Sunday's thrilling Wimbledon Men's final put Roger Federer in a class all by himself. Capturing his record-breaking 15th grand slam title was truly something to watch and captivated even the casual sports fan. No it wasn't as good as last year's final in which Federer fell to Rafael Nadal, but the losses to Nadal coupled with Sunday's match, proved Federer is deserving of being in the conversation of best tennis player ever. Think about it, not only has Federer won the most majors, but he is one of two players (Andre Agassi the other) to have won a career grand slam on three different surfaces (grass, clay, and hardcourt). Plus, his rivalry with Nadal (coupled with Andy Roddick's terrific performance Sunday) showed that Federer had to beat tough competition, something missing from his first 10 or so major titles. During that time Federer was so clearly better than his peers that, I for one, questioned how great he really was. Having to rise above the adversity thrown in his way by Nadal only confirms to me Federer's greatness. Here's hoping Nadal can get healthy and we can see a first-ever showdown between the two at the U.S. Open.
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In the wake of the death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair, I'm reminded that none of us in the media truly know what a player is like. We can only chronicle an athletes performance on the field of play. I will always remember McNair for his ability to fight through injuries and perform at a high level. He was one of the toughest football players of his generation. It certainly seemed like he set the right example on and off the field, but the circumstances surrounding McNair's death should serve as another reminder that we are only able to admire what athletes do on the field.
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I don't want to take away baseball fans right to vote, but year after year they continue to get the starting lineup wrong for the All-Star game.
AMERICAN LEAGUE-- I can't argue over first base, third base, catcher or one of the outfield spots. But Aaron Hill of the Blue Jays deserves the nod over Boston's Dustin Pedroia and Tampa Bay's Jason Bartlett has had a far better year than--GASP--the Yankees' Derek Jeter. Not saying Pedroia and Jeter don't deserve to be All-Stars, just no starters. And, I'm sorry, but North Carolina's own Josh Hamilton hasn't earned a trip to St. Louis as he's been hurt most of the year; and while Ichiro Suzuki is always solid, check out the numbers for the Angels Tori Hunter and the Orioles Adam Jones and tell me they don't deserve to start.
NATIONAL LEAGUE-- Not much to quibble about except the Braves' Brian McCann over Yadier Molina. Way to get the hometown guy in Cardinal fans.
--Jason Brown
Monday, July 6, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
NASCAR Hall of Fame Class
The nominee list will be announced Thursday, but just off the top of my head, here are just 3 picks for the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010.
1-Bill France, Sr. This is a no-brainer. There is no NASCAR without Bill France, Sr. If he doesn't go in with the first class, this Hall is a sham. Period.
2-Richard Petty. Won 200 races as a driver, and has a few more as an owner. Petty has been the face of NASCAR for some 40 years. Most wins, that signature cowboy hat, the country boy smile, and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. The Petty name is synonymous with NASCAR. Again, no King, no credibility.
3-Dale Earnhardt, Sr. 7-time champion, and had maybe the largest legion of fans in all of motorsports. His driving style set him apart from the others, and his ability to become a household name when NASCAR was just beginning its meteoric climb into the national mainstream did more to give NASCAR that image that people could identify with, and ultimately, corporate America could support. Yes, he was rough around the edges--that sold sponsorships.
NASCAR also released Richard Childress and Glen Wood as part of their nominee list. Wood has been one of NASCAR's legendary owners, and deserves consideration. There have been other drivers that have contributed to the fabric of NASCAR. Guys like Bobby Allison, Junior Johnson, Fireball Roberts, Lee Petty, Tim Flock, and so on. Selecting just 5 will be a difficult task.
The series heads off to Daytona for the 2nd time this season for the race formerly known as the Firecracker 400--now known as the Coke Zero 400. Should be a great night under the lights on the 4th of July.
Winston-Salem Dash skipper Joe McEwing visited with us earlier today, and you'll see that interview tonight on Sports Night at 10.
