Monday, March 31, 2014

Matthew Stafford Engaged

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford got engaged to his longtime girlfriend Kelly Hall and Hall's older brother broke the news on instagram.  So will this help Stafford focus and reduce his turnovers?  We'll see, congrats.





Bryce Harper Got Kicked in the Head

Bryce Harper went into second hard attempting to break up the double play.  The shortstop exacted a little revenge by catching the Nats outfielder in the head with a kick.  Often times it's the infielder who takes the brunt of these types of play but not this time.





Wellington Castillo Had a Rough Opening Day

Cubs catcher Wellington Castillo took a foul ball off of the coconuts early in the season opener against the Pirates.  A nut shot after catching 8 full innings of a game is just like pouring salt in an open wound and of course it's the Cubs so they lost the game too, via Busted Coverage:





Chad Johnson Can Still Run

Chad Johnson has a lot of time on his hands after failing to resume his NFL career.  But the former WR can still run, well in his socks on a treadmill for a few seconds, via TMZ:

Chad Johnson -- RUNNING 23 MPH ... While Barefoot!! - Watch More Celebrity Videos or Subscribe





Ryan Braun is Back From PED Suspension

The Brewers fans gave PED user and cheater, Ryan Braun, a standing ovation for opening day.  Unreal!  Don't ever tell me how good Brewers fans.





What the Hell is Kenny Smith Talking About?

Kenny Smith was attempting to make a point about the difference in styles of defense between two schools but ended up making us all need a shower.  Smith drifted off into the different ball pressure- up under you and up on you then he eventually got up in us.

I really have no idea what the hell he was talking about and if anyone can explain how this wasn't sexual I'm all ears.

video





Sunday, March 30, 2014

Brian Wilson is in There Somewhere

Gee I wonder who the MLB wants to do well this season?  Is it maybe a team that was first sent to Australia for the "opening weekend" and then gets the special honor of playing on "opening night."  Damn are they they first game tomorrow or would we figure that out?  Would that be too obvious?

Where are the people complaining about the Dodgers payroll?  

Anyway back to the reason for the post, Brian Wilson.  If you thought the beard was over the top look at what he's doing with his hair now.  Too bad it didn't help him pitch as Wilson lost the game for MLB's team the Dodgers.




Andrew Cashner has a Sweet Ass Mullet

Padres opening night starting pitcher, Andrew Cashner, has a sweet ass mullet.  If you didn't know who he was before tonight, you will definitely remember the mullet.  Cashner actually pitched well too so if the mullet doesn't ring a bell maybe he can keep up the mound work and make a name with that.

I say stick to what you're good at and growing a sweet ass mullet is on the top of his skill list.





Arizona Fans Battle Wounds

Here is a guy who took some of those pepper balls that the police shot at the rioting Arizona fans.  Hope it was worth it!  Everyone knows you only riot when your team wins, because it's worth it then.





Aaron Harrison Nails 3 Pointer with 2.3 seconds left

Aaron Harrison sent Kentucky to the final four with a huge 3 pointer with 2.3 seconds left. The three pointer put Kentucky up by 3 and sent Michigan packing.

The back and forth game is an instant classic and took a huge shot to win it.  Check out the game winner below.





Nik Stauskas' Girlfriend Taylor Anderson Makes Her Elite 8 Appearance

Nik Stauskas brought his A game to face Kentucky in thier elite 8 matchup.  But that's not all he brought with him.  

His girlfriend Taylor Anderson is in attendance to watch her man.  Proving he has game on and off of the court.

Where is Brent Musburger to make creepy commrnts about her?





Michigan State Falls to UConn

Everyone at ESPN picked Michigan State to win the NCAA tournament.  But UConn took care of that, beating them by keeping them out of the paint.

UConn will now face Florida in the final four.  Florida's last loss this season was against UConn, so that should be an interesting game.





Florida Gators Advance and Billy Donovan Takes an Early Shower

Locker room celebrations have been as big as some of the games in this year's NCAA tournament.  Florida was having such a celebration, after defeating Dayton to advance to the final four and head coach Billy Donovan got an early shower out of the deal.





Arizona Students Didn't Take the Loss to Wisconsin Very Well


Arizona students and fans went nuts after the elite 8 loss to Wisconsin 64-63 on Saturday night.  They took to the streets of Tuscon putting a little madness into March madness.  Police "had" to be called in to restore order, even firing pepper balls and canisters at the crowd.





