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Champions League Final 2013: Stars Who Must Shine for Bayern Munich to Prevail

Mike Chiari — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:05:54 -0400

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will meet in an all-German UEFA Champions League Final on Saturday with The Bavarians seemingly holding the advantage in terms of overall talent. That certainly doesn't guarantee victory, but it's easy to see why Munich is the favored side.

Dortmund won't go quietly, though, as it has a strong team in its own right. Provided both squads play to their full potential, however, this game is Munich's to lose. In order for The FCB to play at the highest level it possibly can, there are several stars who need to step up.

Here are three in particular who must take over the match on Saturday to ensure that Bayern Munich secures the prestigious European Champion Clubs' Cup.

Thomas Muller

Munich boasts a great deal of offensive talent, but attacking midfielder Thomas Muller certainly tops the list. Muller was dominant for Bayern during league play, but has been even better in the Champions League. Muller leads the team with eight goals in 11 matches and has added two assists as well. He must continue that fine play if Munich is going to take care of Dortmund.

Muller scored a late goal for Bayern against Chelsea in the Champions League Final last year to take a 1-0 lead, but Didier Drogba tied it in the 88th minute and Chelsea went on to win via penalty kicks. While that loss had to be disappointing, Muller believes that it will help them rather than hurt them during this year's title match, according to Andrew Haslam of UEFA.com.

It remains to be seen if Muller's feelings will ring true, but he proved last year that the moment isn't too big for him. Bayern was just a couple minutes away from winning it all thanks to his marker in the 83rd minute, but it wasn't to be. Expect Muller to be in great form as he aims to taste the victory that Munich came so close to achieving last year.

Manuel Neuer

While the focus when it comes to Munich is often on its offensive stars, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been just as responsible as anyone for the team's success. There have been questions about Neuer's consistency in the past, but that simply hasn't been an issue this year. He has especially taken his game to another level in Champions League play as he has been nearly unbeatable throughout the tournament.

It doesn't take an expert to understand how well Neuer has been playing as he recorded four clean sheets in the Champions League quarterfinals and semifinals. According to Champions Matchday, however, Neuer is the first goalkeeper to accomplish that feat since Edwin van der Sar turned the trick for Manchester United in 2008.

Goalkeeping is always a big deal, but it is of the utmost importance in a Champions League Final. One minor slip up can lead to a goal and all it takes is a single marker to win in some cases. Munich should have enough offensive firepower to put some shots in the back of the net, but it isn't a given. As long as Neuer continues to play at his current level, though, Bayern should ultimately be fine.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

It probably isn't fair to place blame on one player for Munich's Champions League Final loss last year, but midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger took the brunt of the criticism. Schweinsteiger was Bayern's fifth penalty kick taker against Chelsea and had a chance to put the pressure on Didier Drogba. He was stopped, however, and Drogba went on to deposit his attempt in the net to give Chelsea the victory.

Schweinsteiger had played a fine game to that point and had an excellent season, but that seemingly didn't matter after his failure.

Schweinsteiger bounced back this season and has been a huge part of Munich's return to the final. With two goals and four assists, he is among the team's most dangerous offensive producers. Schweinsteiger is confident in his ability as well as the team's ability to get the job done this time around, according to GOAL! Bundesliga.

He is an extremely versatile player, excelling both offensively and defensively. That type of two-way game should come in handy during a match that is sure to be tightly contested. As long as Schweinsteiger doesn't allow last year's result to weigh on his mind, he will be a key contributor on Saturday.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter

Here's Why Oregon Football Could Be in More Trouble with the NCAA

Michael Felder — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:05:41 -0400

On Thursday, after obtaining Oregon's Notice of Allegations, The Register-Guard exposed the possibility of complications that could come Oregon's way in dealing with the NCAA. As The Register-Guard simply stated:

The notice of allegations does note that Oregon is subject to penalties under repeat violator rules. The most-recent allegations began within five years of the Ducks’ last major violation, the J.J. Arrington letter-of-intent scandal, which was resolved in 2004.

For folks hoping that the Ducks get slammed, that is good news. Harsh penalties are on the table, and perhaps the NCAA uses the repeat violator clause as a means to truly hinder the Ducks program.

From the Los Angeles Times, here is the incident that hangs as the window to the Ducks' increased penalties:

Oregon was in a battle with California for Arrington's services at the time of the violations. On the last night a junior college player could sign, Arrington told Oregon assistant Gary Campbell that he would sign a letter of intent.

However, the midnight deadline passed and Arrington still had not signed. Furthermore, Arrington told Campbell that he had changed his mind and wanted to attend California. Campbell went to the hotel where Arrington was staying, and the player forged his father's signature and falsified the time on the letter of intent.

Oregon released Arrington upon discovering the violations. Campbell, who has been an Oregon assistant for 20 years, was suspended for one week without pay and was not allowed to recruit off-campus for one year.

This was an incident that was not big enough to raise many eyebrows, and more importantly, not enough to bring serious NCAA trouble to Eugene. Now, as Oregon's time before the judge quickly approaches, it has to wonder if something deemed small, almost a decade ago, is going to make the enforcement committee throw the book at them.

Oregon does have hope, one of the more prominent "repeat violator" cases in recent history, the Alabama Crimson Tide program, ultimately came away only lightly dinged by the NCAA. While sitting on the repeat offender list following 1995 and 2002 sanctions, the 2009 Crimson Tide athletic department, for the infamous textbook scandal, was only forced to vacate wins, extend probation and was listed on the repeat violator list.

Three national titles later and still listed on the repeat violator list, Alabama is no worse for the wear.

Oregon's issues are bigger than textbooks, but the qualities and relative newness of several of its violations make this case quite unique. There is more than just Will Lyles acting as a medium for the staff angle here, the issues surrounding scouting services and acquiring information on prospects loom large as well.

The possibility for more trouble is very real. Yet, in the coming sanctions, Oregon fans should be more worried about the NCAA looking to flex some of their muscle on rules surrounding scouting services, street agents and phone call rules than repeat violator status.

Rafael Nadal Faces Rocky Road to 8th French Open Title

Benjamin Klein — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:00:21 -0400

Winning an eighth French Open title isn’t going to be a walk in the park for Rafael Nadal.

Nadal, the winner of the last three championships at Roland Garros, defeated Novak Djokovic in the final a year ago. A finals rematch, however, won’t be in the works in 2013.

Instead, if Nadal and Djokovic manage to win their matches through the quarterfinals, they’ll meet in a blockbuster semifinal.

The potential semifinal matchup is due to the seeding of Nadal and the withdrawal of Andy Murray from the tournament. Murray, the No. 2 player in the world behind Djokovic, is out of the French Open with a back injury, according to the Associated Press via USA Today.

Nadal, who’s ranked No. 4, earned the No. 3 seed in the French Open, and Roger Federer moved up to No. 2. This means that Nadal and Federer could face off in the final, but Nadal is going to have to get through the top player in the world first.

Nadal, though knowing he might have a big test ahead, is just glad to be able to participate.

“I am very happy that I am back and I am healthy to play here another time,” Nadal told the Associated Press, via USA Today. Nadal recently returned from a seven-month absence after a knee injury prevented him from taking the court.

