Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Latest Sports Buzz

Latest Sports Buzz

Chicago vs Philadelphia: Flyers bank on home advantage

Posted: 09 Jun 2010 11:37 PM PDT

Chicago vs Philadelphia

Chicago vs Philadelphia

The Lord Stanley's Cup final shall witness the clash between Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers in game 6 at the Wachovia Center. A win would bless the Hawks with the hockey's coveted title, but the Flyers surely will try to push the play off to a 7th game.

The Hawks so far had shown a brilliant display of the game but the fact remains that they have not won a game in Philadelphia since 1996. A further demoralizing aspect has been the two defeats in a row at the same venue. Though the hawks claimed game 5 by a 7-4 margin, it would be foolish to think about game 6 in the same lines.

It is a do or die one for Flyers and they would leave no stones unturned to snatch a victory. The Chicago players are keeping their fingers crossed ahead of the game, well aware of the fact that it is surely going to be a different one.

The Flyers expect their stars to perform better if they are to dim the opponents' chances to bag the title. Michael Leighton and Pronger need to deliver promising displays to gain the team a better edge. Danny Briere has scored 2 goals and 7 assists, while Scott Hartnell has 3 goals and 4 assists in the series. In addition to these players, Mike Richards shall definitely be a trump card for the hosts in the crucial game. However, Jeff Carter's presence seems to be doubtful due to a foot injury.

AHN At The Ballpark: Mixed Glove-Work For Rangers’ Andrus, But Bat Is Bashing

Posted: 09 Jun 2010 12:41 PM PDT

Arlington, TX, United States (AHN) – They say you can tell a lot about a player by seeing how he responds to adversity.

Well, for 21-year-old Elvis Andrus, his ability to bounce back from a potentially-costly error Tuesday night helped spark the Texas Rangers to a convincing 7-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners at Rangers Ballpark.

The second-year shortstop has been excelling offensively lately, but has had some trouble in the field, entering Tuesday’s contest having committed errors in back-to-back games.

Then his wild throw with none out in the third inning allowed Seattle’s Rob Johnson to become the first Mariner to reach base.

Luckily, the Rangers got out of the inning without giving up a run, but Texas pitcher Colby Lewis walked the next two batters and had to skillfully work his way out of a jam to escape unscathed.

Andrus rebounded by making a sparkling play at shortstop in the sixth inning that saved a run.

With a runner on third base and two outs in a game Texas led 2-1, Andrus quickly snagged a hard Josh Wilson ground ball deep in the hole and made a fabulous off-balance throw that just beat Wilson to first to end the inning.

“I was a little upset after that error I made,” Andrus admitted, “because he was throwing a great game before that, and he might have been a little concerned after that, he had two walks after that. I was focused and trying to do something positive after that. It was a great play, it got me being on top of my game.”

“They get that run there, it would have been a tie game,” said Texas manager Ron Washington. “We still felt like we were in the game, but you never know. It was a big play. (First baseman Justin Smoak) made a great play on the other end of it, and Elvis did a great job of getting to it and getting it in the air. It was a huge play.”

Then, in the bottom of the inning, Andrus continued Texas’ rally by delivering a two-out double with the bases loaded, driving in two big runs to expand the Rangers’ lead to 5-1.

Overall, Andrus was 3-for-5 with a run scored and two RBI.

By extending his hitting streak to 13 games, he now has the two longest hitting streaks this season by a Ranger, and is just one shy of the 14-game streak he had from April 28-May 14.

He also raised his batting average to an impressive .311, third on the squad, and entered the day ranked seventh in the American League in runs scored, tied for fourth in stolen bases and 10th in on-base percentage.

"It feels good and that's what I'm trying to do," said Andrus, who extended his hitting streak to 13 games. "Every time I go up there, every game, the first thought is to get on base, no matter how – base hit, walk, whatever. That's been helping me this year."

Two of his hits, including the clutch double in the sixth, came off Seattle starter Felix Hernandez.

it’s a testament to Andrus’ confidence that the youngster was eagerly awaiting facing the Mariners’ ace who finished second in AL Cy Young Award voting last year with a 19-5 record.

