Archive for the ‘Sports Time Radio’ Category

Scoring not Lackey-ing in Wrigleyville

Posted: April 13, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, fantasy, Minor League Baseball, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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What can I say, other than I haven’t seen the Cubs this good in April since ever in my life??? 

John Lackey gets off to a rough start with a leadoff double to Billy  Hamilton, he would move over to third and then score on a sac fly by Jay Bruce to put the Reds up 1-0.  He would settle down and hold the Reds through six but would be broken up by a leadoff triple to center that Fowler completely miss judged to be a homer run by Scott Schebler who would score on a ground out by Ivan De Jesus. 

Dexter Fowler would lead off the Cubs hitting with his 3rd double of the season, Zobrist would walk.  While Rizzo stood at the plate, both men would advance with stolen bases.  Rizzo would reach on a base on balls as well as Bryant, getting the Cubs first run of the night.  Montero would single to left, bringing in Zobrist.  Rizzo would score on a sac fly by Soler to left.  Addison Russell would bring in Bryant on a soft hit to right.  Lackey would help himself with a RBI single. Alfredo Simon would be pulled after a 49 pitch first inning with 2 outs.  Dan Straily would come in and load the bases by hiting Fowler but would get out of the first with Heyward’s second strikeout of the night.  Straily would have a 1-2-3 second but would start the third by walking Montero.  Soler would single and the bases would get loaded with a walk to Russell.  Lackey & Fowler would strikeout but Heyward would get his first hit with two RBI’s. 7-1 at the end of three.  Chris Brysnt would get his first home run of the season in the eighth by the third pitcher of the night, Keyvius Sampson, who would walk Montero and allow him to score on a wild pitch.  At the end of four, the Cubs up 9-1. 

After 6 2/3 innings he would be replaced Trevor Cahill, who would end the inning. Clayton Richard would step into the eighth give up one hit but with no runs, maintains a 0 ERA. Neil Ramirez would come into the ninth to close out the Reds with two outs, he walks De Jesus, making this interesting but with a fly out to Fowler by catcher Tucker Barnhart,  would be all she wrote for Cincinatti and the Cubs win 9-2. 

The series will wrap up tommorow evening and then the Rockies will be in town for the weekend before the Cubs head to St Louis to start a seven games road series ending in Cincinatti.  

#AnyoneAnytime

#ItsOnlyApril

@danzeeeman
@sportstimeradio

Opening Day @ the Freindly Confines!!!

Posted: April 11, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, Minor League Baseball, post season, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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I really try to keep my emotions out of these recaps but damn this one is difficult to contain because well spoiler alert, CUBS WIN, CUBS WIN!!!  Now they’ve one on opening day in Anahiem and won 3 out of 4 in Arizona but there’s nothing like a win for the Cubs at Wrigley.  Now I wasn’t there but the excitement deep within my gut was still there watching them get their first win at home today!  

So let’s go!  John Lester opens up the season at home with a single to leadoff man Zack Cozart who would advance to third on a Joey Votto single to left field.  He would then score the first run on a ground out by Brandon Phillips.  He would make it through the second but would give up a home run to Billy Hamilton putting the Reds up 2-0.  Brandon Phillips would lead off in the fourth with a single and would reach 2 on Devin Mesoraco’s ground out that was scored 1-6-3, which means Lester touched it, Addison Russell picked it up and threw it to Anthony Rizzo.  Phillips would then steal third and score on Brandon Finnegans single to center.  But that would be all she wrote for the Reds as Lester would allow one base runner in the fifth and sixth.  Trevor Cahill would start the seventh off with a double to Adam Duvall but would stop him from advancing and would close out the inning.  

Reds starter Brandon Finnegan would coast through six only allowing base runners on walks with out any real damage until the seventh, which he would get through two but would give up a line drive single to center by David Ross.  After a visit to the mound, he would walk Matt Szczur and get pulled for Caleb Cotham, only to walk Fowler and get replaced himself by Chicago area native Tony Cingrani.  Jason Heyward would send a line drive to right scoring Ross & Szczur.  He would get out of the inning to come back in the eighth.  The top of the eighth would see former Yankee Adam Warren come into the game giving up a single to Joey Votto but finishing the inning out strong.  

Cingrani would get Rizzo to ground out but would walk Zobrist then hit Soler.  Jumbo Diaz would come into the game and all but almost immediately give up a two-run home run to left center, putting the Cubs up 5-3.  Ross would ground out and the guy that would take Starlin Castro’s crowd exciting, player clapping, mascot dancing walk up music, Munenori Kawasaki would line out to right.  

