Monday, 17 January 2011
Saturday, 15 January 2011
A look at the potential Team Canada hockey roster for the 2014 Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia were a huge success for the hockey world. Capped off by a thrilling game between the hometown Canadians against Team USA, even non-hockey fans tuned in the get a taste of the action.
Following the gold medal victory by Team Canada, the debate almost instantly shifted to whether or not NHL players would be taking part in the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Russian superstars like Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin(notes) have gone on record as saying they will play regardless, and there are no doubt players from other regions hoping to represent their countries as well.
Though it is still a few years off, and participation in the 2014 Olympics is far from guaranteed, it is still worth a shot to speculate on what Team Canada might look like if NHL players are allowed to play.
Forwards
Sidney Crosby(notes) - This is a no brainer, as Sidney Crosby has already proved himself to be one of the top players in the NHL and he is not even 25 years old yet. After scoring the "Golden Goal" in 2010, Crosby is the face of Team Canada and Hockey Canada would be ridiculous if they passed over Sid the Kid.
Steve Stamkos - He just barely missed the cut for 2010, but after finishing the 2009-10 NHL season with 51 goals, and beginning the 2010-11 NHL season with a blistering hot scoring streak there is no question that Steve Stamkos will figure into Hockey Canada's plans for the future.
Rick Nash(notes) - Playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets affords Rick Nash a slightly lower profile playing opportunity than he would enjoy in other markets. That does not change the fact that Rick Nash is one of the most adaptable players in the game today. His large frame and ability to put the puck in the net are his obvious strong points, but his biggest assets would have to be his willingness to play a checking role and his never ending will to compete.
Corey Perry(notes) - Another 2010 Olympic gold medalist who can be played in almost any situation, Corey Perry is invaluable to Team Canada. Perry's stock is, naturally, at its peak when playing on the ring on Ryan Getzlaf(notes), but he has also played to great success with others in the past, including Sidney Crosby. Corey Perry also brings much needed grit that agitates opponents.
Milan Lucic - Speaking of grit, Milan Lucic(notes) might be the only other play who can mix sandpaper with skilled play at Corey Perry's level. A line combination featuring the two could bring a whole new meaning to "pest" in hockey.
Jonathan Toews(notes) - The best forward from the 2010 Winter Olympics is another no brainer. Jonathan Toews is a player who plays better the more things are on the line, and his Stanley Cup, IIHF World Championship, IIHF World Junior Championship and Olympic gold medal are proof of that. Regardless of the situation, Toews is built to win and that is not about to change any time soon.
Mike Richards(notes) - Jonathan Toews line mate from the 2010 Olympics proved to be a great compliment to the Chicago Blackhawks captain as both have the ability to play a well rounded two way game. Mike Richards is also a natural leader who can bring together a team, as he showed during the Cinderella run of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Ryan Getzlaf - Like Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf mixes a brutal physical game with unbelievable skill with the puck. Pairing Getzlaf and Perry is obvious; as the two have played together for so long that they rarely make mistakes when together.
Matt Duchene(notes) - The third overall pick of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Matt Duchene has already developed into a better player than either of the men taken immediately before him. Duchene is a hard fighting two way player with great scoring talent, as well as the adaptability to play either center or on the wing.
Jordan Eberle(notes) - Only in his rookie season right now, Jordan Eberle has already showed that he has the tools to become an elite NHL player. Eberle also escalates his game play as the pressure goes up and has been a gem in international competition to this point in his career. As he matures as a player he will no doubt become one of the best players to watch.
Eric Staal(notes) - Though he is not the most spectacular player at times, Eric Staal is a steady player who will reliably be there whenever he is needed. Staal sometimes struggles when placed on the wing, but when playing with all-stars he finds a way to make it work.
Jeff Carter(notes) - Carter just barely missed the cut in 2010, being called to travel to Vancouver in the case that Ryan Getzlaf would not be able to play due to an ankle injury. Jeff Carter's greatest asset is his ability as a natural goal scoring with equal ability to play all three forward positions, as long as he has a puck distributor out there with him.
Patrice Bergeron(notes) - In a limited role at the 2010 Olympics Patrice Bergeron proved to be extremely effective. His scoring ability seems to have peaked early in his career, so his role would likely be reminiscent of the defensive zone face-off role he had in 2010 and as a penalty killer. It might not be glamorous, but it is role players like Bergeron that can mean the difference between gold and silver.
Close Calls: Dany Heatley(notes), Patrick Sharp(notes), Travis Zajac(notes), John Tavares(notes), Taylor Hall(notes)
Defensemen
Duncan Keith(notes) - The 2010 Norris Trophy winner should be as obvious a defensive choice as Sidney Crosby is an obvious choice for the forwards. Keith is great at all areas of the game, most notably his ability to join the rush.
Drew Doughty(notes) - The best defensive pairing in 2010 was Duncan Keith and Drew Doughty, and as Doughty matures that tandem could reunite to be even more level in 2014.
Shea Weber(notes) - He got a lot of press earlier in his career, though lately Shea Weber has fallen off the radar somewhat. That is because he has adapted his game into a more defensive style which has cut down on scoring, but he still possesses one of the most intimidating slapshots from the point.
Brent Seabrook(notes) - Brought to Vancouver in 2010 to play with his Chicago line mate Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook's role instead evolved into that of primarily a penalty killer. In that role Seabrook was extremely successful and, similar to Patrice Bergeron, is the type of character player needed to win.
Kris Letang(notes) - Judging by his 2010-11 scoring explosion, Kris Letang is a blue line powerhouse in the making. At times he still proves to be a defensive liability, but with time to fix that and tremendous offensive upside there is no question Letang will wear the maple leaf.
Brent Burns(notes) - Brent Burns tends to alternate between being injured and being one of the most offensively gifted blue liners in the NHL. If he can remain healthy and show steady play Burns will find himself playing significant power play time for his home country.
Chris Pronger(notes) - Pronger will be 40 years old in 2014, though (according to his Philadelphia Flyers contract) he will still be an active player. Even at that age, Chris Pronger should still be able to be effective. His game has never relied on foot speed, instead relying on his size, strength and passing ability. The minutes will not be 20-plus a game, but Chris Pronger will have a role.
Close Calls: Marc Staal(notes), Tyler Myers(notes), Mike Green(notes), PK Subban(notes), Dion Phaneuf(notes)
Goaltenders
Carey Price(notes) - Yes, Habs fans, Carey Price will be a member of Team Canada. After a couple years of doubt, Price has developed into the goaltender many believed he could be after his impressive rookie season.
Roberto Luongo(notes) - Winning gold in 2010 after usurping Martin Brodeur's(notes) net, Luongo deserves another shot. Unfortunately, by 2014 he will be 35 at the time and might find himself losing the starting position to a younger goalie after an embarrassing performance. Still, like Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo might not show any deterioration in his game until nearing 40 and could carry Canada to gold once again.
Marc-Andre Fleury(notes) - Fleury had to win Olympic gold while wearing a suit in 2010, and all signs are looking like Marc-Andre Fleury will have to do it again in 2014. Fleury is a good goaltender, but there always seems to be someone better.
Following the gold medal victory by Team Canada, the debate almost instantly shifted to whether or not NHL players would be taking part in the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. Russian superstars like Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin(notes) have gone on record as saying they will play regardless, and there are no doubt players from other regions hoping to represent their countries as well.
Though it is still a few years off, and participation in the 2014 Olympics is far from guaranteed, it is still worth a shot to speculate on what Team Canada might look like if NHL players are allowed to play.