Before Nadal can even think about facing Djokovic again, he first has to get there. His first-round matchup is against Daniel Brands of Germany, who will be appearing in his fifth French Open. Brands has never made it past the first round, though, and Nadal should defeat him with ease.

The first true test for Nadal could come in the quarterfinals if he were to be matched up against Richard Gasquet, the No. 7 seed at Roland Garros. Gasquet has never made it past the fourth round in nine French Opens over the course of his career. Nadal is undefeated in nine matches against Gasquet in their history.

If all goes according to plan, Nadal would then need a victory over Djokovic—if he advances to the semifinals—in order to reach the championship. Nadal has fallen to Djokovic in eight of their last 11 chances and lost just a month ago at Monte Carlo.

Nadal does have an advantage, though, considering that they’ll be playing on a clay court. Nadal is 13-3 against Djokovic on clay. But keep in mind that you should never count out Djokovic, especially before a match even starts. He is the No. 1 player for a reason.

Who Nadal could end up facing in the final is far from being determined, but it could certainly be Federer. Federer is the only other player outside of Nadal to win at the French Open since 2005, taking the title back in 2009 when Nadal fell in the fourth round to the runner-up, Robin Soderling. A Nadal-Federer final would certainly favor the Spain native, but it would likely be a close match.

Needless to say, an eighth French Open title won’t be a piece of cake for Nadal. There are plenty of opponents trying to upend the seven-time champ. He’s going to have to be on his top game, stay healthy and hope that the things fall in his favor.

Which Pittsburgh Penguins Offensive Star Has Had the Best Postseason?

Steve Rodenbaugh — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:56:22 -0400

As the highest-scoring team in the Stanley Cup playoffs thus far, the Pittsburgh Penguins have had no shortage of offensive heroes in the playoffs.

While Penguin fans have come to expect big goals from the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, some of the biggest goals of the playoffs have been scored by Tyler Kennedy, Beau Bennett and Brooks Orpik; each of whom has tallied game-winning goals.

With the Penguins one win away from advancing past the second round for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 2009, here's a look at the biggest offensive stars for the Penguins thus far:

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MLB Picks: Los Angeles Angels vs. Kansas City Royals

Jeff Grant — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:50:29 -0400

The Los Angeles Angels have put together a season-high five-game winning streak, which can't be ignored when making your MLB picks Friday, as they take on the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

Sports bettors will find that the Angels are -115 road favorites in the pro baseball odds (courtesy of SBR Forum), while the total sits at nine in the betting market.

Let's take a closer look at this American League matchup from a betting perspective, while offering up a prediction along the way.

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MLB Picks: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds

Jeff Grant — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:48:22 -0400

The Cincinnati Reds are 17-5 in their last 22 games against the Chicago Cubs, which is important to consider when making your MLB picks Friday, as the two teams open up a three-game series at the Great American Ball Park.

Sports bettors will find that the Reds are -144 home favorites in the pro baseball odds (courtesy of SBR Forum), while the total sits at eight in the market.

Let's take a closer look at this National League Central matchup from a betting perspective, while offering up a prediction along the way.

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People in MLB Who Are Ruining Baseball

Zachary D. Rymer — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:45:29 -0400

Everybody in the baseball world is an angel.

Well, except for a few people. Yours truly got to thinking about people who are ruining baseball, and a few obvious targets came to mind.

I have no patience for certain managers who need to understand that there’s one inning in which a sacrifice bunt should never be laid down, one umpire in particular who loves the spotlight, or for that one owner in South Beach who seems hell-bent on putting himself in the history books as the worst owner in baseball history.

These not-so-angelic people—ironically, one of them is actually named Angel—are bringing baseball down. A good scolding is the least they deserve, and I got in front of a camera to do the deed.

Sound off in the comments section if you have any comments, questions or ponderous musings you want to share, and you’re also welcome to give me a follow on Twitter.

Follow Zachary: @zachrymer

Andros Townsend Charged with Breaking Betting Rules by FA

Ethan Grant — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:26:29 -0400

Andros Townsend, who split time between Queens Park Rangers and Tottenham Hotspur, has been charged by The Football Association with breaking betting rules in matches he participated in.

As a result, Townsend has withdrawn from England's U-21 squad for the upcoming Euro 2013.

TheFA.com reported the news of Townsend alleging breaking Rule E8 (b) in correlation with a number of betting offenses. Per the report, Townsend has until June 3 to respond to the allegations made by English football's governing body.

Owen Gibson of The Garden confirmed via Twitter that Townsend's sanctions are not related to match fixing, rather betting on outcomes of games that he was involved in:

The FA also reported on Twitter that Townsend had withdrawn from upcoming competition after the allegations were made public:

Per Gibson's report with The Guardian, the FA also released a statement that both the FA and Tottenham would afford Townsend full support as the investigation continues and he responds to the charges.

Townsend joined the Spurs academy at the age of nine, and he steadily moved up the ranks with Tottenham over the past few years on loans with other clubs. He made his Premier League debut last September against Reading, but was shipped to QPR in January for the remainder of EPL play.

Starting 12 EPL games for QPR, Townsend registered two goals on 35 shots. In all competition during the 2012-13 season, he tallied three goals and an assist in 14 starts in EPL, FA Cup and Europa League play.

He will be replaced by Birmingham's Nathan Redmond on the England U-21 roster.

Inter Milan Reportedly Fire Manager Andrea Stramaccioni

Matt Fitzgerald — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:24:11 -0400

After another disappointing finish to the Serie A season, Inter Milan has reportedly fired its manager Andrea Stramaccioni as of Friday.

The San Francisco Chronicle broke the news, and the report indicates that the decision wasn't announced to the public immediately but that Stramaccioni had been informed of the situation.

There wasn't much of a chance for the 37-year-old Stramaccioni to establish himself or garner any kind of staying power, especially with his contract running through 2015. He took over the Black and Blues in late March of 2012, and they finished out the Serie A campaign in sixth place.

In Stramaccioni's first and only full season at the helm, though, the results weren't as good, as Inter Milan finished ninth in the standings and won as many fixtures as it lost.

That has the Black and Blues out of European competition, failing to qualify for the first time in 16 years. Although Stramaccioni met with club president Massimo Moratti and had an encouraging discussion about his future, it appears that was misleading.

Even before Stramaccioni was sacked, Moratti did not rule out a return by Roberto Mancini, according to Football Italia (h/t Fox Sports). The former Inter coach was recently let go following a successful but turbulent tenure as manager of the English Premier League's Manchester City.

Mancini guided Inter Milan to five consecutive Serie A titles before he left, and with his demanding, hard-nosed style of coaching, led Manchester City to second place in the EPL this season.

As the initial report highlights, the replacement may actually be former Napoli manager Walter Mazzarri, a rumor that Moratti tried to dispel on Thursday. It will be interesting to see what this storied organization does in terms of its coaching search, as this will be Inter's third manager in approximately 14 months.

Stramaccioni didn't get the benefit of the doubt, despite injuries to Rodrigo Palacio, Diego Milito and Antonio Cassano—among others—which depleted Inter's offensive attack.

The Black and Blues are hoping to find stability in the managerial position for the foreseeable future in order to become a perennial Serie A contender and world football powerhouse once again.

