Straight from the Sports Desk

Home Run Derby 101

2010-07-30T03:39:50Z

So, the Humboldt Crabs are hosting a home run derby on Sunday after their game against lowly Nevada Bighorns. And naturally, I decided I should go out and show everyone that I'm even more lowly than the Bighorns by entering the Derby. I hope this isn't going to turn out as bad as I'm thinking.

]]> Initially, after I called Crabs' PR man and former T-S sports editor Erik Fraser and told him I wanted in, I was pumped. "Awesome," I thought. After all, I played three sports a year for four years in high school, then played four years of college football, the last two at HSU. "I'm an athlete. I got a chance to put at least one out."

Right?

Later in the night I decide I need to at least take a few hacks before jumping into the box in front of a full house, not to mention friends, co-workers and family. I also needed a little bit of advice from some people who actually know what it takes to get that little ball over the fence.

BATTING PRACTICE
On Thursday I went to the Redwood Acres Home Plate batting cages and went ballistic. Spent $6 and got a whopping 180 pitches. In all, I think I hit one, maybe two that had a chance of going far.
I hope that it's early enough in the week too that my hand can heal a little bit, because I tore a piece of skin on the heel of my hand and I also developed a small blister there, too. Oh, I'm NOT the athlete I tricked myself into thinking I once was.

ADVICE FROM THE PROS
As I was driving into work I'm listening to JB Mathers on KATA 1340 doing his North Coast Game Night show and he said he's gonna have Crabs coach Matt Nutter on later. "Perfect," I thought. "I'll tell JB to ask Nutter what I should do to prepare." Let's just say that Nutter (and JB) think there's a better chance that Lindsey Lohan solves the economic crisis than I have at clearing the fence.

Nutter's advice: "Maybe Sean could call (HSU softball coach) Frank Cheek and ask if he can use some of those temporary fences."

Ha ha, Matt. Ummmm, do you have Coach Cheek's number?

DAMNING EVIDENCE
After working my triceps into Jell-O and hearing inspiring words from Nutter and JB, I decided to size up my opponent — the Crabs' field.

The first thing I checked for were the numbers on the fence. Uh-oh.

I'm right-handed (though I did take a couple rounds of BP Thursday lefty) and left field is not where you want to try and attack this ball park. Here are the depths I saw:

Left-center field (where I would probably hit one if I caught it in the sweet spot):
394 feet, the deepest part of the ball park.

Left field (again, where I'd take it if I hammered it):
348, plus about a 30-foot fence. If I don't take it 370-plus, forget about it.

Center field:
368. Are you kidding me? I'm not even going to look at center field.

Right field:
338 Comparatively speaking, that actually looked doable. And it actually got me thinking if I should go lefty and try to pull one. I must be out of my mind.

FINAL TAKE
I'm gonna keep pounding balls at the cages, unless Nutter will let me have a chance to do some actual BP on the field off of "Iron Mike," the pitching machine. That may take some convincing, but it's worth a shot.

At this point, I'll need every advantage I can get!

Gildeas' lives being made into a movie

2010-07-04T06:50:44Z

Ever wondered if your life was interesting enough to be made into a movie? Figuring that movie studios probably don't want to make a not-funny version of Office Space, most of us will not get that chance. For Isaac Gildea and his father Frank, however, they will.

]]> I was not in Humboldt County for the frenzy that surrounded this duo, the only father-and-son combo to play together at the same time. They played for College of the Redwoods men's basketball team in the late 90s and took the country by storm. Isaac, who holds a ton of records at CR, won team MVP and Frank provided inspiration of the bench. They also made a lifetime of truly one-of-a-kind memories.
Now, Nick Santora (writer for Prison Break, amongst other shows) is trying to get their story made into a movie.
And who is slated to play Frank? Some no-name who we've never heard of? No. How about Dennis Quaid, he of The Rookie fame. Isaac's mother? Ashley Freaking Judd. Isaac? Liam Hemsworth. Granted, Hemsworth seems like he brings a little less star power, but he is popular in the teenie-bopper crowd. Besides, as long as it isn't McCauley Caulkin, you gotta be happy with whoever plays you in a movie.
Right now the movie is in pre-production and may or may not get made. Sports projects do not historically do well at the box office, so it's up to the decision makers to choose whether they'll actually pick it up. Let's hope so, for the sake of the Gildeas and for us. It's a great story about second chances and the love between a father and son. The lessons in the story are some we could all try to learn and keep in our minds.