But the excitement doesn’t stop there!!!  Hector Rondon would come into the ninth getting Jay Bruce, Adam Duvall & Scott Schebler to not only strikeout but would recieve three backwards K’s to get his second save of the season, giving Adam Warren his first win in front of 40,882 people all singing “Go Cubs Go, Go Cubs Go, Hey Chicago, Whattaya Say, The Cubs Are Gonna Win Today!” 

@danzeeeman
@sportstimeradio
Sports Time Radio Podcast

How the Cubs won the West!

Posted: April 10, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, fantasy, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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Today the Cubs wrapped up a week long trip that started with a sweep in Anahiem, a huge loss but a big win in Phoenix.  

Ace, Jake Arrieta faced off against Shelby Miller and the different uni everyday, Diamondbacks who helped himself to one of the longest home runs this season in Chase Feild projected by Stat Cast as reaching 440 feet to take the lead at 2-0. He would get some help in the fourth from Miguel Montero by knocking in Tommy La Stella for his 5th rbi on the year. 

Chris Owings & Paul Goldschmidt would give Arrieta a little trouble but it would be the bottom of the fourth when Goldschmidt would lead off with his second homer of the season.   After a David Peralta double, Jake Lamb would send him in to cut the lead to one.  Arizona would tie it up in the bottom of the fifth.  23 year old Center fielder Socrates Brito would launch his first career homer against Jake and would rack up one more hit.  After that, Jake would stop them from creating anymore damage through seven.  He closes his second start with a respectable 1.93 ERA, giving up 8 hits, 3 earned runs, 6 strikeouts but walking nobody.  Justin Grimm would come into the eighth and Neil Ramirez would see the ninth, with niether pitcher giving up a hit or run.  

The Cubs, on the other hand, would not be silenced. In the top of the sixth, Jorge Soler would hit his first home run of the year, La Stella would single, given Nathan Hale a reason to bring in Randall Delgado to close out the sixth.  But he wouldn’t have as much luck in the top of the seventh.  Jason Heyward would walk and would move over to third on a Kris Bryant single.  Soler would send a sac fly to fight scoring Heyward, while Bryant would score on a line drive to center by Tonmy La Stella causing another pitching change.  

After closing out the seventh, Jake Barrett would give up a single to Addison Russell, then he’d hit Fowler but strikeout Zobrist.  Heyward would single to left collecting his third RBI, scoring Addison give the Cubs a 7-3 lead which turned into another W and Arrieta his second win of the season. 

 In the top of the ninth, Arizona would bring out 32 year old rookie Matt Buschmann who’s made a career in the minors.  He would get Matt Szczur to ground out but would give up a single toCubs  newcomer, Munenori Kawaski, who was just activated due to the Schwarber injury.  Kawasaki would steal second prompting Arizona to walk Montero intentionally but getting Russell to ground into a 4 – 3 double play.  
Neil Ramirez would come into the ninth striking out the first two batters faced and getting the last  to pop out to Heyward to close out the game.  

Despite the season ending injury to Kyle Schwarber, the Cubs had a great week out west.  Let’s hope with the excitement of seeing the new clubhouse, the Cubs can continue to play as they did out west, with the huge weather change here in Chicago!

@danzeeeman
 

Cubs settle on 4

Posted: April 10, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, fantasy, sports, Sports Time Radio
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Here we are just game five but it seems nothing can stop the mixture of youth and experience.  26 year old Kyle Hendrix would take to the mound in front of 32,000 at Chase field which had many Cubs fans in attendance.  Kyle was very successful through the of three.  In the forth Chris Owings would lead off with a single and then stealing second base putting himself in scoring position. He was able to move over to third on a routine infield ground ball and then score on a wild pitch.    He would fend them off until the bottom of the seventh. When David Peralta would lead off with a single to second base.  He would steal second and then score on Brandon Drury’s double to left.  This is where new Cub Adam Warren would enter the game taking it to the ninth where Hector  Rondon would take over and close out the game.  

My biggest question of the season, was how is the pitching going to perform.  So far they are keeping up with the offense.  Hendrix would go 6 and 2/3 giving up only two runs on four hits.  He walked one but struck out five.  Adam Warren would go an inning and a third receiving his first hold and Rondon would close out the game for his first save of the season.  

