The Tampa Bay Rays have a huge decision ahead of them. Rookie right-handed pitcher Jeremy Hellickson put up another gem against the Baltimore Orioles Sunday afternoon (8/15) in front of a crowd of nearly 30,000. Hellickson made his third start of the season allowing three hits, one walk, and five strike outs through six innings in a game that is considered his worst start of the season. The Rays won 3-2 thanks to Carl Crawford’s two-RBI game and, of course, Hellickson’s stellar performance. Hellickson is the first player in the modern era to pitch at least six innings and allow three hits or fewer in his first three major-league starts. The young man is three and 0 and pitches like he doesn’t have a pulse. So what do the Rays do with him?
There has been chatter that the Rays may go to a six-man rotation, but apparently James Shields isn’t cool with that, which is hilarious considering “Big Game” James is the weak link in this fine stable of pitchers the Rays have assembled. Once Jeff Neimann and Wade Davis return from the DL, Hellickson will most likely head to the bullpen. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I think going with a six-man rotation is a great call considering David Price’s pitch count is extremely high for this point in the season and they’ll need him fresh for the playoffs. Having a sixth man would also allow the walking wounded like Neimann an extra day of rest before it’s his turn to start.
Like Price, Hellickson’s season pitch count is also high. He’s had a ton of starts while he played in Durham - Tampa Bays Triple-A affiliate - and has pitched deep into games while in the minors, so that’s something the Rays organization needs to keep an eye on. He’s a young kid and they certainly don’t want to wear him out so early in his professional career. There’s a better than average chance his nasty stuff will be called upon, especially once the 2010 Playoffs begin.
The Rays have a good problem on their hands. Jeremy Hellickson has shown us that, even when he plays poorly, he can pitch exceptionally well and positively contribute to a Rays team that is post-season bound and is knocking on an A.L. East title. Hellickson’s season stats so far: 1.35 ERA and only three total earned runs. Freaking. Legendary.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
FSU's Fortson Dismissed
Florida State junior wide receiver Jarmon Fortson has been dismissed from FSU for committing the same infraction multiple times, according to Warchant.com, a Rivals/Yahoo sports network. The specific term used was “Violation of Team Policy,” which only clouds speculation as to what actually happened. Sources have revealed that Fortson failed multiple drug tests and head coach Jimbo Fisher had no choice but to release the talented wide out.
Fortson is best remembered for dropping what would have been the game winning touchdown in the opening game last year against Miami. He did an excellent job of rebounding from that loss and made spectacular catches throughout the rest of the 2009 season.
Jimbo Fisher does not receive any praise for this dismissal. Fortson had to be booted via NCAA rules and I wonder if Jimbo would’ve kept Fortson on the team if the NCAA didn’t have these regulations in place. I’ll give Fisher kudos if he dismisses Nigel Carr next, but he’s not going to get one for doing what he’s supposed to. I don’t get credit for paying my taxes; Jimbo shouldn’t get any for validly throwing a player off of his team.
Fortson was on pace to have a breakout season with a veteran quarterback slinging him the ball and multiple speedy wide outs to help alleviate him of any double teams. If there is one good thing to come out of this debacle its wide receiver may be the deepest position FSU has on the team. This leaves the door wide open for sophomores Willie Haulstead and Rodney Smith.
Hopefully others on the team learn, but I highly doubt it. Good luck to Fortson and all his future endeavors.
@TPAKnucklehead
tampaknucklehead@gmail.com
Fortson is best remembered for dropping what would have been the game winning touchdown in the opening game last year against Miami. He did an excellent job of rebounding from that loss and made spectacular catches throughout the rest of the 2009 season.
Jimbo Fisher does not receive any praise for this dismissal. Fortson had to be booted via NCAA rules and I wonder if Jimbo would’ve kept Fortson on the team if the NCAA didn’t have these regulations in place. I’ll give Fisher kudos if he dismisses Nigel Carr next, but he’s not going to get one for doing what he’s supposed to. I don’t get credit for paying my taxes; Jimbo shouldn’t get any for validly throwing a player off of his team.
