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College World Series 2013 Schedule: Viewing Guide and Predictions for CWS Action

Ryan Rudnansky — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:46:37 -0400

After North Carolina knocked LSU out of the 2013 College World Series on Tuesday, six teams remain in the tournament.

The question is, who will advance to the Championship Series and win the national title?

There are two games slated for Tuesday and Wednesday, boasting some teams that have been rolling.

Here's my take on each game, as well as my prediction of who will advance to the Championship Series and be crowned.

*Complete bracket and schedule can be found at NCAA.com. Stats through June 17, via NCAA.com.

June 18

NC State vs. UCLA

When: 8 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3

NC State opened up its trip to the 2013 College World Series with a vengeance, destroying in-state foe North Carolina, 8-1. The Wolfpack have won all six of their games in the tournament.

UCLA started off its CWS appearance with a 2-1 win over No. 4 LSU. The Bruins have won all six of their games in the tournament.

Something has to give.

While UCLA hasn't named its starter for Tuesday, NC State will start left-hander Logan Jernigan, according to Jeff Gravley of WRAL-TV.

Jernigan has posted a 1.19 ERA in 10 games (eight starts) this season. In the Wolfpack's 5-4 win over Rice in Game 2 of the Raleigh Super Regional, he allowed one run in five innings.

While UCLA's pitching has been great this year, the offense worries me a bit, especially against the left-hander. I expect NC State to scratch out enough runs to win this game.

Prediction: NC State wins

June 19

Indiana vs. Oregon State (3)

When: 8 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3

Indiana lost its first game of the tournament on Monday against Mississippi State, 5-4. It was a thrilling game that could have gone either way.

Meanwhile, Oregon State blew out Louisville, 11-4.

Oregon State—ranked second in the country in ERA—has the pitching to quiet Indiana's bats, but Indiana's pitching isn't too shabby, either, ranked ninth in ERA. Indiana shut out Louisville in the College World Series, 2-0.

The way this tournament has been going, this is anybody's game, but I'm going to stick with Indiana, who I really liked headed into the CWS. Indiana's offense has consistently scored more throughout the season, ranked 12th in runs (Oregon State ranks 46th).

Prediction: Indiana wins

June 24-26 (Championship Series)

Indiana vs. NC State (Prediction)

When: 8 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3

I expect to NC State to defeat UCLA on Tuesday, wait for UCLA to defeat North Carolina in the loser's bracket, and then defeat UCLA again to advance to the Championship Series.

I expect Indiana to defeat Oregon State on Wednesday, then go on to avenge its loss to Mississippi State to advance to the Championship Series.

In the Championship Series, I like Indiana over NC State in three games, due to the Hoosiers' advantage in pitching and offense.

Prediction: Indiana wins 2013 College World Series

Examining Miami Dolphins' Offseason and Key Preseason Positional Battles

Justin Onslow — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:44:45 -0400

In the NFL, building a winning franchise starts with the draft and continues through several years of smart free-agent acquisitions and salary cap management.

The Miami Dolphins have accelerated the process.

Miami has done a good job adding some youthful talent through the draft in recent years, but what the team did in free agency this offseason goes far beyond any of those efforts. As a result, the Dolphins will be in much better position to make a run at the AFC East title in 2013.

General manager Jeff Ireland wasn’t afraid to go after the players he wanted in free agency, starting with former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace.

Wallace, coming off four tremendous seasons with the Steelers, was arguably the biggest name on the free-agent market, and he cashed in on that status with a five-year, $60 million contract. While the 26-year-old didn’t live up to lofty expectations in 2012 (836 yards and eight touchdowns), he’s still one of the league’s best deep threats, always capable of blowing the top off opposing defenses.

Along with the addition of Wallace, Ireland also struck a new five-year, $31 million deal with the team’s leading receiver in 2012, Brian Hartline. The 26-year-old had a career year with the Dolphins last season in tallying 74 receptions for 1,083 yards, but recorded just one touchdown on the season. With Wallace in the fold, Hartline should garner a lot less attention from opposing defenses and could see a significant increase in red-zone production this season.

But the pair will have to share those targets with newly-acquired wide receiver Brandon Gibson and tight end Dustin Keller as well. Ireland brought in both players via free agency, adding to a receiving corps that is already a massive improvement over its 2012 incarnation. If second-year signal-caller Ryan Tannehill is to have a breakout season, those four players will be the biggest reason for it.

Ireland also went to work on the defensive side of the ball. With the acquisitions of linebackers Philip Wheeler and Dannell Ellerbe and cornerback Brent Grimes, the Dolphins also significantly improved their defense heading into the 2013 season.

We’ll delve a little deeper into additional free-agent dealings in the following slideshow, but suffice it to say the Dolphins added a lot more than they lost this offseason.

In the draft, Miami made a surprising decision in moving up to the No. 3 spot for Oregon linebacker Dion Jordan—a player many considered the best front-seven defender in the 2013 class. Jordan has the versatility to play several positions in Miami’s front seven, and at the very least he gives defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle plenty of options.

Let’s take a closer look at Miami’s draft class and various free-agent signings and departures, as well as a few positions to keep an eye on as the 2013 season draws near.

Begin Slideshow

Heat vs Spurs NBA Finals Game 6: Live Score, Highlights and Analysis

Tristan Thornburgh — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:32:04 -0400

The San Antonio Spurs are one win away from securing their fifth NBA championship in franchise history.

They're also one loss away from facing a pressure-packed Game 7 on the road.

In a championship series where up is down, left is right and the only consistent contributor in a field of Hall of Famers is a D-League veteran three-point specialist (Danny Green), it's anyone's guess what will happen when the Spurs square off with the defending champion Miami Heat in Game 6 tonight.

If San Antonio hopes to avoid a winner-take-all scenario on Thursday night, it has to do something that neither team has been able to do all series: win consecutive games. The Spurs will surely have their work cut out for them considering the Heat haven't suffered back-to-back losses in more than five months.

As great as the pressure is for San Antonio, it is Miami that has everything to lose. LeBron James is averaging 25.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.5 assists in the postseason, but the one stat everyone is looking at is the 3-2 deficit his team faces in the finals. The next most notable stat might be his 2-of-11 shooting in the second half of Game 5.

Which Heat team will show up tonight? And which Spurs team?

Game 6 begins at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

Aaron Hernandez Reportedly Questioned by Police in Homicide Investigation

Tyler Conway — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:30:54 -0400

New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was reportedly questioned by North Attleboro, Mass., police on Monday as part of an ongoing investigation of a possible murder that took place near his home.

A source close to the police investigation told Sports Illustrated's Pete Thamel and Greg Bedard that Hernandez is not currently a suspect in the murder, but investigators are interested in searching the Patriots tight end's home.

Police reportedly became interested in questioning Hernandez after a rental car became an integral piece of evidence in the murder of a 27-year-old Boston man, whose body was found on Monday within a mile of Hernandez's home. It's unclear whether he was murdered in that location or dropped there.

David Linton of the Sun Chronicle in Attleboro first reported that police are looking into the rental of a 2013 Chevrolet Suburban with Rhode Island license plates, which investigators believe is connected to the murder.

Police are currently working with Enterprise, the vehicle's leaser, to dust the vehicle for fingerprints and check for other evidence. Thamel and Bedard's report notes that a source close to the investigation has said Hernandez's name is tied to the rental car. It's unclear whether Hernandez himself rented the car or not.

ABC News' Michele McPhee has reported that the man murdered, who has been unidentified as of publication, is an "associate" of Hernandez's. ABC News has also found out that Hernandez has been uncooperative with police since beginning the investigation, while Thamel and Bedard have reported the New England tight end has consulted an attorney in the case.

Drafted in the fourth round by the Patriots in 2010, the 23-year-old Hernandez is considered one of the most promising young tight ends in the NFL. He made the Pro Bowl in 2011, his second pro season, where he made 79 receptions for 910 yards and seven touchdowns.

Struggling with injuries throughout last season, Hernandez was unable to keep up a similar level of production. He had 51 receptions for 483 yards and four touchdowns, while only playing in 10 games. Hernandez is currently recovering from shoulder surgery but is expected to be ready for Patriots training camp in July.

The Patriots organization has not currently commented on the investigation. A source close to Hernandez has confirmed that Hernandez did speak with investigators this week, but his representation refused to comment on the matter when contacted by Sports Illustrated.

A spokesperson for the Bristol County District Attorney's Office also declined to speak on the nature of the case.