RGIII Has a Woman Who's not his Wife in his Hotel Room

A picture of RGIII in a hotel room was tweeted out by a woman who claims she was in the room with the Redskins quarterback.  Her name is Robyn Ashley and shortly after tweeting the pic, it disappeared along with her twitter account.

Now there is nothing wrong with a woman tweeting a pic of you from your hotel room, unless of course that woman isn't your wife and you're married.  Both are the case for RGIII and this isn't the first time he's had lady problems either.

See the picture over at Black Sports Online.




Saturday, March 29, 2014

Fan Makes a Great Catch on Hanley Ramirez Foul Ball

This fan is in mid season form!  The fan flashes a little bit of leather on a great stretching catch on Hanley Ramirez' line drive foul ball.  He had plenty of room to make the catch as spring training is winding down and so too must be baseball fan's interest.

It was the first inning and in LA so the probably explains it.





Ray Rice and Janay Palmer Got Married on Friday?

Ray Rice and Janay Palmer got married on Friday, just one day after he was indicted for knocking her unconscious.  A truly bizarre set of circumstances pointed out by Adam Schefter and almost as puzzling as the Ravens decision to stand by Rice.
Not everyone is happy for the newly weds.  Bills linebacker, Brandon Spikes, voiced his opinion about the situation, via CBS Sports:
Spikes continues by saying someone should choke out Rice and see how he likes it.  It's about time to hear someone involved with the NFL speaking out against Rice's actions. 




Aaron Rodgers Was in the Wisconsin Locker Room

Aaron Rodgers was in the Wisconsin locker room because.....well he enjoys locker rooms and the company of big strong men.  I'm assuming.

Okay the more likely scenario is he's the Green Bay quarterback and Green Bay is in Wisconsin so.., but that's boring we like scandal!  He served as their good luck charm as they advanced to the elite 8, now can they make it to the final four?





Katherine Webb and AJ McCarron are Engaged.

Katherine Webb and AJ McCarron are engaged.  The couple made the announcement as everyone else does these days on social media.
McCarron must be hoping he gets a pretty good NFL deal next season cause he went pretty big with the size of the ring and I'm guessing took out a pretty big loan for it as well.




Morgan Miller Dayton's Lucky Charm


Dayton head coach Archie Miller's wife, Morgan, stole the spotlight from his overachieving upset crazed team and helped get them to the elite 8, but her luck apparently ran out as Dayton was bounced from the NCAA tournament by Florida.





UConn Coach Slaps Player After Interview

UConn coach, Kevin Ollie, slapped freshman Terrance Samuel following an interview with Allie LaForce.  Coach was clearly enjoying himself following his team's victory over Iowa State 81-76, via Larry Brown Sports:





Colbert Report's Joke About Asian's During his Sports Report Has Outraged People

Stephen Colbert has pissed people off with a joke about Asians during his sports report.  The comedian told a joke making fun of the Redskins name that has lead to people calling for the show to be cancelled.



The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Indecision Political Humor,Video Archive




Ron Jaworski Talks About DeSean Jackson Release

Ron Jaworski is an expert at everything except gangs.  Well he says that and then shares his expert knowledge of gangs.  The DeSean Jackson release came from nowhere considering that he's coming off his best year.  The Eagles have however thrown the gang member rumor his way.





Friday, March 28, 2014

DeSean Jackson Released

The Eagles have released pro bowl wide receiver DeSean Jackson.  It appears as if Jackson's off the field issues have caught up with him.  Lucky for him there are plenty of teams that need WR's.

Philly is smearing him on the way out.  Pointing out his possible gang connections.  This had forced Jackson, who is coming off of a career year, to release a statement denying that he's a gang member.





Thursday, March 27, 2014

Nude Pics of T.O.'s Wife Hit the Web


Terrell Owens' wife of three days Rachel Snider has had nude pics of her hit the web.  The couple's relationship quickly soured and it's apparently come to the leak nude pics stage and Snider has confirmed the pics are her and blamed to fro leaking them.





Holy Crap Fred Davis Has a Rap Video

Let's just hope Fred Davis can straighten out his personal problems and stay in the NFL for a while because his rap video is awful.  The suspended Redskin's tight end released a rap video.  To be fair I could see this being a hit with some of the garbage making it big.