Rafael Benitez Will Become New Napoli Coach

Tim Daniels — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:23:46 -0400

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirmed Rafael Benitez will become the next head coach of the club, according to Football Italia.

The report states Benitez has been the favorite for weeks. While the deal won't be official until the manager finishes his duties with Chelsea, De Laurentiis said he will then sign him to a two-year deal with the Serie A side.

The club president had this to say (h/t Football Italia):

I've given myself a birthday gift, I've signed Benitez. I'll make it official in the next few days as Benitez needs to end things with Chelsea.

He'll have a two-year contract, no longer. We need to get to know each other first, then we'll see.

Benitez took over on an interim basis at Stamford Bridge after the departure of Roberto Di Matteo. He led Chelsea to the Europa League title and a berth in the Champions League but was not retained on a full-time basis.

Once the deal is finalized, Benitez will take over a club that finished second to Juventus in Serie A. The finish ensured the club will also take part in the Champions League, which should allow the veteran manager to hit the ground running.

His first task will be securing the future of superstar Edinson Cavani. The team's leading goal scorer has been the focus of transfer talks heading into the summer. If Napoli aren't able to keep the striker, Benitez must find a way to replace him.

Aside from that, it's a good fit for both sides. Benitez finds a new club where he can shed the interim tag and start building the squad his way. Napoli gets a coach who has proven he can win and handle the pressure involved with leading a top club.

The competition in Italy is fierce. Benitez will be forced to compete with Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan, his former club which is coming off a down campaign, among others. His two decades as a manager will probably leave him unfazed by the situation, though.

A deal is expected to be announced with the next couple days, according to the report.

Bleacher Report's Pac-12 Preseason All-Conference Team

Randy Chambers — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:21:25 -0400

The Pac-12 was a pleasant surprise last season when eight teams were declared bowl eligible and there was more parity. There were a lot of elite players on both sides of the ball that could make a difference and help teams turn the corner.

Players such as Marqise Lee, Will Sutton and Anthony Barr are not only elite Pac-12 players, but they could hold their own in any other conference as well. They also have a future at the next level once their college careers are over with.

You will hear some of these guys' names mentioned numerous times throughout the season, and don't be surprised if they are nominated for a few individual awards. One of the achievements all Pac-12 players strive to reach is first-team or second-team all-conference.

We are officially less than 100 days away from the season kicking off, so here is Bleacher Report's preseason All-Pac-12 team.

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French Open 2013 Bracket: Complete Analysis and Review

Lindsay Gibbs — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:17:24 -0400

The French Open singles draws are out and the official countdown has begun!

The big news on the men's side is that Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have been drawn on the same half, meaning that if the draw goes according to seed, they will face each other in the semifinals.

In the other half, both Roger Federer and David Ferrer have been given a golden opportunity to get to the French Open final without facing either of the top two favorites.

The women's side is equally as imbalanced, with Serena Williams and Sara Errani in one half and Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova left to duke it out in the other half.

You can find the complete women's draw here and the complete men's draw here.

But who are the wild cards to watch? How did the draw gods treat the Americans? What are the best early-round matches? And who is going to win? Click through to find out.

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2015 College Football Recruits Who Will Be Big Headliners

Andrew Kulha — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:16:26 -0400

Whether it be 5-star quarterbacks, a 348-pound offensive lineman or a defensive end with superstar potential as just a rising junior, the recruiting class of 2015 boasts plenty of headliners.

These are recruits that everybody is going to want to follow. If they visit a school, it's going to be all over the Internet. If they send out a tweet, about anything, expect a flurry of analysis to follow.

Once they narrow down their respective interest list, recruiting fans and coaches around the nation will be tuned in hoping to see that their program made the cut. And once these players eventually commit and sign, they will be the marquee recruits of their respective classes.

In fact, even though signing day 2015 is far away, these top recruits are already making headlines.

Note: All scouting and analysis of recruits done via tape study of film provided on their respective 247Sports profile pages. Star rankings courtesy of the 247Sports Composite.

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Rams Supersize Offensive Line with Rookie Lineman Who Weighs over 400 Pounds

Gabe Zaldivar — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:15:37 -0400

The St. Louis Rams just got bigger by about 400 pounds.

For the Win's Simon Samano reports on Terrell Brown, a former Ole Miss lineman who came into camp just a tad bigger than anyone expected.

It all starts with a reporter asking Jeff Fisher, "6'10", 385?" Already we are working with gaudy numbers here. It sounds like former NBA fatty Oliver Miller gained a few pounds and is trying to make an NFL team.

Coach is happy to report that it is far more amazing than all of that (h/t For the Win for transcribing Fisher's statement to the media, via the St. Louis Rams' official website):

Actually, we weighed him in at 403. ... We had him in for the tryout, and he had some issues that we had to clear up from a physical standpoint. But he got that put behind us. We worked him out on both sides of the ball — defensive line, offensive line — and we felt like his best position would be right tackle. (Rams offensive line coach Paul Boudreau) said he’d love to have him. So far...he got through practice. He’s a defensive lineman that we’ve converted over to offensive lineman.

He also adds, "He might be able to block some kicks." Indeed, Coach, and he will also be able to block punts, passes, cars, trains, the weather and much more.

As if fat jokes weren't already on the tip of your tongue, Brown had the unfortunate claim of once breaking a chair on live television.

For the Win reminds us with the following video that a far more svelte Brown once sat on a chair that just gave up from exhaustion.

The chair never stood a chance.

You can hear the reporter proclaim the defensive tackle was a whopping 377 pounds at the time, so the Rams better reinforce their bench if Brown makes the team. You only need to see him tower over Stedman Bailey in the receiver's Instagram pic to see how mammoth a man he truly is.

The report also notes Brown had some experience on the offensive line, so we imagine he isn't plunging entirely into a new foray on that side of the ball.

Fisher seems pleased with what he has seen so far at practice, which means we may have ourselves a new mountain of a man to watch on Sundays.

At the very least, we have someone who can match Vince Wilfork spoon for spoon. Craft services, you have been warned.

Follow me on Twitter for more sports shenanigans: Follow @gabezal

Phil Jackson: Coaching Kobe vs. Coaching Shaq

NBA365 Productions — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:14:23 -0400

Like any dominating duo in sports, NBA legends Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal had their fair share of feuds and moments of glory while playing for the same team.

The man who controlled it all while they both played for the Los Angeles Lakers was head coach Phil Jackson.

Jackson's one-two punch with Bryant running the team and O'Neal ruling the paint was a force to be reckoned with that few teams or players could match up or battle against. The tandem led the Lakers to numerous NBA Finals appearances, including three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002.

So what was it like coaching two distinctly different players with such great talent while controlling their on and off-court issues? Jackson offers some insight on his approach to both players based on the relationships he had with each of them.

Did you ever think this is how Jackson perceived each of these NBA greats? Let us know in the comments below how you would coach Bryant and O'Neal.

Phil Jackson Describes the Day Kobe Bryant Met Michael Jordan

NBA365 Productions — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:01:47 -0400

Phil Jackson is considered to be one of the greatest coaches in NBA history. He created countless memories during his basketball career, but several events stick out above the rest—like the day he introduced Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant.

Three NBA legends with 24 total NBA championship rings to this date meeting together for the first time.

