Ready. Set. Serve

Rafa's New Career

2010-02-28T19:13:00.000-08:00

I wouldn't object if Rafael Nadal becomes a boobtube star. Glad to know that he has other options if ever his knees aren't up to running clay courts anymore. Still, a pretty hot video. Shakira+Rafa=drool on my keyboard.

Pro Volleyball League, Anyone?

2010-02-28T19:09:00.000-08:00

I haven't written in a loooooong while. Shame on myself. :/

Kudos to the UST volleyball teams for winning the Men's and Women's UAAP Volleyball Finals. Year of the Tiger, indeed! Expect them to carry the winning streak to the Basketball and Cheerleading competitions.

I'm amazed at how collegiate volleyball has evolved from a simple undercard event to basketball games to a spectator sport of its own. The sport has increasingly grown in popularity, so much that the UAAP and NCAA volleyball games have earned a big chunk of airtime (thanks to ABS-CBN Sports). The bi-annual Shalkey's V-League, played during the offseason, has also introduced volleyball to the masses. While volleyball is yet to round up a capacity crowd the size of Araneta Coliseum, I can't help but be convinced that a professional volleyball league should be established in a few years.

Because of the growing fan base, a pro volleyball league would create loads of revenue and profit to the league's organizers and sponsors. I'm not gonna name drop, but there are a loooooooot of volleyball players out there who could single-handedly gather in a fan base of 100 people. Well, fine, Daquis and Tabaquero and Denise Tan can account to an army's worth of people. Other second-tier and upstart stars can significantly add to that. :D More importantly, however, a pro league would allow collegiate and amateur volleyball stars to continue their craft. Because collegiate tournaments put a limit to an athlete's playing years, the potential of these athletes are stunted once they graduate college. A pro league would help them translate to a higher level of play, if they indeed wish to pursue a career in the sport. It also dissociates athletes from their collegiate teams and lets them stamp their own identities through their on-court skill and personality.

On a selfish, fan-level point of view, I want to be able to enjoy more match-ups and see my favorite players in one team. In a pro volleyball league, collegiate team associations are out the window. It's about drafting the winning set of players, regardless of where they come from. A preliminary draft will be able to balance the power among all participating teams, thus making the teams more competitive. This leads to more exciting matches that are sure to drive in the crowds. Imagine Maizo and Tabaquero against each other. Or Gervasio and Cainglet on opposite sides of the court. With a pro league, fans may not be too discriminating in the matches they watch. (Admit it, nobody watches UE or NU games anymore. It's just not worth it. :/) Because all teams are practically on equal footing, fans are sure to get exciting matches on any given Sunday.

A pro league is a dream come true, for volleyball fans and athletes alike. I believe that it would further propel the sport's popularity and promote appreciation for another growing Filipino sport. While there are still loads of work to be done, I do not doubt the possibility of a professional league for volleyball.

It just has to happen.

And, it will.

For now, let's make do with V-League. Summer conference starts in a few weeks.

2010 UFC Schedule is Making Me Drool

2010-01-07T23:48:00.000-08:00

The lackluster Evans-Silva event was a terrible way to start the new year for combat sports. But with Gayweather and Fuck-yow (stupid money-grabbing boxers) not getting it on this March, the UFC can capitalize and take center stage. They were plagued in 2009 by the absence of big fighters due to injuries (Georges St. Pierre, Lyoto Machida, Brock Lesnar, Shane Carwin and Anderson Silva) and Hollywood (Rampage Jackson shooting for a movie). Now, in 2010, it's funny that these fighters still pose a problem because they are recovering / would be recovering from injuries all at the same time (except Brock, bless your intestinal tract) ,thus creatubg a glut of potential prize fights and title matches.

Well, I guess I'd rather be wet than dry. Rather a surplus than a drought, I daresay. Anyhoo, here's the lowdown on all the MMA action coming your way through Balls TV or Studio 23. Forget the Randy Couture fight on Feb 6. and the Noguiera match after that (although the Australia event has Bisping-Wanderlei Silva on it. Hmmmmrmm...). After February, MMA comes alive!

1. UFC 111 on March 28

Big cards: Georges St. Pierre vs. Dan Hardy, Frank Mir vs. Shane Carwin

Dan Hardy is a talker. He has a mouth that would make fellow Brit Michael Bisping blush.Completely healed from his abductor muscle injury, I see GSP mowing down this Roach-trained boxer. But, still, you never know. Hardy has a way to psyche out people and put them out of their element. Look for him to bash GSP for being a French-Canadian. Or play the steroid card. Another thing to look forward to is Frank Mir's new body. He was hardly tested in his short fight with Cheick Kongo, so we don't know if that buff body is really up to the challenge of bringing down Brock. Shane Carwin would offer a good simulation of that. If Mir wins, that body is for reals man!

2. UFC 112 on April 11

Big Cards: Matt Hughes vs. Renzo Gracie, Anderson Silva vs. Vitor Belfort (still in the works), BJ Penn title defense (if the Silva-Belfort doesn't pull through)

I kinda missed Matt Hughes. I was watching the Ultimate 100 Fights the other day, and I was reminded of how strong a wrestler he is. Though he may be a seasoned veteran, Hughes can still deliver it with thunderous powerbombs and suplexes. Don't forget that he has one of the most murderous rear naked chokes in the biz. I don't know Renzo Gracie. But, anyone with Gracie as their last name is automatically a Brazilian jiu jitsu master. Wrestler vs. Grappler. That should be interesting. Regarding the other two potential fights, I'd rather see Silva-Belfort than BJ Penn mowing down another poor lightweight contender. Both Silva and Belfort would be coming from fantastic finishes, with Belfort knocking out Rich Franklin and Silva shooing Forest Griffin out of the cage.

3. UFC 113 on May 2

Big Card: Lyoto Machida-Shogun Rua II

Rua should be wearing the belt right now. Damn that point system. It's so easy to cheat your way to a win. And, don't even get me started on the Randy Couture-Brandon Vera fight (which Randy questionably won). Machida himself was unconvinced and nonplussed about the win. Rua wants revenge and Machida wants redemption. I want to see how Machida would reinvent himself. He used to rely on his speed to evade kicks and punches. This didn't seem to work on Shogun who caught Machida with punishing kicks to the midsection and punches to the face.

4. UFC 114 TBA

Big Card: (Maybe) BJ Penn title defense

Is there anyone in the world who can beat BJ Penn at 155? It's not just talent anymore. Talent+hardcore strength & conditioning makes Baby J a bad boy! A monster of a lightweight, to put it more accurately. Gray Maynard has good striking. I've never seen Frankie Edgar fight yet. But, I think the best option is to import Shinya Aoki from Japan. This guy is baaaaaad! He's like the 155-pound spawn of Brock Lesnar. You think Brock Lesnar's crass for the "maybe i could get on top of my wife tonight" comment? Well, this guy breaks his opponent's arm with an armbar stopped too late. And then, to rub it in some more, he flips the finger on his pained opponent's face. Skills-wise, though, he's bad in a good way. You know what I mean. Nasty,wicked bonebreaker. Just what BJ Penn needs. (click here for Aoki's shining moment of crassness. You've got to see this.)

