http://www.cuttingedgedjs.com/blog/2009/04/13/a-djs-tribute-to-the-late-harry-kalas/
This is the article that I wrote in my work blog. Please check it out and comment on it! Thanks
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Mr. Phelps is carrying a heavier weight then those 8 metals now
I must apologize to all my readers for the leave of absence I took from blogging, but a situation came up that prompted me to return to blogging. I must first add that the Phils won the WS, and the Eagles, well, same old same old. But now to the topic and concern at hand.
The greatest American Olympic athlete of all time, Michael Phelps, seemed to have created a smokey situation for himself. Throughout all of his successes, it is okay for him to blow off a little steam during his time out of the both, but not literally. Phelps may have apologized for his actions, and said that he acted in a childish way, but it certainly does not erase the controversy that he has created around and for himself. Little kids, and future swimmers who idolize him, and strive to be like him, now have a strange and dark image of their hero painted in their minds. Don't get me wrong, Phelps is still a legend and these out of the water incidents should not interfere with his in pool success.
The situation that has arose reminds me of the Kobe Bryant rape case, in which he was cleared of all charges. Young kids who idolized Kobe, sported his jersey, and bought pictures and posters of him were perhaps too young to understand what was going on. Parents and Guardians, had to explain to their sons and daughters what rape was, and all of that junk; do you think that the parents really wanted to open up their virgin and innocent ears at such a young age? Clearly no, but they had to in order to teach their kids that Mr. Bryant made a mistake. I feel for the parents who have to sit down now and explain to their child or children what a bong is, what marijuana is, and come up with a reason as to why their hero chose to do that. Shortly after the case was dismissed, the effect seemed to diminish as Kobe returned to the court, and his reputation began rebuilding. The case is way in the past, and Kobe has returned to the top, and his jersey sales remain 1st in the NBA. Kobe had a chance to make up for his mistake on a nightly basis, but Phelps must wait until 1212 in London to prove that he is bigger and more mature then his childish act.
Phelps was supported by his endorsers, as he very well should have been. Just because he had a slip up, well two counting the D.U.I he received over 4 years ago, does not mean that he is not still the 8-Gold Medal swimmer that glides through the water. I am a huge Phelps fan, and my opinion of him has not and will not change. Everyone makes mistakes, but the media makes those mistakes bigger when the person is an icon. Phelps is not perfect, well outside of the water at least he is not, and is allowed to make mistakes. He must be taught a lesson by this, because in fact he is still a young man. The pictures of him taking a hit from the bong, are perhaps more popular now than the one that can be seen on the cover of Sports Illustrated, after his 8-Gold Medal swims, but I can assure you that the current picture will soon be replaced, and the bong hit will long be forgotten.
The only piece of mind I may give Phelps is that he is lucky he is so adored in this country. If he chooses to partake in that action again, may he do so in the comfort of his own home, while the cameras are off, and the pencils are down, so no reporters can bash him. I hope that Phelps does not get himself anymore trouble, and will get back into the pool, and show everyone that he can overcome all the BS critics.
The greatest American Olympic athlete of all time, Michael Phelps, seemed to have created a smokey situation for himself. Throughout all of his successes, it is okay for him to blow off a little steam during his time out of the both, but not literally. Phelps may have apologized for his actions, and said that he acted in a childish way, but it certainly does not erase the controversy that he has created around and for himself. Little kids, and future swimmers who idolize him, and strive to be like him, now have a strange and dark image of their hero painted in their minds. Don't get me wrong, Phelps is still a legend and these out of the water incidents should not interfere with his in pool success.
The situation that has arose reminds me of the Kobe Bryant rape case, in which he was cleared of all charges. Young kids who idolized Kobe, sported his jersey, and bought pictures and posters of him were perhaps too young to understand what was going on. Parents and Guardians, had to explain to their sons and daughters what rape was, and all of that junk; do you think that the parents really wanted to open up their virgin and innocent ears at such a young age? Clearly no, but they had to in order to teach their kids that Mr. Bryant made a mistake. I feel for the parents who have to sit down now and explain to their child or children what a bong is, what marijuana is, and come up with a reason as to why their hero chose to do that. Shortly after the case was dismissed, the effect seemed to diminish as Kobe returned to the court, and his reputation began rebuilding. The case is way in the past, and Kobe has returned to the top, and his jersey sales remain 1st in the NBA. Kobe had a chance to make up for his mistake on a nightly basis, but Phelps must wait until 1212 in London to prove that he is bigger and more mature then his childish act.