Imagine that.

There sat a trio of basketball icons in one room, with zero distractions and more success between them than anyone could ever aspire to achieve.

The meeting Jackson set up for Bryant was meant to teach him what it takes to be a winner. It was also arranged to let Bryant know that he, like Jordan, would hold a special place in basketball history if he continued to push himself toward greatness.

Clearly, Jackson was just as great of a coach off the court as he was on it.

Let us know in the comments below what you think of the meeting that Jackson set up for Jordan and Bryant.

2013 MLB Draft Prospects: 10 Best Starting Pitchers in the 2013 Draft Class

Adam Wells — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:54:44 -0400

While the overall depth in the 2013 Major League Baseball draft is lacking, the one area of strength is pitching.

In particular, the right-handed pitching in this class appears to be very strong. There are some high-quality southpaws with tremendous upside available, but you will find a ton of righties who go early and often.

Obviously, everything starts with Stanford's Mark Appel and Oklahoma's Jonathan Gray. The former started the year as the consensus top player available in the draft, but Gray has arguably been the most impressive performer from both a statistical and stuff standpoint.

With draft day rapidly approaching, it is time to breakdown the best of the best arms that this class has to offer. Here are the top 10 pitchers available in the 2013 MLB draft.

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Phil Jackson Says He'd Take Bill Russell over Michael Jordan on His Dream Team

Dan Carson — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:54:35 -0400

Phil Jackson has spoken: If he had to draft a basketball dream team, his No. 1 pick would not be Michael Jordan.

So who is Jackson’s choice? What hardwood hero would the Zen Master choose over His Airness to lead his basketball team? Is it LeBron James? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? Kobe Bryant?

None of the above, according to Jackson in a recent interview with Time (via ESPN):

In my estimation, the guy that has to be there would be Bill Russell. He has won 11 championships as a player. That’s really the idea of what excellence is, when you win championships.

It’s logic that many will argue, but as another man with 11 NBA Finals rings to his name, Jackson’s choice is coming from a wealth of experience. After coaching Jordan with the Chicago Bulls and Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers, he knows dominance when he sees it.

Looking back at Russell’s resume, it’s impossible to deny the legendary status the former Boston Celtics superstar earned in the league.

Russell was a member of the powerhouse Celtics dynasties of the mid-20th century, winning 11 titles, five MVP awards and 12 All-Star team nods in his 13 years in Boston.

Compare that to Jordan, who played under Jackson in the ‘90s and won six NBA titles, five MVP awards and 12 All-Star nods during his career with the Bulls (we’re going to forget about that whole Washington Wizards thing, at least for the nonce).

In MVP and All-Star recognitions, the two are matched pretty evenly, but as you’ve likely noted, there is a fat difference in the number of NBA titles each earned. Eleven trumps five any day, but it’s also worth mentioning they played in different times, with different teammates.

Jordan was a voracious scorer; Russell was an inhuman shot-blocker. They were very different, except for the fact they commanded the respect and fear of every opponent they faced.

This leaves us with the question: Is the Zen Master drinking too much herbal tea? Or is he dead-on again, as he happened to be so many times while coaching the greatest players in the game?

Vincent Kompany: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Tom Sunderland — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:48:15 -0400

As the man who lifted Manchester City’s first Premier League title, Vincent Kompany will have been as disappointed with any after the club’s trophy-less 2012-13 campaign.

Here’s a profile of the Citizens’ superstar, including a scouting report and a rundown of just where Kompany could be moving in the coming months.

Age: 27

Contract Situation: Kompany signed a six-year extension in 2012, the longest contract in Manchester City history, which will run out in 2018.

Career Stops: Anderlecht (2000-06), Hamburg (2006-08), Manchester City (2008-present).

Current Campaign: Premier League—26 appearances, one goal, 11 clean sheets; Champions League—six appearances, no goals, no clean sheets; FA Cup—four appearances, no goals, two clean sheets.

Video Showreel

Scouting Guide

One of the standout candidates in Manchester City’s rise to English acclaim, club captain Kompany has been one of the more consistent features at the Etihad Stadium in recent seasons.

Having been selected as the 2011-12 Premier League Player of the Year, it was the Belgian centre-back that led City to their maiden Premier League crown, but a dip in form has gone hand in hand with the club’s decline this time around.

Arguably his side’s most influential figure, it’s no surprise that a series of small injuries to Kompany has seen City’s defence drop its standards in the current campaign.

One of the strongest tacklers in the league, one of Kompany’s weaker points lies in aerial combat, with Squawka.com statistics claiming that the defender won just over 65 percent of all headed battles this season.

What’s Next?

For months, it’s been reported that Barcelona may look to capitalise upon Manchester City’s gloom by making a move for their star defender and adding some much-needed strength to their own back line in the process.

The Mirror recently reported that Kompany would be Barcelona’s “No.1 target this summer” and would be expected to cost them around £20 million.

However, one particular spanner in the works could be French club Monaco, who the Daily Mail say would be willing to part with an increased £26 million offer.

4 Biggest Takeaways from This Week's MLB Action

Joe Giglio — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:45:00 -0400

Another week in MLB action has baseball fans closer to the annual Memorial Day tradition of staring up at the standings, projecting forward and making proclamations for the summer.

Of course, as always when it comes to assessing the baseball campaign, there's a ton of season left.

This week did offer particular insights about a certain Angels star, trust in young players, surprises when they fail and the hottest of hot seats in Los Angeles.

Without further ado, the four biggest takeaways from this week's MLB action.

1. Trout isn't done chasing Miguel Cabrera for the AL MVP crown.

Miguel Cabrera's three-homer game on Sunday Night Baseball opened up discussion this week about his place among the greatest hitters of all time, a chase for a second consecutive Triple Crown and what a run at a .400 batting average would mean for his legacy.

Not to be outdone, Angels outfielder Mike Trout, the runner-up in the 2012 AL MVP race, became the youngest player in AL history to hit for the cycle on Tuesday night against Seattle and followed that up with a home run in another victory on Thursday.

Led by Trout, Los Angeles has climbed into third place in the AL West, potentially saving their season.

Despite Cabrera's ridiculous numbers (.391/.467/.701), the debate could rage on again all summer if Trout's May pace (.359/.440/.795) is duplicated throughout the season.

2. In times of trouble, turn to the kids.

Years ago, contending teams with major holes on their roster would look to acquire a proven veteran to fill a need and lift the franchise to greater heights.

Due to a combination of player development improvements, the value of cost-controllable assets and PED's leaving the game on a year-by-year basis, young is the way to go for contending teams in 2013.

No team has shown us that more than the Baltimore Orioles.

While it's easy to say that the Dan Duquette-Buck Showalter led rebuilding project in Charm City is still in its early stages, there is a burning desire to compete in the tough AL East while developing a long-term plan for sustained success and trips to October.

Last summer, when Baltimore rode an improbable run differential and lights-out bullpen into contention, a problem emerged at third base. Simply put, the combination of Wilson Betemit and Mark Reynolds was costing Baltimore games.

In lieu of acquiring a veteran to fill the spot, Baltimore shifted prized shortstop prospect Manny Machado to third base. The kid thrived, helping to solidify the defense and setting the stage for his 2013 All-Star campaign.

