January 29, 2012 - Posted by houjue luyiser - 0 Comments
The Baltimore Ravens wasted virtually no time getting a alternative for lately departed defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano, marketing linebackers coach Dean Pees to consider over charge of the team’s defense on Friday.
“Just always respected his work,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh stated throughout a news conference. “Completely with the ranks he’s been one among the very best coaches around.”
Pees had trained the linebackers in Baltimore within the last two seasons after becoming the brand new England Patriots’ defensive coordinator for that previous four seasons. Pagano was named the alternative for Jim Caldwell as mind coach from the Indiana Colts the 2009 week.
“This is an incredible chance to become a defensive coordinator for anyone within this league, but it is especially humbling to become one for that Ravens,” Pees stated, through the Ravens’ official website. “I’m not really just like Chuck Pagano. You have to become what you are.Inch
Harbaugh stated he only checked out internal candidates to do the job. Pees was the secondary coach at Miami of Ohio when Harbaugh would be a defensive back in the school.
“We return a lengthy way,” Harbaugh stated. “If Dean could make me any type of a person, that teaches you the type of great coach he is really.Inch
Harbaugh also introduced that Cam Cameron could be back because the team’s offensive coordinator. Cameron has orchestrated the Ravens’ offense within the last four seasons and was set to become free agent this offseason, resulting in speculation about his future using the team. The Ravens rated 15th as a whole offense this year.
“It had been a formality in my experience (to create Cameron back), Harbaugh stated. “I had been looking forward to it. It had been a great year. We switched several things over on offense.”
Cameron stated the size of his contract had been determined.
“I known as (gm) Ozzie (Newsome) and stated, `Hey, I am just thrilled to become back,’” Cameron stated. “And Ozzie stated, `Cam, within our minds, you had been never gone.’ Which means the planet. Clearly, we have got lots of incomplete business.”
Harbaugh also introduced the perfect teams coordinator and assistant mind coach Jerry Rosburg will also return, and stated employing a quarterbacks coach is really a possibility.
January 29, 2012 - Posted by houjue luyiser - 0 Comments
Once the Glazer family, proprietors from the Polk Bay Buccaneers, set to find their new mind coach, they clearly wanted different things. Something which could not be based in the standard pool of National football league assistants. Something which would solve their team’s immediate problems. They wanted a coach who was simply a mind coach. They wanted somebody that had success and wasn’t going to need to learn at work.
In the beginning, their lengthy search brought these to Oregon’s Nick Kelly, which will be a great hire. When Kelly made the decision to remain in college, the Bucs stored searching for a guy concentrating on the same qualifications, eventually winding up with Rutgers’ Greg Schiano. In my experience, this hire is sensible. The Bucs require a tough guy. They require a guy with a few swagger. They require a coach who won’t allow the gamers run they. And first and foremost, they require a coach the organization could totally invest in.
Schiano may have a small learning curve when it comes to comprehending the professional game and learning the talent level that it requires to become effective, but actually this will require him lengthy. One benefit of employing college coaches is they come with an existing philosophy in each and every section of the overall game, from gamers to plan to coaches. This foundation enables them to rapidly setup their program. Using the right staff, Schiano you will need to compete in the greatest level.
Sometimes when proprietors hire affordable youthful coaches, it may send a note towards the gamers that there’s an alternative teacher running the category. This may be a brief-term decision when the coach doesn’t get off and away to an excellent start. There’s little margin for error when creating this type of choice. I’m all for employing good, youthful coaches, but there needs to be considered a significant investment in to the coach — not always just around the financial side, but much more within the readiness to pass through the challenging occasions. This can’t be an effort period. Going youthful is excellent, as lengthy because the gamers be aware of coach will probably be around for a while, it’s obvious the possession is in.
Do you consider the Steelers possession allow the gamers influence their ideas on the youthful Bill Cowher, or perhaps a youthful Mike Tomlin? Not whatsoever, since the Steelers designed a resolve for their youthful coach. Will the Glazers follow with Schiano? It seems this way at this time, and that i enjoy it.
How about the rest of the new employs? It’s not hard to say everybody is fully committed in the beginning, but they are they? Let us examine.