The Tigers Sign Miguel Cabrera For The Rest of His Life

The Detroit Tigers have just backed a Brinks truck up to Miguel Cabrera's front porch and emptied it.  Major League Baseball's best hitter is now it's best paid.  Cabrera's deal proves that MLB teams are still willing to unload huge multiyear deals.  Okay Robinson Cano's deal proved that, Cabrera's reinforces this, fair enough.

Either way he'll be a Tiger for the rest of his career.  They may not be able to afford many more players to put around him, but who looks into the future?  It's all about right now.  At least his production hasn't started slipping...yet.





Bill Murray Went Golfing

In sort of sports news, Bill Murray, went golfing in this hilarious outfit.  Gotta love it when people hit that age were they just don't give a shit.  Murray has given less of a shit than most in the past, but he's clearly stepped that up to another level.





Ray Rice Has Been Indicted

Ravens running back Ray Rice has now been indicted on aggravated assualt charges.  He of course KO'd his fiancee in Atlantic City earlier this year, via Yahoo:

Rice had been charged with simple assault after police said he knocked out Janay Palmer on Feb. 15 at the Revel Casino. But a grand jury indicted him Thursday on a more serious count of aggravated assault. It carries a three-to-five-year sentence.

The Ravens have up to this point stood by Rice but only time will tell if that continues.





Just in Case you Were Unaware: Johnny Manziel is having his Pro Day

Johnny Manziel's pro day is a huge circus event just as you'd expect in Texas, complete with a governor and a former president.  But lets cut through the BS and see if the kid has made any improvements since the college season has ended, shall we.

So far the reviews have been good and if the video below is a sample of the entire day, then I think he will have accomplished what he set out to do.  See more here.





NFL Uniform Watch from 111 Archer Avenue


Around this time last year I was taking a look at the uniform changes in the NFL.  We had the Dolphins & Jaguars making pretty major changes and the Vikings making some tweaks.  This year the only team making any noise is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Their new look is causing some stir.  Some people like it, some think it's a hideous transformation.  Here are a few pics, take a look, and decide for yourself.  Check out more from me, including movie reviews & movie trailers, at 111 Archer Avenue (111aa.blogspot.com).  Also, follow me on Twitter @OlieCoen for sports & movie talk.


Gone is the pewter, back is the creamsicle orange, if only in a very small amount.  People really hate that orange.  But what they also seem to strongly dislike are the graphic numbers.  They are quite unusual and won't really fit in with every other team.  I guess that's my biggest concern; that these uniforms won't feel cohesive when matched up opposite any other team's.



That flag on the helmet is definitely large, taking up the entire side.  All in all I don't think they're ugly, but they look more like uniforms I might create in a video game and not like professional football jerseys.  Or actually, they look a little like the Las Vegas Outlaws of the old XFL, which was my favorite team.  He Hate Me!






Wednesday, March 26, 2014

The Red Sox Plan To Wear These to White House Visit

There are no words.  The Red Sox plan to wear these God awful stars and stripes blazers to the White House.  Who thought this was a good idea?





Bryce Harper Thrown Out of a Spring Training Game

Bryce Harper was tossed out of a spring training game.  I think someone needs to tell him it's a spring training game.  I love the effort and that's not what I'm talking about, I'm talking about the arguing the call.  Save that type stuff for when the games count.





Jorge Gutierrez Ejected For Hard Foul on Cody Zeller

The Nets fell to the Bobcats in a game with playoff implications.  The game was played hard and when it gets close to playoff time there are no easy baskets and Jorge Gutierrez took that a little too far on this foul on Cody Zeller.  Guiterrez was ejected for the foul.





Paul George Dunks on LeBron

Paul George takes it to LeBron James and posterizes the MVP candidate.  It's nearing the end of the season and the teams are gearing up for the playoffs.  The Heat and Pacers took it to each other in a chippy eastern conference match up.  George proves he can hang.





Clemson Fans Storm the Court after NIT Victory

Clemson beat Belmont in the who cares tournament, I mean NIT tournament and the fans actually stormed the court.  Storming the court has gone overboard.  It's one thing to be excited about beating a hated rival or winning a huge game, but it's the NIT.  You should be so disappointed that your team is in the NIT that you wouldn't even consider storming the court.





Stanford Cowbell Player on Jimmy Kimmel

The Stanford cowbell player was on Jimmy Kimmel.  His name is Alex Chang and he's and engineering student at Stanford of course.  He of course is a very enthusiastic cowbell player and got noticed doing his thing on the cowbell during the Stanford upset of Kansas, via Lost Lettermen:





Greg McDermott Did One of those Epic Speeches they Try to do in the Movies

Creighton's head coach, Greg McDermott, gave one of those epic post defeat speeches they try to do all the time in the movies, following Creighton's defeat to Baylor in the NCAA tournament.  And he nailed it.  Hollywood check it out, this is how it's done.





Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Mike Francesa Joins Fox Sports 1 Talks with Derek Jeter

Mike Francesa show was picked up by Fox Sports 1 and he wasted no time nailing down big time sports figures.  Tuesday he had Derek Jeter and talked with him about his comeback, retiring and how he feels so far this spring.

Jeter reveals he thought his timing would be further along than where it's at currently, but does anybody really think he'll have anything less than a Jeter like year?





Jadeveon Clowney Hanging Out In Houston


Jadeveon Clowney was spotted hanging out in Houston with a couple of the Rockets' players.  With the Houston Texans in possession of the first pick in the upcoming NFL draft, Clowney is trying to acclimate himself with his possible new hometown. 

After all Johnny Manziel has been doing the same thing and you don't want to be outdone by that guy, right?





Jason Heyward is Ready for The Season to Start

Jason Heyward blasted a home run over the scoreboard in right field off of Tigers pitcher Rick Porcello.  I'd say the Braves' big slugger has his timing down.  Torii Hunter does the classic long blast stand and watch pose, the meaning of a no doubter.





Florida State and Florida Get into a Bench Clearing Brawl


Post by Brian Walker.


A collision at first base kicked off a bench clearing brawl in Jacksonville, between the Florida Gators and #1 Florida State Seminoles.  The play happened late in the game with the Seminoles trailing 3-0, they would go on to lose the game 4-1.

There was a lot of pushing and shoving and I'm sure some big boy words exchanged with only three players hitting the showers early.





Kevin Durant Crosses Over Darrell Arthur, Not Once But Twice

Kevin Durant keeps playing at an MVP level and showed that big men can handle the ball.  Durant shook Darrell Arthur right out of his jock and took it to the basket causing his bench to lose their minds.





Fred Hoiberg Dancing For His Team After Defeating UNC

Iowa State head coach, Fred Hoiberg, gave his team a treat and the internet footage to create this dance video.  The coach danced for his team following Iowa State's advancement to the sweet sixteen.





DeSean Jackson Thinks He'll be an Eagle Next Season

DeSean Jackson took to social media to post a picture of his coach Chip Kelly saying he had a talk with him and from the tweet is feeling pretty good about his future as an Eagle.






Monday, March 24, 2014

James Harden and the Rockets Make Easy Work of the Bobcats

James Harden and his Houston Rockets beat down the playoff contending Bobcats 100-89 in Charlotte.  Harden did his thing taking the Bobcats D to the hole at will and of course posterizing his opponents.  The Rockets continue their dominance over the east improving to 21-5 against the eastern conference.





Marcus Paige Will Return to School

UNC's sophomore guard, Marcus Paige, has announced he plans to return to school next year.  UNC was bounced from the NCAA tournament over the weekend and Paige has decided to stay in Carolina to finish some unfinished business.  He took to twitter to make the announcement, via College Spun:





Derrick Rose Done for the Season, Again

Derrick Rose was once a promising young star in the NBA but now after missing most of the past two seasons has to wonder if his career is now in jeopardy.  The Bulls have officially ruled Rose out for the remainder of the season.

You have to wonder is this the end of the line for him with the Bulls?





Robert Kraft Fires Back at Mark Cuban

Mark Cuban, the outspoken owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, predicts an NFL implosion in the next ten years.  He's of course no stranger to taking shots at other sports and his point that people will tire of football with so much saturation is valid.  But those who fall of very easily could be filled with new fans.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft threw in his two cents.





Johnny Manziel is Dunking a Basketball

With the NFL draft just weeks away you would think the only thing on Johnny Manziel's mind would be football.  But that's not the case.  The former Texas A&M star is posting picks of himself dunking a basketball.  Now I'm no expert but I'd say that's probably not a good idea before draft day.  Turn an ankle, blow a knee and it's bye bye draft position.





Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher on Kiss Cam

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher were at a Pistons game and made it on the Kiss Cam.  The newly engaged couple gave the fans a kiss too.



Shut up Meg!




Can I Get a Time Out? UNC Falls to Iowa State

Roy Williams was jumping up and down asking for a timeout but none was given and the game was over.  Another ACC team out.  So is the ACC still a top conference?  They have only one remaining team still in the tournament and it is the ACC champion, Virginia.  