“He's a tough guy – as a hitter, that's the kind of pitcher you want to face,” said Andrus, who is now batting .333 (8-for-24) against Hernandez in his short career. “He's a guy that you want to show that you're a great hitter, too, so those are the kind of guys you want to face all the time. And I do, I really like to face Felix, I feel comfortable to face him. I try to get a little more focused going up there and try to make contact, that's all you can do against guys like that.”

And as he continues to bear down defensively, Andrus’ value to the Rangers will only keep increasing.

“He'll settle down,” Washington said. “It's a long season, he's a very young man and sometimes he gets a little excited out there and things happen, but he usually gathers himself.”

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

High School Star Jordan Spieth Returns At PGA Tour’s St. Jude Classic

Posted: 09 Jun 2010 11:47 AM PDT

Memphis, Tennessee, United States (AHN) – Blues, barbecue and Graceland. Memphis has them all.

It has also been the longtime home of the St. Jude Classic.

This is the tournament where Al Geiberger shot his 59 some 33 years ago at the old Colonial Country Club’s south course.

This is the tournament that the late Danny Thomas wrapped his arms around and took the St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital into his heart.

The version that begins Thursday has the unenviable position of being the event that proceeds the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. Yes, it is short of established stars, but it still has some great storylines in the field.

Dallas high school star Jordan Spieth, the talk of the Byron Nelson tournament in May, will make his second PGA Tour appearance this week. John Daly continues his comeback. There is an established European contingent playing, headlined by Lee Westwood, Paddy Harrington, Ian Poulter and the youngster, Rory McIlroy.

Former two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen of South Africa is here in hopes of finding his old form in time for Pebble Beach.

But the true winner of this event continues to be the St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital. It has become the focal point of the event and the support remains outstanding.

The defending champion this week is Brian Gay. Other former champions in the field include Justin Leonard (2005, 2008), Woody Austin (2007), Jeff Maggert (2006) and David Toms (2003, 2004).

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Report: Notre Dame Suddenly Getting Serious About Joining Big Ten

Posted: 09 Jun 2010 11:30 AM PDT

South Bend, IN, United States (AHN) – So what’s the next atomic particle in the nuclear chain reaction that promises to reshape the college football landscape?

Texas? Notre Dame? Oklahoma?

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology?

That last one doesn’t field a football team, of course, but MIT might be needed at some point to sort out these Super Conference Equations.

With Nebraska reportedly set to accept the Big Ten’s invitation to join, speculation shifts as to which school not only will draw, but actually pull the trigger next.

Indeed, the Fighting Irish might be ready to join the fray.

Notre Dame apparently has gotten more serious about talks with the Big Ten, according to a report at AOL’s FanHouse site, which cited scheduling as a sudden worry for the Irish should some of these proposed 16-team conferences become a reality.

Notre Dame and the Big Ten have flirted for years, but there’s obviously a sense of urgency now that college commissioners are scrambling to figure out the future.

And it does make sense for Notre Dame, which could be left out in the cold with a weaker schedule than it usually plays should everybody realign and lock into playing more conference opponents.

But will the Big Ten expand to 12 teams or go to 16? Can the Pac-10 pull off grabbing six more teams and effectively dismantle the Big 12?

Negotiations are sure to be heating up by the hour.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Chicago Paper Draws Flyers Pronger In Skirt; Player Declines Comment

Posted: 09 Jun 2010 11:28 AM PDT

Chicago, IL, United States (AHN) – Gee, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger has one bad game in the Stanley Cup Finals and next thing you know he’s portrayed as wearing a skirt.

Literally.

The Chicago Tribune, of course, is the hometown paper of the Chicago Blackhawks, who hope to win the franchise’s first Stanley Cup since 1961 Wednesday night in Philadelphia.

To mark Game 6 and such a momentous occasion, the Tribune decided to publish a special pullout section featuring Pronger on the cover. Only it’s a rendering of him wearing his Flyers uniform and … a matching skirt.