Forwards
Sidney Crosby(notes) - This is a no brainer, as Sidney Crosby has already proved himself to be one of the top players in the NHL and he is not even 25 years old yet. After scoring the "Golden Goal" in 2010, Crosby is the face of Team Canada and Hockey Canada would be ridiculous if they passed over Sid the Kid.
Steve Stamkos - He just barely missed the cut for 2010, but after finishing the 2009-10 NHL season with 51 goals, and beginning the 2010-11 NHL season with a blistering hot scoring streak there is no question that Steve Stamkos will figure into Hockey Canada's plans for the future.
Rick Nash(notes) - Playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets affords Rick Nash a slightly lower profile playing opportunity than he would enjoy in other markets. That does not change the fact that Rick Nash is one of the most adaptable players in the game today. His large frame and ability to put the puck in the net are his obvious strong points, but his biggest assets would have to be his willingness to play a checking role and his never ending will to compete.
Corey Perry(notes) - Another 2010 Olympic gold medalist who can be played in almost any situation, Corey Perry is invaluable to Team Canada. Perry's stock is, naturally, at its peak when playing on the ring on Ryan Getzlaf(notes), but he has also played to great success with others in the past, including Sidney Crosby. Corey Perry also brings much needed grit that agitates opponents.
Milan Lucic - Speaking of grit, Milan Lucic(notes) might be the only other play who can mix sandpaper with skilled play at Corey Perry's level. A line combination featuring the two could bring a whole new meaning to "pest" in hockey.
Jonathan Toews(notes) - The best forward from the 2010 Winter Olympics is another no brainer. Jonathan Toews is a player who plays better the more things are on the line, and his Stanley Cup, IIHF World Championship, IIHF World Junior Championship and Olympic gold medal are proof of that. Regardless of the situation, Toews is built to win and that is not about to change any time soon.
Mike Richards(notes) - Jonathan Toews line mate from the 2010 Olympics proved to be a great compliment to the Chicago Blackhawks captain as both have the ability to play a well rounded two way game. Mike Richards is also a natural leader who can bring together a team, as he showed during the Cinderella run of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Ryan Getzlaf - Like Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf mixes a brutal physical game with unbelievable skill with the puck. Pairing Getzlaf and Perry is obvious; as the two have played together for so long that they rarely make mistakes when together.
Matt Duchene(notes) - The third overall pick of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Matt Duchene has already developed into a better player than either of the men taken immediately before him. Duchene is a hard fighting two way player with great scoring talent, as well as the adaptability to play either center or on the wing.
Jordan Eberle(notes) - Only in his rookie season right now, Jordan Eberle has already showed that he has the tools to become an elite NHL player. Eberle also escalates his game play as the pressure goes up and has been a gem in international competition to this point in his career. As he matures as a player he will no doubt become one of the best players to watch.
Eric Staal(notes) - Though he is not the most spectacular player at times, Eric Staal is a steady player who will reliably be there whenever he is needed. Staal sometimes struggles when placed on the wing, but when playing with all-stars he finds a way to make it work.
Jeff Carter(notes) - Carter just barely missed the cut in 2010, being called to travel to Vancouver in the case that Ryan Getzlaf would not be able to play due to an ankle injury. Jeff Carter's greatest asset is his ability as a natural goal scoring with equal ability to play all three forward positions, as long as he has a puck distributor out there with him.
Patrice Bergeron(notes) - In a limited role at the 2010 Olympics Patrice Bergeron proved to be extremely effective. His scoring ability seems to have peaked early in his career, so his role would likely be reminiscent of the defensive zone face-off role he had in 2010 and as a penalty killer. It might not be glamorous, but it is role players like Bergeron that can mean the difference between gold and silver.
Close Calls: Dany Heatley(notes), Patrick Sharp(notes), Travis Zajac(notes), John Tavares(notes), Taylor Hall(notes)
Defensemen
Duncan Keith(notes) - The 2010 Norris Trophy winner should be as obvious a defensive choice as Sidney Crosby is an obvious choice for the forwards. Keith is great at all areas of the game, most notably his ability to join the rush.
Drew Doughty(notes) - The best defensive pairing in 2010 was Duncan Keith and Drew Doughty, and as Doughty matures that tandem could reunite to be even more level in 2014.
Shea Weber(notes) - He got a lot of press earlier in his career, though lately Shea Weber has fallen off the radar somewhat. That is because he has adapted his game into a more defensive style which has cut down on scoring, but he still possesses one of the most intimidating slapshots from the point.
Brent Seabrook(notes) - Brought to Vancouver in 2010 to play with his Chicago line mate Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook's role instead evolved into that of primarily a penalty killer. In that role Seabrook was extremely successful and, similar to Patrice Bergeron, is the type of character player needed to win.
Kris Letang(notes) - Judging by his 2010-11 scoring explosion, Kris Letang is a blue line powerhouse in the making. At times he still proves to be a defensive liability, but with time to fix that and tremendous offensive upside there is no question Letang will wear the maple leaf.
Brent Burns(notes) - Brent Burns tends to alternate between being injured and being one of the most offensively gifted blue liners in the NHL. If he can remain healthy and show steady play Burns will find himself playing significant power play time for his home country.
Chris Pronger(notes) - Pronger will be 40 years old in 2014, though (according to his Philadelphia Flyers contract) he will still be an active player. Even at that age, Chris Pronger should still be able to be effective. His game has never relied on foot speed, instead relying on his size, strength and passing ability. The minutes will not be 20-plus a game, but Chris Pronger will have a role.
Close Calls: Marc Staal(notes), Tyler Myers(notes), Mike Green(notes), PK Subban(notes), Dion Phaneuf(notes)
Goaltenders
Carey Price(notes) - Yes, Habs fans, Carey Price will be a member of Team Canada. After a couple years of doubt, Price has developed into the goaltender many believed he could be after his impressive rookie season.
Roberto Luongo(notes) - Winning gold in 2010 after usurping Martin Brodeur's(notes) net, Luongo deserves another shot. Unfortunately, by 2014 he will be 35 at the time and might find himself losing the starting position to a younger goalie after an embarrassing performance. Still, like Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo might not show any deterioration in his game until nearing 40 and could carry Canada to gold once again.
Marc-Andre Fleury(notes) - Fleury had to win Olympic gold while wearing a suit in 2010, and all signs are looking like Marc-Andre Fleury will have to do it again in 2014. Fleury is a good goaltender, but there always seems to be someone better.
Thursday, 13 January 2011
At least Rex comes by his chutzpah honestly
Lots of people would like to tell Rex Ryan and the Jets to shut up. Not his daddy. The patriarch of the trash-talking coaching clan says there are worse things than speaking your mind, no matter how much bulletin board material gets spewed.
"Guys get themselves ready to play all kinds of different ways," Buddy Ryan chuckled over the phone Thursday from his horse farm in Kentucky. "And the way I see it, talking is a hell of a lot better than puking."
Buddy has been out of the business for 15 years. He hasn't tasted crow in a long time.
"The only drawback," Ryan recalled ruefully a moment later, "is you better be able to back it up."
No word yet on whether the floor-cleaning crew at the Jets practice facility has been unusually busy ahead of this weekend's playoff matchup against the AFC rival Patriots at New England. But the occupants of the locker room certainly have done plenty of talking, beginning with Buddy's boy himself.
"This is about Bill Belichick versus Rex Ryan," New York's brash coach said Monday, to the surprise of exactly no one. "There's no question. It's personal."
