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Tampa Bay Rays vs. Boston Red Sox Live Blog: Instant Reactions and Analysis

Molly Tow — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:45:23 -0400

Tonight, the first-place Boston Red Sox (44-29) will look for a series sweep as they take on the Tampa Bay Rays (36-35) at Fenway Park at 7:10 EDT for the final game of the teams’ three-game series.

In the first two games of the series (played yesterday as a doubleheader), Boston arms surrendered just two runs to Tampa Bay, as the Red Sox won 5-1 in the afternoon contest and 3-1 in the nightcap.

Tonight’s pitching matchup is between Jeremy Hellickson and Ryan Dempster.

Hellickson is looking to rebound from his abysmal last outing, in which he allowed eight runs on 10 hits—his worst outing all season. The righty is currently 4-3 with a 5.67 ERA and has generally struggled in night games this year. Opponents’ batting average against him is 80 points higher at night than it is in day games.

Dempster (4-7 with a 4.21 ERA in 2013), on the other hand, has seen quite a bit of success of late. In his last four starts, he’s put up a 3.25 ERA while opponents are batting just .216 against him.

The Red Sox have given the Rays trouble this season, as they have been victorious in nine of 11 games against Tampa Bay. In particular, the hot-hitting David Ortiz—who went 4-for-8 in yesterday’s doubleheader—is 7-for-19 with two homers against Hellickson.

Live blog posts will start at approximately 7 p.m. EDT

Detroit Red Wings Announce New $650 Million Arena Plan

Ethan Grant — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:36:47 -0400

The Detroit Red Wings have been using Joe Louis Arena for the last 32 seasons, but as Louis Aguilar of The Detroit News reported on Wednesday, city officials officially mapped out a plan for a new $650 million hockey and entertainment area in Detroit's downtown entertainment and sports district.

The announcement was deemed a "starting point" by city officials and will call for a 56-44 percent split ($367 to $283 million) in private and public funding.

According to Aguilar, the proposed seating limit is 18,000 and the entire operation would be located close to both of Detroit's other major sports franchise homes. Interstate 75 and Woodward Avenue, near the Detroit Tigers' Comerica Park and the Detroit Lions' Ford Field, is the expected site of the new development.

Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch, who also owns the Detroit Tigers, has long been advocating a new stadium plan and it looks like he's consolidating some of his resources to bring his two current ownership responsibilities closer together.

Aguilar has more details:

According to the DEGC, the district includes a $450 million sports and entertainment center and $200 million in new residential, retail and office development in an approximately 45-block area that generally reaches from Grand Circus Park to Charlotte Street between Woodward and Grand River avenues.

Under the concept proposed by Ilitch Holdings, the new hockey arena, or multipurpose events center, would anchor a 35-acre downtown district featuring sports, entertainment, stores and housing near the Ilitch family’s company headquarters in the restored Fox Theatre on Woodward Avenue and nearby Comerica Park.

Ilitch, who also owns pizza franchise Little Caesars, has worked in tandem with the Detroit Economic Growth Committee—which is in itself part of the Downtown Development Authority—to get the ball rolling on this project.

The city is promising new jobs, economic growth and the infusion of roughly $1.8 billion of economic impact into the state of Michigan itself after the project is completed. The promise of no new taxes or funds from Detroit citizens has also been made.

Joe Louis Arena has a higher capacity for fans (20,058) than the new development is proposing, but it is also the league's fourth-oldest arena.

Power Ranking Every Bears Player Under Contract Prior to Training Camp

Andrew Dannehy — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:24:35 -0400

With the Chicago Bears' offseason practices in the books and the roster mostly set heading into training camp, it's time to see how it stacks up.

For the past decade, the Bears have been a defensive team. The names and faces may change, but their defense has always been better than their offense. This list represents that as six of their top 10 players play defense. However, it also represents a changing of the guard as the top two players are offensive stars.

While the Bears defense remains their calling card—and I expect that to continue for at least one more season—they're aging. They do, however, have a number of young offensive players who appear ready to break out.

There will be a lot of players battling for a few spots as the Bears' roster is a bit top-heavy with a number of great players, but little depth. They've worked to improve their depth this offseason, particularly on the offensive line and at linebacker. They should have some quality competition at both.

To compile this list, I used the roster on the Bears' team website, which consists of 89 players. This list is not a representation of who will make the final 53-man roster, but the best players they have. There are a number of players who may be ranked higher than others, but could be released due to salary cap or other concerns.

I based my rankings on a combination of things. The most notable is past production, but for younger players I also considered their potential. Ultimately, I tried to rate the players based on how good they are at their job and how their skill translates to wins for the team.

When it's all said and done, we know who the Bears' best players are and the talent on the roster is as good as it's been in a long time. Whether that translates to wins remains to be seen, but here is how the roster stacks up heading into training camp.

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College World Series Bracket 2013: Previewing Indiana vs. Oregon State Matchup

Steven Cook — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:18:44 -0400

In a win-or-go-home matchup on Wednesday night in Omaha, Nebraska, the Indiana Hoosiers will look to continue their dream season against the Oregon State Beavers in the 2013 College World Series.

After winning seven straight games, including their opener in Omaha against Louisville, the Hoosiers dropped a 5-4 affair to Mississippi State on Monday. The Bulldogs win was never a guarantee until the final out, though, as the Hoosiers kept it close and nearly mounted a big-time comeback.

The Beavers, on the other hand, dropped their opening contest to the Bulldogs before coming back to eliminate Louisville, 11-4.

Both squads have beaten the same team and lost to the same team so far in Omaha, so it'll come down to who can win the one-on-one affair.

The winner will move on to play Mississippi State in the semifinals, who they must beat in two straight games to earn a spot in the championship game.

When: Wednesday, June 19 at 8 p.m. ET

Where: TD Ameritrade Park, Omaha, Neb.

Watch: ESPN

Key Matchup: Hoosiers' Power Pitching vs. Beavers' Hot Bats

Save for the UCLA Bruins, Indiana might have proven to boast the most formidable pitching corps at the College World Series.

The Hoosiers blanked Louisville 2-0 in the CWS opener for both teams. Led by a four-hit, complete-game shutout from ace Joey DeNato, there was nothing going on for the Cardinals offensively.

The OSU pitching staff ranks second in the nation with a 2.34 ERA, but they haven't been quite as dominant so far in the postseason.

However, their bats are making up for it by heating up in a big way. Their four runs against Mississippi State don't jump off the page, but an 11-run outburst against the sound Louisville squad leaves one salivating at the possibilities for Wednesday's game.

Having had three or four days rest, the Hoosiers may as well go with DeNato again on Wednesday night. It's unclear as of now, since it can be quite hard to come back so quickly after a complete game. But don't sleep on the idea of him coming into the game at some point, starting or not.

Player to Watch: Oregon State P Matt Boyd

Enough talk about Indiana's hot pitching. Oregon State senior Matt Boyd might be the most talented ace between the two teams and in the tournament.

Boyd boasts a 2.18 ERA and a 10-4 record on the season, but perhaps his most shining statistic is that he returned to Oregon State for his senior season just for this moment. He was taken in the 13th round by Cincinnati in last year's MLB draft and opted to return with the hopes of winning a national championship.

He's been the team's Friday night starter all season long as the No. 1 guy, but he came on in relief for the Beavers' CWS opener. He was surely looking for a much different performance, having been responsible for giving up the game-losing hit to Mississippi State's Wes Rea.

His Beavers delivered an 11-4 rout of Louisville in an elimination game to give Boyd one last chance to will his team to victory. That moment will come on Wednesday night against an Indiana team desperate to make their own mark.

Prediction

Indiana has been the Cinderella story of not only this tournament but the entire college baseball season. Meanwhile, the Beavers boast just as much talent, if not more.

But a game like this comes down to momentum and clutch performances, and the Hoosiers have been dialing up much more of that as of late.

Indiana 3, Oregon State 2

USA vs Honduras: Sloppy Play Will Doom USA in Future Matches

Jesse Reed — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:17:59 -0400

USA defeated Honduras by a score of 1-0 on Tuesday, and the team should be happy about its recent success during World Cup qualifying. That said, USA cannot afford another sloppy match like it played against Honduras in the matches to come.

As Bleacher Report's Michael Cummings noted, USA's effort in the first half of the game was not nearly good enough:

With Graham Zusi and Michael Bradley struggling badly in the middle of the field, USA's offensive attack was non-existent. A poor showing on the defensive side of the pitch nearly cost the team a goal in the final minutes of the first half.

At halftime, Honduras had held USA to only three shots (one on goal), despite the fact that the Americans held possession for 66 percent of the time.

If not for a brilliant effort by Jozy Altidore, who scored the match's only goal, USA were looking at the very real possibility of finishing the match with a 0-0 tie against Honduras.