Fortson was on pace to have a breakout season with a veteran quarterback slinging him the ball and multiple speedy wide outs to help alleviate him of any double teams. If there is one good thing to come out of this debacle its wide receiver may be the deepest position FSU has on the team. This leaves the door wide open for sophomores Willie Haulstead and Rodney Smith.
Hopefully others on the team learn, but I highly doubt it. Good luck to Fortson and all his future endeavors.
@TPAKnucklehead
tampaknucklehead@gmail.com
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Chris Rainey: Ultimate Bonehead
University of Florida wide receiver Chris Rainey has a loaded, loud mouth and he isn’t afraid to use it. The former running back, turned wide out has been reprimanded by Urban Meyer on multiple occasions. As a matter of fact, Meyer has told Rainey that he expects the senior to think about his answers 24-hours in advance before ever addressing himself, his coaches, teammates, and most importantly the media. Well, Rainey decided to ignore his coach’s warning and dropped a major bomb. “I guess we got rid of the prima donnas – all the selfish cats” said Rainey during one of the Gators summer practices, according to the Miami Herald. Bone. Head.
Mr. Rainey, exactly whom do you speak of? Is it your All-American middle linebacker that was the backbone to a dominating defense last season? How about a reliable tight end that bailed the offense out week after week? Or - and the thought is repulsive – is it one super athlete that won a Heisman trophy and is cherished by Gator Nation? No…No!
I don’t care who he’s referring too. Chris Rainey might be one of the dumbest young men to ever get in front of a microphone. Way to keep team morale together, Rainey. Terrell Owens thinks you said something overboard. And this isn’t the first time Rainey has been caught with questionable quotes. As a senior at Lakeland High School, he talked about how people in Lakeland just give him money and gifts all of the time, which is a huge recruiting and NCAA violation. It led to his now famous statement, “Damn, I’m glad I’m Chris Rainey.” He later retracted his statement at the advice of his head coach. Rainey went off again his freshman year at UF and I quote, “I’m a white woman man” in reference to all the attractive co-eds he sees on a daily basis. Good for you, Chris. Just don’t pull a Travis Henry, big guy.
This isn’t the first time a Gator player has said something controversial this year. Google Deonte Thompson and, “You know, a real quarterback” and enjoy that melee.
When is Urban Meyer going to be held accountable and responsible for what his players say to the media? That’s the popular question now in the college football world. When are the coaches accountable? Turning a blind eye and saying, “I didn’t know” is not going to cut it anymore.
So, Mr. Rainey, enjoy your senior season at UF. Just remember to learn from your adoptive brother, and former teammate, Maurkice Pouncey and don’t accept $100 grand from an agent…allegedly. Make sure you use good judgment when speaking to a beautiful co-ed, regardless of skin tone. And most importantly, never, and I mean never tell anyone who you meant when referring to “prima donnas.” I think we all know who you’re talking about, but Gator Nation will tear you limb from limb if you actually let it all out. Have a great year. Just keep quiet.
tampaknucklehead@gmail.com
@TPAKnucklehead
Mr. Rainey, exactly whom do you speak of? Is it your All-American middle linebacker that was the backbone to a dominating defense last season? How about a reliable tight end that bailed the offense out week after week? Or - and the thought is repulsive – is it one super athlete that won a Heisman trophy and is cherished by Gator Nation? No…No!
I don’t care who he’s referring too. Chris Rainey might be one of the dumbest young men to ever get in front of a microphone. Way to keep team morale together, Rainey. Terrell Owens thinks you said something overboard. And this isn’t the first time Rainey has been caught with questionable quotes. As a senior at Lakeland High School, he talked about how people in Lakeland just give him money and gifts all of the time, which is a huge recruiting and NCAA violation. It led to his now famous statement, “Damn, I’m glad I’m Chris Rainey.” He later retracted his statement at the advice of his head coach. Rainey went off again his freshman year at UF and I quote, “I’m a white woman man” in reference to all the attractive co-eds he sees on a daily basis. Good for you, Chris. Just don’t pull a Travis Henry, big guy.
This isn’t the first time a Gator player has said something controversial this year. Google Deonte Thompson and, “You know, a real quarterback” and enjoy that melee.