St. Louis Rams: Shaun Fisher
The Rams make an enormous investment into Fisher and the very first time inside a very long time, the Rams won’t evaluate training changes year upon year. St. Louis is fully dedicated to Fisher. This might change if progress has not occurred through the 4th year, although not until then.
Might Chiefs: Romeo Crennel
Once the Chiefs hired Crennel his or her mind coach, everybody was happy, in the front office towards the gamers. Crennel certainly will not have as lengthy a leash as Fisher — he’ll need to show significant progress within the next 2 yrs. He is doing possess the full support from the front office in the start, though, therefore the gamers know he’s in control. The important thing hire for Crennel is going to be who he selects being his offensive coordinator. Could it be Jim Zorn in the current staff or former Whales coordinator John Daboll?
Miami Whales: Joe Philbin
After looking to get a large title, the Whales settled for that Packers offensive coordinator. Philbin includes a huge challenge on his hands, because the group of followers is frustrated and needs to win rapidly. It’d be described as a part of the best direction if Philbin can effectively address the quarterback position. Ultimately, Philbin will need to start fast and convince the leading office and possession that he’s the best guy. A poor start can create doubt. Stephen Ross is certainly the owner who would like to win now.
The city of jacksonville Jaguars: Mike Mularkey
Mularkey is close buddies with gm Gene Cruz, and both is going to be attached in the stylish because they attempt to turn the Jaguars around. Their success is going to be determined in line with the play of first-round pick Blaine Gabbert. If Gabbert plays well, expect Cruz and Mularkey to be with some time. But when Gabbert struggles within the next 2 yrs, then expect more alterations in The city of jacksonville.
Concord Raiders: Dennis Allen
New GM Reggie McKenzie went against conventional Raider knowledge by selecting a defensive coach to mind in the team. Allen comes highly suggested, despite the fact that he’s only been a coordinator for just one year and it is the youngest mind coach within the league. But he’s impressive and it has an order of his gamers. The Raiders should be patient with Allen and think lengthy-term because he develops in to the job. It will require Allen time for you to learn at work, but when the Raiders provide a chance, he or she is their coach for the following ten years.
Indiana Colts: Chuck Pagano
They are going through wholesale changes, in the front office towards the training staff towards the quarterback. Like Allen, Pagano gained the very best job after only one season like a coordinator (for that Ravens). Similarly, Pagano is really a gifted coach who’ll require a while to develop in to the job. However with the very first overall pick within the 2012 National football league Draft along with a likely increase of youth around the roster, the amount of expectation for that Colts is not so high immediately, permitting Pagano a while to construct. It seems they are prepared to go all along with this decision.
January 11, 2012 - Posted by houjue luyiser - 0 Comments
The Reds see an opening in the NL Central, a division that has lost Albert Pujols and could lose Prince Fielder, and are going for it.
Cincinnati and free agent reliever Ryan Madson have agreed to a one-year deal, bolstering a team that has already traded for starting pitcher Mat Latos.
Madson, who has been an effective setup man and closer during a nine-year career with the Phillies, had 32 saves in 34 chances and a 2.37 ERA with Philadelphia last year.
Madson, 31, can test free agency again next offseason, when there shouldn’t be as many closers on the market. This offseason’s market has included Heath Bell (who signed with the Marlins), Jonathan Papelbon (whom the Phillies signed) and Francisco Cordero, the Reds’ closer last season.
Madson, who is five years younger than Cordero, also a free agent, joins a solid Reds bullpen that includes Aroldis Chapman, Sean Marshall, Nick Masset and Logan Ondrusek
January 3, 2012 - Posted by houjue luyiser - 0 Comments
Henrik Lundqvist stopped Danny Briere’s penalty shot with 19 seconds left, Kaira Richards obtained a tight schedule-ahead goal at the start of the 3rd period and also the New You are able to Rangers rallied from the two-goal deficit to conquer the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 during the cold months Classic on Monday at People Bank Park.
Using a rink that extended from first base to 3rd base, the Rangers made the league’s fifth Classic event an unforgettable someone to stay atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Mike Rupp obtained two times as New You are able to won for that third time this year against Philadelphia.
The NHL encircled the rink with Christmas trees, wooden, fake snow, as well as trash-can fires. But there is nothing artificial within the elements with snow flurries late within the second period and temps that dipped in to the 30s, forcing 46,967 fans to bundle up for that large game.