Speaking of Altidore, he was the only real bright spot for USA in the match, as he scored his fourth goal in as many games, tying a record, as noted by Paul Carr of ESPN Stats & Info:

Up next for USA are Costa Rica—the team that currently sits in second place in the standings in this group. If Costa Rica had been the team the Americans had faced on Tuesday, the game would have been a lopsided affair in favor of the Costa Ricans.

Honduras have only managed seven points thus far in the North, Central America and Caribbean group. It isn't a team that should have given USA a lot of trouble, but it did.

USA have performed admirably throughout the early qualifying matches, but it's time to step things up a few notches as the level of competition increases. If USA wants to be taken seriously as a World Cup contender, it must come out much sharper in upcoming matches.

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78

Brazil vs. Mexico: Confederations Cup Player Ratings

Callum Fox — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:08:27 -0400

Brazil ran out 2-0 winners against Mexico, which takes them to the top of Group A and virtually secures their passage into the semifinals.

Neymar's sublime volley got the Selecao off to a great start, and Jo's injury-time finish rounded off a vital win for Luiz Felipe Scolari's side.

The ratings for both teams follow below.

Brazil Player Ratings:

Julio Cesar: 6

Largely untroubled by a toothless Mexican attack, Cesar performed his duties in goal without much fuss.

Dani Alves: 6.5

Made some excellent runs down the right flank, including one that led to Neymar's stunner. Booked for a stray elbow against Moreno in the second half.

Thiago Silva: 6

Some shaky moments, particularly in set pieces, but a otherwise solid performance from the captain as the Selecao defence held off a late Mexico resurgence.

David Luiz: 7

Shrugged off a bloodied nose to make some excellent interceptions and stepped out of the defence on more than one occasion. Brazil's best defender on the night.

Marcelo: 6

Started with gusto, making several excursions down the left, but faded as the game went on. Took a more defensive role, supporting Neymar when the forward drifted wide.

Luiz Gustavo: 6.5

Ably shielded the defence but offered little going forward. A tidy performance by the Bayern Munich enforcer.

Paulinho: 6

Failed to take control of the midfield and couldn't make the surging runs that have become his trademark in recent seasons.

Oscar: 6

An unusually quiet game from the Chelsea playmaker, who was replaced on the hour by Lazio midfielder Hernanes.

Hulk: 5.5

Another poor game from the Zenit St Petersburg star as he continues to frustrate Selecao fans with poor set plays and lack of composure in front of goal after a shocking miss in the second half. Doing no favours for himself as supporters continue to demand the inclusion of Lucas Moura.

Neymar: 8.5

By far the standout player of the game, he grabbed the headlines with another stunning effort—a magnificent volley into the bottom corner. A shift into the centre in the second half brought dividends as he exploited gaps in the Mexican defence leading to his assist for the second. Easily Brazil's most dangerous player.

Fred: 6.5

Put in a shift as the lone striker, but chances never fell for the Fluminense striker. Played as a foil for the attacking midfielders around him to good effect.

Substitutes:

Hernanes (on for Oscar, 61): 6.5

Played some dangerous passes as he helped launch several dangerous counterattacks.

Lucas Moura (on for Hulk, 77): 6

Anonymous for much of his time on the pitch, as Mexico dominated in the latter stages.

Jo (on for Fred, 81): 6.5

A cool finish from Neymar's cross made it two goals in two games for the Atletico Mineiro striker.

Mexico Player Ratings:

Jose de Jesus Corona: 7

Did well to deny a superb Dani Alves chip, but could do nothing about Neymar's sensational effort.

Hiram Mier: 5.5

Endured a torrid afternoon as Neymar took him to pieces down the left flank.

Francisco Javier Rodriguez: 6

Culpable for Neymar's goal, as he failed to clear his lines with a header that fell to the Barcelona star's feet.

Hector Moreno: 6.5

A solid game without really impressing, but he coped ably with the threat of Fred, who had a difficult game against the Mexican.

Jorge Torres Nilo: 6.5

Was exposed several times by the combination of Hulk and Dani Alves at right-back, but improved as the game went on. Subbed off for Barrera in favour of a more attacking approach in the second half.

Carlos Salcido: 5

A poor game from the former Fulham man, as he was constantly overrun by Brazil's trio of attackers. Failed to offer any protection to his defenders, and a shift to left-back late on didn't improve his performance.

Gerardo Torrado: 5.5

Equally as culpable as Salcido, as Oscar and Neymar exposed his limitations in the centre of midfield.

Gerardo Flores: 5

Largely anonymous on the right wing and was hooked in favour of Hector Herrera.

Andres Guardado: 5.5

Another player failing to fire for the Mexicans, Guardado was anonymous apart from a particularly rash challenge on Neymar that earned a booking.

Giovani dos Santos: 7.5

At the heart of everything good Mexico did with some superb runs, but was let down by his fellow teammates.

Javier Hernandez: 5.5

Suffered, as a complete lack of service meant the Manchester United star failed to get any chances in the first half. But he failed to make an impact as Mexico improved in the second half.

Substitutes:

Hector Herrera (on for Gerardo Flores, 57): 6

Helped Mexico retain more possession of the ball in the second half.

Pablo Barrera (on for Jorge Torres Nilo, 69): 7

Made some superb runs down the right as he led a later resurgence for Mexico. Delivered some dangerous crosses that should have resulted in an equaliser.

Raul Jimenez (on for Gerardo Torrado, 87): 6

Not enough time to impress.

Nationals vs. Phillies Live Blog: Instant Score, Reactions and Analysis

Eric Guy — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:05:19 -0400

The Washington Nationals (34-36) and the Philadelphia Phillies (35-37) square off Wednesday evening at 7:05 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA.

The Phillies look to sweep the Nationals and improve to 19-9 against the National League East.

Gio Gonzalez (3-3, 3.40 ERA) and Kyle Kendrick (6-4, 3.76 ERA) will be dueling under the bright lights.

Keep it locked here for updates and analysis throughout the evening.

Watch: MASN (WSH), CSN (PHI), MLB.TV

WWE Should Hold a Tournament to Decide Final Money in the Bank Match Spot

Ryan Dilbert — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:01:45 -0400

The last man to enter one of WWE's Money in the Bank ladder matches should be determined by tournament.

The Money in the Bank contract dangling above the ring is an opportunity to go from Superstar to world champ, but a fight among WWE's underused and underappreciated for the final spot in the match can have a similar career-enhancing effect.

When WWE decides who to put in these matches for the Money in the Bank pay-per-view next month, names like Wade Barrett, Ryback and Chris Jericho will undoubtedly be suggested, but this match should also be a way to increase the star power of the men on WWE's lower rungs.

Even if he doesn't win the Money in the Bank contract, for a perennial loser to make it to the match itself would be a big boost.

Imagine if Vickie Guerrero set up a tournament on WWE Raw that included Zack Ryder, Alex Riley, Justin Gabriel, two members of 3MB, Yoshi Tatsu, Ted DiBiase and JTG. None of those guys would normally seem likely candidates for inclusion, but this opportunity allows a slice of the limelight to fall where it usually wouldn't.

For three consecutive weeks, WWE Raw would then host tournament matches.

The first round would consist of eight men, the next round would have four competitors and the final two would fight in the finals.

If Gabriel, for example, were to win three matches in order to earn his spot, he would benefit from momentum even if he didn't win the actual Money in the Bank match.

Much like Bo Dallas' star rose temporarily by winning an NXT tournament to earn a spot in the 2013 Royal Rumble, this tournament winner would get a big boost.

The tournament format provides WWE Raw with quality matches that have high stakes, something for the bookers to plug in for three weeks and an injection of hype for the winner as well as the runner-up to a lesser degree.

There's also an element of unpredictability. Normally, when Ryder steps into the ring, he's headed for an automatic loss. Should he face off against Jinder Mahal, the outcome is suddenly hard to call.

Single-elimination tournaments burst with excitement.

Every win and every loss has significance. The stakes increase with each round. The winner, a man not likely to win a championship, gets a different kind of glory.

This move also makes the spot in the Money in the Bank match something earned, which increases its value. Should WWE just randomly toss in a Superstar, it has far less emotional weight. Instead, an underdog fighting off his peers and forcing his way into the title hunt is far more entertaining to watch.

This underdog will certainly have moments in the Money in the Bank match where he appears close to taking home the contract-filled briefcase.

Should someone as unlikely as Tatsu get their hands on the contract right before being knocked off the ladder, it will create a shocking near-upset the way Santino Marella nearly won the World Heavyweight Championship at the 2012 Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.

Given the number of spots available for these Money in the Bank matches, there is plenty of room for megastars, rising stars and the WWE equivalent of a school like Florida Gulf Coast making it to the Sweet 16.

There's a great story to tell here, one that clears WWE's bench and puts it to work to captivate the audience.

Why Wide Receiver Will Be Most Dominant Position in Big 12 Football in 2013

Brian Leigh — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:59:33 -0400

Over the past six years, Big 12 defenses have fallen victim to a group of talented wide receivers, and the 2013 season will be no different. As is the natural state of this conference, wide receivers will reign supreme.