Mike Solarte
1-Bill France, Sr. This is a no-brainer. There is no NASCAR without Bill France, Sr. If he doesn't go in with the first class, this Hall is a sham. Period.
2-Richard Petty. Won 200 races as a driver, and has a few more as an owner. Petty has been the face of NASCAR for some 40 years. Most wins, that signature cowboy hat, the country boy smile, and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. The Petty name is synonymous with NASCAR. Again, no King, no credibility.
3-Dale Earnhardt, Sr. 7-time champion, and had maybe the largest legion of fans in all of motorsports. His driving style set him apart from the others, and his ability to become a household name when NASCAR was just beginning its meteoric climb into the national mainstream did more to give NASCAR that image that people could identify with, and ultimately, corporate America could support. Yes, he was rough around the edges--that sold sponsorships.
NASCAR also released Richard Childress and Glen Wood as part of their nominee list. Wood has been one of NASCAR's legendary owners, and deserves consideration. There have been other drivers that have contributed to the fabric of NASCAR. Guys like Bobby Allison, Junior Johnson, Fireball Roberts, Lee Petty, Tim Flock, and so on. Selecting just 5 will be a difficult task.
The series heads off to Daytona for the 2nd time this season for the race formerly known as the Firecracker 400--now known as the Coke Zero 400. Should be a great night under the lights on the 4th of July.
Winston-Salem Dash skipper Joe McEwing visited with us earlier today, and you'll see that interview tonight on Sports Night at 10.
Mike Solarte
Monday, June 29, 2009
USA Soccer...improving?
Don't call me un-American for saying this, but Team USA's performance in the Confederations Cup, while brilliant, was not a sign of things to come. Team USA is not a major force in soccer in the world. Sure, they upended the world's top ranked team, Spain, but the proof was in the pudding against Brazil.
Teams that are top contenders to be among the best in the world do not surrender 2-0 leads after halftime.
Brazil was on their heels in the opening 45 minutes. The U.S. carried the play, passed well, obviously notched a pair of tallies, and looked like they belonged. Brazil came out in the 2nd half, and got on the board early--almost a tidal wave of offense pouring at the Americans. Team USA never had a chance.
Soccer may be the world's most popular game, but that doesn't ring true in America. The U.S. can become a world power, but right now, the game is a virtual punchline. Don't get me wrong, I love soccer. I sat and watched the Confed Final, and I used to watch games with my father back in Chicago. The broadcasts were in Spanish, and I couldn't understand what was being said, but watching soccer with my Dad was something I'll always cherish. Incidentally, none of those games I watched with Dad involved the U.S.
I don't profess to have a solution, as there are loads of quality youth soccer programs in not just this country, but right here in North Carolina. American soccer is far better off now, than it was, say 10 years ago. Still, it's not at the level of a Brazil, Spain, England, Germany, and so on.
Joey Logano picked up his first career Sprint Cup Series win on Sunday in New Hampshire, a race shortened by rain. Logano has long been considered the future of NASCAR, so picking a victory in his first season bodes well for him. Series flips the calendar, beginning their return visits to tracks, starting this weekend in Daytona.
Author Brett Friedlander on the program on Monday, and Winston-Salem Dash Manager Joe McEwing stops by on Wednesday. Check it out!
Mike Solarte
Teams that are top contenders to be among the best in the world do not surrender 2-0 leads after halftime.
Brazil was on their heels in the opening 45 minutes. The U.S. carried the play, passed well, obviously notched a pair of tallies, and looked like they belonged. Brazil came out in the 2nd half, and got on the board early--almost a tidal wave of offense pouring at the Americans. Team USA never had a chance.
Soccer may be the world's most popular game, but that doesn't ring true in America. The U.S. can become a world power, but right now, the game is a virtual punchline. Don't get me wrong, I love soccer. I sat and watched the Confed Final, and I used to watch games with my father back in Chicago. The broadcasts were in Spanish, and I couldn't understand what was being said, but watching soccer with my Dad was something I'll always cherish. Incidentally, none of those games I watched with Dad involved the U.S.
