Cy Young Races (Part Two)

Its time you pick up the closer investigation of the tightly packed Cy Young award competition. Now, its time to take an evaluation of western pitching ace Jake Peavy.

Jake Peavy, San Diego Padres: Jake Peavy has enjoyed quite a stay during his 6 years and counting in the MLB, and has made the most of his chances with the same San Diego Padre franchise. In 2007, Peavy has stood out from the competition, but has been overshadowed at times by more expert aces in Tim Wakefield, Josh Beckett, and even teammate Chris Young. Yet Peavy's stats and talents are quiet, but after a closer look, reveal a potential candidate for the best pitcher, and maybe one of the best overall players in major league baseball today, and possibly a future involving his name being a household variety. Peavy's pitch types vary, and he can pull of several varieties of confusing and mind-boggling throws for opposing hitters to swing and miss at. Jake's fastball is his main weapon, reaching tops of 99 or even 100 MPH speeds, and Peavy's versatility allows him to strike at all corners of the strike zone, and unlike many pitchers, not allow batters to find out which section of the plate is opportune, and renders him with an extremely high strikeout count on his resume after every month of play. His curveball and slider may not contain the same rocketry and speed that his fastball is linked to, yet they continue to agitate and frstrate batters at the plate, far after the game is sealed. Now to Peavy's incredible pitching stats, still with a month left in the baseball season until the playoffs I remind you. Peavy, a solid pitcher in every right, may not be viewed as the most winningest pitcher, but fans and critics alike overlook the fact that his number of wins ranks tied for fifth in major league baseball, with 15 wins, and 5 rare losses. That particular stat puts Peavy third in winning percentage, behind Aaron Harang and Brad Penny. (.750 by the way). Jake Peavy is also third in the league in strikeouts, and by this time in the year has recorded 197 strikeouts in 27 games pitched, just 20 away from breaking his season high 216, with a month left in the regular season. And in the ERA column, guess who leads the league? You got it, westerner Jake Peavy tops the category once more, and has tallied an amazing ERA in 2007 of 2.18, just think about how that would help your team out. Anyway, Jake Peavy is one of my favorite players in the big leagues, and definately is one of the elite few today that have a legitimate shot at taking home the Cy Young award in 2007.

Next up on the list, LA Angel, John Lackey

Cy Young Races

As the season rounds into the final month, the race for the much treasured Cy Young award for the best major league pitcher heats up drastically, and with many competitors leading off, and plenty more waiting in the wings. Lets analyze the best pitchers in baseball shall we?

Josh Beckett, Boston Red Sox: Josh Beckett has been in MLB for 7 years now, and the raw talent can be displayed anywhere you look. The winningest pitcher (tied for first) with 16 wins, has been the driving arm behind the thundering Boston Red Sox, and has 16-6 record in 2007. Beckett is known for his electric fastball, known to be 90-99 MPH, and despite his weaker variety of changeups (tops at 86 MPH), Beckett makes up in the category with a deceptive low 90 MPH sinkers. Beckett has displayed good qualities this season, as he has reached a career high and season high 16 wins in 2007. His talent has not only been limited to the Boston area, as Beckett, a member of the 2003 World Series champion Florida Marlins, gained victory and walked away with the World Series Most Valuable Player award. Back to the present, no category seems to be dipping for Josh Beckett; as he is currently in three way tie for most wins, 10th in the league in strikeouts tallying 158, and 15th in the entire league in ERA with and average of 3.29 runs allowed per game. Beckett, with a reinvigorated team, and a strong injury-free throwing arm this year, has made a strong push to bringin the Cy Young trophy back to Boston. Heck, with his talent, maybe even a pennant, or the big fish itself?

Next up, pitcher Jake Peavy of the San Diego Padres.

The Sideline: Readers' Choice

Just a quick survey of interests, if all readers here at the sports fan's heaven could post a comment with their favorite team and sport, it would help in order for me to concentrate my writing on the most important issues to all of you. Thanks again for helping to make the Sports Halo a nesting ground for the best sports news around! (Well you all know what I mean!)