That might sound like a difficult chore given what they lost. Baylor's Terrence Williams led the nation in yards and West Virginia's Steadman Bailey finished third. The latter finished with 114 receptions, tied with teammate Tavon Austin—a top 10 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft—for second best in all the land.

How is the greater Big 12 receiving corp expected to recover?

Simple: That's what they do.

Every year this conference loses prolific college receivers, and every year they come back just as strong. Here's a look at all the Big 12 wide receivers since 2007 who have made at least one media version of the All-America team:

2012 Terrance Williams (BU): AP All-American
2012 Steadman Bailey(WVU): FWAA All-American
2011 Justin Blackmon (OSU): AP All-American
2011 Ryan Broyles (OU): FWAA All-American
2011 Kendall Wright (BU): PFW All-American
2010 Justin Blackmon (OSU): AP All-American
2010 Ryan Broyles (OU): AP All-American
2009 Jordan Shipley (TEX): AP All-American
2009 Danario Alexander (MIZZ): SI All-American
2008 Michael Crabtree (TTU): AP All-American
2008 Dez Bryant (OSU): AP All-American
2008 Jeremy Maclin (MIZZ): Rivals All-American
2007 Michael Crabtree (TTU): AP All-American
2007 Jordy Nelson (KSU): AP All-American

That's 14 All-American-type seasons in six years, with no year having fewer than two candidates. So who stands poised to follow in their footsteps?

Almost every team projected at the top of the Big 12 has at least one receiver capable of breaking through this season. Oklahoma State's Josh Stewart is probably the best, having caught 101 passes for 1,210 yards as a sophomore last season. Now he's an upperclassman and the quarterback position should be (slightly) more stable. Those numbers do not represent his ceiling.

The rebuilt Texas Longhorns have a senior leader in "Magic" Mike Davis, who hauled in 57 passes for 939 yards as a junior. That average of 16.5 yards per catch speaks well to Davis as a downfield threat. In 2013, as David Ash continues to get better, he could become an even bigger part of the intermediate game, too.

Tevin Reese takes over the esteemed No. 1 position on Baylor's depth chart, following in the footsteps of Terrance Williams and Kendall Wright—both of whom were included on the list above. If last year was any indication, Resse is up to the task: He racked up 957 yards and nine touchdowns despite playing next to the nation's leading receiver.

Reese also possesses the Kendall Wright-type speed that's so dangerous in Baylor's attack. If Bryce Petty is half as good as head coach Art Briles seems to think he is, Reese could be the breakthrough player of the season. Not just in the Big 12 but in the nation!

Oklahoma's diminutive duo of Jalen Saunders and Sterling Shepard are dangerous, too. They may not put up the same individual stats as some of their peers, but together—even though neither checks in at six feet tall—they have the same kind of impact.

We haven't even mentioned Eric Ward who, in all likelihood, could post better numbers than the rest. Oklahoma State and Baylor have "wide receiver U" the past few years, but historically that title has belonged to Texas Tech. And Eric Ward is next in a line of greats that includes Michael Crabtree and Wes Welker, among plenty of others.

The Red Raiders' star hauled in 82 passes for 1,053 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. And yes, at times, Texas Tech passing numbers get inflated. But turn on Ward's tape and you'll see that he is not a mere product of his system. He beats defenders on his own and earns every yard. Those numbers belong to Ward, not Texas Tech.

The Big 12 lost some talented receivers last season, but the conference is still as rich as ever at that position. The names listed above only scratch the surface, impressive as they are.

There are still Kevin White and K.J. Myers, filling the sizable shoes of Bailey and Austin at West Virginia. There's still Tyler Lockett, the nation's leading kickoff returner who now stands poised to be the leader of Kansas State's offense. There are still guys like Charlie Moore at Oklahoma State or Jaxon Shipley at Texas, guys who play off the talented men listed above and reap the benefits of single coverage.

To predict a regression among Big 12 receivers this year would be to go against history. And no conference values its history quite like this one. They'll do what they do best in 2013. Come the end of the year, when cadres of pasty football writers coalesce to pick the All-American teams, history will prevail once again.

The Big 12 will continue its trend.

Robert Drysdale: Chris Weidman Is 'a Better Version' of Chael Sonnen

John Heinis — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:57:28 -0400

Recently signed UFC fighter Robert Drysdale is one of the most accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts in the business, so he knows a talented grappler when he sees one.

Talking with MMA Fight Corner, the 32-year-old broke down the UFC 162 middleweight title fight between Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman.

I think that Weidman, to an extent, is is a better version of Chael Sonnen. I think he'll be smarter. I think he'll put more time into his jiu jitsu. I think he's a better wrestler, better striker. I think overall, he's a better version of Chael Sonnen. ... It's an interesting fight. I think if Weidman can get on top of Anderson, I think Anderson could be in trouble. I think if you really pressed me, I'd still put my money on Anderson, but I'd really like Weidman to win this fight.

During his incredible 16-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC, the only challenger that has provided "The Spider" with a real test inside the cage is none other than "The American Gangster."

Sonnen came within inches of defeating Silva at UFC 117 nearly three years ago, controlling the action with his takedowns and ground-and-pound.

However, the Brazilian managed to throw up a miracle submission in the waning moments of the fight, forcing the former two-time All-American wrestler to tap out.

In their rematch at UFC 148 this past July, Sonnen took down Silva right off the bat and secured top position for the majority of the opening frame.

The second round went much differently though, as Sonnen's attempts to drag the fight to the mat were thwarted and, after an ill-advised spinning backfist attempt, Silva battered his long-time rival until the referee stepped in to stop the fight.

Weidman received his brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu earlier this month and was a two-time All-American wrestler at Hofstra University.

While "The All-American" is best known for his grappling credentials, he has scored three knockouts and notched three submissions in his nine wins as a professional mixed martial artist.

Drysdale is currently 6-0 on the MMA scene, with each win coming by submission in the first round. His UFC debut comes against Ednaldo Oliveira at UFC 163, set to take place on August 3.

Will Weidman be able to live up to all the hype his fellow fighters have bestowed upon him, or will he be just another victim to the already lengthy Anderson Silva highlight reel?

John Heinis is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA Editor for eDraft.com and contributes MMA videos to The Young Turks Sports Show.

Most Important Player at Every Premier League Club Next Season

Karl Matchett — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:51:11 -0400

The 2013-14 Premier League season is drawing ever closer, with the announcement of the new season's fixture list on Wednesday.

Clubs all over the country will be eagerly eyeing up their opening day challenges, finding the points in the season where they might have a good run of form, and looking to see where the toughest runs of games could fall.

All the while, transfer plans are being drawn up or acted upon already, with managers looking to build their squads around their most important players—not always the best ones on the ball.

But who are those most important players for each side? And what makes them so important? Read on to find out...

While it is possible that some of these players have been linked with moves away from their present clubs, the assumption is that the team holds onto their better, or most important, members of the playing staff to build around them this season.

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Manny Machado and the Four Greatest Career Starts in Oriole History

Alex Snyder — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:45:07 -0400

As every Oriole fan knows, Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado is off to one of the hottest starts to a career that anyone will ever see.

The Orioles have a rich history of developing players. From pitchers to fielders, there have been many players that have come through the Orioles system and made an impact not only on the team, but on MLB history.

Surprisingly, Manny Machado's hot start hasn't been the most impressive one in O's history, as the following slides will demonstrate.

Let's take a look at some of the hottest career starts in Orioles history.

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Kobe Bryant Updates Possible Return Timetable, Reveals All-Time Starting 5

Dan Favale — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:44:16 -0400

Kobe Bryant can be an open book when he wants to be. Speaking on ESPNLA 710 in Los Angeles, he wanted to be.

Asked about when he thought he would return from his ruptured Achilles, Kobe told Lakers.com's Mike Trudell and Lakers radio voice John Ireland that he's aiming to play before 2014:

Returning in November or December wouldn't put Kobe back in the lineup in time for opening day like he was originally hoping for.

Still, coming back one month (two months tops) into the season is far better than the Los Angeles Lakers being forced to play without him until the All-Star break.

When he was on crutches, Dwight Howard and the Lakers were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Los Angeles needs Bryant to help shoulder some of the burden, especially if Superman leaves.

Injury talk being as depressing as it is, Kobe was kind enough to provide more than just some inside information on his rehab. He also revealed who his all-time starting five would be (via ESPNLA's Arash Markazi):

Personally, I'm surprised Kobe didn't name himself. A year or two ago, I believe he would've. Shameless bravado is a specialty of his.

Pushing 35, Kobe runs deeper than self-confidence now. This season, we saw a humbler, more pensive Mamba. And it's showed even through injury.

Because everything comes back to Howard, I can't help but wonder if he missed an opportunity to score some brownie points for the Lakers in their continued pursuit of the big man. Naming him to his all-time starting five would have been both unfounded and the ultimate form of flattery.