Follow Tyler Conway on Twitter:

NBA Trade Rumors: Breaking Down Buzzworthy Draft-Day Rumors

Steven Cook — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:30:53 -0400

Not every team is fully focused on making their respective selections off the draft board in the upcoming 2013 NBA draft, as there's been plenty of buzz about draft-day trades that could shape up the entire process.

There are many more questions than answers at this point leading up to the June 27 affair, but rumors have surfaced across the Association, and we're sure to see the draft order shaken up as the event progresses through its two rounds.

Let's break down the biggest draft-day rumors that would be sure to shake things up.

Cavaliers Still Mulling Trade Options

In a far-encompassing NBA draft update on the Cleveland Cavaliers' plans, Sam Amico of Fox Sports Ohio reported that the Cavs aren't sold in retaining their top overall pick:

Trading the top pick is another option the Cavs have explored, and they will likely continue to do so. They’ve also recently taken part in trade discussions involving “a viable” small forward, according to an FSO source.

Of course, this tidbit of information comes after Amico uses hundreds of words to break down all of the candidates for the top overall pick, like Nerlens Noel, Otto Porter, Ben McLemore and now even Alex Len.

Amico states that Cleveland is also looking into selling both of their second-round picks in order to move up with their No. 19 overall pick.

With so many viable options, the Cavs certainly have their work cut out for them in the coming week to figure out how they can best put a playoff-worthy team on the floor to surround budding star Kyrie Irving. It seems they're well into exploring those options.

Draft-Day Trade for Paul Pierce?

Say it ain't so! It's been a while, to say the least, since we've seen a Hall of Fame player traded on draft day, but it seems that is just what the Celtics have in the works.

This ESPN report from Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne primarily dissects late news regarding the potential Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett deal with the Clippers, but don't overlook this development:

"Pierce is not part of this trade, but sources say that the Clippers hatched this ambitious plan to acquire Rivers and Garnett with the intent from the start to land Pierce as well. The Celtics have until June 30 to either buy out Pierce for $5 million or guarantee him $15.3 million for next season, but it's believed that Boston wants to wait until the draft later this month to see if it can make a trade to get something for Pierce instead of just setting him free."

The 35-year-old has been the heart and soul of the C's ever since he's been there, and his departure from Boston certainly would mark the end of an era.

While there's no telling how likely a Pierce move to the Clippers would be if Rivers and KG don't end up there, per ESPN, the growing notion is that Boston is looking to shop its long-time hero.

Mavericks Shopping No. 13 Pick

In an interview with Dallas' own BaDD Radio on KTCK-AM 1310, per Dallas Morning News, Mavs owner Mark Cuban spoke candidly about his team's upcoming plans.

That largely hinged around their No. 13 overall pick in the draft, which Cuban had a quick, four-word affirmative answer of "that is the case" when asked if he wanted to trade their pick.

Though, he also admitted his team has a lot of different scenarios for the decision:

“We’ll look at taking future draft picks. We’ll look at moving down and getting multiple draft picks. We’ll look at trading for players that we think are good. There are a lot of opportunities.”

Per Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News, sources have indicated that Dallas is certain to shop their pick in order to free up space for Dwight Howard.

Obviously, the Mavs will need to create some cap space to court the likes of a Howard, and making a move in the draft is a good way to do so. The 13th pick might not be a game-changer for any franchise, but it's the highest pick the Mavericks have had in more than a decade.

Certainly, Cuban's Mavericks will keep their options open, but to hear an owner proclaim so clearly that he's interested in trading his pick is surprising and only validates the growing notion that we'll see Dallas try to make a move with the 13th pick.

USA vs. Honduras World Cup Qualifier Live Blog: Instant Reactions and Analysis

Jeffrey Kahn — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:27:43 -0400

The United States Mens' National Soccer Team takes on the Honduras Mens' National Soccer Team live tonight from Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. This is a 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match.

You will find live updates here including tweets, pictures, videos and more.

The game can be found on ESPN, Watch ESPN and UniMass.

After tonight's match, the USMNT will have a break from qualifying matches until September 6. The USMNT is 12-4-3 all time vs. the Honduras Mens' National Team, otherwise known as Los Catrachos.

Keep it locked here with Bleacher Report for continuous coverage throughout the game.

Where LeBron James Ranks All-Time with and Without 2nd NBA Title

John Friel — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:13:21 -0400

Within the next 24 hours, we're going to find out what type of narratives are going to come into play over the next season for LeBron James.

If the Miami Heat lose: Is the 'Big Three' a complete and utter failure? Is LeBron going back to Cleveland? Is the career of Dwyane Wade over? Is Chris Bosh getting traded? Was the first championship just a fluke? LeBron James is not the world-defying, capable-of-jumping-over-buildings-in-a-single-bound champion.

But if he wins, what a resounding success the 'Big Three' is. The San Antonio Spurs are old, finished and have no chance for Game 7. LeBron James is the perennial champion we all expected him to become.

Tonight, the path that is the ongoing, historic and often-criticized legacy of LeBron begins to fork as the NBA world waits with bated breath to find out what type of player he reveals himself to be, again. Bearing just as much significance as the shots he took under pressure in last year's NBA Finals, and the one before that, this Game 6 tonight is going to redefine the career of James.

Is it really going to matter to anyone that the San Antonio Spurs had a once-in-a-lifetime series from the likes of Danny Green and Gary Neal if the Heat end up losing this? Will Dwyane Wade's poor performances in the first three games, as well as his defense on Green, take some of the attention? How about the team's overall lackadaisical and borderline imprudent play on both sides of the ball?

None of that is going to matter and the Spurs will get zero credit for stopping LeBron, because obviously it's LeBron's fault.

Even if Tim Duncan takes home his fifth NBA title, the stories for the summer are going to revolve around LeBron's legacy, not Duncan's as it should for a 37-year-old leading his team to a fifth NBA title since 1999.

Instead we'll be subject to stories about a 28-year-old, who turns 29 in late December, and how he can't get it done. How the spotlight is too bright for him, even though he's been to this stage four times in a career that's only ten years in. How he can't win with this stacked Heat team, even though he's been forced to carry his All-Star teammates and supporting cast for a majority of the postseason.

We also won't be able to realize that we'll be saying the same thing about LeBron year after year after year. He's going to be having legacy-defining games and postseasons until he can no longer be deemed as a capable primary option.

LeBron is going to be at this stage a number of times over the next few seasons, so get used to the world either constantly berating or defending him. 29-year-olds tend to have a few more years of quality basketball left in them, especially the ones that have already won four league MVP's.

It's all going to be on LeBron's shoulder no matter what, and for two reasons. One is because he's LeBron James and there's a far better narrative surrounding a moneymaker and ratings-drawer like LeBron, rather than the Heat as a whole.

Two, and most importantly, is that we are all extremely well aware that LeBron is capable of lifting entire teams on his back and carrying them to the finish line. He did it when he dropped 48 on the Detroit Pistons in 2007, as well as when he attempted to beat an entire Orlando Magic team by himself averaging nearly 40 points to along with 14 rebounds per.

But nothing rings closer to home than his Game 6 against the Boston Celtics in last year's Eastern Conference Finals. It was the most pressure-filled game of LeBron's career, considering his team was facing a closeout game in an environment they usually struggled in, and he responded with flying colors.

45 points. 15 rebounds. 5 assists. That's why people want to say this Game 6 tonight lies squarely on LeBron's shoulders. Because they know that he can put up preposterous numbers at any point, including in the games where his team needs him most. He is averaging over 31 points per game in possible closeouts over his career.

James already responded to one possible monumental defeat with a monstrous offensive and defensive performance in an easy Game 7 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Not only did James drop a cool 32 points, getting to the line 16 times, grab eight rebounds and dish out four assists, but he also held youthful phenom Paul George to a mere seven points on 2-of-9 shooting.

George would foul out after playing only 33 minutes. That's the influence of the terrifying LeBron we have all come to either love or loathe.

But we're still waiting for LeBron's Game 6. We're all waiting for those statlines that induce tears from the eyes and cause bile to well up in the throat of every critic that has told us that LeBron James has no clutch gene, or whatever those ESPN folks call it.

We're all just patiently waiting for the next 45-15-5 because we haven't seen it yet. While he's had such performances as that Game 7 against Indiana, the hair-raising eight minutes of basketball in Game 5 against Indiana and even most recently dropping 33 points on the Spurs in a Game 4 victory, but he still doesn't have that postseason-defining performance for this year.

