Teagarden's Walk-Off Home Run Lifts Orioles Over Tigers

Taylor Teagarden's first hit as a Baltimore Oriole was a walk-off home run that propelled the Orioles 8-6 over the Tigers. (AP Photo)

It seemed to be just another Saturday afternoon at Camden Yards. The Baltimore Orioles were hosting to the Detroit Tigers in the second of three-game set. However, from the first pitch on, it became abundantly clear that neither of these teams wanted to lose.

Scoring started right away in the first inning. In the top of the frame, first baseman Prince Fielder doubled home center fielder Austin Jackson to give the Tigers the 1-0 lead. In the bottom half of the inning, the Orioles leveled the score when designated hitter Jim Thome doubled home Nick Markakis.

The Orioles offense took the lead in the second inning when second baseman Robert Andino connected on a two-run home run off Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer. The O's added another run in the third inning. Scherzer lasted only five innings, giving up four runs on on nine hits. His counterpart, Wei-Yin Chen, gave up just the one run in six innings of work for the Orioles.

The Orioles took their 4-1 lead into the ninth inning. They gave the ball to their All-Star closer Jim Johnson. Third baseman Miguel Cabrera started off the inning with a single for the Tigers. Johnson induced a fly ball out of Fielder. The next batter was the designated hitter Delmon Young who hit a ground ball to Orioles third baseman Ryan Flaherty. A costly error by Flaherty allowed both runners to be safe.

Next, Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta singled home Cabrera to trim the Orioles lead to 4-2. A double by right fielder Brandon Boesch scored Young to make it a 4-3 game. Johnson struck out pinch-hitter Alex Avila  to make it two outs. Left fielder Quintin Berry singled to left field. Pinch runner Danny Worth scored to tie the game, but Boesch was thrown out at home by Endy Chavez.

The Orioles failed to score in the bottom of the ninth, which meant we were headed to extra innings. In the top of the 11th, Avila singled home Young to give the Tigers the 5-4 lead. The Orioles had an answer when center fielder Adam Jones singled to score Markakis to level the score once again.

In the top of the 13th, the Tigers took the lead again on a RBI single by Berry. The Orioles responded again in the bottom half of the frame. Shortstop J.J. Hardy crushed a solo shot off Tigers reliever Joaquin Benoit to tie the score 6-6. With two outs in the inning, Jones was hit by a pitch. Backup catcher Taylor Teagarden was up to bat next. Teagarden got a hold of a pitch from Benoit, and it went out for a two-run, walk-off home run.

Teagarden was the unlikeliest of heroes. He had just been activated from the 60-day disabled list Saturday morning. In his first game as a Baltimore Oriole, Teagarden didn't even expect to play. He only came in the game as a defensive replacement after star catcher Matt Weiters was pinch run for in the 10th inning. Teagarden's first hit as an Oriole turned out to be a walk-off.

The Orioles seem to love extra innings. They have now won ten straight games that have gone to extras. In fact, their 31 extra-inning wins since 2010 are the most of an team in the majors. For Teagarden, it was a dramatic debut. It doesn't get much better than having your first hit with a new ball club be a walk-off home run.

Skipping School: Early Contracts Injur Small-Market Teams

Every college hockey coach wants professional-level players. The flip-side to that desire, however, is that those NHL-caliber players tend to make the jump from college to professional before their senior season plays out.

Nowhere is this more noticeable than the smaller-market colleges/universities. In a market where it is a challenge every year to recruit, the players that have what it takes to make it to the top is hard to come by. And when those players do finally don the jersey of a smaller hockey school, it is hard to convince many of them to play out all four years.

It's an impact felt much more at schools such as Northeastern, Vermont, or Lake Superior State than it is at schools such as Minnesota, Michigan, or Wisconsin. While the classic line for the major schools has been "they don't re-build--they re-load," every player lost from minor schools leaves a hole to be filled...especially when the player is a step-above their teammates.

Lake State scores! Screenshot taken from YouTube link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gUnw8tPRQI 

Northeastern will have a hole to fill this fall with the leaving of senior forward Steve Quailer. According to USCHO.com, Quailer acquired 63 points over three seasons with Northeastern. He has signed a two-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens.