The Cubs would start off very aggressive against one of the best pitchers in the MLB, Zack Greinke.  You have to wonder if he is still playing catch up after game 1 with the flu.  In the first, Heyward, Zobrist and Rizzo would all reach on singles, with Rizzo’s scoring Heyward.  Chris Bryant would double to center and earn an RBI. Miguel Montero would send a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Rizzo putting the Cubs up 3-0 on the first.  In the fourth, Zack would strikeout Hendrix but then walked Fowler.  After another K, Zobrist would come to the plate and send a liner to center, doubling and scoring Fowler.  The Cubs would continue to hit the ball but Greinke and the bullpen would stop them from scoring any more runs.  

The Cubs seemed to have bats seemed to have have come back down to earth.  Which isn’t a bad thing as long as they are still winning!

@DanZeeeMan

Cubs heat up the desert!

Posted: April 8, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, fantasy, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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The Cubs open a four game series in the valley of the sun with John Lackey getting the nod in game 3 of 162.  He doesn’t get off to the best start of the season or donning the Cubbie Blue with a first pitch leadoff home run to former Milwaukee Brewer Jean Segura.  He’s able to strikeout Nick Ahmed but walked Paul Goldschmidt and gave up a double to David Peralta.  It was Jake Lamb’s single to center that put them up 3-0.  In the bottom of the second, the Cubs would suffer their first injury with Kyle Schwarber and Dexter Fowler colliding in center allowing Segura his second home run of the night but this one scored as inside the park.  In the third, he would find himself in trouble again, giving up a triple to Peralta that scores Goldschmidt.  Peralta would then score on a sac fly to left by Lamb.  Lackey would make it through the 4th, 5th & 6th with out anymore damage. He would end up with a W but also a 9.00.  My two biggest questions coming into this season were Lackey and the bullpen.  The seven-eight-nine, Pedro Strop, Travis Wood & Hector Rondon would combine for six strikeouts giving up no runs.  I think the biggest question mark will remain with Lackey, but maybe he just needs time to catch s groove.  

He did get his first win of the season but had huge help from his offense. Ruby De La Rosa would get out of the first but wouldn’t make it passed  4 innings giving up 6 hits and 6 earned runs.  First he hit Rizzo, gave up a double to Bryant, walked Kyle and with one out gives up a 2 RBI single to Addison Russell.  After the collision in center, Bryant would move to left and Tommy La Stella would take over at third.  

In the third Heyward would reach on a single to right and would end scoring due to Rizzo’s sharp ground ball to center putting Zobrist at third.  He would end up scoring after Bryant popped out to Wellington Castillo and a bad throw to second allowing Rizzo to move to third.  Russell would start off the fourth with a double to right and scored on a triple by Fowler to right.  Ruby would walk Heyward and that would be all she wrote.  Jake Barrett would replace him with no more luck.  Fowler would score on a wild pitch.  After walking Zobrist, Rizzo would triple bringing in two more runs.  Bryant would single to third and then try to advance on a throwing error by Yasmani Thomas.  He was called out at second but it was overturned with a challenge by Maddon.  Rizzo would score.  After 4 it was 9-6 Cubs!

Kyle Drabek would come into the game for Arizona in the 5th would get into a little trouble but was able to make it through 6 only to be pulled in the seventh after walking Russell and giving up a single to pinch hitter Matt Szczur. Fowler would lay down a bunt to score Matt but Andrew Chafin would make it through the 7th.  

Strop would replace Lackey in the seventh, putting Bryant back at third and benching La Stella, with Szczur staying in left.  Randall Delgado would make it through the eighth unscathed for the Diamondbacks but wouldn’t get so lucky in the ninth.  He would walk Fowler, give up a single to Heyward, Zobrist would smack an rbi double to set up Rizzo for a three-run homer to right field.  He was able to close out the ninth but not before giving up a single to Bryant.  The Cubs continue thier domination at the plate and go 3-0 on the season. 

Schwarber’s x-Ray’s would come back with a sprained ankle.  Just waiting to hear back on his MRI.  

@DanZeeeMan

Cubs, Angels game 2

Posted: April 5, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, fantasy, Minor League Baseball, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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U It’s game 2 of 162 and Jon Lester gets the nod.  There’s big expectations for this team, especially the top 3 in this rotation.  If you were listening to the Big Jack & I on the podcast, he asked me what I’d like to see out of Lester.  Being that #ItsOnlyApril, I’d be happy with him completing 6 innings with a max of 6 hits possibly 2 runs.  You’d hope he’d not go passed 100 pitches and get at minimum 5 K’s. Now he ended going a full 7 innings giving up only one run on four hits.  He only had four strike outs but walked no one.  He ended up only throwing 93 pitches.  Very solid outing. At first it appeared, that he might night come out but he was relieved in the eighth by Trevor Cahill, who struck out one in 2/3. Daniel Nava was announced as the pinch hitter, which prompted Maddon to call Travis Wood to the rubber who closed out the eighth inning.  Pedro Strop would come into the 9th, striking out Mike Trout, getting Pujols and CJ Cron to ground out to sweep the Angels in this two game series.