Rookie Brayden Schenn and Claude Giroux obtained for that Flyers. It had been Schenn’s first career goal.
Although this game meant two points within the standings, such as the four other NHL games looking for Monday evening, it received the type of hype normally restricted to the Stanley Cup finals. NBC public the overall game and Cinemax had 12 camera deck hands filming the overall game and behind-the-moments action because of its “24/7″ series.
Among the breakout stars from the show was benched.
Flyers goalkeeper Ilya Bryzgalov, who signed a nine-year, $51 million contract in June, saw a current slump send him towards the bench. Sergei Bobrovsky got the phone call from coach Peter Laviolette and unsuccessful to carry the first lead built-in front of the decidedly orange-and-black crowd.
The Flyers ended the overall game without star forward Jaromir Jagr, who performed merely a minute within the second period before departing the overall game permanently. The Flyers didn’t say that which was wrong using the 39-year-old star. Jagr stated after the overall game he hurt his left leg and likely to return soon.
Despite Jagr out, his presence was noted.
Rupp’s first goal late within the second included a salute toward the Flyers’ bench ?a exactly the same move Jagr creates the house crowd after among his goals. Rupp smiled as his teammates mobbed him across the boards and also the crowd booed his attempt for showing-up Jagr.
Jagr never really got an opportunity to respond and also the Flyers hope whatever is ailing their third-leading points scorer will not keep him out lengthy.
Rupp, who obtained the winning goal for Nj in Game 7 from the 2003 Stanley Cup finals against Anaheim, shipped another clutch goal around the large stage when his wrister in the circle shot under Bobrovsky’s right arm and tied the overall game at 2.
Richards wasted virtually no time scoring the champion, knocking inside a rebound 3:20 later to place the Rangers up 3-2.
Lundqvist outplayed Bobrovsky, preventing 12 shots within the first, coupled with 34 saves.
His finest moment arrived the waning moments after Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh was whistled for since the puck within the crease. Lundqvist stoned Briere together with his pads once the All-Star center attempted to sneak it through his legs.
With a few fans having to pay greater than a $1,000 a chair around the secondary market, the stadium was full towards the finish.
For any brief moment within the second, Flyers fans thought they’d visit a champion.
Schenn, a valued rookie sent over from La within the Mike Richards deal within the summer time, obtained his first half way with the second period, leaving the freedom Bell in right area normally restricted to Phillies home runs.
Giroux demonstrated a national audience how he’s begun into an MVP candidate having a backhander 1:55 later for his 18th goal along with a 2- lead. However the Flyers could not beat Lundqvist again.
That did not stop the diehards, though, from being entertained by home town band, The Roots, and national anthem singer Patti LaBelle.
The garbage-can fires gave the overall game a “Rocky” feel and also the pitchers’ mound and the dish area were left uncovered. It had been 41 levels once the opening faceoff dropped soon after 3 p.m., and temps fell within the next three hrs. The beginning time was pressed back two hrs to safeguard the rink in the sun.
New You are able to received a dose of excellent news lengthy prior to the final horn. Defenseman Marc Staal made his go back to the selection following a season-lengthy absence from the concussion.
Staal, who turns 25 in The month of january, continues to be out all season due to the results of the concussion sustained in Feb as he was hit by his brother, Eric, a forward for that Carolina Severe weather. He’s been skating this month and was removed for light contact.
December 9, 2011 - Posted by houjue luyiser - 0 Comments
College of Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis has had the mind training job at Kansas, departing the Gators to organize for that Jan. 2 Gator Bowl while looking for a alternative.
Running backs coach John Whitened will call the offensive plays for that Gators within the bowl game against Ohio Condition, UF
coach Will Muschamp stated in a pre-bowl press conference on Thursday and that he may also be within the running because the alternative.
“He’ll be looked at, certainly. But I am likely to do notebook computer for that College of Florida in the finish during the day,” Muschamp stated. “We have to improve offensively, and we have to improve our football team. I believe another year within our system, which we’ll hire somebody much the same schematically for which I wish to do philosophically.”
Muschamp stated UF continues operate a professional-style offense and that he intends to hire “the very best offensive coordinator in the united states.”
Weis spent annually at Florida with mixed results while fighting health problems having a knee and stylish. He’d lately stated he
planned to remain at UF for many more years.