The layout also includes calling him “Chrissy Pronger” and cites his awful Game 5 statistics, adding, “Looks like Tarzan skates like Jane.”

Pronger pleaded ignorance when asked about the cover. “I don’t read what you guys write, good or bad,” he told reporters. “Next question, next question. I really couldn’t care, to be honest with you. I’m worried about playing the game.”

The New York Daily News quoted Tribune sports editor Mike Kellams as saying it was meant to be fun, not offensive. “… there is no other guy in orange who commands attention like Chris Pronger does,” the editor said. “He’s the villain, he’s the enemy. We were just trying to tap into that emotion that is unique to sports, and we were just trying to have some fun in the paper. I don’t think that’s against the law.”

As pros, the Blackhawks certainly will celebrate their accomplishment should they win on the Flyers home ice, and — as the saying goes — act like they’ve been there before.

These things tend to uniquely backfire in sports, too.

If the Blackhawks lose the next two games and the Stanley Cup, and Pronger bashes a few heads and scores a couple of goals, Chicago fans might be holding up copies of the Tribune as a villian in the collapse.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Nebraska Reportedly Bound For Big Ten Conference

Posted: 09 Jun 2010 11:27 AM PDT

Lincoln, NE, United States (AHN) – Nebraska reportedly has accepted its invitation to join the Big Ten Conference and is expected to make an official announcement as early as Friday.

The Omaha World Herald indicated Nebraska has decided to leave the Big 12 Conference, and Athletic Director Tom Osborne told Husker Sports Network that the school’s plans will be announced soon.

“I think before too long — I don’t know exactly what that time frame is — we’ll be able to put this to bed,” Osborne told the network Tuesday, “because I’m getting tired of it.”

Osborne also denied speculation that a suspected rift between Nebraska and Texas would influence their decision.

“We certainly don’t have anything against anybody in the Big 12,” Osborne told the network. “This decision is not going to be based on animosity or petty jealousy. You’re talking about something that could maintain for the next 75 to 100 years.”

Reports also circulated the Big 12 asked allegiance from Nebraska and Missouri to prevent six schools from jumping to the Pac-10.

Nebraska won five national titles and 46 conference titles as a member of the Big 12, previously known as the Big 8.

Nebraska's rival Oklahoma is expected to stay with the Big 12 next season.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Santa Clara Votes To Build 49ers New Stadium

Posted: 09 Jun 2010 11:26 AM PDT

Santa Clara, CA, United States (AHN) – San Francisco wants to keep the 49ers. But Santa Clara is ready to build the NFL team a new stadium.

Voters in this Silicon Valley city gave overwhelming approval Tuesday for a $937 million project that would begin construction in 2012 and the 49ers hope would be ready for them by the 2014 season.

“For almost a decade and a half, the San Francisco 49ers and our faithful fans have dreamed about playing at home in a world-class stadium, and now those dreams are closer to reality,” team president and CEO Jed York said in a statement released by the 49ers. “We can now proceed with our plans to build the premier, open-air sports and entertainment venue in the world.”

Although Measure J easily passed, project approvals and financing still must be worked out, which San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom and stadium opponents see as factors in the 49ers not leaving the city.

Newsom reportedly has told Bay Area media that the vote doesn’t guarantee a new home for the team and financial numbers still favor San Francisco plans for a stadium.

“We recognize that there is still a lot of work to be done, and it is now our responsibility to finish the job by delivering on the remainder of the plan,” York said in his prepared statement. “But, the best fans in the NFL deserve the best stadium, and our new home will continue to make them proud to cheer on the San Francisco 49ers for generations to come.”

The 49ers have played in San Francisco since their inception in 1946 and won five Super Bowls.

They would still be called the San Francisco 49ers in the new 68,500-seat stadium.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Amare Stoudemire Demands Big Deal Or He’ll Leave Suns

Posted: 09 Jun 2010 11:25 AM PDT

Phoenix, AZ, United States (AHN) – Free agent Amare Stoudemire broke silence on his current status Tuesday, demanding the Phoenix Suns pay him a maximum contract for next season.