The Vermont Catamounts have lost Zemgus Girgensons before he ever put on the Catamount jersey. Girgensons will sign a contract with the Buffalo Sabers as a first-round draft pick. Vermont will try to build without their stellar recruit.

Lake Superior State University lost two key players this summer. Senior Zach Trotman has signed a contract with the Boston Bruins, and will forgo his final year for the Lakers. Trotman was a solid anchor on defense for  the Lakers. In addition, LSSU lost junior forward Kyle Jean, who has signed with the New York Rangers. Jean was a force to be reckoned with at 6'4" and 212 lbs. According to lssulakers.com, Jean acquired 38 points in his two seasons at Lake State, including 24 points this past season.

These, and similar schools, do not have the option to simply re-load. They re-build. As legendary USA coach Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell) said in the movie "Miracle":

"It's not about finding the best players. It's about finding the right ones."

--JoshE

Brooklyn Nets Rally Ignites Fans and City

Joe Johnson (left) and Deron Williams (right) were introduced as "Brooklyn's Backcourt" to fans and media present at the rally. (AP Photo) 

The Brooklyn Nets are new to life in New York City. So they planned a rally on the steps of Brooklyn's Borough Hall. They hoped to get their mission across and to introduce some of their new top players. The Nets did exactly that Friday.

The rally began with a remix of M.O.P.'s "Ante Up," which stated, "Respect mine, we Brooklyn-bound" and included play-by play calls about the Nets' new dynamic duo, Joe Johnson and Deron Williams. General Manager Billy King and Head Coach Avery Johnson tried to address the focus of the franchise and answer questions about the future of the team.

One of the obvious highlights of the rally was the introduction of Johnson and Williams. Both can shoot, pass, and defend the ball quite well. Either one is capable of taking over a game and scoring 30 or more points. Referred to as "Brooklyn's Backcourt," many claimed during the rally that the duo is the best the NBA has to offer.

The Nets have also signed Brook Lopez, Gerald Wallace, Mirza Teletovic, and Reggie Evans. This definitely gives the team some of the pieces to become a playoff team. There's still a need for some important back ups, but they are well on their way to postseason success. The Nets have put the disappointment of not being able to trade for Dwight Howard behind them for now. There is a possibility of their renewing talks in January if Howard is still available. But for now, the Nets will proceed accordingly.

Lastly, the Brooklyn Nets got some jabs in against new crosstown rival, the New York Knicks. Marty Markowitz, the Brooklyn borough president, announced to the crowd, "For nearly 40 years, the Manhattan Knicks have shown that they can't bring the championship home to New York City. So it's going to take the Brooklyn Nets to get the job done." While that may still be something to be accomplished in the more distant future, it gives their new fans and followers something to look forward to. The Brooklyn Nets are in a new home and beginning to look like a brand new franchise. That's certainly something worthy of celebrating.

Answering Some of Baseball's Biggest Second Half Questions

Will the Washington Nationals put an innings-limit on young phenom Stephen Strasburg? (Toni L. Sandys)

With the second half of the Major League Baseball's season about to get underway, I take a look at some of the biggest questions that remain to be answered.

1. Will the Pittsburgh Pirates make their first postseason appearance since 1992?
The Pirates had to be the biggest surprise of baseball's first half. After 19 consecutive losing seasons, the Pirates are 11 games over .500 and in first place in the NL Central. Star Andrew McCutchen is one of the leading contenders for NL MVP. Veteran A.J. Burnett is leading the starting rotation with 10 wins in his first season in Pittsburgh. The Pirates' bullpen has a major league best 2.63 ERA. With young prospects, such as outfielder Sterling Marte, nearing their debut, the Pirates seem primed for a postseason run. Manager Clint Hurdle appears to have his boys primed and ready. (To read more about the Pirates, check out my blog post about their first half.)