He found Gainesville after becoming the Might Chiefs offensive coordinator for any year called the mind coach at
Notre Dame, together with being largely credited for developing Tom Brady as the Colonial Patriots’ offensive coordinator.
Kansas made the employing official by having an announcement on its website. A press conference is scheduled for Friday.
“He informed me in regards to a couple hrs ago,” Muschamp stated early Wednesday evening. “I am happy for him and the wife, Maura. I am really excited on their behalf and becoming an chance to become a mind coach. It is a great compliment to the staff. We have had numerous schools get in touch about prospective coaches on our staff, as well as for him to achieve the chance to become a mind coach again, I understand he’s really looking forward to. We certainly wish him the very best of luck.”
Weis had stated just a few days ago he planned to remain at UF for quite some time. He’d searched for the opportunity to be on the staff together with his boy, also named Charlie, being employed as students assistant together. They shared a workplace this year in Gainesville.
“There are not many possibilities you’re able to be considered a mind coach. I understand Charlie, the final one did not finish the way in which he wanted it to,” Muschamp stated of Weis’s firing at Notre Dame before you take the offensive coordinator’s job using the Kansas Chiefs this year. “He’s a superb football coach. He’s a household guy, and I am very happy for him and the wife and Hannah and Charlie Junior.”
Muschamp stated he’d a lengthy conversation with Weis concerning the chance.
“Whenever, and our profession is the same as the corporate world, when you are capable of taking one step up, I support it 1,000 percent,” Muschamp stated. “Along with a situation, when you are a coordinator plus you’ve got an chance to become a mind coach, I support it 100 %. And that is what he desired to do, and that i requested him, I stated, ‘Is this something you are really thinking about doing?’ He stated, ‘Yeah, I wanna speak with Them. Basically wasn’t interested, I’d not talk.’ And So I stated, ‘I give you support 100 % in the event that’s what for you to do. I believe that’s great.’ Now when men make parallel moves, I do not always accept that. When men can further their career, I believe it is good.”
He intends to take his time, if required, in employing the alternative. Muschamp stated ex-Gator quarterback Kerwin Bell, presently the The city of jacksonville College mind coach, will be a good candidate if interested. His title was raised in questions, not particularly named through the UF coach.
Major Applewhite labored with Muschamp once they were around the staff at Texas and may obtain a call too.
“No timetable around the hire,” Muschamp stated. “You need to result in the right hire. I am not likely to put a timetable on anything. You need to result in the right hire in individuals situations plus you’ve got to have the ability to go ahead and take right guy.”
Muschamp stated many people of his staff have experienced other schools contact about curiosity about other assistants at Florida but is not anticipating losing other people.
December 9, 2011 - Posted by houjue luyiser - 0 Comments
Charlie Weis’ try at as being a college mind coach led to disaster, the longtime National football league assistant not able to meet the high anticipation at Notre Dame.
He’ll get another chance in a program with a lot more modest aspirations.
Weis recognized a deal to teach Kansas on Thursday, and can go about repairing a course that won the Orange Bowl only a couple of years back but floundered under Turner Gill.
Weis is going to be introduced throughout a news conference Friday.
The longtime National football league assistant is overall his first season as offensive coordinator at Florida after investing one season pointing the Might Chiefs’ offense. But his most extensive college experience included the Fighting Irish, where he went 35-27 in five seasons.
The 55-year-old Weis assisted the Gambling win three Super Bowls on the employees of Bill Belichick, as well as stayed using the New You are able to Jets and New You are able to Titans.
“There are not many possibilities you’re able to be considered a mind coach,” Florida coach Will Muschamp stated. “I understand Charlie, the final one did not finish the way in which he wanted it to. He’s a superb football coach. He’s a household guy, and I am very happy for him and the wife and Hannah and Charlie Junior.”
Kansas sports director Sheahon Zenger is hopeful that Weis’ much talked about will energize an admirer base which had grown apathetic under Gill, who had been fired after going 5-19 in only two seasons.
School authorities wouldn’t disclose the relation to Weis’ contract.
Gill signed a five-year deal that guaranteed him $ten million, meaning the college is responsible for roughly $six million after firing him. Weis was making about $800,000 each year using the Gators.