All that talk from the head coaches of these school's complaining about the number of ACC teams and then all of them but one get bounced before the sweet sixteen.  I guess they're not as good as they thought they were.







Scotty Wilbekin Can't Look at Kristine Leahy

Scotty Wilbekin was afraid to look at Kristine Leahy after advancing to the sweet 16.  Probably because he would fall in love if he did.  Wilbekin stood off to the side while Leahy interviewed coach Billy Donovan and Wilbekin tries his hardest not to look at her.  He then has a one on one interview with Leahy and couldn't make eye contact.  It's understandable, she is a stunning woman.





Sunday, March 23, 2014

Bill Belichick, His Girlfriend and His Florida Gators Visor Enjoying some College Hoops

Bill Belichick is apparently a fan of the Florida Gators.  As he was spotted taking in some March Madness action with his girlfriend.  Belichick is reportedly a long time friend of Gators head basketball coach Billy Donovan.





Mark Trumbo Needs Some Extra Spring Training

The D-Backs and Dodgers officially kicked off the new MLB season this weekend down under and from the looks of thing, Mark Trumbo could use some more spring training.  He very comically misjudges a fly ball to left and considering how much time he spent standing on the wall waiting for it, he could have easily caught.





Dayton Follows Up Ohio State Upset by Upsetting Syracuse and the Introduction of Morgan Miller

Dayton topped their upset of Ohio State by upsetting an even better Syracuse team on Saturday 55-53.  Sending the President of Dayton crowd surfing and the wife of Dayton's head coach Archie Miller into the WAG hall of fame.

First up the crowd surfing president.


And now Archie Miller's former model wife, Morgan Miller






Stanford Upsets Kansas and They Have an Awesome Cow Bell Player

Stanford is set for a match up with Dayton as both schools pull off upsets.  Stanford's latest came against number 2 seed Kansas, as they took them out 60-57 to advance.

March Madness indeed and nothing captures that like Stanford's cow bell player who got lost in the moment during the game.





Blake Bortles and Lindsey Duke Spotted at an Arena Football Game

With the NFL combine and his pro day behind him, Blake Bortles and his girlfriend Lindsey Duke, enjoy a little Arena League football.  The couple was spotted at an Orlando Predators game the other day.

Both Bortles NFL combine and pro day's were very impressive, not to mention the buzz surrounding his girlfriend, and have all helped his draft stock.  Bortles could very well be the first quarterback selected in the draft, with help from all three.





Saturday, March 22, 2014

Coack K Congratulates Mercer After Upset

One of the best coaches in College Basketball history just had his team lose in one of the biggest upsets in NCAA tournament history and what does he do?  Mike Krzyzewski congratulates the winning team.  No matter what you think of Duke it's a pretty classy move.





Mick Vick Signs 1 year Deal with the Jets, Mark Sanchez Released

Mike Vick visited one team and that's all it took.  The 33 year old former Falcon and Eagle will get a chance to compete for the starting job against Geno Smith and Matt Simms.  So essentially, if he can remain healthy, he'll be the starter.  Vick released a statement after signing.
"It means a lot to have the chance to come in and play for a great organization that had a lot of success last year and being on the brink of doing some good things," Vick said early this evening. "Maybe I can come here and be an asset whenever my number's called. I'm excited, I'm elated, and I feel like this is a great opportunity for me and my family."
Vick is reunited with offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg, who was his OC in Philly for four years.  And after the release of Mark Sanchez they needed to bring in a quarterback with some prior success.





Friday, March 21, 2014

J Law Wants Louisville to Win, I Think

Hunger Games star, Jennifer Lawrence, let her March Madness hopes be known, posing for this pic complete with finger gun?  Oh I get it it's an L.  J Law apparently has picked Louisville, who survived their first test beating Manhattan 71-64.





Aroldis Chapman AKA The Cuban Missile Posted a Pic of His Stapled Head


Aroldis Chapman had successful surgery to place a plate in his head following the line drive off of his face.  So naturally in this day and age a picture of the surgery scare complete with staples was posted on instagram.  Chapman is expected to make a full recovery and even pitch this season, with estimates ranging from 4-8 weeks as the time he's expected to miss.

See Chapman's Post Surgery Pic After the JUMP





Mercer Upsets Duke Leads to This

Mercer beat Duke 78-71 in one of the biggest upsets in the NCAA tournament's history.  March Madness has officially begun.  There were "upsets" yesterday but none as big as this one.  Mercer's upset led to some celebration of course.