However, he was probably better off being honest. No one would have taken him seriously. I doubt Kobe himself could have gotten through that list with a straight face.

Speaking of which, he predicted where Howard and Chris Paul are headed (via Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News):

That's good news for Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers fans, but it's bad news for Donald Sterling's ever-closed wallet.

Alas, these forthcoming sentiments are yet another reason why Kobe is among the best in the league. This type of jovial honesty used to follow every Lakers win, and the cold, hard truth would come after every loss.

We miss that. Interviews and basketball in general can seem so bland without him.

November or December can't get here soon enough.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Nationals Live Blog: Instant Reaction and Analysis

Brandon Glass — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:39:49 -0400

The Philadelphia Phillies will look to complete a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals when the two teams meet tonight at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia will look to Kyle Kendrick (6-4, 3.76 ERA) to bounce back after his last outing in Colorado, where he gave up 10 hits and seven runs in just over four innings pitched.

Meanwhile, the Nationals place their hope for tonight's matchup in the hands of starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez (3-3, 3.40 ERA).

While the Phils are looking to win their third straight game after an absolutely awful road trip, the Nats are trying to avoid a four-game losing streak themselves.

The winner of tonight's matchup will take over sole position of second place in the National League East, making tonight's contest a pivotal one.

Tune in live at 7 p.m. ET to follow my instant play-by-play reactions and analysis of the final game of this series. In the meantime, feel free to give me your predictions of tonight's contest in the comment thread below!

Travelers Championship 2013: Tee Times, Date and TV Schedule

Matt Fitzgerald — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:36:57 -0400

The 2013 Travelers Championship immediately follows the golf season's second major, but will nevertheless boast a strong field at TPC River Highlands on Thursday.

Defending tournament champion Marc Leishman became the third consecutive first-time winner in Cromwell, Connecticut, after a wonderful final-round 62 to beat out Charley Hoffman and Bubba Watson by one stroke.

Leishman was in contention at The Masters earlier this year before finishing in a tie for fourth, which helped him notch consecutive top 10s thereafter.

However, the focus is liable to be more prominent on recent U.S. Open champion Justin Rose, who has honored his commitment to play this week despite finally getting over the hump in notching the first major title of his career.

Speaking of major champions, Watson—the 2012 Masters winner—broke through for his first tour victory here in 2010, beating Corey Pavin and Scott Verplank in an emotionally stirring playoff.

Ironically, it was Rose who held the 54-hole lead by three strokes before unraveling, which set the stage for Watson to emerge with the trophy.

That intertwined history and many other star players should make for yet another captivating week on the PGA Tour. Let's take a look at when the action will get underway, along with TV listings and the marquee groupings to keep an eye on in the first two rounds.

Note: All statistics, video and previous tournament history, unless otherwise indicated, are courtesy of PGATour.com.

When: Thursday, June 20, to Sunday, June 23

Where: TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Conn.

Tee Times: First group is off at 6:50 a.m. ET. For a complete list of tee times for the first two rounds, visit PGATour.com.

Par: 70

Yards: 6,844

Purse: $6.1 million

FedEx Cup Points: 500

TV Schedule (h/t PGA.com)

Thursday: Golf Channel 3-6 p.m. ET

Friday: Golf Channel 3-6 p.m. ET

Saturday: Golf Channel 1-2:30 p.m. ET, CBS 3-6 p.m. ET

Sunday: Golf Channel 1-2:30 p.m. ET, CBS 3-6 p.m. ET

Groups to Watch

No. 19: Harris English, Rickie Fowler and Hunter Mahan

It was English who won the week before the U.S. Open at the FedEx St. Jude Classic. That marked for Phil Mickelson the first of two back-to-back runner-up finishes, though the latter of which at Merion was undoubtedly more heartbreaking.

Heralded as one of the best young talents in the game, the win boosted English to No. 85 in the Official World Golf Ranking. Nevertheless, his first win on tour should give him plenty of momentum entering here.

He ranks inside the top 20 on tour in scoring average before the cut, but his performance in 2013 dips quite a bit on the weekend. That's a trend English will have to reverse to be consistently in contention.

One of the other American prodigies with high expectations is Fowler, but English has already matched him in terms of victories on golf's top circuit. However, Fowler played very well in the U.S. Open, tying the best score of the week in Round 3 with a three-under 67 and finishing tied for 10th.

Even more prominently in contention was Mahan, who played in the final pairing alongside Mickelson this past Sunday. Unfortunately, after leading the field in putting entering the round, he failed to capitalize on any birdie chances, winding up with a round of 75 and in joint fourth place.

As last year's highlights show, though, Mahan fired a personal-best score of 61 in the final round, and won his first PGA Tour event at this venue in 2007.

This trio enters in rather stellar form, so it will be interesting to monitor how each player gets up after feeling various rushes of intense competition so recently.

No. 32: Justin Rose, Keegan Bradley and Zach Johnson

Speaking of the notion described in the last full sentence, imagine what Rose has to be feeling.

After years of falling short on golf's grandest stages, he stood not far from where the legendary Ben Hogan hit his famed 1-iron shot to Merion's 18th green for his approach to the 72nd hole.

Rose, one of the world's best ball-strikers, striped a 4-iron so flush that it trickled to the back collar, nearly chipped in from there and tapped in for par to secure victory at the U.S. Open.

That was followed by this nice moment in the locker room that Rose sent out to the Twitterverse:

Even if the 32-year-old Englishman does have a letdown this week and doesn't play very well, his playing competitors can't make fun of him for not owning a major trophy. Bradley, the 2011 PGA champion, played terribly in Ardmore last week, missing the cut with scores of 77 and 75.

It was nearly the opposite for Johnson with regard to Bradley's scores. Johnson, who won the 2007 Masters, posted rounds of 77 and 74 respectively at the difficult course.

Only Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are ahead of Rose in the world rankings now, and he has a nice chance to close the gap with both of them idle this week.

No. 33: Marc Leishman, Jason Dufner and Bubba Watson

As if the other competitors aren't formidable enough for Leishman to negotiate, the two in closest proximity to him in the first 36 holes should make it even tougher.

It had been a slumping campaign for Dufner entering the U.S. Open. The frustration reached a boiling point during Round 2, where the typically cool-as-a-cucumber Dufner tossed his wedge into the water in front of the green at the par-five fourth hole:

In the final round, though, Dufner showed signs of life in rattling off six birdies to shoot 67, finishing in a tie for fourth.

The only shots Dufner lost that Sunday happened on one hole—a triple bogey at the narrow par-four 15th. If he had parred and his scorecard stayed the same, he would have posted plus-two, which would have made the finish far more compelling as well as nerve-racking for Rose.

Leishman hasn't finished inside the top 40 in his past three starts, and missed the cut with a plus-13 total in two rounds at the recent major championship.

While he tries to battle back into form, he'll also be dealing with Watson, who obviously loves this course, evidenced by his win in 2010 and tie for second last year.

2012 Ryder Cup teammates Dufner and Watson have one top 10 apiece between them in stroke play events this year, so perhaps change for the good is on the horizon in Connecticut.

Lego Wrigley Field Featured in Amazing 'Big Leagues, Little Bricks' Display

Gabe Zaldivar — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:32:21 -0400

Time, imagination and tiny little Legos can yield something truly amazing.

Gizmodo spotted some remarkable images over at the Tumblr Fred_T's photostream featuring some rather wonderful Lego sculptures.

According to the report, the following images come from an exhibit you can see now at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, which runs through September 2.

The jewel of the Lego Brick display has to be this replica Wrigley Field, which the museum's website states is made by Sean Kenney.

If the field made of the famous toy bricks looks impressive, that's because it is made with 57,960 Legos and took 649 hours to complete, according to Gizmodo.

An exhibit that features works by Tim Kaebisch and Jason Burik covers baseball jewels such as Miller Park and Yankee Stadium, as well as sluggers such as Derek Jeter and Joey Votto. In all, the works took 222,000 Lego bricks and countless hours to complete.

Gizmodo's Tatiana Danger informs us the following mural showing a classic baseball scene took 55,269 bricks and four days to finish.

If harnessing buckets full of Legos wasn't impressive enough, that mural also includes the lyrics to "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in raised lettering. So you can say artists who work in Lego as a medium are as meticulous as they are talented.

So the real question is: Do you love Legos?

Of course you do. That was a stupid question, because so many grew up with these toy bricks and infinite possibilities sitting before them.

The upcoming The Lego Movie isn't the only way to satisfy your need for nostalgia, because the museum offers a whole mess of Legos to play with at the exhibit.

Still, if you have any ideas of creating the next great Lego wonder, you might have to clear a few days from your schedule.

Hit me up on Twitter: Follow @gabezal

Down on the Farm: 3B Joey Gallo Showing Tremendous Power This Season

Zachary Krueger — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:26:38 -0400

Joey Gallo may seem like just another young kid in the minors, but his power display at the plate this season is that of a seasoned veteran. Gallo is only 19 years old and likely has a long way to go before reaching the majors, but his recent power numbers could propel his ascent through the ranks.

