Thursday went from being a seemingly serene and calm day, to being a wild and crazy one.
Davidson guard Stephen Curry bucked my opinion, as well as a Wednesday night AP report, and chose to enter the NBA Draft. That was at 11:30 in the morning. 3 hours later, as expected, UNC standouts Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington followed suit.
Wow.
I wish all 3 good luck, and hope they find what they are looking for at the next level. Personally, I'm not sure Curry is physically ready for the next level, but his father Dell says that Steph's game is in better shape than his way when he came out of Virginia Tech. Steph is realizing his dream, and he'll be paid handsomely for it, if he is a first rounder, which I think he will be.
As for Lawson, this was a no-brainer. he was almost gone a year ago. Now that he has slipped a national championship ring on his finger, he can only repeat that performance. If he were to do that, he would go another year without NBA money. His stock rose (as if it needed to), during the NCAA tournament, when he basically played on one foot.
Ellington is a different story. I'm not sure there is one thing that sets him apart from other guard/forwards in this draft, other than his Final Four MVP award. He's not flashy, he's not overpowering, but he is consistent. That could lead to a long NBA career, although it could also be a journeyman type of career as well. In his case, time will tell, but he will be a viable pro.
Once upon a time, I had been against guys leaving school early to chase pro dreams, but I have seen the light. The window is so small for players to grab that brass ring, they have to strike when the iron is hot. Such is the case for all 3. Again, I wish them all well, and nothing but success.
The Carolina Panthers found themselves some salary cap room, by re-signing Jake Delhomme to a 5-year extension, worth $42.5 million dollars, and $20 of that is guaranteed. Anyone that didn't think this was coming was misguided. Anyone thinking this is a bad move is also misguided. Delhomme has been the best QB in franchise history, and his new deal rewards him for his entire body of work with the team, and certainly does not punish him for his abysmal performance in the playoff game with Arizona last year. Drink the hater-ade elsewhere, Delhomme is Carolina's guy for at least the next 2 seasons minimum.
Still no movement in the Julius Peppers saga. There's still a day and a half to go before the draft, though. We'll stay on top of it.
Mike Solarte
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Still not into the NHL Playoffs?
It's getting too late for you to jump on the bandwagon.
True, it's only the first round, but already, the NHL has begun to reach back into the days of yore, and bring back that true essence of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
There have been exciting finishes (like the Hurricanes win in game 4 on Tuesday-more on that in a minute), wonderful performances by individuals, and most of all, hatred.
I know hate is an ugly word, but it is appropriate and pure in the playoffs. It just is. There are those that don't like it, but it's part of the game. Best of all, the ugliness translates into bone-crushing hits, nose-t0-nose discussions after whistles, and remarkably, very few actual fights.
And that's ok.
People who do not understand the game should not try and change it. Fighting has always been, and likely always be, and accepted part of the game. Believe it or not, fighting is actually far safer than the alternative. If fighting is banished from the game, then players will find other ways of retaliation. The end result will be stick infractions--and that's more of a crime than a penalty in a game. I would prefer to guys who are in a "disagreement", to drop the gloves, and settle it with bare hands, than have those same two using their sticks like axes. My NHL has grit, toughness, and fights. It also has speed, agility, grace and skill. I hope it stays that way forever.
Davidson guard Stephen Curry will announce his decision to stay in school or turn professional on Thursday morning. I don't have any info on this, but my hunch is that he will return to school. My reasons: 1) He wants to earn his degree, something which his family does support. Doing so at Davidson will be impossible if he goes pro, because Davidson does not have summer classes. 2) He loves the college game right now. He has enjoyed taking that program to new heights, and there is still more room under that ceiling. 3) He doesn't need the money, as his father's NBA career has more than provided for him, and his brother Seth. And 4), he's not physically ready. Sure he can bulk up, and learn on the job if he goes pro, but Curry wants to play. His body is not NBA ready right now, and while his jumpshot may be, other NBA guards might be able to wear him down, even in limited minutes.
Selfishly, I want him to stay, and if he decides to go pro, I will certainly wish him the best. Stephen Curry is the kind of player any coach would want, and the kind of kid any parent would be proud to call their own. Personally, I like Steph, and hope he makes the decision that is best for him.
We'll have a one-on-one chat with Sprint Cup driver Jimmie Johnson on Thursday night's show. I had the chance to sit down with him on Wednesday, and as always, he's engaging and fun to talk with. Be on the lookout for that on Sports Night!
