Wide World of Sports weekend

This summer may be a sports fan's dream. We have the Olympics on multiple NBC affiliated channels (as well as online), we have baseball pennant races in full swing, NFL training camp, as well as perfect weather to partake in rec league teams.  If you think about it, every "sport" is in session right now.  The London Olympics have everything from Archery to Swimming and what they don't have, the Americans have and perfected (football and baseball).

This is a time that only comes around every 4 years but it rivals March (College Bball/Spring Training) or October (MLB Playoffs/College FB/NFL) for the best 'sports time of the year'.


Let me recap the highlights of XXX Olympics in London:

Phelps Medal count: 20  Anyone who does not think he is the greatest Olympian of all time should sit down and be quiet. Swimming may be one of the most physically demanding sports in the Olympics. Yes, running is tough but you are using your legs and your lungs. When you swim you are using your WHOLE body and have to truly control your breathing.  Jesse Owens was great on and off the track but Phelps is the Greatest Olympian of All Time. 

                                                   Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images

"In Your Dreams" Team scored 156 points against a JV team  Okay US Men's Basketball team, we see you.  Way to put up 156 points over Nigeria (1st time competing in Olympic Men's Basketball).  You have the record for points (156),  three pointers (26), field goals (59), and Field Goal % (71).  I was surprised to hear Coach K would allow this but after watching the replay, they held the ball and shot within the final seconds of the shot clock and could not miss.  They play Lithuania on Saturday. 

Gymnastics...most impressive sport:  Gabby Douglas did her thing and won the Gold for the USA. The balance beam is unreal impressive and I am speechless watching these girls do what they do. Well done and keep up the good work!

                                          Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images 

Medal Count  We are neck and neck with the Chinese with medals.  

1. USA    18 G      9 S      10 B      Total: 37

2. China   18 G    11 S        5 B      Total: 34

3.  Japan    2 G       6 S     11B       Total: 19

Curtis goes to Canton   Curtis Martin, the legendary Gang Green running back will be immortalized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  Hats off to a stand up gentleman and great football player.


This weekend is going to be HOT on the East coast so I would advise drinking water and applying sunblock (Gosh, I sound like my mother).  I will be celebrating the weekend with an old friend from Ireland who I have not seen since June 2011.  Ryan knew him as well and I think he would agree this kid is a class act (despite his hatred of Baseball).  Hopefully I will have some stories for you all come Monday.


Ryan is back soon...so be prepared to hear all about his cruise. Hopefully I held my own and you didn't email him with complaints enjoyed my thoughts.


Word to your mothers.
-Dan

The Bronx is Burning! Trade deadline! and More!

The Bronx Bombers have been coming up short the last two weeks and it is not good.  Yes, they still hold a 6.5 game lead over Baltimore but that can quickly vanish if they continue to play as they are.  Going into today's game they are 3-8 in their last 11 games. 6 of those 8 loses have been by 1 run.  1 run...for the Yankees should not be that hard of a feat considering they are leading the MLB in Slugging Pct, 5th in Runs, and 10th in Batting Average.

Don't worry about the Yankees, every team goes on a cold streak throughout the season.  If you put the injuries into perspective (Mo, Andy, Brett, A-Rod, and now Tex) they are holding their own and their bench/bullpen deserves a lot of the credit.

                                                                            Image source: New York DailyNews


Today is the MLB trade deadline and I spoke with some guys around the water cooler and these are my views on the questions asked.

Will the Phillies be sellers?
Yes, but not with Cliff Lee.  They won't get a return on investment and will explore trading him in the off season.  Look for Shane Victorino or Hunter Pence be trade bait.
Will the Pirates be buyers?
Yes, but will not trade away studs for rentals.  They have a great young team and Pirates GM Neal Huntington is taking baby steps to success: start with .500+ record first 

What will the Yankees do with their aging lineup that has been plagued with injuries?  
They will find value you players and not big arms/bats of past years. They are committed to trimming payroll for 2014. You never know what Cashman will do.
Will the new management in LA work 'magic' and make a Hollywood-esque Trade?
No, They need to get their financial books in order before they go out spending like drunk sailors.  Expect them to be crafty to make one last push for NL West title.  Do NOT be surprised if they own this off season.

What will the Mets do?
Honestly,  I would not be surprised if they trade for Reyes....they have done plenty worst in past seasons. (this is a joke)

London 2012

 Missy Franklin: America's daughter This girl is awesome.  Not only did she win Gold, she did it as an amateur! She is only 17 and has one more year of high school followed by 4 years of college.  She would like to continue to compete against her peers and win for her school so that is why she chose not to take any sponsorship money.   Takes guts to leave that money on the table but no matter how much money she makes in her career...she won't be able to buy back her youth and experiences from college.  Well done and best of luck!

                                                                                 Image credit: NBC

Medal Counter:  We are tied with the Chinese with 17 overall medals.  They have 4 more Golds than us.  I live my life like Ricky Bobby, "If you're not first, you're last!"  Let's get it going USA!

"In your dreams" team plays Tunisia at 5:45pm today:  Vegas sports has the USA as 55pt favorites.  I am sure the USA won't win by that much.  Watch for my boy Kevin Love to get some serious Playing time.


Tuesday is always better than Monday because it's closer to Friday.

Olympics Day 3

We are entering Day 3 of the London Olympics.It has been well underway (London is +5hours ahead of NYC) so I will do my best to report on the major stories, USA stories.

USA swimming has lost a stroke since 2008 games: One of the premier events at the summer Olympics is always the swimming.  This past weekend was not one of our better days.  While Ryan Lochte won gold in the 400  Individual Medley and "Medal Mike" Michael Phelps came in 4th. The biggest let down in the news is that the USA  lost to France in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay. Hopefully its a wake up call for everyone.

Ryan Lochte is my guy. How can't you root for him?  You may think this is a bit tacky but deep down you know it is awesome and you wish you had the coin to purchase one.

                                                                                       Image Credit: Adam Pretty/Getty Images

"In Your Dreams" Team beats France 98-71: I'm sure you have read and seen highlights of the game by now.  Not going to beat a dead horse with information.  Michelle Obama was there cheering them on and hugged each and every player, for those keeping score at home.



Medal Count :  China has 12 (6G:4S:2B)  USA has 11 (3G:5S:3B) Italy has 8 (2G:4S:1B).  The Stars and Stripes need to up the efforts are start winning some G's.  I am sure George Steinbrenner, the famous Yankee owner and Team USA supporter, is firing Billy Martin rolling in his grave with every contest result that does not bring home a Gold medal. Let's win it for the Boss


That is all for now...time to do some work and watch some Olympics in between Jim Cramer ranting on CNBC.