As for the lineup, Maddon switched it up for game 2, was he listening to us today?  The Big Jacks biggest question was Ben Zobrist in the three hole.  He stayed with Dexter Fowler and Jason Heyward in the one, two but put Chris Bryant in at three, followed by Zobrist, Jorge Soler, Addison Russell, Matt Szczur and catching David Ross.  

Pitching for the Angels, Andrew Heaney held was able to hold the Cubs to nothing in two innings despite an injury delay due to a bloody nose.  But in the top of the third it was Szczur who got things going with a lead off home run. Ross would go on to double and move over to third on a Fowler single to short stop.  Heyward would ground into a force out at second but scoring Ross.  Bryant’s fly ball to left would advance Heyward but it was Anthony Rizzo’s brute strength that would score Heyward on 400 foot home run to dead center.  

In the 7th inning Mike Scioscia, would bring in 24 year old, right handed Mike Morin to face Matt Szczur who reached on a soft liner to Mike Trout.  David Ross would like out to Trout but it was Dexter Fowlers line drive home run to right that would bring Szczur home and secure the Cubs lead at 6-1.  After that, the Angels bullpen would hold the Cubs from creating anymore damage. 

The Cubs were able to stop the Angels biggest stars combined Albert Pujols & Mike Trout went 0 for 15 with 5 strike outs.  I think someone needs to remind the Angels that spring training is over…sorry had to steal that line!  Overall I think we will start to see the Cubs settle into a groove over the next month.  Last night we saw three less strikeouts but Schwarber wasn’t in the line up, which may have given them one or two more but with I’m sure with one bomb, but Szczur filled that spot.  I still think down the line pitching may be an issue which is why I’d love to see Soler perform better than 1-8.  I believe that if he’s able to get going he would be the guy to bring back some value by the trade deadline.  Hence why Maddon is going to do what he has to, to get him the lineup. Just hoping he doesn’t lose his value like Javier Baez has done. 

Game 2 and the Cuns and Pirates are tied for 1st but like I said earlier #ItsOnlyApril

@danzeeeman
@SportsTimeRadio
STR podcast on BlogTalkRadio.com

Cubs Wins! Cubs Win!

Posted: April 5, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, fantasy, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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For anyone not paying attention, Major League Baseball had its season premiere Sunday April 3 and it didn’t start in Cinncinatti.  This year it was in Pittsburgh, who started off strong, just like the division rivals and everyone’s favorite to win the World Series, the Chicago Cubs.  

They started off strong in Anahiem  with a Dexter Fowler double to right, who scored on a ground ball to Mike Trout by Anthony Rizzo. Fowler would go on to collect two more singles and another run on a ground ball to short in the top of the 7th by Kris Bryant, while Rizzo would round the bases in the fourth, scoring on a single by Jorge Soler. 

The biggest surprise of the night, especially for me would have to be Miguel Montero.  If you were listening today on Sports Time Radio, I told the Big Jack that I loved the lineup put together by Joel Maddon besides the Catcher spot and to chalk it up as outs.  Now he must have been listening because he made me eat my words. He went 2 for 5 with a single in the fourth, scoring Kris Bryant, whose patience paid off by reaching first on a walk.  Miguel would go on to send a two run blast to right field in the sixth, giving Soler his second Run of the night and taking the honor as the first Cub to hit a home run for the 2016 season.  

The last of the action came in the top of the ninth with the top of the order.  Fowler would reach on a walk and then pushed over to third on a Ben Zobrist single to right. He would move over to second on another walk by Bryant.  Matt Szczur, who was a defensive substitution for Kyle Shwarber, who went 0-4 with two strikeouts, in the bottom of the seventh came up to bat in the ninth, clearing the bases with a double to left.  This secured the win for the Cubs at 9-0.  

Jake Arrieta showed why he was the 2015 Cy Young Award recipient, holding the Los Angeles Angels of Anahiem to two hits and no runs through 7 striking out 6 with only 1 base on balls.  Solid outing for Jake but we would see Justin Grimm come into the game in the eighth, giving up a lead off double to C. J. Cron but with the help of some great defense by Heyward, Rizzo, Chris Bryant & Addison Russell, the side is retired with no damage.  Travis Wood came into the game in the bottom of the ninth with a huge lead but was able to retire the Angels in order, giving the Cubss they’re first W of the year.  