Mike Solarte
True, it's only the first round, but already, the NHL has begun to reach back into the days of yore, and bring back that true essence of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
There have been exciting finishes (like the Hurricanes win in game 4 on Tuesday-more on that in a minute), wonderful performances by individuals, and most of all, hatred.
I know hate is an ugly word, but it is appropriate and pure in the playoffs. It just is. There are those that don't like it, but it's part of the game. Best of all, the ugliness translates into bone-crushing hits, nose-t0-nose discussions after whistles, and remarkably, very few actual fights.
And that's ok.
People who do not understand the game should not try and change it. Fighting has always been, and likely always be, and accepted part of the game. Believe it or not, fighting is actually far safer than the alternative. If fighting is banished from the game, then players will find other ways of retaliation. The end result will be stick infractions--and that's more of a crime than a penalty in a game. I would prefer to guys who are in a "disagreement", to drop the gloves, and settle it with bare hands, than have those same two using their sticks like axes. My NHL has grit, toughness, and fights. It also has speed, agility, grace and skill. I hope it stays that way forever.
Davidson guard Stephen Curry will announce his decision to stay in school or turn professional on Thursday morning. I don't have any info on this, but my hunch is that he will return to school. My reasons: 1) He wants to earn his degree, something which his family does support. Doing so at Davidson will be impossible if he goes pro, because Davidson does not have summer classes. 2) He loves the college game right now. He has enjoyed taking that program to new heights, and there is still more room under that ceiling. 3) He doesn't need the money, as his father's NBA career has more than provided for him, and his brother Seth. And 4), he's not physically ready. Sure he can bulk up, and learn on the job if he goes pro, but Curry wants to play. His body is not NBA ready right now, and while his jumpshot may be, other NBA guards might be able to wear him down, even in limited minutes.
Selfishly, I want him to stay, and if he decides to go pro, I will certainly wish him the best. Stephen Curry is the kind of player any coach would want, and the kind of kid any parent would be proud to call their own. Personally, I like Steph, and hope he makes the decision that is best for him.
We'll have a one-on-one chat with Sprint Cup driver Jimmie Johnson on Thursday night's show. I had the chance to sit down with him on Wednesday, and as always, he's engaging and fun to talk with. Be on the lookout for that on Sports Night!
Mike Solarte
Monday, April 20, 2009
Father Casts Long Shadow
Driving around Charlotte I noticed a few billboards that made me take pause. They were ads for next month's NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Race featuring a picture of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. It's smart advertising. Dale Jr., likely will be voted NASCAR's Most Popular Driver for the 7th consecutive year. And what better way to sell tickets in this economy than by featuring the sports most prominent driver. But I have to wonder if Rick Hendrick regrets booting Kyle Busch in favor of Dale Jr.?
In nearly half as many seasons, Kyle Busch has 14 cup victories to Dale Jr.'s 18. Coming off an 8-win season, Busch already has two wins and six top 10s this year and is 7th in the point standings. By comparison, Dale Jr. has two top 10s and no victories so far this season.
My point being, Dale Jr., hasn't yet lived up to the hype. After winning back-to-back Busch Series (now Nationwide) titles in 1998 & '99, he's won no championships in the Sprint Cup Series. Yes, he's won races at NASCAR's fabled tracks in Daytona and Talladega, but he's yet to take the checkered flag at Bristol, Indianapolis or here at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord (not counting the 2000 All-Star race).
When is father, Dale Sr., passed away on that fateful day in February at the Daytona 500 in 2001, the Earnhardt legacy was thrust upon Dale Jr., and I think unfairly so. The Intimidator's fans became his fans and being an Earnhardt, they --and even many us in the media-- expected him to take up the mantle by winning races and championships. His move last year to Hendrick Motor Sports was seen as the opportunity he needed to achieve those goals. But in a stable that includes 3-time champ Jimmie Johnson, 4-time champ Jeff Gordon, the competition is pretty steep.
Dale Jr., may still find glory at Hendrick Motor Sports, but for now, maybe NASCAR should do more to promote Johnson, Gordon, and; yes, even Kyle Busch. Drivers who frequent victory lane. Maybe if the spotlight became a little less intense for Dale Jr. will flourish. Unfortunately, unless he starts winning, Dale Jr. will be viewed no different than Kyle Petty. A capable driver who found it wasn't easy being a chip off the old block.
