Fall of a Champion

In what was inevitable, Tiger Woods was surpassed as the number one golfer in the world. He was replaced by Lee Westwood at the top of the list. After 281 weeks, Woods is no longer the number one golfer in the world. In the past year as the country knows Woods has experienced a rough time not only off the course but on as well and many experts predicted this moment was going to eventually come.

http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=5748917

Personally I really do feel for Woods in losing his ranking. Yes he made some serious errors in judgement that unfortunately because of his position in sports became worldwide news. But golf was supposed to be the one place where all that around him would disappear for eighteen holes. For Woods, his problems off the course have visibly affected his atheletic status. I do see Woods one day returning as number one but for now he still must endure this long tough road to recovery.

Until next time, take it easy.

No Pitchers Duel Tonight

In a highly anticipated Game 1 of the World Series, The San Francisco Giants beat the Texas Rangers 11-7. A match up of two dominate post season pitchers, hits were easy to come by. The Giants lit up Cliff Lee and the Rangers knocked Tim Lincecum out of the game early. The Giants are now three win away from winning their first championship since moving from New York to San Francisco. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=301027126

This is a really big surprise to me, as I expected it to be a low scoring, tight game. Cliff Lee has been absolutely dominate in the playoffs up to this point, so it is very surprising to see him struggle. The steady Rangers defense also struggled as they committed four errors. I think there was a lot of nerves as both teams are very young and have almost no World Series experience. Hopefully the games will get better and we'll have an exciting series on our hands.

Until next time, take it easy.

Doing the Right Thing

A statement released by the New Jersey Nets states they will be donating $75,000 dollars to help injured college football player, Eric LeGrand. The junior from Rutgers was paralyzed from the neck down after making a tackle in a game against Army on October 16th. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5725230

This is a great story because you don't hear about these acts of kindness often. Its tragic to see a player suffer such a serious injury, especially being so young. But when the athletic community comes together to support each other it's truly a great thing. With the emotional and financial support from all hopefully one day LeGrand will be able to make a full recovery. Stories like these make you appreciate what you have that much more.

Until next time, take it easy.

Beast of the East

In what has already been a blockbuster off season in the NBA, the trade rumors continue to roll. The New York Knicks have made progress in acquiring Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets. Sources have claimed Anthony has wanted out of Denver for awhile but no trade has been able to be worked out between teams. The Knicks have wanted a superstar ever since they lost out on high coveted free agents Lebron James and Chris Bosh. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=5705466

Should this bet go through it will only make the already strong Eastern Conference even stronger. With Miami getting the big three (James, Bosh, and Dwayne Wade) and Chicago and Boston bolstering their rosters the East will be a tough road to get through. I personally hope Carmelo goes to the Knicks because it will be fun to watch these teams with multiple superstars play against each other. I also think it will greatly help the NBA because every town these super teams go to will play in front of a sell out crowd.

Until next time, take it easy.  

Up to the Computers

The first dreaded BCS computer's poll for college football was released on Sunday with Oklahoma atop the rankings. The BCS poll is basically a computer formula and the top two teams at the end of the season play in the national championship. Boise State, who could be the first non-bcs conference team to reach the championship is in third place and will need a lot of help. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5697573

The BCS poll is one of the most debated topics in all of sports. The major argument is why should a computer be able to decide who plays in the biggest game of the season. Many, including me believe that the poll should be removed and the top teams in the human polls should play in a playoff format. Unfortunately I don't see that happening anytime soon and college football will continue to suffer because of this formality. Think would baseball be as popular if a computer decided which two teams played in the World Series?

Until next time, take it easy.

Home Vs. Home

Tuesday night in Philadelphia the U.S Men's National soccer team played the Colombian National team in an international friendly. Captained by defender Oguchi Onyewu, the U.S tied their South American opponent 0-0. It was the first scoreless tie the U.S has played since an exhibition match in 2008 versus Argentina. For the complete story:

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/usa/story/usa-held-to-a-home-draw-by-colombia-in-friendly-clash

This game was important for two reasons. One the U.S was able to experiment with different formations and second they gave some new players valuable experience in the international game. Particularly, Jermaine Jones who has looked very strong in his first couple games for the U.S. This game was very personal to me because I was born in Colombia. I'm glad it was a tie so that there was no loser.

Back Into Form

Led by starting pitcher Cole Hamels, the Philadelphia Phillies advance to the NLCS with a 2-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Hamels, who had an off year pitched a complete game with nine strikeouts. Chase Utley hit his 10th career postseason home run as the Phillies will wait to play the winner of the Giants-Braves series. For the complete story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=301010117

It's great to see Cole Hamels return to his 2008 postseason form. The Phillies have had dominate starting pitching the past month and I see them easily making it to the World Series. If so it would be the third straight season the Phillies reach the championship and the infamous talk of dynasty could start up.

Until next time, take it easy.

Back To Where It Started

In a sudden move New England Patriots star wide receiver Randy Moss was traded to the Minnesota Vikings. Moss who started his career, has only nine catches for 139 yards and three TDs through four games this season. It was well known that Moss and the Patriots were not seeing eye to eye, many believed he would at least make it through the season. For the whole story:

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/news/story?id=5653186

Living in New England this situation reminds me a lot of the Manny Ramirez saga. A beloved star slowly works his way out of town by being a major distraction. This move was inevitable because Moss was just not happy and the Patriots are the type of team that will not put up with a distraction in the locker room. It boiled over when Moss allegedly got into a fight with a coach in the locker room during a game Monday, an action simply unacceptable. Sad to see another great player leave New England but I believe it was the right move.

Until next time, take it easy.

All about the U

Facing an in-conference rival, the University of Miami football team beat the Clemson Tigers 30-21 on Saturday in South Carolina. Led by quarterback Jacory Harris who threw a career high four touchdowns, The U dominated all four quarters of the game. More importantly they put forth a strong defensive effort to maintain their number one defensive ranking in the conference. For the complete story:

http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100210aab.html

After a tough loss to Ohio State the U have come back with two important wins. As a Hurricane fan I am excited to see the 'Canes start off their conference schedule with a win. Not only has Jacory Harris has matured into a star quarterback but also the team leader. If the 'Canes have a strong season they will finally return to the discussion of a national powerhouse.

Until next time, take it easy.