Maybe so, but nowhere near as personal as the expletive Jets cornerbackAntonio Cromartie(notes) threw Tom Brady's(notes) way soon after. Cromartie explained he's long been unhappy about the way Brady punctuates his touchdown passes on occasions — by pointing at the opposing sideline — and said further that he wasn't the only defender in the NFL who felt that way.
Then he doubled down by daring New England's all-world quarterback to throw in his direction.
"I hope so, I really do," Cromartie said. "I hope he throws the ball 10 times my way. Make him pay."
Brady's comeback to the original insult wasn't bad. "I've been called worse," he said. Nor is it likely to be his final word on Cromartie in particular and the Jets in-your-face motivational ploys in general.
"We'll see on Sunday night at 7:30," Brady said. "That's when everybody will be able to tell whether it played a role or not."
It's worth noting here that Rex Ryan comes by his chutzpah honestly. He and twin brother, Rob, the defensive co-ordinator for the Cleveland Browns, trailed along in Buddy's wake while he worked as an assistant or head coach in a half-dozen NFL towns. The old man defined swagger. They rarely saw him hold his tongue.
"Here's the funny thing on that," Buddy said. "Everybody thinks I had something to do with it when the '85 Bears made that 'Super Bowl Shuffle' thing. It was 'Buddy told 'em this, Buddy told 'em that.' But I didn't even know they were making it."
So he would have stopped them?
"Hell, no," Buddy replied. "Wouldn't have made a difference anyway. … But if you want a bunch that could talk the talk AND walk the walk, it was that one."
Therein lies the problem. Few teams can back up their bravado that way. Talk first, lose later and you've practically engraved the invitation for a snappy comeback. Former receiver and current TV analyst Shannon Sharpe had several, though his best might have come at the expense of the Colts defense.
"Home Depot doesn't sell enough nails and plywood to fix what's wrong with that," is how he put it.
Just as original and classier still was the one authored by Hall of Fame hockey goalie Patrick Roy. He said he never even heard trash-talking because every time he cupped his hands behind his ears to listen, all those Stanley Cup rings on his fingers made it impossible to hear.
Even better, though, might be the one authored by flamboyant former cornerback and current NFL Network analyst "Neon" Deion Sanders. The man who spent as much time giving smack as he did receiving it intercepted a pass and then found himself at the bottom of the pile as his San Francisco 49ers were close to wrapping up their 1995 Super Bowl win over the Chargers.
Yelling in his ear was San Diego's Ronnie Harmon, hurling insults and challenging him to a fight. Instead of responding with his usual flair, Sanders stood up, dusted himself off and simply pointed at the horizon.
"Man," he whispered to Harmon, "you need to look up at that scoreboard."
___
Jim Litke is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at jlitke(at)ap.org
Auburn’s Cam Newton declares for draft
Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton will skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.
Auburn released a statement Thursday night announcing the quarterback's decision. Newton led the Tigers to their first NCAA title since 1957 and a 14-0 season with a 22-19 victory over Oregon on Monday night.
The dual-threat quarterback was both dynamic and controversial. He played under a cloud the last two months of the season after reports surfaced that his father, Cecil, shopped his services during Mississippi State's recruitment of his son.
Newton rushed for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns while passing for 2,854 yards and 30 TDs.
Robinson in hospital with rapid heartbeat
Hall of Famer Frank Robinson was in hospital Thursday because of a rapid heartbeat and dizziness, and later returned to a hotel to meet with baseball executives.
Robinson, 75, said doctors at Scottsdale Memorial Hospital told him he was "a little dry, not dehydrated, but a little dry." 
Otherwise, he said, they could find no reason that his heart rate jumped to 190. The typical rate for a healthy man is 60 to 80.
Robinson planned to go back to his Los Angeles home Thursday night and see his doctors there.
"I got checked out very thoroughly today and they gave me a clean bill of health," he said, "but I'll do it as a backup myself for my own satisfaction. I know my doctor will be calling me tonight telling me to get in there tomorrow. And I know my family will be after me to go."
Commissioner Bud Selig said tests on Robinson were negative for any serious problems.
Robinson is senior vice-president for baseball operations for the commissioner. He began feeling ill during a meeting with owners and general managers.
"It started about 10 minutes after I sat down there for the meeting," Robinson said. "I kept hoping that it would stop and go down and be normal.
"After about a half an hour it wasn't going down and I decided 'I should get out of here.'"
Robinson said he had never had never felt his heart race like that before. After being released from the hospital, he sat in for 45 minutes on a meeting of the special committee formed by Selig to explore possible changes in the game.
Although he felt fine, Robinson said he won't take his condition lightly.
"When the big motor starts ticking around," he said, "you leave it up to the doctors."
Said Selig: "It really shook me up badly."
"Frank and I have worked very closely together the last couple of years and I have enormous respect for him as a person and friend," he said.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Brady shrugs off criticism from Jets’ Cromartie
Tom Brady(notes) just wants to talk about football. The New York Jets won’t let him.
Day after noisy day, the mouths to the south keep moving. The quarterback tries to evade their onslaughts as if they were 300-pound pass rushers.
The latest blitz: Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie(notes) called the mop-topped leader of the New England Patriots an expletive.
“I’ve been called worse,” Brady said, brushing it off like the heavy snow that fell on Foxborough. “I’m sure there’s a long list of people who feel that way.
The message seemed to be aimed directly at Gilbert, who after James announced he was leaving for Miami as a free agent in July, wrote a scathing letter to Cleveland fans questioning the two-time MVP’s character and predicting he would take Cleveland’s curse with him “down south. … James will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.”
But before Miami’s game on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, James awkwardly attempted to explain his intent.
“It was just how I was feeling at the time,” he said. “It wasn’t even a comment from me, it was someone who sent it to me and I sent it out. It wasn’t towards that team. It definitely wasn’t a good showing by that team last night, I know they wish they would have played better, but nothing towards them.”
James never once mentioned the Cavs by name.
Cleveland’s 112-57 loss to the Lakers was the club’s 11th straight and the Cavs’ most lopsided since joining the league in 1970.
After the game, Cavs guard Mo Williams(notes) tweeted: “embarrassing, I feel like I can’t even show my face in Cleve.”
James and Gilbert have been at odds since the summer, when the superstar decided to join forces in Miami with fellow superstars Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes). In an interview with The Associated Press in the hours after James’ announcement during an hour-long TV special, Gilbert accused James of quitting in the playoffs the past two seasons.
And while both insist they’ve moved on, James’ tweet seems to show he has lingering bitterness toward Gilbert.
However, James denied that was the case.
“It wasn’t no hit at that franchise, no hit at that team, especially those players at all,” he said. “I’ve moved on and hopefully that organization is continuing to move on, but I’m happy where I am as a Miami Heat player.”
James’ social network message was poorly received in Cleveland, where fans still feel betrayed by him spurning them. It’s bad enough the Cavs are struggling, but James decided to kick them when they’re down.
“Everyone looks into everything that I say,” he said. “Everybody looked too far into it.”
James said he’s used the word karma throughout his life.
“Where I come from and my background I’ve always kind of used that to not take things for granted ever,” he said. “We all know how strong of a word it is.”
The Akron native was rudely received by Cleveland fans when he returned on Dec. 2. The Heat demolished the Cavs 118-90 that night, and both teams haven’t been the same since. Miami has gone 19-1 after their visit to Cleveland, while the Cavs are 1-20.
