark at home was fifth worst.
Settling in at Citi Field after rough weekend in Washington, the Mets played down to that trend.
The Mets’ offense slumbered against Marlins starter Javier Vazquez for most of the game, until Lucas Duda, the rookie tasked with replacing the departed superstar Carlos Beltran, hit a two-run homer with two outs in the ninth to tie the score.
But in the top of the 10th, Jason Isringhausen, who replaced the traded Francisco Rodriguez as closer, allowed three straight one-out singles. Then, with the bases loaded, Mike Stanton ripped a home run into the left field seats to give the Marlins a 7-3 victory.
The loss was the Mets’ third straight, and the second in a row in which they tied the score with a ninth-inning home run only to lose it in their opponents’ next time at bat.
“Very unfortunately, we’ve been here before,” Manager Terry Collins said. “And we’ve bounced back from before and we’ll bounce back again.”
Stanton’s grand slam could have been avoided had first baseman Daniel Murphy made a headier play when Dewayne Wise, who advanced runners to second and third with a single, overran first base. Murphy cut off the throw from Duda, but instead of throwing it to Justin Turner covering first, he tried chasing Wise back to the bag. He made a belated flip to Turner, but it was too late.
“I was trying to make sure the run didn’t score, and I got caught in no man’s land,” Murphy said. “It changed the whole inning. It was a bad play on my part.”
Getting Wise would have left Isringhausen with two outs and first base open, and after the game Collins said he probably would have walked Stanton, one of the more dangerous power hitters in baseball this season.
“He makes mistakes,” Collins said of Murphy. “But I bet you that never happens again.”
Hours earlier, the first day of August had offered a symbolic demarcation of sorts, a chance for the Mets to step back and consider the state of their affairs as they enter the final two months of the season.
To be sure, they are long shots to make the playoffs. They are seven and a half games behind the Atlanta Braves in the National League wild-card race, but with the Braves visiting New York for a three-game series this weekend, along with another set later this month, the Mets on Monday could not help portraying their current 10-game homestand as vital.
The actions, or lack thereof, of the Mets’ front office last weekend as well seemed to underscore the team’s hopeful outlook.
General Manager Sandy Alderson disclosed some of his thought processes from the past week. The Mets’ two big trades, which sent away Rodriguez and Beltran, were interpreted by some as a clear signal of surrender. But Alderson said he refrained from dealing other players to give his team a chance to win this year.
“We could have done something with one or two other players,” Alderson said. “But we decided on balance that we were better off keeping those players and giving the remaining group as good of an opportunity as possible to see how far they could go.”
He said that as the nonwaiver trade deadline approached on Sunday, the Mets looked for a middle reliever to bolster their floundering bullpen. Alderson said it was not uncommon for teams to morph from sellers to buyers in the trade market in a matter of weeks. The Mets still have time to make that switch, he said.
But on Monday, they showed that their needs may extend beyond the bullpen.
The Marlins nagged Mike Pelfrey from the start, piecing together a three-run lead through the first three and a half innings. Pelfrey left the game after six innings, having given up only three runs. But he battled hard to get there, throwing 119 pitches.
The Mets got a run back in the fourth, when Jason Bay smashed a 1-2 fastball that drifted up in the strike zone into the bullpen in right-center field, making the score 3-1.
Duda’s blast in the ninth — 425 feet into the center-field seats — sent the fans into frenzy. The Mets players urged Duda, a soft-spoken 25-year-old, out of the dugout for a curtain call.
“It was really loud,” Duda said of the crowd of 28,862. “I went out there, and gave them a little fist pump, and that was it. It was pretty cool.”
But they were booing soon enough, after Stanton’s homer settled into the seats in left.
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