Jason Brown
In nearly half as many seasons, Kyle Busch has 14 cup victories to Dale Jr.'s 18. Coming off an 8-win season, Busch already has two wins and six top 10s this year and is 7th in the point standings. By comparison, Dale Jr. has two top 10s and no victories so far this season.
My point being, Dale Jr., hasn't yet lived up to the hype. After winning back-to-back Busch Series (now Nationwide) titles in 1998 & '99, he's won no championships in the Sprint Cup Series. Yes, he's won races at NASCAR's fabled tracks in Daytona and Talladega, but he's yet to take the checkered flag at Bristol, Indianapolis or here at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord (not counting the 2000 All-Star race).
When is father, Dale Sr., passed away on that fateful day in February at the Daytona 500 in 2001, the Earnhardt legacy was thrust upon Dale Jr., and I think unfairly so. The Intimidator's fans became his fans and being an Earnhardt, they --and even many us in the media-- expected him to take up the mantle by winning races and championships. His move last year to Hendrick Motor Sports was seen as the opportunity he needed to achieve those goals. But in a stable that includes 3-time champ Jimmie Johnson, 4-time champ Jeff Gordon, the competition is pretty steep.
Dale Jr., may still find glory at Hendrick Motor Sports, but for now, maybe NASCAR should do more to promote Johnson, Gordon, and; yes, even Kyle Busch. Drivers who frequent victory lane. Maybe if the spotlight became a little less intense for Dale Jr. will flourish. Unfortunately, unless he starts winning, Dale Jr. will be viewed no different than Kyle Petty. A capable driver who found it wasn't easy being a chip off the old block.
Jason Brown
Time to think Draft!
Happy Monday! NHL Playoffs have been (for the most part) fairly awesome. More on that later.
I'm not a mock draft kinda guy. I never saw the fun in trying to determine exactly which player an NFL team would try to select. I don't knock those that enjoy it, it's just not me. Makes me glad that I am that way, considering the Panthers don't have a selection (at the moment) until round 2 in Saturday's NFL draft. It would make me looney trying to figure out where the first 58 picks would be spent.
Last week Friday, Darin Gantt from the Rock Hill Herald was in studio to talk about the Panthers and how they sit, and I agree with him--Carolina likely won't be sitting on the sidelines waiting until their number comes up in round 2. At some point, SOMETHING has to break on the Julius Peppers front (whether he gets a an offer sheet, signs his contract tender, whatever), and that will break the Panthers free from their current shackles and move forward. Until then, they are just kinda waiting things out. I think there will be some activity leading up to Saturday. Stay tuned.
As for the Charlotte Observer's thoughts on the draft from Sunday's paper, it's nice fodder, but it's not on the radar. Pat White, QB from W. Virginia, would be a nice draft pick if the Panthers were desperate for a quarterback, but they aren't. They will, at some point, address the QB spot, but it won't happen during this draft. I would be shocked if it did happen this weekend. White is a dynamic athlete, but he doesn't seem to be a fit with the Fox/Hurney style of football. Couple that with Jake Delhomme being locked in as the starter for at least the coming season, and I suspect the Panthers like what they have at that position, and won't spend a high pick (higher than what they have now), to take White.
We'll have reaction to whatever the Panthers do this week leading up to the draft on Sports Night, and more thoughts on it here at the blog. Enjoy the week!
Mike Solarte
I'm not a mock draft kinda guy. I never saw the fun in trying to determine exactly which player an NFL team would try to select. I don't knock those that enjoy it, it's just not me. Makes me glad that I am that way, considering the Panthers don't have a selection (at the moment) until round 2 in Saturday's NFL draft. It would make me looney trying to figure out where the first 58 picks would be spent.
Last week Friday, Darin Gantt from the Rock Hill Herald was in studio to talk about the Panthers and how they sit, and I agree with him--Carolina likely won't be sitting on the sidelines waiting until their number comes up in round 2. At some point, SOMETHING has to break on the Julius Peppers front (whether he gets a an offer sheet, signs his contract tender, whatever), and that will break the Panthers free from their current shackles and move forward. Until then, they are just kinda waiting things out. I think there will be some activity leading up to Saturday. Stay tuned.