Maualuga sticking to his story

2010-06-10T03:21:26Z

In one of the more hotly rumored, um rumors floating around Humboldt County, Eureka High grad and current Cincinnati Bengal Rey Maualuga tweeted today that he is 132 days sober, despite rumors that he's fallen off the wagon.

]]> "On Wednesday 9th June 2010, @maualuga58 said:
I love how ppl say that they saw me @ a bar with a beer in my hand. #getalife! Worry about you as I do me! 132 days in sobriety! #onlyGodcanjudgeme"
http://www.twitlonger.com/show/1p79vi

The subject is newsworthy because he has made it an issue. Maualuga got into an alcohol- and emotion-fueled fight his freshman year at USC (his late father was in his last days at the hospital) and in late January/early February was charged and pleaded guilty to DUI. Following the DUI, Maualuga went to rehab and a little more than three months later professed he was 100 days sober.

I, for one, am hoping that it's not true. He doesn't flat-out deny that he had a beer, and the only thing wrong with that would be that he lied to us, but I hope he can stay clean. He's worked hard to be in his position and it would be an incredible story of redemption. Not to mention that he could make it that much easier for everyone in our community to continue to look up to him.

I'm going to play, and beat Pebble Beach

2010-05-07T07:16:22Z

I am playing Pebble Beach on Monday. And I'm hardly smiling about it.

]]> Oh, I'm thrilled beyond all belief. This will be a round of golf that I never thought I would be able to play, despite the fact that sportswriters often get these kinds of opportunities. I never considered I was "big time" enough, that our paper was too small, and for sure taking $500 out of my pocket for 4 hours of hitting a white ball around just would not fly well with the old lady. Hell, that doesn't fly well with me.
Playing Pebble will be an experience I'm going to cherish and tell anyone who's willing to hear me blab on about hacking up a beautiful track. But that's exactly why I'm all business in the days and weeks leading up to our round.
I don't want to just play Pebble. I want to beat Pebble. Well, relatively speaking, of course.
Like in 2008 when I went down to Torrey Pines to cover the U.S. Open, I will be going down to Monterey to cover the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. On Monday, the Open is hosting a media day where only the best and brightest (or the hardly qualified media degenerates who use any means to get free golf) get to interview last year's winner, Lucas Glover, eat lunch and then play golf.
And play is not at all what I intend to do.
Full disclosure: I'm an 18 handicap whose best round was an 84 I shot at Eureka Muni last year while binging on golf all summer. That was a good day.
On Monday, I just want a better-than-average day. Specifically, I want to break 100, hopefully be somewhere in the low-90s. Breaking 90 is a pipe dream, but I won't put it out of the realm of possibility.
My brother, who I'm taking and will serve as our freelance photographer, thinks there is no way I can get my score into double-digits. Particularly because my 4- and 5-irons are more likely to hit the lotto than a good shot and I putt like a 4-year old with double vision — short, long, left, right, never with great touch.
But I'm gonna do it.
Nevermind that the course will be in near-U.S. Open conditions with the rough an average of 2 3/4-inches high and fairways averaging 27 yards wide, down from about 43 yards. Oh, and the hellishly small greens at Pebble will be running between 11 and 11.5 on the stimpmeter, the slowest of any major since 2000, but much, much faster than any greens you're likely to play on any time soon. Even Bandon Dunes, the world-class golf facility that it is, usually runs around a 9.
That doesn't worry me as much as the nerves that this triple-bogey-and-more-prone hack of a golfer is going to have playing on what many consider the world's best course. The first tee shot is directly in front of the club house, and I hear that there are usually a half-dozen groups waiting behind the tee box, watching the groups before them tee it up.
Knowing I'd be nervous as all get-out for this shot, I decided to be pre-emptive in attacking Pebble. I wanted to get familiar with that feeling of everyone watching my shot, so this past weekend I played in the Cher-Ae Height 4-man scramble at Beau Pre Golf Club in McKinleyville.
No one's going to mistake Beau Pre for Pebble anytime soon, but it was a great two-day tournament and the experience I gained playing as seven or more pairs of eyes watched me tee it up hopefully will pay off. By Day Two of the tournament I didn't mind, I even relished the chance I got to hit in front of others. Hopefully it will carry on to Monday.
This week I've been to the range every day, hitting a few buckets chipping around the greens and blasting bunker shots before taking to full shots. I'm You Tubing putting videos (finding the "fall line" is the newest tip I've come across") and trying to apply it. Hopefully I'll get another chance to play this week before I head out.
I plan to get to the resort early in the morning so I can get a chance to experience Pebble's practice facilities and maybe even prepare for that infamous rough that will no doubt swallow a few of my balls. I'll putt until my journalistic duties carry me off the course.
Maybe I'm taking this way too seriously, but I'm envisioning a day (hopefully it comes on Monday) where I no longer tell people that I three-putted and duffed my way to a triple-digit score on a beautiful course.
I want to break 100 at Pebble Beach. In U.S. Open conditions.
Either way, though, when I talk about my round, I'm going to smile about it.