Matt Schaub Traded and Johnny Maziel and Arian Foster at a Rockets Game

The Houston Texans appear to be preparing to draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft.  With all of the talk surrounding Jadeveon Clowney and his skill set, they appear to be making room for a new starting quarterback.  They traded one of their qb's Matt Schaub and his $10 million dollars to the Oakland Raiders and picked up a veteran, likely backup in Ryan Fitzpatrick.

But who will they take?  Will it be Texas native Johnny Manziel?  Manziel was spotted at a Houston Rockets game with none other than Texans running back Arian Foster.  Do the two know something the rest of us don't?





North Dakota State's Saul Phillips Might be a Secret Texas Fan

Following North Dakota State's upset victory over Oklahoma their head coach, Saul Phillips, had an interesting celebration.  First he sprinted across the court, then he appear to do the Texas Longhorn thing with his fingers.  Check it out for yourself, is he a closet Texas fan?





Dayton Ruined my Shot at a Billion Dollars

Dayton pulled off the first upset of the NCAA tournament and with it my shot at the billion dollar prize.  Dayton topped beat Ohio State 60-59 and becoming just as popular as the win is the team's terrible celebration following the victory.





Thursday, March 20, 2014

Phil Martelli’s Grandson Was Interviewed

Allie LaForce interviewed Phil Martelli's grandson because grandpa isn't as cute.  The interview is set to high for both cute kid and beautiful sideline reporter, so be careful it just might break the internet.

Unfortunately for St. Joseph this was their only highlight as they were sent packing by UCONN in an overtime thriller.





What the Hell is Adrian Gonzalez Doing?

Adrian Gonzalez is enjoying his time in Australia, I guess?  Gonzalez was snapped on the beach with four Australian men in very small bathing suits.  This is how he's preparing for the season opening series down under.





Jalen Rose Gets Gregg Popovich to Smile

Gregg Popovich is notoriously a tough interview, especially during a game.  But Jalen Rose was some how able to get Popovich to laugh a little at his final interview question.  So it turns out Popovich has a smile and Rose has the touch.





Poll Results: Who is the Best Corner Back in the NFL?

The results are in and you the reader selected Richard Sherman as the best corner back in the NFL.  He does have the ring.

Richard Sherman
(36%)
Aqib Talib
(27%)
Darrelle Revis
 18%)
Someone Else
(18%)






Fantasy Baseball from 111 Archer Avenue


Spring is in the air and that means baseball!  A new season is right around the corner, time to root root root for the home team.  And with the beginning of the MLB year comes the beginning of fantasy baseball.  If you play you know how addicting it is; the daily lineups, the trades, the hot/cold players, the DL stints.  And if you've never played, hop on board & enjoy the ride, it's a great way to enjoy a great game even more.  Here is my fantasy baseball team this year, once again christened the Feisty Foxes.  I went pitcher heavy with a lineup of high average hitters.  Let me know what you think and/or how your fantasy draft went this year.  Good luck everyone! Check out more from me, including movie reviews & movie trailers, at 111 Archer Avenue (111aa.blogspot.com).  Also, follow me on Twitter @OlieCoen for sports & movie talk.

C - Yadier Molina - Known as the best defensive catcher in the game, Yadi has also been hitting for average and power, posting a slash of 12/80/.319 last season.

1B - Billy Butler - I had Butler last year too and his power numbers weren't what I was hoping for.  He needs to step up his game & deliver some pop this season.

2B - Chase Utley - Come to think of it, I think I had Utley last year too.  Not a phenomenal season, had some injuries, but still posted 18/69/.284.  A solid baseman.

3B - Josh Donaldson - Honestly I don't know much about Donaldson other than the fact that he hit 20+ HRs and a .300+ average last year.  Welcome on board, Josh.

SS - Troy Tulowitzki - The best offensive shortstop in baseball, a player who hits the ball hard and for a high average.  I'm lucky to have him, hope he stays healthy.

LF - Allen Craig - Another player from my favorite team, Craig is an RBI machine.  He didn't hit many homers last season but I'm hoping that changes this year.

CF - Shane Victorino - The Flyin' Hawaiian will be 34 this year but that won't slow him down.  He'll hit around .300, have a handful of homers, and steal 20 bases.