They were able to score a lot of runs last night, which secured the win but for me, I’d like to see less than 12 strikeouts per game but as long as they win, no one is going to care how often they strikeout.  Game 1 of 162 and it started off strong!

@DanZeeeMan

How was your week

Posted: April 2, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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Even though it is currently snowing where I live the Major League Baseball season starts tomorrow (Sunday) for 6 teams. The season starts with the St. Louis Cardinals at the Pittsburgh Pirates. Adam Wainwright starts for St. Louis while Francisco Liriano gets the opening day start for Pittsburgh. The 2nd game features the Toronto Blue Jays at the Tampa Bay Rays. Marcus Stroman makes the start for the Blue Jays and it will be Chris Archer starting for Tampa Bay. The final game of the day is a World Series rematch as the New York Mets visit the Kansas City Royals. Matt Harvey is starting for the Mets while Edison Volquez is the Royals opening day stater.

As we always do, we’ve made our selection on which teams and player will have success this season. Here’s what we’ve picked for the 2016 baseball season.

We’ll start in the American League East. I have 1st New York Yankees 2nd Toronto Blue Jays 3rd Boston Red Sox 4th Tampa Bay Rays 5th Baltimore Orioles.

Dan the Man has 1st Blue Jays 2nd Yankees 3rd Red Sox 4th Rays 5th Orioles.

Mr. Fantasy has 1st Blue Jays 2nd Red Sox 3rd Yankees 4th Orioles 5th Rays

Schuamburg Stu has 1st Blue Jays 2nd Yankees 3rd Rays 4th Red Sox 5th Orioles.

In the A.L. Central I have 1st Kansas City Royals 2nd Chicago White Sox 3rd Detroit Tigers 4th Cleveland Indians 5th Minnesota Twins.

Dan the Man has 1st Royals 2nd White Sox 3rd Tigers 4th Twins 5th Indians.

Mr. Fantasy has 1st White Sox 2nd Tigers 3rd Royals 4th Indians 5th Twins.

Schaumburg Stu has 1st Royals 2nd Indians 3rd Twins 4th Tigers 5th White Sox.

In the A.L. West I have 1st Texas Rangers 2nd Seattle Mariners 3rd Houston Astros 4th Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 5th Oakland A’s.

Dan the Man has 1st Rangers 2nd Asttos 3rd Mariners 4th Angels 5th A’s.

Mr. Fantasy has 1st Astros 2nd Rangers 3rd Mariners 4th Angels 5th A’s

Schaumburg Stu has 1st Astros 2nd Rangers 3rd Angels 4th Mariners 5th A’s.

My A.L. wild card teams are the White Sox and the Mariners. Dan the Man has the Astros and the Yankees. Mr, Fantasy has the Red Sox and the rangers while Schaumburg Stu is going with the Yankees and the Rangers.

We’ll move into the National League starting in the East. I have 1st Washington nationals 2nd New York Mets 3rd Miami Marlins 4th Atlanta Braves 5th Philadelphia Phillies.

Dan the Man has 1st Nationals 2nd Mets 3rd Marlins 4th Braves 5th Phillies.

Mr. Fantasy has 1st Mets 2nd nationals 3rd Marlins 4th Braves 5th Phillies.

Schaumburg Stu has 1st Mets 2nd Nationals 3rd Marlins 4th Braves 5th Phillies.

In the N.L. Central I have 1st St. Louis cardinals 2nd Chicago Cubs 3rd Pittsburgh Pirates 4th Cincinnati Reds 5th Milwaukee Brewers.

Dan the Man has 1st Cubs 2nd Cardinals 3rd Pirates 4th Brewers 5th Reds.

Mr. Fantasy has 1st Cardinals 2nd Pirates 3rd Cubs 4th Reds 5th Brewers.

Schaumburg Stu has 1st Cubs 2nd Pirates 3rd Cardinals 4th Reds 5th Brewers.

In the N.L. West I have 1st San Francisco Giants 2nd Arizona Diamondbacks 3rd Los Angeles Dodgers 4th Colorado Rockies 5th San Diego Padres.

Dan the Man has 1st Giants 2nd Diamondbacks 3rd Dodgers 4th Padres 5th Rockies.

Mr. Fantasy has 1st Giants 2nd Dodgers 3rd Diamondbacks 4th Rockies 5th Padres.

Schaumburg Stu has 1st Giants 2nd Diamondbacks 3rd Dodgers 4th Padres 5th Rockies.