Gallo is currently playing for the Single-A Hickory Crawdads, and is one of several power hitters in their lineup. So just how good has the young third baseman been for the Crawdads this season? Here is a look at his offensive numbers.

Through 68 games this year, Gallo has belted 22 home runs. His home run total puts him in a tie for the most home runs in the South Atlantic League with teammate Ryan Rua. He also has 16 doubles and two triples, to go along with 44 RBI, the eighth highest total in the SAL.

Recently, Gallo went on a ridiculous tear over his last 10 games. He led the way for the Crawdads, hitting .425 over that span with eight home runs and 14 RBI. His best performance of those 10 games came when he hit a perfect 4-for-4 with three home runs against the Hagerstown Suns.

Last week's performance was enough to earn Gallo the SAL Player of the Week award, closing out the first half of the regular season on a high note for him. As if things couldn't go any better for Gallo right now, he managed to take home another accolade on June 17th.

Gallo was named to the SAL All-Star Game a few weeks ago and had the privilege of participating in the game's Home Run Derby. By the time the derby had come to an end, Gallo found himself taking home the hardware as the champion of the 2013 SAL Home Run Derby.

With so much upside, it's hard to believe that Gallo won't be in the majors within the next year or two, but there are areas he must improve on. When looking for a major league comparison to Gallo's offensive game right now, think of a guy like Indians third baseman Mark Reynolds.

Both Reynolds and Gallo play third base, they both hit for high power totals, and they both struggle with striking out and posting a high average. As the season currently sits, Gallo is hitting just .252 for the Crawdads, an average that was significantly boosted after his recent tear. Here is something else that may sound eerily similar to Reynolds: Gallo is tops in the SAL in strikeouts this season.

At the All-Star break, he is currently second in the league with 108 strikeouts, just one strikeout behind teammate Lewis Brinson.

While he is similar to Reynolds right now, don't expect that comparison to stick around for long. Reynolds has had several years to fix his strikeout problem, while Gallo hasn't even finished out his second year in the minors. He doesn't turn 20 until November, so look for him to mature in his approach at the plate as he gains many more years of experience.

It will be interesting to see how quickly Gallo can continue to grow as a player and advance through the Rangers' minor league system. While there is no projected time for him to arrive to the majors, expect him to make an immediate contribution to the Rangers once he gets called up.

All stats and info courtesy of Twitter.com, MLB.com, MiLB.com, HickoryCrawdads.com, ConstantContact.com and BaseballReference.com unless noted otherwise.

Follow Zachary on Twitter at @ZacharyKrueger

Tim Duncan's "Anti-Style:" How the Big Fundamental Bucks All the Fashion Trends

Lance Fresh — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:25:54 -0400

Today, NBA players have placed an importance on not only playing well on the court, but looking good off of it. Nowadays, guys have to both play the part and look the part.

There is one player who ignores all the latest trends, never taking advantage of the spotlight that comes with being an NBA player: Tim Duncan.

I caught up with San Antonio Spurs guard Danny Green to talk about Tim Duncan's style and what he thinks about his lack of attention to fashion trends.

Duncan is constantly in the public eye, more so now since he is trying to lead his team to another championship. But even with all this attention, he sees no need to up his style.

Watch now to hear Danny Green talk about his teammate and let me know what you think about Duncan's style in the comments below.

Follow Lance Fresh

Fantasy Football Rankings 2013: Top RBs That Will Slow Down This Season

Jesse Reed — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:24:57 -0400

Running backs who produce consistently high points totals in fantasy football are critical to winning your league.

Owners without them are doomed to cellar-dweller status.

Looking ahead to the 2013 NFL season, there are a few top-ranked running backs who should be carefully considered before investing a high pick to acquire them.

These men put together phenomenal seasons for themselves and their fantasy owners last year, but they will not produce at the same level in 2013.

Here are the top 25 fantasy football running backs for the 2013 season, according to ESPN.com:

Rank	Player	Team
1	Adrian Peterson	Minnesota Vikings
2	Arian Foster	Houston Texans
3	Marshawn Lynch	Seattle Seahawks
4	Ray Rice	Baltimore Ravens
5	Doug Martin	Tampa Bay Buccaneers
6	Jamaal Charles	Kansas City Chiefs
7	C.J. Spiller	Buffalo Bills
8	Trent Richardson	Cleveland Browns
9	Alfred Morris	Washington Redskins
10	LeSean McCoy	Philadelphia Eagles
11	Steven Jackson	Atlanta Falcons
12	Matt Forte	Chicago Bears
13	Steven Ridley	New England Patriots
14	Frank Gore	San Francisco 49ers
15	Chris Johnson	Tennessee Titans
16	Maurice Jones-Drew	Jacksonville Jaguars
17	David Wilson	New York Giants
18	Darren McFadden	Oakland Raiders
19	Montee Ball	Denver Broncos
20	Darren Sproles	New Orleans Saints
21	Demarco Murray	Dallas Cowboys
22	Chris Ivory	New York Jets
23	Reggie Bush	Detroit Lions
24	Ryan Mathews	San Diego Chargers
25	Eddie Lacy	Green Bay Packers

Looking at this list, there are a few players near the top who have been stalwarts as high-producing fantasy running backs. Unfortunately, these running backs won't give fantasy owners the kind of production they expect in the 2013 season.

Arian Foster, Houston Texans

It's hard to believe that Foster is entering just his fifth season as a pro. The Texans have used him like a beast of burden and don't seem to care that he is wearing down in a bad way.

This guy has carried the ball an incredible 956 times in the past three years, and his yards-per-carry average has dropped every season. Furthermore, Foster's reception totals have fallen in each of his last three seasons.

Even now, before the season has begun, Foster is dealing with a nagging calf injury, as reported by Ross Jones of FoxSports.com, and it isn't a sure thing he'll be ready for training camp.

Foster will still be a solid fantasy back this year if he can stay healthy. But given the way his numbers have consistently fallen the past three years, owners would be wise to think about grabbing him too early.

Steven Jackson, Atlanta Falcons

Jackson was brought in to Atlanta to replace Michael Turner, whose production and explosiveness dipped dramatically in 2012.

While Jackson appears to fit in well with Atlanta's offensive scheme, it would be foolish to assume that he's suddenly going to revert back to the form that saw him score 16 total touchdowns and log over 2,300 all-purpose yards in 2006.

A powerful runner between the tackles, Jackson will certainly help Atlanta in short-yardage and goal-line situations. That said, Atlanta is a pass-happy team, first and foremost.

Jackson won't be toting the rock 20 to 25 times per game, and he won't be producing double-digit touchdown totals. In fact, Jackson has only averaged 5.17 touchdowns per season since his monster campaign in 2006.

Don't target Jackson early. He'll be a nice No. 2 running back, but owners expecting him to produce huge numbers will be sorely disappointed.

Frank Gore, San Francisco 49ers

Gore is still the No. 1 running back on San Francisco's depth chart, but fantasy football owners would be wise to realize that the 49ers will feature a running-back-by-committee approach this upcoming season.

Perhaps no team in the league features as many excellent running backs as the 49ers.

Kendall Hunter is coming off an Achilles injury but expects to be ready for the start of training camp, according to the Associated Press (via ESPN.com). He and LaMichael James are both explosive running backs with the ability to break off huge gains on any given play.

General manager Trent Baalke has accumulated these backs with a purpose in mind, according to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area:

I'm a big believer—we are big believers—in a three-headed approach. In other words, having a group of backs that bring to the table something a little bit different than the other one so you can do a lot of different things. But also having those backs be able to do enough things the same so you don't become so predictable on game day.

With Colin Kaepernick's ability to gash opposing defenses with his legs, you can expect James and Hunter to see plenty of action in the read-option game. Furthermore, Gore's attempts will likely be carefully monitored as the team attempts to keep him healthy for the long haul.

Like Jackson, Gore is a player owners should be wary of targeting too early. He'll still be a productive player, but you shouldn't expect him to log double-digit touchdown totals in 2013.

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Yankees: Live Score, Analysis and Reaction

Joe Tansey — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:21:07 -0400

When: 7:05 p.m. ET

Where: Yankee Stadium; Bronx, NY

Where to Watch: ESPN2

Pitching Matchup: Chris Capuano (LA; 1-4, 5.45 ERA) vs. Phil Hughes (NYY; 3-5, 4.89 ERA)

There will be no rest for the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees on Wednesday.

Just hours after completing the first game of their day-night doubleheader, the two storied franchises will be back under the lights in Bronx tonight.

While the Dodgers have seen plenty of press recently for the impressive debut of Yasiel Puig, the Yankees have received attention for their string of injuries to older players like Mark Teixeira and Kevin Youkilis.

Who will win the second game of the twinbill in the Bronx?

Find out when comprehensive live coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET right here on Bleacher Report.