Well, there you go. That should make you drool and live until June. A shout-out to Brock Lesnar. Don't slim down just yet. We want more of your bulky ass! (although I heard he weighs only about 245 now) :D

Mayweather in 10? Seriously...

2009-12-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

So, after they danced around each other like sissies, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather have finally come to terms with a mega-fight slated on March 13. I just knew it's gonna happen. Only a fool would think not. After the way the Mayweathers trashtalked their way to Pacquiao's heart, it just has to happen. What I don't think won't happen is, *gasp*, a 10-th round KO win for Mayweather.Whether it's because of the Vegas odds or some other twisting of the brain matter, experts are actually picking Floyd to win. *insert shaking head emoticon here*

They forget the fact that Pacquiao has phenomenal speed. He's like a video game out there.He darts in and out of the opponent's reach and comes out at all angles. He's not a total tool in the power department, either. His punches hurt and, apparently, knock down tree-strong opponents such as Miguel Cotto. The win over Cotto should validate him as the favorite for all his matches for the rest of his cross-eyed life. (BTW, he is indeed going to fight beyond 2010). But, because he's going against an undefeated fighter, he may be the underdog for the first time since Pacquiao-Barrera I.

Let's talk about Floyd for a while. Mayweather is The Big Fundamental of the boxing world. Much like a Tim Duncan in basketball. Or an Anderson Silva in MMA. Or a Roger Federer in tennis. He is technical to the point of boring. He's all for efficiency and running around and calculating the risk of every punch. Simply put, he's got boxing down to a science. Paired with a athleticism, his boxing technique is the reason he carries a 43-0 record. He is a powerful, quick and agile ~~fighter~~ boxer who has good fundamental skills. Boxing purists love him so much they would adopt him as their son in a heartbeat. He can stand boxers equally or more powerful than he is, proven by his win over Ricky Hatton. But, what he might not be able to stand is someone who outspeeds his speed. That is EXACTLY the problem Pacquiao presents to his opponents. Speed throws off your timing, something that is essential to Mayweather's boxing style. When your opponent is quicker than you, you can't dodge punches before they hit you in the face. Your jab misses because, before you can even release it, he's not there anymore. It's like everything you do comes too little too late, and you end up a beaten old fool. Case in point: Diaz. Dela Hoya. Hatton. Cotto. Mayweather might not be impressed with Pacquiao's power. Actually, I think he can take a Pacquiao punch. But, what he might not stand is a bunch of those little babies. One punch, okay. But, ten Manila Ices (that's what they call Pacquiao's left hook)? He's gonna kiss the canvas, for sure.

This is not to say Mayweather's a total dud. He's a big, strong guy with excellent conditioning. All he may ever do is jab, but those jabs are crippling bombs to the face. He can take on Pacquiao and fare better than the slew of beaten celeb boxers ever did. Call him boring and play-it-safe. But, heck, the man's a total legit opponent. He can control the fight and dictate the pace, through counterpunching and calculated aggression. He has excellent defensive skills and does not get hit all that often, thus the nickname "Pretty Boy". (Seriously, if you actually find him Brad Pitt-pretty, your eyes are in danger) He won't be kicked around ala Hatton, succumb to age ala dela Hoya or turn into a sledgehammered watermelon ala Cotto. He is the toughest fighter Pacquiao has ever faced. And, if Pacquiao fools around, with movies and politics and that fine girl Krista, Floyd may actually win with a KO and prove the boxing experts right.

For Pacquiao to win this legendary match-up, he has to train like never before. He has to be in the best shape of his life. When Pacquiao's in tip-top shape and as determined as he is right now, he's like one of those anime cartoons whose eyes flare up at the smell of a good fight. And, when it comes to keeping that motivation, I daresay he's looking to shut Mayweather's trash-talking mouth into retirement.

It's going to be the biggest fight of the decade. A perfect clash of styles. The efficient, technical, boring boxer versus the wild,free-throwing, exciting fighter. It's going to be a back-and-forth battle, with Floyd bloodied up for the first time in his life. Pacquiao would finally admit to being human and may take some considerable damage, too.

But, in the end, it's Pacquiao by decision. :D

And, if it's not, well, thank God, I'm not a boxing expert.

Burnett goes bust, Utley heats up as Phillies take Game 5, 8-6

2009-11-02T23:47:00.000-08:00

Yankees 6-8 Phillies

World Series Game 5

Starting streaky AJ Burnett was a roll of the dice. In the case of the Yankees, it was a bad one.

Hoping for a Game 2 repeat from Burnett albeit a 3-day rest, Yankees manager Joe Girardi dismissed starting lossless SP Chad Gaudin and favored #2 starter Burnett. However, after allowing 3 runs in the 1st inning and bleeding for an out in the second and third, his hopes to clinch the title for the Yankees faded as quickly as (2008 version) Cole Hamels' change-up.

Right off the bat, AJ proved that his command of the ball was not there. Burnett made a costly mistake to 2B Chase Utley who turned on the pitch and belted a 3-run homer out of a peculiarly short porch in right field. (It really is a hitter's park out there.) Previous batters SS Jimmy Rollins and CF Shane Victorino also reached base. Rollins singled to center, while Victorino got caught on the wrist with a pitch inside. After an uneventful second inning, things started to unravel for Burnett in the 3rd. After walking Utley and 1B Ryan Howard, who has been a near-automatic out as of late, he allowed the next two batters, Werth and Ibanez, to drive the Phillies in for another two runs. That was enough carnage for Girardi who called on RHP David Robertson to relieve Burnett. C Carlos Ruiz grounded into a fielder's choice, scoring Jayson Werth. And, the third inning ended with the Phillies on top 6-1.

SP Cliff Lee didn't look as sharp as he was in Game 1, but was sharp enough to deliver the goods. He allowed the Yankees to climb to 4-6 before he was pulled out. LHP Phil Coke, who had a perfect ERA in the postseason, allowed two key HRs that proved to be the difference in the final box score. The Yankees threatened in the ninth by scoring two more to make it 6-8. But, SS Derek Jeter failed to contribute to the rally as he cleared the bases of runners with a double-play ground out. LF Johnny Damon restarted the offense with 2 outs by squeaking out a single after a long battle with SU Ryan Madson. However, the still-scuffling 1B Mark Teixeira again fails to convert under pressure, striking out on an off-speed pitch that was inches from the dirt.

In spite of the 3-day rest going bust today, Joe Girardi will still go to 37-year-old lefty Andy Pettite to clinch the World Series as the teams travel to New York for Games 6 and 7 (if necessary). It can be expected that, despite Pettite being a notch lower on the starting rotation, Andy would fare better than AJ in these kinds of postseason games. He seems to find a way to win, whether he's as sharp as a razor or not. New York should treat this as a must-win situation because CC has shown a little bit of vulnerability in Game 4. A Game 7 against any Philly pitcher other than Hamels would be a game too close to call even with CC on the mound. And, that being said, Andy might just be the man to giftwrap this one up.

