On Monday, the Home Run Derby showcased some of the best sluggers in the MLB hitting homers out of the Reds hitter friendly ballpark.
Ken Griffey Jr threw out the first pitch, getting a nice reception from the fans as he returned to the Reds ballpark for the first time in a while.
Them, the competition began with the 8 competitors competing in the newly made bracket system. The competitors also competed with the five minute clock for the first time ever.
These 2 rule changes by new commish Manfred received outstanding reviews from critics and fans.
To start off the contest, Donaldson out homered Rizzo enabling him to move on to the semifinals.
In the next pairing, Frazier , who was helped out by the fans, beat 2 time derby champ Prince Fielder in an epic matchup. With the win, Frazier advanced to the semi- finals where he faced Donaldson in a matchup of powerful third basemen.
On the other side of the bracket , NL rookie phenom Pederson knocked out Machado to advance to the next round where he awaited the winner of Pujols vs. Bryant (another NL rookie sensation).
Albert Pujols in his return to the national stage defeated Kris Bryant to lock up the last semi-final spot.
In the semi- finals,the rookie Pederson knocked out the aging veteran Pujols to advance to the final in his first ever MlB Home Run Derby.
Then, the host team's favorite Todd Frazier out homered Josh Donaldson to advance to the final of this contest for the second straight year.
In the epic final, Todd Frazier needed 30 seconds of bonus time to upstage Pederson and take his first Home Run Derby title in front of his own team's fans and in his team's ballpark.
Now that's a pretty cool feat and now I hope that Frazier's swing won't be messed up because of all the homers that he hit.
With his enormous power, I am pretty sure that Pederson will be back in this competition in the upcoming years, looking for the win that just eluded him this year.
I loved watching the Derby and I love the new rules that made it way more exciting for both the players and the fans.
The All Star Game took place on Tuesday. In this game, the best players from the NL were matched up against the best players from the AL and the winning league gets home field advantage in the fall classic.
Before the game MLB honored the best four players from every MLB franchise. These super stars were selected by the fans online and I tjout that baseball fans everywhere made good choices with who they voted for.
Then, MLB honored the four greatest living pl. ayers. They are Wille Mays, Sandy Koufax, Johnny Bench, and Hank Aaron. These four legends were the faces of baseball during their time on the diamond and all four elderly all time greats will be recognized when they eventually die.
Then the baseball game began with Dallas Keuchal staring for the ALand Zach Greinke starting for
the NL.
Throughout the game both squads used a ton of pitchers and position players as.it's an All Star Game so both Bochy and Yost wanted to get every player their All Star spotlight and reward them for the terrific first half they put together,
The AL struck first on a lead off home run by Mike Trout off Greinke who ran up the best ERA in the MLB in the first half.
Trout would help the AL strike in the 5th inning off Kershaw and then the AL would add on in the
later innings off 2 NL All Star relievers
The final score of the game ended up being 6-3 with the AL coming out victorious and securing home field advantage for its representative in the World Series.
Mike Trout made history by taking home All Star Game MVP for the second straight year. This feat just shows you how good this 23 year old is and how he is growing into the new face of the MLB
It was an exciting 2 days in the Queen City and now I'm looking forward to the regular season starting back up. I'm really curious to see which big name players will get moved at the trade deadline and which clubs will survive the stretch run and make it into the playoffs especially the fates of Houston and Minnesota who are exceeding expectations so far this season.
See you next time
Nlds 2011
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Thursday, July 9, 2015
MLB All Star game 2015
On Tuesday July 14, the 2015 MLB All Star game will be played at the home of the Cincianti Reds.
The best players from the National League will face off against the best players from the Al in what I think is going to be an exciting game based on the star power that both squads have and that Great American ballpark is really hitter friendly.
Since the Giants and Royals played in last year's fall classic, Ned Yost will manage the Al team and Bochy will be in charge of the NL squad.
The league that wins will get home field advantage for the World Series. This is a good idea because it gives the players something to play for and a reason to play their best.