2. Will the Washington Nationals put an innings-limit on young phenom Stephen Strasburg?
One of the biggest questions for the young Nationals is what do with their young ace Strasburg. They of course want to be careful with him since he is coming off Tommy John Surgery. Prior to the beginning of the season, the Nationals said the would limit Strasburg to about 160 innings. They took a similar approach last season with another young stud pitcher Jordan Zimmerman. However, the big difference this year is that the Nationals are in first place. Strasburg has been vocal about his desire to stay in the rotation. The Nationals have to carefully weigh their short-term and long-term options.

3. Will the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies be able to overcome their rough first halves?
The Red Sox have been in a state of disarray since last September. New manager Bobby Valentine has yet to be able to solve the mystery of the Red Sox's troubles. Kevin Youkilis has traded in his sox for white ones. The team has be ravaged by injuries. The health of some key players, such as Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Carl Crawford could make or break their season. The Phillies offense has been sputtering all season. The return of stars Ryan Howard and Chase Utley should only help things, but will it be enough. It may or may not. The Phillies also have to solve their pitching woes as well. Cliff Lee will likely need to win more than one game in the second half to help lead the Phillies out of the cellar of the NL East.

4. Will the trade deadline have an affect on the push for the postseason?
With teams pushing for the postseason and a chance at the World Series, the trade deadline can have a huge affect on their chances. Their are a number of quality starters who are rumored to be reportedly available. Cole Hamels, Zack Greinke, Matt Garza, and Ryan Dempster are just some of the names out there. As far as hitters are concerned, the potential stud out there is Justin Upton. Upton still has so much potential, but is supposedly unhappy in Arizona. The Diamondbacks will be looking for a ton in return, but it could absolutely be worth it for the right contender.

5. Will Josh Hamilton win the AL's first Triple Crown since 1967?
Hamilton's first half numbers are impressive to say the least. His first half line of .308, 27 home runs, and 75 RBIs had people talking about a potential Triple Crown. However, Hamilton has significantly cooled off during June and so far in July. We can only hope that the All-Star Break provided the recharge he needed. The other concern with Hamilton is always his health. If Hamilton can remain healthy, you can never count out his chances of making history.

Brees Contract Situation Remains Unresolved with the Saints

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees must be disappointed that his contract situation remains unresolved. (Chris Graythen)

In 2005, Drew Brees was forced into a similar situation to the one he is now. Back then, he agreed to play for the San Diego Chargers under their one-year franchise tag. During the season, he suffered a career-threatening injury to his throwing shoulder. The injury left him fielding well-below value offers. One of those offers came from the New Orleans Saints. They and their fans had just survived the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. Brees and his family vowed to help transform the city while he joined the Saints.

Six years later that $60 million contract is over. In those years, Brees has turned the Saints into one of the elite teams in football, set many new records, and did everything he promised and then some for the city and their fan base. He has led the team to a 62-33 record and the franchise's first Super Bowl trophy ever. All while being severely underpaid. The man has done all that could possibly be asked of him.

Now, all Brees wants in return is a long-term contract. The Saints front office responded by asking him to sign the team's franchise tag of $16.3 million over one-year. Brees has declined because he obviously does not want to relive 2006 all over again. He reiterated his desire for a long-term contract. The Saints finally started offering him some options, but all were severely under market value. Brees is obviously disappointed and has told reporters that he would be willing to miss training camp if it became necessary.

If the two sides don't come to terms by Monday, that very thing will happen. Now, there's been some talk that Brees is being greedy and selfish. Let me be the first to dispel that myth. First of all, you simply need to look at all that Brees has done to serve others in need. Greedy and selfish would be two of the least likely words to actually describe him. Second, Brees is not doing this for himself. He is doing this for his family. And I don't mean simply his wife and kids. Though they are important to him. I mean the people he serves and the communities he loves. Brees gives so much of his time and money away to help others in need. They are the ones who need Brees to get a guaranteed contract as much as him himself.

If I were to meet Saints owner Tom Benson, this is what I would say. Give Drew Brees the money he is asking for. All of it. Because the man has single-handedly won you football games, set records on the football, won you your only Super Bowl, and has generated more money for you than you even realize.  He means more to your communities, supporters, and players than you could possibly comprehend. You should give Brees the money because of who he is. There isn't a value that can compensate what he does. Drew Brees is simply that type of man both on and off the football field.