The question that's on everyone's mind (or in my mind, at least): Is a 70% Andy Pettite good enough to start? And, despite Rick Sutcliffe bashing the idea to the ground until it looks like fresh roadkill on a summer day, I trust Pettite to deliver. Yes, expect him to give up 3 or 4 runs. But, as the Yankees have proved time and again, 3 or 4 runs are chicken feed. They have shown the ability to rack up runs in a hurry and produce late-inning hits whenever necessary (except tonight, of course). I personally think that, despite the loss, it was good that they managed to shag 6 runs in a high-scoring affair. That ought to salvage a little bit of the momentum that has shifted to the Phillies' side. All Pettite and the bullpen (a shout-out to you, Phil Coke, for giving up those 2 differential runs) have to do is to take care of the lead or, on the flipside, keep the Yankees in the ballgame. As for the Phillies, they better hope that Pedro Martinez's age catches up to him at another day. If Pedro makes even one mistake, shows fatigue, or doubts his stuff, the Yankees hitters are gonna eat him alive, whether they be his "daddy" or not.

Game 6 is gonna be loads of fun. You have two pitchers who have seen better days but feel like they could have some more. You've got a locked-in, back-against-the wall Chase Utley. You've got 2 struggling first basemen who could catch wildfire mighty quick (Has Ryan Howard broken the record for most whiffs in a World Series?). Home-run bats in Rodriguez, Werth, Ibanez, Matsui and Posada. And, for every Yankees fan, there's Derek Jeter, whose mere presence provides an Achilles-like influence that could rally a team after losing what could have been a World Series-clinching Game 5.

It ain't gonna be a walk in the park for anybody. Not for the Phillies. Not for the Yankees.

But, the park aint gonna be any ordinary park. It's Yankee Stadium. THE Yankee Stadium.

And, cross your fingers, that may just be the needed one-up for New York.

Is Pacquiao losing focus?

2009-10-31T23:45:00.000-07:00

There has been rumors of pound-for-pound kingpin Manny Pacquiao not taking preparations seriously enough for his November 14 encounter against Miguel Cotto. And if the talk is coming from Freddie Roach himself, there seems to be little reason to dismiss the talks as pure anti-Pacquiao blabber.

Just a few months ago, Roach complained that Pacquiao was unreachable, literally. His mobile phone was turned off and he was irked that he could not get a hold of his best boxer. While trying his best to reel in Pacquiao, the fish was busy planning commercials and pictorials. Too busy running the city atop a pick-up trruck. Too busy shaking hands with people. When he finally decided to train, he chose to stay in Baguio instead of flying to the US just like he used to. Although it can be said that the tragic Baguio landslide was to no fault of his, it again presented a roadblock to his training. And, during that downtime, he again busied himself shaking hands and doing commercials ("Pawes? nakaka-be-o yan!" and "Pulling hair?").

Just recently, he again went under Roach's skin. Roach said he was irked by Pacquiao's horseplay during sparring sessions. He insinuated that Pacquiao seems to take the sessions a tad too lightly and exclaimed that if Pacquiao continues to stay in the ropes, he will get beat. What's the matter with Pacquiao? Is he losing focus or is he losing focus?

Although he is coming off three straight wins against boxing stalwarts David Diaz, Oscar dela Hoya and Ricky Hatton, he should not overlook the challenge he has to face in Miguel Cotto. He fought Diaz, dela Hoya and Hatton at the downhill turning point of their careers. Diaz was outmatched. De la Hoya duped all of us and our honest red cents by claiming that he could still fight. And, Hatton just wasn't into it at all. However, Miguel Cotto is threatening to break the pattern. Pacquiao is facing a Cotto who's at a turning point as well. Only, his is an uphill one. If Pacquiao expects to steamroll through Cotto and is subsequently training lightly out of that prediction, then he's gonna be in a whole world of hurt come fight night.

Manny Pacquiao has reinvented himself time and time again. He has evolved from a one-dimensional fighter (remember those days when his right hand was not worth scrat) to a complete fighter that combines both speed and knockout power. He should not stunt that evolution by prancing through sparring sessions and putting work hours in the studio. Focus and discipline has been his trademark qualities but his actions all point to the chance that all this success is getting to him. Boxing is his life. Not drinking milk off boxes. Not campaigning for political office. You don't see Michael Phelps keeping a 9-to-5 job while training for the Olympics. He understands that swimming is his life. So, he swims all day and, occasionally takes weed at night. Pacquiao should keep that same mentality (except the marijuana). He should realize that bexing is his job. It's his sport. It's his life.

Luckily, he has flown to the States to round up the last few weeks of training. Filipino fans (at least those who don't hate him, anyways) better hope that he's done enough to edge out Miguel Cotto who has been training his ass out even before Mayweather-Marquez got under way.

Focus, Pacman.

Otherwise, the blue mean-looking gooey thing in Miguel Cotto might just sneak up on you.

Bats come alive as Yankees win Game 3

2009-10-31T22:50:00.000-07:00

Yankees 8-5 Phillies

Game 3 World Series

Let me tell you. This game is the start of the World Series.

Games 1 and 2 were split between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Yankees. The Phillies rode SP Cliff Lee's complete game outing and 2B Chase Utley's offense to win Game 1, while SP AJ Burnett's good side surfaced to lead the Yankees to a 3-1 Game 2 victory against SP Pedro Martinez (amidst "Who's your Daddy?" chants).

While the first two games were pitching gems from Lee and Burnett, Game 3 was an offensive fiesta just like the experts predicted it to be. Usually, bats come alive against Game 3 starters. And boy did they tonight. But, it was the Yankees offense that prevailed, pounding former World Series MVP Cole Hamels with 5 runs and the Phillies bullpen with 3 more. SP Andy Pettite's rocky start and defensive key errors allowed the Phillies to jump the gun 3-0 in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Early, it looked like Pettite was in danger of being chased out of the game early and Hamels turning his so-far un-MVP-ish postseason around.

The Phillies came out of the gates swinging as RF Jayson Werth continued to punish left-handed pitchers. He blasted two home runs, 2 off Pettite. Gosh, you should see how this guy approaches the ball--no leg kick, just a subtle swing of the hips-- and still is able to crush the ball deep. He looks like a video game. His homer in the 2nd inning started the ball rolling for the Phillies. After an intentional unintentional walk and a bunt defense miscue later, the Phillies were up 3-0 and it looked like Hamels and the Phillies were in control.

But, the sleepers have woken up. Alex Rodriguez, hitless in the World Series, blasted a 2-run shot down the right field line in the top 4th. Rodriguez was originally awarded a double as the ball was seen to have bounced from the wall and back in play. But, Yankees manager Joe Girardi appealed to the umpires for another look. The replays showed that the ball hit the camera jutting out of right field (stupid interfering camera man) before caroming to Jason Werth in right field. As per MLB rules (I think...), any interference of that kind is ruled a home run. That put the Yankees 2-3. In the top of the 5th, another slumping Yankee joined the seemingly rejuvenated offense that scored only 4 runs in their last two outings. RF Nick Swisher, who was benched in Game 2 for his sub-par performance in the postseason, drilled a double to left. And, the next sequence just proved that luck is on the Yankees side. Andy Pettite (yes, the starting pitcher) blooped a liner to that Bermuda triangle down shallow center that neither left fielder, center fielder nor shortstop could reach. That allowed Swisher to score the tying run. Then, another Yankee bomber woke up as Johnny Damon, who has had a modest postseason so far, doubled this time to deep right center. This brought home Pettite and SS Derek Jeter who had a base hit after Pettite's RBI single.