It had been little secret that Weis wasn’t keen on Might throughout his time using the Chiefs, and that he moved onto the Gators simply to ensure that he or she is near his boy, who’s also around the football staff. He purchased a equine farm in nearby Ocala, and it has several health problems which include possibly requiring stylish surgery following the season that may allow it to be hard to dive into prospecting.
Still, the chance to rebuild the Jayhawks seems to become a good enough challenge.
“Within the recent days, he was approached concerning the job and that we spoken about this and that he explained it had been an chance he desired to take, and that i support him 1,000 percent,” Muschamp stated. “Whenever, and our profession is the same as the corporate world, when you are capable of taking one step up, I support it.
“I requested him, I stated, ‘Is this something you are really thinking about doing?’ He stated, ‘Yeah, I wish to speak with Them. Basically wasn’t interested, I’d not talk,’” Muschamp stated. “And So I stated, ‘I give you support 100 % in the event that’s what for you to do. I believe that’s great.’ Now, when men make parallel moves, I do not always accept that. When men can further their career, I believe it is good.Inch
Weis was one among the vibrant stars of training when he required at Notre Dame, his alma mater. The Balance Parcells disciple were built with a effective debut and was compensated having a 10-year extension, however when this program did not progress, he was fired with six years remaining. He initially received a “termination payment” around $6.six million, but ended up being to receive more compact annual obligations through 2015.
Zenger rarely spoke openly concerning the job search, choosing to help keep his cards near to the vest. It had been rumored he was thinking about longtime friend Mike Leach, who made the decision revisit training at Washington Condition, together with coaches like Kevin Sumlin at Houston and Ray Fedora at Southern Miss. Established assistants like Gus Malzahn also were rumored to stay in the running.
Ultimately, Zenger’s initial hire since coming at Kansas works out to become someone whose stock has experienced since his difficult tenure in South Bend, where he come up with a few of the nation’s top prospecting classes but unsuccessful to using them as national title challengers.
Obviously, anticipation is going to be reduced at Kansas.
The Jayhawks beat Virginia Tech within the Orange Bowl in 2007, but typically this program has already established a bleak history. Mark Mangino was considered very effective despite going just 49-48 throughout seven seasons in control, and that he left Kansas in shambles.
Gill battled mightily, going 3-9 in the first season and a pair of-10 earlier this season.
Weis may have some gifted gamers to construct around, particularly on offense, in which a youthful stable of running backs demonstrated promise. But his offenses are also built round the quarterback, and sophomore Jordan Webb battled with consistency much of year.
It’s unclear whether Weis will endeavour to obtain Dayne Crist arrive at Kansas. The quarterback was employed to Notre Dame by Weis, but fell from favor together with his successor, John Kelly. Crist has introduced he’s departing Notre Dame, and since he’s graduation, he’ll be qualified to experience immediately. He’s twelve months of qualifications left.
Weis was responsible for a few of the top offenses within the National football league throughout his time using the Patriots, and that he assisted lead the Chiefs to some surprising AFC West title last season, his just one in Might.
He was hired at Florida by Muschamp, whose forte is defense, with the expectation he might take a few of the pressure from the first-year mind coach. However the Gators finished eighth within the league in offense, calculating 334.2 yards per game, and were stifled through the SEC’s best protection.
The Gators lost 38-10 to Alabama, 41-11 to LSU and 17-6 to Auburn in consecutive days enroute to some 6-6 finish. Florida recognized an offer to experience Ohio Condition within the Gator Bowl, though Weis won’t remain using the team with the Jan. 2 game.
“Charlie did a great job,” Muschamp stated late Thursday. “It is a great compliment to the staff. We have had numerous schools get in touch about prospective coaches on our staff, as well as for him to achieve the chance to become a mind coach again, I understand he’s really looking forward to it.”
November 27, 2011 - Posted by houjue luyiser - 0 Comments
Beijing the morning of November 18, NFL Week 11 regular season before a battle, withquarterback Tim - Thibaudet last-minute touchdowns rushing the ball, the Denver BroncosNew York Jets at home 17-13 reversal, this season record improved to five wins and 5 losses, being ranked second in the AL West.