Thanks again!

The Sideline: Feature Replaced

Starting now, the MLB Game of the Day feature will be removed, but baseball news will still be posted occaisionally in the Sports Halo. With NCAA seasons picking up, and the NFL and NHL set to resume, the baseball game of the day will have to take a backseat, unless someone wishes to continue it. Thanks and enjoy another great season!

NCAA Preview: Breakout Teams Part Three

Now for our final preview team to let loose, the predicted Big 12 Champs.

Big 12- Texas Longhorns: Down in Austin, a national title contender is waiting in the wings. Just a year after losing its star quarterback to the NFL Draft, the Longhorns have found a suitable replacement in Colt McCoy. A good frame and durable body, Colt threw for over 2500 yards and 29 touchdowns in his first year as a starter, and who knows, Heisman in the near future? Too add to McCoy's passing ability, WR Limas Sweed who reeled in over 40 passes for 800+ yards and 12 TD's has returned to Texas for his senior year. The Longhorn rushing attack is also revamped, despite losing one of its featured backs in the dual rushing system, Jamaal Charles can really carry the load, with over 800 yards splitting time last season. The defense must step up in order for the burnt orange to sweep the nation once more, losing stars such as Tim Crowder, Aaron Ross, and Michael Griffin, to the NFL Draft. Still, the Longhorn team still witholds some of teh key aspects to a good, solid, football team.

Key Matchups: Kansas State, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas A&M

Projected Record- 10-2 (Losses to Oklahoma and Nebraska)

NCAA Preview: Breakout Teams Part Two

Continuing on our pre-NCAA season preview, we have the SEC team to beat, the LSU Tigers

SEC- LSU Tigers: The LSU Tigers are poised to head to a top Bowl Game this year, and with no fluke. Despite losing two receivers and their quarterback as the number one pick in the NFL Draft, the Tigers have formulated a solid team all the way around. Quarterback Matt Flynn is expected to start the season, and has started more than 35 games thus far, making him anything but a first year starter. RB Keiland Williams is known for finding the right holes, and can take the pressure off of Flynn in the pocket. On the defensive end, the Tigers house one of the best defensive linemen in the country, Glenn Dorsey at DT. His talent to worm into the backfield to get the big tackles and sacks is almost unparalleled. Not to mention sack machine DE Tyson Jackson and lockdown corner Chevis Jackson. Their schedule may be tough, but they have the talented defense and a youthful, talented offense. Expect to hear Tiger talk all year long.

Key Matchups: Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Florida, Auburn

Projected Finish: 11-1, (Loss to Auburn)

NCAA Preview: Breakout Teams

In our NCAA preview of the upcoming college football season, we will be examining the team in every conference ready to break loose and gain national attention. Here we go.

ACC- Virginia Tech Hokies: The Hokies have been overcome by greif with the overshadowing tragedy, yet tehy have found strength in their team, and have pulled closer to be able to contend for the BCS Championship. They anchor one of the most regarded and talented defenses in the NCAA; led by CB Victor Harris and LB Xavier Adibi. Their offense has growing talent, with a quiet RB in Branden Ore, with over 1000 yards and 16 touchdowns. They have a maturing quarterback in Sean Glennan who had an average year, and a young talent in Ike Whitaker waiting in the wings. Coach Beamer has led the team to several acheivements, such as an ACC Championship and a national championship. Also, the team has one of the toughest stadiums for visiting teams, Lane Stadium in Blacksburg. (With nearly 70,000 seating)

Key Matchups: At LSU, Boston College, FSU, Miami(FL)

Projected Finish: 10-2 (Losses to LSU and Miami(FL)

Big 10- Michigan Wolverines: The University of Michigan suffered a dissapointing end to last year's season, with losses to rival Ohio State, and USC in the Rose Bowl game. This year they have bounced back, retaining several key players; such as RB Mike Hart, QB Chad Henne, WR Mario Manningham and a revamped defense. At the helm, Chad Henne was excellent, throwing over 20 touchdowns and 2500 passing yards, and can only improve this year. Lloyd Carr has coached the Wolverines to a national championship in 1997, and 5 Big Ten titles during his tenure. The Wolverines also call the Big House home, which seats over 100,000 fans, one of the largest football stadiums in America.