LeBron had appeared to figure out something in that Game 4 vs San Antonio, but the other four games against San Antonio have been relatively poor. He was held to his three lowest scoring outputs of the postseason in the first three games of the Finals and was recently held to 36 percent shooting in the Game 5 loss, which was the fourth lowest shooting-percentage of his postseason.

This entire postseason hasn't gone as smoothly as so many anticipated. With a healthy Chris Bosh in tow, LeBron brimming with confidence and so many Heat shooters having shot well in the regular season, it was a legitimate argument to have Miami possibly displaying postseason dominance to the equivalent of the 2001 Los Angeles Lakers team that went 15-1.

Those plans fizzled when Miami lost a home-opener to an injury-depleted Chicago Bulls team. The Heat proceeded to struggle with that Bulls team in two of the next four games, all Heat wins, before setting their sights on an Indiana Pacers team they had defeated in six games the previous postseason without Bosh.

It took seven games for the Heat to defeat the Pacers, nearly dropping their first two at home if not for a game-winner at the buzzer by LeBron. And, no, that game-winner by LeBron in a Game 1 at home is not the stamp you put on the letter to convince the NBA community that James has had an incredible postseason run.

Because, at the moment at least, James has yet to have the defining moment of the postseason that's going to have us in 2023 saying, "Guys, remember when LeBron did such and such in that championship run where he and Miami beat San Antonio?"

Then again, as seen before with those examples of what people won't remember if LeBron loses, it's also the same scenario if Miami wins. If LeBron gets the ample help he needs from Bosh and Wade, the Heat play defense and Danny Green wakes up from this two-week long dream, then nobody will care how he wins.

All they want to see is the hardware at the end of the season and who has it. And unless Wade ends up having back-to-back 30-point games, the Finals MVP if the Heat win is going to end up in the hands of LeBron James.

Suddenly LeBron will have just as many Finals MVP awards as Kobe Bryant and as many championships as Wilt Chamberlain, arguably the greatest player in NBA history. By the end of the week, or possibly even a few hours from now, we will find out just where LeBron could possibly rank among the league's greatest to ever play, despite only playing a decade's worth of basketball.

He has two opportunities to prove that. Two home games. Isn't it something that the Heat are two home games away from a championship, yet we've already banished Miami and LeBron's entire career's work to the land of wind and ghosts? The knee-jerk is strong with this generation.

LeBron is going to need all the help he can get, in order to hold said hardware. Tom Haberstroh of ESPN recently put out an article openly questioning why LeBron's NBA Finals performances were so much lesser than his performances in other rounds. What we got from it was the idea of fatigue playing a factor:

"People forget because he won the title, but James' body shut down in last year's Finals."

"At the end of Game 4 against the Okalahoma City Thunder, James laid on the ground unable to get up under his own power. Midway through the fourth quarter, James had to be carried off the court because of a leg cramp, which seems minor. But it forced James to remove himself from crunch-time of an NBA Finals game."

"Many attributed James' 2011 collapse to something more psychological than physical, but here we are in the 2013 Finals and James still doesn't look like his normal, dominant self. He is missing shots in the lane that he normally hits. He is taking more jumpers than usual. His fast breaks are no longer automatic points. James is not pressuring the Spurs' defense as much as we expected, especially late in Game 5, and there are times when he's not sprinting back on defense when everyone else is."

Legitimate argument? Or an excuse? LeBron is forced to carry his teammates, playing on a constant carousel on defense as he defends everything from point guards to center and is usually the one who ends up having to facilitate on a consistent basis, in order for his team to look championship-caliber.

Haberstroh brings up an excellent point about LeBron collapsing in Game 4 of the 2012 NBA Finals, and needing the heroics of Mario Chalmers and Dwyane Wade to finish it off. That series also came in a shortened series where the Heat ended up playing 16 less regular season games than usual.

It also may be evident here that James is fatigued. Why else can he not work himself around the doughy Boris Diaw? Or doesn't have the lift to throw down slams on fastbreaks over guys like Danny Green? Or is having trouble against Tony Parker, even though he was a stalwart against the faster and more athletic Derrick Rose in 2011?

It's an interesting thought that will most likely be left on the cutting-room floor because, "Blah, blah, blah, narratives, LeBron can't take the pressure. It's all in his head. Should the Spurs rest their starters in a closeout game in the NBA Finals?"

This game, and the next one if it happens, are just two more legacy games to add to LeBron's always building and renovating resume. We expect nothing but perfection and out-of-this-world play in every game and when we don't get it, we're immediately left to name-calling and attempting to play scientist observing LeBron's DNA from a distance.

The problem with that, however, is this will be LeBron's third loss in four attempts, if Miami comes up short tonight, and that's going to somehow resonate during his Hall-of-Fame speech. Not the fact that he's been to the NBA Finals four times in ten years, but because he lost three of those, including one where he was on a poor Cleveland team.

We'll pick and prod his career until there's nothing left but the bones of what should be recognized as a lavish and exemplary ten-year journey being left to critics who will ask, "Why didn't this or that happen?" or state "He'll never be as good as Jordan or whomever else that had consistency from his teammates."

It's tough to rank him amongst the league's greatest because we're going to end up being in the same situation as next year. He'll either have one or two titles, there will be a career-defining game and you'll read the same redundant article with key words such as 'Legacy', 'Clutch' or 'Defining'.

I'm guilty of it. We're all guilty of it. We're all playing our own part in this wild ride of LeBron's career, whether we're outright criticizing him for not coming through and winning three consecutive championships already or we're defending him as a four-time MVP who just caught a lot of bad breaks in the Finals.

We'll find out which side we're on in a few hours.

WWE: John Cena, Welcome to Mark Henry's Hall of Pain!

Tony Dolemite — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:09:18 -0400

Mark Henry has more in the tank after all, like it or not. That's just it. Fans didn't like it when Henry introduced John Cena to his Hall of Pain this past Raw, they loved it. They cheered!

Well, that does not surprise me.

Anytime John Cena gets punked the way he did, the fans go nuts. I also believe it had to do with the fact that there are a huge number of Henry fans who would love to see him win it big. In an act that will live forever in wrestling infamy, Mark Henry reestablished his dominance and became a threat to the WWE Title.

He also gave an Emmy Award winning performance, I might add. Go figure.

Whether or not Henry wins the title at this stage of his career is debatable. You know as well as I do that you can never say never, especially where Vince McMahon is concerned. On a personal level, I think Henry would make an even better WWE Champion compared to his run as World Heavyweight Champion, if it's done the right way.

Now more than ever, WWE Creative has to stand back and let Henry be Henry—unleash the beast! Allow him to be the threat to John Cena's title reign the way it was meant to be.

That's the difference between Henry and Ryback. As badass as WWE Creative tried to make him out to be, Ryback always seemed like a fish out of water.

With as many defeats as he has suffered throug the last several months, it was never realistic to position him as a challenger to Cena. Had Ryback been handled differently he would be a lot further along. Though I do have my issues about how he has been handled, I hope Ryback's career can be salvaged.

But I digress.

This isn't about Ryback and it isn't so much about John Cena as much as it's about Mark Henry and his Hall of Pain, which has its share of inductees. Henry is on the upswing and is beyond ready: It's his time to shine. Who knows how many years Henry will be capable of continuing at the level he's on now.

Whatever happens, I hope when it's said and done, fans will be able to look back on this period of Henry's career and walk away satisfied that WWE Creative did not drop the ball on this one. He is the world's strongest man with an attitude, period.

Enough said!

Spurs vs. Heat Game 6: Keys to San Antonio Closing out Series

Richard Langford — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:09:17 -0400

The Spurs have two chances to close out the 2013 NBA Finals to earn the fifth title of the Gregg Popovich-Tim Duncan era. However, they shouldn't be content to let this series advance to a Game 7.

Even a team as talented and experienced as the Spurs doesn't want to play a Game 7 on the road against a team as talented as the Heat.

To avoid having to keep their talents in South Beach for another game, here is what San Antonio must do in Game 6.

Manu Must Maintain Hot Hand

Game 5 featured the rarest of 2013 occurrences: A Manu Ginobili sighting.

The 35-year-old scored a season-high 24 points and dished out 10 assists. This was a vast improvement over what the Spurs had been receiving from Manu. Check out his scoring chart in the finals:

Also, it's not like Manu was forcing shots to get 24. He was 8-for-14 from the field. This isn't just a good performance for the Argentinian in terms of this year, but for his career. As SI.com's Ben Golliver points out, his 57.1 percent shooting tied his career-playoff best.