Little has gone right this season for Cleveland, which got off to a 7-9 start. But the losses have been mounting along with several key injuries. Last week, hustling center Anderson Varejao(notes) suffered a season-ending injury when he tore an ankle tendon during a non-contact running drill in practice.
But the Cavs, who had the league’s best regular-season record the past two seasons with James, were playing poorly before Varejao went down. Now, they can only hope they’ve reached rock bottom.
In their epic loss to the Lakers, the Cavs played three rookies for long stretches and established a new team record for fewest points. They also sustained their worst loss since getting beat 141-87 in the 11th game of their inaugural 1970 season.
The Lakers nearly doubled Cleveland’s point total. It was so bad that the Lakers could have gone scoreless in the second half—and still forced overtime! The blowout was especially disturbing to first-year Cleveland coach Byron Scott, a proud member of the Lakers’ “Showtime” teams.
“I thought that was embarrassing,” Scott said. “I told them at halftime, ‘You look scared. You look scared to death.’ That was my take on it, as simple as that.”
Cavs forward Antawn Jamison(notes) was at a loss for words.
“In 13 years, I can honestly say I ain’t ever felt that embarrassed to be on the basketball court,” he said. “There’s nothing else you can really say.”
AP Sports Writer Beth Harris in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
Day after noisy day, the mouths to the south keep moving. The quarterback tries to evade their onslaughts as if they were 300-pound pass rushers.
The latest blitz: Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie(notes) called the mop-topped leader of the New England Patriots an expletive.
“I’ve been called worse,” Brady said, brushing it off like the heavy snow that fell on Foxborough. “I’m sure there’s a long list of people who feel that way.
The message seemed to be aimed directly at Gilbert, who after James announced he was leaving for Miami as a free agent in July, wrote a scathing letter to Cleveland fans questioning the two-time MVP’s character and predicting he would take Cleveland’s curse with him “down south. … James will unfortunately own this dreaded spell and bad karma.”
But before Miami’s game on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Clippers, James awkwardly attempted to explain his intent.
“It was just how I was feeling at the time,” he said. “It wasn’t even a comment from me, it was someone who sent it to me and I sent it out. It wasn’t towards that team. It definitely wasn’t a good showing by that team last night, I know they wish they would have played better, but nothing towards them.”
James never once mentioned the Cavs by name.
Cleveland’s 112-57 loss to the Lakers was the club’s 11th straight and the Cavs’ most lopsided since joining the league in 1970.
After the game, Cavs guard Mo Williams(notes) tweeted: “embarrassing, I feel like I can’t even show my face in Cleve.”
James and Gilbert have been at odds since the summer, when the superstar decided to join forces in Miami with fellow superstars Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes). In an interview with The Associated Press in the hours after James’ announcement during an hour-long TV special, Gilbert accused James of quitting in the playoffs the past two seasons.
And while both insist they’ve moved on, James’ tweet seems to show he has lingering bitterness toward Gilbert.
However, James denied that was the case.
“It wasn’t no hit at that franchise, no hit at that team, especially those players at all,” he said. “I’ve moved on and hopefully that organization is continuing to move on, but I’m happy where I am as a Miami Heat player.”
James’ social network message was poorly received in Cleveland, where fans still feel betrayed by him spurning them. It’s bad enough the Cavs are struggling, but James decided to kick them when they’re down.
“Everyone looks into everything that I say,” he said. “Everybody looked too far into it.”
James said he’s used the word karma throughout his life.
“Where I come from and my background I’ve always kind of used that to not take things for granted ever,” he said. “We all know how strong of a word it is.”
The Akron native was rudely received by Cleveland fans when he returned on Dec. 2. The Heat demolished the Cavs 118-90 that night, and both teams haven’t been the same since. Miami has gone 19-1 after their visit to Cleveland, while the Cavs are 1-20.
Little has gone right this season for Cleveland, which got off to a 7-9 start. But the losses have been mounting along with several key injuries. Last week, hustling center Anderson Varejao(notes) suffered a season-ending injury when he tore an ankle tendon during a non-contact running drill in practice.
But the Cavs, who had the league’s best regular-season record the past two seasons with James, were playing poorly before Varejao went down. Now, they can only hope they’ve reached rock bottom.
In their epic loss to the Lakers, the Cavs played three rookies for long stretches and established a new team record for fewest points. They also sustained their worst loss since getting beat 141-87 in the 11th game of their inaugural 1970 season.
The Lakers nearly doubled Cleveland’s point total. It was so bad that the Lakers could have gone scoreless in the second half—and still forced overtime! The blowout was especially disturbing to first-year Cleveland coach Byron Scott, a proud member of the Lakers’ “Showtime” teams.
“I thought that was embarrassing,” Scott said. “I told them at halftime, ‘You look scared. You look scared to death.’ That was my take on it, as simple as that.”
Cavs forward Antawn Jamison(notes) was at a loss for words.
“In 13 years, I can honestly say I ain’t ever felt that embarrassed to be on the basketball court,” he said. “There’s nothing else you can really say.”
AP Sports Writer Beth Harris in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
Jets place OT Woody on IR
Damien Woody(notes) won’t get a chance to face his former team in the playoffs, and his absence could put a huge crimp in the New York Jets’ championship hopes.
The Jets placed their starting right tackle on injured reserve with a left Achilles’ tendon injury Wednesday. Woody returned from a right knee problem to play all but the final three plays of last weekend’s wild-card win at Indianapolis. He hurt the Achilles’ tendon on the final drive and was replaced by Wayne Hunter(notes), who will start Sunday at New England in the divisional round.
Hunter figures to see plenty of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vince Wilfork(notes), who has played on the outside frequently in the Patriots’ complex defense.
The last game, he was over D-Wood a lot,” Hunter said of Wilfork, “so I have to be ready for that. Vince is the man, stout and hard to move. He’s worthy of the Pro Bowl game.
“I don’t think they will change much. I’m not expecting more than what I see on film. If they do (change), so be it. I’ll be up to the challenge.”
Hunter started the last three games of the regular season while Woody was sidelined with the knee injury. Jets coach Rex Ryan expressed confidence in the seven-year veteran.
“We are fortunate we have Wayne Hunter,” Ryan said.
Ryan added he expects Woody, a 12-year veteran, to undergo surgery.
“It’s tough, because he worked his tail off to get back,” Ryan said. “Then he had a great challenge in front of him and did a great job against (Colts DE) Robert Mathis(notes). Now he doesn’t have the chance to play against his old team, New England.”
Woody spent five years with the Patriots, mostly as a center, before moving to the Lions for four seasons.
Hunter called his experience in wins over Pittsburgh and Buffalo and a loss to Chicago in December “real important. I’m happy I got in there heading into the playoffs. It will help me for this game.”
Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold(notes) praised Hunter for making sure he remained prepared if called on. Now, he’s being called on big time.
“The fact he’s kept his head in it, which a lot of times when you are not playing is tough, and he was keeping focused is very good,” Mangold said. “Wayne showed he’s staying ready and when he’s gotten in there, he’s done a good job.”
Ryan also said right guard Brandon Moore tweaked his back in the weight room, but the coach expects Moore to be fine for Sunday.
Kick returner Brad Smith(notes), who also is the Jets’ quarterback in their wildcat formation, hurt his groin at Indianapolis. He said his recovery is going well, but wouldn’t speculate whether he’ll be healthy enough for the New England game. Ryan said he’d be surprised if Smith can’t go.