This week, Baltimore took the philosophy a step further, promoting their 2012 first-round pick, Kevin Gausman, to step into their beleaguered rotation.

The fact that Gausman brings with him less than 65 innings of professional experience is irrelevant in today's game.

If you can help, you arrive, regardless of age.

3. Young players don't progress in a straight line.

In New York, the immense struggles of the Mets have been overshadowed by the season-long slump endured by first baseman Ike Davis. In a way, he's become a scapegoat for a franchise on the path to a fifth consecutive losing season.

In Seattle, Jesus Montero was optioned to Triple-A, just over a year from his arrival as the savior to the Mariners' problems behind the plate and at the dish.

While Ike blasted 32 home runs in 2012 and Montero looked great in a 2011 cameo with the Yankees, the rise and fall of young, talented players shouldn't come as a surprise.

Only a handful of prospects like Bryce Harper can arrive at the big leagues, produce at an elite level from the jump and not fall into the abyss of struggles and doubt.

Most young players withstand the ebbs and flows of a career, failing to make adjustments and succumbing to major slumps and drop in production.

4. Don Mattingly's days are numbered in Los Angeles.

From votes of confidence to voicing frustrations through the media, baseball fans are now waiting to see when, not if, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly will be shown the door in Los Angeles.

While his team, 19-26, last in the NL West, has clearly underperformed, the season is still young. If not for injuries to major rotation pieces and Hanley Ramirez, the 2013 Dodgers might be closer to .500, only a few games back in the division and surrounded by far less drama.

Instead, unrealistic expectations have created a culture that isn't tailored to winning at a high level.

Considering the top-heavy nature of the roster, injuries sustained and Matt Kemp's very slow start to the season, allowing Mattingly the full season to show what he can do with a team like this is the fair thing to do.

If the losses keep piling up this weekend and in early June, fair won't matter.

Donnie Baseball will be on the way out of his first career managerial gig.

Comment below, follow me on Twitter or "like" my Facebook page to talk all things baseball!

Christopher Samba: Summer Transfer Window Profile and Scouting Report

Tom Sunderland — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:44:51 -0400

Having switched back to the Premier League after a fairly short stint with Anzhi Makhachkala, doubt hangs over Christopher Samba’s QPR future and whether or not the defender will be around for the club’s upcoming Championship season.

Read on to find all the centre-back’s scouting information, as well as some indication as to just where Samba may end up in the summer transfer window.

Age: 29

Contract Situation: Signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at Loftus Road in January 2013, set to expire in June 2017.

Career Stops: Sedan (2002-04), Hertha Berlin (2004-07), Blackburn Rovers (2007-12), Anzhi Makhachkala (2012-13), Queens Park Rangers (2013-present).

Current Campaign: Russian Premier League (Anzhi)—17 appearances, two goals, five clean sheets; Europa League (Anzhi)—eight appearances, one goal, five clean sheets; Premier League (QPR)—10 appearances, no goals, one clean sheet.

Video Showreel

Scouting Guide

Although his talents weren’t enough to provide QPR with the means for Premier League survival, Christopher Samba is undoubtedly a tough defender who’s familiar with the Premier League’s requirements.

Speaking to Sky Sports earlier this month, the Congolese international admitted that a move back to England’s top flight may have been premature for him due to a lack of fitness, meaning that more good could come from the defender if a Premier League side were to offer him another chance.

That said, Squawka.com statistics say the centre-back was successful in only five of his 11 tackle attempts with QPR this season, committing almost one foul per game.

What’s Next?

The Daily Mail recently reported QPR owner Tony Fernandes as saying that it would be his preference to “build a side around” Christopher Samba in preparation for their Championship voyage.

The Malaysian businessman also claims that notions of Samba’s alleged £100,000-a-week salary are false and that nobody at the club is earning more than £65,000 per week.

While that might boost their reputation in terms of splurging, such wages are still far above the Championship standard and could mean an exit for Samba this summer, regardless.

The Mirror reports that Zenit St. Petersburg, who made an offer for Samba almost instantly after his move to West London, are the only club with known interest in the 29-year-old’s services.

Chris 'Birdman' Anderson's Energy Covering Up Miami Heat's Only Weakness

Jonathan Wasserman — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:44:50 -0400

Whoever's idea it was to sign Chris "Birdman" Anderson deserves a raise.

The Heat went out and bought a Band-Aid that happened to be the exact same shape as the wound. Anderson's strengths have played directly to Miami's weakness.

There was no interior activity from the bigs before the Birdman arrived. Think about the depth they had at the 4 and 5 positions. Joel Anthony was the only big man they had coming off the bench, and with all due respect, I've got a refrigerator in my kitchen that offers more versatility.

But I guess you don't need much of a bench when you have a guy like LeBron James who could play five positions in a half.

Still, take a look at this box score from Miami's second unit, when the team scored 77 points against Indiana earlier in this season.

Bench	Minutes	Rebounds	Assists	Blocks	Points
Shane Battier, SF	17	1	0	0	0
Joel Anthony, C	12	1	0	3	0
Norris Cole, PG	15	3	0	0	5
Ray Allen, SG	16	1	1	2	0
Mike Miller, SF	14	2	1	0	3

It's not even about the numbers. It's about the energy, activity and flexibility of the members on that bench. Not to mention the fact there's only one center and no power forwards waiting to check in.

In Game 1 of this year's Eastern Conference Finals, Anderson went for 16 points on a perfect seven-of-seven shooting, along with five boards and three blocks in only 18 minutes.

He produced a shot chart that should be hung and framed in the central wing of the Museum of Modern Art. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you, "The Birdman":

I know, it's breathtaking.

As a 6'10'' athletic big man, Anderson gives Miami an extra target for easy buckets they wouldn't have without him.

Anderson provides a service that the other Miami bigs can't: playing on the move. None of his points or blocks come off two feet. He scores off cuts, tip-ins and alley-oops while swatting balls as a roaming interior defender.

Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem certainly don't score on the move. Even Chris Bosh gets the majority of his baskets in a set position.

Anderson's ability to make things happen without having his number called is exactly what Miami's frontcourt depth was incapable of. I like to call it off-ball playmaking—being able to contribute without using a dribble.

Anderson knows how to read plays and put himself in scoring position. And given his athleticism and efficiency as a finisher, his finishing range is deep. He's capable of converting at awkward angles or turning those angles into easier opportunities.

With the dexterity to finish around defenders or over them, Anderson doesn't have to rely on lower-percentage touch shots. Birdman scores on the way down instead of on the way up.

And with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade so good at breaking down the defense, the opportunities will be there for Anderson as long as he remains active.

The high-flying energy that Anderson has brought to the table has helped cover up Miami's only weakness. He brought a new dimension to Miami's frontcourt, and it's been just what the doctor ordered.

Shaq and Kenny Smith dig the Birdman so much they created a theme song in honor of Miami's colorful new hero:

Toronto Maple Leafs' 5 Most Impressive Players During 2013 Playoffs

Jon Reid — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:43:47 -0400

It was a heartbreaking end to the 2013 season for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

I don't think I've ever been around a group of more heartbroken fans in my life.

Yet the mere fact that the Leafs were able to mount a comeback from three games to one down and build a three-goal lead through 50 minutes of play leaves something for Leafs fans to celebrate this offseason.