And, the Bombers never looked back after that. They scored a run with Swisher's HR in the 6th to make it 6-3, Yankees. Hideki Matsui, who had to come off the bench because of the non-DH line-up played in the National League, belted another homerun shot in his lone at-bat of the game. C Jorge Posada, who has been a little bit absent-minded as of late, blooped an RBI single to drive in Johnny Damon. The Phillies threatened with a Werth HR in the 6th and another HR by Carlos Ruiz in the 9th against slumping pitcher Philip Hughes. But, the bullpen, particularly RHP Joba Chamberlain and LHP Damaso Marte, got the job done. Chamberlain, Marte and Hughes retired 7 batters in a row before Hughes allowed Ruiz to go yard to make it 8-5, Yankees. But, it was all too late as Girardi tugged on Mariano Rivera's strings to drive the loud Phillies crowd home in disappointment.

Despite the loss, it was still a productive outing from the Phillies. During high-scoring games like this, it is important that the losing team does not get shut out. It's better to lose scoring runs than to lose with nothing to show for on the scoreboard. Yankees manager Joe Girardi, on the other hand, has shown off his critics by making the right decisions in the past two games. In Game 2, he benched the then-struggling Swisher and went to utility man Jerry Hairston, Jr.. Hairston got key hits in that game. He opted to pair AJ Burnett with 2nd-string catcher Jose Molina which meant that a home-run bat in Jorge Posada was unavailable in the early innings. Aside from blocking troublesome wild pitches from Burnett, Molina made a spectacular snap throw to get Jayson Werth out in the 6th inning of Game 2. That seemed to have ignited the sleepy Yankees offense. So far, his decisions have been money. He will again have another crucial game on his hands as SP CC Sabathia will pitch on short rest for Game 4. Although it can be argued that Sabathia is the best lefty in the game today, he's still on 3 days' rest and is not expected to last 7 innings.

The Yankees have come to play. The Phillies are raring to bounce back.

Crunch those knuckles. The World Series has begun.

Yankees win in 13th on error

2009-10-17T23:43:00.000-07:00

Yankees 4-3 LA Angels

Game 2 ALCS

Man, was that a long game! 5 hours and 10 minutes. I thought it was never gonna end. I could take a Yankee loss, just please get it over with already! The heavens were on my side, however, as my efforts of loafing about the living room floor (we have quite an uncomfortable bamboo couch) all morning has paid off. The Yankees bag another walk-off win! It wasn't the prettiest of wins. But, well, it's the Postseason, they take what they can get.

It was a rollercoaster, up-and-down game. Just when you thought one team has it in the bag, the other strikes back to tie it.On some occasions, it was the opposite. Just when you thought one team was down and out, the other coughs up a costly error to keep the game alive. In the end, the Yankees capitalized on a throwing error and home-field advantage to close it out. They head off to LA (in a few hours) with a 2-0 series lead.

For two teams known more for their offense than anything else, it was a pitcher's duel right from the start. SP AJ Burnett (NYY), doubted by some to deliver the goods come Postseason, pitched yet another gem of a game. He allowed 2 runs, one of those due to a wild pitch. He walked 2 and struck out four. SP Joe Saunders (LAA) matched him pitch for pitch with 7 innings of 2-run ball. Saunders was perfect from the mound, save the pitching errors that awarded SS Derek Jeter (NYY) with a homer and 2B Robinson Cano (NYY) with an RBI triple. Both bullpens picked up where Burnett and Saunders left off and it was a matter of who blinked first. In the later stages, however, it became a matter of who blinked last. The string of bullpen pitchers for NYY---Chamberlain, Hughes and Rivera--- kept the score at 2-2. Rivera did a rare 7-out performance before giving up the ball.

But, the Yankees coughed up first. After relieving Rivera in the 11th, Alfredo Aceves (NYY) gave up an RBI single to 3B Chone Figgins (LAA) to give the Angels a 3-2 lead, their first taste of the lead in this series. It took one swing from another third baseman to erase the Angels' resurgence. Alex Rodriguez, down with 2 strikes in the count and without any decent hitters to follow him, belted a wallscraper HR to right field. That tied the score, 3-3.

It was a dead lock in the 12th inning. Looked like they were headed to a long, rainy night. A-Rod leaves the bases loaded in the Yankees' half of the frame, while the Angels were unlucky against pitcher David Robertson (NYY) whose 98-mph fastball was absent today.

13th inning. Both benches were half-empty. No more home-run hitters for NY. A few options left for the Angels bullpen. Jerry Hairston Jr., a late-season acquisition from God knows where, blooped a single to right field. Ervin Santana (LAA) intentionally walked with Robinson Cano to set up the double-play possibility with 1 out to get them out of the inning. The next batter, Melky Cabrera, has had a lion's share of walk-off hits for the Yankees this season. It was no surprise that when he came to bat, the people were shouting his name in anticipation of another dramtic ending. Santana, however, pitched to him perfectly. Cabrera hit a hard ground ball that threw 2B Maicer Izturis (LAA) off-balance. Izturis ignored the easy out at first base and tried to swing the ball to second base in hopes of a double play ticket out of the inning. This led to an off-balanced throw that escaped SS Erick Aybar (LAA) and 3B Chone Figgins (LAA). The error allowed Hairston to score and win the ball game for the New York Yankees.

And so, the magical postseason run of this billion-dollar ball club continues. They now hold a 5-0 record in the Postseason. The buffed-up reincarnation of the 1998 Yankees are at it again. Good pitching. Good offense. Watch out. They could win it all.

NOTES:

The tough weather conditions (7 degrees Celsius with heavy rains) proved to be a pest to infielders. The two teams combined for 5 errors. SS Derek Jeter (NYY) had one. 2B Robinson Cano (NYY) had two. 2B Erick Aybar (LAA) forgot to touch the base before turning a double play. Oddly, however, only the last error by Izturis caused a run to come across.
1B Mark Teixeira(NYY) continues his struggles at the plate. He has a miserable .100 batting average this series and hasn't quite got the hang of it. His only HR and RBI came from a walk-off HR in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Twins.
Game 3 will be on Tuesday, 6-ish AM Philippine Time on ESPN.

*Sources:
mlb.com
sports.yahoo.com

A Different Shade of Red

2009-10-13T05:23:00.000-07:00

Even before the season started, experts and fans already had their picks on who will make it through to the World Series. Some chose the New York Yankees. Some rooted for the Dodgers. Others hoped for a repeat from the Phillies. But, who would have thunk that the Los Angeles Angels would be the one of the last four standing? It's a new shade of red this year. Step aside, Red Sox. Nice try, Cardinals. It's an Angel kind of red this postseason.

After losing Mark Teixeira, whom they will face in Game 1 of the ALCS against New York, to the free agent market, they lost rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart to a fatal car crash. Added to these key losses were the struggles of power hitter of Vladimir Guerrero at the plate. It looked like the Angels were going downhill. But, rallying behind their fallen teammate Adenhart, the team from Anaheim won 97 games to reign atop the AL West Division.