I don't profess to have a solution, as there are loads of quality youth soccer programs in not just this country, but right here in North Carolina. American soccer is far better off now, than it was, say 10 years ago. Still, it's not at the level of a Brazil, Spain, England, Germany, and so on.
Joey Logano picked up his first career Sprint Cup Series win on Sunday in New Hampshire, a race shortened by rain. Logano has long been considered the future of NASCAR, so picking a victory in his first season bodes well for him. Series flips the calendar, beginning their return visits to tracks, starting this weekend in Daytona.
Author Brett Friedlander on the program on Monday, and Winston-Salem Dash Manager Joe McEwing stops by on Wednesday. Check it out!
Mike Solarte
Friday, June 26, 2009
NBA Draft thoughts
Couple notes from Draft night.
- Anyone banging on Stephen Curry for allegedly dropping his head in disappointment is a certified idiot. I've never seen a disappointed person, especially one who just became the 7th richest NBA rookie in the draft class, smiling in disappointment. Curry was hoping to go the New York Knicks, but Golden State snapped him one selection ahead of New York. Personally, I'm disappointed Curry is going out west. Having him in the east would have meant the ability to watch him blossom as a rookie. Now, it means staying up late in hopes of seeing that. Might be worth some shorter sleep nights during the season. Congrats to Steph, he'll do just fine.
- Bobcats take Gerald Henderson with the 12th pick. It was a case of 1-a and 1-a. The Cats would have been fine with Henderson or Terrence Williams from Louisville, and when Williams went to New Jersey at 11, Henderson was the obvious pick. Was funny hearing MJ and Larry Brown talk about taking a Duke guy, considering their UNC backgrounds, but in the end, they feel Henderson will be a competent back up for Raja Bell, and given Bell's late season injuries, Henderson could be on the floor more than the average back-up.
- Minnesota has to be thinking trade, considering they selected 4 guards in the first round. Ricky Rubio, Jonny Flynn, Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington. 3 point guards. 2 Tar Heels. Weird, but the T-Wolves need all kinds of help, and now they have some young talent with which to maneuver.
- A big thanks to my media brethren for putting up with me during the draft. News 14 Carolina had hourly updates from Bobcats HQ, and it, no doubt, was a distraction for the others. I appreciate their professionalism very much. Speaking of the other media folks, beat writer for the Charlotte Observer Rick Bonnell had the observation of the night....with so few big men available in the draft, no one wanted DeJuan Blair from Pittsburgh early. Blair eventually was selected in the 2nd round, 37th overall.
This will wrap up my week on the blog, have a great weekend, and we'll chat again on Monday!
Mike Solarte
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Peppers signs
After much deliberation, I have come to the conclusion that Julius Peppers is NOT a paycheck player.
Peppers camp made overtures about him playing for another team, saying he wanted to be a part of a 3-4 defense, and then allegedly listing 4 teams he wished to go to.
The Panthers didn't want to let their guy go for nothing, as is their right. They placed the franchise tag on him, basically saying, if you want to go, fine. We want something in return. Once that happened, Peppers wasn't going anywhere.
It was basically a foregone conclusion Peppers would be back in Carolina colors in 2009, but the price is steep. $16.7 million (with an "m") for 1 year of football. The number has been planned for, according to GM Marty Hurney, so it's already in the budget, so to speak.
Is Peppers worth that money? Well, who is worth that money? For an entertainer, that kind of tag means top notch performance. When you break it down, Peppers will make $1 million and changer per game.
He will be worth that kind of money if he has a repeat of his 2008 season, where he was ripping through blockers, recording sacks, and being a force on defense. If he fades into the 2007 Houdini act, there will be a lot of unhappy folks in the stands, and in the front office. The Panthers seem top believe that Peppers will follow up his 2008 with a similar 2009. A lot of folks hope they are right.