There were certainly some players who stood out in the seven-game series for the Buds as well.

From young guns proving they can play well at the NHL level to stars snapping a nasty streak, Toronto fans saw some impressive performances from their favorite players.

Here are the team's best performers for the Toronto Maple Leafs this postseason.

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Florida Football: Giving Loucheiz Purifoy Too Many Snaps at WR Would Be a Gamble

Barrett Sallee — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:39:39 -0400

Desperation is a stinky cologne, but it's one that Florida head coach Will Muschamp and offensive coordinator Brent Pease were forced to wear this spring.

With five healthy scholarship wide receivers (including all-everything player Trey Burton) available this spring, none of whom are established downfield threats, the Gator coaching staff moved starting cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy to the offensive side of the ball in an attempt to kick start the stagnant Gator passing attack.

That passing attack finished bottom in the SEC last season, averaging just 146.3 yards per game.

While quarterback Jeff Driskel takes the majority of the heat for Florida's passing woes, the inability of players like Andre Debose and Quinton Dunbar to stretch the field is a big reason why Florida was one-dimensional out of necessity last season.

Giving Purifoy significant snaps as a wide receiver would only be a band-aid.

The 6'0", 190-pound junior—who had 51 tackles and five pass breakups a year ago—is slated to start opposite Marcus Roberson in Florida's secondary, according to Florida's summer depth chart. While Muschamp maintains that the depth chart is worth the paper (or, in this case, the piece of Internet real estate) it's printed on, it does speak to how valuable Purifoy is to the Florida defense.

Add incoming freshman Vernon Hargreaves III to the mix, and Florida's cornerbacks could be the most talented corps in the SEC. Purifoy and Roberson have both been generating plenty of draft buzz this spring, with Purifoy being listed by ESPN's Todd McShay as a potential first-round pick in next year's draft (subscription required).

Hargreaves may be great, but he's still a freshman and will make freshman mistakes.

If you're Florida, don't marginally improve a weakness at the expense of your unquestioned strength.

Muschamp said during the SEC coaches' spring teleconference that Purifoy will get another look at wide receiver when the Gators kick off fall camp later this summer.

The way I've got it planned right now, the first 12 days he is strictly on defense. I want to see number one, how these wideouts continue to develop through the summer and where they are. Through those first 12 practices, you're not going to find that out if you play him on offense. After that, we'll make a decision on how much.

In other words, somebody better step up at wide receiver, otherwise Purifoy will be getting significant reps on offense.

This isn't new. Florida's biggest SEC rival was dealt virtually the exact opposite situation last offseason.

With depth and suspensions wreaking havoc on its secondary, Georgia was forced to move wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell—a 2011 SEC All-Freshman selection—to cornerback for the first four games of the 2012 season.

It didn't cost Georgia, but could have had Mitchell stayed on defense throughout the season after wide receivers Michael Bennett and Marlon Brown were lost for the season due to torn ACLs.

Florida has games at Miami and versus Tennessee before the end of September. Not exactly tough opponents, but certainly tricky games—especially if an answer doesn't present itself in the passing game during fall camp.

Gator fans better hope that Purifoy doesn't play a lot of offense in 2013. If he does, that means lingering questions from last year's squad remain unanswered and the staff would be gambling with its secondary.

Follow @BarrettSallee

Nebraska Football: Why Summer Is Most Dangerous Season to Be a Husker

Andrew Steier — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:33:59 -0400

The Nebraska Cornhuskers will not begin fall practice for weeks. They will not play a game for months. And the time until a respectable opponent (no offense to Wyoming and Southern Miss, who combined for four wins in 2012) comes to Lincoln is even longer.

And now that bowl season, recruiting season and spring season have all wrapped up, there is nowhere to look but forward to the 2013 season. Just like last year and the year before that, this is a dangerous proposition.

Consider 2011.

Nebraska was preparing for its Big Ten debut. Coming off two consecutive trips to the Big 12 Championship Game, expectations could not have been higher for the Big Red.

Taylor Martinez and the rest of the offense were maturing. The defense was returning loads of star power with Jared Crick, Lavonte David and Alfonzo Dennard. And Nebraska’s early-season matchup with the Wisconsin Badgers was billed as a sure preview of the inaugural Big Ten Championship Game in Indianapolis.

Well, that it did not quite pan out. Nebraska sputtered through their non-conference schedule and suffered embarrassing losses at Wisconsin and Michigan.

And then there was 2012.

The Husker team, particularly on defense, looked completely different, but the summer optimism was just the same. Graduating the big three of Crick, David and Dennard, the preseason hype took on a whole new tone.

Defense by committee was the rallying cry. The same voices that called for Nebraska’s dominance in 2011 thanks to a few superstars were now the ones claiming the defense would excel in 2012 because opponents would not be able to key on certain playmakers.

Despite the completely different outlook, Nebraska received similar production. Consistently sufficient defense brought success for most of the season, but a few complete breakdowns in the biggest games overshadowed everything else.

For the second straight year, the Huskers were burned by preseason expectations. But do not think that will deter the same optimism from blossoming this summer.

This year’s theme will not be the overwhelming star power or the lack thereof of the last two seasons. It will be the story of young players thrown straight into the fire. Although this seems like a simple observation, after a few months devoid of Husker news and full of 2013 anticipation, the youth of the defense will become the focal point of optimism and lofty expectations heading into 2013.

Even if you are not yet ready to declare some of Nebraska’s untested defenders the cornerstones of the team, be weary of the next couple months. It is the football-less days of summer waiting for August 31st to come that grow expectations to a fever pitch and place unwarranted expectations on unproven defenses.

French Open 2013 Draw: Stars with Toughest Roads to Title

Mike Hoag — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:32:18 -0400

The 2013 French Open draw is live and there are several intriguing storylines set to take place as the yearly event kicks off.

Will Serena Williams continue her terror on women’s tennis? Can Rafael Nadal win his eighth French Open title in nine appearances?

All of the stars of both the men’s and women’s will be on hand in Roland Garros to answer those questions and more over the next two weeks.

Men's Seeds

Seed	Player	Nationality
1	Novak Djokovic	SRB
2	Roger Federer	SUI
3	Rafael Nadal	ESP
4	David Ferrer	ESP
5	Tomas Berdych	CZE
6	Jo-Wilfried Tsonga	FRA
7	Richard Gasquet	FRA
8	Janko Tipsarevic	SRB
9	Stanislas Wawrinka	SUI
10	Marin Cilic	CRO
11	Nicolas Almagro	ESP
12	Tommy Haas	GER
13	Kei Nishikori	JPN
14	Milos Raonic	CAN
15	Gilles Simon	FRA
16	Philipp Kohlschreiber	GER
17	Juan Monaco	ARG
18	Sam Querrey	USA
19	John Isner	USA
20	Andreas Seppi	ITA
21	Jerzy Janowicz	POL
22	Alexandr Dolgopolov	UKR
23	Kevin Anderson	RSA
24	Benoit Pare	FRA
25	Jeremy Chardy	FRA
26	Grigor Dimitrov	BUL
27	Fabio Fognini	ITA
28	Florian Mayer	GER
29	Mikhail Youzhny	RUS
30	Julien Benneteau	FRA
31	Marcel Granollers	ESP
32	Tommy Robredo	ESP