National League Routs American League in All-Star Game

The San Francisco Giants' Melky Cabrera hit a two-run home run while being named the 2012 All-Star Game MVP. (Jonathan Daniel)

One of the biggest complaints coming into this year's All-Star Game was that fans of teams, such as the San Francisco Giants, stuffed the ballot box to get their favorite players in. It turns out that the Giants fans might have known what they were doing.

Giants workhorse Matt Cain was chosen as the starting pitcher for the National League. Some people didn't think he deserved it, but I think he was clearly among the best options. I mean after all, he did throw a perfect game this season. Tonight, Cain had his stuff working. He pitched two efficient innings while giving up just one hit and no runs.

His counterpart, Detroit Tigers ace Justin Verlander, did not fare nearly as well. Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera got the National League offense going in the first inning with a single. Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun doubled home Cabrera to get the scoring started. St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran and Giants catcher Buster Posey both walked to load the bases with two outs. Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval came up to bat. He got all of a pitch from Verlander. It ended up against the wall, and Sandoval hustled to turn it into a bases-clearing triple. The next batter, Atlanta Braves second baseman Dan Uggla, reached on a hard hit infield single to score a run. Verlander finally managed to end the inning, but not until the damage was done, with the American League leading 5-0.

In the fourth inning, the National League offense got it going again. With two outs in the inning, Cardinals shortstop Rafael Furcal tripled to right field. His teammate Matt Holliday came up next as a pinch hitter. He singled home Furcal to increase the lead to 6-0. The next batter was Melky Cabrera. He made full contact on a pitch from Texas Rangers pitcher Matt Harrison. It went out for a two-run home run to give the National League an 8-0 lead.

Meanwhile, the American League's offense had been hailed as one of the best lineups ever going into the game. However, they struggled to get anything going tonight. Their biggest threat came in the fifth inning when they loaded the bases with two outs. Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler came in to pinch hit. Kinsler worked the count full before harmlessly flying out to left field. The American League only managed two hits the rest of the way as they were shutout 8-0.

Despite the American League being the favorite coming into the game, it was the National League that dominated from start to finish. In a game that featured some of the Giants' stars, it was Melky Cabrera who was chosen as the game's Most Valuable Player. His two-run home run, two RBIs, and two runs left him a very worthy candidate. Another worthy candidate would be the National League pitching staff as a whole. They bulldozed through a talented American League lineup and bench to allow only six hits in the shutout. It will be interesting to see if the National League champion can use the home field advantage they have earned to their advantage in the World Series.

Prince Fielder Wins 2012 Home Run Derby

Prince Fielder launched 12 home runs in the final round to win the 2012 Home Run Derby. (Jeff Haynes)

The 2012 Home Run Derby at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City had its share of highs and lows, absolute bombs and splashes, and one player who emerged as far superior than his opponents on this given night.

The first round was owned by Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays. He crushed 11 homers to take the early lead. In his return to Kansas City, Carlos Beltran put up a solid seven in the first round. He was matched by Mark Trumbo and his "Trumbombs," as they call them. Former derby champion Prince Fielder got ahold of some balls, but had to settle for only five home runs. With the two league captains still due up, Fielder looked to be on his way out.

However, tonight, was not the night to be a captain in the home run derby. The National League captain, Matt Kemp, has been on the disabled list since May with a re-aggravated hamstring injury. He decided he wanted to hit in the derby regardless. The rust and lack of power in Kemp's legs was evident as he managed to hit only one home run.

Things didn't go any better for American League captain Robinson Cano. Then again, Cano never stood a chance from the moment he stepped into that batter's box. Cano was under the ridicule of the hometown Royals fans because he promised to consider adding a Royals player to his American League lineup for the derby. Derby captains are allowed to choose the three additional players that will make up their league's team. Even though the Royals' Billy Butler had 16 home runs this season, Cano elected to choose Bautista, Fielder, and Trumbo over him.

