CUBS 4 BREWERS 1 F...NORTH SIDERS methodically takes apart the "PIWOWARZY" at Miller Park as RIZZO goes Souvenir Shop again!..."WEEKEND BENDERS" bending with MADDON Ball and its August Hardball! #CHCvsMIL #Cubbies #BrewCrew #NLCentralBusiness2K15

Maybe the 2K15 Chicago Cubs are going to stay the course and go get that NL Wild Card Slot or at least one of them and not back into one. The Cubs as we go to press is getting what you need this time of year talking "162" and that is solid starting pitching and defense with some timely and consistent production at the dish.

Tonight it was Cubs starter Jason Hammel who the Brew Crew's OF and 2K15 All-Star Ryan Braun took deep in the 1st for a solo blast making it 1-0. Hammel would settle down and go 5 2/3 frames allowing six hits and that one run as he struck out four and walked two.

It was the Cubbies methodical approach at the dish as Starlin Castro's RBI single in the 2nd tied the game at 1-1. Chicago then adds to that with a force out in the 4th making it 2-1. Brewers starter Taylor Jungmann , who also went 5 2/3 frames, gave up his 3rd run on the night to Cubs SS Addison Russell making it 3-1 Cubbies.

That led to the Brew Crew going to the pen and in the 7th it was that man again Anthony Rizzo going Souvenir Shop his 19th off Neal Cotts for a score of 4-1 Cubs. That would be the final as the North Siders move to 55-47 while the "Piwowarzy" falls deeper into your Mama's Basement at 44-60!  

@dangeRUSSwilson strikes a DEAL with 12's right before Deadline!..."SUNDAY TALK" as QB RUSSELL WILSON and "Sorry we R' Loud" strikes a "POSE" and DUFFEL Bags of Paul Allen Cash before the Deadline! @dangeRUSSwilson #SeahawksFootballClub #12thManSpaceNeedle #SorryWeRLoud #12s

Through numerous media outlets the Seattle Seahawks and their #1 QB Russell Wilson have agreed to terms on a new deal for the next 48 months. This deal had to be done before the Seahawks take the field today around 10:30AM Pacific Time as Camp opens at their Virginia Mason Training Complex in Renton, Washington.

@dangeRUSSwilson Deal breaks down like this:

$87.6 million in total value

$21.9 million per season

$31 million signing bonus

$60 million guaranteed 

The Deal puts Wilson among the top 5 highest paid in the "Shield" and as we go to press here is the Top 5 QB Salaries for the 2015 season.

1. A-Rog #WisconsinCheeseBrats&Football  $22 Million

2. @dangeRUSSSwilson #12s $21.9 million

3. Big Ben #TripleDiamondsChronicles $21.85 million

4. Caaaaaaaam #PanthersPride $20.76 million

5. Matty Ice #RiseUp $20.75 million

A QB who has taken his team to back to back big bowls and is super-Clutch when "Clutch" is called upon the deal is a no-brainer. As for this guy doesn't deserve this or this guy is paid that who cares and maybe you should have went a little bit harder back in Pop-Warner and growing up to be a better football player!  It's the professional level and players are going to get paid so move on from the last play as Wilson has and the Seahawks have and so should you as its the 2015 NFL Season!

CUBS 5 BREWERS 2 F...Cubbies All-Star First Baseman RIZZO ruins the BEER MAKERS starter JIMMY NELSON'S great outing with an 8th Inning GW Three-Run blast!..."WEEKEND BENDERS" as the NORTH SIDERS head into meaningful August Hardball in Beer Town U.S.A.! #CHCvsMIL #CubsNation #Piwowarzy #NLCentral2K15Rivals

Milwaukee Brewers RHP Jimmy Nelson was dealing all game long as he had the Chicago Cubs Hitters stifled for seven frames. The "Piwowarzy" got to Cubbies starter Jake Arrieta in the 2nd on a run-scoring double and triple by Jonathan Lucroy and Ryan Braun in the 3rd to take a 2-0 lead.

That proved critical for Nelson who before the 8th had allowed had a goose egg up in the Cubbies run section of the scoreboard. Then came the 8th frame with Smith still on the hill and both Addison Russell and Dexter Fowler start the frame off with back to back singles. "Brew Crew" Reliever Jeremy Jeffress replaces Nelson with no outs and ducks on the pond.

Cubbies Kykle Schwarber promptly strikes out and that was one down with two to go. Chris Denorfia then flies out as he pinch-hit for Chris Coghlan and that was two outs. And just before Jeffress could get both Smith and the Brew Crew out of the 8th inning jam Anthony Rizzo takes one to right center looking like a 9-Iron golf shot and just like that 3-2 Cubbies!

Chicago would add two more for insurance purposes in the 9th as North Siders Captain Save-A-Game Hector Rondon grabs his 14th save and Cubs win...Cubs win..as "Maddon Ball" stays the course with the MLB Trade Deadline looming and Starlin Castro still holding down shortstop...just sayin'!

"Maddon Ball" moves to 54-47 while the "Brew Crew" falls to 44-59...

   

ROYALS 2 BLUE JAYS 5 F...ESTRADA and the JAYS' riding that wave as they might never ever go back under .500!..."WEEKEND BENDERS" as the ROYALS have their work cut out at the ROGERS Centre on a Four-Piece! #KCvsTOR #RoyalsNation #BlueBirds #JuniorCircuitHappenings

The Toronto Blue Jays are riding a wave that might not come down for quite sometime say October sometime. Tonight opening a four-piece vs the best W_L in the Show the Kansas City Royals 'Jays starter Marco Estrada was good enough to get the "W" as that 'Jays Offense will score runs!

Estrada goes 5 /3 frames allowing two runs on three hits while striking out three. That bumpy 1st frame highlighted by a Kendrys Morales two-bagger and two RBIs made it 2-0 Royals. The 'Jays though came back in the 1st, 2nd , 3rd, and 4th to put up five and took the lead 5-2 and never looked back.

The big blows in those frames was a Dioner Navarro two-run bomb in the 2nd and two solo blast's by Russell Martin and Josh Donaldson in the 3rd and 4th. All that action was charged to K.C. starter Danny Duffy who took the loss falling to 4-5. He goes six charged with all five runs and six hits as he also gave up all three Big Flies!

Now the 'Jays move to 52-51 with a hungry David Price. The Royals fall to 61-40 as they will see where they are really at on the Barometer this weekend...         

Tigers PRICE heads "NORTH of the BORDER" to join the BLUE Birds!..."WORD around the WARNING TRACK" as PRICE is part of JAYS Nation for 3 Players! @DAVIDprice14 #JaysNation #WeRideInTheBlueBirds #MotorCityKitties #MLBTradeDeadline

The Detroit Tigers are also shrinking payroll and with Cole Hamels off the market the biggest thing maybe in the market is now off the market as well talking Arms on the "Bump". The Detroit Tigers send Rent-A-Arm so it seems in talented LHP David Price of SEC Baseball Powerhouse the Commodores of Vandy to the Toronto Blue Jays for three players.

Now looking at it closer the 'Jays will compliment  Price with Mark Buerhle and "Knuckler" R.A. Dickey to name a few. This has been some kind of week as "North of the Border" Hardball (Traded for Troy "Tulo" Tulowitzki earlier in the week from the Rox) is sending a message that they are Rawlings Stitched-One serious when talking "Contending" vs "Pretending"!

The Tigers getting two young arms with Price at 29 years old in Daniel Norris and Matt Boyd to go along with RHP and Reliever Jairo Labourt. The Motor City Kitties have basically thrown in the towel for 2015 and trying to build it back up in a hurry for 2016.

@DAVIDprice14 2015 Digits

#MotorCityKittes #Vandy 2011 A.L. Cy Young 

21 games 21 starts 9-4 W-L 2.53 ERA 146 IP 138 SO 29 BB 

#JAYSnation 2015 Starting Rotation w/@DAVIDprice14

LHP D. Price

RHP R.A. Dickey

LHP M. Buerhle

RHP D. Hutchison 

RHP Danny Estrada

Note: Price what played into the Deal is a Free Agent after the 2015 season and will command some serious dough as the Tigers with Verlander still on the Books didn't think it was necessary to take on more cash from the "Bump" at this point. Price is at $19.75 million for the 2015 season...  
    

HAMELS to RANGERS not the DODGERS or YANKEES or even the GIGANTES!...Bluedude Sportstalk FRONT LINE for July 30th, 2015 as the Phightin' PHILS send LHP COLE HAMELS and a Duffel Bag of Dead Presidents to DFW Pro Hardball for the RANGERS AAA and AA and Rookie Instruction League Players...yes the RANGERS entire Farm System! #ColeHamelsBusiness2K15 @Rangers @Phillies #MLBTradeDeadline

They always say , "Don't mess with Texas" as if anyone has deep pockets and can reach back at anytime to grab a Knot or two of Cashola it's the Lone Star State! Well move over Pinstripes, Dodger Blue, and Gigantes you wanna be big spenders the Texas Rangers Baseball Club has some important business to attend to to get this transaction done!

That transaction is Philadelphia Phillies LHP Cole Hamels as the Rangers grab him and some other dude for the "Bump" and Cash for the rights to the Texas Rangers AAA, AA, and Rookie Instruction League. The Phightin' Phils also asked for the Ryan Express, "Pudge" Rodriguez, and Rueben Sierra as they were not available but would have taken the cash...well at least two of them would have not the Express!

The Rangers feel as though with Yu Darvish coming back in 2016 and some Payroll Slots open they could afford Hamels and his reported $67.5 million due from 2016-2018 with a Players Option for 2019 that includes unlimited Hopper Passes to Six Flags of Arlington, Texas..."You think they fooled me Brotha"!

The Phightin' Phils with a serious need of Upgrades not just in the Kitchen but in the Living Room and Family Room to the Man Cave and the Bonus Room...they all need a fixin! Promising Rangers Pitcher Matt Harrison will head to the "City of Brotherly Love" with five additional prospects and I hope they all have thick skin as Philly Sports Fans don't ant "Crash Dummies" or losers...trust me on that!

Where does this put DFW Pro Hardball somewhat in the AL West Race as this was also a move for the coming years and a solid one as Hamels will be the #1 on that Staff even with Darvish coming back sometime in 2016.

Taking a look at Hamels 2015 Digits with the Phightin' Phils:

LHP Cole Hamels 

2015 #PhightinPhils Digits

20 Gms 20 Starts 6-7 W-L 3.64 ERA 128.1 IP 137 SO 39 BB .233 Opp avg 

Postseason

2007-2011 

13 Gms 13 Starts 7-4 W-L 77 SO 21 BB 3.09 ERA

Note: Hamels is coming off a No-Hitter at Wrigley vs the North Siders this past weekend...

Take that you malcontents we have "Bread" in North Texas look around you there is Jerry and Mark...     

REDS 1 CARDINALS 0 F...RED STOCKINGS DeSclafani goes Cy Young and Bruce goes Solo Bomb and down goes the REDBIRDS!..."GET AWAY DAY" as Cincy is playing Great American Ballpark Hardball all of a sudden! #CINvsSTL #RedStockings #BaseballTownUSA #NLCentral2K15Business

The Cincinnati Red Stockings starter Anthony DeSclafani (Spell Check anyone) follows teammate Mike Leake and goes NL Cy Young. A.D. goes seven stretching out just three hits as he walked and struck out three.

St. Cardinals starter John Lackey after going eight strong frames throwing a two-hitter and making one mistake (Reds OF Jay Bruce solo HR in the 2nd) had to be thinking, "I know Matheny Ball will get me right"...and they never did!