Key Matchups: Notre Dame, Ohio State, at Michigan State, at Wisconsin

Projected Finish: 11-1 (Loss to Wisconsin)

Pac 10- USC Trojans: Yes we all know who they are, and they are definately back. John David Booty leads the team from the QB role, and had a breakout year last season, with a win in the Rose Bowl. Chauncey Washington at the RB spot led a loaded corps, with 700+ yards and 9 TD's. The USC defense is ready to shine, sacking QB Chad Henne several times in the Rose Bowl game against Michigan. Now, with Pete Carrol at the coachin spot who has won a National Championship before, this team can really go all the way.

Key Matchups: At Notre Dame, At California, At Nebraska, UCLA

Projected Finish: 11-1 (Loss to Notre Dame)

More on Part Two: SEC, WAC, Independents, Big East, Big 12

Hope Comes Alive

Hope comes alive. For the Denver Broncos the healing has strengthened, and an unwavering community has bonded for life. On January 1, 2007, Darrent Williams was slain in a senseless shooting in the streets of downtown Denver. The event rocked the football world, and altered lives of the community and players alike forever. Mourning would eventually subside, but just two months after the healing process would begin, fellow Bronco Damien Nash would collapse and never again awake. With continued support from citiznes across the country, hope came alive. Denver Bronco wideout Javon Walker, who was the last to see Williams alive, was shaken deeply by the tragedy. The Bronco community was lost, and now they have been found. With training camp continuing, players have found strength in numbers, and their actions have carried the hearts of thousands across the United States. The bonds of friendship have grown, never to falter, and the memories of Darrent Williams and Damien Nash have been proudly carried on by friends, family, fans, and teammates. Yet time goes on in Dove Valley, Colorado, where the Denver Broncos are preparing to play their first football game since the loss of cornerback Darrent Williams. Yet the Bronco players and coaches are not mourning, nor are they lost in emotions of greif and sadness. And now months after loss, the Denver Broncos are soaring full speed ahead, remembering fondly what was once there, and carrying on the dream for the ones that can't. Now with the season quickly approaching, they remember the smiling and energetic lives their late teammates and friends once proudly led, and they know. They know that whatever happens, memories will never fade, bonds will never falter, friendships never die, and hope comes alive.

MLB Game of the Day: Nationals vs Giants

Yes, the game that everybody knew would come one day. As Barry Bonds stepped up to the plate and hit that historic baseball, he would return to be the king of major league home runs. Number 756 would enable Bonds to stand alone, not amongst baseball's greats, but solely himself. To the spectacular, unforgettable, euphoric event that will uiltimately seat itself alongside baseball's finest moments. The first inning went by with no action, but it would be made up for later on in the ball game. Two Giant RBI's would tally a 2-0 lead after the second inning, and then the momentum would shift to the visiting Nationals team, who with a solo home run and a two run homer, took the lead 3-2. Bengie Molina's double home run would send himself and Bonds around to home plate, seizing the lead 4-3 in the process. Yet another home run would be tallied by the Nats, as Brain Schneider scored, tying the game on his solo shot effort. With all the home runs being scored, there was one player who would not be denied yesterday, as Barry Bonds stepped up to home plate and blasted career HR #756 in front of a his family and a sellout crowd of supporters. Bonds celebrated deservingly, and the home crowd enjoyed the lead once more. Randy Winn's run scoring base hit would give the Giants a 6-4 lead heading into th 8th inning. Would the Giants be able to make history and give the home crowd a 'W' on the schedule? Not if the Nats had anything to say about it. Four precisely planted hits from the Washington Nationals, to the crowd's dismay, would score four runs to give the Nats an 8-6 lead with one inning of play remaining. Despite their best efforts to preserve Bond's night of glory, the Giants would lose the game by the same score, 8-6.