RF - Hunter Pence - I like this guy, an old-fashioned hitter, a lanky outfielder who can hit for power, high average, and steal a base.  An underrated asset IMO.

Bench - Miguel Montero - My backup catcher but not a player I put much faith in.  I just hope he hits a few homers on the rare occasion that he's in my lineup.

Bench - Andre Ethier - On Yahoo Ethier is eligible in LF, CF, & RF, making him a pretty valuable bench player.  I'll play him in my Utility slot fairly often.

Bench - Anthony Rendon - Available at both 2B & 3B, Rendon is an up-and-coming infielder that I hope can provide some hits on the days I need him.

SP - Clayton Kershaw - The best pitcher in baseball and a strikeout king.  His ERA was below 2.00 last season and he had 232 Ks.  Just hoping for a repeat performance.

SP - Felix Hernandez - If only the team around him was better his record would improve.  Otherwise King Felix has all the tools.  Maybe the addition of Cano will help.

SP - David Price - Last year was alright for Price, but he can do better.  I'm hoping for closer to 200 Ks rather than 150 and a better record than 10-8.

SP - C.C. Sabathia - To my credit, I didn't overpay for the big name.  C.C. had an awful ERA last year, but he can still log a ton of innings and rack up the Ks.

SP - Doug Fister - I have high hopes for Fister with the Nationals and I think his good numbers from last year could turn into great numbers this year.

SP - Ivan Nova - So far this Spring Nova's ERA is high but so his his K count.  I'll take that any day.  He could be a powerful member of a very good Yankees team.

SP - Dan Straily - This is mostly a shot in the dark.  He did OK last season but he's gonna have to do better than OK if he wants to stay with the Feisty Foxes.

RP - Glen Perkins - An excellent closer on a bad team, Perkins is solid for 30-40 saves this season.  He also strikes out a ton, going 11.06 K/9 last year.

RP - Jonathan Papelbon - Pretty much the same can be said for Papelbon, although his team is a little better and his numbers last season are a little worse.

RP - Huston Street - I didn't reach for Street, but when he fell into my lap I had to take him.  A talented pitcher on a bad team, I just hope he gets some opportunities.




Carmelo Anthony Punks Coach Mike Woodson

Clearly Carmelo Anthony is tired of Mike Woodson and it was evident during a time out last night.  Woodson is in the middle of what I'm sure was the most impressive basketball strategy that has ever been conceived, when Melo rolls his eyes, shakes his head and blurts out "let's play the fucking game, man."

Well that didn't sit well with Woodson, who pretty much is a lame duck head coach.  Whatever troubles the team was experiencing during the timeout didn't make it to the floor as the Knicks won their 7th straight.





Panthers Might Try to Acquire DeSean Jackson

After striking out in free agency and letting 2/3 of the receiving corps walk away, then cutting the remain 1/3, the Panthers are actually thinking of acquiring DeSean Jackson from the Eagles?  According to Ed Werder they are.


What would they trade to the Eagles?  Or is this Werder just talking out of his ass?




Final Four Predictions from 111 Archer Avenue

March Madness is here!  It's time once again to predict a bunch of basketball games, get most of them wrong, and then rub it in your friend's face when they do worse than you.  The field is wide open this year, per usual, and any team could win the championship.  Here are my picks for the Final Four, my reasons for choosing each team, and my prediction for the winner of the dance.  Check out more from me, including movie reviews & movie trailers, at 111 Archer Avenue (111aa.blogspot.com).  Also, follow me on Twitter @OlieCoen for sports & movie talk.


South - Florida Gators - Not only is Florida the #1 overall seed, but they're one of the hottest teams going into the Tourney.  Winners of the SEC Championship, the Gators haven't lost since December 2nd.  Billy Donovan has a great squad, they have pro ability, and they have the confidence to win the whole thing.  Their road to the Final Four shouldn't be that tough (OSU, Syracuse, Kansas); great programs that aren't currently scary.  Look for Florida to go very, very deep.

East - Michigan State Spartans - MSU might be the team with the best chance at a championship, given their play in the Big Ten Tournament.  They're only a #4 seed, but that ranking is based on a recent injury & losing streak.  Coach Tom Izzo seems to have his boys back together again and pointed straight at the title.  With beatable higher seeds (Virginia, Iowa State, Villanova) the Spartans have a chance to go on a long run, despite their low ranking.  Hey, just as Barack Obama.