Stoudemire, 27, believed his past service for the Suns should be rewarded with a sweet new contract.

"The most important factor of playing for an organization is to be able to be totally comfortable and give them 100 percent. That’s what I’ve done my whole career, so it’s only right to look for a maximum contract.” Stoudemire told reporters at his basketball camp Tuesday.

Stoudemire added he does not want to leave Phoenix, but insisted only a big contract would decide whether to stay or play for another team next season.

Drafted ninth overall in 2002, Stoudemire has emerged as one of the most productive power forwards in the league.

Along with Steve Nash, Stoudemire powered an effective up-tempo offense, which led to three trips to the Western Conference finals.

Stoudemire, who averaged 21.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks in seven seasons with the Suns, has been involved in several trade discussions the past three years – including a short-lived swap with former Hornets player Tyson Chandler in 2008.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Kroenke Family To Continue Juggling Teams’ Ownership

Posted: 09 Jun 2010 11:23 AM PDT

Denver, CO, United States (AHN) – Well-known sports mogul Stan Kroenke reportedly indicated Tuesday his intentions to keep the Denver teams he owns under family control. Kroenke owns the NBA's Denver Nuggets and NHL's Colorado Avalanche, and wants to increase his 40 percent share of the NFL's St. Louis Rams.

It was the first clear public comment by Kroenke for his plans to become sole owner of the Rams.

Working against the 63-year-old Missouri billionaire are NFL rules prohibiting owners from also owning teams in the NBA, NHL or Major League Baseball.

In order to meet NFL guidelines for his majority stake of the Rams, the elder Kroenke will reportedly divest his interest in the Nuggets to his son, Josh, 29, who currently serves as the Nuggets vice president of team development.

“Our son Josh has been involved with many of our organizations for several years and that family continuity remains a priority,” Kroenke said in a statement reported by The Denver Post.com.

“My family looks forward to owning the Rams, Nuggets and Avalanche for years to come while being compliant with all stipulations set by the NFL. Our family remains committed to fans in St. Louis and Denver,” Kroenke added.

The statement did not indicate how Kroenke will deal with the ownership of the Avalanche in his effort to buy the remaining 60 percent of the Rams franchise, which is owned by the late Georgia Frontiere’s heirs, son Chip Rosenbloom and daughter Lucia Rodriguez.

Kroenke has owned 40 percent of the Rams since the team moved from Los Angeles in 1995.

Kroenke, who resides in Columbia, Missouri, is also a major shareholder of the English football club Arsenal.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.

Ricky Williams OK With Dolphins Owner’s Brash Prediction

Posted: 09 Jun 2010 11:21 AM PDT

Miami, FL, United States (AHN) – Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams supported Stephen Ross' bold prediction over the weekend, saying there's nothing wrong with the owner having championship expectations.

Williams, 33, said the Dolphins owner was just raising the bar for them.

Ross showed optimism, if not brash confidence, by predicting the Dolphins would play for the Super Bowl title in February.

ESPN NFL Live analysts Tedy Bruschi and Eric Allen believed Ross’ prediction was too high considering the league's competitive balance.

Bruschi said Ross should think first of Miami winning its season-opener against the Buffalo Bills on September 9.

Williams defended Ross' comments Tuesday, saying the owner was only optimistic of the feedback coming from Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano.

“The reason he said that is he probably heard Coach [Tony] Sparano say it, and that takes a lot of balls for a head coach to say it. He raised the bar, and it’s our job to reach it.” Williams told ESPN.com Tuesday.

Williams also backed up Ross’ prediction that Chad Henne could develop into the greatest quarterback in Dolphins history.

Williams said comparing the young quarterback to other Dolphins greats like Dan Marino and Bob Griese was just unfair.

“Who would Chad Henne be if he said ‘I want to be the second-best quarterback in Miami Dolphins history?’ ” said Williams, who rushed for 1,121 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. “I don’t want a quarterback like that on my team. I think you set the bar and you work hard,” Williams told ESPN.

Copyright © 2003 – 2010 AHN – All rights reserved.
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