Cincy Captain Save-A-Game Aroldis Chapman gets his 21st save of 2015 as he strikes out two of three hitters he faced. The Red Stockings might have something in store for you NL Wild Card Hopefuls if that starting rotation stays intact after the Trade Deadline...stay tuned!     

ROCKIES 2 CUBS 3 F..."MADDON Ball" escapes a tough #ROX Outfit with LESTER coming into form mowing down 14!..."GET AWAY DAY" from the Friendly Confines as here comes the Real JON LESTER! #ROXNation #GoCubsGo #MaddonBall @JLester34

As we head into August Hardball in the Show there was a reason why the North Siders paid former Carmines Ace LHP Jon Lester a Wells Fargo Wagon of Duffel Bags of Cashola! The Lefty in the "Rubber Game" with Team 5,280 Feet above Ocean Water Hardball the #Rox Lester delivers big-time!  

@JLester34 goes eight strong allowing two runs on five hits as he strikes out 14 Rox Hitters. It didn't hurt he received early run support from CF Dexter Fowler (Lead-Off Bomb in Frame 1) and Anthony Rizzo (Two-Run HR 3rd) putting the Cubbies up 3-0. Rox starter Eddie Butler goes five giving up those three runs and two bombs falling to 3-7 in 2015.

Colorado came right back in the 4th scoring on a sac-fly by Nolan Arenado cutting the deficit to two at 3-1. Then it was that man again Carlos Gonzalez dba Car-Go 5,280 Feet Edition taking Lester deep to CF for his 21 st Long Ball of 2015 cutting it to 3-2 Cubbies.

Cubbies Captain Save-A-Game for now Hector Rondon grabs save #13 as #CHC moves to 53-47 in 2015. The Rox with everyone wanting Car-Go falls to 43-56 as the MLB Trade Deadline looms!    

PIRATES 10 TWINS 4 F...BUCCOS "Raise the Jolly Roger" at the Big Box Store dba TARGET FIELD"!..."GET AWAY DAY" as #BUCN sweep the Mini-Inter League Two-Piece! #PITvsMIN #ZoltanStrikesTarget #TwinkiesHardball #MLBInterLeague #Cutch22

The Pittsburgh Pirates are paying attention to the task at hand which is the next opponent going game by game and frame by frame. They are also keeping their "Peepers" on Baseball Town U.S.A. and their #1 Act in the Show the Redbirds of "Matheny Ball". The Minnesota Twins in the #2 slot in the AL Wild Card just happen to be on the schedule and in the Buccos Way..."Raise the Jolly Roger"!

Behind 5 2/3 from Francisco Liriano allowing three runs on ten hits and then Buccos putting up a crooked ten on the board including two Bombs the Pirates sweep the Minnesota Twins in their mini-inter league two-piece.

A wild affair at Target Field on "Hump Day" as the Twinkies led 3-1 heading into the 5th when Buccos Star CF and former NL M.V.P. Andrew McCutchen takes Twinkies starter Ervin Santana deep for a two-run Big Fly and that created a "Cutch 22" situation.

Then 'Burgh Hardball chases Santana off the "Bump" in the 6th hanging a crooked five highlighted by a Wild Pitch, sac-fly, and "Cutch 22" driving in two more on a single. That put the Pirates up for good at 8-3 as they win 10-4.

The Buccos move to 59-41 still five games back of the Redbirds. The Twinkies fall to 52-48 and they are #2 in the Wild Card with bumper to bumper behind them talking at least five teams within 3/5 games of that slot!

"Cutch 22" one of the premiere Ballers in the Show goes 2 for 4 with two runs scored and three RBI with that two-run blast like only #22 in Black and Yellow can do in 162...

TIGERS 2 RAYS 1 F...VERLANDER looking like his old self saves the Motor City KITTIES from getting swept by #ItsARaysLife!..."GET AWAY DAY" is Motor City HARDBALL a player in the AL Wild Card Race? #DETvsTB #MotorCityKitties #ItsARaysLife

The Detroit Tigers have some decisions to make as RHP Justin Verlander gets his 1st victory of 2015 and LHP David Price is out there kinda sorta for the taking. More importantly the Tigers avoid the sweep at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays with a 2-1 "W"!

Verlander , moving to 1-3 in 2015, was sensational as the only run he gave up was Asdrubal Cabrera's solo blast in the 5th. Justin goes eight strong allowing that run on four hits as he struck out ten. Verlander's velocity and late movement was as crisp as its been in the last two years and that is a welcoming sign for the Detroit Hardball!

The Tigers down 1-0 heading into the 7th hung a crooked two taking the lead on RBI singles by 2K15 All-Star J.D. Martinez and Nick Castellanos. Rays Ace RHP Chris Archer takes another bad luck loss as he goes seven (six scoreless) striking out eleven and allowing just three hits falling to 9-8.

Can the Motor City Kitties get into the Wild Card as they are just 3.5 games back of the Twinkies? Secondly do they still want to move LHP and Ace David Price with a possible Wild Card Bid in the mix?

Tampa Hardball is just 2.5 games out of the Wild Card...     

OLB KERRIGAN gets "PAID in FULL" by SNYDER and #HTTR!..."SUNDAY TALK" as OLB Ryan Kerrigan gets $57.5 Million over 60 Months to play more Home Games at the "Big PARCEL Package" dba FED EX Field! @RyanKerrigan91 #SKINSnation #HTTR #TeamRK91

The Washington Redskins did the what they were suppose to do as former 1st round pick Brian Orakpo made this decision an easy one. The Redskins through numerous media outlets have come to terms on outstanding OLB and the "Face" of that Redskins "D" Ryan Kerrigan on a $57.5 million deal for 60 months.

Now the deal includes a $16 million signing bonus (for a new Whip (Automobile) and a new Crib (Humboldt Abode) built from the ground up in a desirable location Kerrigan likes...Lol) and the deal stretches out to $11.5 million in game checks per season.

With Orakpo no longer part of the #HHTR Plans (always in the training room) Kerrigan was an easy sign and a proven commodity as he is the one guy you game plan for playing the 'Skins! Now let's let at the 2014 Digits for #91 in Washington D.C. Pro Football Duds:

@RyanKerrigan91

2011 Rd #1 (Pick #16)

Purdue Boilermakers 

#91 of #HTTR 2014 Digits 

16 Games 

64 Tkls 13 Asst 

13.5 Red Jersey Collections (Sacks) Career-High

5 Forced Wilson Pigskins

Note: the most important stat is he has been available for 64 games and has played in all 64 and that is more than half the battle playing in the "Shield"! "Durability" always is a determining factor up there with production and all that other stuff is the Bluedude's Pool Hall Talk and Hog Wash!  

REDS 4 CARDINALS 0 F...MIKE LEAKE shows all the Scouts he is more than ready to go to a Contender!...VOTTO has a night also!..."A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report" as LEAKE dominates the REDBIRDS near the "Muddy" Mississippi! #CINvsSTL #RedStockingsHardball #Redbirds #MathenyBall

Let's just cut right to the chase talking the only two things that mattered in this one. The St. Louis Cardinals lose to the Reds but still playing like World Beaters at a robust 64-35. The next thing to talk about is Reds RHP Mike Leake who should be on the move as soon as tomorrow morning or by Friday July 31st.  

Nonetheless Leake goes eight scattering just four hits and striking out three with one free pass dominating the Redbirds Line-Up. The Red Stockings Star first baseman Joey Votto went 3 for 3 with three RBI and two runs scored as he took Redbirds starer Jaime Garcia deep for a three-run blast for the fist three runs on the night. Jay Bruce RBI single in the 9th pushed the lead to the final of 4-0.

Garcia takes the loss falling to 3-4 as he was dunzo after that Votto Bomb in the 6th. The Reds won't be going anywhere but one has to wonder is Aroldis Chapman available as well as the Cincy needs "Arms" on the hill! 

PADRES 0 METS 4 F...SYNDERGAARD with another GEM as he and the AMAZINS' blank the FRIARS and SHIELDS!..."A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report" as the METROPOLITANS are in this thing in the NL East! #SDvsNYM #DresNation #NYMets

New York Mets RHP Noah Syndergaard (5-5) the last time out threw a solid game only to have the Pen implode. Well enough of that as he goes eight strong frames allowing just three hits as the Mets blank the San Diego Padres at Citi Field 4-0.

As though the Friars do not have enough to worry about off the field as the MLB Trade Deadline looms Ace RHP James Shields (8-4) gave up that fist frame bomb to Lucas Duda a two-run tater and that spelled an "L" for Shields. He would go seven giving up another run and charged with three on the night.

The Mets will not go away quietly and looking at the NL East Race with their starting pitching...they have a legitimate shot at this. With the "W" the Amazins' move to 52-48 and trails the NL East leading Nats by just a game. Yes the Nats just picked up Phightin' Phils longtime Captain Save-A-Game Jonathan Papelbon but we are headed for a photo finish in the NL East!

The biggest name out there on trade speculation for San Diego is LF Justin Upton who many speculate will land in Bird Land U.S.A. next to "Adam Bombs" Jones playing home games for the O's...stay tuned!             

Bluedude Sportstalk SPORTS SHORTS Take 223...Steelers RB BELL Suspension reduced from 3 games to 2!...Royals grab ZOBRIST from A's as K.C. Hardball is going for a Parade Route! @L_Bell26 #SteelerGang #BZobrist #BeRoyalKC

The NFL and NFL Commish Roger Goodell has reduced the three-game suspension for Steelers Star RB Le'Veon Bell to two games. Bell was suspended for last season's DUI and Marijuana Possession arrest. Bell will now be ready to go for NFL Week 3 vs the new St. Louis Rams loaded with that "D" top ranked "D" led by Bookends Robert Quinn and Bloodline" Chris Long. For games 1 and 2 it will be up to former Panthers RB DeAngelo Williams and company to get the job done.

The Kansas City Royals are going for not only the another AL Pennant but a Chip and Parade Route. On the heels of picking up RHP Johnny Cueto K.C. Hardball grabs valuable Utility Man Ben Zobrist of the Oakland Athletics. Zobrist was hitting .268 with 6 HR and 33 RBI as he plays both middle infield positions and right field. The A.L. Crown is already going through K.C. and it might be safe to say the Royals will have only themselves to blame if they do not get back to the Fall Classic!  

"TULO" makes that BLUE BIRDS Line Up look even more menacing!...Bluedude Sportstalk FRONT LINE July 28th, 2015 as "Blockbuster Deal" featuring Shortstops "TULO" and REYES trading places! @TroyBBallNews @LameLaza_7 #RoxNation #BlueBirdsCentral

The biggest move thus far in terms of the MLB Trade Deadline on Friday July 31st happened late last night into the early morning. The Colorado Rockies send their Star and Face of 5,280 feet above Ocean Water Hardball to the Toronto Blue Jays along with LaTroy Hawkins. The "Rox" in return gets Jose Reyes and three Pitching Prospects.  

Now looking at the deal closer the 'Jays might have put themselves back into the running for the AL East. Just talking numbers here is what "Tulo" brings to the Dish as he is also a Leader in the Clubhouse:

"Tulo" 2015 #ROXNation Digits

87 Games .300 avg 12 HR 53 RBI 46 R 19 2B

Now what "Tulo" doesn't bring to the Blue Birds if those 16 Thefts as Reyes stealing bags is also a thing of the past your Dr. Seuss Mother Goose MLB Head! Now let's take a look at the Blue Birds Projected Line Up with "Tulo" in it and loaded like those '92-'93 World Champions Jays'...or nah!