The game should be played both offense level none, Mark - Sanchez 40 24 successfulpasses, advancing 252 yards, no touchdowns came, he was one steals, steals in thesecond half of the third quarter jet half, right corner of the guard Andre - Goodman got the ball effortlessly into the medal after the end zone to tie it at 10-10. The beginning of the fourth quarter, Sanchez repeatedly short pass play up front will push the front, as Falkfound a 45 yards free kick opportunity, Jets defensive since strengthen, in particular, limitsthe Mustang’s ground offensive, with each playing an ineffective attack.
6 minutes left in the game, Thibaud come up with special skills, constantly switching attackmode, running for nearly 10 consecutive pass a combination of offensive, advanced to thefront half, and finally left empty when found, the other escaped security guard Eric - Smith’sraid, individual ball into the end zone touchdown, this time from the end of the game there are 58 seconds, jet to launch the final onslaught, but Sanchez is not in multiple passes, the Jets regret losing the game.
Thibaudet this field from last more than 100 passing yards, but the passing success rate is still less than 50%, even more remarkable is his ground attack, 8 ball forward 68 yards, the efficiency is much higher than the starting running back Wei Lisburn - Mike Jiaxi (12 ball18 yards). Jets lost this battle, the score is 5 wins and 5 losses, more and more difficult to catch up with the Patriots, if the Bill team win on Sunday, the Jets ranked only third in the AL East, aiming for three consecutive years to enter the United States joint final them, thetask becomes more difficult.
November 25, 2011 - Posted by houjue luyiser - 0 Comments
Dismissal of nine Baltimore Ravens 16-6 victory over Alex Smith San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, the first NFL game against the brothers for coach characteristics.
John Harbaugh, 49 years old, and Jim Harbaugh, 47 years old, grew up to participate in various competitions. The meeting at the national stage, he got the best of his little brother.He crows (8 - 3) chase, hinder Smith and destroyed most of the time, although not in the middle of the night Hou Weilei Lewis, the team’s main players and spiritual leaders. Lewismissed a second consecutive game because of foot injury. Terry Suggs led the Baltimoredefense of their nine 3 sacks, signs franchise, level recorded in the completion of the first two.
San Francisco (bis) has a eight-game winning streak in their rookie coach.
Baltimore broke one of 76 yards, tie,16-play drive, the last more than seven minutes, and finally reach an eight-yard to leave the tight end Joe Flacco, Dennis with 14 minutes and 56 seconds to go. Four Flacco four third-down play in the car to go.
In Texas, Tony Romo threw two ground pass and Dan Beili Laurent Robinson made a 28-yard field goal as time expired to help the Dallas Cowboys beat the Miami Dolphins.Dallas (7-4 defeat) won their fourth straight game, exclusive first in the NFC East, New York Giants before halftime. Miami (3 - 8), who won three games, did not allow a 13-quarter touchdown before the first visit to Robinson fifty-five seconds remaining in the first half.
October 5, 2011 - Posted by houjue luyiser - 0 Comments
Former Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko has signed a three-year contract with CSKA Moscow that gives him an option to return to the NBA if the lockout ends.
Kirilenko, who played for CSKA Moscow until joining the Jazz in 2001, said he would donate any money he earns in Russia to his charitable foundation.
“I am glad to be back with the team where I spent my years of adolescence,” Kirilenko said, according to a news release from the Euroleague. “It’s a pleasure to have a chance to play for Russian fans, my friends and relatives.”
Kirilenko will become an unrestricted free agent once the 2011-12 NBA campaign begins but has expressed a desire to play for the team that drafted him 24th overall in 1999.
The 30-year-old grew up in Russia but gained dual citizenship recently.
He averaged 11.7 points and 5.1 rebounds last season but battled injuries.
Team president Andrei Vatutin said the signing was a win-win for both sides, even if the lockout ends and Kirilenko returns to the NBA.
“We understand perfectly all the risks of his possible departure but we knowingly take them,” Vatutin said. “Even if he leaves the team in a month or two — depending on his desire — Kirilenko will play several games, and his participation will add to the interest toward our team,” Kazlauskas said.
CSKA Moscow coach Jonas Kazlauskas said as a rule, he doesn’t like the idea of bringing in NBA players during the lockout. But Kirilenko, because of his stature in Russian basketball, is the exception, he said.