Over the past couple of days, the players for the All Star game got announced. The starters were announced on Monday and then the pitchers and reserve hitters were announced the following day.
Here is who's starting the game position by position. The starters are decided by fan vote.
Catcher
NL:Buster Posey-SFGiants
AL- Salvador Perez-Royals
First Base
NL. Paul Goldschmidt- Diamondbacks
AL- Miggy but he's injured so Pujols is starting in place of him.
Second Base
NL Dee Gorden from the Marlins
AL- Jose Altuve from the surprising Astros.
Shortstop
NL Johnny Peralta from the Cards
Al Alcides Escobar from the Royals
Third Base
AL Josh Donaldson from the Jays
NL Todd Frazier from the Reds who happen to be hosting the festivities
Outfield
NLBryce Harper, Andrew Mccutchin in for Stanton, and Matt Holliday.
AL Mike Trout, Lorenzo Cain from KC and Alex Gorden from KC who unfortunately strained his groin yesterday and might be out for a while.
Nelson Cruz will DH for the AL squad
Sonny Gray made it for the A's as so far he's put up a 9-3 record with a 2.20 ERA. Those are excellent numbers and he's being looked at to start but he can't pitch in the game because as of now Grey 's supposed to pitch on the last day before the All Star Break.
A's Catcher Stephen Vogt also got selected as a reserve which means that he will be joining his battery mate in Cincinnati
The Giants double play tandem of Crawford and Panik both made it as reserves. Madbum made it as well and he will be one of the best arms on a loaded NL pitching staff.
These are only the starters and the Bay Area reps and there are many more good all star reserves that I didn't bring up in this entry.
I will be watching on July 14 and seeing which players shine the brightest on the big stage.
I predict that the NL will win because their pitching staff is loaded, but I expect the game to be close for all 9 innings.
The best players from the National League will face off against the best players from the Al in what I think is going to be an exciting game based on the star power that both squads have and that Great American ballpark is really hitter friendly.
Since the Giants and Royals played in last year's fall classic, Ned Yost will manage the Al team and Bochy will be in charge of the NL squad.
The league that wins will get home field advantage for the World Series. This is a good idea because it gives the players something to play for and a reason to play their best.
Over the past couple of days, the players for the All Star game got announced. The starters were announced on Monday and then the pitchers and reserve hitters were announced the following day.
Here is who's starting the game position by position. The starters are decided by fan vote.
Catcher
NL:Buster Posey-SFGiants
AL- Salvador Perez-Royals
First Base
NL. Paul Goldschmidt- Diamondbacks
AL- Miggy but he's injured so Pujols is starting in place of him.
Second Base
NL Dee Gorden from the Marlins
AL- Jose Altuve from the surprising Astros.
Shortstop
NL Johnny Peralta from the Cards
Al Alcides Escobar from the Royals
Third Base
AL Josh Donaldson from the Jays
NL Todd Frazier from the Reds who happen to be hosting the festivities
Outfield
NLBryce Harper, Andrew Mccutchin in for Stanton, and Matt Holliday.
AL Mike Trout, Lorenzo Cain from KC and Alex Gorden from KC who unfortunately strained his groin yesterday and might be out for a while.
Nelson Cruz will DH for the AL squad
Sonny Gray made it for the A's as so far he's put up a 9-3 record with a 2.20 ERA. Those are excellent numbers and he's being looked at to start but he can't pitch in the game because as of now Grey 's supposed to pitch on the last day before the All Star Break.
A's Catcher Stephen Vogt also got selected as a reserve which means that he will be joining his battery mate in Cincinnati
The Giants double play tandem of Crawford and Panik both made it as reserves. Madbum made it as well and he will be one of the best arms on a loaded NL pitching staff.
These are only the starters and the Bay Area reps and there are many more good all star reserves that I didn't bring up in this entry.
I will be watching on July 14 and seeing which players shine the brightest on the big stage.