#JaysNation Projected Line-Up with "Tulo"

SS "Tulo" 

3B Donaldson

RF "Joey Bats"

DH Encarnacion

1B Smoak

C Martin

LF Carrera

CF Pillar 

2B Goins

1-4 lookout as you will not find a better 1-4 in the "Show"...

Now as we go to press the Blue Birds are 50-50 good for 2nd place in the AL East seven games back of the Bombers! Looking at the AL Wild Card the Blue Birds are back just three games of the 52-46 Twinkies of Minnesota Hardball! Can the Blue Birds make a run at the Bombers if New York does or doesn't get Cole Hamels from the 'Phils!

Note: "Tulo" can rake with the best of them but for home games now he will be in the spacious Skydome dba Rogers Centre...

 

  

BRYANT goes WALK-OFF at WRIGLEY but can the NORTH SIDERS stay in the NL Wild Card Race?..."MAKING NOISE" as MADDON Ball stays in the hunt on the Senior Circuit! @CUBS #NorthSiders #GoCubsGo #CubsNation #FriendlyConfines

The Cubs NL Rookie of the Year Candidate in hot corner Kris Bryant has been not as good as advertised but better. Last night's Walk-Off two-run blast gave the Cubbies their 10th Walk-Off "W" of 2K15 and that leads the Show. Furthermore it stopped a three-game skid as that weekend sweep by the Phightin' Phils maybe the worst stretch Maddon Ball has had to overcome in 2015.

Now we move to the MLB Trade Deadline and the one position player that might be on his way out is SS Starlin Castro. He has some suitors but there is no doubt Cubs President Theo Epstein and his Crew needs to make a move and get one more arm. That Cole Hamels or David Price coming to the North Side looks like a no go with Teams like the Yankees and Dodgers in the mix paying for everything and anything under the sun and outbidding all potential suitors 24-7-365.

Can the North Siders still stay the course and get to the Post Season...you bet! Will they go deep with a 1-2-3 of Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, and a big question mark as who would be the 3rd arm and that's going on a three-man rotation? Question and more questions as the Cubbies are 11.5 games back of the Redbirds  for the NL Central. Being more realistic they are 2.5 games back of the Gigantes for the #2 slot in the Wild Card. 

Bad news is the Pirates are fighting for the NL Central but looks like a surefire #1 seed in the Wild Card. If somehow someway the Gigantes can pick up Cole Hamels to go with the "Mad Bum"#OrangeOctober will run right for the NL West title as they are just a 1/2 game back of the Dodgers.

Stay Tuned for more Maddon Ball 2K15 Business with "Back to the Future" Prediction waiting in the Wings... 

ROYALS 9 INDIANS 4 F...The "ROYAL PAIN" continues for the TRIBE as HOSMER has a night for the I-70 BLUE Hardball!..."A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report" TRIBE your better than that let's get back on track! #KCvsCLE #BeRoyalKC #TheTribeMightBeTheTitanic

As things could not get any worse for "Mistake on the Lake" Hardball they get to see the best W-L on the Junior Circuit. To compound things the Indians have not won a game in a week and the Royals are riding the "Johnny Dangerously" Cueto Wave. Oh...did anyone in Cuyahoga County get an A.P.B. on Royals Jersey #35 that would be Eric Kosmer in your Royals 2K15 Program or in your 2K15 All-Star Game Program.

Hosmer got things started in the 1st with a three-run blast off Tribe starter Cody Anderson making it 3-0 K.C.! In the 2nd Omar Infante takes Anderson deep for a solo shot now its 3-0 Royals as you see the common theme here!

Cleveland gets on the board in the bottom half of the 2nd as Carlos Santana takes Royals starter Edison Volquez deep for a solo blast cutting it to 3-1 K.C.! The Royals in the 5th hangs a crooked three on the board as Hosmer goes RBI single and Kendrys Morales goes two RBI double making it 6-1 K.C.

The game would end 9-4 as Volquez moves to 10-5 as he is reunited with his former Red Stockings Mate Johnny Cueto in K.C.. Anderson falls to 2-2 as Kansas City and St. Louis appear to be headed for an late October Collision as "Show Me State" Hardball will be the real reality show that month!        

Back to Mr. Hosmer going 3 for 5 with 4 RBI and a three- run bomb...  

PRICE and HAMELS will cost you as they are heavily coveted!..."WORD around the WARNING Track" as the MLB Trade Deadline is Friday July 31st and two ARMS are on everyones list!@DAVIDprice14 #ColeHamelsBusiness2K15 #MotorCityKitties #PhightinPHILS #MLBTradeDeadline5StarArms

The Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies are unloading Salary and trying to get prospects to rebuild as the MLB Trade Deadline looms on Friday July 31st at 4pm ET.  The Tigers seemingly out of the AL Central Race and down an Ace in Justin Verlander is fielding offers for the talented LHP David Price.

The Philadelphia Phillies have had LHP Cole Hamels hanging out at the MLB Trade Deadline before but this time he has to go! Who ever wants to grab either one of these dynamic Arms it will cost you. Maybe a few top prospects, a duffel bag or two, and maybe even picks.

Looking at Price and Hamels Digits for the 2015 Season:

@DAVIDprice14 

LHP #MotorCityKitties

20 G 20 GS 9-3 W-L 2.31 ERA 134 SO 27 BB .239 Opp Avg

#ColeHamelsBusiness2K15

20 G 20 GS 6-7 W-L 3.64 ERA 137 SO 39 BB .233 Opp Avg 

(Video below) Hamels No-No vs Cubbies on July 25th, 2015 at Wrigley

Price and Hamels are both proven as Hamels 2015 Digits are misleading as he plays with the 2K15 Phightin' Phils Version which is back page news now that the #FlyEaglesFly have started training camp. Before that it was the 76ers 2015 NBA Draft followed by the 2K15 Broad Street Bullies on Ice the PhlyGuys dba Philadelphia Flyers as you see where this story is going.

Price will cost you the most as the Tigers are really trying to hang on to him with Mad Max Scherzer in Washington D.C. and Verlander having all sorts of arm issues.

Hamels has been linked to the North Sides, Bronx Bombers, Rangers of North Texas Hardball, Dodgers, and #OrangeJuly dba Gigantes...stay tuned! 

BYU's Jimmer Fredette gets SPURS Familia Invite!..."SQUEEZE the ORANGE" can JIMMER finally carve out a Niche with an NBA Squad as he gets a shot with "POPS", R.C., and SPURS Familia! @JimmerFredette @SPURS #SpursNation #SpursFamilia #SpursFan

It seemed like yesterday when #ForeverPurple dba Sacramento Kings called BYU All-American SG Jimmer Fredette's name as the #10 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft going Lottery. Yes he won every award in College his Senior Season and was by some a surefire difference-maker on the next level.

Now we fast forward to 2015 and four teams later counting the San Antonio Spurs 2K15 Training Camp Invite Mr. Fredette is at the NBA "Crossroads". Is he former Georgia Tech and Cavs Star PG Mark Price..heck no! He is not even former Wahoos Star PG John Crotty! Is he more like former Gonzaga star PG Dan Dickau I believe so and that would be El Busto. So where does Jimmer find his niche in the Logo as this might be his last stop? Remember he has "Game" but where is it?

The Spurs if anyone and he can become a real threat as Fredette just needs to play his role and that is shoot it and knock that open "J" down! Unlike most teams San Antonio has a unique way to get every player on the same page and everyone will get their turn you just have to try and maximize it. That 2nd Unit has some opportunities for a "Shooter" with Marco Belinelli long gone and Corey Joseph back home in Toronto.

Imagine this Tim Duncan in an "Iso" with L-Train opposite of him in the corner with Danny Green Ball Side with Kawhi Leonard at the Top of the Key with Jimmer Fredette free throw line extended on the weakside a Spalding Orange's throw from L-Train...and then he gets the Rock wide-open..."Knock it Down" Jimmer!

STEELERS start Camp LaTROBE at St. VINCENT'S College dba #SVC50!..."TRIPLE DIAMOND CHRONICLES" as the STEELERS Watch List in Camp 2K15 with "HOLES" in Abundance! @Steelers #SteelerNation #SteelersNation #SteelerGang #BlackAndYellow #BurghFootball #TripleDiamondChronicles

As the Pittsburgh Steelers enter their 50th Camp at St. Vincent's College in LaTrobe, Pennsylvania there are more than a few question marks remaining. Let's get right to it for the defending AFC North Champs still looking for that "Stairway to Seven"!

#Black&Yellow 

Top 10 Watch List 2K15

Camp LaTrobe #SVC50 

1. Health 

PUP List as of July 26, 2015:

Twin #53 (Foot), Mike Adams (Back Surgery), Senquez Golson (Shoulder), Bruce Gradkowski (right Shoulder), and Shawn Lemon (Achilles)

2. Defensive Coordinator- Coach Keith Butler

There is a lot of "Expectations" for the 2K15 Steelers but the glaring one is how the "D" will be under new D-Coordinator Keith Butler. One thing for sure is he has some moving parts at a few slots that should play their way out in Camp.  Then there is no Dick LeBeau but Butler has been around for years and it should be a seamless transition as that "D" is younger and way more athletic. Lastly the all important "Scheme" and that is something everyone cannot wait to see including the opposition!

3. Killer Bee's...#7 #26 #84 

Who will join this dynamic trio who many around the "Shield" call the best Triplets on Offense running as we head towards Kickoff  2K15 vs the Pats on Thursday September 10, 2015?

4. Offensive Line 

Big Ben calls it the e group he has ever had in front of him and we will see. I told you last season the best move the Steelers made including in the draft was getting Titans former Lead Man Mike Munchak to be the O-Line Coach and now its year 2 for an improved year 1 group under him.    

5. 2nd/3rd WR

Will it be Martavis Bryant #2 with Markus Wheaton in the Slot at #3 which looks like the more natural fit. Bryant came on through the middle of the season looking like a rich man's Plaxico Burress as Big Ben has been wanting a Big Wide Out and now he has one.

6. D-Line

Cam "Lil Ironhead" Heyward has come full circle and now 2014 free agent pick up Cam Thomas must get it done. What about Dan McCullers and Stephon Tuitt in year #2? Is NT/DT Steve McClendon ready to play at a high-level as those backers need those Dancing Bears to Dance more...  

7. the 6-4 250 LB Violent Type

First it was Jarvis Jones and now Bud Dupree with James Harrison still in the fold. Arthur Moats is a solid Vet Backer but one of those young guys must beat him out for the Week 1 Starting Gig. 2014 top pick Ryan Shazier just needs to stay healthy but the Depth Sean Spence and Vince Williams is more than solid.

8. Cortez Allen

Allen is penciled in right now with Will Gay opposite of him as starters but lookout! The Rookie "Ballhawk" Senquez Golson could be a find and Antwon Blake proved last season he is not just a stop gap!

9. With #43 long gone who plays opposite of Mr. Mitchell?

As we go to press 3rd-year SS Shamarko Thomas (who spent weeks with Polamalu in L.A. last off-season 2014) is in the starting slot now but dependable vet Will Allen is waiting in the background. "Shark" Thomas just has to stay healthy...

10. Big Ben and "O" carries the Team and "D" has to be better...

The Outlook is simple Big Ben and that Offense with a healthy Bell and back up DeAngelo Williams with all that talent at WR will score points. The "D" does not have to be lock down Pelican Bay...but its needs to be a Checkpoint and that magic number will be 17-18 ppg for the "D" to get back to close to where it use to be. Is that possible we will find out here shortly!      