Manu doesn't need to be quite that efficient in this game, but he needs to remain aggressive. His 14 shots were the most he's taken in these finals. This just doesn't lead to his own scoring, but it sets up his whole team.

When Manu is hitting from the outside, it makes it easier for him to get into the lane, and that is when he can wreak havoc on the Heat defense and make things easier for his teammates.

Be Aggressive Getting Into the Lane

As we just discussed, Manu's penetration helps set up the Spurs' offense. He can't be the only one working to get into the lane, though. Tony Parker is the master of this, and his penetration is always key to the Spurs.

San Antonio is wonderful at making the right pass and setting backscreens once they infiltrate the lane. This leads to quality open looks.

This job doesn't solely fall on the guards, either. Tim Duncan must be aggressive in his post ups, and any screener must look to get into the lane on pick-and-rolls.

While this will allow for some easy looks around the rim, it will also create open shots from the perimeter, which leads us to my last key.

Hit From the Perimeter

While Danny Green rightfully gets a ton of credit for the Spurs' Game 5 win by hitting 6-of-10 from beyond the arc, the real key for the Spurs was their performance in the paint.

According to CBS' Royce Young, in Game 5 San Antonio netted 50 points in the paint. Parker alone went 10-for-14, and again according to Young, each of Parker's buckets came within nine feet.

While this will again be key, I fully expect the Heat to make guarding the paint more of a priority. This likely means more minutes for interior defender Chris Andersen and increased attention from all Heat defenders.

I don't expect the Heat to do this at the expense of wandering off Green—at least not anymore than they already have. This means the rest of the Spurs must connect from the outside to not only make Miami pay for leaving them open, but to stretch out the Heat's defense.

Clippers Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Must Get Better Return in Eric Bledsoe Trade

Rob Goldberg — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:07:54 -0400

Eric Bledsoe is an extremely talented young player, and the Los Angeles Clippers have to make sure they are not giving him up for nothing.

In three years in the NBA, the point guard has shown plenty of potential. Last season, he averaged 8.5 points, 3.1 assists and three rebounds per game. Unsurprisingly, he is much better when he starts.

When Chris Paul was out this year and Bledsoe was able to start at point guard, he averaged 14.2 points, 5.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists. He also made 43.8 percent of three-point shots in the 12 games.

Although some could argue this is a small sample size, he has displayed his ability as a playmaker plenty of times when running the point. If he does get this opportunity to be a starter, he could be an All-Star.

The problem is that the Clippers already have an All-Star point guard in Paul. If the team is able to re-sign the free agent, there is little need to keep Bledsoe.

As a result, the organization has been actively shopping the point guard all around the league over the past week.

Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel discussed the possibility of Bledsoe being shipped to the Orlando Magic along with Caron Butler in return for Arron Afflalo.

NESN reported that a trade for Danny Granger is also possible with the Indiana Pacers.

However, these are just the smaller swaps. The Clippers are also rumored to be involved in a few blockbuster trades that could take place over the next few weeks.

Talks with the Boston Celtics for coach Doc Rivers and power forward Kevin Garnett have centered on Bledsoe and DeAndre Jordan, according to Marc Stein and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.

Of course, this deal appears to now be finished according to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times:

Still, it is something that should not be counted out until everything is settled. These two teams are fully capable of resuming talks at any time.

Most recently, however, Bledsoe has been paired with Blake Griffin in a possible move to acquire Dwight Howard, according to Stein:

There are a lot of big names being discussed, although it still seems as though the Clippers are too eager to part with the youngster.

First, there is no guarantee that Paul will return to Los Angeles next season. He admitted to being angry at the organization following the firing of Vinny Del Negro. He also is being pursued by the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and others.

If Paul does not re-sign with the club, Bledsoe will be vital in maintaining the high level of success that the Clippers have enjoyed over the past few years.

On the other hand, there would be no problem in having an elite backup if Paul were to return.

Still, it makes sense for the Clippers to get some value in return for the talented player that can help immediately. However, none of these trades would be enough for a 23-year-old point guard who could be a star on his new team.

If Los Angeles plans on trading Bledsoe, the team better make sure it gets a game-changer in return who can help the squad contend for a championship next season. Otherwise, there would be no problem in keeping Bledsoe for another year.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest updates in sports.

Matt Harvey's Career-High Strikeout Game Inching Him Closer to Being the Best

Chris Stephens — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:05:11 -0400

Matt Harvey had the game of his life for seven innings on Tuesday. His 13-strikeout performance inches him closer to being the best in the National League.

The New York Mets ace threw seven frames, giving up three hits and three runs as New York beat the Atlanta Braves, 4-3.

I'm not ready to hand over the title "best" to Harvey just yet, as I think Adam Wainwright and Clayton Kershaw have something to say about that.

However, Harvey is continuing to show why Mets fans can't get enough of him.

He's 6-1 with a league-leading 115 strikeouts and a 2.16 ERA. Kershaw (1.84) and Shelby Miller (2.08) are the only ones with a better ERA than him.

There's a lot to be excited about for New York fans, especially considering the possibility of Harvey starting the All-Star Game.

All-Star Start

With the All-Star Game being at Citi Field, Mets fans are hoping that manager Bruce Bochy will pick Harvey to start the game.

Bruce Bochy: Matt Harvey being a Met would "play a part in his decision" for who starts the AS game at Citi #Mets #MLB @MLBNetworkRadio
— Casey Stern (@CaseyStern) June 18, 2013

For New York fans, that would be something to look forward to amid what as been a disappointing season thus far.

Harvey has managed to single-handedly pique the interest of the Mets faithful. An All-Star start would be the cherry on top.

And it's not as if he hasn't earned it.

The only thing Harvey is lacking in is wins, but then again, so is Kershaw, who only has five.

Patrick Corbin and Jordan Zimmermann could also make a claim for the starting spot, but at the rate the other three are pitching, it's highly unlikely.

Still Much to Learn

Harvey is no doubt having a great season, but it's way too early in his career to call him the best.

Hundreds of pitchers have begun their careers with excellent first years only to fall by the wayside.

The fact remains that Harvey has just started 25 games in his career. Over those starts, he's 9-6 with a 2.37 ERA and 185 strikeouts.

For him to become one of the best, he's going to have to continue to dominate in 2013 and beyond.

I'm not saying he won't, but I will continue to have reservations until there's more than one season's worth of starts on which he can be evaluated.

He could be the next Nolan Ryan, but he could also be the next Kerry Wood.

Heat vs. Spurs: San Antonio Will Finish Off Miami In Game 6 of NBA Finals

Jesse Reed — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:01:40 -0400

The San Antonio Spurs are poised to win a fifth NBA title heading into Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals with a 3-2 lead over the Miami Heat.

This series won't be heading to Game 7, as the Spurs will crush Miami's dream of repeating as champions on Tuesday night at AmericanAirlines Arena.

After the game, there will be two narratives playing out:

Where does San Antonio rank amongst the all-time dynasties in NBA history with five titles since Tim Duncan arrived?
How will Miami retool this offseason to keep LeBron James in the long term after failing to win a title in two of three finals appearances?

Miami would appear to have a clear advantage in this contest. With a 37-4 record at home during the regular season and an 8-3 record there during the postseason, the Heat have been tough to defeat in front of their home crowd. Furthermore, Miami hasn't lost two games in a row since January.

But trends always come to an end, and the Spurs are ready to bury Miami's streak six feet under in Game 6.

Tony Parker and Gary Neal are significantly better than Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole. Even with a gimpy leg, Parker has been able to maneuver at will into the paint to set up a scoring opportunity for himself or for one of his teammates.

It's Parker who has been the catalyst for San Antonio's incredible three-point barrage thus far. San Antonio has been able to spring Parker loose inside using simple pick-and-rolls on a regular basis. Once Miami's defenders start rotating, that's when the Spurs kick the passing game into high gear.

Danny Green, Manu Ginobili or Neal end up shooting wide-open perimeter shots that have been finding the net more often than not.

Speaking of Green, he's making three-point shots at a pace we've never before seen in an NBA Finals. He broke Ray Allen's record of 23 made three-pointers in a finals series in Game 5, as noted by ESPN's Numbers Never Lie:

With just five more made threes, Green will break Reggie Miller's all-time postseason record of 58, as ESPN's Jared Zwerling noted after Game 5:

Needless to say, Miami has been embarrassed by its lack of perimeter defense. When asked how Green had been consistently shooting open shots, Chris Bosh told David Aldridge, "He won't be open tonight."

