Changing of the Guard?
Tuesday May 8, 2012
The American League Eastern Division is usually a three-headed monster dominated by the Yankees, Rays and Red Sox. It appears a new team could be on the rise, even though it’s only April.
The Baltimore Orioles are ranked with the Rays, Rangers and Dodgers with the best record in baseball (19-10). Even though they lost to the Rangers last night, they’ve brought hope to a struggling franchise. The Orioles were a joke for the last 15 years. Now, they might be in contention in the future.
They have a solid lineup from their everyday players. Outfielders Adam Jones and Nick Markakis have always been on everyone’s radar. Mark Reyonlds (first and third baseman) is still a threat to take a ball yard. Catcher Matt Weiters can become one of the next best catchers in baseball today. Plus, their pitching is showing up to deal. Pitchers, such as starter Jason Hammel and closer Jim Johnson are proving their worth in baseball.
As much as their hot start is a benefit, beware with caution. It’s a long season. The real test will come by June, when most teams are at their highest form. That’s when teams make their all-out push to dominate their division. Expect that “three-headed monster” to cause problems for the Orioles. They won’t give up that division lying down. If the Orioles falter, it will be business as usual. If they succeed and continue their run, then the already-rough AL East will prove once again the toughest division in all of baseball today.
Be sure to like the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Todays-Sports-Update/136729589760548) and follow me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/SebastianTSU). See you next time sports fans.
Yours truly,
Sebastian Maldonado
Copyrighted @ 2007
Baseball: The Athlete’s Version of Chess
Friday April 6, 2012
Baseball has returned! Wednesday’s contest between the defending champion St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins opened the 2012 campaign. Many fans can agree the wait has been too long. Each year brings promise, and this season is wide open. But why do fans still clamor for this sport?
Baseball is often known as America’s pastime. For a century, baseball has experienced its fair share of scandals, strikes and heartbreak. It’s also seen movements, phenomenal moments, and even triumph over adversity. What many don’t understand is how many moves go into a game.
Call it the ultimate version of chess. No player makes a baseball team, ever. Just ask anyone that’s played a game. Ask anyone that’s seen a game. The comparisons to both baseball and chess are interesting. Certain players can’t move to play anywhere; just like certain chess pieces are designated to move a certain way. Teams have their role players, rookies and superstars filling their respective roles as the knights, bishops and pawns if you will.
It’s why fans can seemingly put themselves as managers when a play goes wrong. They always say, “I would have had someone else pitch to that guy.” However, when you ask a chess player after a loss, they have the same response as a manager would. “I would not have moved that way.” In other words, baseball and chess are more alike in their philosophy than any other sport. If you haven’t played chess but played baseball (or have watched a game), try it. The same goes for those chess players. Watch a game, or even play if you can. See the similarities, and appreciate how America’s pastime is the athlete’s version of chess.
Be sure to like the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Todays-Sports-Update/136729589760548) and to follow me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/SebastianTSU). See you next time.
Yours truly,
Sebastian Maldonado
Copyrighted @ 2007
NCAA March Madness Picks
Wednesday March 14, 2012
Welcome to March Madness!!! It’s that time again where 64 teams vie for the National Championship.
Many fill out this bracket and succumb to the madness of this tournament. Everyone should expect the worst and get their bracket busted. No one is expected to get every single pick right. If you do, consider yourself one very lucky individual.
The full list of games and times can be seen here:
Thursday, March 15
Site: Louisville
Network: CBS (afternoon); TBS (evening)
12:15 PM ET: No. 6 Murray State vs. No. 11 Colorado State
2:45 PM ET: No. 3 Marquette vs. No. 14 BYU
6:50 PM ET: No. 1 Kentucky vs. No. 16 Western Kentucky
9:20 PM ET: No. 8 Iowa State vs. No. 9 Connecticut
Site: Pittsburgh
Network: truTV (afternoon), TNT (evening)
12:40 PM ET: No. 8 Kansas State vs. No. 9 Southern Miss
3: 10 PM ET: No. 1 Syracuse vs. No. 16 UNC Asheville
7:20 PM ET: No. 7 Gonzaga vs. No. 10 West Virginia
9:50 PM ET: No. 2 Ohio State vs. No. 15 Loyola Maryland
Site: Portland
Network: TBS (afternoon), CBS (evening)
1:40 PM ET: No. 4 Louisville vs. No. 13 Davidson
4:10 PM ET: No. 5 New Mexico vs. No. 12 Long Beach St.