St. Mary's/Mack tidbits

2010-03-20T20:03:00Z

Just a few random tidbits regarding the CIF D-IV NorCal Basketball Championship game between McKinleyville and St. Mary's.

]]> The Shining Stars
McKinleyville
Sage Romberg -- 18.9 points per game, 4.8 assists per game, 11.1 rebounds per game, 2.0 steals per game, 79 percent from the free-throw line.
Kaila Johnson -- 7.1 points per game, 3.9 assists per game, 2.3 steals per game, 40 percent from 3-point land, 65 percent from the FT line
St. Mary's
Danielle Mauldin -- 14.9 points per game, 11 rebounds per game, 3 steals per game, 72 percent from the free-throw line.
Cody Sims -- 9.9 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game, 3.4 assists per game, 65 percent from FT line.
This will be the gane this season between the Panthers from St. Mary's and the Panthers from McKinleyville. The most recent meeting saw St. Mary's top McKinleyville for the Division IV North Coast Section title.

T-Minus 5 hours

2010-03-20T19:58:11Z

I'm in Placerville now, hanging out with the in-laws and waiting for the CIF NorCal Basketball Championships to start at 5 p.m. I will try to update this blog with game scores/highlights as frequently as I can. I'm also taking photos as well, so updates may not be as regular. I will have a first-half summary at halftime.

Upon further review: From HSU to the 49ers and Raiders, a few quick hits

2009-09-16T04:16:59Z

After three days of contemplating whether Rob Smith made the right call in Humboldt State’s 17-16 loss to Western Oregon University on Saturday, I haven’t changed my mind.