  

WHITE SOX 2 INDIANS 1 F...The CARLOS Boys talking RODON on the "BUMP and SANCHEZ at the DISH carry the PALE HOSE to a Four-Piece Sweep of the TRIBE!..."GET AWAY DAY" as the South Siders give the TRIBE the Four-Game Sweep Blues! #CWSvsCLE #PaleHose #Tribe #ALCentralRivals

Where do you start on the "Bump" or at the Dish talking about the Carlos Boys (No Relation) dba Carlos Rodon and Carlos Sanchez for the Chicago White Sox? Rodon throws a five-hitter through 6 2/3 frames striking out nine as the Sox Pen picks him up for the ""W moving him to 4-3 in 2015.

It was South Siders second baseman Carlos Sanchez who carries CWS at the plate going 3 for 4 scoring two runs with an RBI. Sanchez got things started in the 3rd taking Tribe starter Danny Salazar deep for a solo blast making it 1-0 CWS.

In the 7th it was a Melky Cabrera RBI single as the Sox would add another run making it 2-0 Sox. Tribe hot corner Giovanny Urshela would take Sox Captain Save-A-Game David Robertson for a three-bagger to lead off the 9th. He would later score but Robertson put out that fire with a strikeout, ground out, and fly out.

The Sox take all four games coming in at 42-50 and leaving at 46-50. The Tribe coming in the series was 45-48 and now falls to 45-52 and that is heading in the wrong direction and the wrong time...



  

NATIONALS 1 PIRATES 3 F..."RAISE the JOLLY Roger" as #BUCN finishes the NATS on "GET AWAY DAY" as they take Game #4 and three of four in the Four-Piece! #WSHvsPIT #NATitude #BUCSnation #RaiseTheJollyRoger

The Pittsburgh Pirates quickly bounced back from that 9-3 Saturday Debacle that saw the Nats Offense for once this week come alive in a series. Bucs Ace RHP Garrit Cole (14-4) gets right back into the win column as he goes 7 2/3 frames allowing a run on seven hits as he struck out eight. The only "Boo Boo" Cole gave up was in the 3rd to Nats CF Michael Taylor on a solo bomb which was also the first run of the game.

The Pirates came right back in their half of the 3rd putting up a crooked two on starter Joe Ross (2-3) highlighted by RBI singles from Gregory Polanco and Andrew McCutchen. The Buccos would add one more run in the 4th as Neil Walker would take Ross for a solo ride his 9th of 2015 for a Buccos 3-1  lead and the final score.

Buccos Captain Save-A-Game Mark Melancon would get his 32nd Save of 2015 as the 'Burgh Hardball moves to 57-41. The Nats holding onto the NL East lead falls to 52-45 after a terrible series near the Three Rivers.  

ORIOLES 5 RAYS 2 F...BIRD LAND U.S.A. talking the O's takes the Rubber Game from #ItsARaysLife on "GET AWAY DAY"!...B-MORE Hardball wins series 2-1 vs TAMPA after getting swept earlier in the week at the BRONX Zoo! #BALvsTB #OriolesNation #RaysGang #ALEastHapennings2K15

This was a nice bounce back series for the Baltimore Orioles and it started with excellent starting pitching backed by some timely hitting vs the Tampa Bay Rays. That crooked three the O's put up in frame one and adding two more in the 4th helped O's starter Wei-Yin Chen get his 5th victory of 2015 versus six defeats.

That 4th frame crooked two by the O's was insurance vs the Rays and starter Matt Moore. B-More Hardball back stop Caleb Joseph took more deep for a two-run blast putting the O's up 5-0. To the Rays credit they came right back in their half putting up two of their own on Chen behind back to back Jacks by Rays stars hot corner Evan Longoria and Logan Forsythe.

The O's Pen finished off the Rays throwing 4 2/3 scoreless frames as B-More Hardball moves to 48-49 and the Rays fall to 49-51 as both have their sites set on the AL East Division Title...

O's LF Nolan Reimold went 3 for 3 in this game with two RBI... 

PHILLIES 5 CUBS 0 F...COLE & COLE & COLE & COLE & COLE Hamels is his name as he sends the CUBS a INSTAgram after the No-Hitter!..."WEEKEND BENDERS" as the INSTAgram shows "Two MEN and a TRUCK" with a CUBS Logo on it! #PHIvsCHC #PhightinPhils #NorthSiders #Hamels2Cubs

If you were thinking Cole Hamels might look really good playing home games at the Addison and Clark Big League Park you were right on. For confirmation Cole Hamels looking former Phils' great Lefty Steve Carlton as he put the Cubbies on the Edens in 5pm Weekday Traffic going absolutely nowhere.

Hamels goes No-Hitter  and strikes out 13 North Siders on his way to 6-7 in 2015 but more importantly the Cubs and Theo Epstein might want to do dinner with Hamels at an undisclosed location and hammer out the particulars. The Cubs most consistent pitcher Jake Arrieta gives up three runs on six hits and takes the "L" as he had no shot of beating Hamels on this day.

The big blow in this one was a Ryan Howard three-run bomb in the 3rd and I wonder if he is on his way out of Philly with that July 31st MLB Trade Deadline looming? The 'Phils have won six of seven after the break and the Cubbies falling to 51-45 needs to stay closer to that NL Wild Card Chase than anything right now.

Stay tuned for Cole Hamels Business moving forward within the next week Cubs Nation...

ATHLETICS 1 GIANTS 2 F...CHRIS BASSIT was solid but his counterpart the "MAD Bum" MADISON BUMGARNER is #OrangeOctober verified and certified and going "Big FLY" at the Dish!..."WEEKEND BENDERS" from the B.A.R.T. Series 2K15 at AT&T Park! #OAKvsSF #SwinginAs #Gigantes #BayAreaHardball

There is no doubt that San Francisco Giants Ace and LHP Madison "Mad Bum" Bumgarner is an elite dude on the 'Bump". The visiting Oakland Athletics knew that and to get to the great ones you must get them in the early frames before they settle in or its a Sunday Walk in the park!

The Gigantes win as the "Mad Bum" goes seven strong allowing a run on five hits as he struck out seven walking two. He moves to 11-5 but that wasn't all "Mad Bum" did on Saturday Afternoon at AT&T Park. Bumgarner with a scoreless affair in the bottom half of the 3rd takes A's starter Chris Bassit deep for a solo blast and for the "Mad Bum" that is #2 on the season and he can handle the Ash, Maple, or Bamboo!

Oakland came right back in their half of the 4th and tied the game 1-1 on a Josh Phegley two-bagger. The Game would stay tied until the bottom half of the 6th as Mike Duffy goes RBI single knocking home Joe Panik as that Gigantes Pen held on for the "W"!

The Gigantes move to 53-44 as they trail the rival Dodgers by a few games. The A's fall to 44-55 as second baseman Ben Zorbrist goes 3 for 3 vs the "Mad Bum" and the Gigantes on Saturday!

Bluedude Sportstalk SPORTS SHORTS Take 222..."Bloodline" Glenn Robinson III inks with "GOLD SWAGGER"...GM COLBERT gets extended 2-Years by STEELERS! @GRIII #KColbertBusiness #PacerNation #SteelerGang

The Indiana Pacers might have the steal of all Free Agency looking back on this in a year or so. Former Michigan Wolverines Star and Son of former NBA #1 Overall pick Glenn Robinson in Glenn Robinson III signs a three-year deal with the Indiana Pacers. @GRIII showed major flashes in Vegas Summer League playing with the Atlanta Hawks and was a former 2nd round pick by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Excellent move by the "Bird Man" Larry Bird and Pacers GM Kevin Pritchard...

(Below @GRIII putting work for the Maize and Blue)

The Pittsburgh Steelers reward current GM Kevin Colbert a two-year extension as the Steelers embark on Camp LaTrobe dba #SVC50 today July 25th, 2015. Colbert has been the architect for a Steelers Roster for years and the most recent picks especially on defense must start to pan out. One of the more interesting battles of Camp LaTrobe will be 3rd-year OLB Jarvis Jones vs Rookie Bud Dupree both first rounders.     

"Bloodline" PRESSEY and Undrafted ALEXANDER to RIP City!..."SQUEEZE the ORANGE" as OLSHEY and the "Only Game in Town" adds Youth and Talent to that 2015-16 BLAZERS Roster! @PhilPressey @CAlexander #RipCityBlazers #OnlyGameInTown

The Portland Trailblazers have moved on from centering their roster around the LaMarcus Aldridge Days as it appears that that was years ago. The Portland Trailblazers have done a nice job of putting pieces and for the most part young piece around All-Star PG Damian Lillard. Lillard just weeks ago signed a 5-year deal worth $120 million to stay with the Blazers and now the "Only Game in Town" is reloading with castoffs and undrafted players.

Through numerous media outlets the Blazers and GM Neil Olshey have signed Boston Celtics Castoff and "Bloodline" Phil Pressey the son of former Tulsa Golden Hurricanes Star and Milwaukee Bucks standout and current Lakers Assistant Paul Pressey. They have also added talented but undrafted PF Cliff Alexander from the Kansas Jayhawks as Alexander played with the Brooklyn Nets in the Las Vegas Summer League.

(Below Cliff Alexander as a 5-Star and Top 3 rated in Class of 2014 at Chicago, Illinois Curie H.S. as the Bluedude has seen him play on a number of occasions on the scholastic level)

Pressey was solid for the C's and should help the Blazers 2nd Unit along with C.J. McCollum as his High Basketball IQ as the Blazers lose both Steve Blake and Wes Matthews Jr.. Alexander could be the "Diamond in the Rough" as he joins Noah Vonleh a Hornets 2nd year Castoff, Meyers Leonard, Mason Plumlee, and Ed Davis as Davis is the oldest in that group at 26 years of age.

The "Only Game in Town" won't be in the upper echelon in the West but give it a year or two and Blazer Mania should be back in that Top 8 looking to do damage in "Winning Time"!       

WHITE SOX 6 INDIANS 0 F...QUINTANA one ups SAMARDZIJA and it's "SOX FEST" 2K15 near Lake Erie and the "Q"!..."WEEKEND BENDERS" as Chi-Sox starter Jose Quintana goes Complete Job his first of his career! #CWSvsCLE #WhiteSoxNation #Tribe #ALCentralHappenings2K15

Like I was saying last night the Chicago White Sox are not the "Titanic" and there is no Trader Jack McKeon running things so Sox Nation and South Siders GM Rick Hahn slow your dam* roll!  Chicago gets its 2nd gem on the "Hill" in consecutive starts as RHP Jose' Quintana did the honors tonight throwing a seven-hitter going complete job!

"Q" also struck out eight as the Pale Hose Offense was up 1-0 on reigning AL Cy Young Winner Corey Kluber when Jose Abreu took him deep in the 6th for a 2-0 lead on a solo blast! "Klubs" would take yet another "L" his 11th falling to 5-11 allowing 8 runs on six hits in a strange year for the talented right-hander.

That crooked four run 8th frame was highlighted by two-RBI doubles by Alexei Ramirez and Melky Cabrera. Don't blink but the South Siders are 44-50 and creeping up on that .500 mark. The "Tribe" must figure out in a hurry who they are heading into August...Pretenders or Contenders!     

PHILLIES 5 CUBS 3 F/10...CUBBIES blow a solid outing by LESTER in the 9th only to see it all unfold the wrong way in the 10th!..."WEEKEND BENDERS" c'mon NORTH Siders losing to the "In your Mama's Basement Phightin' PHILS"! #PHIvsCHC #PhightinPhils #NorthSiders #MaddonBall

The Chicago Cubs this late in July and right after the All-Star Break is right in the thick of an NL Wild Card Berth with all that young talent. Now the "Elephant in the room" is will that inexperience comeback to haunt them as we head into August and September Hardball moving forward?