My N.L. wild card teams are the Mets and the Cubs. Dan the Man has the Mets and the Diamondbacks. Mr Fantasy has the Pirates and the Diamondbacks and Schaumburg Stu has the Pirates and the Nationals.

In the World Series I have the Rangers beating the Nationals. Dam the Man has the Giants beating the Astros. Mr. Fantasy also has the Giants beating the Adtros and Schaumburg Stu has the Cubs beating the Astros.

We also made our picks for some individual awards. For Manager of the Year I have Robin Ventura (White Sox) in the A.L. and Bruce Bochy (Giants) in the N.L. Dan the Man has Jeff Bannister (Rangers) in the A.L. and Terry Collins (Mets) in the N.L. Mr. Fantasy has John Farrell (Red Sox) in the A.L. and Bruce Bochy (Giants) in the N.L. Schaumburg Stu has A.J. Hinch (Astros) in the A.L. and Joe Maddon (Cubs) in the N.L.

For Rookie of the Yaer I went with Jose Berrios (Twins) in the A.L. and Orlando Arcia (Brewers) in the N.L. Dan the Man has Alex Bregman (Astros) in the A.L. and Corey Seager (Dodgers) in the N.L. Mr. Fantasy has Byron Buxton (Twins) in the A.L. and Steven Matz (Mets) in the N.L. Schaumburg Stu has Blake Snell (Rays) in the A.L> and Corey Seager (Dodgers) in the N.l.

For the Cy Young I have Chris Sale (White Sox) in the A.L. and Adam Wainwright (St. Louis) in the N.L. Dan the Man has Dallas Keuchel (Astros) in the A.L. and Zack Greinke (Diamondbacks) in the N.L. Mr. Fantasy has Chris Sale (White Sox) A.L. and Michael Wacha (St. Louis) in the N.L. Schaumburg Stu has David Price (Red Sox) in the A.L. and Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers) in the N.L.

To wrap this up our Most Valuable Player picks are. You’ll see a bit of a theme with the N.l. pick. I have Lorenzo Cain (Royals) in the A.L. and Hunter Pence (Giants) N.L. Dan the Man has Nelson Cruz (Mariners) in the A.l. and Paul Goldschmidt (Diamondbacks) in the N.L. Mr. Fantasy has Carlos Correa (Astros) in the A.L. and Paul Goldschmidt (Diamondbacks) in the N.L. Schaumburg Stu is going with Mike Trout (Angels) in the A.L. and yes you guessed right Paul Goldschmidt (Diamondbacks) in the N.L.

There you go; good, bad or indifferent our picks for the 2016 baseball season. Do you agree? Disagree? or did we clearly miss a player or a team that you think we should’ve had winning an award or a division or even the World Series let us know. You can leave a comment here or on Twitter @SportsTimeRadio or go over to SportsTimeRadio.com and let us know what you think.

You can listen to Sports Time Radio on BlogTalkRadio.com You can also find me on Twitter @Burketime as well as Dan the Man @DanZeeeMan along with Mr. Fantasy @MrFanofSports

This Old Stub

Posted: January 29, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, sports, Sports Time Radio
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It all started with a Facebook post and an airline deal of $49 to Denver. Late one night, last January, I was studying when my wife interrupts, she hadn’t seen a deal like that and thought we should go. I gave her the two weeks I’d be able to travel and she booked it. The sale was ending that night and we wouldn’t be able get that deal on the weekends. I should have researched it a little because the Blackhawks were in town the Saturday before we arrived and the Cubs helped the Rockies open Coors Field for the season but of course we arrived the day after. I did how ever schedule a tour of Coors Field which was hosted by a really nice old lady that took us on the mile and a half journey above sea level and back down below below home plate. The only other visitors, were two fireman from Atlanta up there to see the Firefighter Muesum they also saw, which of course I was jealous of, the previous day’s contest between the Colorado Rockies and Chicago Cubs. Now some people may see this as bad indicate but it makes it a much more personal experience. What made things even better was the fact that the other two guys that were there, tuned into little kids for that time period also. I’m sure if she would have let us, the three of us would have been out there running the bases.