In the playoffs, they were counted out again, pegged to bow to the Red Sox after 4 games. After all, in the past three years, they've only managed two wins in 3 series against the Fenway boys. A team with no ace pitchers, who relied on small ball and smart baserunning was up against one of the most celebrated teams of the decade, the Boston Red Sox. This was a team anchored by clutch pitcher Josh Beckett and youngsters Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, both with a no-hitter game under their belt. They were up against David Ortiz who, however slumpy, could turn red hot in the blink of an eye. They had their backs against the wall even before the series started. But, just as they battled adversity all season, they faced this challenge head on.

No ace pitching? John Lackey and Jered Weaver became instant ace pitchers, surrendering a total of 1 run in two games. No clutch hitting? Vladimir Guerrero, who swung at every pitch silly even if it were a 100 miles away, drove in two runs with a single. In the 9th inning. Against Boston's Iron Fortress Jonathan Papelbon, no less. It's as heroic as 9th-inning heroics could get. They clobbered Jon Lester in Game 1 with 5 runs, while Josh Beckett suffered the same fate allowing four runs before he left. And, with a draw against the Yankees, the cards are finally falling into place for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Managing to win 5 of 10 games against the Yankees this year, the Angels will look to run and gun against New York and execute their baserunning and small ball play to perfection, something that Minnesota failed to do in the Division Series against the Yankees. All eyes are on Alex Rodriguez and the gazillion-dollar New York cast. The pressure's on them. That would prove to be an advantage to the Angels, pegged as the underdog team in the Final Four. If you're waving your hand dismissively and saying New York would have it easy, I'm gonna laugh at you, brother (or father,mother,sister too..).

Because, after the long wait, the Angels have finally got a grip on their wings.

And, by making an example of Boston, it seems they're just getting started.

Early Surprises

2009-10-10T03:38:00.000-07:00

It's only a week in on the 2009 MLB postseason and unusual things are already happening. A-Rod's hitting. Boston's losing. Cardinal pitchers couldn't get a win. Let's round the bases and list down this week's bad, good, ugly surprises.

1. New York Yankees- They got their quality starts from pitchers CC Sabathia (2 ER) and AJ Burnett (1 ER,thank God!). Captain Derek Jeter's his usual base-hitting self. But, it's really the tag team of Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez, both perennial playoff chokers, that led the team to a 2-0 series lead over Minnesota. Rodriguez, who was 0 for 18 in postseason chances to drive in a run prior to this series, is responsible for 5 of the 11 runs scored by the Yankees in their first two games. 2 of those he scored in today's game to tie the score at 3-3 and push the Yankees to extra innings. Mark Teixeira, on the other hand, struck gold in his first hit of the series. With a 3-3 tie in the 11th inning, Mark sent a Teix Message walk-off home run that barely made the left-field wall.

Both teams got lucky breaks due to baserunning and fielding errors by the other. In the 10th inning, CP Joe Nathan (MIN) tried to pick off Brett Gardner (NYY) at second base. Instead, he made an errant throw, allowing Gardner to move to third. In the next sequence, LF Johnny Damon (NYY) lined out to shortstop and Brett Gardner, who ran on the play, got caught in the line-out tag-out double play.

On to the top of the 11th inning, C Joe Mauer(MIN) hit a line-hugger towards the left field line. The ball was called foul. Upon further review, however, it was seen the the ball landed on fair territory and should have advanced Mauer to second base. The next two batters then got on base, leaving LHP David "Houdini" Robertson (NYY) with a bases-loaded, no-out situation jam. Three straight outs, two from first-pitch swings, helped the Yankees get through the 11th unscathed.

And, in the bottom of the 11th, it was Yankee Magic time. Mark Teixeira at bat. Up 2-1 in the count, Teixeira hit a ball down the middle to the left field. And, then, boom. Home plate party. Shaving cream pie in the face. Another walk-off win for the Yankees.

2. Boston Red Sox- 1 run in 2 games for the BoSox. 1 run. That's like chicken feed for David Ortiz. That's a 20-second sprint for Jacoby Ellsbury. One hit off Jason Bay's bat. 1 run is nothing to the Red Sox. Here's a team that could score in bunches, what with Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis and Jason Bay in the heart of the lineip.But, all they get in two games is a blood-and-sweat run courtesy of CF Jacoby Ellsbury and C Victor Martinez.

The Red Sox hex has baffled the LA Angels for three straight years now. They have never won a playoff series with the Red Sox, and it seemed like this would be another early exit for them. Due to solid pitching (Lackey : 0 ER in Game 1, Weaver: 1 ER in Game 2), the Angels have managed to turn the tide and throw back the hex on the slumping Sox. Josh Beckett wasn't awful with 4 ER allowed in 6 2-3 innings. Jon Lester wasn't so bad in Game 1, either. It's run support (or lack of it) that is bringing Boston down. But, hey, if there's any team who can come back from the grave, it's the Boston Red Sox. So, go Sox! I need more of Jacoby Ellsbury. and, I mean more.

3. Los Angeles Angels- After losing Teixeira to free agency and sufferring the tragic death of young pitcher Nick Adenhart, the Angels battled adversity to come up on top in the AL West. They were counted out by experts in this series against the Red Sox. But, here they are, carrying a 2-0 cushion on their way to Boston. The Angels are to MLB as the Spurs are to the NBA. They enter the playoffs a bit under the radar. They have no ace pitching, no power bats. But, they could run like hell, score base hit upon base hit upon base hit, and, as SPs John Lackey and Jered Weaver proved, shut out a potent offense like Boston's. That's what they have been doing the past two games. Let's see if they eliminate the Sox at Fenway.

4. St. Louis Cardinals- How could a 1-2 punch of Cy Young Nominees (Cy Young=Best Pitcher Award) show up with no wins on their column? Case 1: Carpenter. SP Chris Carpenter(STL) got clobbered by the Dodgers in Game 1 who managed to score even without major contributions from LF Manny Ramirez(LAD). Case 2: Wainwright. SP Adam Wainwright (STL) actually pitched pretty well allowing only 1 ER in 8 innings. However, thanks to his teammates, Ryan Franklin and bobbling Matt Holliday, the Dodgers stole Game 2 with 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th, the tying run being charged to Matt Holliday's bobble.

*Pictures, videos and stats are from sports.yahoo.com and mlb.com. All other sources are properly linked.

Round the Bases: MLB Postseason Day 2

2009-10-09T04:06:00.000-07:00

LA Angels 5-0 Red Sox
LAA Leads Series, 1-0
WP: J. Lackey

LP: J. Lester

Key Plays:

SP John Lackey (LAA) shuts out Red Sox, allowing only four hits with no runs.
CF Torii Hunter (LAA) drove in the go-ahead run with a 3-run homer to deep center field in the 5th inning.
The Angels played small ball and capitalized on a bases-loaded error by Jason Bay to score 2 more runs in the 7th inning.
DH David Ortiz (BOS) goes 0 for 4, with 3 strikeouts.
SP Jon Lester (BOS) allowed 3 ER and 5 BB.

