The Rain Maker Sports: Sports Bytes – May 18, 2010
Not many things in baseball are more enjoyable than watching Jonathan Papelbon blow a game. Last night the Yankees entered the bottom of the ninth inning down 9-7. After Brett Gardner doubled and Mark Texeira flew out, Alex Rodriguez launched a Papelbon fastball into the bullpen to tie the game 9-9. Papelbon responded by plunking Francisco Cervelli, and then watched helplessly as Marcus Thames sent his first pitch screaming into the left field seats to give NY the 11-9 win . . .
Despite the incredible victory Yankees manager Joe Girardi should not forget his staff’s pathetic pitching performance. Phil Hughes , who entered the game with a 1.38 ERA, blew a 5-0 lead and was chased after only five innings. Reliever Boone Logan–maybe they should call him Bane Logan–then donated a run before handing the ball over to Chan Ho-Park. Not surprisingly, Park was unable to keep his pitches inside the park, surrendering back-to-back homers to Kevin Youklis and Victor Martinez to give Boston the 9-7 lead . . . I still think Park should be sent to the 38th parallel. Maybe he can take Javier Vazquez with him . . .
Former World Heavyweight Champion Hasim Rahman returns to the ring on June 19 to fight some journeyman named Shannon Miller . . . At this stage of his career it makes more sense for Rahman to fight Shannon Miller the Olympic gymnast . . .
Kudos to Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson for criticizing professional sports groups that have slammed the Arizona immigration law. “I don’t think teams should get involved in the political stuff.” He added, “Where we stand as basketball teams, we should let that kind of play out and let the political end of that go where it’s going to go.” I couldn’t agree more, especially considering that many of those screaming loudest against the law haven’t even read it. Where do I stand on the law? Nowhere, because I haven’t read it. My advice to the NBA and other sports organizations: Shut up and play! . . .
Quarterback Donovan McNabb doesn’t owe anyone in Philadelphia an apology for the Eagles not having won a Super Bowl. No, McNabb did not play big in big games–but neither did the rest of the Eagles team. If there is any apology offered to Eagles fans it should come from the entire organization . . . Here’s a suggestion for Andy Reid: forget that silly West Coast offense and develop a running game. When was the last time a defense feared the Philly rushing attack? . . .
Nice job by the Mets grabbing a much needed win last night against the Atlanta Braves. Following the ugly four game sweep at the hands of the Marlins, there wasn’t a newspaper within 50 miles of Times Square that wasn’t hysterically demanding Jerry Manuel’s head. The 3-2 victory yesterday lifted the Mets out of the cellar . . . Mets fans need to accept that a summer of agita awaits them. Their ball club is streaky and is just as likely to lose five straight as it is to win five straight. It’s going to be some roller coaster ride in Flushing this summer . . .
I’m sure you will not be shocked to learn that the Rays won again . . .
What a surprise! Yankees DH Nick Johnson is hurt. The only thing Johnson does more often than get hurt is take call-third strikes . . .
Here’s an anomaly. The lowest ERA in the American League is held by a Texas Ranger: CJ Wilson (1.48). How unusual is Wilson’s accomplishment? “Wilson’s ERA is the third lowest for a Rangers pitcher after 30 games and a minimum of 40 innings. Rick Honeycutt had a 1.38 ERA after 30 games in 1983 and Kenny Rogers had a 1.42 ERA in 1995.”
Pretty amazing. The San Diego Padres are eight games above .500 and sit atop the National League West; yet, they are 24th in runs scored. None of the teams who have scored fewer runs than the Padres are playing .500 ball . . .
About the Author
I am a PR Specialist and writer who has publicized world champions such as Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, and mega-events like Lewis-Tyson and De la Hoya-Vargas. Contact Donald Tremblay (The Rain Maker) at 718-664-3405 or at dtremblay@earthlink.net. For more info about me visit my LinkedIn Profile http://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldtremblay
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