The Cubbies behind starter Jon Lester was right in line to get a "W" versus the lowly Philadelphia Phillies as the North Siders led 3-2 heading into the 9th. This was after a 3rd inning Kris Bryant solo bomb and a Chris Coghlan two-run tater in the 4th. Sandwiched in between those two Big Flies was the Phils' two-run two-bagger by Cody Asche in the 4th.

In the 8th Hector Rondon replaced Lester as Jon went seven giving up just two runs on seven hits and was in line for the "W"! The Phils did nothing in the 8th as the Cubbies went to Jason Motte in the 9th only to see him gibe Freddy Galvis a one out three-bagger and a Asche RBI double to tie the score up at 3-3.

The Phils' stopped the Cubs subsequent rally in the bottom half of the 9th after a lead-off  single by Chris Denorfia. Then in the 10th James Russell gives up a single only to see Rafael Soriano with one on  and two outs give up a two-run game-winning HR to Jeff Francoeur and that was your ball game.

Phightin' Phils move to a dismal in your mama's basement 35-63 while the Cubbies are allergic to playing at ten games plus over the .500 mark falls to 51-44...

 
  

ASTROS @ ROYALS going "WEEKEND BENDERS" from Kauffman!...The 'STROS Show will be tested as the Junior Circuit will run though K.C. in OCTOBER! #HOUvsKC #StrosShow #RoyalsNation #ALShowdown2K15

The Houston Astros if anything will know exactly where they stand moving forward after this three-piece with the AL's best in the Kansas City Royals. They will also know where their new trade pick up in LHP Scott Kazmir stands as right out the gate he will be on the "Bump" tonight for the 'Stros Show!

The Kansas City Royals wearing those '80 World Series Unis last night near the Gateway Arch comes off a loss to the in-state rival Redbirds of Baseball Town U.S.A.. Something tells me though those two might be playing against each other in late October maybe into November where the stakes cannot get any higher!

#StrosShow 

Houston 

(54-43, 2nd AL West)

vs

#BeRoyalKC 

Kansas City 

(57-37, 1st AL Central)

"Weekend Benders" going through Kaufmann Stadium

T.G.I.F. July 24, 2015 @ 8:10pm ET

HOU Kazmir (5-5) vs KC Guthrie (7-5)

Saturday July 25, 2015 @ 7:10pm ET 

HOU Feldman (4-5) vs KC Duffy (4-4)

Sunday July 26, 2015 @ 2:10pm ET 

HOU Keuchel (12-4) vs Ventura (4-7)

On the "Bump"...

Kazmir will get his first taste of wearing a 'Stros Uni as Guthrie has been the #2 arm in that Royals Rotation all season long. Dallas Keuchel will get the nod on Sunday as Yordano Ventura gets called back from Triple AAA not even 12 hours hours after he was sent down due to an Injury to Royals starter Jason Vargas.

Stars at the Dish...

#StrosShow 

DH Gattis .246 avg 16 HR 57 RBI

1B Carter .178 avg 16 HR 43 RBI

2B "Pocket Avenger" Altuve .302 avg 9 HR 32 RBI 52 R

SS C. Correa .292 avg 8 HR 25 RBI 13 2B

#RoyalsNation

DH Morales .280 avg 12 HR 65 RBI

CF Cain .314 avg 10 HR 45 RBI 58 R

1B Hosmer .304 avg 9 HR 49 RBI 50 R

3B Moustakas .296 avg 10 HR 39 RBI 44 R

Altuve and Correa are the "Future" up the middle for the 'Stros. Where do you pick your poison dealing with the Royals with all those 2015 All-Stars?

        

Top 5 WIDE OUTS in EA Sports MADDEN 16 and #5 might surprise you...or nah!..."MONSTERS on the Outside" going Power Numbers with the best Wilson PIGSKIN Grabbers in the "Shield"! #MonstersOnTheOutside @AntonioBrown84 @CalvinJohnsonjr @OBJ_3 @DezBryant @JulioJones_11

EA Sports Madden NFL 16 has spoken and they did get this one right one talking NFL Wide outs. The Top 5 they revealed from their Power Rankings and Steelers Antonio Brown sits at the top and that is not surprising at all. The #5 WR on this list might surprise you but his Rookie Season was spectacular.

"Monsters on the Outside" 

EA Sports MADDEN 16

Top 5 NFL Wideouts

Note: Power Numbers in parenthesis

1. Antonio Brown #Steelers (97) dba A.B. @AntonioBrown

C'mon those numbers compared to seeing him week to week the dude plays above and beyond his stature physically. If there is one WR in the NFL that is nearly unstoppable on any route its A.B. hands down!

2. Dez Bryant #Cowboys (96) dba Brand X @DezBryant

He is the new Beast out by the boundary as Restore the Roar's Calvin Johnson slows a little. He is simply a night mare on your Island every week and from a physical standpoint at Wide out no one really compares.

3. Calvin Johnson #RestoreTheRoar (95) dba MEGAtron @CalvinJohnsonjr 

Some say he has lost a step or two but I still think he has plenty left in the tank but maybe not on his next contract. Megatron is still the one WR you would have to game plan around and still a Top 3 in the Red Zone.

4. Julio Jones #RiseUp (94) dba "J2" @JulioJones_11

I have been saying this for three seasons or at least two quit comparing him and A.J. Green as Julio can take a hit and will play with a broken fingernail. He is the future and Matty Ice's #1 Man on the Rise Up Offense. I think after 2015 he will be Top 3 replacing Megatron...and yes the Bluedude went right to the Kisser on C.J. and Lions Nation!

5. Odell Beckham Jr. #GMen (94) dba O.D.B. @ODJ_3

We have seen all the highlight reel plays from this man and he has played just a dozen games. What's scary is Victor Cruuuuuuuuz comes back in 2015 and the G-Men just need a running game and maybe a #2 WR with Cruz in the slot and they might be the NFC East #2 offense behind Romo and the 'Boys. O.D.B. is simply spectacular and there is no other way to put it.  

WHITE SOX 8 INDIANS 1 F...SAMARDZIJA might want out of Town to a "CONTENDER" as he has BUYERS everywhere!..."WEEKEND BENDERS" from PROGRESSIVE Field dba "JAKE" with all "Peepers" on Pale Hose Starter JEFF SAMARDZIJA and he didn't disappoint! #CWSvsCLE #PaleHose #Tribe #ALCentralHappeings2K15

Maybe the Chicago White Sox should keep #2 starter Jeff Samardzija and let him play for the Bears in the fall at wide out. Nonetheless there are a bevy of October Hopefuls trying to cash in at the MLB Trade Deadline coming up on Friday July 31st. Mr. Samardzija is one hot commodity and his outing on Thursday night versus the rival Tribe fed right into that notion!  

For starter the Pale Hose crooked four they put up in the 4th highlighted by a Melky Cabrera solo blast and a Alexei Ramirez three-run shot didn't hurt as Samardzija just threw strikes allowing a run on four hits through eight.

Tribe starter Trevor Bauer has seen worse days and better as he gets the "L" going six and giving up six. The Sox Cabrera added to the Tribe misery in the 7th with a another "Bomb" this time a two-run blast with CF Adam Eaton going deep for a solo act in the 5th as the Sox win 8-1 going away.

Chicago moves to 43-50 and are they far enough out of the AL Wild Card to deal Samardzija? The Tribe is also on the "Cusp" of chasing either the AL Central Title or an AL Wild Card but the next week like the Pale Hose should tell the tale!      

DODGERS 3 METS 0 F...COLON pitched extremely well but his Counterpart was @ClaytonKersh22...that was an issue!..."WEEKEND BENDERS" as DODGER Blue says, "We Ride with Clayton"! #LADvsNYM #DodgerNation #Amazins #NLElite2K15

Jimmy Rollins probably told Dodgers Thursday starter Clayton Kershaw , "If I get you on the board early will you be that dominant Clayton you have been from day one"? Well J-Roll took Mets starter Bartolo "Honey I ate the Takeout" Colon deep for a solo blast in the 3rd and that would be all Clayton and Dodger Blue would need.

Kershaw gets his his 9th "W" going Complete Job on a three-hitter as the Dodgers added two in the 9th for some added insurance. Colon falls to 9-9 going eight strong giving up just that solo bomb to J-Roll in the 3rd and allowing just five hits.

Clayton had a no-hitter until the 7th frame when Curtis Granderson led off the frame with a single. The Mets with the only threat of the night would get one more on as Kershaw would strikeout two and end the frame on a ground out!

LAD moves to 55-42 and the Amazins' fall to 49-47...

Greinke might miss the start on Friday from reports as the Greinkster's Squeeze might be giving birth of their Child...stay tuned Dodger Nation!    

ORIOLES 3 YANKEES 9 F...Bronx BOMBERS finish the Three-Piece Sweep at the Bronx ZOO of #BirdLandUSA!..."GET AWAY DAY" as TANAKA and the YANKS Offense sweeps the BIRDS away! #BALvsNYY #Os #Pinstripes #ALEast2K15

If the Baltimore Orioles are going to make a move in the AL East it has to start with starting pitching and then defense and of course last but not least hitting. The New York Yankees pushing their lead in the AL East up six games over the Blue Birds did just that in the three-piece at the Bronx Zoo!

It was Yanks starter Masahiro Tanaka going 7 plus frames allowing three runs on four hits for the ""W. He moves to 7-3 but he did give up three Bombs to the O's as "Crush" Davis, Manny Machado, and JJ Hardy all went solo shots.

Tanaka had the luxury though of getting seven runs in the first three frames including a crooked four in the 1st. O's starter Ubaldo Jimenez went into the 3rd before exiting giving up seven runs on eight hits as Jacoby Ellsbury hit a solo blast in the 3rd. The Yanks managed to add two more runs as they move to 53-41 and the O's fall to 46-48.

The Bombers will head to the Twin Cities for three and the O's head to Tampa for three starting Friday July 24th...         

TOMLIN & Steelers agree on an Extension through 2018 Season!..."TRIPLE DIAMOND Chronicles" as Lead Man Mike Tomlin calling the Shots for the BLACK & YELLOW Through the 2018 Season! @CoachTOMLIN #SteelerNation #TripleDiamondChronicles #RooneyFootballBusiness2K15

The Pittsburgh Steelers and lead man Mike Tomlin agree on an extension through the 2018 season. The deal through numerous media outlets is worth $7 million plus which puts him in the Top 3 or 4 highest-paid lead man in the "Shield"! Tomlin the last deal was making $5 million and that was in the top 5 highest-paid for lead-man in the NFL.

What has Tomlin accomplished since his tenure with the Black & Yellow since the 2007 season let's take a look:

@CoachTOMLIN Vitals 

#Steelers Lead Man 2007- present

8 yrs 148 Gms 82-46 W-L

1 Super Bowl

2 Super Bowl Appearances

4 AFC North Titles

2 "Fight for Lamar" Trophies

11-5 in 2014

360 Degrees...

We all know this is a "What have you done for me lately society" and Coach Tomlin knows that better than anyone. Those back to back 8-8 seasons in 2012-13 were by no stretch solid and the 11-5 in 2014 means nothing if you do not get to the Big Bowl and win as that is the standard in the 'Burgh.

The biggest move moving forward was moving Keith Butler to D-Coordinator and keeping O-Coordinator Todd Haley as the Steelers are all about no turnover everywhere from the Front Office down to the coaches...Continuity is key! 