*Men's seeds courtesy of RolandGarros.com

Women's Seeds

Seed	Player	Nationality
1	Serena Williams	USA
2	Maria Sharapova	RUS
3	Victoria Azarenka	BLR
4	Agnieszka Radwanska	POL
5	Sara Errani	ITA
6	Li Na	CHN
7	Petra Kvitova	CZE
8	Angelique Kerber	GER
9	Samantha Stosur	AUS
10	Caroline Wozniacki	DEN
11	Nadia Petrova	RUS
12	Maria Kirilenko	RUS
13	Marion Bartoli	FRA
14	Ana Ivanovic	SRB
15	Roberta Vinci	ITA
16	Dominika Cibulkova	SLV
17	Sloane Stephens	USA
18	Jelena Jankovic	SRB
19	Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova	RUS
20	Carla Suarez Navarro	ESP
21	Kirsten Flipkens	BEL
22	Ekaterina Makarova	RUS
23	Klara Zakopalova	CZE
24	Julia Goerges	GER
25	Lucie Safarova	CZE
26	Sorana Cirstea	ROU
27	Yaroslava Shvedova	KAZ
28	Tamira Paszek	AUT
29	Varvara Lepchenko	USA
30	Venus Williams	USA
31	Alize Cornet	FRA
32	Sabine Lisicki	GER

*Women's seeds courtesy of RolandGarros.com

For full men's and women's brackets, please visit RolandGarros.com.

Despite there being clear-cut favorites, a competition of this magnitude is sure to have its surprises. Everyone will have to run the gauntlet in order to win the crown of this year’s second Grand Slam tournament.

Here are a couple of big-name stars that will have to rise to top form in order to avoid disappointment after seeing this year’s draw.

Maria Sharapova

Last year Maria Sharapova captured the French Open crown after Serena Williams was shockingly beat by Virginie Razzano in the opening round. Since then Williams is 67-3, according to AP reporting (via USA Today), and has captured Wimbledon, U.S. Open and London Olympics titles.

Recently, Williams knocked off Sharapova, WTA’s second-ranked women’s player behind her, on clay in Madrid.

Sharapova doesn’t have an easy path to a finals date with Williams either. In order to even reach that potential blockbuster matchup, she will have to work her way through a tough draw, including a quarter that features Samantha Stosur and Sloane Stephens.

If she makes it to the semifinals, she might encounter the tough competition from her half: Victoria Azarenka, Maria Kirilenko or Na Li.

Sharapova was knocked out of the 2011 French Open by Li, her only clay-court loss to her in four attempts. She also has had mixed results against Azarenka (5-7) but has won both of their previous meetings on clay.

Novak Djokovic

No. 1 seed or not, it’s hard to imagine ATP’s top-ranked men’s player Novak Djokovic running the table and then defeating Rafael Nadal in the tournament semifinals. As Sky Sports notes (via Twitter), the two giants are on a collision course to meet in Roland Garros.

If he manages to ouster the Spanish French Open master he’ll potentially have to subsequently hold off Roger Federer, who could await him in the finals.

It isn’t an impossible task for Djoker, but it is a daunting one nonetheless.

Last year, Nadal captured the clay-court crown by handily dispatching him in the final in four sets (6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5). There never was much doubt despite a third-set rally by Djokovic.

USA’s John Isner (19) and fellow countryman Janko Tipsarevic will provide the biggest challenge to Djokovic as he prepares for his likely duel with Nadal.

He could also find himself in a rematch against Grigor Dimitrov, also in his half, who shocked him in Madrid earlier in May. The road to his first French Open title will certainly be arduous.

Roger Federer

Roger Federer is well rested, but questions have to be asked as to whether or not he is capable of running the table and then knocking off premier players like Nadal and Djokovic—especially on clay.

His Achilles' heel has always been slick clay courts and, rest or not, we could very well witness the aging superstar’s weakness get the best of him in Roland Garros.

Nadal's recent dominance over Federer on clay at the 2013 Italian Open really exemplifies the disparity between the two right now, especially on clay.

Despite the odds being stacked against the one-time French Open winner, Federer has drawn a favorable bracket. If he can build momentum and command his serve, he could find himself in the finals. Both Nadal and Djokovic were drawn into an opposite bracket, but that doesn’t mean it will be an easy ride for FedEx.

He was recently upset on the clay courts of the Madrid Open by 14th seed Kei Nishikori in May. In addition, he hasn’t won a title thus far in 2013.

Federer can be the most dominant in the world at times, and has a favorable draw to help him in France. It’s hard to label his draw too favorable, though, because he simply isn’t playing great tennis and struggles on clay.

We might see a late-season Federer resurgence but it won’t likely be in Roland Garros.

10 Fighters with the Best Takedown Defense in MMA

Dustin Filloy — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:27:43 -0400

Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell unveiled the blueprint for stuffing takedowns and dictating the pace of fights against upper-echelon wrestlers years ago in the UFC.

Superior technique and a vicious and well-timed sprawl helped "The Iceman" stymie the takedown attempts of several gifted grapplers, forcing the bulk of his foes to stand up and exchange with him.

Liddell's three-year reign over the UFC's light heavyweight division ended in 2007, leaving the door open for several fighters with similar skill sets to emerge and take his place.

Here are the 10 fighters with the best takedown defense in MMA.

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Dean Ambrose: 3 Realistic Challengers for the United States Championship

Seth M. Guttenplan — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:23:44 -0400

Dean Ambrose defeated transitional champion Kofi Kingston at Extreme Rules for the United States title leaving WWE fans with one question.

Who’s next?

Ambrose has the total package of wrestling and microphone skills that he is likely to have a lengthy reign as the United States champion. He has the opportunity to bring prestige to the midcard title that hasn’t been seen in years. In order for that to happen, Ambrose’s challengers have to be at a higher level as well.

We aren’t talking Santino Marella, Zack Ryder or former champion Kofi Kingston here.

We are talking serious contenders.

Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan recently lost the tag team titles at Extreme Rules and seems to be headed toward singles competition once again. Although Team Hell No has not broken up officially yet, it seems to be only a matter of time. When that does happen, a feud with Ambrose would be a win-win situation for everyone.

Ambrose and Bryan are two independent wrestling darlings who have been squaring off a lot recently. Bryan is a former world champion who would help bring relevancy back to the United States title. When you have a future world champion against a former one, the midcard title will become that much more important.

Kane

Perhaps before Ambrose feuds with Bryan, he will first be challenged by the four-time world champion in WWE, Kane. Bryan’s partner has helped put over young stars in the past whether as a partner or opponent. Ambrose has a recent past with Kane as The Shield and Team Hell No have been at odds with each other since December. Ambrose also faced Kane not long ago as the Big Red Machine sought revenge for The Shield’s attack on his brother The Undertaker.

Kane is unlikely to ever defeat Ambrose for the U.S. title since he is more toward the end of his career. However, the midcard title is one of the only championships in WWE Kane has never claimed. Perhaps when Ambrose is going to be moved to the main event scene, WWE could be kind to Kane and give him the title.