Game 2, Red Sox @ Angels: Saturday, 10 Oct, 9:37 am, Philippine Time on ESPN

LA Dodgers 3-2 Cardinals

LAD Leads Series, 2-0
WP: G. Sherill

LP: R. Franklin

Key Plays:

LF Matt Holliday (STL) botched a routine flyball out with 2 outs, allowing 1B James Loney (LAD) to get to secondb base. Juan Pierre (LAD) pinch-ran for him and later scored on 2B Ronnie Belliard's single, tying the game to 2-2.
PH Mark Loretta drove in the go-ahead run, ending the game with a 3-2 Dodgers win
SP Clayton Kershaw(LAD) and SP Adam Wainright (STL) were on a pitcher's duel until the bullpen took over. Kershaw went 6.2 innings, allowed 2 ER, 9H, 1BB and 4K. Wainwright was solid through 8.0 innings, allowing only 1 ER, 3H, 1BB and 7K.
CP Ryan Franklin took the loss by allowing 2 runs in the bottom of the 9th.
LF Manny Ramirez(LAD) went 0 for 4 with 1 strikeout. 1B Albert Pujols (STL) went 1 for 3.

Game 3 Dodgers @ Cardinals: Sun, 11 Oct 6 am on ESPN

Rockies 5-4 Phillies
Series tied, 1-1
WP: A.Cook
LP: C. Hamels

Key Plays:

C Yorvit Torrealba (COL) contributed 2 RBIs with a 2-run homer in the 4th inning.
Base hits from 1B Ryan Howard (PHI) and LF Raul Ibanez (PHI) spurred a 3-run 6th inning for the Phillies
Both starting pitchers struggled to get their outs. SP Aaron Cook (COL) allowed 3ER with 1 HR to RF Jason Werth (PHI) in the 8th. SP Cole Hamels (PHI) allowed 4 ER and 7 hits
CP Huston Street pitched a one-hit bottom 9th to seal the game for Colorado

Game 3 Phillies @ Rockies: Sun 11 Oct, 9:37 am on ESPN

Games Tomorrow, 10 Oct- Game 2 Twins @ Yankees: 6 am; Game 2 Red Sox @ LA Angels: 9:37 am

*Pictures and stats are from Yahoo! Sports.

Round the Bases: MLB Postseason Day 1

2009-10-08T02:43:00.000-07:00

Yankees 7-2 Minnesota
Key Plays:

Passed ball by C Jorge Posada gave the Twins two runs in the 3rd inning, after which Sabathia retired 11 of next 12 batters
Two-run homers by SS Derek Jeter and DH Hideki Matsui.
MOST IMPORTANT: Alex Rodriguez drove in a run after being unsuccessful in his last 40 chances dating back to 2004. Seems the curse of Kate Hudson's kiss hasn't taken into effect yet.

Game 2: Twins @ Yankees, Saturday, 6 am (Philippine Time). It's on at ESPN or if you have this Taiwanese channel, FTV, they air baseball games there too.

Dodgers 5-3 Cardinals
Key Plays:

4 earned runs (ER) by SP Chris Carpenter (STL)
SP Randy Wolf (LAD) allowed 2 ER and lasted only 3 2/3 innings
2 of 5 Dodger runs are courtesy of Matt Kemp's 2-run homer in the 1st inning
Ace hitters struggle as LF Manny Ramirez(LAD) goes 1 for 4, while NL MVP 1B Albert Pujols (STL) goes 0 for 3 with two intentional walks.

Game 2: Cardinals@Dodgers, Friday 6 am.

Phillies 5-1 Rockies
Key Plays:

SP Cliff Lee (PHI) pitched 8 shutout innings before allowing a run and finishing the game in the 9th in his postseason debut. (Yiheee,debut! Cliff Lee's now a lady!)
Both teams played small ball. No balls out of the park in this game.
RF Jason Werth (PHI) scored 2 and drove in another two runs for Philadelphia
SS Troy Tulowitzki (COL) doubled in the 9th inning to drive home LF Carlos Gonzales (COL) for the Rockies' lone run.
Surprisingly (or unsurprisingly), no Brad Lidge today. That's what you get for blowing 11 saves, Brad.

Game 2: Rockies @ Phillies, Friday 2:30 am.

Other Games Tomorrow, Friday, 9 Oct: Game 1 Angels @ Red Sox, 9:37 am.

*Pictures and stats are from Yahoo! Sports.

Twins force do-or-die with Tigers

2009-10-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

It's mind-boggling how sports could take a U-turn at the worst of times. Or, for the Minnesota Twins, the best of times. The postseason's not due for another couple of days, but the drama's starting already.

The Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins both won Sunday, resulting in a first-place tie in the AL Central Division and forcing a one-game playoff to determine who gets to face the Yankees in the Division Series How can a team, like Detroit, lead from May 14 and lose an outright playoff berth in the last day of play? Similarly, how can a team like the Twins who has never been in first place all season suddenly get to play one game in their home field to take away the candy from the meltdown Tigers?

That's why I love this game. It beats any teleserye (TV series) I know. Except Grey's Anatomy, I guess.

Here's the playoff picture for the 1st round. (Im such a Photoshop caveman. I made this on Powerpoint.)

More updates as the Playoffs go on. October 8. Let the games begin.

* Source: sports.yahoo.com

Rio Grande: Brazil Wins Bid for 2016 Olympics

2009-10-02T22:32:00.001-07:00

"Yeah! We're gonna throw away gazillions of tax money for education and helpful stuff to erect super cool buildings which, after 2016, might never be used ever again!

Wooooooh! Woooooooh! *silence* Wooh?"

Gotta give it to Brazil, though. Surprisingly, they beat Chicago (and Barack Obama, the so-called leader of the so-called free world). They beat Tokyo (and a 4-billion-dollar bank account) and Madrid (and their seafood paella...?). It seems that the festive, party-going, green and yellow crowd has enchanted the International Olympic Committee to award Rio de Janeiro with hosting duties in the 2016 Olympics. This is despite the worries about logistics, where the athletes would sleep, how the athletes would go around, not to mention the money that would fund the construction of edifices that would have to compete with the ones China built.

No matter. I would rather have Rio de Janeiro than supercities like Chicago or Tokyo. Rio boasts of color,culture and a festive mood, while the other two are drab, greyscale cities with skyscrapers and hotdogs and sushi to boast of. Could you just imagine the soccer games in this place? It would be wild and deafeningly loud. Volleyball would be one to watch as well. Shown below are some of the computer-generated photos that Comite de Rio has in store for 2016.

Marina da Gloria. Probably for water sports like rowing. Nice shape.

Rio Olympic Velodrome. For indoor biking.

Olympic Tennis Center. For, duh, tennis.

The big one looks like US Open's Arthur Ashe Stadium

Olympic Aquatics Stadium. Is it just me or does this look like the Water Cube?

And, what would the Rio Olympics be without the....

Olympic Beach. For after-work international social hook-ups and casual, recreational "fooling around".

Kidding!

For spectators and athletes, 2016 is a long ways off. But, for hosts, 7 years is a short time. Hope they don't run into budget and logistics constraints like China did.

And, while we're at it, can somebody remind me who won the bid for the 2012 games? O_O

* Sources:

[1]sports.yahoo.com

[2]http://idunited.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/water_cube_aquatic.jpg

whoopsies!