When is Urban Meyer going to be held accountable and responsible for what his players say to the media? That’s the popular question now in the college football world. When are the coaches accountable? Turning a blind eye and saying, “I didn’t know” is not going to cut it anymore.
So, Mr. Rainey, enjoy your senior season at UF. Just remember to learn from your adoptive brother, and former teammate, Maurkice Pouncey and don’t accept $100 grand from an agent…allegedly. Make sure you use good judgment when speaking to a beautiful co-ed, regardless of skin tone. And most importantly, never, and I mean never tell anyone who you meant when referring to “prima donnas.” I think we all know who you’re talking about, but Gator Nation will tear you limb from limb if you actually let it all out. Have a great year. Just keep quiet.
tampaknucklehead@gmail.com
@TPAKnucklehead
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Soriano Deserves MVP Honors
No, I don’t mean A.L. MVP honors. Instead, I mean when that vote comes out by the A.P. voters - I think - and they announce who they believe is each team’s MVP for that season…yeah, that MVP.
Imagine if Tampa Bay Rays right-handed closer Rafael Soriano was on this squad last season. Imagine how many more wins there would’ve been. Remember all of the blown saves last year? Remember that epic night in Cleveland on Memorial Day when the Rays were smoking the Indians only to allow them to score like 15-runs in the bottom of the 9th, which preceded one of the most painful losses in Rays history? Or how about when Jason Bartlett blasted a bomb against Seattle during a 13-inning game to take the lead? Remember how confident we all felt with J.P. Howell coming out to close? Yeah, he gave up a 2-run shot that left the Rays’ dugout looking completely lost and dejected.
I’m not here to dwell on last season’s failures. It’s done…gone, whatever, but it’s fun to pretend and use a hypothetical, right? What I’m getting at is this squad may not have the record it currently holds without Soriano closing out some tough and tight games. He currently is the A.L. leader in saves and is tied for the lead in the M.L. Joaquin Benoit has exceeded expectations and he might’ve been the closer at some point if there wasn’t a Rafael Soriano on board, but number 29 has been lights out.
The guy has ice in his veins, shows zero emotion, and does what he’s supposed to do…close out games and get the Rays a victory.
Longoria’s the pretty boy that shows up on TV and on the cover of video games. Carl Crawford is the current superhero on staff that the league holds in the highest regards. And Rafael Soriano is the quiet kid who gracefully flows to the pitcher’s mound when called upon and succeeds in putting opponents away. Thankless. Humble. MVP.
Imagine if Tampa Bay Rays right-handed closer Rafael Soriano was on this squad last season. Imagine how many more wins there would’ve been. Remember all of the blown saves last year? Remember that epic night in Cleveland on Memorial Day when the Rays were smoking the Indians only to allow them to score like 15-runs in the bottom of the 9th, which preceded one of the most painful losses in Rays history? Or how about when Jason Bartlett blasted a bomb against Seattle during a 13-inning game to take the lead? Remember how confident we all felt with J.P. Howell coming out to close? Yeah, he gave up a 2-run shot that left the Rays’ dugout looking completely lost and dejected.
I’m not here to dwell on last season’s failures. It’s done…gone, whatever, but it’s fun to pretend and use a hypothetical, right? What I’m getting at is this squad may not have the record it currently holds without Soriano closing out some tough and tight games. He currently is the A.L. leader in saves and is tied for the lead in the M.L. Joaquin Benoit has exceeded expectations and he might’ve been the closer at some point if there wasn’t a Rafael Soriano on board, but number 29 has been lights out.
The guy has ice in his veins, shows zero emotion, and does what he’s supposed to do…close out games and get the Rays a victory.
Longoria’s the pretty boy that shows up on TV and on the cover of video games. Carl Crawford is the current superhero on staff that the league holds in the highest regards. And Rafael Soriano is the quiet kid who gracefully flows to the pitcher’s mound when called upon and succeeds in putting opponents away. Thankless. Humble. MVP.
FSU's Carr Needs To Go
If you haven’t heard by now, Florida State linebacker Nigel Carr was arrested on multiple felony accounts including grand theft auto and felony fraud. Carr was one of FSU’s most dependable linebackers, especially towards the end of the ’09 season, but it seems that his tenure as a Seminole is over. Or is it?