7:15 PM ET: No. 5 Wichita State vs. No. 12 VCU
9:45 PM ET: No. 4 Indiana vs. No. 13 New Mexico State
Site: Albuquerque
Network: TNT (afternoon), truTV (evening)
2:10 PM ET: No. 4 Wisconsin vs. No. 13 Montana
4:40 PM ET: No. 5 Vanderbilt vs. No. 12 Harvard
7:27 PM ET: No. 3 Baylor vs. No. 14 South Dakota State
9:57 PM ET: No. 6 UNLV vs. No. 11 Colorado
Friday, March 16
Network: CBS (afternoon), TNT (evening)
12:15 PM ET: No. 6 Cincinnati vs. No. 11 Texas
2:45 PM ET: No. 3 Florida State vs. No. 14 St. Bonaventure
7:20 PM ET: No. 4 Michigan vs. No. 13 Ohio
9:50 PM ET: No. 5 Temple vs. No. 12 South Florida
Site: Columbus
Network: truTV (afternoon), TBS (evening)
12:40 PM ET: No. 6 San Diego St. vs. No. 11 NC State
3:10 PM ET: No. 3 Georgetown vs. No. 14 Belmont
6:50 PM ET: No. 8 Memphis vs. No. 9 Saint Louis
9:20 PM ET: No. 1 Michigan State vs. No. 16 LIU Brooklyn
Site: Greensboro
Network: TBS (afternoon); CBS (evening)
1:40 PM ET: No. 8 Creighton vs. No. 9 Alabama
4:10 PM ET: No. 1 North Carolina vs. No. 16 Vermont
7:15 PM ET: No. 2 Duke vs. 15 Lehigh
9:45 PM ET: No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Xavier
SITE: Omaha
Network: TNT (afternoon), truTV (evening)
2:10 PM ET: No. 7 Florida vs. No. 10 Virginia
4:40 PM ET: No. 2 Missouri vs. No. 15 Norfolk St.
7:27 PM ET: No. 7 St. Mary’s (CA) vs. No. 10 Purdue
9:57 PM ET: No. 2 Kansas vs. No. 15 Detroit
Here are my picks for the entire NCAA bracket:
Round of 32
South: No. 1 Kentucky, No. 9 Connecticut, No. 12 VCU, No. 4 Indiana, No. 6 UNLV, No. 3 Baylor, No. 7 Notre Dame, No. 2 Duke
East: No. 1 Syracuse, No. 8, Kansas State, No. 5 Vanderbilt, No. 4 Wisconsin, No. 6 Cincinnati, No. 14 St. Bonaventure, No. 10 West Virginia, No. 2 Ohio State
Midwest: No. 1 North Carolina, No. 8 Creighton, No. 12 California, No. 4 Michigan, No. 11 N.C. State, No. 3 Georgetown, No. 10 Purdue, No. 2 Kansas
West: No. 1 Michigan State, No. 8 Memphis, No. 12 Long Beach State, No. 4 Louisville, No. 6 Murray State, No. 3 Marquette, No. 7 Florida, No. 2 Missouri
Sweet Sixteen
South: No. 1 Kentucky, No. 4 Indiana, No. 3 Baylor, and No. 2 Duke
East: No. 1 Syracuse, No. 5 Vanderbilt, No. 6 Cincinnati, and No. 2 Ohio State
Midwest: No. 1 North Carolina, No. 12 California, No. 3 Georgetown, and No. 2 Kansas
West: No. 1 Michigan State, No. 4 Louisville, No. 3 Marquette, and No. 2 Missouri
Elite Eight
South: No. 1 Kentucky vs. No. 3 Baylor
East: No. 5 Vanderbilt vs. No. 6 Cincinnati
Midwest: No. 1 North Carolina vs. # No. 2 Kansas
West: No. 1 Michigan State vs. No. 2 Missouri
Final Four
South: Kentucky, West: Missouri, East: Cincinnati, and Midwest: North Carolina
National Championship
North Carolina vs. Kentucky
New Champions: North Carolina!!!
