By Jeremy Visser… With apologies to Erik Bedard, Rich Harden and the 2006 version of Adam Loewen, Scott Richmond is officially the most dominant Canadian pitcher since Paul Quantrill (Paul Spoljaric’s recent dominance of the Intercounty League was taken into consideration as well). The North Vancouver resident won his fourth consecutive start yesterday, going seven strong in leading the Jays to a 4-3 win over the Baltimore Mighty Orioles.
Richmond gave up three runs (two earned) and lowered his ERA to 2.67 — not bad for a guy that barely made the team out of Spring Training. Jesse “The American Dream” Carlson tossed a perfect eight and Scott Downs retired the Orioles in order in a not-so-B.J. Ryan-esque ninth. Oh yeah, and Alex Rios homered for the first time in 409 games, and it even proved to be the game-winner!
Well, make it three straight and a sweep of the Orioles for an AL-best 18-9 record. On my way home I engaged in a textfest with my esteemed friend Kooy, who claims to be “cautiously optimistic”, which is what I’d describe myself as too. I make a lot of outrageous claims — Aaron Hill is the AL MVP, Scott Richmond is in line for a Cy Young and my man Jesse Carlson is the Rolaids Relief Man of the Century, for example — but I actually make them because I’m a bit insecure and realize this could blow up at any second. Let’s be honest — 1993 was a long time ago. Still, I have a good feeling right now. I’m cautiously optimistic. Knock on wood. Check out Jeremy’s blog That’s what I’m saying, guy…
By Stoker MacIntosh… The hovering buzzards, who waited patiently for the sport of boxing to die, have packed up and flew away once more; as once again, a 130 pound Filipino superstar named Manny Pacquiao has given the dry, and nearly deserted landscape some much needed life.
His concerned family looked on from ringside, as Ricky Hatton lay motionless on the canvas, knocked out cold in the second round by a lightning fast, perfectly timed, brain numbing left hook.
It was a punch that—most likely—the tough British champion didn’t see coming, and that’s when it’s most damaging; this punch also proved effective in another way, it erased any doubts regarding Pacquiaos greatness.
In his home country of the the Philippines, Pacquiao, who was once a mere ambassador for the sport of boxing, is now nearing sainthood. In the words of his promoter Bob Arum, “he could, one day become President.”
After all but ending the brilliant careers of boxing legends like Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, and Oscar Dela Hoya—and now Ricky Hatton—Pacquiao has likely surpassed the legendary Pancho Villa as the greatest Filipino boxer to ever emerge from that country.
A few months ago I wrote an article asking the question that I felt was in the minds of fans at the time, which was: Will Pacquiao bring Mayweather out of retirement?
Whether it was actually Pacquiao or not, who knows?, but the fact remains that Mayweather has returned, and now wants to reclaim—what he feels is rightfully his, boxing’s No 1 pound for pound position.
Although public popularity has eluded him, it’s a well known fact that Mayweather has enjoyed many career defining wins against names like, Zab Judah, De La Hoya, and Hatton, a subsequent win over Marquez would leave no doubt in my mind that Mayweather is still the true King.
Even after the events of Saturday night, Marquez remains—by many opinions including mine—to be the true No.1 pound for pound fighter in the world.
I had Marquez beating Pacquiao in both their fights, not just the second one which is also a popular belief.
With the absence of greats like Joe Calzaghe and Oscar De La Hoya, some doors have been closed forever, but thankfully, others have been re-opened.
Stepping up now, will be big named fighters such as Pacquiao, and of course Mayweather, who will undoubtedly fill the gaping holes left in the wake of those fighters who have recently retired.
Boxing Fans who were ecstatic before at the potential of a Pacquiao vs Mayweather super-fight, are now more eager than ever to witness the history-making boxing event; which could potentially take place this fall.
The Sport of boxing—once surounded and stunted by weeds, has now—thanks to Pacquiao—and his recent potential to create great match-ups, experienced a much needed growth spurt.
Like those popular and well hidden wild flowers—that only bloom once a year during May—I’m sure much more will be revealed in the coming months, but first things first, Mayweather now has the most important date of his career on July 18th with Juan Manuel Marquez.
I wish him luck.
When “Pac” beat the ol’ legend Oscar De La Hoya, He was over the hill,Now it’s time for you to swallow the same damn pill,So get your tickets now people and let’s make it clear,That the Pacman ass woopin is almost here .–( poem by Floyd Mayweather Jr.)
By Bryn Swartz… Let’s admit it.
This playoffs are how we judge quarterbacks. Sometimes it’s the only thing used to judge quarterbacks. Why else are guys like Troy Aikman and Bart Starr considered to be among the finer passers in the game’s history?
It’s simple. They win playoff games—especially championships.
It’s one thing to dominate in the regular season. It’s quite another thing to dominate in the postseason. Everything changes in the playoffs. It’s win or go home. The defenses step up. Teams are a little more aggressive, a little more determined, a little more…desperate.
So many of the great quarterbacks throughout history haven’t won a Super Bowl.
Dan Marino is one of the best pure passers in NFL history. Instead of judging him on his 61361 passing yards or 420 touchdown passes, history will judge him by his zero. Zero Super Bowl wins.
Donovan McNabb is the least intercepted quarterback in NFL history. He even has a winning playoff record. The only thing missing? A ring.
Football can be cruel too. Sometimes just winning a Super Bowl doesn’t get a quarterback off the hook. Look at Peyton Manning, who has won three regular season MVPs and a Super Bowl MVP. Many fans still focus on his career playoff record, which, at 7-8, is a far cry from his regular season credentials.
I have always said that it’s not about the Super Bowl titles. It’s not even about the playoff record. It’s about how well you play in the postseason.
Sorry Steelers fans, but when your quarterback posts a 22.6 passer rating, he deserves no credit for winning a Super Bowl.
And yes, Cardinals fans (if there are any), if your quarterback throws for 377 yards and three touchdowns, he deserves a tremendous amount of credit, even if his team falls short in the Super Bowl.
Cold Hard Football Facts did an extensive study on the correlation between the number of interceptions a quarterback throws in a playoff game and the final result of the game. Their results were fascinating.
A quarterback who throws zero interceptions will play for the winning team in 78.3 percent of postseason games. A quarterback who throws one interceptions plays for the winning team 55.6 percent of the time. Two interceptions? Just 31.4 percent. Three interceptions? A paltry 18.3 percent. And four or more interceptions? Forget about it–only one out of 41 times.
Below is a list of the best of the best. These are the guys who had what it takes to step up their game in the postseason. They won Super Bowls and NFL championships. They led game-winning drives.
They shredded defenses with their pinpoint accuracy. Each of the quarterbacks on this list has won a Super Bowl (or championship). Most won two or more. And a few have the potential to improve their ranking with continued success in the postseason.
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