West - Arizona Wildcats - Earlier in the year Arizona was a popular champion pick.  Since then they've cooled off a little, but still earned a #1 seed.  Their loss to UCLA in the PAC-12 Tournament doesn't bode well for their Tourney run, but their region is fairly easy (Creighton, Wisconsin, Baylor).  The Wildcats might be able to win the West without breaking a sweat, but the competition will stiffen in a hurry once they reach Arlington and the Final Four.

Midwest - Louisville Cardinals - A ton of folks are calling foul after Louisville gets a #4 seed, pretty low for a team that only lost five games and won the American Tournament.  Any team that plays them should be very afraid (Wichita State, Duke, Michigan) because the Cardinals will now be competing with a chip on their shoulders.  A good team to start with, this squad may now be playing angry and that passion should drive them all the way to the very last weekend.

And to win it all I have to go with Florida.  I know it's not a risky pick, choosing the #1 overall seed, but I feel like they have what it takes to run the table.  Michigan State is the trendy pick right now and I'd call them my #2, but they'll have to face the Gators and I think that would be too tough to handle.  I like Louisville to beat Arizona and reach the Championship; no one has more fire & desire to win than the Cardinals.  It should be a great Tournament.  Good luck everyone!





Phil Jackson Receives Standing Ovation at MSG, Knicks Win 7th Straight

Phil Jackson was announced as the Knicks new president at Madison Square Garden last night as the Knicks took on the Pacers.

The threat of hiring the "Zen Master" got the Knicks rolling and his presence at MSG kept it going as the Knicks won their 7th straight game beating the Pacers 92-86.  The Knicks are fighting for a playoff spot and seem to have found their extra gear.





Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Updated: Aroldis Chapman Hit in the Face With Come Backer Carted Off of the Field (Video)

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman was hit in the face with a line drive come backer and was reportedly down for several minutes before being carted off of the field.  Medical personnel from both the Royals and Reds rushed to the mound and even Chapman's father made his way out to check on his son.









The San Jose Sharks Make Young Fans Dreams Come True

The San Jose Sharks signed a 17 year old kid with a heart condition to the team on a one day contract.  His name is Sam Tageson and the lifetime Sharks fan truly got a once in a lifetime experience from his favorite hockey team, via Larry Brown Sports:





The Romos Welcome Second Child

Tony Romo and wife Candice Romo, welcomed their second child Rivers Romo into the world.  Kudos to Mrs. Romo for the full makeup post delivery picture to.  Nothing says child birth like a fresh make-up face.





Blake Bortles Had a Good Pro Day

Blake Bortles showed everyone how a pro day is supposed to go.  Bortles was accurate and agile.  He even showed improvement since the end of the season. 

Bortles' pro day was the complete opposite of Teddy Bridgewater's lackluster performance.  Johnny football take note, this is how it's done.





Fan Tossed from Cavs Game for Announcing Plans to Run on the Court on Twitter

A fan at a Cavaliers game tweeted that he would run onto the court if he receive 1000 retweets.  He did get the retweets but never ran onto the court as he was kicked out of the game before he had the chance to.


Full story at Fan Sided.






Yasiel Puig Getting a Little Cricket In

By now you've heard that MLB has sent the Dodgers and Diamondbacks down under to open the new season with a couple of games in Australia.  In years past it was Japan that hosted these types of international games.  This year's selection is a little different and they actually had to transform a cricket stadium for baseball.

Yasiel Puig enjoyed some swings with a cricket bat at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which is the site of the opening series in Australia.





Maurice Jones-Drew Meeting with the Steelers

Former Jacksonville Jaquars running back, Maurice Jones-Drew, is in Pittsburgh meeting with the Steelers.  If they want him in the black and yellow they better make him a decent offer as other teams are reportedly interested.





Mike Vick to Visit the Jets

Mike Vick will be visiting with the Jets this weekend.  Vick is looking for a starting quarterback job after losing his to Nick Foles last season, due to injury.

Injury is the key word, Vick was having a good year before being injured, if he's to help a team win he needs to be healthy.  When healthy Vick is still a good quarterback who could start for several teams. 

If the Jets do sign him expect an immediate quarterback controversy as Vick will likely compete for the starting job with last year's starter Geno Smith.





Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Jim Irsay Checks Himself Into Rehab, Daughter Takes Over Day to Day Operations

Jim Irsay checked himself into rehab just one day after being released from jail for a DUI and drug possession charges.  The Colts released a statement thanking fans for their support among other things.  

Also reported is that Irsay's daughter, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, will take over day to day operations.