Smith ranked second in the league in kickoff returns with a 28.6-yard average and had two runbacks for touchdowns this season. With him sidelined, starting cornerback Antonio Cromartie(notes) had a 47-yard kickoff return to set up the winning field goal drive against the Colts.
New York added wide receiver Patrick Turner(notes) to the active roster and signed guard Dennis Landolt(notes) to the practice squad.
The Jets placed their starting right tackle on injured reserve with a left Achilles’ tendon injury Wednesday. Woody returned from a right knee problem to play all but the final three plays of last weekend’s wild-card win at Indianapolis. He hurt the Achilles’ tendon on the final drive and was replaced by Wayne Hunter(notes), who will start Sunday at New England in the divisional round.
Hunter figures to see plenty of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vince Wilfork(notes), who has played on the outside frequently in the Patriots’ complex defense.
The last game, he was over D-Wood a lot,” Hunter said of Wilfork, “so I have to be ready for that. Vince is the man, stout and hard to move. He’s worthy of the Pro Bowl game.
“I don’t think they will change much. I’m not expecting more than what I see on film. If they do (change), so be it. I’ll be up to the challenge.”
Hunter started the last three games of the regular season while Woody was sidelined with the knee injury. Jets coach Rex Ryan expressed confidence in the seven-year veteran.
“We are fortunate we have Wayne Hunter,” Ryan said.
Ryan added he expects Woody, a 12-year veteran, to undergo surgery.
“It’s tough, because he worked his tail off to get back,” Ryan said. “Then he had a great challenge in front of him and did a great job against (Colts DE) Robert Mathis(notes). Now he doesn’t have the chance to play against his old team, New England.”
Woody spent five years with the Patriots, mostly as a center, before moving to the Lions for four seasons.
Hunter called his experience in wins over Pittsburgh and Buffalo and a loss to Chicago in December “real important. I’m happy I got in there heading into the playoffs. It will help me for this game.”
Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold(notes) praised Hunter for making sure he remained prepared if called on. Now, he’s being called on big time.
“The fact he’s kept his head in it, which a lot of times when you are not playing is tough, and he was keeping focused is very good,” Mangold said. “Wayne showed he’s staying ready and when he’s gotten in there, he’s done a good job.”
Ryan also said right guard Brandon Moore tweaked his back in the weight room, but the coach expects Moore to be fine for Sunday.
Kick returner Brad Smith(notes), who also is the Jets’ quarterback in their wildcat formation, hurt his groin at Indianapolis. He said his recovery is going well, but wouldn’t speculate whether he’ll be healthy enough for the New England game. Ryan said he’d be surprised if Smith can’t go.
Smith ranked second in the league in kickoff returns with a 28.6-yard average and had two runbacks for touchdowns this season. With him sidelined, starting cornerback Antonio Cromartie(notes) had a 47-yard kickoff return to set up the winning field goal drive against the Colts.
New York added wide receiver Patrick Turner(notes) to the active roster and signed guard Dennis Landolt(notes) to the practice squad.
Les Miles has a new 7-year contract at LSU
Les Miles made it clear, in his own particular way, that he is living in the present.
His nostalgia for Michigan, where he played, and his enduring pride in his alma mater could not outweigh the relationships he’s built in the past six seasons at LSU, where he’s won 62 games and five bowls, including the 2007 national title.
“I’m one of those guys that believe where you are at is where you live your life,” Miles said Wednesday shortly after LSU announced that the Tigers’ coach had agreed to a new contract that would keep him living down on the bayou for the next seven seasons.
The announcement of Miles’ new deal came two days after Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon flew to Baton Rouge to meet with Miles about the Wolverines’ coaching vacancy that has since been filled by Brady Hoke.
Miles’ annual salary will remain the same at a little more than $3.75 million. However, his new deal gives him three additional years and more opportunities win bonuses based on postseason success.
LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva said the contract will lend stability to a program that has already piled up an average of more than 10 victories a year since Miles arrived.
Miles said that stability would only make him a better recruiter and allow him to weather intermittent down years caused by injuries or unexpected departures of key players on account of personal or academic factors.
It also should make it easier for Miles to ignore his vocal critics. Miles has been lambasted on sports call-in shows in Louisiana and even booed in Tiger Stadium when the Tigers have struggled, as they did in a memorable narrow victory over Tennessee this past season. The Tigers initially appeared to lose that game on a botched play in the final seconds, only to be rescued by a Tennessee penalty.
Yet, Miles downplayed fans’ fair-weather treatment, chalking it up to a fringe element prone toward negativity.
“I bet you those people don’t sing the alma mater at the end of the game, and I bet you those people don’t have tears in their eyes when the Tigers take the field,” Miles said. “I began to understand that, as a part of love and appreciation for a team, just occasionally 2,500 knuckleheads might boo. I think I might want to be at a place where they care greatly for the work that you do and that it’s important that you do it well. If that means that, very rarely, one or two guys might boo, I kind of understand.”
It remains unclear how close Miles came to being offered the Michigan job. While Brandon has said that never happened, Miles said they had “a very substantial talk.”
“I was honored by their arrival. I enjoyed the communications, the conversations,” Miles said. “My alma mater just warmed my heart.”
Miles said he discussed his options with his wife and his children on Monday night, largely ignoring the telecast of the BCS championship game in which Auburn edged Oregon to run the Southeastern Conference’s string of national titles to five.
Miles’ wife, Kathy, had a central role in the decision, and “tears were shed,” the coach said. Miles also let his four children weigh in.
“Every one of my children are so happy here, enjoy being here, their friends, their things,” Miles said. “That’s not something that could not necessarily be maneuvered and replaced, but it did tell me they’re happy here and that was an important factor.”
All the while, Miles reflected on his commitments to current players and incoming recruits, as well as assistant coaches and officials in the LSU athletic department. He described struggling to sleep through the night and lying awake around 4 a.m., talking again with Kathy.
While he was leaning toward remaining at LSU, Miles said he had to consider the possibility that he could be persuaded to go to a place he’s loved since he played under the late Bo Schembechler, who later gave Miles his first assistant coaching job.
“I could not have met with Michigan without the potential of a different outcome,” Miles said. “I always allowed for that, but it kept comfortably returning to the people and the commitment. I enjoy this community.”
Miles also had the memory of LSU’s 41-24 Cotton Bowl triumph over Texas A&M fresh in his mind—the postgame celebration with his players and the howls of approval from rabid Tigers fans who’d traveled to Arlington, Texas.
As the team bus left Cowboys Stadium, Miles sat near redshirt freshman defensive end Sam Montgomery and freshman defensive back Tryann Mathieu. Mathieu had made big plays all season and had an interception against the Aggies. Montgomery was having early success as a pass rusher when his season was cut short by a knee injury. Miles considered their promising futures at LSU and all that went into bringing them to Baton Rouge.
“I told them I was going to be here when I recruited them, and for me not to respect those people that I committed to is just very difficult,” Miles said.
Then Miles, the so-called “Mad Hatter,” whose litany of quirky quotes inspired the creation of the website thequotablelesmiles.com, summed up his outlook in a way befitting his reputation.
“My strength and my weakness is loyalty,” Miles began, “and I’ll always see it as a strength.
His nostalgia for Michigan, where he played, and his enduring pride in his alma mater could not outweigh the relationships he’s built in the past six seasons at LSU, where he’s won 62 games and five bowls, including the 2007 national title.
“I’m one of those guys that believe where you are at is where you live your life,” Miles said Wednesday shortly after LSU announced that the Tigers’ coach had agreed to a new contract that would keep him living down on the bayou for the next seven seasons.