2009-09-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

i forgot to make publishing comments free for anybody.
Now, everyone can drop me a line, whether they have gmail accounts or not! So, comment away. :D

I would love to hear your thoughts and pick a fight with you. :p
Cheers!

Paint the Town Blue! (or Red?)

2009-09-28T02:27:00.000-07:00

The New York Yankees are back on top!

After squeaking through the 2007 playoffs as a wild card and missing out on the run for the MLB Pennant last year, New York invested almost a quarter of a billion dollars to buff up its pitching staff with CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett and add an all-around baseball player in Mark Teixeira to support an already stellar offensive cast. The investment finally paid off as they clinched the AL East Division Championship today. How did they do it?

Only by sweeping the Red Sox, that's how... *whistles, looks away*

No offense to the National League and the two AL contenders, but I give it an 80-20 chance that it's gonna be a NYY-Boston super-series for the AL championship and a 60-40 chance that the last team standing in the World Series would either be Boston or New York. (The 40% outside chance I give to Manny Ramirez's LA Dodgers and Albert Pujols's St. Louis Cardinals.)

It's crazy how these two teams match up so well. In the past, it's always either Boston is better or New York has all the answers. But, this year, it's pretty even. After meeting 18 times this season, both teams have won 9 apiece, with Boston winning the first 8 while New York steamrolling the Sox in the second half. To me, whoever comes out on top between these two wins it all.

************************************************************************************

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Pitching

Boston has the best pitching staff, bar none. With a 1-2-3 punch of Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Daisuke Matsuzaka plus a lights-out closer in Jonathan Papelbon, Boston should be a shoo-in for the League title. SHOULD BE. But, they're not. Not when Josh Beckett's allowing more runs than usual, Daisuke battling rust after being on the injured list for almost all of the season. Not when only Jon Lester looks good. The thing with Boston is that, they have a good bullpen. Once they get the lead in the late innings, they're tough to beat.

Despite being the winningest team in the Majors, New York has had (and is still having) rough patches, pitching-wise. The bullpen is pretty dominant, with closer Mariano Rivera at the helm. Alfredo Aceves and Phil Hughes have been stalwart additions to this year's bullpen, which has been the team's waterloo last year. What has caused some problems is the inconsistency of their starting pitching. CC and Andy Pettite are earning their stripes. Wish I could say the same for AJ Burnett and Joba Chamberlain, whose seasons have been up and down and up and down.

And the winner is: Boston. The bullpen's pretty even. But, I give a slight edge to Boston's starting pitching. Beckett won't be cold for long. Daisuke looked impressive in his comeback start. And, who knows, Lester might throw another no-hitter.

2. Offense

What the craps happened to David Ortiz? His line: .235 batting average, 27 home runs and 94 RBI. Passable for an ordinary run-of-the-mill baseball player. But, Ortiz is no ordinary player. He's Big Papi. The one, the only Big Papi with a .300++ average, 300 homeruns and more than 100 RBIs. It's a good thing OF Jason Bay picked up the slack by snagging career-high 36 homers and 115 RBIs. Jacoby Ellsbury's decided to put his turbo shoes on (66 stolen bases) and the addition of slugger Victor Martinez have further filled the void left by Ortiz's rough season. Over-all, the Red Sox bat .269 overall, with 199 HRs and 629 RBIs.

This is one lineup that never lets up and is a nightmare to pitchers. Potent offense with a capital P! When they're clicking from all cylinders, they're very tough to stop. Just imagine this. Jeter, Damon, Teixeira, Rodriguez up top. Then, Matsui, Cano, Posada and Cabrera at the bottom. Swisher's not so bad at the fifth spot either. Not convinced? Look at the lineup yourself. The heart of this offense has been the tag team of Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez. Together, they add up to 66 HR and 213 RBIs. Good seasons from Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon and Robinson Cano helped the Yankees to a league-leading 235 HRs and 850 RBIs.

And the winner is: New York. Unless A-Rod turns into his usual, unproductive self come October, the Yankees won't have any problems getting those runs. Even, in the event that Rodriguez does slip into a postseason mess, Mark Teixeira could always change the game with a swing of the bat.

3. Defense
What Boston can brag, defense-wise, is the arm strength and good coverage of their outfielders. Strong outfielders keep baserunners and hitters from being too aggressive. Ideally, a team has to have strong-armed corner outfielders (that's left field and right field) and a center fielder who can run like the wind. Jacoby Ellsbury at CF, JD Drew(.992 fielding %, 8 outfield assists) and Jason Bay(1.000 fielding pct, 15 outfield assists) at the corners. Boom. Enough said.

This is what's fun about this rivalry. Boston's got mean outfielders. The Yanks have super slick infielders. They have A-Rod at 3B, Jeter at SS, Cano at 2B and Gold Glove Mark Teixeira at 1B. Three of the infielders have fielding percentages above .980. Slick infielders are good for turning groundballs into double plays and sometimes help a pitcher out of trouble.

And the winner is: It's a tie. If only they could kiss, make up and merge their teams.

4. Clutch

I still get nightmares when I remember how Boston got back from an 0-3 hole to beat the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS. Seriously. This team can heat up in a hurry. They have championship experience and, given enough momentum, they can go all the way.

I've followed them through the years. But, I have never seen a team as motivated as this one. Leading the league in walk-off wins and being unbeaten when leading in the 7th inning or later, the Yankees' winning ways are indeed back in the building.

And, the winner is: It's a tie. Both are winners and are sure to give the fans their money's worth of playoff games.

I hate hate hate to say this, given that I'm a Yankees fan and all, but this match-up is just too close to call. Everyone's been pegging NYY as this year's World Series champions, what with their stellar offseason haul. But, Boston can always be counted upon to rise from the deepest of holes(recall: 2004 AL Championship Series) and there's always the chance of New York choking on their own success. (recall: 2004 AL Championship Series)

I really can't say who's gonna win. That's what makes the upcoming postseason more exciting. All the teams have a chance. All teams look sound, defensively and offensively. But, I could only narrow it down up to here. Boston and New York. The rest is up to the baseball gods.

Please don't make me pick a winner. I'd rather do Calculus.

Henin wakes up from retirement

2009-09-23T00:41:00.000-07:00

What's up with all these tennis players trying to get back on the playing field?First, Kim Clijsters. And now, Justine Henin? Do they miss the smell of Wimbledon grass? Do they wake up with nightmares of being caught up in a Roland Garros sandstorm (or claystorm, to be more accurate)? Before the world knows it, John mcenroe would join the bandwagon and swallow our TV sets with that cool cool hair.

For all of you newbies who do not know Justine Henin, I'm gonna bring you up to date and up to speed. For starters, she was tennis's female Roger Federer. Dominant, with good speed and technique, this tennis wonder fondly called 'Juju' by his fans (what the farts, i know!) was a force to reckon with. Armed with a good one-hand backhand and an even more wicked forehand, she steamrolled her way to 7 Grand Slam titles, 3 at the French Open, before she announced her retirement in 2007 due to injuries and fatigue (again, what the farts!) while still ranked no.1 in the world and was pegged to win the French Open for the 4th straight time in 2008. I look back on those times like the daydreaming fool that i am. Gosh, it was a beauty seeing her play. Well, for the underdog lover in me, it was a beauty seeing her lose, which was rare so i didn't really get much beauty from those times. There was fluidity and smoothness in her motions, a Roger Federer with boobies, which is a horrifying thought but you get what i mean.