Indiana Basketball Recruiting: Analyzing Hoosiers' Chances to Land Jaquan Lyle

Scott Henry — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:15:03 -0400

One week ago, five-star point guard JaQuan Lyle of Evansville (Ind.) Bosse High School trimmed his list of potential college destinations to four. Indiana, Tennessee, Florida and defending national champion Louisville are the chosen quartet.

At first glance, these programs have the feel of "one of these things is not like the other," but each have strengths and weaknesses in regards to their chances of landing Lyle.

Indiana fans can feel good about their chances, but the decision is by no means a slam dunk. Let's examine each team's pros and cons, presenting the schools in alphabetical order.

Begin Slideshow

Grading the Top 15 Rated Players in EA Sports NCAA 14

Randy Chambers — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:14:07 -0400

The days of playing with your favorite team are over. Now it's all about playing with the loaded rosters and players who are nearly unstoppable to game-plan against. You want the fastest running backs, quarterbacks who can do it all and the defensive players who will force fumbles with each crushing blow.

NCAA Football 14 is scheduled for a July 9 release and some of the player ratings have been leaked beforehand. This provides a quick glimpse of the best available players in the upcoming game and who you are most likely going to see a lot of when searching for an online match.

There are plenty of terrific offensive players to choose from, but there are also three defensive players, including one who holds down the top spot.

Begin Slideshow

LeBron James Says He Will Start Game 7 With His Headband On

Ken Dorset — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:13:42 -0400

Looks like LeBron James' run of playing with no headband is coming to a quick end. Here is what journalist Rachel Nichols tweeted after interviewing LeBron.

LeBron had fun w/his headband during our interview - kissed it, said sorry for abandoning it. He'll start Game 7 w/it on & see how he plays.
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) June 19, 2013

LBJ and his headband are back together.

But we will always have the "No headband" game.

During 11-3 run, LeBron has scored or assisted on nine of the points. Heat lead 84-82. Headband stays off.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) June 19, 2013

LeBron without a headband is like an unlockable character
— Team Athlete™ (@Team_Athlete) June 19, 2013

Mike miller took his shoe off. LeBron took his headband off and looks nekid. Next??? Pat riley should take his shirt and read Shakespeare.
— Metta World Peace (@MettaWorldPeace) June 19, 2013

I'm never wearing my headband again either #riptotheheadband
— Ty Lawson (@TyLawson3) June 19, 2013

Neymar Volleys Brazil Ahead of Mexico Early in Confederations Cup (GIF)

Michael Cummings — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:01:49 -0400

This Neymar kid might just be worth all the hype.

Neymar, Brazil's 21-year-old attacking starlet, scored another golazo Wednesday at the FIFA Confederations Cup, exciting the home fans and providing further evidence of what a talented player FC Barcelona have signed for next season.

This time, the victims were Mexico in a Group A match in Fortaleza. Brazil won 2-0, and Neymar was involved in both goals. Neymar's goal was his second in as many matches at the Confederations Cup and his 22nd overall in 36 senior appearances with Brazil.

Both of his goals this week have come early in the match, and both were well taken.

On Sunday, Neymar opened the scoring for Brazil against Japan in the third minute with a powerful, accurate volley from long range following Fred's chest-down outside the box. Brazil went on to win the match 3-0.

Wednesday's opener wasn't quite as early, nor was it quite as impressive. Still, it once again demonstrated Neymar's superb technique and touch.

In the ninth minute, Dani Alves crossed from the right, and after Mexico failed to clear properly with a defensive header, Neymar buried his first-time volleyed shot at the near post. The goal appears in GIF form below (HT 101 Great Goals). Enjoy, and for another angle, check out this video.

Neymar scored his goal against the backdrop of civil unrest in his homeland, which is set to host the FIFA World Cup next summer. Tens of thousands of Brazilians have taken to the streets to protest the government's "policing, poor public services and high costs for the World Cup," per The Guardian.

Neymar said before the match that the protesters had "inspired" him.

Neymar said on Facebook before Brazil-Mexico game he'd be inspired by the protesters in the streets. Took him just 9 mins to score
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) June 19, 2013

Brazil went into halftime leading Mexico 1-0, and the score remained the same until second-half stoppage time—when Neymar produced another jaw-dropping moment.

Neymar collected the ball on the left and beat two Mexican defenders before picking out a wide-open Jo to slot home.

Follow @MikeCummings37

Charles Barkley Breaks Down '90s 'Dream Team' Fashion

Lance Fresh — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:01:44 -0400

In this day and age, fashion has become essential in the NBA. Players are constantly diving into the latest trends, mixing it with their own personal flare.

The Miami Heat are notorious around the league for the different outfits they wear. While most criticize them, many of the other players and fans have followed the lead of stars like LeBron and Wade.

While fashion has changed over the years, the stylistic impact that star NBA players have on the league and youth has not.

I caught up with Charles Barkley to talk about some of his "Dream Team" teammates and their fashion sense.

Watch now to hear Barkley talk about the looks that Jordan and Magic would wear and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Follow Lance Fresh

5 Committed Recruits Who Continue to Flirt with Other Schools

Edwin Weathersby — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:00:00 -0400

Many tend to forget that verbal commitments are only non-binding oral agreements between a recruit and a school. Thus when a recruit commits to a program, he is still free to speak with other schools. Some coaches make it clear to recruits when offering that should the player commit to their program, they strongly prefer he shut down all other communication with other coaches.

Most recruits who commit stick with their pledges and stop visiting and communicating with other schools. However, some do not and continue to "flirt" with other schools, even though they are committed to a program.

A talented receiver in Texas has Baylor head coach Art Briles sweating bullets. The nation's top dual-threat quarterback may not end up at Clemson and Kirk Ferentz's top commitment is looking around.

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals, 247Sports & ESPNU.

Begin Slideshow

2013 NBA Mock Draft: Teams That Must Select Impact Post Players

Mike Chiari — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:58:43 -0400

The 2013 NBA draft is certainly an intriguing one despite its perceived lack of top-flight talent. Perhaps the next Michael Jordan, LeBron James or Kobe Bryant won't be found, but there is plenty of depth in this class, particularly at the center and power forward positions.

Guards are generally viewed more favorably than bigs by fans, but every team needs a quality big or two in order to succeed. There are plenty of post players out there, but skilled ones are at a premium. Luckily for the teams in need of one this year, the 2013 class is particularly stacked at center.

In addition to a full, first-round mock draft, here is some further analysis on teams that must come away with at least one big who can contribute significantly in the near future.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: Alex Len, C, Maryland

While it certainly won't come as a surprise if the Cavaliers select a center No. 1, considering the fact that they already have a strong backcourt consisting of Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters, they certainly could surprise some people when it comes to which center they take. Kentucky center Nerlens Noel has presumably been the No. 1 guy throughout that process, but that may no longer be the case.

Maryland center Alex Len has slowly but surely moved up the charts and may now be in the mix for the Cavs at No. 1. Cleveland has yet to tip its hand, so the Cavs could go with Len, Noel or any number of different prospects. According to Jimmy Smith of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, however, Len is Cleveland's likely target.

While Len hasn't been hyped quite as much as Noel, it's easy to see why the Cavs might like him. He is a physical specimen at 7'1" and he made big strides from his freshman year to his sophomore season. He seemed to be on a leash at Maryland as the coaching staff didn't want to overexert him, but it's possible that he simply wasn't able to play a bigger role. The Cavs could really use a center at any rate and Len has a ton of upside.

2. Orlando Magic: Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana

With a decent amount of depth and youth at every position, the Magic are in a pretty enviable position heading into this draft. They have a myriad of options to choose from, but Oladipo makes a lot of sense as he is a shooting guard capable of taking over games.

3. Washington Wizards: Nerlens Noel, C, Kentucky

If the Cavs go with Len as has been rumored, the Wizards may very well have a crack at Noel. While the big man may not be back until Christmas at the earliest due to an ACL injury, his long-term ceiling is extremely high. The Wizards would love to get better right away, but if taking Noel means that they will thrive down the line, then that would be a smart selection.

The Wizards are a lot like the Cavaliers in that they have a great, young duo in the backcourt in the form of John Wall and Bradley Beal. Washington doesn't have much down low, though, on either end of the court. Despite the fact that Noel was a freshman last year and Len was in his second season at Maryland, Noel actually outperformed Len in most statistical categories:

Len was a slightly better scorer as he averaged just under 12 points per game to Noel's 10.5, but the difference was negligible. Noel was a better rebounder and shot blocker right off the bat, so he'll at least make an impact defensively as soon as he is ready. The offense will come as he develops, so he simply seems like a safer pick than Len even with the injury concerns involved.

4. Charlotte Bobcats: Anthony Bennett, SF/PF, UNLV

It's amazing that the Bobcats haven't shown any improvement over the past few years with the amount of high picks they have accrued, but they have a chance to find an impact player this year and Bennett should be their man.