Phelps was supported by his endorsers, as he very well should have been. Just because he had a slip up, well two counting the D.U.I he received over 4 years ago, does not mean that he is not still the 8-Gold Medal swimmer that glides through the water. I am a huge Phelps fan, and my opinion of him has not and will not change. Everyone makes mistakes, but the media makes those mistakes bigger when the person is an icon. Phelps is not perfect, well outside of the water at least he is not, and is allowed to make mistakes. He must be taught a lesson by this, because in fact he is still a young man. The pictures of him taking a hit from the bong, are perhaps more popular now than the one that can be seen on the cover of Sports Illustrated, after his 8-Gold Medal swims, but I can assure you that the current picture will soon be replaced, and the bong hit will long be forgotten.
The only piece of mind I may give Phelps is that he is lucky he is so adored in this country. If he chooses to partake in that action again, may he do so in the comfort of his own home, while the cameras are off, and the pencils are down, so no reporters can bash him. I hope that Phelps does not get himself anymore trouble, and will get back into the pool, and show everyone that he can overcome all the BS critics.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Fightens off to the start they needed
The Phils got to off to an incredible 2-0 start after two dominating starts by pitchers Cole Hamels and Brett Myers. Putting the ball in Cole's hand for Game 1 was obviously a no brainer, but fans might not have expected him to be as dominate as he was. Cole gave up only 2 hits in his 8 innings of working and striking out 9, allowing Princess ( sorry i mean Prince) Fielder to reach a 3 K hat trick. However, the 8 innings were controversial, because many expected him to have pitched in the 9th. However Lidge came out and saved the day, not to forget making Phils fans very nervous. But that was yesterday's news so let us focus on the Myers show that took place tonight.
After having a rocky last 2 starts, Myers was leading the Phils into a game where many might have seen them as the underdogs. Stud C.C. Sabathia was Myers's counter part in tonight's match up. On paper, Sabathia was 11-2, and was sure to win yet again, despite this being his 4th start in a row on only 3 days rest. However, all streaks must come to an end, and the Phils were ready to show Sabathia what happens when a pitcher is tired and has been over worked. Myers was the one who looked a little rusty, after not having pitched for a week. Myers let up 3 walks in the 1st, and walked in Ray Durham. Now, what seemed to be an innings from hell, turned into a huge sigh of relief after Myers got Right-fielder Corey Hart to ground into an innings saving double play. The Fightens wasted little time, and in the 2nd innings put up a 5 spot on Mr. Sabathia, including Shane Victorino's grand salami. Brett Myers however was probably the one who made all of this possible. Hanging in a 9 pitch at bat against C.C, Brett drew a walk which turned the lineup over, and eventually led to Vic coming to the plate after JRoll was served yet another walk. From then on, Brett looked pretty flawless despite the 2nd run he surrendered to Hardy on a Craig Counsell ground out. The bullpen again came out and did a terrific job securing a virtual lock down on the series for the Phils. Brad Lidge did not make me sweat for the first time in a very long while. 43 for 43 and looking to keep the perfect streak going.
Yesterday, the Phils offense quieted and was almost non existant after the Utley double that put them on the board to never look back. Although the Phils offense seemed much more alive tonight, getting 9 hits, the Phils left 10 men stranded on base, and 6 of them in scoring position. This is a encouraging, and discouraging stat. The Phils stole 4 bases tonight to put men into scoring position. That is good because they took advantage of running on Sabathia, but discouraging because they came up short of driving in the men LOB. The gap was large enough that this stat did not really effect the Phils victory, but just something pointed out to keep an eye on. If the Phils pitchers are not as dominant as they have been the past two games, their offense must continue to produce. Although they have been doing well, there is still more that can and should be done. I am very encouraged by the Phils performance over the past 2 games and do not see them blowing this lead. The pitching should stay hot, and the offense can hopefully build up some insurance runs for their pitchers. Next, the Phils hand the ball to vet Jamie Moyer, who will be looking to clinch something else for the Phils; first it was the NL East and now a NLDS series win.
Watch out Major League baseball cause there is a team with its eyes on a ring and a title. They are the Philadelphia Phillies, and they are one win away from their first NLCS in 15 years. Lets go Phils and lets try and leave less men on base. Go Phils!!!!!!!!