So we know Miami will be making a point of guarding Green, but the shift will only make it easier for San Antonio to attack the interior of Miami's defense.

With a concerted effort at stopping the outside shot, Miami will unwittingly fall prey to the greater danger, which is the pick-and-roll game with Parker and Tim Duncan/Tiago Splitter.

It's something we've seen at times during this series when Miami has opted to keep a couple of defenders on the perimeter. Parker will penetrate, then dish out to one of the men outside while Duncan or Splitter dart into the lane.

With all the movement to guard the shooters outside, Duncan and Splitter have been able to score easy buckets inside as the shooters find them wide-open in the paint.

No matter what Miami does tonight, San Antonio will find a way to take advantage of the interior defense of the Heat. The biggest reason the Spurs have had so many open shots outside is because there isn't an enforcer inside.

Thus, James and Dwyane Wade have spent a lot of time in the paint to help Bosh.

Miami simply doesn't have an answer for Parker's penetration. One way or another—whether it's Green and the gang launching threes or Duncan and Splitter pounding the paint—San Antonio will win Game 6.

Follow me on Twitter @JesseReed78

FIFA 13: Thiago Alcantara, Isco and the Best Euro U-21 Squads on Ultimate Team

Nick Akerman — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:47:44 -0400

Thiago Alcantara and Isco have fired Spain to the European Under-21 crown, and as any FIFA 13 fan knows, this will have a profound effect on the Ultimate Team market.

Many gamers will try their hardest to select an online side that features U-21 players, is enjoyable to use and possesses high chemistry (if you don't know what that means, head over here). While difficult, the task certainly isn't impossible.

Here are a few Ultimate Team squads that might tickle your fancy and are only made up from players who featured in Israel's recent tournament.

Begin Slideshow

Breaking Down the Future of Canadian International Basketball

C.J. Moore — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:46:03 -0400

On June 27, two Canadians could be called in the NBA Lottery—Anthony Bennett and Kelly Olynyk. In 2014, Canadian Andrew Wiggins is expected to be the first pick.

Once an afterthought in basketball, Canada is starting to produce some of the world's best talent, thanks in part to the NBA expanding to Canada in the mid-'90s and to relaxed immigration laws, which ESPN.com's Myron Metcalf wrote about last year.

The talent pool is getting so deep that Steve Nash, the national team's general manager, actually has real depth to work and mold a roster with.

As unreal as it would have been even 10 years ago, the Canadians could have an actual chance to medal in the 2016 Olympics for the first time since the first Olympics with basketball in 1936, when Canada lost to the United States in the gold-medal game. The Canadians have never finished better than sixth
place in the FIBA World Championships.

As you start to break down what Nash's roster could look like, the Canadians have a realistic shot next summer in Spain at making the world take notice.

Begin Slideshow

Kurt Busch: A NASCAR Driver Who Has Earned His Second Chance

Paul Carreau — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:44:54 -0400

By now, we are all familiar with the trials and tribulations of Kurt Busch.

He was the Sprint Cup Series Champion in 2004, and then there was his long-running feud with Jimmy Spencer. He notched at least one win every season from 2002 until 2011, and then there was his unceremonious parting with Penske Racing at the end of the 2011 season.

It is safe to say that Busch has seen all of the highs and lows of the sport he loves. But his career should begin to take a swing towards the up side once again, based on what he has accomplished over the last season and a third.

After his verbal tirade aimed at legendary NASCAR reporter Dr. Jerry Punch at the 2011 season finale at Homestead, team owner Roger Penske was through with the Kurt Busch soap opera, and decided to part ways with his star.

At this point, Busch was left scrounging for a ride for the upcoming 2012 season, as most of the rosters of the top team owners had already been filled, and the ones that hadn't been filled were leery to sign Busch, as he had become more of headache than he was seemingly worth.

This led Busch to Phoenix Racing, and its owner James Finch.

Finch and Busch worked out a deal for the 2012 season. There was no contract signed between the two, just a handshake and a gentlemen’s agreement. Busch wasn't allowed to quit, and Finch wouldn't fire him. It was as simple as that.

Expectations were low, as Finch fielded just the one car, and ran on very limited funds, but at the very least, Busch was still in the top NASCAR series.

Late in the season, it was announced that Busch would move on to Furniture Row Racing for the 2013 season. With Finch’s blessing, Busch ended up going to drive for his newest team for the final six races of the year.

Phoenix Racing finished that season 27th in owners points, which was the best in its history. And that was in large part to Busch. He gave Finch multiple top-10 finishes for just the fourth time in his team's history, and Busch's six lead lap finishes were the second-most for a James Finch driver in team history.

Driving for Furniture Row, Busch ended the 2012 season with three consecutive top-10 finishes, which was a first for the team.

That leads to 2013. Continuing to drive for the single car team based out of Denver, Colorado, Busch has been nothing short of impressive. Through 15 races Busch sits 20th in the point standings.

That ranks him within 20 points of Jeff Gordon, Jeff Burton, Ryan Newman and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who are all based out of multi-car teams, and are expected to contend for race wins and championships.

Furniture Row team owner Barney Visser sits 22nd in the owners points, which is two places higher than the team has ever finished a season.

Prior to his misfortunes at Michigan this past weekend, Busch was 15th in the driver standings, while Visser was 16th in the owner’s point standings.

Busch has scored five top-10 finishes, three of which resulted in top-5 finishes. He won the pole for the Southern 500 at Darlington, and has thus far led 145 laps on the season.

Prior to this season, Furniture Row Racing had only led a total of 48 laps in eight seasons since its inception as a team in 2005.

The only thing that Busch hasn't been able to do since his departure from Penske Racing is get back to victory lane, but he is inching his way closer.

He was up front all night long at Richmond, but had to settle for a ninth place finish, after a late race dust-up with both Tony Stewart and Matt Kenseth.

Two weeks later he won the pole at Darlington and led the first 69 laps before seeing the handling of his car go away, and fading to just outside the top-10.

If not for a poor final pit stop, Busch appeared to be well on his way to winning this season’s All-Star Race, ultimately settling for a fifth-place finish. Then, to put a cap on the two week festivities in Charlotte, Busch posted a podium finish in the Coca Cola 600.

Busch has more than earned a second chance to drive for one of the top teams in the sport with his performances over the last season-plus.

More importantly, his attitude has seemed to improve. While he still can't boast a spotless off-track record, he is trying to say all of the right things during his interviews, and has remained upbeat, positive and complimentary all while driving less than top equipment, and after suffering his fair share of poor luck.

Busch has more than proven himself capable as a driver. As a person trying to repair his image, his efforts cannot go unnoticed. Now it is time for a top-tiered team owner to step up and give him the ride that he deserves.

Duke Basketball: Blue Devils' Best-Ever Player at Each Position

David Aldridge — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:44:46 -0400

When names like Laettner, Redick, Battier, Hill, Williams and Hurley hang on retired jerseys in the rafters over the court, you have a program with rich basketball tradition, which is exactly what the Duke Blue Devils have.

For a program with four national championships and over 2,000 wins, it's impossible to make a list of the best player at each position without leaving off a fantastic player. The honorable mentions could play the starting five on this list and have a great chance at winning.

But as a fun topic for the offseason, let's look at the best-ever player at each position for the Blue Devils.

Each player was considered based on the impact he had during his entire career at Duke, postseason success, and the context of the competition he played against.

Begin Slideshow

Roger Federer Must Treat Wimbledon As Last Chance at a Major

Ryan Rudnansky — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:43:48 -0400

Roger Federer won his first title of the year on Sunday and it couldn't have come at a better time.

Wimbledon—which Federer has won a record seven times—begins next week and the aging 31-year-old doesn't have many more opportunities to capture another Grand Slam singles title.

The Swiss great defeated Mikhail Youzhny in Halle on Sunday 6-7, 6-3, 6-4. It came on grass, his preferred surface. It marked the sixth time in his career that he won the Wimbledon warm-up event.

Let's be clear: While Federer still has a little left in the tank, 2013 is the first year in which he's looked like he's on the decline. He's 24-7 this year, compared to 71-12 last year. This is also his first singles title of the year while he won six last year.

Last year, Federer reminded everyone why he's a great when he won Wimbledon, despite facing doubts at the tournament for basically the first time in his career.