5. Phoenix Suns: Ben McLemore, SG, Kansas

It isn't inconceivable to think that McLemore could be taken No. 1 overall, so if he manages to fall to the Suns at No. 5, Phoenix shouldn't hesitate to take him even with work ethic concerns currently surrounding him.

6. New Orleans Pelicans: Otto Porter, SF, Georgetown

With an exciting nucleus in place, which includes the likes of Anthony Davis, Eric Gordon, Greivis Vasquez, Austin Rivers and others, the Pelicans simply need a promising glue guy to ring it all together, and there is no better fit in this draft than Porter.

7. Sacramento Kings: Cody Zeller, PF/C, Indiana

Regardless of how things ultimately play out with center DeMarcus Cousins, the Kings could really use some help in the paint, and Zeller is a guy who has shown the ability to absolutely dominate offensively for long stretches.

8. Detroit Pistons: Shabazz Muhammad, SF, UCLA

Muhammad's draft stock has seemingly fallen since the beginning of last college basketball season, but he averaged nearly 18 points per game as a freshman and has an NBA body, so the Pistons will be thrilled to take him here.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves: C.J. McCollum, PG/SG, Lehigh

While McCollum isn't quite as highly touted as Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, the Weber State product proved last season that small-school guards can contribute in the NBA immediately. The T'Wolves hope that McCollum can do the same.

10. Portland Trail Blazers: Kelly Olynyk, C, Gonzaga

The Blazers have a strong starting lineup, but they need depth at every position. Despite the fact that young center Meyers Leonard is still developing, Portland should nab Olynyk and create a promising rotation for the future.

11. Philadelphia 76ers: Steven Adams, C, Pittsburgh

Philly thought that it found its ideal big man for many years to come when it traded for center Andrew Bynum last offseason. Bynum didn't play a single game all season, though, and he will be free to sign anywhere. Even if the Sixers are able to re-sign Bynum, there is no question that they need a contingency plan of some kind as his injury history makes him far too unreliable.

The 76ers have plenty of options, but Pittsburgh center Steven Adams would be a particularly good addition. The seven-foot New Zealand native played just one season at Pitt, but he showed flashes of brilliance. He averaged over seven points, six rebounds and two blocks in just 23 minutes per game last season, so he doesn't have a lengthy track record of success, but there is definitely room to grow.

If the 76ers do bring back Bynum, Adams would be a great understudy at first. He is a bit young and raw to count on immediately, but he could potentially be just as good as a healthy Bynum in a couple years. The Sixers need a short-term or long-term answer at center one way or another heading into next season and Adams would provide that.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Toronto Raptors): Gorgui Dieng, C, Louisville

Although Russell Westbrook's season-ending injury was probably the true culprit behind the Thunder's early exit in the playoffs this season, center Kendrick Perkins seemed to decline, so bringing in a younger defensive stopper like Dieng would be ideal.

13. Dallas Mavericks: Trey Burke, PG, Michigan

Burke is a guy who could be taken as early as No. 2 overall, but with so few teams in the market for a point guard, the Mavericks could be the big winners of this draft as the Michigan star plummeting to No. 13 is a definite possibility.

14. Utah Jazz: Michael Carter-Williams, PG, Syracuse

Much like Burke, Carter-Williams may be a victim of circumstance in this draft. He is a top-10 pick from a talent perspective, however, the Jazz will reap the benefits when he falls into their lap and fills a major hole at point guard.

15. Milwaukee Bucks: Rudy Gobert, C, France

The Bucks have a fantastic guard combo in the form of Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings, but they need some more offensive production in the paint and Gobert could eventually develop into a player who provides that.

16. Boston Celtics: Glen Rice, Jr., SG, D-League

Boston has a serious hole at shooting guard, and while there is no question that taking a guy who was dismissed from college is a risk, Rice showed some incredible offensive ability in the D-League and deserves a chance to impress at the next level.

17. Atlanta Hawks: Mason Plumlee, PF/C, Duke

Plumlee may not be the flashiest pick in this year's draft, but he does all the little things that teams look for out of their bigs. If he rebounds, blocks shots and contributes a bit offensively, the Hawks will be more than happy.

18. Atlanta Hawks (via Houston Rockets): Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SG, Georgia

Caldwell-Pope's draft stock has seemingly risen in recent weeks, so it's possible that he won't make it to No. 18, but if he is available, then Atlanta would be crazy to pass him up as he and Lou Williams could form a dynamic guard combo.

19. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Los Angeles Lakers): Sergey Karasev, SF, Russia

With a young trio of Len, Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters in place, the Cavs should have an opportunity to build upon that at No. 19. International prospects come with some risk, but Karasev is polished and could be an Andrei Kirilenko type.

20. Chicago Bulls: Allen Crabbe, SG, California

Chicago needs to find a long-term answer at shooting guard, and while Crabbe isn't as hyped as many of the shooting guard prospects in this draft, he is a consistent player who should be able to complement Derrick Rose well.

21. Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors): Jamaal Franklin, SG, San Diego State

The Jazz have a ton of depth and talent up front, but the cupboard is pretty bare at guard. After already stealing Carter-Williams earlier in the round, the Jazz could have another value pick on their hands with Franklin.

22. Brooklyn Nets: Jeff Withey, C, Kansas

Even though center isn't necessarily the Nets' biggest need with Brook Lopez already in the fold, a team can never have too many quality bigs. Withey can contribute right away off the bench and eventually grow into a bigger role.

23. Indiana Pacers: Reggie Bullock, SG/SF, North Carolina

The Pacers have a really nice starting lineup, but they can definitely afford to bring in some competition for shooting guard Lance Stephenson. Bullock may not usurp him right away, but a great shooter like him will be utilized.

24. New York Knicks: Shane Larkin, PG, Miami (Fla.)

New York has a quality starting point guard in place in the form of Raymond Felton, but with Jason Kidd retiring and taking the Nets' head coaching job, the Knicks need a point guard of the future and Larkin could be it.

25. Los Angeles Clippers: Tony Snell, SG/SF, New Mexico

The Clippers are in a state of flux right now as they didn't fare quite as well as most anticipated they would this season. They have stars in place provided Chris Paul re-signs, but they're clearly missing something. Snell may not be a key player right away, but he could develop into one.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis Grizzlies): Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF, Greece

Few teams enjoy taking international players more than the Timberwolves and they'll have plenty of options in this draft. Antetokounmpo still needs a decent amount of seasoning, but he is a big, skilled player with a ton of potential.

27. Denver Nuggets: Lucas Nogueira, C, Brazil

The Nuggets did a fantastic job making Nene into a quality NBA center, so they will look to Brazil once again and select Nogueira in hopes that he can one day become a comparable player.

28. San Antonio Spurs: Dennis Schroeder, PG, Germany

Most mock drafts have Schroeder being taken earlier, but due to a combination of teams not needing point guards and wanting guys who can step in right away, he falls to the Spurs who can groom him to take over for Tony Parker one day.

29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Lorenzo Brown, PG, North Carolina State

Oklahoma City has what it takes to get back to the NBA Finals next season despite their disappointing year, but now the Thunder know that they need more depth behind Westbrook, so Brown would be a logical pick here.

30. Phoenix Suns (via Miami Heat): Tony Mitchell, PF, North Texas

The Suns' backcourt is set if they are able to get McLemore at No. 5, so it makes sense to focus on the frontcourt at No. 30. Mitchell is a very versatile player who can move around to a couple different positions, which makes him a nice fit.

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Breaking Down How to Stop USC Trojans WR Marqise Lee

Brian Leigh — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:50:40 -0400

USC's Marqise Lee was the best wide receiver in college football last year, and barring something unforeseen, he will retain that title again in 2013.

He finished his sophomore season with 118 catches, 1,721 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-American status and positioning himself to get selected in the top 5 of next April's 2014 NFL Draft.

But every lock has a key, and even though it may seem impossible, there are little ways to slow Marqise Lee down. Stopping him may be implausible, but containing him is not. You just can't play to his strengths.

Here are three of the best ways to slow down Marqise Lee, complete with specific examples of what happens when these guidelines aren't followed:

Use the Sideline:

Lee excels after the catch, taking short-to-medium passes and turning them into big gains. Sometimes it seems like 11 guys on defense just aren't enough to slow him down.

He also does most of his work in the middle of the field, which is rare for a homerun threat of his ilk. Those guys are usually known as "outside receivers" because they prefer to beat you deep. But Lee wants to beat his man inside first, then outrun him down the seam.

Because of that, a team's best bet of keeping Lee in check is keeping him away from the middle. Defenders must use the sideline as an extra defender, one that never misses a tackle once a player steps there. If not, Lee will almost always make them pay.

Take this play against Arizona last season. Lee is working in man against the Wildcats' Derrick Rainey. After a quick hesitation move, Lee gets inside position to work with him:

Immediately Rainey is at a disadvantage. There is safety help over the top (though we don't see him from this angle), and by forcing Lee outside, he could funnel him between himself, the safety and the sideline. Instead, Lee is one good route away from a big seam, which is exactly what he runs:

Now Lee has the ball, separation and 20 yards on each side of him to work with. Using his speed—of which he has a lot—he breaks away from Rainey and outruns the entire Wildcats defense to the endzone:

Making plays in the middle of the field is Marqise Lee's strength. And if you play into the strengths of someone that talented, you hardly ever stand a chance.