The Royals fans incessantly booed Cano the entire time he was up to bat in the first round. Not surprisingly, Cano was unable to concentrate enough to hit one home run. Additionally, he was likely exhausted from the Yankees' game that ended after midnight last night. Cano then had to fly from Boston to Kansas City, answer reporters' questions, and take batting practice. Cano had so many factors working against him that he didn't really stand a chance.

Regardless of whether or not you believe Butler deserved a spot in the Home Run Derby (I happen to think he may not have even deserved a spot as an All-Star at all), Cano in no way deserved the treatment he received from the Royals fans. I could understand it when he first came up, but they did it the whole time, even when there was money on the line for charity. The display was completely classless and frankly embarrassing for the game. Just because your team gets to host the All-Star festivities, it doesn't make it a requirement that one of your players be selected for the derby. There are significantly more fans watching the game who aren't fans of the home team, than those home funs who are attending the game.

That rant aside, we will move on to the second round. Fielder knew he would need a big display to advance to the final round. He certainly did not disappoint. Fielder went deep 11 times to give himself a total of 16. This mounted the pressure on the other three remaining hitters. Beltran seemed to run out of steam with only five bombs in the second round. This gave him a total of only 12 for the first two rounds combined. While Trumbo only had six home runs in the second round (for a total of 13), he brought the crowd to its feet time and time again with his display of raw power.

All Bautista had to do in the second round was hit three homers to advance. Whether it was the pressure that got to him or what, all he could manage to do was hit two bombs. This meant that he forced a swing off with Trumbo to see which of them would join Prince Fielder in the final round. In the swingoff, Bautista put his temporary struggles behind him to advance.

In the third and final round, it was all about Prince Fielder. He put on an absolute display as he lit up the night sky for 12 bombs. Bautista tried to answer the call, but all he could come up with was seven homers in the final round. Fielder, who also won the derby back in 2009, became just the second player to win multiple home run derbies. The other player was Ken Griffey Jr., who has won three. Fielder will try to match Griffey next year at Citi Field in New York. You can probably bank on Bautista and Trumbo being likely candidates to be contenders next year as well. As for now, Prince Fielder and the American League have the momentum going into tomorrow night's All-Star Game.

Pirates Complete Best First Half in Twenty Years

MVP candidate Andrew McCutchen has led the Pittsburgh Pirates to their best record at the All-Star Break since 1992. (Keith Srakocic)

Who would have believed before the season began that A.J. Burnett would have ten wins, while Tim Lincecum would have ten losses? Absolutely positively no one. You would have told me I was crazy. San Francisco Giants ace Lincecum's shockingly horrible first half could be summarized by his performance today against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He gave up six runs on seven hits over only 3 1/3 innings. Meanwhile, Burnett, who has long been known as erratic pitcher, was steady as he has been all year. He limited the Giants to just two runs while pitching into the seventh. Burnett has now won nine consecutive decisions, becoming just the second Pirates pitcher to win at least ten games before the All-Star Break since 1993.

Offensively, it was the Neil Walker and Andrew McCutchen show. Walker went 5-5 with a home run, a double, and scored four runs of his own. McCutchen crushed a pair of two-run homers. He has been absolutely red hot as of late. McCutchen is on a 21-for-38 (.552) tear, including six multiple hit games in his last nine games. He has 23 RBIs in his last 19 games. His 18 home runs have all come over the last two months. A NL-high 12 of them have come with baserunners on.

Hits aren't the only thing piling up for the Pirates. Wins happen to be as well. Remember this is a franchise that has endured a North American professional sports record 19 consecutive losing seasons. But these Pirates are looking to put all of that behind them. The NL Central leaders are 48-37, their best record at the All-Star Break since 1992. Since May 12, they are a major league best 34-19. including 10-2 in their last 12. Every way you look at it, the Pirates are playing great baseball.

Manager Clint Hurdle's culture change has been a major reason why. He has his players believing in their abilities to win ball games. With the extra gained revenue and excitement, the front office is even exploring their options to upgrade either the outfield or starting rotation. With the All-Star Break here, it will be easy for the Pirates to cool off. It is important that they maintain their confidence and hot play. If they are able to keep this going, not only will the Pirates finish above.500, they will be vying for a spot in the playoffs.