ORIOLES 3 YANKEES 4 F...TEX and A-ROD go Deep as the BRONX BOMBERS are sitting atop the AL East!..."A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report" as the YANKS are trying to run away in the East! #BALvsNYY #Os #Pinstripes #ALEastBusiness2K15

New York Yankees starter Ivan Nova was backed by two bombs from Mark Teixieria and Alex Rodriguez as the Bronx Bombers will be looking to go three-piece sweep on Thursday. A Brett Gardner RBI singled in the bottom half of the 1st of O's starter Kevin Gausman started the Yanks in the at frame followed by that two-run Tater by "Tex for a 3-0 Yankees lead.

The O's bounced back in the 3rd on a Ryan Flaherty two-run bomb making it 3-2 Yanks as both starter have been touched up by souvenirs.  It was A-Rod's solo blast in the bottom half of the 5th that proved to be the game-winner as the O's get a solo blast from "Crush" Davis in the 9th falling short 4-3.

Nova grabs the "W" moving to 2-3 while Gausman falls to 1-2.  Then Yanks more importantly moves to 52-41 in the East as the O's fall back under the .500 mark at 46-47. N.Y. now has a five game lead in the division.  

CUBS 6 REDS 5 F Gm 2...CUBBIES rally to split the Twilight Doubleheader versus the RED STOCKINGS in an exciting Game 2!..."A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report" is MADDON Ball heading to some OCTOBER Hardball? #CHCvsCIN #CubsNation #RedStockings #NLCentralBusiness2K15

The Cincinnati Reds won the first of a Twilight Doubleheader beating the Chicago Cubs 9-1. The nightcap and game 2 was far from a blowout as the North Siders rallied in the 9th versus that Red Stockings Pen backed by Captain Save-A-Game Aroldis Chapman dba Cuban Missile!

Do you wanna know how wild this game was both starting pitchers were gone by the 3rd frame. Cubs starter Dallas Beeler went two frames giving up five runs on six hits. Red Stockings starter Tony Cingrani dittoed Beeler's Performance through 2.2 Inning pitched. Give credit to both Pens from keeping a grown-man fast-pitch softball score from breaking out!

Then in the 9th with the score still knotted up at 5-5 and Cincy with the Big Boys (not the "Nasty Boys" Charlton, Rob Dibble, and Randy Myers) on the "Bump" Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs singled and the Dexter Fowler came barreling home only to be thrown out at the dish. Aroldis Chapman intentionally walked Jorge Soler and Taylor Teagarden hits an RBI single scoring Rizzo after he stole 3rd for a 6-5 lead heading into the bottom half of the 9th.

Cubs Captain Save-A-Game by committee Jason Motte grabs his 6th save as the North Sides move to 51-42. The Red Stockings fall to 42-51...          

METS 3 NATIONALS 4 F...SYNDERGAARD was rolling and the METS Pen implodes in the 8th as the NATS steal one on TAYLOR and ESPINOSA base knocks!..."GET AWAY DAY" as the AMAZINS' might look back on July 22nd, 2015 with wavering thoughts! #NYMvsWSH #METSnation #NATitude #NLEast2K15Business

The New York Mets were in perfect position to win their "Rubber Game" versus their NL East rival Washington Nationals as everything was in place through seven. Mets starter Noah Syndergaard (No-Decision) allowed just one run though five and left with a 3-1 lead.

That 3-1 lead would hold up until the bottom of the 8th with Nats Park and the Nats Dugout going "Rally Cap Central" Washington D.C. Hardball grabbed Uncle Mo and took off. With Mets Set-Up Man Bobby Parnell on the "Bump" the Ian Desmond got things cooking with a one out walk. Matt den Dekker followed that with a single as we had runners on 1st and 2nd.

Now with two outs and Parnell still on the "Bump" he unleashes a Wild Pitch as both runners move up to 2nd and 3rd. Then with a full count and both runners in motion Michael Taylor goes two RBI single tying the game up at 3-3. Taylor then stole 2nd base as Danny Espinosa goes RBI double and that Nats went up 4-3 just like that!

Nats Captain Save-A-Game Drew Storen grabs his 29th save striking out the side with Uncle Mo riding shotgun on the "Bump" for a huge Nats win and comeback. Nats starter Jordan Zimmermann went seven giving up three runs on seven hits for a No-Decision.

Washington moves to 51-42 as the Amazins' fall to 49-46 and is now three full games back...
   

DODGERS 3 BRAVES 1 F...DODGER Blue avoids the "SWEEP" in BRAVES Country behind BOLSINGER and some timely hitting!..."GET AWAY DAY" as DODGER Nation needed this one like the CLIPS needed DeANDRE! #LADvsATL #DodgerNation #BravesCountry #GetAwayDay

The Atlanta Braves were going for the three-piece sweep vs the Los Angeles Dodgers as Braves Country is still trying to get to that .500 mark and in the race in the NL East. The Dodgers trying to create some distance between them and the 2nd place in the NL West San Francisco Giants were hoping starter Mike Bolsinger would answer the call!

After the Braves scored the first run in the 3rd on a Cameron Maybin ground out it was 1-0 Atlanta. Then in the 5th after a Yasmani Grandal two-bagger and a ground out by Carl Crawford moving Grandal to 3rd Alberto Callaspo singled home Grandal tying the game at 1-1.

Still in the 5th J-Roll dba Jimmy Rollins doubles home Callaspo making it 2-1 Dodgers. After Bolsinger struck out Joc Pederson with two out hits an RBI single pushing the Dodgers lead to 3-1 the final score.

Bolsinger goes seven giving up just one run on three hits moving to 7-4 in 2015. Julio Teheran for "Hotlanta" falls to 6-5 going seven allowing three runs on six hits. LAD moves to 54-42 which is just 3 games ahead of the Gigantes in the West. The Braves six back of the Nats at 45-50 in the NL East.    

PIRATES 1 ROYALS 3 F...K.C. Hardball finally gets to BUCS Ace and Starter GERRIT COLE in the late frames for a ROYALS Rally and "W"!..."A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report" as K.C. ties their Inter League Three-Piece with the BUCCOS at 1-1! #PITvsKC #BUCN #BeRoyalKC #MLBInterLeague2K15

Pittsburgh Pirates Ace Gerrit Cole was riding along and through seven with goose eggs all over the board and Royals starter Matt Garza leaving early the Buccos liked their chances. Well 'Burgh Hardball could net get anything off a stellar performance by the Royals Pen holding down the fort as well as Cole went into the 8th unscathed with K.C. looking to finally reach him and the Bucs!

Cole got into trouble in the 8th on an Error by Pirates second baseman Neil Walker. With one out and Infante on first Alex Rios singled and advanced to 2nd on Andrew McCutchen's throw. With runners on 2nd and 3rd and one out Jerome Dyson singles home both Infante and Rios making the score 2-0 Royals. K.C. would add one more after Cole left leading 3-0 after eight.

The Pirates would score in the 9th on a Travis Ishikawa single only after Starling Marte was thrown out at the dish on Jung Ho Kang's two-bagger by Alcides Escobar who has been throwing some serious leather of late!

The Royals go onto win 3-1 tying the series up 1-1 and moving to 56-36. The Pirates falling to 54-39 have the Cubbies right on their tail with the Redbirds leading the NL Central!        
  

METS 7 NATIONALS 2 F...de GROM goes six frames as the AMAZINS' strike back in the NL East at NATS Park!..."A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report" that METS Starting Staff is here and heading to OCTOBER its Pitching and Catching before Hitting! #NYMvsWSH #METSnation #NATSnation #NLEastElite

New York Mets starter Jacob deGrom holds down the fort after the "Dark Knight" took an "L" last night as the Amazins' tie their three-piece with Nations Capital Hardball at 1-1. Jacob gets the "W" moving to 10-6 in 2K15 but not after some turbulence in Frame 5 with the Mets up 1-0.

In the 5th it was Nats back stop Wilson Ramos taking deGrom deep for a two-run shot giving the Nats a 2-1 lead. In past years that would have folded the Mets but not these 2K15 Mets who know they belong in the driver's seat in the NL East.

Nats starter Joe Ross was in position to win after that Ramos bomb only to see his "Fate" decided in the 7th.  It was Mets pinch-hitter Eric Campbell's two-run single off Nats middle man Aaron Barrett that gave New York a 3-2 lead. They would then with then tack on four more runs in the 9th highlighted by three RBI singles for a 7-2 "W"!

Amazins' second baseman Wilmer Flores went 2 for 4 with two Ribbies leading the attack with lead-off man Curtis Granderson going 2 for 5 scoring two runs with an RBI single. The Amazins' move to 49-45 while the Nats fall to 50-42. This NL East Race might have a photo finish as it looks like a two-trick pony!  

"Bloodline" CURRY lands with #ForeverPurple and Team BOOGIE Cousins!..."LOGO WATCH" going SETH CURRY had no room to go to PELICANS and heads to KINGS instead! @SDotCurry #ForeverPurple #NOP #NBASummerLeagueVegas2K15

Hew showed out in Vegas Summer League 2K15 for the New Orleans Pelicans as there was no doubt he would get a deal from them or someone. Well with State Bird of Louisiana packed, racked, and stacked at Guard @SDotCurry had no chance but to look elsewhere and the Sacramento Kings come calling.

Curry (2-years $2 million w/Kings) playing with the NBDL's Erie Bayhawks averaged an eye-popping 23.8 ppg in 2014-15 shooting .467%  from the arc and nearly 50% from the field. In the Vegas Summer League 2K15 he dazzled again averaging 24.3 ppg as his game is starting to evolve. The Pelicans moving forward had no way to sign Curry even with Eric Gordon on an Expiring Contract with Jrue Holiday and "REKEhavoc" Evans playing heavy minutes at the guard slots.

Looking ahead at the #ForeverPurple 2015-16 Depth Chart in the back court:

SACtown Starters 

PG Rajon Rondo

SG Ben McLemore

SACtown Depth Chart

PG Darren Collison

SG Marco Belinelli

PG David Stockton (Son of NBA HOF John)

SG James Anderson

PG/SG @SDotCurry

Curry will have to earn his minutes as I expect Collison and Belinelli to lead that 2nd Unit...

Video below of Seth Curry going for 43 points fro the Erie Bayhawks on Delaware...

Bluedude Sportstalk SPORT SHORTS Take 221...MARIOTA and Music City TITANS finally come to terms!..."PERK" join State BIRD of Louisiana Hoops and the "BROW"! #QBMariotaNews @KendrickPerkins #MusicCityTITANS #NOLAPelicans

The Tennessee Titans finally gets their deal done for 2015 #2 overall Pick and Oregon Ducks QB Marcus Mariota. The deal through various Media Outlets is said to be worth on the NFL Rookie Salary Scale $24 million and some change for over four years. This is good news considering the starts of Titans Camp is right around the corner and Mariota who has been to all the OTA's and Rookie Camp needed to be in camp day 1 of Training Camp!

Moving over to the "Logo" as the New Orleans Pelicans dba "State Bird of Louisiana" Hoops signs free agent "Big" Kendrick Perkins to a reported one-year deal. "Perk" should be a welcome addition as the Pelicans continue to add big bodies to keep the "Brow" Anthony Davis from playing Center and wearing that small frame down. "Perk" will join Omer Asik and Alexis Ajinca in the Restricted-Area for the NOP!           

SPURS and HAMMON makes their "MARK" in the 2K15 Sin City NBA Summer League!...Bluedude Sportstalk FRONT LINE July 21, 2015 talking ALAMO City Hoops! @Spurs @BeckyHammon #SpursNation #SpursFamilia #SpurWars #SpursFan

After a somewhat captivating run to the 2K15 Sin City NBA Summer League in the "702" Spurs Summer Lead Women Becky Hammon was all that and then some. She drove the Spurs Summer Auditions to a Championship as she has showed as a great a WNBA Player she was she is bringing game and knowledge to the Clipboard!