As for the Charlotte Observer's thoughts on the draft from Sunday's paper, it's nice fodder, but it's not on the radar. Pat White, QB from W. Virginia, would be a nice draft pick if the Panthers were desperate for a quarterback, but they aren't. They will, at some point, address the QB spot, but it won't happen during this draft. I would be shocked if it did happen this weekend. White is a dynamic athlete, but he doesn't seem to be a fit with the Fox/Hurney style of football. Couple that with Jake Delhomme being locked in as the starter for at least the coming season, and I suspect the Panthers like what they have at that position, and won't spend a high pick (higher than what they have now), to take White.
We'll have reaction to whatever the Panthers do this week leading up to the draft on Sports Night, and more thoughts on it here at the blog. Enjoy the week!
Mike Solarte
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Great Thing About Sports
One of the best things about sports (aside from rooting for your team) is seeing great performances. Already this week we've had two major leaguers hit for the cycle (single, double, triple, and home run), and they happened within days of each other.
First, the Dodgers Orlando Hudson turned the trick on Monday. It was the home opener for the Dodgers and for Hudson, who signed with LA in the offseason, his first game infront of the Dodger Blue faithful. What a way to make an impression! Not to mention three of the four hits came off future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. FYI, Hudson is the first Dodger to hit for the cycle since Wes Parker in 1970.
Then, a day later the Rangers Ian Kinsler hit for the cycle, going 6-for-6 in the process! You may never see someone hit for the cycle the whole season, let alone just days apart.
Finally, the opening games of the NHL playoffs have lacked drama, except for last night's Flames/Blackhawks overtime thriller. If you've never followed the quest for Lord Stanley's Cup, do yourself a favor and tune in. It's likely you'll see some of the most exciting games of any sport. Chicago's Martin Havlat tied the game late in the third and then netted the game-winner just 13 seconds into overtime. His teammates poured onto the ice as if they just one the cup. The reality is they need 15 more wins. The point is you see the passion and emotion these athletes display on a nightly basis during the playoffs, all to reach a common goal. And when that happens, you see some amazing performances. Who knows, you just might witness the next great moment in sports.
Jason Brown
First, the Dodgers Orlando Hudson turned the trick on Monday. It was the home opener for the Dodgers and for Hudson, who signed with LA in the offseason, his first game infront of the Dodger Blue faithful. What a way to make an impression! Not to mention three of the four hits came off future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson. FYI, Hudson is the first Dodger to hit for the cycle since Wes Parker in 1970.
Then, a day later the Rangers Ian Kinsler hit for the cycle, going 6-for-6 in the process! You may never see someone hit for the cycle the whole season, let alone just days apart.
Finally, the opening games of the NHL playoffs have lacked drama, except for last night's Flames/Blackhawks overtime thriller. If you've never followed the quest for Lord Stanley's Cup, do yourself a favor and tune in. It's likely you'll see some of the most exciting games of any sport. Chicago's Martin Havlat tied the game late in the third and then netted the game-winner just 13 seconds into overtime. His teammates poured onto the ice as if they just one the cup. The reality is they need 15 more wins. The point is you see the passion and emotion these athletes display on a nightly basis during the playoffs, all to reach a common goal. And when that happens, you see some amazing performances. Who knows, you just might witness the next great moment in sports.
Jason Brown
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
STANLEY CUP PRIMER
Baseball fans look forward to Opening Day. Football fans look forward to training camp. Me? I look forward to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The grind of the regular season is over. 16 teams battling. First team to win 16 games gets the chalice. It takes sacrifice, pain, sweat, blood, grit, toughness, patience, and most of all, desire. I have goosebumps just thinking about it. So here goes.