This year, however, it's different. He hasn't been as dominant. Last year, he won four singles titles before even setting foot on Wimbledon's courts.

This year also marks Rafael Nadal's resurrection. The 27-year-old Spaniard has gone 43-2 with seven singles titles (including the French Open) after missing about eight months with tendinitis after Wimbledon 2012.

While Nadal is the King of Clay, Federer has always been the King of Grass. He owns Wimbledon, and he showed that in last year's tournament by beating both Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray en route to the title.

We haven't seen the same Roger Federer this year as we saw in years past, but it would be foolish to count him out at Wimbledon. The greats find ways to win and Federer knows this tournament is his to lose.

Who knows what Federer will look like next year. It's hard to imagine him rebounding and playing better as he ages. But he will always have Wimbledon, a tournament dear to his heart. And he will always have the mental edge at Wimbledon, make no mistake about it. That's what winning seven times does for you.

While Federer's winning percentage has dropped in 2013, he is 66-7 lifetime at Wimbledon. Even at this stage, it's a shock when he loses at the Grand Slam. If Federer can't win at Wimbledon, it's hard to imagine him winning another major.

Dodgers and Yankees Get into Twitter Battle Ahead of Rivalry Series

Gabe Zaldivar — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:40:43 -0400

There are hardly two more storied franchises in all of sports history than the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. That history was on full display during a heated skirmish on Twitter.

It seems the Yankees' Twitter account just couldn't wait for the team to take the field against one of the Yanks' greatest rivals. The two teams have met 11 times in the World Series, with the last one taking place in 1981.

Here is how it all played out on Twitter in a slugfest between the Yankees' Twitter feed and that of the L.A. Dodgers:

The Yankees seemed to get things started, with the Dodgers firing back. Of course, as tends to be the case, the Yankees went "scoreboard" on the franchise that once resided in Brooklyn.

However, I have to say the Dodgers did well by using Vin Scully as ammo, because there isn't a better broadcaster in baseball.

Fans and players alike are amped to reinvigorate a dormant rivalry, so we understand that the Yankees' Twitter feed fired off a couple more tweets, one of which used the hashtag #Dropthemic:

The dust has finally settled on a brief battle that took place before a beautiful baseball war starting on Tuesday night. Still, there are so many questions that need to be answered.

Will Don Mattingly get applause from his former home crowd? Will Yasiel Puig continue his hot start in New York? Will either team come away from the series without any injuries?

It's obvious both franchises differ in the amounts of success they've had since they last met in the World Series. The current season has been an extreme case of a tale of two cities, though.

While both have had to go through a great deal of injuries, the Yankees have been far more successful with solid pitching leading them to a respectable 38-31 record.

As for the Dodgers, not so much.

A superstar roster has been battered and bruised through a humbling season that sees them at the bottom of the NL West. The only bright spot is their Cuban rookie who continues to dazzle in the field.

And so another chapter of a book we just can't put down gets written. The Dodgers and Yankees reprise their roles as bitter rivals for a rare series that is sure to captivate.

Judging by the response on Twitter, it can't take place soon enough.

Let's continue the party on Twitter: Follow @gabezal

Pitchers Boasting Baseball's Most Devastating Breaking Balls

Gabe Zaldivar — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:39:00 -0400

That’s nasty.

Really, there is nothing more satisfying than watching sluggers leave the batter’s box completely flummoxed and mystified by what they just saw. In a sense, fans and hitters alike are shaking their heads in bewilderment.

These few pitchers have that one amazing pitch that can render a big league batter completely hopeless at the plate.

Join MLB Lead Writer Zachary Rymer and MLB Contributor Gabe Zaldivar as they discuss those pitchers armed with a specific weapon that makes some at-bats a lopsided affair.

From a pitch that some experts still haven’t classified to a pair of curveballs that are ridiculous to behold, we have you covered.

There are so many pitchers in baseball throwing Bugs Bunny type of junk, and they deserve recognition. Sound off with your suggestions in the comments section below.

Follow Zach on Twitter at: @zachrymer

Follow Gabe on Twitter at: @gabezal

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Yankees: Live Blog with Reactions and Analysis

Andy Wittry — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:35:50 -0400

Former New York Yankee great Don Mattingly, rising star Yasiel Puig and the Los Angeles Dodgers head to Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night to begin a three-game series.

Mattingly returns to the Bronx amid recent uncertainty about his future in Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Times. Despite having the second highest payroll in the MLB at more than $220 million, the Dodgers are 10 games below .500 and in the cellar of the NL West.

With three outfielders and more than 40 percent of Los Angeles' payroll on the disabled list, Cuban rookie right fielder Yasiel Puig is a sign of hope who may prove to be Mattingly's lifeline.

Through the first 13 games of his career, Puig is batting .479 with four home runs and 10 RBI. Not only can the 22-year-old hit for average and power but he has shown flashes of his lethal arm.

The Yankees have been plagued by their share of injuries as well. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Francisco Cervelli, Eduardo Nunez and Michael Pineda are on the 60-day DL. Curtis Granderson and Kevin Youkilis are on the 15-day DL.

Around 2:45 pm on Tuesday, first baseman Mark Teixeira was put on the disabled list due to a wrist injury.

Despite its limited roster, New York has stayed afloat. The Yankees are 38-31 and only three games back of the Boston Red Sox prior to the games on Tuesday.

New York is only a half game behind Baltimore and Texas in the AL Wild Card standings, which bodes well for the Yankees if their star players can get healthy as the playoffs draw near.

Tonight's starters are New York's Phil Hughes (3-5, 4.89 ERA) and Los Angeles' Hyun-Jin Ryu (6-2, 2.85 ERA). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.

Check back throughout the game for scores, updates, reactions and analysis.

Michigan State Basketball: Best-Case Scenarios for Projected Starters in 2014

Adam Biggers — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:35:34 -0400

Michigan State Spartans coach Tom Izzo is known for juggling lineups to accentuate his team's strengths.

That being said, Spartans followers should plan to see a few different starting fives during the 2013-14 season.

As of now, Michigan State's starting lineup could look something like this: Adreian Payne (F/C), Branden Dawson (F), Alex Gauna/Matt Costello (F), Gary Harris (SG) and Keith Appling (PG).

Denzel Valentine, Michigan State's top bench contributor from a year ago, may even get a crack at a No. 1 role.

Travis Trice could see meaningful time at the point, and depending on progress, Russell Byrd could catch more than his typical 7.5 minutes per game at shooting guard. While it's doubtful that either will play a role as a "starter", they could be on the floor during tip-off, technically making them a starter by definition.

This slideshow will focus on the best-case scenarios for Harris, Payne, Dawson, Gauna/Costello and Appling and explore the heights that each of them could reach during this upcoming Big Ten basketball gauntlet.

Begin Slideshow

NHL Draft 2013: Pros and Cons of the Top 20 Prospects

James Onusko — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:29:01 -0400

This year is the deepest crop of top prospects for the NHL Draft since 2003.

Some years, experts begin talking about players as projects after the first five picks.

For the 2013 NHL draft, there is a possibility that at least a dozen of these players could play regularly in the NHL next season. With the reduced salary cap and several teams needing to cut payroll, talented, young and relatively cheap players will be in high demand.

The following list features the top 20 prospects, in ascending order, for the 2013 NHL draft.

The list includes the pros and cons for each prospect. Honorable mentions go to Adam Erne, Frederik Gauthier and Robert Hagg.

Begin Slideshow

WWE: A Full Vince McMahon Heel Turn Is Just What the WWE Needs

John Nizinski — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:26:02 -0400

There is no denying that the WWE has gone through a tough time recently. The product and creative angles have fallen flat more times than they have landed.

However, there is also no denying that the company is currently on its way back up. There is a nice mix of veteran superstars and young talent making an impact, and its recent creative ideas are working.

One angle that is currently going on is the difference of opinion and balance of power among the McMahon family (Triple H included).

Triple H's desire to compete after suffering a concussion has caused his wife, Stephanie McMahon, and his father-in-law, Vince McMahon, to be concerned for his health and take action.

We have seen the family butt heads and disagree on almost everything lately.

This storyline has also shown a shade of Mr. McMahon that we haven't seen in a while. He has started to have some heel-like tendencies.

On the most recent Raw, McMahon was seen praising The Shield and Mark Henry to Vickie Guerrero, which contradicted his son-in-law's comments to Raw's general manager earlier.