]]> It was the right call.
Lets recap exactly what happened.
HSU had the ball on Western’s 45-yard line and it was fourth-and-one with less than two minutes to play.
The Jacks’ tried to get the first down on the ground to no avail. So they came out looking to have a one-on-one matchup with 6-foot-5 wide receiver Matt Smith on the outside.
Well they got it.
Quarterback Mike Proulx dropped back, Smith got a step on the WOU cornerback and the ball was in the air.
It hit nothing but the turf.
The Wolves got the ball back and ran out the clock. Heart breaking.
Many won’t agree, but it was a gutsy play call and if it worked, it would have sent the packed Redwood Bowl into a frenzy.
Would they have won the game?
Debatable.
Smith did have a step, but the Wolves’ defensive back could have recovered in time to stop him from behind.
But it would have set the Jacks up for either a touchdown or a field goal.
And, while Smith and company won’t use this as an excuse, missing center Taylor Boggs on that crucial play hurt, big time.
Boggs is a mauler and before his ankle injury, he pushed the WOU defensive line to make lanes and gaps for HSU running back Bobby Thomas.
The Jacks’ offensive line didn’t have the same type of push it had without Boggs in the lineup.
BOLT SIGHTING:
When Proulx went out briefly with an ankle injury, fellow sophomore quarterback Chris Bolt took the field.
It’s hard not to miss Bolt. Standing at 6-foot-5 and all.
Bolt showed surprisingly mobility for his size and was a integral part in Thomas’ touchdown plunge.
Too bad we didn’t get to see him throw the ball. His first attempt slipped slightly out of his hand and Bolt had to improvise, gaining good yards on a scramble.
Bolt showed during practices and scrimmages he had the feet to flourish in coach Smith’s offense.
His throwing motion, on the other hand, can be a problem.
Bolt has an elaborate and long wind up. He can throw a bullet, but if it takes time for that cannon to wind up, opposing defenses could make the Jacks pay.
GREAT WEEK FOR H-DNC FOOTBALL:
Every single Humboldt-Del Norte Conference football team was in action last Friday. Three teams — Arcata, McKinleyville and South Fork — felt the sting of a loss, but six came out roses.
Eureka ripped Castlemont apart, Fortuna did the same to El Molino, Ferndale rolled Willits, Hoopa made a splash in Alaska against Thunder Mountain while Del Norte and St. Bernard’s picked up wins as well.
For those who consider me a “Logger Hater”, I don’t dislike the team, nor do I favor them. I based my prediction on the lackluster performance Eureka has against teams out of area.
I’m also not afraid to admit I was wrong: I was wrong about the Loggers.
HOW ‘BOUT THEM NINERS?:
I don’t know what it was, but I picked the 49ers to defeat the Arizona Cardinals. And San Francisco did just that, 20-16, on Sunday.
Despite having their run game shut down, the 49ers played rock-solid defense against the NFC Champion Cardinals.
Quarterback Shaun Hill (18 of 31 for 209 yards and a touchdown) stepped up for the 49ers as running back Frank Gore (22 carries for 30 yards and a TD) was stacked up consistently at the line of scrimmage.
San Fran needs to improve its run game, most definitely, but its a great win to start the season.
And, if I were Michael Crabtree, I might be a little nervous. The 49ers won without him and its about time he either signs a deal or comes out and says he’s sitting out and re-entering the draft next year.
IF ONLY DA RAIDAS HAD THE SAME SUCCESS:
I had to ensure myself that I was indeed watching the Raiders on Monday night.
Oakland came out determined to snap the Chargers’ win streak (now 12 in a row against the Raiders after Monday) and for three-and-a-half quarters, the Raiders showed they might have won.
Keyword, might.
Sure, Louis Murphy’s 15-yard touchdown near the end of the second quarter was taken off the board. It’s disheartening, no doubt.
But Oakland had their shot to win the game, regardless.
With the game in the balance and forced to convert a fourth-and-fifteen, I, as well as many others, didn’t think Oakland could do it.
Apparently, neither did Chargers’ corner Antonio Cromartie and safety Clinton Hart.
The pair let Murphy jet by them for a 57-yard touchdown.
PAT and it’s 20-17 Oakland.
Then, after playing good defense with their man-to-man scheme, Oakland went to a zone and Chargers’ QB Phillip Rivers and running back Darren Sproles carved the Raiders up for the win.
Well, at least for three-and-a-half quarters, Oakland played OK.
But in the end, they proved to be the same ‘ol Raidas.
Bad debut by rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey. Three drops, one nullified by a penalty. The kid out of Maryland (also the No. 7 overall pick) should have his nickname changed.
DHB = Darrius Heyward-Butterfingers ... sadly.
EASTERN PROMISES:
Things are a little light on the sports desk here at the Times-Standard.
Sports writer Neil Tarpey is taking a well-deserved two-week vacation on the East Coast, leaving Sean Quincey and I as the lone sports staff.
So, if we don’t get out to as many games, don’t find it surprising with a two-man staff.