I predict that the NL will win because their pitching staff is loaded, but I expect the game to be close for all 9 innings.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Women's World Cup final 2015
On July 5, the US Women's soccer national team faced off against Japan in the final of the Women's world cup at BC Place in Vancouver Canada.
This matchup was the third straight time that these two nations have met in the final game of a major tournament, following matchups in the 2011 World Cup final and the 2012 Summer Olympics final. Japan won the last world cup while the U.S took gold in London.
The Japanese squad came in to the final hoping to win their second straight World cup while the U.S squad wants to win their third World cup and bring home the trophy for the first time since 1999 when Mia Hamm and Brianna Scurry led that team to the title at the Rose Bowl in LA. The U.S players also wanted to avenge a loss to Japan in the last World Cup final.
Throughout the group rounds and first 2 knockout rounds, goalie Hope Solo and the defense in front of her played exceptional while the offense struggled to generate any consistent attack, leading to demands that Jill Ellis change the formation of her squad on the field.
Jill Ellis listened to her critics by changing the formation. She took Abby Wambach out of the starting lineup therefore leaving Alex Morgan as the only true forward. Then in her most genius move of the World Cup, she moved Carli Lloyd up to attacking midfield. Jill also put Tobin Heath in as a wing midfielder and Morgan Brian as the holding midfielder.
This freed up Carli Lloyd to mainly focus on offense and she came through in a big way. The 32 year old midfielder from Jersey scored the only goal of the match against China, then scored the game winning goal against Germany on a PK after Germany's best player Sasic completely missed her pk attempt.
Then in the final against the Japanese who are the queens of Asian women's soccer, captain Carli Lloyd put together a spectacular performance carrying her team to a 5-2 victory and the Women's world cup 2015 trophy.
She put together a hattrick by the 16th minute against an extremely talented and well coached Japanese squad. Her first two goals were off of set pieces. The first one was off a corner kick from Rapinoe and she scored by charging in late, beating her defender, and volleying the ball into the back of the net.
The second goal was off a free kick from Holliday. Holliday kicked it in to Johnson in the box and Johnsen back-kicked it to Carli who knocked it past the Japanese goalkeeper.
These two goals were good, but her third goal was epic. Lloyd had the ball at midfield and the Japanese goalie was really far out of the goal because people don't normally take shots from midfield.
Lloyd bucked that trend, taking an audacious powerful shot from the center line. This booming kick sailed all the way to the goal and over the Japanese goalie's head. The poor Japanese Goalie got a hand on the ball, but unfortunately tapped it backwards and right into the open goal. The announcer called it one of the best goals she had ever seen in her life. (Kelly Smith)
Holliday and Heath added goals for the United States while the defense allowed two goals which isn't that good, but they did stifle a lot of Japanese scoring chances so that's good.
In the last ten minutes there were some touching moments as Wambach came on the turf and recieved the captain's band from Lloyd and then Rapinoe who somehow at 40 and still playing at a high level also came on the field.
Once the final whistle blew the U.S players exulted with joy knowing that they've just won the World Cup. It was especially sweet for Rampone who gets to start her career in 99 with a World Cup win and end it this year with a second World Cup title and Wambach, one of the greatest US women's soccer players ever, who finally gets her World Cup title in her last World Cup.
Carli Lloyd won the golden ball as the best player in the tournament and Hope Solo won the golden glove as the best goalie in the tournament. These awards were both well deserved as both of these women were phenomenal throughout the tournament.
I also applaud Jill Ellis and her assistant coaches for the job they did in their first World Cup.
This game got the highest rating ever and this World Cup raised Women's soccer in the U.S to a whole new level.
I am looking forward to seeing what happens with this roster before the olympics in Rio next year and I am looking forward to seeing if the U.S women's soccer team can continue their success at the summer Olympics next summer.
This matchup was the third straight time that these two nations have met in the final game of a major tournament, following matchups in the 2011 World Cup final and the 2012 Summer Olympics final. Japan won the last world cup while the U.S took gold in London.
