Probably one of the most unsuspecting 2011 Atlanta Braves to own the franchises all-time hitting streak, Dan Uggla just passed Rico Carty's hit streak of 31 games set in 1970. Uggla joins a very prestigious group of baseball players as there are only 20 players who have held longer streaks in baseball's history.
Prior to the current hitting streak which started on July 5th, Dan Uggla was batting a dismal .170 with a .327 slugging percentage. Uggla has now catapulted his batting average to .229 with a .445 slugging percentage. This recent stretch is definitely a little bit of redemption to a poor start to the season and couldn't have come at a better time as the Atlanta Braves (70-49) are looking to make a legitimate push at the postseason.
Even as a New York Mets fan, I am glad to see Dan Uggla's recent string of success as I have always respected him as a player. Uggla is one of those guys who goes out every day and puts in 100 percent. I for one would love to see him keep the streak going and just hope I didn't jinx it!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
An Ace for Hire?
Arguably the most active trade deadline in years, a number of All Stars and notable players have been acquired in an effort to bolster rosters for a final push at postseason play.
One of the most shocking acquisitions this year were theNew York Yankees I mean Cleveland Indians making a move to acquire Ubaldo Jimenez. Historically speaking, the Indians have been sellers at the trade deadline and in the offseason. However thanks to a weak American League Central, the Indians (54-52) only two games back in the division took a gamble and acquired Jimenez who has been shaky at times this season. This acquisition didn't come cheap as the Indians parted ways with two of their top prospects in Drew Pomeranz and Alex White in addition to Matt McBride and Joe Gardner.
My overall reaction on this trade is that both teams feel as if they made out winners in getting what they wanted. The Indians were looking to fill a void for an ace pitcher and the Colorado Rockies were preparing for the future improving their farm system with some great prospects.
I honestly believe that an overrated Jimenez won't be enough for the Indians to make a legitimate push at the World Series, and it might not even be enough to win the division as the Detroit Tigers countered by acquiring Dan Fister whose 3-12 record doesn't do any justice for.
Statistically speaking this season, Jimenez is facing career lows in ERA, WHIP, opponent's batting average and home runs allowed. Struggles in these categories can possibly be attributed to a cited 3 MPH drop of velocity in his fastball. Jimenez's opponents have been batting .251 this year in comparison to a much lower .209. The bottom line is that I think the Indians may have given up a little too much to get an "overrated ace" in my mind.
Does anyone agree? Disagree?
One of the most shocking acquisitions this year were the
My overall reaction on this trade is that both teams feel as if they made out winners in getting what they wanted. The Indians were looking to fill a void for an ace pitcher and the Colorado Rockies were preparing for the future improving their farm system with some great prospects.
I honestly believe that an overrated Jimenez won't be enough for the Indians to make a legitimate push at the World Series, and it might not even be enough to win the division as the Detroit Tigers countered by acquiring Dan Fister whose 3-12 record doesn't do any justice for.
Statistically speaking this season, Jimenez is facing career lows in ERA, WHIP, opponent's batting average and home runs allowed. Struggles in these categories can possibly be attributed to a cited 3 MPH drop of velocity in his fastball. Jimenez's opponents have been batting .251 this year in comparison to a much lower .209. The bottom line is that I think the Indians may have given up a little too much to get an "overrated ace" in my mind.
Does anyone agree? Disagree?
Saturday, July 2, 2011
An Epic Night in the Making - UFC 132
Less than a week following arguably the most amazing comeback in one round by Cheick Kongo (and if you don't believe me check this out) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJYwAVNqRCg UFC 132 is set to put on an unforgettable evening tonight.
With a jam packed card featuring two long time rivals, the possibility of the last fight for a UFC legend, and two guys who love to stand up and exchange punches. This is indeed a card I've been looking forward to for months.
The main event features Urijah Faber (former WEC Featherweight Champion) and Dominick Cruz (current UFC Bantomweight Champion) for the UFC Bantomweight Belt. Cruz and Faber have publicly made it known through their gestures and words they just DO NOT like each other.
Faber holds the only blemish on Cruz's 17-1 MMA record as he tapped out courtesy of a guillotine choke in a dominating 1st round victory by Urijah Faber just over four years ago in March 2007. Just because Faber was overwhelming in their last matchup doesn't mean the result will be similar tonight. Following Cruz's loss to Faber, he has exemplified a more committed approach to his MMA skills to a well rounded and better fighter Faber previously faced and I expect this fight to be decided after five rounds.
"The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" Tito Ortiz, a UFC legend may possibly be fighting his last fight in "the octagon" as he squares off against heavily favored Ryan "Darth" Bader. It has been just under 6 years since Tito Ortiz's last victory and this might be the last opportunity for a win as his road in the UFC is seemingly coming to an end. I expect to see an entertaining fight, but rising star Ryan Bader to come out on top in the second round of this bout from a knockout.
The other notable fight features Wanderlei Silva and Chris Leben, two fighters who may be on the decline of their careers. Both fighters are looking to get back on track in their careers as Silva edged Michael Bisping in his most recent fight despite losing his previous two to Rich Franklin and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson via knockout. Leben lost his most recent fight to an up and coming Brian Stann through TKO.
When I saw the fight card, this particular fight interested me most because these two fighters have the reputation to trade punches and have put on some of the most entertaining fights I've seen as a fan. I'm expecting this to be in close contention for the fight of the night and a knockout/stoppage is imminent.
What are your takes on these fights fans?
With a jam packed card featuring two long time rivals, the possibility of the last fight for a UFC legend, and two guys who love to stand up and exchange punches. This is indeed a card I've been looking forward to for months.
The main event features Urijah Faber (former WEC Featherweight Champion) and Dominick Cruz (current UFC Bantomweight Champion) for the UFC Bantomweight Belt. Cruz and Faber have publicly made it known through their gestures and words they just DO NOT like each other.
Faber holds the only blemish on Cruz's 17-1 MMA record as he tapped out courtesy of a guillotine choke in a dominating 1st round victory by Urijah Faber just over four years ago in March 2007. Just because Faber was overwhelming in their last matchup doesn't mean the result will be similar tonight. Following Cruz's loss to Faber, he has exemplified a more committed approach to his MMA skills to a well rounded and better fighter Faber previously faced and I expect this fight to be decided after five rounds.
"The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" Tito Ortiz, a UFC legend may possibly be fighting his last fight in "the octagon" as he squares off against heavily favored Ryan "Darth" Bader. It has been just under 6 years since Tito Ortiz's last victory and this might be the last opportunity for a win as his road in the UFC is seemingly coming to an end. I expect to see an entertaining fight, but rising star Ryan Bader to come out on top in the second round of this bout from a knockout.
The other notable fight features Wanderlei Silva and Chris Leben, two fighters who may be on the decline of their careers. Both fighters are looking to get back on track in their careers as Silva edged Michael Bisping in his most recent fight despite losing his previous two to Rich Franklin and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson via knockout. Leben lost his most recent fight to an up and coming Brian Stann through TKO.
When I saw the fight card, this particular fight interested me most because these two fighters have the reputation to trade punches and have put on some of the most entertaining fights I've seen as a fan. I'm expecting this to be in close contention for the fight of the night and a knockout/stoppage is imminent.
What are your takes on these fights fans?
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