After having a rocky last 2 starts, Myers was leading the Phils into a game where many might have seen them as the underdogs. Stud C.C. Sabathia was Myers's counter part in tonight's match up. On paper, Sabathia was 11-2, and was sure to win yet again, despite this being his 4th start in a row on only 3 days rest. However, all streaks must come to an end, and the Phils were ready to show Sabathia what happens when a pitcher is tired and has been over worked. Myers was the one who looked a little rusty, after not having pitched for a week. Myers let up 3 walks in the 1st, and walked in Ray Durham. Now, what seemed to be an innings from hell, turned into a huge sigh of relief after Myers got Right-fielder Corey Hart to ground into an innings saving double play. The Fightens wasted little time, and in the 2nd innings put up a 5 spot on Mr. Sabathia, including Shane Victorino's grand salami. Brett Myers however was probably the one who made all of this possible. Hanging in a 9 pitch at bat against C.C, Brett drew a walk which turned the lineup over, and eventually led to Vic coming to the plate after JRoll was served yet another walk. From then on, Brett looked pretty flawless despite the 2nd run he surrendered to Hardy on a Craig Counsell ground out. The bullpen again came out and did a terrific job securing a virtual lock down on the series for the Phils. Brad Lidge did not make me sweat for the first time in a very long while. 43 for 43 and looking to keep the perfect streak going.
Yesterday, the Phils offense quieted and was almost non existant after the Utley double that put them on the board to never look back. Although the Phils offense seemed much more alive tonight, getting 9 hits, the Phils left 10 men stranded on base, and 6 of them in scoring position. This is a encouraging, and discouraging stat. The Phils stole 4 bases tonight to put men into scoring position. That is good because they took advantage of running on Sabathia, but discouraging because they came up short of driving in the men LOB. The gap was large enough that this stat did not really effect the Phils victory, but just something pointed out to keep an eye on. If the Phils pitchers are not as dominant as they have been the past two games, their offense must continue to produce. Although they have been doing well, there is still more that can and should be done. I am very encouraged by the Phils performance over the past 2 games and do not see them blowing this lead. The pitching should stay hot, and the offense can hopefully build up some insurance runs for their pitchers. Next, the Phils hand the ball to vet Jamie Moyer, who will be looking to clinch something else for the Phils; first it was the NL East and now a NLDS series win.
Watch out Major League baseball cause there is a team with its eyes on a ring and a title. They are the Philadelphia Phillies, and they are one win away from their first NLCS in 15 years. Lets go Phils and lets try and leave less men on base. Go Phils!!!!!!!!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Welcome back to October Philadelphia
The Phillies are making their first back to back playoff appearances since 1977 and 1978. The Phightens ended a 3 year streak in '79 of playoff berths and we all know what happen in 1980. However in '77 and '78, the Phils were defeated by the Dodgers in the NLCS. This year, the Phils face the Brewers in the first round, and could very well face LA once again pending a huge upset over the Cubbies. However, the Phils are looking forward to having no team stand in their way of a WS title, and ending the curse of William Penn. But do they have what it takes this year? Will the pitching hold and the bullpen be as dominant? and finally, how hot can Howard and this powerful offense stay? Only time can answer these questions, and the answer better be the same throughout the month of October; YES! However, let us worry about one series at a time.
On Wednesday, the Brew Crew comes into town for the NLDS. Game 1 starter is set for Cole Hamels, and Brett Myers will probably and should follow suit. Myers has turned his season around since the All-Star and his curveball is nastier then ever. Jamie Moyer will look to start Game 3; love the experience of the 45 year old south paw. Being on the road, experience is needed from your starter and Jamie is the one to turn to for that. Their counterparts luckily will not send stud C.C. Sabathia to the mound until at least Game 2. He has pitched on 3 days rest in his last 3 starts, and I cannot imagine that would choose to pitch on 2 days rest to pitch in Game 1. Sabathia improved to 11-2 on Sunday, with an outstanding sub 2.00 ERA. Being that he will probably will not open the series, the Phils can take advantage and get an early 1-0 lead on the Brewers. However, even if CC does pitch, the Phils can jump over his tired arm. But if he doesn't pitch, then who gets the starting nod? Ben Sheets returned from an injury on Saturday and pitched well, but I'm not too sure if he will be the choice. However, after the Phils September sweep against the Brewers, it does not really matter who this line-up faces, because they have beaten them before. It's hard to imagine that the Brewers starters will prove to be more reliable then the Phightens. When it comes to the agreement of bullpens, I have to put the Phils in front by far. The Phils bullpen has been solid all year, leading the league in team ERA; not to mention our closer is a perfect 41-41 in saves. The Brewers pitching staff had a very poor September and injuries have hurt them. Although Sheets is normally dominant, I'm not sold that he is at 100%. The Phils have a much more settled staff and has not been effected by injuries. The starters have been solid through September and look to remain that way.