“Andrei is the star of Russian and world basketball, he means for his country as much as(Arvydas) Sabonis for Lithuania, Pau Gasol for Spain, (Dirk) Nowitzki for Germany,” Kazlauskas said.
August 23, 2011 - Posted by houjue luyiser - 0 Comments
If the Red Sox can’t figure out a way to beat the Rangers, their punishment is likely to be a playoff series against them.
Texas would certainly welcome that. The defending American League champions continued to bully the Sox last night with a 4-0 victory before 33,920 at Rangers Ballpark.
The Sox are winless in four games against Texas this season, getting outscored, 30-11. Going back to the start of the 2009 season, they are 6-17 against Texas with losses in 10 of the last 12 games.
Last night’s setback dropped the Sox a full game behind the Yankees in the American League East. With Texas leading the West, the wild-card team could well be here Sept. 30 for the Division Series.
Given the teams’ recent history, the Rangers might roll out a red carpet for the Sox at the airport. The Sox have dropped five straight games here and 11 of the last 13.
“We understand that when you play a good team like that, you need to play well,’’ Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler said. “They’re fun games. We enjoy playing those games. Hopefully it gives us confidence.’’
Sox manager Terry Francona said he hadn’t considered the team’s record against Texas, pointing out that his club is better now than it was at the beginning of the season.
But the dour mood that permeated the clubhouse suggested the Sox had grown tired of being knocked around by Texas. Even Dustin Pedroia was sullen.
“I’m just upset that we lost,’’ he said. “It doesn’t mater who we lose against. We’re trying to win games. Tomorrow we get another crack at it.’’
C.J. Wilson (13-5) and three relievers held the Sox to four hits, all singles. With Jacoby Ellsbury and David Ortiz still out, a yard sale lineup that was sufficient against Kansas City looked overmatched in the 102-degree heat.
The Sox advanced only one runner as far as third base as they were shut out for the ninth time this season.
Wilson allowed four hits, walked two, and struck out four in 6 2/3 innings. He and Tampa Bay’s David Price are the only pitchers with four victories against the Sox since the start of last season.
“His stuff is just filthy,’’ Francona said. “When we’ve had our full lineup, he’s gone through it.’’
Wilson left two runners stranded in the first inning, getting Jed Lowrie to ground into a force play with two outs. The Sox didn’t threaten again until the seventh when Lowrie singled and rookie Ryan Lavarnway drew a walk.
With Wilson at 110 pitches, Texas manager Ron Washington went to Koji Uehara with two outs and he got Jarrod Saltalamacchia to ground to second.
Erik Bedard kept the Sox in the game for five innings before one pitch let it slip away.
The Rangers took a 1-0 lead in the third inning, scoring a run they didn’t deserve.
Bedard walked No. 9 hitter Craig Gentry with one out, throwing two strikes before missing on the next four. Kinsler followed with a soft liner to shallow right field.
Josh Reddick broke in and made a diving catch, catching Gentry off first for what appeared to be a double play. But first base umpire Doug Eddings ruled that Reddick trapped the ball. Replays showed clearly that the catch was made.
“I know he caught it,’’ Francona said. “When an umpire says he’s sure and he’s not, I don’t know what to do.’’
Reddick said he was “100 percent sure’’ he caught the ball.
The blown call proved important as Elvis Andrus singled through the shortstop hole, scoring Gentry.
It was still 1-0 when Josh Hamilton and Michael Young had singles in the sixth inning.
Bedard stuck out Nelson Cruz with a curveball for the second out. His two-strike pitch to Mike Napoli was a fastball up and in, right where he wanted it, but the Texas DH managed to keep his hands in and drive the ball just over the scoreboard in left field for his 21st home run.
The television cameras caught Bedard saying “Wow’’ as the ball cleared the fence.
“That was a hard pitch to hit,’’ Saltalamacchia said.
Bedard went six innings, allowing four runs on seven hits with one walk and four strikeouts. He is 0-2 in four starts for the Sox since being acquired from Seattle July 31.
Until Napoli’s homer, last night was Bedard’s best outing, especially given the competition.
“Just made one mistake and [Napoli] hit the ball out of the ballpark,’’ he said.
The teams have six more games remaining this season, three in this series. John Lackey faces Colby Lewis tonight.
“They’re a tough team,’’ said Saltalamacchia, a former Ranger. “We need to start playing better against them.’’