A Superstar in her 16 seasons in the WNBA with the N.Y. Liberty and the San Antonio Silver Stars Hammon was a great player and leader on both squads. Now she not only looks the part but plays the part as Spurs Summer Audition Leads Kyle Anderson (Spurs 2014 top pick) and JUCO and Houston Cougars Standout Jonathan Simmons (played NBDL last season) have developed nicely under her watch in Vegas.

Simmons, who also was voted NBA Summer League M.V.P., showed a promising game that landed him a two-year deal with San Antonio and he will be another "Sleeper" the Spurs will continue to develop moving forward and will have an impact here soon.  

It's not Rocket Science what Spurs GM R.C. Buford and Assistant GM Scott Leyden do as their Scouting System is incredible. Then you mix in how they develop players which enhances their ability to use the Salary Cap to keep their Stars and pay the Supporting Cast Market Value as they never reach for players...never.

Now we head into the 2015-16 season with the Spurs with the Golden State Warriors the talk of the "Logo"...not surprising at all!   

EA Sports MADDEN NFL 16 has spoken on Running Backs and BEAST MODE of @NikeFootball and 12's dba #SorryWeRLoud has the highest ranking at 96!..."SUNDAY TALK" as we go The Top 5 RBs in Madden 16! #MaddenNFL16 @MoneyLynch @AdrianPeterson @DeMarcoMurray @L_Bell26 @JCharles25

NFL Madden 16 has spoken on Running Back Rankings and the Top 5 is right on except maybe for a a few digits north or south. Seattle Seahawks "Beast Mode" Marshawn Lynch leads the pack at a robust 96 as there is no one tougher between the tackles or yards after first contact. But is @MoneyLynch the best all-around RB in the "Shield"...absolutely not. If you had to get one yard to win the Super Bowl would you give it to Lynch....absolutely yes and that isn't by no stretch taking shots.      

EA Sports MADDEN NFL 16 Top 5 RB Rankings
Note: Overall Ranking in parenthesis

1. Marshawn Lynch @moneyLynch #12s (96)

This will be his last season at the Top of Madden but its a legit ranking considering talking about the Seahawks Offense he is the #1 dude to stop and game plan for. Remember this in Sports "Presence" in that Locker Room is just as important a value as on the field presence and Lynch embodies that for Seattle.

It's a "BeastQuake" in Seattle near the Puget Sound

2. Adrian Peterson @AdrianPeterson #SKOL (95)

Look he will be looking for a little retribution and its self-inflicted but a year off means the Twin Cities Avenger #28 is "fresh to death". 2nd Year QB Teddy Bridgewater is the happiest QB in 2015 as the Passing Game for SKOL should part like the Sea with A.P. back doing what he loves.

3. Le'Veon Bell @L_Bell26 #SteelerNation (94)

I expect him to be even better in 2K15 as he has taken that Steelers Offensive Attack and "Air Haley" to a new level. He will be the #1 Fantasy RB to get after his suspension is dunzo and how important is Bell to the Steelers? Did you watch that 1st round playoff exit...just saying!

4. Demarco Murray @DemarcoMurray #FlyEaglesFly (94)

I still have no idea what Chip Kelly is doing but getting Murray away from his NFC East Rival was very clever. Now how Murray fits in is another question as he leaves the best O-Line in the Business the Cowboys O-Line. One thing is for sure that "Spread Attack" from Philly will create some running lanes Murray didn't see all the time in Big D...stay tuned!

5. Jamal Charles @JCharles25 #RedFriday (94)

He like Bell is a real threat and when you game plan for Red Friday and their passing game Lake Charles LA Beast is the #1 option to take away. Will he be as effective in 2015 as he was in 2014 I would think so with former Eagles WR and Mizzou Star Jeremy Maclin playing the #1 WR. Now can Alex Smith stretch the passing game is another question as that Chiefs Offense gets a new-look!      

CUBS 4 REDS 5 F...RED STOCKINGS strike on a 6th Inning BOMB by BRUCE to beat the NORTH SIDERS!..."A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report" from the Banks of the OHIO! #CHCvsCIN #Cubbies #RedStockings #NLCentral2K15

The Cubs come out of the Braves three-piece winning that series 2-1 as they all count after the break. Now they arrive at the Great American Ballpark with the "Pen" not holding the lead down and throwing B.P.!

Chicago and Cincy were all knotted up after one with a Sac-Fly from Cubbies All-Star Anthony Rizzo and the Red Stockings getting a solo blast from 2K15 HR Derby King Todd Frazier. Then in the 4th Marlon Byrd would hit a solo HR but not after a Wild Pitch by Cubs starter Clayton Richard would score another run and Cincy led 3-1 after four.

In the 5th Kris Bryant would go ground-rule two-bagger scoring one cutting the lead from 3-1 to 3-2. Then Jorge Soler would hit another two-bagger scoring two and the Cubbies would move up to a 4-3 lead. Richard would bet the no-decision moving into the 6th setting up this...

Cubs Middle Man Justin Grimm with Frazier on the pond gives up a two-run bomb to Jay Bruce and just like that the Red Stockings were up 5-4.  That lead would eventually be the final as the Cincy Pen would do the trick as the "Cuban Missile" and Cincy's Captain Save-A-Game Aroldis Chapman grabs his 19th save throwing nothing but gaaaaaaaaaaas!

Cincy moves to 41-49 and the North Siders fall to 49-42 but still right in the thick of a NL Wild Card Race... 

METS 2 NATIONALS 7 F...Washington D.C. Hardball gives the Gotham City's DARK KNIGHT nothing but a NATITUDE in Game 1 of a pivotal NL East Three-Piece!..." A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report" as GIO gets the "W" for the NATS! #NYMvsWSH #AMAZINS #NATSNation #NLEastHardball2K15

In a pivotal series in the NL East pitting the New York Mets versus the Washington Nationals there is no margin for error. The Nats came into to the Three-Piece at Nats Park just two game sup with around 70 or so games left on the menu. Both were trying to set the "Tempo" for the Series in Game 1 as Gio Gonzalez out duels the "Dark Knight" Amazins' RHP and Ace Matt Harvey from Tar Heel Nation!

Washington went right after the "Dark Knight" getting two in the bottom half of the 1st and then adding a crooked three in the 3rd. That 3rd frame was highlighted by  A Clint Robinson two-bagger scoring both Danny Espinosa and Nats All-Star and RF "Bam 34".

The "Dark Knight" would help his own cause in the 4th off of Nats starter Gonzalez by hitting a two-RBI single cutting the deficit to 5-2 Nats. Harvey would settle down after the 3rd but the damage had already been done. He gives up five runs on five hits in seven frames walking four and striking out three falling to 9-7.

Gio moves to 7-4 by going six and giving up just two runs on six hits as he struck out four and gave out three free hopper passes to to first base. Robinson, Espinosa, and Ian Desmond collected two hits each as the Nats move to 50-41 stretching their lead in the NL East over the Amazins' to three games. N.Y.M. falls to 48-45...     

All-SIN CITY Summer League 2k15 in "LOGO WATCH Fusions"...Who garnered the most attention and was the M.V.P. of the Vegas Summer League? #NBASummer #LogoWatchFusions2K15

The 2K15 NBA Summer League Championship is today but the votes are already in for the best players of the Vegas Summer League. Of the five players on the list at least three will start as my All-Sin City Summer League Unite is comprised of two Donut-Runners (Rookies), two 2nd year Pros, and a 3rd year Pro going "Bloodline"!

All-Sin City Summer League 2k15

"Logo Watch Fusions" 

going

What ever happens with the Spalding Orange...stays NBA Business!

M.V.P. T.J. Warren #ValleyOfTheSun

PG Emmaunel Mudaiy #MileHighNugs 

He displayed a cool and calmness to his game and he is NBA Ready at the PG or combo-Guard slot. He slipped to the Nugs and both the Knicks and Magic and the Kings might want that pick back. In the open floor he game is lethal and will be well-suited for that 5,280 feet above Ocean Water at the Pepsi Center!

SG Seth Curry #StateBirdOfLouisiana 

"Bloodline" came alive in the Vegas Summer League after two stints in the D-League. Curry showed flashes of what Curry's do..."Shoot the Orange" and that he did as he led the Pelicans to a semifinal appearance. Now with Eric Gordon on an expiring contract and Alvin Gentry in the fold who was Associate lead man for the Warriors Curry might have found a home. The "Brow" commands a Triple-Team and Curry will stretch the hardwood.

Point Forward Kyle Anderson #SpursFamilia

"Uhhh I like it like that Slow Motion for me" as the last pick in the 2014 NAB Draft 1st round was a steal and I saw this coming. Former UCLA and Jersey City St. Anthony's H.S. Star has game its just not same-day or next-day delivery. He was a "Problem" in the Summer League and now he should impact that Spurs 2nd Unit and that Spurs Rotation for the 2015-16 season.

SF TJ Warren #ValleyOfTheSun

I have been watching this Kid since his days at Prep School Brewster Academy in New Hampshire as he starred with current OKC 2nd Year "Big" Mitch McGary. Warren like Anderson could have played in the 70s and 80s as his game reminds me a lot of a younger Paul Pierce right out of Phog Allen Field House. Now Warren should mix right in with the young core in the "Valley of the Sun" as he can score with the best of them in a variety of ways and angles.

C Jahlil "Big Jah" Okafor #SeventySixers

Yes he turned head after head and playing with that "Why didn't the Lakers pick me" on his shoulders. Yes "Big Jah" didn't see it coming as he traded Sunset Strip for Geno's and Pat's Cheese steaks in a flash!  He should be an immediate impact in the new Spectrum for the Seventy-Sixers especially with Joel Embiid out for the 2015-16 season. Offensively he is gifted and all Rooks or most need work on the defensive end!       

LAWSON joins CLUTCH City and the WEST Elite is becoming Lethal!..."SQUEEZE the ORANGE" as TY joins JAMES & DWIGHT & TREVOR & CLUTCH the #RedNation Mascot! @TyLawson3 #ClutchCity #RedNation

The Denver Nuggets have been shopping PG Ty Lawson for quite sometime and the last off the hardwood incident sped up the process and that incident is the Houston Rockets gain ...for now!

Through numerous media outlets Lawson heads to the Rockets as the Mile High Nuggets get a protected 1st rounder in 2016. "Law Dawg" gets a huge opportunity and this is after his 2nd DUI in six months.  

On the hardwood he is lethal from end to end and arguably a Top 3 PG from basket to basket. He had his best season in the 2013-14 season averaging 17.4 ppg and 8.8 apg and 1.6 thefts. Now looking ahead at the #RedNation 2015-16 Starting Five with "Law Dawg" at the PG:

#Rockets projected Starting 5 in 2015-16

PG "Law Dawg" Lawson *

2G "Fear the Beard" #13

SF Ariza

PF Me and Terrence Jones

C "Dwight of Three Stripes" 

* With the addition of Lawson Patrick Beverley moves to the back-up PG and that should give the Rockets Bench some much-needed "D" on that 2nd Unit with Corey "Pep Rally" Brewer on that unit. Lawson puts the Rockets if he can regain his PG Magic among the Elite in the West!

DODGERS 5 NATIONALS 0 F...GREINKE > Mad MAX at least on this day "GET AWAY DAY" at NATS Park!..."GET AWAY DAY" as the DODGER take two of three from WAshington D.C. Hardball! #LADvsWSH DodgerNation #NATitude #SeniorCircuitElite

It was billed as the game to watch on Sunday and for the Weekend coming out of the All-Star Break. The L.A. Dodgers losers of game 1 of this three-piece knew they had a good chance to take games two and three with Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke going Saturday and Sunday.