Good luck with your picks and teams. Be sure to like the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Todays-Sports-Update/136729589760548) and follow me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/SebastianTSU). See you next time.
Yours truly,
Sebastian Maldonado
Copyrighted @ 2007
March Madness Play-In Games Picks
Monday March 12, 2012
March started 12 days ago. But this Thursday marks the start of this year’s March Madness.
On Wednesday, I will reveal my picks for this year’s brackets. Sixty-eight teams will vie for the National Championship. Only one will win. But first, eight teams will play for a spot on the tournament, the round of 64. Here are my picks for those games.
Tuesday’s Games:
South Region (spot 16): West. Kentucky (15-18) over Miss. Valley St. (21-12)
West Region (spot 14): Iona (25-7) over BYU (25-8)
Wednesday’s Games (both in the Midwest Region):
(spot 16)Vermont (23-11) over Lamar (23-11)
(spot 12) California (24-9) over South Florida (20-13)
Check local listings for all games.
Be sure to like the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Todays-Sports-Update/136729589760548) and follow me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/SebastianTSU). Remember, Wednesday is when I will post up my picks for March Madness. Take care, and good luck with your picks.
Yours Truly,
Sebastian Maldonado
Copyrighted @ 2007
NFL Draft Drama
February 28, 2012
Even though the NFL ended another season, the drama is still there. Football teams look to the future to help their teams rebuild. It seems Indianapolis will take Andrew Luck. Or will they?
Heisman winner and Baylor alum Robert Griffin III impressed teams without throwing a ball. He ran a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash. He places second behind Luck in prospective quarterbacks, but it might change come draft day. The Colts still don’t know what to do with Peyton Manning. It’s likely they will take a quarterback, with Luck as a lock according to experts. Regardless, a quarterback will be available after the first pick. This brings us to yesterday’s announcement.
The St. Louis Rams, who already have a quarterback in Sam Bradford, announced they will trade their number two pick. It’s clear the Rams want a lot. Which team is willing to give up a lot for the number two pick? Let’s see which teams could get the number two pick that need a quarterback.
#6 Washington Redskins: the Redskins have John Beck and could court Manning to join. Could they really pass up on this opportunity though? It’s unlikely, but they need to give up a lot. That is the question they need to ask themselves.
February 28, 2012
Even though the NFL ended another season, the drama is still there. Football teams look to the future to help their teams rebuild. It seems Indianapolis will take Andrew Luck. Or will they?
Heisman winner and Baylor alum Robert Griffin III impressed teams without throwing a ball. He ran a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash. He places second behind Luck in prospective quarterbacks, but it might change come draft day. The Colts still don’t know what to do with Peyton Manning. It’s likely they will take a quarterback, with Luck as a lock according to experts. Regardless, a quarterback will be available after the first pick. This brings us to yesterday’s announcement.
The St. Louis Rams, who already have a quarterback in Sam Bradford, announced they will trade their number two pick. It’s clear the Rams want a lot. Which team is willing to give up a lot for the number two pick? Let’s see which teams could get the number two pick that need a quarterback.
#6 Washington Redskins: the Redskins have John Beck and could court Manning to join. Could they really pass up on this opportunity though? It’s unlikely, but they need to give up a lot. That is the question they need to ask themselves.
#4 & #22 Cleveland Browns: the Browns have Colt McCoy as their current quarterback, but he suffered a concussion during the season. The Browns would love to trade up. They have the picks but might not have the money. RB Peyton Hillis could resign and get a hefty contract.
#8 Miami Dolphins: the Dolphins have Chad Henne, but they are rebuilding. They could use Griffin for their franchise. They have the tools to give to the Rams, but they might not be willing. The Dolphins could stay with Henne, who has not lived to his potential. But they could do a lot worse at QB.
#12 Seattle Seahawks: the Seahawks could be the team that trades up. Their QB is Tavaris Jackson. Coach Pete Carroll knows how to integrate quarterbacks into the NFL. It could be a match made in heaven. One hiccup is the system. Would Griffin fit into Carroll’s plans?