The Japanese squad came in to the final hoping to win their second straight World cup while the U.S squad wants to win their third World cup and bring home the trophy for the first time since 1999 when Mia Hamm and Brianna Scurry led that team to the title at the Rose Bowl in LA. The U.S players also wanted to avenge a loss to Japan in the last World Cup final.
Throughout the group rounds and first 2 knockout rounds, goalie Hope Solo and the defense in front of her played exceptional while the offense struggled to generate any consistent attack, leading to demands that Jill Ellis change the formation of her squad on the field.
Jill Ellis listened to her critics by changing the formation. She took Abby Wambach out of the starting lineup therefore leaving Alex Morgan as the only true forward. Then in her most genius move of the World Cup, she moved Carli Lloyd up to attacking midfield. Jill also put Tobin Heath in as a wing midfielder and Morgan Brian as the holding midfielder.
This freed up Carli Lloyd to mainly focus on offense and she came through in a big way. The 32 year old midfielder from Jersey scored the only goal of the match against China, then scored the game winning goal against Germany on a PK after Germany's best player Sasic completely missed her pk attempt.
Then in the final against the Japanese who are the queens of Asian women's soccer, captain Carli Lloyd put together a spectacular performance carrying her team to a 5-2 victory and the Women's world cup 2015 trophy.
She put together a hattrick by the 16th minute against an extremely talented and well coached Japanese squad. Her first two goals were off of set pieces. The first one was off a corner kick from Rapinoe and she scored by charging in late, beating her defender, and volleying the ball into the back of the net.
The second goal was off a free kick from Holliday. Holliday kicked it in to Johnson in the box and Johnsen back-kicked it to Carli who knocked it past the Japanese goalkeeper.
These two goals were good, but her third goal was epic. Lloyd had the ball at midfield and the Japanese goalie was really far out of the goal because people don't normally take shots from midfield.
Lloyd bucked that trend, taking an audacious powerful shot from the center line. This booming kick sailed all the way to the goal and over the Japanese goalie's head. The poor Japanese Goalie got a hand on the ball, but unfortunately tapped it backwards and right into the open goal. The announcer called it one of the best goals she had ever seen in her life. (Kelly Smith)
Holliday and Heath added goals for the United States while the defense allowed two goals which isn't that good, but they did stifle a lot of Japanese scoring chances so that's good.
In the last ten minutes there were some touching moments as Wambach came on the turf and recieved the captain's band from Lloyd and then Rapinoe who somehow at 40 and still playing at a high level also came on the field.
Once the final whistle blew the U.S players exulted with joy knowing that they've just won the World Cup. It was especially sweet for Rampone who gets to start her career in 99 with a World Cup win and end it this year with a second World Cup title and Wambach, one of the greatest US women's soccer players ever, who finally gets her World Cup title in her last World Cup.
Carli Lloyd won the golden ball as the best player in the tournament and Hope Solo won the golden glove as the best goalie in the tournament. These awards were both well deserved as both of these women were phenomenal throughout the tournament.
I also applaud Jill Ellis and her assistant coaches for the job they did in their first World Cup.
This game got the highest rating ever and this World Cup raised Women's soccer in the U.S to a whole new level.
I am looking forward to seeing what happens with this roster before the olympics in Rio next year and I am looking forward to seeing if the U.S women's soccer team can continue their success at the summer Olympics next summer.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Early Information from NBA free Agency
NBA free agency started yesterday. It was a hectic day full of players signing big contract extensions, resigning with the team they last played on, or signing with a different team.
Overall
Anthony Davis signed a max contract extension with the Pelicans at 5 years and 145 million. This is a really good move as the Pelicans are locking up their young superstar so that he can't leave anytime soon.
Trailblazers' point guard and best player Damien Lillard is close to signing a max 5 year, 130 million contract extension which will allow him to continue shining in rip city.