As we roll the credits on the series Kershaw struck out 14 on Saturday for the "W" and Greinke out dueled Nats Ace Mad Max Scherzer in the rubber game striking out eleven. Greinke at 9-2 and moving his ERA lower than that sparkling 1.399 ERA he had coming in dominated that Nats Line Up. At one point in the contest the "Greinkster" retired the first seven hitters he faced to begin the game after he retired 21 in a row last outing.

Mad Max Scherzer only run he gave up was on a Wild Pitch (WP) in the 4th scoring Dodger OF Andre Ethier. Then in the 9th the Dodgers tacked on four runs on three singles as they go onto win 5-0. Scherzer takes the loss dropping to 10-7 going six giving up seven hits and a run striking out eight.

LAD moves to 53-40 while the Nats fall to 49-41. Both Howie Kendrick and Ethier collected three hits for Dodger Blue with Yasiel Puig getting two Ribbies!  

RAYS 0 BLUE JAYS 4 F...MARCO ESTRADA dealing as he goes eight strong throwing a three-hitter as the BLUE BIRDS grab the Rubber Game!..."GET AWAY DAY" as the JAYS and RAYS are in the AL East Hunt! #TBvsTOR #ItsARaysLife #JaysNation #ALEastPride

Toronto Blue Jays Starter Marco Estrada answered the bell in the "Rubber Match" between the Rays and 'Jays. Estrada goes eight scattering just three hits as the Blue Birds played "Chicks dig the Long Ball" on Sunday at the Ballpark!

It was a two-run blast in the 5th by 'Jays LF Chris Colabello that made it 2-0 as Estrada only needed one run giving the Rays absolutely nothing at the dish. Then in the 8th "Joey Bats" dba "Blue Birds Insurance" hits his 19th another two-run blast for the final of 4-0 'Jays.

Roberto Osuna came in the 9th for an easy frame as the 'Jays and Rays are both at 47-47 which is tie for 3rd in the AL East just 4,5 games back of the AL East leading Bronx Bombers. Rays All-Star RHP Chris Archer falls to 9-7 giving up five hits and two runs through seven.

Expect both the Rays and 'Jays to be in the hunt come September...  

CUBS 4 BRAVES 0 F...LESTER needed this one as he takes a No-Hit Bid into the 8th for a "W"!..."WEEKEND BENDERS" as CUBS get on the 2nd Half Scoreboard! #CHCvsATL #CubsNation #BravesCountry #SeniorCircuitBiz2K15

Jon Lester has been close as his last couple starts he is just missing the potential Winer's Circle with a bad pitch here and bad offering there. Well on Saturday Night in Hotlanta vs Braves Country Lester goes 8.1 frames giving up just two hits and no runs. Both of those hits came in the 8th as he took a no-hitter into that frame before giving way top the Cubs Pen who still kept the shutout in tact.

The North Siders went back to back RBI single in the 3rd and 4th to go up 2-0 on the Braves and their starter Manny Banuelos. Banuelos took the loss giving up just two runs on six hits through 4.2 Ip. Lester was cruising until the 8th when former Pale Hose A.J. Pierzynski and Adrelton Simmons sandwiched before and after a Juan Uribe fly-out chased Lester.

The Cubs Pen led by Hector Rondon got out of the 8th unscathed as Jason Motte would walk one and strike out one in the 9th for a Cubs 4-0 "W"! Chicago moves to 48-41 while Braves Country falls to 43-48...

BULLS 84 SUNS 91 F...Woo Pig Sooie's @BPortisTime leads the SEE RED Summer Auditions with 25 points and fifteen boards but it wasn't enough!.."WEST SIDE Story Report" gets hits with WARREN + GOODWIN & Associates LLC from the "Valley of the Sun"! #CHIvsPHX #BULLSnation #SUNSnation #WestSideStoryReport

The Chicago Bulls playing in the Sin City NBA Summer League Quarters in the Winner's Bracket had the unenviable task of taking on a talented and young Phoenix Suns Bunch with Scorers almost at every slot. In the end it was Bulls 2015 top pick Bobby Portis showing out but two is better than one. The Suns came with former N.C. State Star and ACC P.O.Y. T.J. Warren and the #BBN one and done sniper Archie Goodwin as the Suns just had too much firepower with "See Red" minus Dougie McBuckets!

The Bulls led at the break 40-36 and this was after a 21-14 "See Red" lead after one. The Suns after the break went right through Warren (31 pts 6 rebs) and PG Mike James (13 pts 6 rebs 5 asst) from Lamar who has been rather impressive to outscore "See Red" in the 3rd 23-18 and led 59-58 heading into the 4th.

The Bulls went back and forth with the Suns in the 4th and with one minute remaining trailed 85-82. Goodwin (20 pts 6 rebs 6 asst) then hit a lay-up as Suns 2015 top pick Devin Booker (13 pts  0 money balls) along with WArren closed the Bulls out 91-84.

Portis had a team-high 25 points to go with fifteen boards Ramon Galloway added 16 points and six helpers with six boards. No Doug McDermott or Cameron Bairstow might have spelled gloom and doom for the Bulls but if they wanted to see @BPortisTime carry his weight and others that is exactly what happened! 

Bulls leave Vegas at a 3-3 clip with the Rookie Portis playing well. Phoenix loaded like a Baked Potato with all the fixins' with the Chives on top moves on behind Warren who might be the Sin City Summer League M.V.P. if P.H.X. can cash in...       

Robbie CANO 4 YANKEES 3 F...The BRONX ZOO gets not one but two Souvenirs from former YANKS Star Robbie CANO!..."WEEKEND BENDERS" as CANO beats his Ex-Mates all by his lonesome! #SEAvsNYY #Ms #BronxBombers #JuniorCircuitHardball2K15

This might get the Robbie Cano going as he has been in somewhat of a shell all season long as "Expectations" for he and his mates were about as high as the Space Needle! Well Yanks starter Michael Pineda wish his start was on Friday or Sunday as Cano puts on an all too familiar show with that patented sweet swing!

In the top half of the first with Kyle Seager on the bags Cano took Pineda deep to center for his 7th making it 2-0 M's. Yankees back stop Brian McCann in the 4th took M's starter Hisashi Iwakuma deep with "Tex" Mark Teixeira on tying the game at 2-2.

Then in the 6th with Seager on again Cano takes Pineda deep to right for his 8th and now the score was Cano 4 and the Bombers 2. The Yanks would score one in the 9th but lose 4-3 as Pineda takes his 6th loss versus nine W's in 2015. Iwakuma moves to 2-1 allowing two runs on five hits through 5 2/3 frames.

The M's move to 42-49 while the Yanks fall to 49-41...    

DODGERS 4 NATIONALS 2 F...@ClaytonKersh22 dominates the NATS going Eight striking out 14 for his 7th "W" of 2015!..."WEEKEND BENDERS" as "BAM 34" stops the Shutout with 27th in the 9th! #LADvsWSH #DodgerNation #NATitude #SeniorCircuitHotStove2K15

Here he comes and what you did was create a monster for the 2nd half of business in the Show! Dodgers Ace and LHP Clayton Kershaw dba "Redemption 22" #22 of Under Armour Hardball goes eight shutout frames striking out 14 Nats Hitters.

Los Angeles leading 1-0 in the 5th put up a crooked three up on Nats starter Doug Fister ending his afternoon going five allowing four runs on nine hits.  LAD then led 4-0 into the 9th when Dodger Captain Save-A-Game Kenley Jansen made it real interesting like only he can.

With on Manny Burriss on the bags it was All-Star Bryce Harper dba "Bam 34" taking Jansen deep for his 27th a two-run blast making it 4-2 Dodgers as that would be the final. Kershaw had to be thinking as he was watching with all his 1st half misfortunes , "Here we go again"!

Nats Hitters Michael Taylor, Yunel Escobar, "Bam 34", and Clint Robinson all drew the Collar facing Kershaw each striking out three times. Kershaw grabs his 7th "W" as Fister drops to 3-5.

LAD also moves to 52-40 as they dropped the Suspended Game from last night before this game 5-3 as the Nats get a two-run bomb in the 8th from Matt den Dekker. Washington falls to 49-39 in the NL East...     

KOBI SIMMONS holding down the 440, 770, 678, and 470 in the Class of 2016!..."SCHOLASTIC DAYZ" as A.T.L. keeps bringing the "HEAT" talking H.S. Basketball Elite as does AAU Powerhouse the ATLANTA Celtics! @JordanKobi @ATLCeltics2018 @AtlantaCeltics @ADIbasketball #AdidasNation #AtlantaCeltics

Last season it was consensus #2 overall Prospect in Boys H.S. Basketball in California Berkeley's Signee Jaylen Brown from Marietta , Georgia Wheelers H.S. a perennial Atlanta Powerhouse. Now we get the Atlanta AAU Powerhouse the Atlanta Celtics putting two in the Top 20 in the Class of 2016.

That player is Alpharetta, Georgia's St. Francis School's Shooting Guard Kobi Simmons and electrifying ultra-athletic combo guard that is on every ones list and a bonafide Top 10 in the Class of 2016.

Simmons has been holding down the Three-Stripes AAU Atlanta Celtics as he stands in at 6-5 and just south of 180 el bees. K.B. looks and plays like Jaylen Brown just a smaller version but super-explosive with a I-75 5pm A.T.L. Perimeter Interstate Handle and buttery "J". His length will also serve him well moving to the major Division 1 level.

@JordanKobi dba on Twittisphere has just trimmed his list down to 6 schools as the Buckeyes of Ohio State, the X-Men of Ohio Xavier, the Tar Heels of UNC, Coach Cal and the #BBN, Coach Miller and Desert Swarm Hoops along with the home state Georgia Bulldogs of the infamous #DawgSaturday from Between the Hedges Football!

Let's get @JordanKobi on Tape and see for yourself...

Kobi Simmons

6-5 175

AAU: Atlanta Celtics of Three Stripes Hoops

School: St. Francis School of Alpharetta, GA

  

Note: The Atlanta Celtics also has Top 20 SG Class of 2016 Josh Langford of Madison, Alabama Madison Prep H.S...who is headed to "IZZONE" and the Michigan State Spartans in the Fall of 2015!  

WILBEKIN gets Contract from Team LIBERTY BELLS!..."MAKING NOISE" as former GATOR and SEC P.O.Y. Scottie Wilbekin grabs a four-year deal from the SEVENTY-SIXERS! @Scottiew_5 #SeventySixers #GatorNation #SinCityNBASummerLeague

He played extremely well this season and last season which would have been his rookie season he turned a few heads. Now after showing the Philadelphia 76ers (who needs Guards like Kim K needs a Life) he could run the show and knock it down from deep he gets a four-year deal!

That lead guard is former Gator PG and SEC P.O.Y. Scottie Wilbekin who last season played in the Pro Leagues "Down Under" in Australia before his invite from the Sixers this summer off-season. Scottie has come  along way and this after getting the boot his junior season off the squad from now O.K.C. Thunder lead man Billy Donovan. Donovan gave the young man a 2nd chance after he promised to clean up his act and the rest is all @ScottieW_5!  

Wilbekin averaged just under 14 ppg for Philly in Vegas and this is before playing with the O-Magic Summer League Team as they had two teams in that league. Orlando has no room for guards and we all know Philly's Sports Story as it has been a train wreck to say the least and now the Phightin Phillies are in the dumps with Chip Kelly creating a Science Project for #FlyEaglesFly! Philly Sports Nation fasten your seat belt and believe nothing your hear and half of what you are going to see!

@ScottieW_5 terms of the deal were undisclosed...