The tour begins at the gates on the southwest corner of the stadium…Forgive me I forget the gate, as we walk the tunnel to the field the starting line is presented above with banners of each player. This tunnel leads to the concourse and opens up to a beautiful view of the field. We were lucky to get a day with clear skies and a bright sun. After absorbing the view from behind home plate, the tour guide explains to us the recent upgrade to Coors Field. The top tier seats in right field were removed and leveled; creating the new Roofdeck. Now, I’ll be honest, when it comes to tour guides, I don’t have the longest attention span, so I’m not sure if she said it or not but I’m assuming this new rooftop setting was inspired by the rooftops of Wrigleyville. Which was our next stop on the tour, which also explains why she asked if we were ready for some exercise? As we begin to ascend towards the Roofdeck, we made a pit stop about half way there at the corner of the 22cd and Blake Street, the Blue Moon Brewing Co. She told us the story, just like you see on tv about the orange garnish. I’d love to tell you so much more but I’m not really into beer, so I didn’t really pay much attention but it opens to ticket holders 90 mins before the game but they do open it up to the public during the regular season and is open in the off season also. Being that it was before lunch, it wasn’t open, so my wife and the guys couldn’t have a taste test. We finally make it to the top and the view is just breath taking from the top. I’m sure come game time, the 400 plus feet distance from home plate, still doesn’t generate a bad seat in the house.

The rooftop has two full service bars, the Tavern Ballpark specializes in local craft beers and the Tuaca Terrace Bar features cocktails, spirits, wines and craft beers. But for me, I can’t wait to get back to is CHUBurger, a local “Craft Casual” dining experience which its ingredients that are farm fresh from Longmont, CO. But I’m not telling you anything, you can read it on their website. The view from below would lead you to believe that is all that’s going on, is up front, but it’s behind the bars are lounge areas to well relax. This is where I see the inspiration from the rooftops in Wrigleyville. Now for me, I don’t need all the extra amenities but to have seats up there would be great in case say my wife gets tired of the game or “annoyed” with the people, there is a place she can take off to get away. Now as you look out onto the field and up in the stands, there is a row of blue seats that signifies 1 mile above sea level. With my knees, I don’t think I’d leave my seat. Now I know what you’re thinking, it’s The mile high city wasn’t the lack of oxygen killing you? For my wife and I, we didn’t notice it one bit. The only downside of the tour of course, is that nothing is open inside the park, I know it was an off day but still just four people on the tour and you couldn’t stage the tour a little. I’m being sarcastic of course but I still think they could add a stop at the gift shop despite it being an off day.

On with the tour, our next stop is the Wells Fargo club. Basically, the tour guide told us that since we are customers of Wells Fargo, to call to get the privilege of sitting in this gourmet luxury type bar sitting behind home plate. It had a great view and was full of memorabilia and on one of the tables were old programs and souvenirs for the taking. Out the door and around the corner, to the press box we head. It’s just as it appears when it’s captured on tv, countertops from wall to wall with assigned seats by media source. Nothing more than a workspace and outlets with I’m sure wifi.

The tour ends behind home plate but to get there, we go through the banquet area that can be rented out for corporate events or even weddings. The view is not of the field but of the street which amazingly is only a couple stories from street level (somethings you really have to see yourself to understand). Now we end up going down it seems forever and go through a couple tunnels and into the visiting players locker room. It’s just as seen in any post game interview but a lot nicer in person and larger. Sunflower seeds and Forbes magazines to go around. We spent sometime in the clubhouse going through every square inch, it was off to the dugout but before reaching that point we stopped to take a few swings in the batting cage, we wished, we were lucky she let us go down there. We head up the stairs to see the sunlight flooding the tunnel making it impossible to see until you reach the top of the stairs opening to a glimpse in the eyes of the visiting team. Just standing there in the dugout makes you relive that childhood dream of sitting on the bench spitting sunflower seeds shells everywhere, waiting to step in the batters box. As we ascend the steps to the field, we learn that we are not allowed to go behind the warning track. We’re given enough time to enjoy and capture the moment before its farewell from this short mile and half stroll through Coors Field exiting from behind home plate, climbing back to the concourse and farewell. It’s a great expierence to get to go behind the scenes but I would loved to have seen Coors Field alive.

At the end of the day, I cant wait to get back to Denver and back to Coors Field and see the Rockies in action but with so many seating options, I’m not sure where I’d sit!

@DanZeeeMan

How was your week?

Posted: December 12, 2015 by Sports Time Radio in basketball, football, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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The Golden State Warriors improved to 24-0 last night (Friday) with a 124-119 victory over the Boston Celtics in double overtime. It was the 2nd time Golden State has went to overtime to keep the streak alive, nut their first double overtime game. On November 14th the Warriors needed overtime to beat the Brooklyn Nets 107-99. Klay Thompson missed this game with a sprained ankle and the Warriors could’ve used his shooting touch. Golden State shot 39.3% from the floor (42 for 107) in the game. It was an even tougher night from behind the 3-point line where the Warriors shot 29.0% going 9-31. Even shooting poorly Golden State was able to build a 7 point lead 82-75 at the start of the 4th quarter. The Celtics outscored the Warriors 28-21 in the 4th quarter and both tams had chances to win the game late, but neither could score and they headed to overtime tied at 103.  Neither team could get anything going in the 1st overtime. They each managed to score 7 points and we headed to the 2nd overtime period tied at 110. Golden State was able to take advantage of a couple of Boston misses and built a small lead. They where able to hold on by making their free throws late in the 2nd overtime. Golden State scored 14 points in the 2nd overtime while Boston scored just 9 points to get them their 24th straight victory to start the season 124-119.