New head coach Jimbo Fisher has currently placed Carr under the - oh so vague -“suspended indefinitely” tag and he’s awaiting for Carr’s trial to be finalized before he gets the final say. Carr has actually pleaded not guilty to his five counts, which is a pretty smart move on his part (or his lawyer’s, whichever) considering there is a substantial amount of evidence against Carr. (Seriously, kid…what’re are you thinking?) I really shouldn’t be surprised because this has been a Florida State m.o. for decades, but this was supposed to change under Fisher who has a tighter grip and clearer understanding of today’s student-athlete.
Coach Fisher needs to set precedence immediately by releasing Carr of his scholarship and sending him away. Carr will be fine going to a smaller school and becoming a D-2 superstar like every other Seminole that has been booted the last several years. Fisher needs his current and future players to understand that the days of bone-headed pranks and acts are over and there will be zero tolerance. Carr was a highly recruited young man and he still may have a bright future ahead of him, but it can’t be at FSU. Keeping him on the team is only going to undermine Jimbo’s authority and the echoed words of one Bobby Bowden’s, “Boys will be boys” will forever haunt Fisher while he’s in charge.
Make an example and kick Carr out of school and allow him to feel what it is to be an adult with responsibilities and that for every action there is a reaction. I get kids do stupid things and everyone deserves a second chance, but Florida State’s boosters and fans ought to be getting a bit sick of this swan song stuck on repeat. We might’ve committed just as many brainless exploits when we were in college, but we’re not under a microscope and we’re certainly not set to the high standards of these student-athletes.
Do the right thing Jimbo or else you’ll soon be forever known as just another coach that harbors criminals in the State of Florida.
New head coach Jimbo Fisher has currently placed Carr under the - oh so vague -“suspended indefinitely” tag and he’s awaiting for Carr’s trial to be finalized before he gets the final say. Carr has actually pleaded not guilty to his five counts, which is a pretty smart move on his part (or his lawyer’s, whichever) considering there is a substantial amount of evidence against Carr. (Seriously, kid…what’re are you thinking?) I really shouldn’t be surprised because this has been a Florida State m.o. for decades, but this was supposed to change under Fisher who has a tighter grip and clearer understanding of today’s student-athlete.
Coach Fisher needs to set precedence immediately by releasing Carr of his scholarship and sending him away. Carr will be fine going to a smaller school and becoming a D-2 superstar like every other Seminole that has been booted the last several years. Fisher needs his current and future players to understand that the days of bone-headed pranks and acts are over and there will be zero tolerance. Carr was a highly recruited young man and he still may have a bright future ahead of him, but it can’t be at FSU. Keeping him on the team is only going to undermine Jimbo’s authority and the echoed words of one Bobby Bowden’s, “Boys will be boys” will forever haunt Fisher while he’s in charge.
Make an example and kick Carr out of school and allow him to feel what it is to be an adult with responsibilities and that for every action there is a reaction. I get kids do stupid things and everyone deserves a second chance, but Florida State’s boosters and fans ought to be getting a bit sick of this swan song stuck on repeat. We might’ve committed just as many brainless exploits when we were in college, but we’re not under a microscope and we’re certainly not set to the high standards of these student-athletes.
Do the right thing Jimbo or else you’ll soon be forever known as just another coach that harbors criminals in the State of Florida.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Price, Rays Sweep Sox
David Price continues his Cy Young-like season by downing the Boston Red Sox Wednesday night allowing 8 hits, 2 earned runs, and striking out 10 in 7.2 innings pitched as the Rays completed the 3-game sweep 6-4. Price earned his 12th win of the season and is currently the front-runner to start for the A.L. in this Tuesday’s (7/13) All-Star game in Anaheim. This is such an unbelievable feat for a Rays pitcher and further gives the team and organization much deserved notoriety.