See the Ball:

Marqise Lee has phenomenal ball skills, using not just his size, but his vision to haul in passes. He always knows when the ball is in the air, and that enables him to bring down passes in traffic.

Even when a defender plays him properly—tight coverage, sees the ball—Lee makes extraordinary adjustments on the ball. Just like this huge 53-yard catch in the fourth quarter against Notre Dame last year:

Still, one of the most egregious sins a defensive back can commit is not turning to see the ball. It's tempting for a player to keep his eyes pinned on Lee—lest he shake free and get wide open—but if he sees Lee's head turned toward the ball, he needs to follow suit.

Take, for example, Lee's second tuchdown grab at Syracuse last year. He only gained 66 yards on 11 catches in that game, but caught three touchdowns because Syracuse couldn't guard him in the red zone.

Here's the second one. Barkley takes the snap from the four-yard line and Lee runs a simple fade. Once the ball is out, though, Lee recognizes it:

Lee turns his head back to the play, but the cornerback doesn't. He's playing with his back to the quarterback, trying to face-guard Lee from catching the ball. But Lee's vision is too good to fall victim to that. If the corner wants to defend a fade against him, he'll need to play the ball himself.

Which he doesn't...

Because Lee saw the ball, he was able to make adjustments. And he makes some of the best in-air adjustments in the game. The cornerback didn't see the ball and put himself at a fatal disadvantage.

A cornerback who did know where the ball was would have trouble breaking it up, but a cornerback who doesn't stands no chance at all.

Tackle With Discipline:

The simplest in concept is actually the hardest in practice. Marqise Lee does most of his damage after the catch, and he doesn't just run in straight lines. He loves to cut across the field and make east-west runs, leaving defenders in the wake of his shiftiness.

The only way to stop that is with disciplined tackling—players staying in their lanes and refusing to chase the ball. One reverse against Arizona State began like this last year:

A clear advantage for ASU, right? Lee is 11 yards in the backfield, and even if he broke free of Will Sutton, there are five more Sun Devils waiting to track him down.

Lee makes a few nifty moves and picks up a block, which allows him to get back to his own 48. He's still got two Sun Devils on both sides of him, which is good. But look at their depth:

The four ASU defenders are split into two groups, and both groups are standing right next to each other. They're swarming as individuals instead of as a unit. Look at the two white helmets to Marqise Lee's right—they're on top of each other. And look how much daylight there is around the outside!

Those defenders collide as one messy group—a group that Lee managed to shift out of, into the open space he sensed before.

From there he's in the clear, and with one useful cut block from quarterback Matt Barkley, he's turned the corner and sprinted down the sideline for a 38-yard gain:

If a team breaks contain against a guy like Lee—even on a "broken play"—he's gonna make them regret it every time. He's like Peter Baelish, thriving in entropy; chaos is his ladder, and he's gonna climb it into the opposition's endzone.

A team's best bet is to keep the ball out of Lee's hands entirely. But once he does get the ball, which he always will, they need to attack him in disciplined ranks. Taking the big play away from Lee is like forcing Manu Ginobili to go right.

Against players of that caliber, it's a defense's only hope.

All screenshots courtesy of YouTube user CaliforniasGold

Denver Broncos: Why QB Peyton Manning Will Win 2013-14 NFL MVP Award

Soven Bery — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:39:46 -0400

Peyton Manning is one of the best active players in the NFL and his four MVP awards only solidify that fact. The Denver Broncos quarterback should be making room on his trophy shelf this season for a fifth MVP, though.

The Most Valuable Player award, voted upon by sportswriters at the end of the season, is given to a player who is considered to be indispensable to his team. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson won the prize last season after he ran for 2,097 rushing yards, the second-most ever for a running back in a single season. However, the MVP is usually given to a quarterback, as four of the last five winners have played under center.

Two of those four quarterback winners have been named Peyton Manning.

Manning took home MVP in 2003, 2004, 2008 and 2009. He will do it again in 2013.

Last season, 2012, was the first year that the future Hall of Fame signal caller played for the Denver Broncos. Nonetheless, Manning finished second in MVP voting. He received 19.5-of-50 first-place votes.

“The Sheriff” should build on a terrific 2012 season en route to an amazing 2013. Manning was arguably the best quarterback last year as he finished with a 105.8 quarterback rating. He also threw for 4,659 yards with a 68.6 completion percentage, an NFL best for starting quarterbacks.

It follows that the Denver Broncos had the second best passing attack in the league. They were beat out by only the New England Patriots. However, the best wide receiver in New England, Wes Welker, is set to be a Bronco in 2013.

Manning was brilliant with Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker after only a couple months. But, the All-Pro signal caller is a quarterback who is a student of the game. He needs to have a connection with his wide receivers or everything could fall apart. The Broncos were amazing in 2012 with just one offseason for Manning to work with his pass catchers. Give him another year to gel with Thomas, Decker and now Welker and their chemistry, and the ensuing results, will skyrocket.

When Manning becomes more comfortable with his receiving corps, a good 2012 season will turn into a great outing in 2013. It doesn’t hurt that Manning is protected by the second best pass blocking offensive line in the NFL.

The Broncos were 13-3 in 2012 and one of the best teams in the AFC. They are poised to become even better and, if Manning can keep up high numbers while Denver keeps winning games, then it will be difficult to not hand Peyton the MVP award.

Manning was a legitimate candidate for the MVP last season. With another year in Denver and a rejuvenated wide receiving corps, he may very well take home the award this upcoming season.

He tore apart the NFL in last year’s comeback season as he set single-season Broncos franchise records for yards, completions (400) and touchdowns (37) thrown. Denver could not be as good as they were without Manning.

Voters will recognize that as the quarterback is set to be a focal part of the Bronco’s offense. The team recently released lead running back Willis McGahee. This means that Manning has to step up and play an even greater part in the success of Denver. With his football skills on display and his knack for leadership guiding the Broncos, Manning should once again catch the eye of sportswriters and fans alike.

The stars are aligned for Peyton Manning to have a MVP caliber season in 2013 and take home the award for an unprecedented fifth time.

Greg Biffle and Carl Edwards Raise Interesting Teammate Question

Paul Carreau — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:35:47 -0400

This past Sunday, in the Quicken Loans 400 at Michigan International Speedway, Carl Edwards twice looked for some help from teammate Greg Biffle to help remove some paper from the grille of his No. 99 Ford.

He got that help neither time.

The first situation arose around lap 70. At the time, the teammates were running 6th and 7th respectively. Edwards asked his spotter to talk to Biffle's spotter and see if Biffle could drop back and let Edwards get close enough to his back bumper to attempt to get a piece of paper off of his grille.

Biffle did not do it. After the race, he told reporters that he had never received word of Edwards' request.

The second time Edwards was looking for help came during the closing laps of the event. With approximately 40 laps to go, another piece of debris had lodged itself on to the grille of Edwards' car.

Edwards again asked for help from his teammate. This time, Biffle was relayed the message but declined to offer assistance, as he was the race leader by some 20 car lengths.

Edwards has since said that he completely understands Biffle's decision not to drop back and help him in that situation, as the race was nearing its conclusion and that Biffle was contending for the win, which he would ultimately get.

It was the first time that Edwards needed some assistance and didn't receive it that had him confused and a little frustrated.

"I want us to be the best teammates we can be. My hope is he never heard the communication on lap 70," Edwards told ESPN.com

Biffle reiterated that he never heard about Edwards' lap 70 request during the race. He told ESPN.com "I'll help Carl absolutely any time I can. We go out of our way to help each other. It's a team sport."

The Roush Fenway Racing teammates are set to meet at Sonoma this coming Friday to further discuss the incidents. In all likelihood, the two will clear the air after a brief discussion, and all will quickly be forgotten.

But it does lead to an interesting question. How much responsibility do teammates have in helping each other during a race?

I completely understand the concept of working together all throughout the week, and even at the start of a race weekend. Of course it makes sense to share as much information within an organization as possible to make each individual driver better, but once the race starts, shouldn't it be every driver for himself?

As soon as the green flag waves, there are 42 other drivers on the race track with one goal in mind, and that is to beat you and win the race. So why, at any point, does it make sense to help someone who has that mindset?

What if Biffle had helped Edwards in either instance at Michigan? Who knows how that could have affected the final outcome of the race?

That could have been the difference between winning or second place for Greg Biffle, and ultimately, that could be the difference between making the Chase or missing it.

Obviously teamwork and communication go a long way in helping a driver win races, and win championships. But at the end of a race, when the checkered flag is waving, if it came down to you and your teammate, wouldn't you rather be called winner as opposed to runner up?