NBA Draft coverage comes your way Thursday night from Time Warner Cable Arena, as the Charlotte Bobcats hold the 12th overall selection (at least they do as I write this). We'll keep our eyes on their status, along with Stephen Curry's move to the bigs. Should be a big night--hope you check it all out.
Mike Solarte
Peppers camp made overtures about him playing for another team, saying he wanted to be a part of a 3-4 defense, and then allegedly listing 4 teams he wished to go to.
The Panthers didn't want to let their guy go for nothing, as is their right. They placed the franchise tag on him, basically saying, if you want to go, fine. We want something in return. Once that happened, Peppers wasn't going anywhere.
It was basically a foregone conclusion Peppers would be back in Carolina colors in 2009, but the price is steep. $16.7 million (with an "m") for 1 year of football. The number has been planned for, according to GM Marty Hurney, so it's already in the budget, so to speak.
Is Peppers worth that money? Well, who is worth that money? For an entertainer, that kind of tag means top notch performance. When you break it down, Peppers will make $1 million and changer per game.
He will be worth that kind of money if he has a repeat of his 2008 season, where he was ripping through blockers, recording sacks, and being a force on defense. If he fades into the 2007 Houdini act, there will be a lot of unhappy folks in the stands, and in the front office. The Panthers seem top believe that Peppers will follow up his 2008 with a similar 2009. A lot of folks hope they are right.
NBA Draft coverage comes your way Thursday night from Time Warner Cable Arena, as the Charlotte Bobcats hold the 12th overall selection (at least they do as I write this). We'll keep our eyes on their status, along with Stephen Curry's move to the bigs. Should be a big night--hope you check it all out.
Mike Solarte
Monday, June 22, 2009
Lucas Glover takes Open
It finally felt like a US Open on Monday. Normally, Monday would be the day after the Open. Thanks to Mother Nature, Monday was the final day of an epic battle pitting the golfers against Bethpage Black, with the elements mixed in.
Seems like a month ago when the Open began, and when it finally wrapped up Monday afternoon, Lucas Glover was the winner. Unlikely winner? Perhaps. Glover has one other win in his career, and that came 5 years ago. He was a contender during the Quail Hollow championship, but was unable to close the deal. This time, he practiced what he had been preaching--patience. An even par back nine helped ease the pain of a 38 on his opening nine holes. The teeth of the Black course began to show as the rains finally stayed away. Couple that with the sudden arrival of that "major championship feel," and you had the world's best players hanging on for their lives. Glover stayed on task, made some nice swings coming home and won it.
There was quite a group chasing him down. Playing partner Ricky Barnes flamed out, but get past him and you had David Duval and Phil Mickelson in hot pursuit. Mickelson had it knotted at -4 after a wonderful eagle at number 13. Phil couldn't keep himself together down the stretch, making 2 bogeys in his final 4 holes. Tough finish for him. There will be those that slap him with the "choke" label again, but you won't find me in that group. Lefty dealt with a highly emotional week, and ended up with his 5th runner-up finish in a US Open. He also left with a greater perspective on what it means, considering his wife Amy begins treatment for breast cancer in exactly 10 days. 2nd place in the Open isn't the worst thing in the world.
Duval had a monster week, and had a shot to win the tournament standing on the 17th tee. It was shades of 1999, when Duval was a major factor in the golf world. He's back, having fun, and even smiling again. How long he stays relevant in golf is up to him and his ability, but seeing Duval, Mickelson, and even Tiger Woods (albeit 4 shots back), on the same leaderboard again was something that was ultimately good for golf.
Former Charlotte 49er Trevor Murphy ended up tied for 58th in the Open after a final round 80, while High Point's Drew Weaver ended up +9 for the tourney, one shot behind the low amateur of the championship, Nick Taylor.
Charlotte Bobcats continue their draft preparations, and we hope to have team GM Rod Higgins in studio on Wednesday to talk about it.