One writer's 2008 H-DNC all-league football team

2009-01-22T09:06:47Z

Now that the NFL Super Bowl approaches — which means that the 2008-09 football season is running out of time — here is my view on a 2008 H-DNC all-league football team.
First of all, my selections reflect my own opinions and don’t pretend to represent the entire sports desk at The Times-Standard. I have chosen these players based upon the 20 prep games that I observed this season, as well as discussions with other sports writers, media and coaches.
There are three significant differences between the “official” H-DN selections previously released and my team: the number of “all-league” players, an “honorable mention” category, and Most Valuable Players.
The H-DN listed a total of 85 players — 41 players from the Big 4 (20 all-league, 21 honorable mention) and 44 players from the Little 5 (22 all-league, 22 honorable mention) — on its two all-league teams.
By contrast, the “Tarpey team,” that combines the Big 4 with the Little 5, has only 24 players.
I do not have an “honorable mention” category because I think that each kid who suits up and takes the field earns that title.
And, this is definitely a team, so I have no MVPs.
Although several of my nominations typically played both ways, I have put them at only one spot, with the exception of two players who also appear on the four-man “special teams” unit.
Finally, in retrospect I think that The Times-Standard’s three-person sports desk did a very good job in our weekly predictions of win-loss results for the 66 games involving H-DNC teams. Although our predictions were not always popular with some coaches, parents and players, we were correct 74 percent of the time.
Ray finished 46-20 (.696), Sean ended up at 49-17 (.742) and I came in at 52-14 (.787).
Without further ado, here is Tarpey’s 2008 H-DNC all-league football team:

Offense
QB Chris Pender, McKinleyville Jr. (6-2)
RB Jourdan Del Biaggio, Ferndale Sr. (6-1, 190)
RB Brad Cobb, Fortuna, Sr. (6-0, 175)
WR Cody Hoffman, Del Norte Sr. (6-3)
WR Greg Allen, Eureka Sr. (6-2, 170)
TE Jesse Slade, Ferndale Sr. (6-2, 200)
OT Dustin Walters, Ferndale Jr. (6-4, 285)
OT Isaac Ranstead, Hoopa Sr. (6-0, 270)
C Troy Pooley, Fortuna Sr. (6-4, 300)
OG Gunnar Wise, Eureka Sr. (5-10, 225)
OG Cory Hebard, South Fork Sr. (5-10, 235)

(N.B.— I opted to move Slade from WR to TE)

Defense
DE Silas Sarvinski, Ferndale Jr. (6-0, 230)
DE Brett Whitchurch, Fortuna Sr. (6-3, 200)
DT Oliver Rayl, Ferndale Sr. (5-9, 225)
DT Dallas Mohorovich, Eureka Jr. (6-2, 260)
LB Tim Couch, Arcata Sr. (6-2, 200)
LB Soma Vainuku, Eureka Jr. (6-1, 260)
LB Donald Cain, McKinleyville Sr. (N/A)
LB Austin Clary, South Fork Sr. (5-10,175)
CB Trevor Hash, Eureka Sr. (6-3, 180)
CB Jimmie Griggs, Ferndale Sr. (5-9, 165)
FS Andrew Ayers, St. Bernard’s Sr. (6-1, 170)

(N.B.— I opted to have a 4-4 with only three DBs)

Special Teams
Punter Andrew Ayers, St. Bernard’s Sr. (6-1, 170)
Kicker Kyle Matyshock, Ferndale Sr. (6-0, 175)
Returner Cody Hoffman, Del Norte Sr. (6-3)
Player Khan Johnston, South Fork Sr. (5-8, 160)

Coaches
Rookie Jeremy Waldrip, St. Bernard’s
Coach of the Year Mike Benbow, Fortuna
Emeritus Kim Jorgensen, Ferndale

No. 1 Spot Up For Grabs

2008-10-27T06:26:53Z

When all is said and done, there probably will be a new No. 1 team in the Times-Standard H-DN prep football power rankings when they are released next week.

]]> At the onset, the Ferndale Wildcats have remained the kings of the hill in the sports' sections PR.

But the Eureka Loggers have been on an absolute tear since their winless preseason outing.

With a win over Del Norte in Eureka later this week, the Loggers will be the new No. 1 team in the rankings.

That is not a knock on Ferndale.

The Wildcats are a dominant squad themselves and it hasn't been difficult to put them in the No. 1 spot the last couple of weeks.

But if Eureka defeats Del Norte -- this will be the second time this season if they do -- the Loggers will claim the spot.

It would be an interesting game to watch if Ferndale and Eureka every went at it.