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
(1) Boston v. (8) Montreal
A storied rivalry, but that was when both teams played in their old buildings (Montreal in the Forum, the Bruins in the Boston Garden). The only things that remain the same are the team colors and logos. This new NHL has Boston as one of the elite teams in the league, and I don't foresee the Habs having the firepower to overtake Boston. In my opinion, the only way the Habs win the series is if goaltender Carey Price has his soul taken over by the likes of Patrick Roy, Ken Dryden, or even Jacques Plante--all at the same time. Pick: Bruins in 5
(2) Washington v. (7) NY Rangers
An interesting series when you factor the free-wheeling Capitals against the Rangers who aren't as skilled, but they have plenty of toughness. They also have Henrik Lundqvist in the nets, and he could be the difference maker in this. A hot goaltender can take a team all the way to the Cup, and Lundqvist will have to be superior, otherwise the likes of Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, and the rest of the Caps firepower will light the Broadway Blues up. The flipside of this is Jose Theodore, Caps netminder. He has not been the playoff-caliber goaltender in the past. Pick: Rangers in 7
(3) New Jersey v. (6) Carolina
It must be the post-season if these two teams are battling. The Hurricanes played the most unbelievable stretch of hockey through March and into April, and went from fighting for the last spot, to nearly having home-ice in the first round. Throw out the season series between these clubs (a series Carolina won). Martin Brodeur was a non-factor due to injury. He's back now, and he's one of the games all-time greats. Carolina will have their hands full getting past the Devils, but I believe guys like Eric Staal, Erik Cole, and the venerable Rod Brind'Amour will find a way to get past these Devs. It won't be easy. Pick: Hurricanes in 6
(4) Pittsburgh v. (5) Philadelphia
The Keystone State comes alive once again, as these two rivals get it on when it matters most. The Pens went to the Cup final last summer, falling to Detroit. That experience has got to pay off for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Give credit to Philly, though. They went from nowhere 2 seasons ago to the conference finals last season, and nearly earned the #4 seed this year. Still, too much talent for the Pens, and that should be the difference. Flyers have a shot if they slow down Crosby and Malkin, but that isn't easy. Look for this series to be the most physical in the first round. Pick: Penguins in 6
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
(1) San Jose v. (8) Anaheim
The Sharks were also an elite team in 2008-2009, and they have everything: solid offense, stingy defense, and maybe the best goaltender this season. Evegeni Nabokov is the lynchpin for the Sharks, and he will have to continue to be solid for the Sharks to advance. Let's not forget, Anaheim won the Cup 2 years ago, and there are still some parts from that championship team that remember the feeling. Pick: Sharks in 6
(2) Detroit v. (7) Columbus
Detroit. Period. All due respect to the Blue Jackets, the Wings are made for this time of the season. Goaltending will be key. Chris Osgood got the nod as the starter, and Columbus will send Steve Mason--he has been dynamite this season. Still, the Wings are the Wings. They are Hockeytown. They are the team everyone wants to beat--and not many have succeeded in the past decade. Pick: Detroit in 5
(3) Vancouver v. (6) St. Louis
The Blues are back to relevance, but Vancouver is loaded with offensive firepower, and fantastic goaltending in Roberto Luongo. The Blues have gotten to this point on heart, grit and just better than average talent. They'll need great goaltending, but I don't see that happening. Vancouver has the edge, and they have my vote. Pick: Canucks in 5
(4) Chicago v. (5) Calgary
Much like the Eastern Conference 4-5 matchup, this one promises to be physical. The Blackhawks are, like St. Louis, back to relevance in the Windy City. Chicago is young, and very skilled, and they have two, number 1 goaltenders in Cristobal Huet and Nikolai Khabibulin. The Hawks took flight after an early season coaching change, and broke through the 100 point barrier this season. Calgary is tough, and talented. This will be a difficult series, but I pick youth and inexperience to win out-Chicago won't know any better, and just win. Pick: Blackhawks in 6
We'll break down 2nd round matchups when we get there. Enjoy the games!
Mike Solarte
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
(1) Boston v. (8) Montreal
A storied rivalry, but that was when both teams played in their old buildings (Montreal in the Forum, the Bruins in the Boston Garden). The only things that remain the same are the team colors and logos. This new NHL has Boston as one of the elite teams in the league, and I don't foresee the Habs having the firepower to overtake Boston. In my opinion, the only way the Habs win the series is if goaltender Carey Price has his soul taken over by the likes of Patrick Roy, Ken Dryden, or even Jacques Plante--all at the same time. Pick: Bruins in 5
(2) Washington v. (7) NY Rangers
An interesting series when you factor the free-wheeling Capitals against the Rangers who aren't as skilled, but they have plenty of toughness. They also have Henrik Lundqvist in the nets, and he could be the difference maker in this. A hot goaltender can take a team all the way to the Cup, and Lundqvist will have to be superior, otherwise the likes of Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, and the rest of the Caps firepower will light the Broadway Blues up. The flipside of this is Jose Theodore, Caps netminder. He has not been the playoff-caliber goaltender in the past. Pick: Rangers in 7