Stephen Curry scored 38 points to lead the Warriors, but didn’t shoot very well. Curry was 9 of 27 overall, but did go 6 of 13 from the 3-point line and did make all of his 14 free throw attempts. Curry also tied for the team lead in assists with 8. With Thompsom out Draymond Green tried to fill that scoring void. Green played a game high 50 minutes and scored 20 points and tied Curry with 8 assists. Andre Iguodala saw increased playing time with Thompson out. Iguodala played 44 minutes and scored 13 points. Festus Ezeli and Shaun Livingston also came off the Warriors bench to score 12 points. Ezeli also had a team high 12 rebounds. Golden State shot 39 free throws in the game compared to just 16 for Boston.

Kelly Olynyk came off the Celtics bench and went 11 of 21 shooting overall, 3 of 6 from the 3-point line and 3 of 4 on free throws to lead Boston wit 28 points. Avery Bradley scored 19 points before fouling out while Isaiah Thomas 18 points and a team high 10 assists and Jae Crowder 15 points where the Celtics starters who scored in double figures.Besides Olynyk Evan Turner (13 points) and David Lee (10 points) scored in double figures off the Boston bench. Jared Sullinger grabbed a game high 13 rebounds for Boston.
Golden State wraps up their road trip tonight as they’re in Milwaukee to play the Bucks. Milwaukee has lost it’s last 2 games including a 90-83 loss to the Toronto Raptors Friday night. Milwaukee is 9-15 on the season, but with Thompson’s injury and Golden State coming off a double overtime game could tonight be the night they suffer there first loss?
There was another close game on Thursday night as the Arizona Cardinals beat the Minnesota Vikings 23-20. With the victory the Cardinals improved to 11-2 and clinched a playoff berth in the NFC. Minnesota fell to 8-5 good for 2nd place in the NFC North right now 1/2 game behind the Green Bay Packers.

There was quite a bit of discussion about the end of this game and who to place the blame for the Minnesota loss on. The Vikings had the football last and with about 12 seconds or so on the clock they decided to run 1 more play instead of try a 48 yard field goal to tie the game. Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater dropped back to pass and was sacked by Arizona defensive lineman Dwight Freeney. Freeney was also able to strip the football from Bridgewater. The Cardinals recovered the fumble, but with the Vikings out of timeouts they wouldn’t of been able to get the field goal unit set up in time to even make an attempt to tie the game. This is where all the debate starts. Is it Teddy Bridgewater’s fault for not throwing the football away? Or is it Mike Zimmer and the Vikings coaching staffs fault for the play call? While all these experts where trying to assign blame to someone they where all assuming that Blair Walsh would’ve made the 48 yard field goal to tie the game in the closing seconds. maybe it’s just me, but I don’t remember 48 yard field goals being gimmes, but they sure acted like it was. Now on the ill fated play it’s been pointed out that Bridgewater took a 5-step drop. In most late game situation like that you’ll see the quarterback take a 3-step drop and try to get rid of the football quickly. As the play develops it looks like Bridgewater wants to throw the football down the field instead of an out to the sideline. A shot at the end zone would be an interesting play call in that situation, but I don’t know if that’s what the Vikings where going for. While Bridgewater is dropping back to throw the Arizona defense does a great job of keeping him in the pocket and only allowing him a little room to step up. Now let me remind you that while Freeney might be at the end of his career he does have 115 1/2 career sacks and leads the Cardinals in that category this season with 4. Arizona signed him for just this type of play and they monitor how many snaps he takes so he’s ready for this type of situation. Freeney used a spin move to beat Vikings left tackle Matt Kalil giving himself a clear path to Bridgewater. With the Arizona defense doing there job and containing Bridgewater in the pocket there was nowhere for him to go. Bridgewater tries to step up into what little room he has and throw the football, but Freeney was able to close the distance and strip the football while he was taking Bridgewater down. So if you still feel the need to find fault in the Minnesota loss maybe it was Dwight Freeney’s fault they lost.

 

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Matt Kalil

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