Comment below to who you think will or should trade up to get the number two pick of the draft? Be sure to follow me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/SebastianTSU) and check out the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Todays-Sports-Update/136729589760548). See you next time.
Yours truly,
Sebastian Maldonado
Copyrighted @ 2007
All-Star Week Already?
Thursday February 23, 2012
The NBA has become successful after their embarrassing lockout. Now, it’s time for the All-Star weekend, which takes place at Orlando, Florida. Lasting memories were made the last time the festivities took place in Orlando. It’s been twenty years since Magic Johnson won the MVP. What will happen twenty years later?
Friday marks the beginning of the festivities. Celebrities and players will play against each other in the Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at 7 p.m. At 9 p.m., the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge features the brightest young stars from the rookie and sophomore classes duking it out. Normally, this game features the best draft picks from both classes. Commissioner David Stern made an exception and put Knicks PG Jeremy Lin in the game. Miami’s Norris Cole was added as well to make the roster to 20. Blake Griffin and John Wall will also play.
Saturday features the fun challenges many basketball fans enjoy. The first contest is the shooting skills challenge. Team Atlanta will defend their crown. Their team consists of Hawks All-Star Joe Johnson,; Lindsey Harding of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream; and NBA TV analyst Steve Smith. Team Orlando, includes Magic point guard Jameer Nelson, three-time WNBA All-Star Marie Ferdinand-Harris and former Magic great Dennis Scott. Team New York is comprised of the Knicks’ Landry Fields, the New York Liberty’s Cappie Pondexter and former Knicks great Allan Houston. The Houston Rockets’ Chandler Parsons, the San Antonio Silver Stars’ Sophia Young and TNT analyst Kenny Smith represent Team Texas.
The second contest is the skills challenge. Golden State’s defending champion Stephen Curry will try to repeat against Cleveland’s Irving, Washington’s Wall, San Antonio’s Tony Parker, and All-Stars Deron Williams and Russell Westbrook . Following that will be the Foot Locker Three-Point Contest. Miami’s James Jones will return to defend his championship against teammate Mario Chalmers, Orlando’s Ryan Anderson, New Jersey’s Anthony Morrow, and All-Stars Joe Johnson and Kevin Love.
The Sprite Slam Dunk Contest will be different this time around. An all-new champion will be crowned, as Blake Griffin will not return. Only one round will take place, and the fans will vote for the winner at the end. Indiana’s Paul George, Houston’s Chase Buddinger, Minnesota’s Derrick Williams and Utah’s Jeremy Evans will compete for the vote.
Sunday marks the actual All-Star game. The best of the best play in a game of showmanship. Make no mistake, though. The only thing on the line is pride. Expect the best to shine in this game.
2012 Western Conference All-Stars:
|
NO. |
PLAYER (TEAM) |
POS. |
HT. |
WT. |
BIRTHDATE |
FROM |
|
35 |
* Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City) |
F |
6-9 |
235 |
09/29/88 |
Texas |
|
32 |
* Blake Griffin (L.A. Clippers) |
F |
6-10 |
251 |
03/16/89 |
Oklahoma |
|
24 |
* Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers) |
G |
6-6 |
205 |
08/23/78 |
Lower Merion HS (PA) |
|
3 |
* Chris Paul (L.A. Clippers) |
G |
6-0 |
175 |
05/06/85 |
Wake Forest |
|
17 |
* # Andrew Bynum (L.A. Lakers) |
C |
7-0 |
285 |
10/27/87 |
St. Joseph HS (NJ) |
|
12 |
# LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland) |
F |
6-11 |
240 |
07/19/85 |
Texas |
|
33 |
# Marc Gasol (Memphis) |
C |
7-1 |
265 |
01/29/85 |
Barcelona, Spain |
|
42 |
Kevin Love (Minnesota) |
F-C |
6-10 |
260 |
09/07/88 |
UCLA |