Since her first slam title in 2003, she managed to snag at least one slam every year. She rarely lost. When she did, the opponent was tagged a fluke player pulling out a fluke win. Remember Marion Bartoli? Exactly. It was sad, really. But, you can't hate her especially when, despite her small frame, she could serve like Serena Williams, run like crazy, and whip forehands as if the ball had a line-hugging homing device taped in it.

She was good. No, good would be an understatement. Try phenomenal. However, in today's mix of talents and at an old tennis age of 27, can she follow the steps of compatriot Kim Clijsters and revive what had been an illustrious career cut short by,uhm okay we believe you, fatigue?

yes. abso-effin-lutely, despite how worried she looks here.

She left at a time when everyone was playing good. She lost to the best Maria Sharapova in the 2006 US Open. The Viches (Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic) were kicking their Serbian heels and mowing down the party. The Williamses, Venus and Serena, bootied their way in and out of trouble. During those times that every big hair and big wig was playing exceptional tennis, she was more exceptional than all of them. I could only remember one time she took a beating and that was that US open final against a Maria Sharapova who was 100 levels above herself that day. Other than that, she was having a good career and was projected to be one of the sport's greatest players of all time.

Fast forward to today's pool of players. Here's the lowdown of the kind of tennis she's gonna come back to. Number 1 Dinara Safina playing very uncharacteristic of her ranking. the Viches, God only knows what's happening to them. Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova could use a new limb and a better service motion, respectively. Questions about Kim Clijsters maintaining her good showing at the US Open. and, Serena, well, after pulling a hullaballoo in the US Open, she's kinda busy attending rehab sessions in the Center for Management of Anger against Line Judges. Sure, there are lots of up-and-comers like Caroline Wozniacki, Melanie Oudin, and Elena Dementieva who are expected to come with guns ablaze in 2010, but none of these can beat Henin any given day. Unless, of course, on that given day, she dies.

This is not to say that the above mentioned are chumps who could not play great tennis. They have proven time and again that they could and, with a dismal 2009 for most of them, they're hungry to prove themselves. Next year would be a war of the females and she-males(those Williamses. tsk.). It goes without saying (but, what the heck, im gonna say it anyway) that she should come in tiptop shape to be able to contend with the best of them, which should not be a problem for a freak athlete such as Henin. It was fortunate that henin was never plagued with serious injuries. She was never sidelined much or stricken with a career-changing injury.Her ex-husband gave her more problems than any of her body parts. That being said, I say Henin would get along with the girls just fine.

It would be a treat to see Henin play again. She was cool and collected, never throwing a hissy fit, even when she was losing. She always won convincingly, more often by playing amazing tennis and rarely by riding out poor play of her opponents. She was the only one who could play anybody. She could absorb the ground strokes of the power-hitting players, and keep up with the wheels and court coverage of the speedy ones. For years since she and Clijsters left, women's tennis has become either too unpredictable, with top-seed upsets here and there, or too predictable, with the Venus-Serena tandem taking much of the bling. It wasn't as hot as it used to be, not as competitive as it was in the middle years of this decade. The sport needs more like Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters who exhibit class on the courts and off it, who play with intensity and grit without going bazonkers and threatening to shove tennis balls down unsuspecting linesmen's throats. and, i daresay juju's (haha, that name just cracks me up!) decision to un-fatigue herself is a welcome treat to casual and hard-core fans, players and experts alike.

With Henin back for more, 2010 could just be a great year for women's tennis.

*Pictures and player profiles are from sports.yahoo.com

Mayweather Shows no Rust

2009-09-20T04:52:00.000-07:00

Thank God Juan Manuel Marquez didn't win today.
Just imagine the throngs of wanna-beefs lining up for a serving of quail eggs and pee soup.

Boxing experts predicted a close match between these two greats, Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez, in the hunt for a shot at beating Manny Pacquiao's butt. Because of Mayweather's 21-month layoff and Marquez's steamrolling from featherweight to lightweight, that should have pretty much evened the field somewhat. There's the question of stamina and a little case of rustiness on Floyd's side of things, while fans and analysts alike are wondering if Marquez's pee-drinking, boulder-throwing regimen is worth scrat. Too bad for Juanma, it wasn't worth anything. Before the fight, he was Juanma. After the fight, he looked like my Grandma (may she rest in peace, dear soul.), as he lost to a unanimous decision to impressive but not-so-exciting Floyd Mayweather.

Even from the start, the difference in built was stark. On screen, it looked like Mayweather was 2 inches broader on the shoulders than the buffed-up Marquez. He was also more ripped and shredded, with Popeye muscles to boot. It was a match of two entirely opposite fighters. Where Mayweather was bigger, stronger and faster, Marquez was the 180-degree opposite. Floyd made good ues of his reach and jab, keeping away from the hard-hitting Granma,err, Juanma. Marquez tried to establish his jab and, in the middle rounds, was actually successful in throwing combinations. But, it seemed that his power was nothing but a pinprick to Floyd as he weaved and bobbed (and elbowed, that dirty bastard!) his way out of trouble. Marquez unleashed flurries of punches and cornered Mayweather many times during the fight. However, only a few landed and an even fewer hurt totaling to a disappointing 28% punching accuracy for the Mexican #1. Known as one of the most adaptive boxers of all time, Marquez failed to exploit Floyd's body (that sounded lewd..) and instead opted to go headhunting. He failed to see that every time Mayweather twists to evade a shot, he exposes a part of his ribs which could have been a money hole for the Mexican, known for his stone-hard shots to the body. On the other hand, the US #1 followed a gameplan. Mayweather picked his shots well with a 50% punching accuracy, and was wise not to engage in free-swinging flurries with his opponent. His best shot was an overpowering left hook that floored the sturdy Marquez in the second round. It was all Mayweather after that. A win against a formidable opponent such as Marquez should put the once-remote Mayweather-Pacquiao match-up into the limelight, front and center. He performed like he was never gone at all. His speed, his power, his defense tactics were like 2 equations with three unknowns: unsolvable.

Gotta give it to Marquez for sticking around. This guy's got some heart recovering from an early knockdown and giving a heck of a fight. His heart and resolve to finish the fight was deserving of a match with Pacquiao, which was the rumored prize to this pay-per-view's winner. Swollen eye and all, he never stopped punching. He was outclassed, not because he doesn't have the skills but because he was in the wrong weight class. Mayweather looked like a natural welterweight. Marquez looked like he got stabbed with the valve of a helium tank, a blown-up, makeshift welterweight.

A lot of questions about these two future hall-of famers have been answered. Is there rust in Mayweather's game? No. Is Mayweather really an annoying, trash-talking son of a gun? Yes. Is Marquez a welterweight? Hell no. Do these two deserve a shot at Pacquiao? Yes. Does pee actually help beef up those abs? No.(Hey, if youre not convinced, you have the freedom to try it yourself.) But, the question that's yet to be answered...

Who fights Pacquiao?

*Pictures are from sports.yahoo.com