Oakland's Version of Dumb and Dumber

2008-09-11T03:27:04Z

Just read the Oakland Tribune's Jerry McDonald's latest blog and it's really disheartening.

It's about Kiffin and the defense. And guess what?

He has no say in what the Raiders do defensively.

Surprised?

I'm not.

]]> Here's an excerpt from McDonald's blog in BOLD

(full version: http://www.ibabuzz.com/raidersblog/2008/09/10/kiffin-leaves-defense-to-rob-and-al/)

– Lane Kiffin has his own ideas about defense. He is simply powerless to implement them. He leaves that up to defensive coordiantor Rob Ryan and owner Al Davis, who meet weekly to formulate the defensive game plan.

Kiffin made reference to blitzing one time in 10 third down plays during his Tuesday press briefing, and when quizzed Wednesday about bringing more pressure, he essentially shrugged his shoulders and said it wasn’t his call.

“We talk about it early in the week. Rob and the owner are in communication,” Kiffin said. “For the most part, I let Rob do his thing over there. He has a belief in certain things and he has a conversation with the owner about that. So that wasn’t the way the game plan ended up the other night.”

Kiffin was asked about bringing more pressure, given the belief that they have a talented defensive backfield.

“I’m not going to get really into if I was the defensive coordinator what I would do because that really doesn’t matter,” Kiffin said. “I’m the head coach, I oversee everything and I control what I can control. Do I have the exact belief we do on defense? No, but it’s hard to have the exact belief that we do. So it is what it is.”

Translation _ it was made clear to Kiffin when Ryan was retained to butt out when it comes to defense. Kiffin talked glowingly last year of the Cover 2 scheme as run by the Indianapolis Colts and coach Tony Dungy, the same defense his father runs as defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Sad, sad, and more sad.

Davis' antiquated defensive philosophy -- get natural pressure from the front four defensive linemen -- worked when the Raiders had penetrating defensive tackles (Rod Coleman, Grady Jackson and Warren Sapp to name a few) but the 2008 crop isn't half as good.

Rob Ryan has to have blitz packages in his playbook but since Big Al won't let it happen, it won't.

Davis and Ryan, Oakland's version of Dumb and Dumber.

Just as expected, right?

2008-09-10T08:02:07Z

Anyone that knows me knows I'm a Raider fan. They also know I was telling them that Oakland was about to get embarrassed on national TV. And tada! They were on Monday night.

]]> The reason was simple -- owner Al Davis.

I wasn't overtly worried with the offense. It's a work in progress with second-year QB JaMarcus Russell basically a rookie this year after a holdout stunted his growth. Add in a lackluster receiving crop, an offensive line that specializes in run blocking, not pass protection and a ground game that is basically their primary method of moving the chains.

The defense was another concern though.

All the off season additions looked great on paper, defensively. Davis opened up the checkbook and banked on free agent corner back DeAngelo Hall and strong safety Gibril Wilson. Both were used and abused by the Denver Broncos.

Hall was turned inside out and left clueless by a rookie, again, ROOKIE, wide receiver in Eddie Royal. The Virginia Tech speedster should have handed Hall some butter. Because after Monday night, Hall is one thing -- burnt toast.

But the real concern was Davis and his philosophy of natural pressure from the front four and no blitzing. Look a what happened? No blitzes and Cutler has a squeaky clean jersey and looked like John Elway out there.

There is no way I believe Rob Ryan -- the son of legendary defensive guru Buddy Ryan -- doesn't have a sound blitz package in his playbook. He probably does. But guess who makes the call on that? Davis.

It's been reported in the Contra Costa Times that Ryan makes all the calls on defense on game day and Davis has no say. But without a doubt, Ryan is a yes-man and he isn't about to cross the line with the be-all, end-all in Oakland -- i.e. Davis.

I haven't said it in my columns or entries, but everyone is right.

Davis and his antiquated ideals need to go, for the sake of the Raiders.

Don't get me wrong, Davis was a pioneer in his prime. He was the architect of a very successful and ruthless Raiders team of old.

Now, he's a stubborn old fool, hell bent on proving his obsolete ways still work.