Hopefully Longo’s bomb in the 4th inning on the 1st pitch he saw from Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield helps snap him out of this mini slump that he’s currently fighting off. The team went 3 for 12 with men in scoring position, which isn’t great, but it got the job done. Leaving Sean Rodriquez stranded on 3rd base with no one out during the bottom of the 2nd inning could have been a major blow, but with Price in the zone the Sox didn’t sniff a run until the 6th inning and Tampa had a solid lead by then.
Things did get hairy during the top of the 9th when Boston put up two more runs making it 6-4. Randy Choate gave up a single to J.D. Drew and Matt Garza came in to try and close the game out. Drew stole 2nd on indifference and Garza gave up a huge double to Darnell McDonald scoring Drew. Garza then walked Big Papi. With men on 1st and 2nd, 2 outs, and Garza clearly struggling, Kevin Youkilis had a chance to be a hero, but popped out to B.J. Upton to end the game. The Trop was truly electric and it felt good to see Sox fans leave with their heads down and mouths shut. If I had to hear, “Let’s go, Red Sox!” one more time, my head was going to explode.
The controversy of the night came in the top of the 9th when Rays skipper Joe Maddon decided to go with Matt Garza as his closer. I had no problem with this. Garza struggled during Monday night’s game and was benched early. He was probably the freshest pitcher in the bullpen and the pen, especially closer Rafael Soriano, had been overworked since the Minnesota series during the holiday weekend. The knock on Garza is he’s a slow starter and it was too important of a situation to gamble on the hard-throwing righty, but he got the job done and that’s all that matters. No point second-guessing something that worked. Matt should be good to go for his slated start Saturday night.
Tampa Bay goes up against Cleveland in a 4-game set. Taking 3 of 4 against the Indians would carry huge momentum over through the All-Star break and it’s not something that’s out of the question. Hopefully the true Rays fans that showed up throughout the Red Sox series continue to show their support over the next few days.
Hopefully Longo’s bomb in the 4th inning on the 1st pitch he saw from Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield helps snap him out of this mini slump that he’s currently fighting off. The team went 3 for 12 with men in scoring position, which isn’t great, but it got the job done. Leaving Sean Rodriquez stranded on 3rd base with no one out during the bottom of the 2nd inning could have been a major blow, but with Price in the zone the Sox didn’t sniff a run until the 6th inning and Tampa had a solid lead by then.
Things did get hairy during the top of the 9th when Boston put up two more runs making it 6-4. Randy Choate gave up a single to J.D. Drew and Matt Garza came in to try and close the game out. Drew stole 2nd on indifference and Garza gave up a huge double to Darnell McDonald scoring Drew. Garza then walked Big Papi. With men on 1st and 2nd, 2 outs, and Garza clearly struggling, Kevin Youkilis had a chance to be a hero, but popped out to B.J. Upton to end the game. The Trop was truly electric and it felt good to see Sox fans leave with their heads down and mouths shut. If I had to hear, “Let’s go, Red Sox!” one more time, my head was going to explode.
The controversy of the night came in the top of the 9th when Rays skipper Joe Maddon decided to go with Matt Garza as his closer. I had no problem with this. Garza struggled during Monday night’s game and was benched early. He was probably the freshest pitcher in the bullpen and the pen, especially closer Rafael Soriano, had been overworked since the Minnesota series during the holiday weekend. The knock on Garza is he’s a slow starter and it was too important of a situation to gamble on the hard-throwing righty, but he got the job done and that’s all that matters. No point second-guessing something that worked. Matt should be good to go for his slated start Saturday night.