This could and should be the start of a full-blown Vince McMahon heel turn.

Whether it was during the Attitude Era or in his feuds with DX or Donald Trump, McMahon as a heel is so much more intriguing.

He is one of the greatest heels of all time and has a strong ability to get the WWE Universe to despise him.

Having McMahon as a heel opens up so many different doors for the creative team. Imagine the interaction between a heel Mr. McMahon and Paul Heyman.

The feud between the people running the company could also lead to many things, one being a battle for full control of the company, which might also lead to Shane McMahon getting back in the mix.

If McMahon is going to continue to get attention and be involved in storylines, it would be best for the WWE and WWE Universe if he does so as a heel. It is time for the power-hungry, manipulative and greedy Mr. McMahon to come back.

Ranking the Top Leadoff Hitting Prospect in Each Organization

Zachary Ball — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:25:49 -0400

For most of baseball history, the No. 1 spot in the lineup was reserved for the speediest, and therefore often the smallest, player on the team.

Vince Coleman, Maury Wills, Tim Raines, Lou Brock, Kenny Lofton and the immortal Rickey Henderson, each of whom checked in at less than six feet tall and less than 185 pounds, turned the position into a cliche that forced teams to overlook important statistics like on-base percentage and one's ability to hit with no one on base.

Today, the leadoff position is a different ballgame.

Of the qualified leadoff hitters in the game today, only five have cracked double-digits in stolen bases this season.

Bye-bye speed. Hello on-base percentage!

Among those players qualified, Cincinnati's Shin-Soo Choo has the highest on-base percentage (.425). He checks in at 5'11'' and 205 pounds and has more career home runs than stolen bases.

The top batting average (.316) belongs to St. Louis second baseman Matt Carpenter. He checks in at 6'3'' and 200 pounds and for his career has exactly two stolen bases.

Neither Choo nor Carpenter would have had the opportunity to hit leadoff 30 years ago with stolen base totals and figures like that.

That's not to say there isn't a place for the young up-and-coming leadoff hitters of the future, guys like Gary Brown and Billy Hamilton, who still place an emphasis on speed.

The simple truth is that today's leadoff hitters are as balanced as ever, containing a combination of on-base skills and speed with a dash of pop for good measure.

With an eye to the future of the position, let's take a look at the top leadoff hitting prospects in baseball right now.

Begin Slideshow

Italy vs. Japan: Confederations Cup Live Score, Highlights, Recap

Michael Cummings — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:23:04 -0400

FIFA Confederations Cup, Group A, Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

Italy vs. Japan (kickoff Wednesday, June 19, 2013, 6 p.m. ET)

Every team at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup has played one match, and our coverage continues Wednesday with a Group A match between Italy and Japan.

Italy opened with a 2-1 win over Mexico, and Japan lost to hosts Brazil. Depending on the result of the other game in Group A, a win for Italy on Wednesday could both send the Azzurri to the semifinals and eliminate Japan.

There's added intrigue for Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni, who was born in the north Italian town of Meldola.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET, and we'll have full coverage here beginning an hour before kickoff. See you then.

Click here for FIFA.com's preview of the match. Click here for information on the venue for Wednesday's match, Arena Pernambuco in Recife.

Follow @MikeCummings37

Darrelle Revis Reportedly Paid Mark Barron $50K to Keep No. 24 Jersey

Rob Goldberg — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:22:44 -0400

Some professional athletes are really attached to their numbers, and it appears as though Darrelle Revis is one of them.

As Paul Lukas of Uni-Watch reported, "A well-placed source tells me that the amount Darrelle Revis paid to Mark Barron in order to get Barron to give up No. 24 was — get this — $50,000."

It seems like keeping this jersey number is quite important to the new Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback.

At least this will count as a business expense on his taxes, according to ESPN's Darren Rovell:

Revis was traded from the New York Jets in April for two draft picks, one of them in the first round of the 2013 NFL draft. He then signed a six-year deal with his new club.

While he has yet to step on the field, he is already making his mark with the rest of the roster by buying the jersey from second-year safety Mark Barron. The young player will now take No. 23 next season.

Interestingly, Revis has only worn No. 24 throughout his NFL career. At Pittsburgh, he wore No. 25 while becoming one of the top defensive players in the country.

This practice of buying a number from a teammate is nothing new, although the numbers have certainly increased over the years.

One of the biggest transactions of this sort was when Clinton Portis paid Ifeanyi Ohalete $40,000 to have No. 26 with the Washington Redskins. Of course, this was eventually settled in court, according to Lee Jenkins of the New York Times.

Still, players have their right to choose what they want to do with their money after deciding what is truly important to them. If they want to spend the price of a new car on a number, they have that option.

They just better hope they do not change teams again any time soon.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest updates in sports.

Each MLB Team's 'Hidden Gem' Prospect Fans May Not Know About

Mike Rosenbaum — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:21:53 -0400

Due to the amount of attention paid to each organization's top prospects and early-round draft picks, many of the game's underrated prospects are perpetually obscured. Most of the time, these prospects are younger players who are housed in the low minors and still require considerable physical projection. At the same time, there are countless prospects on the older side of the age curve who have dipped off the radar due to injury.

Here's a look at one "hidden gem" from each organization who could make a push for the major leagues in the coming years.

Begin Slideshow

Notre Dame Football: Burning Questions for Fighting Irish for 2013 Season

Tyler Conway — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:18:55 -0400

Even after their utter evisceration at the hands of Alabama in the BCS National Championship Game, the 2013 offseason was supposed to be one of adulation and looking forward to a bright future for the Irish.

Everett Golson was a blossoming young star at quarterback, the defense lost star Manti Te'o but brings back a host of characters—including defensive end Stephon Tuitt—and Brian Kelly's status as something of an instant-oatmeal miracle worker continues to grow.

After looking bleak for so long, things were starting to finally perk up in South Bend.

Yet the early summer months have already turned 2013 into a year of tumult. Golson's dismissal from the school sent shock waves through the Notre Dame community and left some wondering about the viability of this program in the upcoming season.

The young signal-caller was not the overarching reason the Irish were able to make their way to the title game last season, but his expected growth under center had led many to be bullish about the program's chances.

Good things still abound in South Bend, and Kelly still has time to adjust how he looks at this current roster. But that doesn't eliminate the hole Golson leaves on the roster, nor does it obscure Te'o's departure also playing an underrated factor in this team's ceiling.

While we're still a long way from Notre Dame's Aug. 31 kickoff, let's take an early look at some burning questions that need answering if the team looks to contend in 2013.

Tommy Rees Was Named Starting QB. Will He Stay There?

Give this to Kelly—he didn't waste any time naming Golson's replacement under center. A little more than a week after the incumbent Notre Dame starter was dismissed, Kelly announced that 2012 second-string quarterback Tommy Rees would take over, per the South Bend Tribune's Eric Hansen.

“We have Tommy Rees, who is an established player, and he will be our starter," Kelly said. "We think Andrew Hendrix and Malik Zaire can contribute, but Tommy will be our starter.”

While the Rees announcement didn't exactly shock anyone, his appointment will come with some uneasiness in South Bend. The senior signal-caller walked into fall camp last year as the expectant starter—he had been a heavy part of Kelly's first two years with the Irish—before losing the job to Golson.

Even last season, Rees played a strangely integral role in Kelly's plan. He closed out Notre Dame's 17-14 win over BYU and was almost viewed as a "closer" for long stretches of the season, with Kelly's faith in Golson seemingly waxing and waning every week. It wasn't the most sensible plan then and it is still baffling now, but Rees' experience in that pressure-cooker should bode well for his chances as a full-time starter.

Dave Miller of the National Football Post even noted a particularly promising statistic with Rees' red-zone numbers:

All of these things are well and good. They just obscure the most salient question: Is Tommy Rees any good over a long-term sample size?

That answer is far more unsettled. Rees spent the entire 2011 season oscillating between spectacular and dreadful—one game looking like the next in Notre Dame's long lineage of great quarterbacks and the very next moment being the subject of derision. His complete inability to hold onto the ball cost him the job last season, with Kelly preferring the Golson's steadiness over Rees' erraticism.

Kelly has maintained that Rees won't have to fight to keep his job this time around. His experience under center obviously plays a major factor in that decision, especially with a team expected to be among the nation's best

But should Rees come into camp and struggle again? It will be interesting to see if and how Kelly's answers change should Hendrix or Zaire start showing real flashes in August.