Big E Langston

A feud between Ambrose and Big E Langston would prove to be a showcase of two Superstars who could feud with one another over a world title someday.

Like The Shield, Langston was promoted from NXT to the main roster and immediately pushed into a main storyline. Langston was another Superstar who could have defeated Kingston for the United States title. In fact, there were reports that WWE considered putting a title on Langston to give gold to all members of Team Ziggler.

The one obstacle in the way of a Langston and Ambrose feud is that both are heels right now. However, at the same time, WWE seems to be hinting at a future babyface turn for the former NXT champion. Ziggler has been seen treating Langston poorly at times, but with the World Heavyweight champion out due to a concussion, things are on hold.

Who do you think should challenge Dean Ambrose for the United States title? Does anyone stand a chance? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Continue the conversation by following me on Twitter (@sethgutt), and check out my site guttwrenchpowerblog.com.

Like GuTTWrenchPowerBlog on Facebook here.

Chicago Blackhawks: What Bold Moves Are Ahead This Summer?

Andy Campbell — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:17:58 -0400

Suppose we are folding the tent right now. Suppose the season is officially over and a 3-1 deficit is too much for the Chicago Blackhawks to overcome. It may very well be.

Sure, we may be entertained, the 'Hawks could rally and force a Game 6 at the Joe and people can believe again. Back to reality for a second. With the way the Detroit Red Wings' Jimmy Howard is playing, the way Henrik Zetterberg is clamping down on Jonathan Toews and the lack of production the Hawks have had up front, it seems like things are coming to an end on the 2012-13 season.

So what now?

If I was to bet, I would put money on the same Stan Bowman speech we have heard over the last three seasons. Terms like "We like our group" or references to prospects in the system have become the norm. Yes, that and some very inactive summers. So don't be shocked 'Hawks fans if not a whole lot happens.

If I were to be so daring, though, there are a few major things that the 'Hawks brass should seriously consider.

Moving Dave Bolland

We loved him in 2010 and in the 2011 playoffs, he was the reason the 'Hawks got back into the series against the Vancouver Canucks. But now that's yesterday's news, and there are some serious red flags with his play.

For starters, Bolland is made of glass and you never know when he'll be able to play. Secondly, for a second- or third-line center, it's becoming clear that he is insufficient in the faceoff dot. Thirdly, that offensive punch that he was once able to add has gone astray.

With his contract coming up for renewal in June of 2014 and Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Brandon Saad coming up the season after, expect Bolland to be shopped. This move above the others may be more likely.

Coach Q to Exit Stage Left

When you don't do what your fanbase expects you to do, someone has to take the fall. That someone will be Joel Quenneville. It's becoming more and more apparent in this series that Coach Q is being badly out-coached by Mike Babcock, and he has no answers.

Oh yeah, and that power play is horrendous.

Should Q take the fall on his own? Maybe not, but you already saw one coach (Alain Vigneault) get bounced in Vancouver after Canucks general manager Mike Gillis failed to put a more controlled product on the ice. As much as Stan Bowman should be the one under fire, he probably won't be since the 'Hawks' upper management clearly wants a GM it can pull strings on.

With that in mind, this may be it for Q.

Would the Hawks Dare Consider Buyouts of "Core" Players

Bold indeed, but change has to come, and that should mean parting ways with a popular player or two.

The two that come to mind are Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa. Great players, and Chicago has loved them, but they are aging and their skill set for the current Chicago club is becoming more relevant for the regular season only.

Sharp has a contract that is now looking to be a bit of an albatross moving forward. He was injured this season, was great against a poor Minnesota Wild team but has been invisible against the Wings. Sharp is now 31 years old and is owed $5.9 million through 2016-17. One could guess that as early as next season, the Hawks are not going to be fond of that contract.

With a shrinking salary cap, losing Sharp's salary by trade or buyout could go a long way for the 'Hawks to add some much-needed muscle in their lineup.

Insert Hossa's name next. He's masterful, maybe one of the best skill players in the NHL, and it pains me to write it, but his contract is going to handcuff him. His postseason has been solid other than the last three games, hence why this is even a topic.

Let's face facts. When you need to change, it has to be drastic, and this would be it. Nobody is going to touch Hossa in a trade with his $5.275 million cap hit through 2019-20. That's right—that's seven more years. A buyout for the 34-year-old is the only play here. Can you replace Hossa's skill level? No, you can't, but you can use that money toward gritty players and add them to a hockey team that's already overflowing with skilled players.

It's possible, yet unlikely, that we will see the 'Hawks rectify their situation and take the Wings to seven games. If not, Stan Bowman can attempt again to convince fans the team is OK, citing the streak, Presidents' Trophy and a string of misfortune.

But anyone that follows this club closely knows that something needs to be done. They still have talent and some key players to make future Cup runs, but continuing to put faith in those that were a part of the 2010 Cup team, just because they were there, has got to end. Hopefully you'll see the significant changes the team needs to make.

All for now. Thanks for reading.

Why Oregon'S De'Anthony Thomas Is Best RB Threat to Win 2013 Heisman Trophy

Ian Berg — Fri, 24 May 2013 11:16:21 -0400

The race for the Heisman Trophy is in full swing with athletic departments preparing campaigns for their potential stars and Vegas setting odds for the game's most illustrious award.

De’Anthony Thomas is the highest running back on the Heisman list from Bovada, and it’s tough to argue against his placement. Thomas is poised for a huge year and is the biggest threat for the Heisman at running back.

He is a unique talent for Oregon. There have been a lot of quality running backs that have passed through Eugene in the past few years, but Thomas is set to become the best to date.

One separator for Thomas is his all-purpose ability. He is a utility back that fills a number of roles for the offense. He lines up in the slot, runs downhill from the backfield and returns punts and kicks on special teams.

His impact is felt in every aspect of the Ducks program, making him the most important player to this team for 2013.

Marcus Mariota will be good, but Thomas is his safety valve.

Last fall, he rushed 92 times for 701 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also added 45 receptions, 445 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns to his stat line.

As a returner, he returned 13 punts and 16 kickoffs, totaling 611 return yards and two touchdowns. His returns averaged 17 yards on punts and 24.3 yards on kickoffs.

The stats tell the story. He is the cornerstone of the offense and as a rising junior will be one of the most experienced players on offense.

With Kenjon Barner gone, Thomas will become the primary back. Barner put up 1,767 rushing yards last fall and rushed for 21 touchdowns.

He didn’t show the receiving ability of Thomas, and he lacked the return numbers.

With the all-purpose threat that Thomas brings as a returner, receiver and rusher, it’s easy to see why he is one of the favorites for the Heisman.

With a new coach driving the program, there will be a national spotlight focused on Eugene.

Can Mark Helfrich continue the success that Chip Kelly saw? Will the offense be the same?

If Thomas can step in and carry the offense as expected, the Heisman campaign will come naturally. The country will already be watching Oregon closely, and when Thomas shreds defenses in the process, voters will take notice.

Oregon has never produced a Heisman winner, but that has a real chance of changing this fall.

The program has seen a number of players get close, but none have brought the complete package approach that comes with Thomas.

It all starts on August 31 when Nicholls State comes to Eugene, but the next two weeks will be what determines his chance in the race. If big games come against Virginia and Tennessee, Thomas should start making plans for New York this December.

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