Tampa Bay goes up against Cleveland in a 4-game set. Taking 3 of 4 against the Indians would carry huge momentum over through the All-Star break and it’s not something that’s out of the question. Hopefully the true Rays fans that showed up throughout the Red Sox series continue to show their support over the next few days.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Ponder's Heisman Campaign
I want to preface this with I’m a huge Christian Ponder fan. The senior quarterback for the Florida State Seminoles is an exemplary student-athlete and I believe he deserves all of the accolades in the world. He graduated with his Bachelor’s in two years and will have his MBA by the end of the college football season. He gets little to no recognition even though he has partaken in many community service outings within the state of Florida as well as his home state of Texas. The young man wasn’t highly recruited at all, but former FSU offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden saw something in the young signal-caller to give him a scholarship offer during one of the Seminoles’ high school camps. He went from an average quarterback as a sophomore to a star the following season and he is beloved by ‘Nole Nation. Depending on how well he does this season, many publications have Ponder as a late 1st to early 2nd round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. His Heisman Trophy campaign went viral (here) at midnight, July 7th and I think this is a horrible idea. Here’s why…
Florida State has been borderline mediocre for the past six seasons with only a handful of bright spots during this time. Obviously, one of these bright spots is Christian Ponder. With a bevy of weapons and an experienced offensive line, there’s no reason to believe Ponder can’t win the Heisman. Before his ‘09 season was ended early due to a shoulder injury, statistically he was one of the top QB’s in the nation. Well, now the Florida State Athletic Department has put a huge bulls-eye on Ponder’s back and teams will surely be gunning for him even more.
The ‘Noles were prime for a breakout season with a new, and fiery, head coach in Jimbo Fisher and a brand new defensive coordinator in Mark Stoops, who’ll be implementing a unique Cover-2 scheme that has never been utilized at FSU. This was supposed to be the year they got back on track and it was by flying under the radar that was going to help the Seminoles succeed. Teams already know how good Ponder is. No need to assist them and pump them up by showcasing this campaign. Now, there’s pressure on a kid when there wasn’t pressure before on a team that is still developing talent and trying to climb back in the right direction. Who actually thought this was a good idea?
I understand this is supposed to help recruiting because there’s a player in the spotlight that’ll be featured on ESPN daily and it’ll make the program more appealing, but this is a new age where highly touted recruits don’t care about that anymore. They’re in it for themselves. I’d say the majority of them want the spotlight, serve their three years, and go on to the NFL. If they happen to win a National Title during their college career then that’s a bonus.
Heisman campaigns are for Top-5 talent teams that actually have a shot at winning a National Championship, something the ‘Noles will not be playing in this season. The element of surprise has officially been exposed and FSU doesn’t have the defensive talent capable of taking some of the pressure off of Christian. He has what it takes between the ears and his physical attributes are clearly there, but a Heisman is truly won by a team and not just the individual. I honestly wish the young man luck and I hope that he proves me wrong, but this was a bad idea for FSU’s 2010 season.
tampaknucklehead@gmail.com
Florida State has been borderline mediocre for the past six seasons with only a handful of bright spots during this time. Obviously, one of these bright spots is Christian Ponder. With a bevy of weapons and an experienced offensive line, there’s no reason to believe Ponder can’t win the Heisman. Before his ‘09 season was ended early due to a shoulder injury, statistically he was one of the top QB’s in the nation. Well, now the Florida State Athletic Department has put a huge bulls-eye on Ponder’s back and teams will surely be gunning for him even more.
The ‘Noles were prime for a breakout season with a new, and fiery, head coach in Jimbo Fisher and a brand new defensive coordinator in Mark Stoops, who’ll be implementing a unique Cover-2 scheme that has never been utilized at FSU. This was supposed to be the year they got back on track and it was by flying under the radar that was going to help the Seminoles succeed. Teams already know how good Ponder is. No need to assist them and pump them up by showcasing this campaign. Now, there’s pressure on a kid when there wasn’t pressure before on a team that is still developing talent and trying to climb back in the right direction. Who actually thought this was a good idea?
I understand this is supposed to help recruiting because there’s a player in the spotlight that’ll be featured on ESPN daily and it’ll make the program more appealing, but this is a new age where highly touted recruits don’t care about that anymore. They’re in it for themselves. I’d say the majority of them want the spotlight, serve their three years, and go on to the NFL. If they happen to win a National Title during their college career then that’s a bonus.
Heisman campaigns are for Top-5 talent teams that actually have a shot at winning a National Championship, something the ‘Noles will not be playing in this season. The element of surprise has officially been exposed and FSU doesn’t have the defensive talent capable of taking some of the pressure off of Christian. He has what it takes between the ears and his physical attributes are clearly there, but a Heisman is truly won by a team and not just the individual. I honestly wish the young man luck and I hope that he proves me wrong, but this was a bad idea for FSU’s 2010 season.
tampaknucklehead@gmail.com
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