Can Troy Niklas Replace Tyler Eifert?

The answer to this question might loom large in answering the ones left by the Golson's suspension. Even if Golson was returning for his redshirt sophomore campaign, the youngster would be doing so without his biggest safety valve, Tyler Eifert.

Eifert, who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals No. 21 overall in April's NFL draft, made 50 receptions for 685 yards and four touchdowns last season—all statistics in which he led the team or was tied for the lead.

But more important than Eifert's counting stats was the role he played within the Irish's offensive attack. Kelly, long known for his more spread-oriented offense at Cincinnati, has noticeably shaved off his innovator label with the Irish to adjust to his personnel.

That's the mark of a great coach, one that can morph to any situation.

The adjustment for Kelly, though, has been to go almost holistically traditional and conservative. Notre Dame's longest completion of the season last year was 50 yards, which was only done twice and only once for a touchdown.

Golson's progressions consisted almost entirely of a web of intermediate and short passes, ones designed to keep the chains moving, the clock running and (hopefully) end with points. Whether that was three or seven was often irrelevant, though everyone obviously prefers the latter.

Eifert was almost inarguably the Irish's most important cog in that lineup, a man who helped enable the them to still finish among the nation's best passing offenses from a metric perspective. His ability to run subtle underneath routes and always find a pocket in the defense—even when he was the third or fourth progression in Golson's reads—was critical.

Replacing a player with that skill set obviously isn't going to be easy.

Junior Troy Niklas is expected to take the bulk of that workload. A converted linebacker, Niklas has all the physical tools to make it happen. At 6'7", he's a hulking presence who commands the respect of defenses and seemed to pick up on the position well last season.

Plus, Notre Dame has a pretty good history of developing tight ends over recent years. It's hard to see Niklas having the same effect as Eifert, who was the nation's best tight end, but the production shouldn't fall off a cliff.

Notre Dame's Defense Is Good. Is It Great?

We can sit and talk about questions on the Irish offense for days. I haven't even mentioned the departures of Cierre Wood and Theo Riddick, both of whom represented a great deal of the Notre Dame attack. While that's mostly because George Atkinson III and Amir Carlisle should be able to handle sharing the workload, their ascent isn't without some concern.

What this season will really come down to, though, is how the Irish defense responds to their biggest losses.

The name Manti Te'o has become more synonymous with his off-the-field story, so it's easy to obscure what a phenomenal player he was in South Bend. He was the unquestioned leader of the Irish defense, emotionally and physically, and finished second in the Heisman voting. This isn't a guy you can just shrug at losing, even if the Irish have a strong stable of linebackers waiting to take over.

Also gone are stalwarts in defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore and safety Zeke Motta.

Jamoris Slaughter went to the NFL as well, though he missed most of last season with an injury; to add him in with those players would be a bit of a disservice.

Don't get it twisted, losing these players isn't insurmountable. Stephon Tuitt is one of the best, if not the best, defensive ends in the country, Louis Nix is equally brilliant inside, and the return of talented cornerback Lo Wood should give Notre Dame come comfort in almost every area. Linebacker isn't worth worrying about because it'll be just fine: Te'o was a great player, but the Irish will be able to find a decent facsimile of his production if not his leadership.

This should be a very good defense. The answer to whether it's a great one—and possibly the answer to whether Notre Dame will be a BCS bowl candidate this season—could come down to the safety spot. Nicky Baratti and Matthias Farley are both wholly unproven commodities, both having a chance to soar into the stars or make the Notre Dame defense have a leaky back half.

Overall, it's a good problem to have. The Irish will have one of the 20 best defenses in the country this season even if the safety duo gives below-average production. Then again, Notre Dame excelled last season because of the transcendence of its defense; merely being good won't be good enough.

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Five MMA Fighters Who Peaked Too Early in Their UFC Careers

Nate Lawson — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:18:25 -0400

The ultimate goal for any fighter in mixed martial arts is simple: Earn a world title.

More specifically, a UFC title.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the premiere organization in this sport, and the vast majority of competitors want their name on the promotion's roster. Once that is accomplished, next comes the more long-term goal of earning a UFC title.

Some fighters will spend the entirety of their UFC career in mediocrity, never coming close to a title shot; Sam Stout is a perfect example of this. Others will take a long path to becoming contenders, and then remain contenders for a good portion of their careers. Rashad Evans is one of those fighters, having come up through The Ultimate Fighter house and won seven UFC fights before fighting for a title.

Then there is a unique bunch of fighters that rise to contention in a matter of a couple of fights, or without defeating any top competition. These are the fighters that peak too early—fighters that the UFC brought along too quickly. And we have the top five right here.

Begin Slideshow

Michigan Football: Biggest Questions Going Into 2013 Season

Joseph Zucker — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:15:02 -0400

Brady Hoke has some major issues to deal with before the season if Michigan is going to improve upon its 2012 showing.

It's safe to say that last season didn't exactly go according to plan. The Wolverines were ranked eighth in the preseason AP Poll but only managed to finish 8-5 and 24th in the final rankings.

Despite a couple of major losses for Michigan, Hoke should be able to get his team right back near the top of the Big Ten again.

Here are the three biggest questions that need to be answered if Michigan is to get there.

Can Devin Gardner Lead the Michigan Offense?

The blunt answer is that he better be able to do so.

Russell Bellomy tore his anterior cruciate ligament back in April. It's going to take a superhuman recovery to get him back on the field in 2013. Shane Morris is only a freshman, so you'd think Michigan will want to redshirt him this season. He's out as an option. And MLive.com's Nick Baumgardner reported Hoke isn't looking to bring in a transfer.

Devin Gardner should be able to handle the load. The Wolverines won't need him to win the Heisman Trophy. As long as he can move the offense and limit turnovers, Michigan should be just fine.

Gardner did very well in replacing Denard Robinson last season. He completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also threw four fewer interceptions than Robinson.

While not quite the athlete that Robinson is, Gardner is arguably a better pure passer. He should fit in well with Hoke and Al Borges' offense. Plus, he's got more than enough speed to create more time for himself in the pocket.

Athlon Sports named Gardner to the preseason All-Big Ten third team. He's got the talent to be the guy for Michigan. Now if he gets hurt, the Wolverines will have a major problem on their hands.

Who Will Be the Starting Running Back?

Along with Robinson went a majority of the Wolverines' ground game as well. Here's a breakdown of Michigan's top four runners (Note: Devin Gardner was the fourth-leading rusher with 101 yards.)

Back in March, Fitzgerald Toussaint was coming along very well from the broken tibia and fibula he suffered against Iowa. There's no doubting he'll be ready by the time the season begins. The bigger question is whether he'll really be that needed.

The Wolverines are welcoming in 5-star running back Derrick Green. 247Sports had him ranked as the 26th-best recruit of the 2013 class.

Green is a powerful back who's got very good speed for his size (6'0", 220 lbs.). He has the body and style that will allow him to be the starter against Central Michigan.

Throw in the fact that Hoke hasn't been knocked off his feet by anybody in spring practice and you've got quite a battle between Toussaint and Green.

As things stand now, Hoke will probably give Toussaint the majority of the carries, with Green getting the nod as the season goes on. There will no doubt be a big transition from high school football to the FBS, but Green will be ready for it.

While he's not a finished product, the freshman has more than enough to become an impact player right away for the Wolverines. With a little experience under his belt, he should flourish in Ann Arbor.

Will the Wolverines Be Able to Fix the Turnover Problem?

Turnovers are the kind of thing that generally tend to even out over a period of time. If you had a really good turnover margin one year, you should probably expect that to level off a little bit in the next season.

Hoke will be hopeful that is the case for Michigan. The Wolverines finished tied for 99th in the nation last season in turnover margin. They turned the ball over 27 times, while getting it back 18 times.

You simply can't be a national title or BCS contender and turn the ball over that much and have such a poor turnover differential.

Part of this problem was due to the turnover-prone play of Robinson, who threw nine interceptions. He also had trouble holding on to the ball at times, as well.

Even if Michigan holds on to the ball better offensively in 2013, it still needs to improve on the defensive side. The Wolverines only intercepted seven passes (tied for 96th) and recovered 11 fumbles (51st in the nation).

The return of Blake Countess will be a huge boost to the secondary. Athlon has him listed as preseason third-team All-Big Ten.

You're not going to see Michigan turn around its turnover problems and get near the top of the list, but the Wolverines should be much better in forcing the opposing team to cough up the ball.