The announcement of Miles’ new deal came two days after Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon flew to Baton Rouge to meet with Miles about the Wolverines’ coaching vacancy that has since been filled by Brady Hoke.
Miles’ annual salary will remain the same at a little more than $3.75 million. However, his new deal gives him three additional years and more opportunities win bonuses based on postseason success.
LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva said the contract will lend stability to a program that has already piled up an average of more than 10 victories a year since Miles arrived.
Miles said that stability would only make him a better recruiter and allow him to weather intermittent down years caused by injuries or unexpected departures of key players on account of personal or academic factors.
It also should make it easier for Miles to ignore his vocal critics. Miles has been lambasted on sports call-in shows in Louisiana and even booed in Tiger Stadium when the Tigers have struggled, as they did in a memorable narrow victory over Tennessee this past season. The Tigers initially appeared to lose that game on a botched play in the final seconds, only to be rescued by a Tennessee penalty.
Yet, Miles downplayed fans’ fair-weather treatment, chalking it up to a fringe element prone toward negativity.
“I bet you those people don’t sing the alma mater at the end of the game, and I bet you those people don’t have tears in their eyes when the Tigers take the field,” Miles said. “I began to understand that, as a part of love and appreciation for a team, just occasionally 2,500 knuckleheads might boo. I think I might want to be at a place where they care greatly for the work that you do and that it’s important that you do it well. If that means that, very rarely, one or two guys might boo, I kind of understand.”
It remains unclear how close Miles came to being offered the Michigan job. While Brandon has said that never happened, Miles said they had “a very substantial talk.”
“I was honored by their arrival. I enjoyed the communications, the conversations,” Miles said. “My alma mater just warmed my heart.”
Miles said he discussed his options with his wife and his children on Monday night, largely ignoring the telecast of the BCS championship game in which Auburn edged Oregon to run the Southeastern Conference’s string of national titles to five.
Miles’ wife, Kathy, had a central role in the decision, and “tears were shed,” the coach said. Miles also let his four children weigh in.
“Every one of my children are so happy here, enjoy being here, their friends, their things,” Miles said. “That’s not something that could not necessarily be maneuvered and replaced, but it did tell me they’re happy here and that was an important factor.”
All the while, Miles reflected on his commitments to current players and incoming recruits, as well as assistant coaches and officials in the LSU athletic department. He described struggling to sleep through the night and lying awake around 4 a.m., talking again with Kathy.
While he was leaning toward remaining at LSU, Miles said he had to consider the possibility that he could be persuaded to go to a place he’s loved since he played under the late Bo Schembechler, who later gave Miles his first assistant coaching job.
“I could not have met with Michigan without the potential of a different outcome,” Miles said. “I always allowed for that, but it kept comfortably returning to the people and the commitment. I enjoy this community.”
Miles also had the memory of LSU’s 41-24 Cotton Bowl triumph over Texas A&M fresh in his mind—the postgame celebration with his players and the howls of approval from rabid Tigers fans who’d traveled to Arlington, Texas.
As the team bus left Cowboys Stadium, Miles sat near redshirt freshman defensive end Sam Montgomery and freshman defensive back Tryann Mathieu. Mathieu had made big plays all season and had an interception against the Aggies. Montgomery was having early success as a pass rusher when his season was cut short by a knee injury. Miles considered their promising futures at LSU and all that went into bringing them to Baton Rouge.
“I told them I was going to be here when I recruited them, and for me not to respect those people that I committed to is just very difficult,” Miles said.
Then Miles, the so-called “Mad Hatter,” whose litany of quirky quotes inspired the creation of the website thequotablelesmiles.com, summed up his outlook in a way befitting his reputation.
“My strength and my weakness is loyalty,” Miles began, “and I’ll always see it as a strength.
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Johnson not holding breath waiting for Nets trade
Listening to Nets coach Avery Johnson, the monster deal to bring Carmelo Anthony(notes) from Denver to New Jersey might be on hold. 
Hours before leaving for a four-game west coast road trip, Johnson said that he doesn’t expect any roster changes during the journey.
Johnson refused to guarantee there wouldn’t be any changes, but it might be tough to make a deal involving more than a dozen players, including eight from the Nets, with the team playing four games in six days.
The much-publicized deal would have the Nets sending point guard Devin Harris(notes), rookie power forward Derrick Favors(notes), veteran Troy Murphy(notes) and others, to either Denver or Detroit in a swap that would land Anthony in New Jersey with Chauncey Billups(notes), Richard Hamilton(notes) and others.
Hours before leaving for a four-game west coast road trip, Johnson said that he doesn’t expect any roster changes during the journey.
Johnson refused to guarantee there wouldn’t be any changes, but it might be tough to make a deal involving more than a dozen players, including eight from the Nets, with the team playing four games in six days.
The much-publicized deal would have the Nets sending point guard Devin Harris(notes), rookie power forward Derrick Favors(notes), veteran Troy Murphy(notes) and others, to either Denver or Detroit in a swap that would land Anthony in New Jersey with Chauncey Billups(notes), Richard Hamilton(notes) and others.
All-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman retires at 43
SAN DIEGO (AP)—Baseball’s all-time saves leader Trevor Hoffman(notes) has thrown his final changeup, deciding at age 43 to retire and return to the San Diego Padres in a front office job.
Known for his high leg kick, menacing glare and deceptive changeup, Hoffman recorded 601 saves in 18 seasons, 15 1/2 of them with the Padres.
“It was a little bit of self-reflection, trying to be honest with where I was at in my career skill-wise, and realizing that it was a time for a change, a change in venue, in a sense,” Hoffman told The Associated Press on Tuesday. “It’s turning the page, a new chapter in my life.”
Hoffman had a difficult 2010 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, losing his job as closer. Still, he said he didn’t want to rush to a decision about his future.
“It was a tough year, and I didn’t want to make it off how things turned out,” he said. “I wanted to see how it played out in the offseason. The new year is the time to crank it up and get ready for the new season.”
He felt he could still pitch. Knowing that West Coast teams were set, he didn’t want to pitch too far away from his family.
“I definitely could have pitched in the big leagues, but that was part of the self-reflection part: Do I have enough in the tank to be a closer and help get the team to the postseason?” he said. “There’s a certain level of play I wanted to play at, but if I couldn’t match what I’d done in the past, I wouldn’t be doing another team justice.”
Hoffman, who was converted from shortstop to pitcher in the minor leagues, knows people will always talk about his stats.
“What I’ll take away from it is I’ll have no regrets,” he said. “I went at the game 100 percent and didn’t leave myself with any questions. I got the most out of what I was given.”
Hoffman was acquired as a rookie from the Florida Marlins in 1993 during the Padres’ infamous “Fire Sale” that stripped away most of their high-paid veterans. He left San Diego as a free agent following the 2008 season after contract talks abruptly ended, and pitched with the Milwaukee for two seasons.
Padres co-owner Jeff Moorad said Hoffman will spend the next year familiarizing himself with several departments, including baseball operations, and then the two sides will determine what area is best for him.
“Clearly, Trevor is one of the most significant players that the organization has ever had and we felt it only appropriate for him to return to the Padres family,” Moorad told the AP. “We’re thrilled that he was agreeable with coming back.”
Hoffman said he’ll “help out where I can, be a jack-of-all-trades. I’ll learn the sides of the game I haven’t been exposed to.”
Moorad said the sides decided against having Hoffman return to the team for one day before retiring.