(3) New Jersey v. (6) Carolina
It must be the post-season if these two teams are battling. The Hurricanes played the most unbelievable stretch of hockey through March and into April, and went from fighting for the last spot, to nearly having home-ice in the first round. Throw out the season series between these clubs (a series Carolina won). Martin Brodeur was a non-factor due to injury. He's back now, and he's one of the games all-time greats. Carolina will have their hands full getting past the Devils, but I believe guys like Eric Staal, Erik Cole, and the venerable Rod Brind'Amour will find a way to get past these Devs. It won't be easy. Pick: Hurricanes in 6
(4) Pittsburgh v. (5) Philadelphia
The Keystone State comes alive once again, as these two rivals get it on when it matters most. The Pens went to the Cup final last summer, falling to Detroit. That experience has got to pay off for Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Give credit to Philly, though. They went from nowhere 2 seasons ago to the conference finals last season, and nearly earned the #4 seed this year. Still, too much talent for the Pens, and that should be the difference. Flyers have a shot if they slow down Crosby and Malkin, but that isn't easy. Look for this series to be the most physical in the first round. Pick: Penguins in 6
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
(1) San Jose v. (8) Anaheim
The Sharks were also an elite team in 2008-2009, and they have everything: solid offense, stingy defense, and maybe the best goaltender this season. Evegeni Nabokov is the lynchpin for the Sharks, and he will have to continue to be solid for the Sharks to advance. Let's not forget, Anaheim won the Cup 2 years ago, and there are still some parts from that championship team that remember the feeling. Pick: Sharks in 6
(2) Detroit v. (7) Columbus
Detroit. Period. All due respect to the Blue Jackets, the Wings are made for this time of the season. Goaltending will be key. Chris Osgood got the nod as the starter, and Columbus will send Steve Mason--he has been dynamite this season. Still, the Wings are the Wings. They are Hockeytown. They are the team everyone wants to beat--and not many have succeeded in the past decade. Pick: Detroit in 5
(3) Vancouver v. (6) St. Louis
The Blues are back to relevance, but Vancouver is loaded with offensive firepower, and fantastic goaltending in Roberto Luongo. The Blues have gotten to this point on heart, grit and just better than average talent. They'll need great goaltending, but I don't see that happening. Vancouver has the edge, and they have my vote. Pick: Canucks in 5
(4) Chicago v. (5) Calgary
Much like the Eastern Conference 4-5 matchup, this one promises to be physical. The Blackhawks are, like St. Louis, back to relevance in the Windy City. Chicago is young, and very skilled, and they have two, number 1 goaltenders in Cristobal Huet and Nikolai Khabibulin. The Hawks took flight after an early season coaching change, and broke through the 100 point barrier this season. Calgary is tough, and talented. This will be a difficult series, but I pick youth and inexperience to win out-Chicago won't know any better, and just win. Pick: Blackhawks in 6
We'll break down 2nd round matchups when we get there. Enjoy the games!
Mike Solarte
Kenny, Angel, Tiger & Phil
Some quick post-Masters thoughts:
Angel Cabrera proved that just hanging around can be good enough to win a major. As brilliant as he was over the first 3 days, he was simply average on Sunday. The thing he didn't do was allow the final round pressures to bog him down. He felt the heat, but didn't wilt in it. That might not be saying much, but it translated into a green jacket--and ultimately, that's the prize at Augusta.
Kenny Perry did just the opposite. He did fade when it mattered most. If he navigates 17 & 18 in a total of 9, he wins the jacket. Granted, going one over par in the final 2 holes at Augusta isn't exactly the easiest thing to do, but after the way he played the first 70 holes (he made 5 bogeys all week to that point), one would figure him going 4-5 or 5-4 and icing it. He was the one that froze up, and as a result, it cost him. I hated seeing his collapse--I was pulling hard for him Sunday afternoon. What a wonderful story he has been over the past couple years (dedicating himself to earn a Ryder Cup spot last year, winning as often as he did in 2008, etc). Would have been nice to see him slip that coat over his shoulders.
It sounded unlikely Sunday afternoon, but Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson had a legit shot at winning on Sunday. While Tiger seemed unimpressive in his opening 9 (a 3 under par 33), Phil was on the money with his -6, opening 30. Phil's biggest gaffe was a punched 9 iron at the 12th, a swing he didn't want to make (he told himself to hit through the shot). The ball ended up in Rae's Creek, he made a double, then followed that up with missed birdie chances at 15 and 17. Tiger got it close as well, but staggered to the finish at 17 & 18. In the end, it likely wouldn't have mattered as Perry, Cabrera and Chad Campbell all finished at -12, 1 better than Phil or Tiger would have gotten to. It does make you wonder, though. Had Tiger and/or Phil posted a score in double digits--a 10 or 11 under par--would that have backed up the trio that went to the playoff?