|
13 |
Steve Nash (Phoenix) |
G |
6-3 |
178 |
02/07/74 |
Santa Clara |
|
41 |
Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas) |
F |
7-0 |
245 |
06/19/78 |
Wurzburg, Germany |
|
9 |
Tony Parker (San Antonio) |
G |
6-2 |
185 |
05/17/82 |
Paris, France |
|
0 |
Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City) |
G |
6-3 |
187 |
11/12/88 |
UCLA |
2012 Eastern Conference All-Stars:
|
NO. |
PLAYER (TEAM) |
POS. |
HT. |
WT. |
BIRTHDATE |
FROM |
|
7 |
* Carmelo Anthony (New York) |
F |
6-8 |
230 |
05/29/84 |
Syracuse |
|
6 |
* LeBron James (Miami) |
F |
6-8 |
250 |
12/30/84 |
St. Vincent-St. Mary HS (OH) |
|
1 |
* Derrick Rose (Chicago) |
G |
6-3 |
190 |
10/04/88 |
Memphis |
|
3 |
* Dwyane Wade (Miami) |
G |
6-4 |
220 |
01/17/82 |
Marquette |
|
12 |
* Dwight Howard (Orlando) |
C |
6-11 |
265 |
12/08/85 |
SW Atlanta Christian Academy (GA) |
|
1 |
Chris Bosh (Miami) |
F |
6-11 |
235 |
03/24/84 |
Georgia Tech |
|
9 |
# Luol Deng (Chicago) |
F |
6-9 |
220 |
04/16/85 |
Duke |
|
55 |
# Roy Hibbert (Indiana) |
C |
7-2 |
260 |
12/11/86 |
Georgetown |
|
9 |
# Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia) |
F-G |
6-6 |
207 |
01/08/84 |
Arizona |
|
55 |
Joe Johnson (Atlanta) |
G |
6-7 |
240 |
06/29/81 |
Arkansas |
|
34 |
Paul Pierce (Boston) |
F |
6-7 |
235 |
10/13/77 |
Kansas |
|
8 |
Deron Williams (New Jersey) |
G |
6-3 |
209 |
06/26/84 |
Illinois |
Joe Johnson is off the roster. Celtics guard Rajon Rondo will replace him. All events will be on TNT. The celebrity game will be on ESPN (check local listings). Be sure to check out the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Todays-Sports-Update/136729589760548) and follow me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/SebastianTSU). Have fun this weekend.
Yours truly,
Sebastian Maldonado
Copyrighted @ 2007
The Missing Piece?
Sunday February 12, 2012
The Knicks spent a lot and sacrificed a lot to get All-Stars Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. They also paid a price when they let go Chanucey Billups to acquire Tyson Chandler. The hole at point guard took affect, and the Knicks started to fade. Then, a pickup cut by the Rockets and Warriors helped them get back on their winning ways.
PG Jeremy Lin from Harvard spent his days in New York sleeping on a couch. He also did a stint in the NBDL (National Basketball Developmental League). Enter February 4th, when Lin scored 25 in a victory over the Nets. Lin hasn’t slowed down since. His first start was against the Jazz, and he excelled. He scored 28 and had eight assists. Lin recorded a double-double in his next start against the Wizards. He even took part in beating the Lakers on Friday night. The Knicks are on a five-game winning streak during Lin’s emergence. The basketball world is taking notice, and the Knicks are making waves again.
Is Jeremy Lin the missing piece, the last key element the Knicks searched for all along? He might be. “Linsanity” has struck in New York and apparently isn’t slowing down. But the real issue involves the Knicks’ future. Lin could not only put the Knicks in contention but also save Mike D’antoni’s job. The Knick coach’s system needs a point guard to run it, and Lin could be exactly what he needs. Also consider that Stoudemire and Anthony have not played with Lin. Imagine what that would bring.
It seems the Knicks are back in the hunt. Remember, it takes time for a team to gel. The Knicks mixed and matched for so long, they might have the leadership needed to get their stars the ball. Lin needs to keep up his play. Otherwise, the Knicks are back to square one again, a talented team without a point guard.
Be sure to like the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Todays-Sports-Update/136729589760548) and follow me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/SebastianTSU).
Yours truly,
Sebastian Maldonado
Copyright @ 2007