Well, it doesn't.

And as long as he's the man calling the shots, the Raiders will always be, the laughing stock of the NFL.

It's going to be a long season. At least it will be interesting.

I wonder how many ways Oakland will find to lose games this season. We all got reason No. 1 on Monday night against Denver. That would be a loss by not playing any defense.

If this horrid play continues, how long will head coach Lane Kiffin remain the head coach. If the defense can't step up, how long will Ryan be around?

Davis didn't hire James Lofton solely for the purpose of being the wide receiver coach. There's something else there. I mean the man interviewed a few times for the head coaching position.

I bet Davis is waiting for the opportune moment to blame the Raiders' inability to actually play on Kiffin, fire him, and install Lofton as the head coach.

Prediction Time:

AFC West

1. San Diego Chargers -- As long as LaDanian Tomlinson is running the rock for the Super Chargers, they are hard to beat. And the weak AFC West -- the Broncos looked good, but that was against Oakland -- should be ripe for the picking for Tomlinson and crew. Even without all-pro mauler Shawne Merriman, the defense will be fine.

2. Denver Broncos -- With Brandon Marshall returning to the lineup and the emergence of Royal as a weapon, Denver could give San Diego a run for their money. Keyword "could". The defense looked good against Oakland but they don't have enough to take down Philip Rivers and the Chargers.

3. Oakland Raiders -- They were BAD on Monday, but the team has the talent, young talent, to succeed later on down the road. Russell should grow into the role and running back Darren McFadden will become more effective as the season wears on. The defense's pride was severely gored against Denver, but Ryan should get his troops back on track, if Davis lets him.

4. Kansas City -- Losing Brodie Croyle will hurt and putting up a good fight against the Tom Brady-less Patriots was a good sign. However, the Chiefs don't have the weapons on the outside to bring down the Chargers or the Broncos. And the battle of the bad teams (Oakland, KC) will go to the worst team, I believe. The Raiders will sweep this seasons series.

Baby steps, right Kiffin?

2008-08-16T20:54:16Z

For a while there, it looked like JaMarcus Russell was once again going to be held on a very short and tight leash.

Taking on the Tennessee Titans on Friday night in the second preseason game of the young season, the Raiders' quarterback threw dump offs and a simple slant route to start off the contest.

It looked like Russell was bound to another lackluster performance --- i.e. the one he had against the 49ers a week earlier.

However, head coach Lane Kiffin opened up the playbook a little bit more.

]]> Actually, Kiffin allowed himself to turn past the table of contents and the introduction page.

But nonetheless, Russell was allowed to stand in the pocket, roll around and toss the pigskin. Something that was lacking against San Francisco.

While his success was intermittent at best, Russell ended his night 10-for-17 for 75 yards and a touchdown. He did have some very questionable throws -- a super high pass that sailed over Javon Walker's head leaving him high and dry for a DB to wallop, a short screen to Ronald Curry on 3-and-8 that resulted in a loss of one and fourth down -- but his receivers also had some drops -- back to Walker who showed absolutely no desire to play.

Lane Kiffin allowed his quarterback to actually mingle and play quarterback and Russell showed a few good results. Kiffin promised Russell would see more time and he did.

Baby Steps.

The Raiders' offense isn't going to score 30 points a game and while Raider fans may hate the little steps Kiffin is giving his QB, in the long run, it will be for the best.

Russell is basically a rookie this season and easing him into the job is the proper approach.

While Russell showed off the zip in his arm, the offensive line contained a very stout Titans' front four. Again, like I've said many times, you cannot really judge a team's performance in preseason, but keeping Russell's jersey clean against a tough defense is an achievement the Raiders -- a comically bad team the last few years -- can be proud of.

There's Just One Thing ...

2008-08-16T20:45:35Z

... About being a sports editor and designing pages while watching the Olympics.

You usually find out who won a highly anticipated event before they appear on "live" television.

Going through the Associated Press wire looking for the daily Olympic Roundup on Friday night, the result for the men's 100-meter Butterfly was posted as urgent/breaking news.

And tada!

Michael Phelps wins again -- barely.