Quail Hollow Championship is inching closer and closer...this week the Tour is in Hilton head, then New Orleans, before arriving in Charlotte. Can't wait to see the best players in the world take on Quail Hollow Club again. Hope you are enjoying our hole-by-hole preview of Quail Hollow, as we have spiced things up by bringing Hollywood to the golf course. If you don't know what I mean, check out the previews on Sports Night at 10. We're having a good time with these.
It's been a tough week for baseball. First the tragic loss of Nick Adenhart last week in a car accident, then legendary voice Harry Kalas AND Mark "The Bird" Fidrych pass away on Monday. Broadcasters everywhere felt the sting of Kalas--a golden voice that called so many Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles games, as well as his work for NFL Films. He was a giant in the craft, and will be deeply missed.
Fidrych was one of the quirkiest pitchers baseball has ever known--you could compare him to Turk Wendell, but he might have been nuttier. Fidrych you to groom the mound, talk to the ball, etc, DURING THE GAME. Still, he got it done. In his far too short 5 year career, Fidrych earned the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1976, and went 29-19 overall. People may think that players that behaved like The Bird" did are bad for the game. I disagree. There's nothing wrong with a splash of color. Never has been.
Mike Solarte
Angel Cabrera proved that just hanging around can be good enough to win a major. As brilliant as he was over the first 3 days, he was simply average on Sunday. The thing he didn't do was allow the final round pressures to bog him down. He felt the heat, but didn't wilt in it. That might not be saying much, but it translated into a green jacket--and ultimately, that's the prize at Augusta.
Kenny Perry did just the opposite. He did fade when it mattered most. If he navigates 17 & 18 in a total of 9, he wins the jacket. Granted, going one over par in the final 2 holes at Augusta isn't exactly the easiest thing to do, but after the way he played the first 70 holes (he made 5 bogeys all week to that point), one would figure him going 4-5 or 5-4 and icing it. He was the one that froze up, and as a result, it cost him. I hated seeing his collapse--I was pulling hard for him Sunday afternoon. What a wonderful story he has been over the past couple years (dedicating himself to earn a Ryder Cup spot last year, winning as often as he did in 2008, etc). Would have been nice to see him slip that coat over his shoulders.
It sounded unlikely Sunday afternoon, but Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson had a legit shot at winning on Sunday. While Tiger seemed unimpressive in his opening 9 (a 3 under par 33), Phil was on the money with his -6, opening 30. Phil's biggest gaffe was a punched 9 iron at the 12th, a swing he didn't want to make (he told himself to hit through the shot). The ball ended up in Rae's Creek, he made a double, then followed that up with missed birdie chances at 15 and 17. Tiger got it close as well, but staggered to the finish at 17 & 18. In the end, it likely wouldn't have mattered as Perry, Cabrera and Chad Campbell all finished at -12, 1 better than Phil or Tiger would have gotten to. It does make you wonder, though. Had Tiger and/or Phil posted a score in double digits--a 10 or 11 under par--would that have backed up the trio that went to the playoff?
Quail Hollow Championship is inching closer and closer...this week the Tour is in Hilton head, then New Orleans, before arriving in Charlotte. Can't wait to see the best players in the world take on Quail Hollow Club again. Hope you are enjoying our hole-by-hole preview of Quail Hollow, as we have spiced things up by bringing Hollywood to the golf course. If you don't know what I mean, check out the previews on Sports Night at 10. We're having a good time with these.
It's been a tough week for baseball. First the tragic loss of Nick Adenhart last week in a car accident, then legendary voice Harry Kalas AND Mark "The Bird" Fidrych pass away on Monday. Broadcasters everywhere felt the sting of Kalas--a golden voice that called so many Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles games, as well as his work for NFL Films. He was a giant in the craft, and will be deeply missed.
Fidrych was one of the quirkiest pitchers baseball has ever known--you could compare him to Turk Wendell, but he might have been nuttier. Fidrych you to groom the mound, talk to the ball, etc, DURING THE GAME. Still, he got it done. In his far too short 5 year career, Fidrych earned the AL Rookie of the Year award in 1976, and went 29-19 overall. People may think that players that behaved like The Bird" did are bad for the game. I disagree. There's nothing wrong with a splash of color. Never has been.
Mike Solarte
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