Both lineups are built around a core group of young players, and power first basemen. However, coming off a September with numbers no baseball book or statistic sheet could show you, Ryan Howard leads a much more potent offense. The Phils have been extremely hot recently, and everyone has been hitting well. Let us all hope that their bats do not go silent like they did against the Rockies last season. The Brewers have not been in the playoffs since 1982, and hopefully the Phils can send them home early. With the inconsistancy of the Brewers starters, the Phils offense should stay hot and advance themselves into the NLCS.
The Phils are too good and face a much cooler team then they did last year. This year, the Phils are the hot team and are seeking revenge. I believe they will be successful in doing so against the Brewers, and we shall take it one series at a time. Lets go Phils, and check back for a recap of Game 1 on Wednesday night.
On Wednesday, the Brew Crew comes into town for the NLDS. Game 1 starter is set for Cole Hamels, and Brett Myers will probably and should follow suit. Myers has turned his season around since the All-Star and his curveball is nastier then ever. Jamie Moyer will look to start Game 3; love the experience of the 45 year old south paw. Being on the road, experience is needed from your starter and Jamie is the one to turn to for that. Their counterparts luckily will not send stud C.C. Sabathia to the mound until at least Game 2. He has pitched on 3 days rest in his last 3 starts, and I cannot imagine that would choose to pitch on 2 days rest to pitch in Game 1. Sabathia improved to 11-2 on Sunday, with an outstanding sub 2.00 ERA. Being that he will probably will not open the series, the Phils can take advantage and get an early 1-0 lead on the Brewers. However, even if CC does pitch, the Phils can jump over his tired arm. But if he doesn't pitch, then who gets the starting nod? Ben Sheets returned from an injury on Saturday and pitched well, but I'm not too sure if he will be the choice. However, after the Phils September sweep against the Brewers, it does not really matter who this line-up faces, because they have beaten them before. It's hard to imagine that the Brewers starters will prove to be more reliable then the Phightens. When it comes to the agreement of bullpens, I have to put the Phils in front by far. The Phils bullpen has been solid all year, leading the league in team ERA; not to mention our closer is a perfect 41-41 in saves. The Brewers pitching staff had a very poor September and injuries have hurt them. Although Sheets is normally dominant, I'm not sold that he is at 100%. The Phils have a much more settled staff and has not been effected by injuries. The starters have been solid through September and look to remain that way.
Both lineups are built around a core group of young players, and power first basemen. However, coming off a September with numbers no baseball book or statistic sheet could show you, Ryan Howard leads a much more potent offense. The Phils have been extremely hot recently, and everyone has been hitting well. Let us all hope that their bats do not go silent like they did against the Rockies last season. The Brewers have not been in the playoffs since 1982, and hopefully the Phils can send them home early. With the inconsistancy of the Brewers starters, the Phils offense should stay hot and advance themselves into the NLCS.
The Phils are too good and face a much cooler team then they did last year. This year, the Phils are the hot team and are seeking revenge. I believe they will be successful in doing so against the Brewers, and we shall take it one series at a time. Lets go Phils, and check back for a recap of Game 1 on Wednesday night.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
First shot at a blog
This is my first experience with blogging. A future admiration of mine is to be a sports writer. Therefore, many if not all of my posts will be about sports or some topic dealing with the world of sports. I hope to write a post every week recaping the Eagles games and a look ahead into the next week, and an overview of the NFL. I hope that through reading my posts, that I offer good analyasis and bring up interesting points and topics. Like I said, this is my first time, so it'san experiment. Try to not be so harsh on the comments as the blogs first start appearing. I hope to write my first real blog soon and hope whoever reads them enjoys what they read.
Foltzy
Foltzy
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