Mike Solarte
Seems like a month ago when the Open began, and when it finally wrapped up Monday afternoon, Lucas Glover was the winner. Unlikely winner? Perhaps. Glover has one other win in his career, and that came 5 years ago. He was a contender during the Quail Hollow championship, but was unable to close the deal. This time, he practiced what he had been preaching--patience. An even par back nine helped ease the pain of a 38 on his opening nine holes. The teeth of the Black course began to show as the rains finally stayed away. Couple that with the sudden arrival of that "major championship feel," and you had the world's best players hanging on for their lives. Glover stayed on task, made some nice swings coming home and won it.
There was quite a group chasing him down. Playing partner Ricky Barnes flamed out, but get past him and you had David Duval and Phil Mickelson in hot pursuit. Mickelson had it knotted at -4 after a wonderful eagle at number 13. Phil couldn't keep himself together down the stretch, making 2 bogeys in his final 4 holes. Tough finish for him. There will be those that slap him with the "choke" label again, but you won't find me in that group. Lefty dealt with a highly emotional week, and ended up with his 5th runner-up finish in a US Open. He also left with a greater perspective on what it means, considering his wife Amy begins treatment for breast cancer in exactly 10 days. 2nd place in the Open isn't the worst thing in the world.
Duval had a monster week, and had a shot to win the tournament standing on the 17th tee. It was shades of 1999, when Duval was a major factor in the golf world. He's back, having fun, and even smiling again. How long he stays relevant in golf is up to him and his ability, but seeing Duval, Mickelson, and even Tiger Woods (albeit 4 shots back), on the same leaderboard again was something that was ultimately good for golf.
Former Charlotte 49er Trevor Murphy ended up tied for 58th in the Open after a final round 80, while High Point's Drew Weaver ended up +9 for the tourney, one shot behind the low amateur of the championship, Nick Taylor.
Charlotte Bobcats continue their draft preparations, and we hope to have team GM Rod Higgins in studio on Wednesday to talk about it.
Mike Solarte
Quick thoughts before bed
It's late Sunday, early Monday--I need sleep, but wanted to blurt a few things into the blog before bedtime.
- The US Open hasn't felt like a major, and I think it's because the goofy weather has taken the normal buzz out of the National Championship. We have been talking about course conditions due to the wet, rather than the brutally fast greens, ankle deep rough, etc. Maybe that buzz will return when this puppy wraps up on Monday. Ricky Barnes is in trouble off the tee, and Lucas Glover is ready to pounce.
- The weather has dominated the Open, but mad props to the grounds crew at Bethpage. How that course is remotely playable is miraculous, and they get the slap on the back for a job well done.
- I want to see Phil Mickelson rally and win this thing. Mind you, I'm not rooting against anyone, but what a story it would be for Phil to bring the Open trophy to his wife Amy. She will begin her battle against breast cancer on July 1. Monday might be the last time we see Phil for a while. I wish them well.
- Someone spun the clock back 10 years, because David Duval is a threat again. I was blown away when I saw his world ranking of 882. I'm 883. Rats. Seriously, though, nice to see him back in the hunt in a major. He's undergone major changes both on and off the course, and at long last, golf seems to be fun for him again.
- Anyone else picking up on what seems to be sniping at Johnny Miller by his NBC counterparts? It's subtle, but I think it's there. Miller knows the game, but I'm not a fan of his on-air style. Nothing wrong with it, just not my cup of tea.
- Former Charlotte 49er Trevor Murphy was on fire in his 2nd round finish. Birdies on 16, 17, and 18 got him into a tie for 16th with 2 rounds to play. He couldn't follow it up, a third round 77 drops him back in the field, but for a guy playing on the Gateway Tour in Arizona, this paycheck will come in handy. I'm hoping he can play his way into an exemption to the Open next year. 68 in his final round might be the number to do it.
- Spent the latter part of my evening watching "Ocean's Eleven," on TBS. "Ted Nugent called. He wants his shirt back." Priceless.
Mike Solarte
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