“Given the seriousness with which Trevor is approaching his next stage of his life, I don’t think he or we cared to focus on the theatrics,” Moorad said.
The Padres will discuss Hoffman’s job at a news conference at Petco Park on Wednesday morning.
The Padres abruptly pulled a contract offer off the table following the 2008 season, leading to a less-than-amicable parting for a player who had become the face of the franchise after Tony Gwynn(notes) retired following the 2001 season. The front office has changed dramatically since then.
Although Hoffman struggled toward the end of his Padres tenure, his home save opportunities were always lively because AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” began blaring from the sound system the instant he started jogging in from the bullpen.
He became the career saves leader when he notched No. 479 at home on Sept. 24, 2006, breaking the previous mark of 478 by Lee Smith. The following June, Hoffman reached 500, also at home and against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
He had 552 saves with the Padres.
Then an unknown rookie, Hoffman had two saves for Florida in 1993 before being acquired by the Padres on June 24, 1993, along with two other players for Gary Sheffield(notes) and Rich Rodriguez. Then-general manager Randy Smith said the Padres received “value for value” in the deal. But fans, steamed at the exodus of talent, booed Hoffman during his first several appearances. As he grew into the closer’s role, it was clear Smith had indeed traded for a valuable player.
Hoffman was brilliant in his first season in Milwaukee, converting 37 of 41 save opportunities with a 1.83 ERA.
He also relished his role of no longer being a vocal leader or face of a franchise like he was all those years in San Diego. He organized conditioning drills and games of football for the relievers before that night’s contest and enjoyed riding into Miller Park on a skateboard that he picked up in Wisconsin.
But after signing a new contract to stay in Milwaukee, last season became a struggle. Hoffman blew five of his first 10 save opportunities and was passed over by rookie John Axford(notes) while his ERA ballooned to 13.15 early in the season.
Hoffman eventually returned to a setup role, but only got sporadic save opportunities—including No. 600 on Sept. 7, the most memorable moment of a forgettable season for the Brewers.
MLB.com first reported Hoffman’s retirement.
AP Sports Writer Colin Fly in Milwaukee contributed to this report.
Known for his high leg kick, menacing glare and deceptive changeup, Hoffman recorded 601 saves in 18 seasons, 15 1/2 of them with the Padres.
“It was a little bit of self-reflection, trying to be honest with where I was at in my career skill-wise, and realizing that it was a time for a change, a change in venue, in a sense,” Hoffman told The Associated Press on Tuesday. “It’s turning the page, a new chapter in my life.”
Hoffman had a difficult 2010 season with the Milwaukee Brewers, losing his job as closer. Still, he said he didn’t want to rush to a decision about his future.
“It was a tough year, and I didn’t want to make it off how things turned out,” he said. “I wanted to see how it played out in the offseason. The new year is the time to crank it up and get ready for the new season.”
He felt he could still pitch. Knowing that West Coast teams were set, he didn’t want to pitch too far away from his family.
“I definitely could have pitched in the big leagues, but that was part of the self-reflection part: Do I have enough in the tank to be a closer and help get the team to the postseason?” he said. “There’s a certain level of play I wanted to play at, but if I couldn’t match what I’d done in the past, I wouldn’t be doing another team justice.”
Hoffman, who was converted from shortstop to pitcher in the minor leagues, knows people will always talk about his stats.
“What I’ll take away from it is I’ll have no regrets,” he said. “I went at the game 100 percent and didn’t leave myself with any questions. I got the most out of what I was given.”
Hoffman was acquired as a rookie from the Florida Marlins in 1993 during the Padres’ infamous “Fire Sale” that stripped away most of their high-paid veterans. He left San Diego as a free agent following the 2008 season after contract talks abruptly ended, and pitched with the Milwaukee for two seasons.
Padres co-owner Jeff Moorad said Hoffman will spend the next year familiarizing himself with several departments, including baseball operations, and then the two sides will determine what area is best for him.
“Clearly, Trevor is one of the most significant players that the organization has ever had and we felt it only appropriate for him to return to the Padres family,” Moorad told the AP. “We’re thrilled that he was agreeable with coming back.”
Hoffman said he’ll “help out where I can, be a jack-of-all-trades. I’ll learn the sides of the game I haven’t been exposed to.”
Moorad said the sides decided against having Hoffman return to the team for one day before retiring.
“Given the seriousness with which Trevor is approaching his next stage of his life, I don’t think he or we cared to focus on the theatrics,” Moorad said.
The Padres will discuss Hoffman’s job at a news conference at Petco Park on Wednesday morning.
The Padres abruptly pulled a contract offer off the table following the 2008 season, leading to a less-than-amicable parting for a player who had become the face of the franchise after Tony Gwynn(notes) retired following the 2001 season. The front office has changed dramatically since then.
Although Hoffman struggled toward the end of his Padres tenure, his home save opportunities were always lively because AC/DC’s “Hells Bells” began blaring from the sound system the instant he started jogging in from the bullpen.
He became the career saves leader when he notched No. 479 at home on Sept. 24, 2006, breaking the previous mark of 478 by Lee Smith. The following June, Hoffman reached 500, also at home and against the rival Los Angeles Dodgers.
He had 552 saves with the Padres.
Then an unknown rookie, Hoffman had two saves for Florida in 1993 before being acquired by the Padres on June 24, 1993, along with two other players for Gary Sheffield(notes) and Rich Rodriguez. Then-general manager Randy Smith said the Padres received “value for value” in the deal. But fans, steamed at the exodus of talent, booed Hoffman during his first several appearances. As he grew into the closer’s role, it was clear Smith had indeed traded for a valuable player.
Hoffman was brilliant in his first season in Milwaukee, converting 37 of 41 save opportunities with a 1.83 ERA.
He also relished his role of no longer being a vocal leader or face of a franchise like he was all those years in San Diego. He organized conditioning drills and games of football for the relievers before that night’s contest and enjoyed riding into Miller Park on a skateboard that he picked up in Wisconsin.
But after signing a new contract to stay in Milwaukee, last season became a struggle. Hoffman blew five of his first 10 save opportunities and was passed over by rookie John Axford(notes) while his ERA ballooned to 13.15 early in the season.
Hoffman eventually returned to a setup role, but only got sporadic save opportunities—including No. 600 on Sept. 7, the most memorable moment of a forgettable season for the Brewers.
MLB.com first reported Hoffman’s retirement.
AP Sports Writer Colin Fly in Milwaukee contributed to this report.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Hasselbeck to start for Seattle vs. New Orleans
RENTON, Wash. (AP)—By this point, the pleading with coaches was done. Matt Hasselbeck(notes) knew he wasn’t going to start what could potentially be the last game he ever played for the Seattle Seahawks.
Instead of sulking, outwardly showing any bitterness or anger while Charlie Whitehurst(notes) took the snaps in Seattle’s biggest game in nearly three years, the only quarterback to ever lead the Seahawks to the Super Bowl stepped to the middle of Seattle’s spacious locker room at Qwest Field last Sunday evening.
“I think it was important that I offer something,” Hasselbeck said Thursday
There, in the minutes before the NFC West title was to be determined with Hasselbeck on the sideline—in uniform but essentially just a spectator— Hasselbeck gave an impassioned speech about the opportunity that awaited his teammates. That Seattle could retake control of a division it dominated for four straight seasons, only to collapse into a mess of just nine wins and a pair of coaching changes in consecutive seasons.