]]> About 20 minutes after I saw the story, grabbed the photos and placed it on the front page of Friday's Times-Standard, the event was "live" on NBC.

Some of the thrill and anticipation was taken out of the event due to finding out who won without seeing it on TV, but it was still a sight to behold.

Especially the final stretch when it appeared Serbia's Milorad Cavic had beaten Phelps and ruined his chase for history. Several replays were so close and the crowd ... oh man ... the crowd thought Cavic had indeed won as there was a rolling hush and sigh throughout the arena.

But after officials watched several replays, Phelps' name went up No. 1 on the board and he won yet again. Keeping his chase to beat Mark Spitz's record. Now all he needs to do is to come out with the gold in his final event -- a team event -- on Sunday in Beijing and he adds to an already glorious Olympic performance.

His reaction after the race on Saturday, however, was priceless.

A shrug, a sigh and a smirk.

Classic.

Simply Amazing

2008-08-13T08:32:28Z

U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps is just that ... simply amazing.

]]> Sitting in the office and checking the AP's Olympic Budget, Phelps topped the story list.

His quest to become the all-time medal leader in an Olympic outing as a swimmer is fun to watch. He needs nine to surpass fellow American Mark Spitz record of eight and the 23-year-old Phelps is well on his way.

Designing the sports section on Tuesday night, I had to make changes a total of three times on the front page for Wednesday's edition of the Times-Standard.

The lead story went from the Williams sisters fantastic three-win outing on the tennis portion of the Beijing games but once Phelps won his fourth medal to become the all-time winningest Olyjmpian (he had 10) after capturing Gold in the 200m butterfly, so that became story numero-uno.

Grab a picture of Phelps, change the design, insert story, done right?

Wrong.

Phelps went on to win gold with in the men's relay with his U.S. teammates and once again, design change.

But it didn't bother me one bit.

Phelps is breaking records and taking medals like they were candy being given out for free and he was a sugar deprived kid.

I just hope he can keep it up.

By capturing medal after medal and chasing Spitz mark and the mounting anticipation and pressure, Phelps has made swimming a must-see in the Olympics.

It would be a crying shame to see him fall short of his goal.

But then again, he's done so much already at such a young age.

Watching him scream in pure joy at the end of the relay, one has the impression nothing's going to stop him.

If he does past Spitz, Phelps will have added on to his legacy, one that might never be reproduced again.

Passing ... Gas

2008-08-11T07:28:52Z

The Raiders appear ... keyword ... appear ready to take on the regular season with a running attack that should feature three running backs: Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush.

But what about the air attack?

It might have been the initial foray into the 2008 year, but what Oakland showed against the 49ers last Thursday isn't going to cut it.

Legs can take you only so far. The Raiders are also going to have to rely on quarterback JaMarcus Russell's arm.

]]> Head coach Lane Kiffin admitted to keeping Russell under wraps against the 49ers concerned that the QB might take unnecessary hits.

Unnecessary? Really?

Isn't that what the preseason is for? To hit and be hit?

Russell only attempted five passes completing two in very limited work. Known for his cannon, Russell was subject to quick slants and dump offs.

At a media conference call, Kiffin said Russell would be given more chances to showcase his apparent skill. Plain and simple here, Kiffin needs to give Russell as many opportunities he can get since he is by all rights, essentially a rookie this year after missing last preseason due to a lengthy hold out.

And from all indications during training camp, Russell has been off and on. Not a good sign heading into September.

Sure, Oakland can gain yards on the ground behind their zone-blocking scheme, but what then? Teams stack the box and tada, the run is probably stopped. They'll need to take to the air and thus far, Russell/Kiffin/Oakland hasn't shown it can take flight and attack with an aerial assault.

Their next preseason game, against Tennessee on Friday at 5 p.m. (the game will be on Fox, I set my DVR) should give Russell and crew to see if they can make an impact through the passing game.

It will also give Oakland a chance to see if their run defense can plug opposing offenses.

After watching Titans' rookie tail back Chris Johnson burn the Rams defense for a tantalizing 60-yard burner, Oakland should get excellent competition to see if they stand a chance. Johnson, if you remember, was the fastest rookie running back during the combine.

This one should be fun.