The Cavs sept big keeping their core team together from last year. They signed Kevin Love to a 5 year 110 million deal. They also signed Tristian Thompson to a 5 year 80 million deal. Thompson and Love play contrasting styles so it's good that they both resigned, but Lebron likes Thompson more so we'll see who plays more this upcoming year.
Cleveland also signed Iman Shumpert to a four year 40 million deal which keeps the more defensive minded guard in Northeast Ohio.
The Spurs signed Kawhi Leanord to a 5 year, 90 million deal, keeping the future face of the franchise as well as the reigning defensive player of the year in the Alamo.
Danny Green also is staying in San Antonio. The top 3 and d wing on the market signed a 4 year 45 million contract which could end up being a bargain deal for the Spurs.
The Warriors locked up Draymond Green for 5 years, 82 million, ensuring that the heart and soul of their team and their top defensive starter will stay in the Bay Area for a while.
Bulls stud guard Jimmy Butler is staying in Chicago on a max contract of 5 years and 95 million.
Paul Milsap is staying in Atlanta for 3 years and the contract adds up to 59 million dollars.
Some other notable re signees with their former club were Goran Dragic, Knight, Middleton, and Brook Lopez.
Tyson Chandler is going to play in the Desert, and Demare Carroll is going to play in Toronto.
Paul Pierce is going to play for the Clippars where he will be reunited with his former coach Doc Rivers.
The Kings cleared cap space so that they can go after Rondo, Matthews, and Monta Ellis. These three players are really good guards and they will drastically improve the Kings if eh decide to come to Sacramento.
There are plenty of rumors about unsigned players and where they will go, but the offseason just started and there's still a long while until next season starts.
It will be interesting to see where the unsigned big name free agents end up and how the respective rosters look for next year.
I will keep track of who goes where as the summer continues.
Bleacherreport.com
Overall
Anthony Davis signed a max contract extension with the Pelicans at 5 years and 145 million. This is a really good move as the Pelicans are locking up their young superstar so that he can't leave anytime soon.
Trailblazers' point guard and best player Damien Lillard is close to signing a max 5 year, 130 million contract extension which will allow him to continue shining in rip city.
The Cavs sept big keeping their core team together from last year. They signed Kevin Love to a 5 year 110 million deal. They also signed Tristian Thompson to a 5 year 80 million deal. Thompson and Love play contrasting styles so it's good that they both resigned, but Lebron likes Thompson more so we'll see who plays more this upcoming year.
Cleveland also signed Iman Shumpert to a four year 40 million deal which keeps the more defensive minded guard in Northeast Ohio.
The Spurs signed Kawhi Leanord to a 5 year, 90 million deal, keeping the future face of the franchise as well as the reigning defensive player of the year in the Alamo.
Danny Green also is staying in San Antonio. The top 3 and d wing on the market signed a 4 year 45 million contract which could end up being a bargain deal for the Spurs.
The Warriors locked up Draymond Green for 5 years, 82 million, ensuring that the heart and soul of their team and their top defensive starter will stay in the Bay Area for a while.
Bulls stud guard Jimmy Butler is staying in Chicago on a max contract of 5 years and 95 million.
Paul Milsap is staying in Atlanta for 3 years and the contract adds up to 59 million dollars.
Some other notable re signees with their former club were Goran Dragic, Knight, Middleton, and Brook Lopez.
Tyson Chandler is going to play in the Desert, and Demare Carroll is going to play in Toronto.
Paul Pierce is going to play for the Clippars where he will be reunited with his former coach Doc Rivers.
The Kings cleared cap space so that they can go after Rondo, Matthews, and Monta Ellis. These three players are really good guards and they will drastically improve the Kings if eh decide to come to Sacramento.
There are plenty of rumors about unsigned players and where they will go, but the offseason just started and there's still a long while until next season starts.
It will be interesting to see where the unsigned big name free agents end up and how the respective rosters look for next year.
I will keep track of who goes where as the summer continues.
Bleacherreport.com
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