“It meant a lot for him to come out and be as vocal as he was, and take charge and still be a leader. Some guys have a tendency to sit back when they’re not playing. They tend not to take their leadership role and some guys look for them not to be leaders because they’re not playing,” Seattle receiver Ben Obomanu(notes) said. “He stepped up to the plate and let Charlie know he supported him and let all of us know he would be there to support us.”
Hasselbeck will be back out there on Saturday when the unlikely Seahawks host New Orleans in the NFC playoffs. After watching impatiently a week ago as Whitehurst led Seattle to a division-clinching 16-6 win over St. Louis, Seattle coach Pete Carroll is turning to his experienced playoff veteran.
Hasselbeck was the starter the last nine times Seattle played a postseason game. He’s won the last four they’ve played at Qwest Field.
And Saturday could be the last time he ever takes snaps for the Seahawks.
“As we saw this year with the amount of turnover we had, you never know when your last day could be and that goes for everybody,” Hasselbeck said. “I’m excited. Anybody who has played here when the crowd is really into it, it’s always a lot of fun. Hopefully we can keep that rolling.”
Hasselbeck’s contract with the Seahawks expires at the end of the season. He repeated on Thursday a desire to retire in Seattle. After 10 seasons, 147 regular and postseason games appeared in and the only NFC championship the club has ever claimed, Hasselbeck could be on his way out.
Hasselbeck’s future was placed in doubt the moment Seattle traded a second-round pick to San Diego and signed Whitehurst to an $8 million, two-year contract. The move was part of Carroll’s constant refrain of competition being at the center of everything the Seahawks do, and while Whitehurst failed to win the job during training camp and has only seen spot duty this year, the move was a signal that Hasselbeck’s future beyond 2010 in Seattle wasn’t guaranteed.
If anyone understands that feeling, the situation Hasselbeck is facing, it’s his opposing quarterback this Saturday, Drew Brees(notes). In 2004, with Brees the centerpiece of San Diego’s offense, the Chargers brought in Philip Rivers(notes) as his eventual replacement. For two seasons, Brees played with Rivers waiting for his opportunity.
“At the end of the 2005 season, it was on my mind just as to, ‘Are they going to extend me to a long-term offer or do they feel like they’ve got their quarterback in the building already? Are they just going to let me walk, or whatever?”’ Brees said. “That’s part of the sport. Every team has a few of those guys that, each year, you’re not sure what’s going to happen the next year, where you’re going to be.”
Brees eventually landed in New Orleans, where his career has flourished, reaching its pinnacle last season with his first Super Bowl title. But when Brees landed in the Big Easy, he was 27 years old.
Hasselbeck will turn 36 in the first month of next season.
“I think he’s still got a lot of good years left in him but I guess only time will tell,” Brees said.
Brees saw that first hand earlier this season when Hasselbeck solved Gregg Williams’ complicated defensive schemes and threw for 366 yards against the Saints. It was the most yards passing allowed this season by the Saints and the fourth-highest total in Hasselbeck’s career.
But even that was bested by Brees on that day as he threw for 382 yards and four touchdowns in the Saints’ 34-19 victory.
“He’s a guy I look up to in a lot of ways,” Hasselbeck said of Brees. “He’s just done a great job of on- and off-the-field leading his team, leading the people around him.”
By playing on Saturday, Hasselbeck can at least ensure the potential final image of his career in Seattle isn’t watching him score on a 1-yard touchdown run in Tampa Bay the day after Christmas, then going to a knee in the end zone after aggravating his hip injury. Hasselbeck wasn’t touched, wasn’t even threatened by a defender on the play—his third rushing TD of the season, a new career high.
But this hasn’t been a banner season. He’s thrown 17 interceptions versus just 12 touchdowns and was booed off the field at home against Atlanta just a few weeks ago.
Saturday is his opportunity to right his season and perhaps make a statement about next year.
“For me the most special thing was coming here, we really weren’t a very good team. It was hard to get this thing turned back around and get something special built here,” Hasselbeck said. “So I take so much pride in that and for the opportunity I was given.
AP Sports Writer Brett Martel in New Orleans contributed to this report.
AP sources Harbaugh meets with Dolphins owner
MIAMI (AP)—Jim Harbaugh’s blowout victory in the Orange Bowl made a big impression on Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.
The Stanford coach met Thursday with Ross in the San Francisco area about the Dolphins’ job, two people with knowledge of the situation said.
Both spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the meeting was to remain confidential. One of them said there was no agreement as of mid-afternoon in California, and Ross’ plane left San Jose a short time later for Florida.
ESPN was first to report Harbaugh’s meeting with Ross. Harbaugh met Wednesday with the San Francisco 49ers about their coaching vacancy. He may consider other suitors as well and hasn’t ruled out remaining at Stanford.
Talks with the Dolphins were expected to continue even while Tony Sparano remained Miami’s coach. A late-season collapse by the Dolphins left Sparano’s job in jeopardy.
While Stanford may lose Harbaugh, Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck opted to stay in college to get his degree instead of immediately cashing in on the riches of being the likely No. 1 pick in the NFL draft. Luck announced his decision Thursday.
Harbaugh returned Tuesday to the Bay Area following Stanford’s 40-12 Orange Bowl victory over Virginia Tech in the stadium Ross owns. Ross, Dolphins CEO Mike Dee and general manager Jeff Ireland were on the Stanford sideline before the game.
Harbaugh was a star quarterback at Michigan, which also has a coaching vacancy. But Wolverines athletic director Dave Brandon has said he expects Harbaugh to take an NFL job.
Ross is also a Michigan graduate and a major contributor to the university. The school of business carries his name.
Landing Harbaugh will require a significant financial commitment. New Denver Broncos chief football executive John Elway has said he hopes to interview Harbaugh for their job, and new 49ers general manager Trent Baalke is looking for the coach to replace Mike Singletary, who was fired.
If Harbaugh reaches an agreement with the Dolphins, he would become their sixth coach since 2004. They haven’t won a playoff game since 2000 and haven’t reached the Super Bowl since 1984.
Sparano has a year left on his contract, but a late-season collapse may have sealed his fate. He has been working this week at the team’s complex in Davie, Fla., and when he took an afternoon walk Thursday, he encountered a cluster of media staking out the facility.
“You guys need to find a better hobby,” Sparano said.
While the Dolphins don’t technically having a coaching vacancy, they also must comply with the NFL’s Rooney Rule, which requires any team with a head coaching vacancy to interview at least one minority candidate. Harbaugh is the only candidate they’re known to have interviewed.
Miami decided to make courting Harbaugh its first priority. He’s 58-27 overall as a college coach and 29-21 in four seasons at Stanford. He took over a 1-11 team when he was hired in December 2006 and quickly transformed the program. The Cardinal set a school record for victories this season by going 12-1.
Harbaugh played 15 seasons in the NFL for the Bears, Colts, Ravens, Chargers and Panthers. He also has NFL coaching experience—he was the Raiders’ quarterbacks coach in 2002-03, then spent three seasons as head coach at the University of San Diego.
Harbaugh’s brother, John, is the coach of the Baltimore Ravens, who are in the AFC playoffs.
Ross said before the season he expected the Dolphins to reach the Super Bowl. Instead, for the eighth time in nine years they failed to reach the playoffs, losing their final three games to finish 7-9.
They endured a 38-7 drubbing at New England on Sunday and lost at home in December to three sub-.500 teams. Their 1-7 home record matched the worst in franchise history.
Sparano, who led Miami to that lone postseason berth in 2008, has a three-year record of 25-23.
AP Sports Writer Janie McCauley in San Francisco contributed to this report.
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