If this is Monday, then this must be the blog.
Later in this blog, I will bring you an in-depth look at the state of Florida teams. College football begins this week. To paraphrase the song, “It’s the most wonderful time, of the year”.
Later this week, I will bring you my stone-cold, drop-dead, take-them-to-the-bank NFL picks.
Here we go . . . .
The Marlins lost two out of three this past weekend against the last-place Colorado Rockies. It gets a lot tougher this week, as the Fish are now in Anaheim to take on the team with the best record and the longest name in baseball, The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Good matchup to watch, as the two top candidates for their respective league’s MVP award meet for the first time in a regular season - - - Giancarlo Stanton and Mike Trout. If only the Marlins would get off their asses and sign Stanton to a long-term deal. This team is on the cusp of being a playoff contender, but that will only become a reality if Stanton is part of the long-term future. Period. End of story.
Here are the starters for the series with the Angels:
Mon 10:05 pm Jarred Cosart vs Wade LeBlanc
Tue 10:05 pm Nathan Eovaldi vs Matt Shoemaker
Wed 10:05 pm Henderson Alvarez vs Hector Santiago
After a travel day on Thursday, the Marlins will be in Atlanta for a three-game weekend series against the Braves. They will then return home to open the month of September against the New York Metropolitans at Marlins Park.
For the latest Marlins news and stories, follow make sure you follow my good friend Larry Walansky on nbcmiami.com.
The Yankees’ blog is here, thanks to Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News:
Even though the trade deadline has come and gone, the waiver trade period is upon us. Here are the rumors around baseball, up to the minute.
Click below for yesterday’s recaps and results in the major leagues:
Here are the standings in MLB:
Here are the individual leaders in the majors:
TODAY’S TRIVIA QUESTION: The Yankees retired Joe Torre’s number 6 this past weekend, adding to the longest list of retired numbers for any team. There is only one number that the Yankees retired honoring two different players. What is that number and who are the players? The answer comes later, alligator.
In other baseball news,
I, for one, am shocked at how well the Seattle Mariners are doing. They have now won 14 of their last 18 games, and even though everyone is paying attention to the Angels and the A’s, the Mariners are not out of the running for the division title in the AL West. The M’s are only 5 games behind the Oakland A’s, who are one game behind the Angels. Seattle’s pitching has been incredible, and in the month of August, they are the highest scoring team in their division, averaging just under five runs per game. The A’s and Angels are going through some injury issues, so look out.
Speaking of shock, the Royals and the Brewers are still leading their respective divisions. KC has a two-game lead over the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central, while the Brew Crew leads the Cardinals by 1 ½ games. Those races are obviously not over, but I didn’t expect the Royals or the Brewers to be leading their divisions as we get ready to enter the month of September.
The Yankees aren’t totally out of the playoff race either, after sweeping the White Sox this weekend, while the Cubs were sweeping the Orioles. Brian McCann closed out the Yankee win on Sunday with a three-run homer in the bottom of the tenth inning.
In another fiasco involving instant replay, the Tampa Bay Rays protested their game on Saturday, after the umpires allowed the Toronto Blue Jays to use replay after the next at bat had started. The umpires reversed a pickoff call, calling Wil Myers out on the play after an initial safe call. Rays manager Joe Madden said that the rule is crystal clear - there can be no challenges once the pitcher is on the pitching rubber and the next batter is in the batter’s box. Protests are not allowed on replays, but this protest is valid, since the Rays are arguing that the use of replay came too late, not the actual replay.
Astros’ second baseman Jose Altuve is rapidly becoming one of my favorite players. Altuve is trying to win the AL batting crown, and he leads the league with a .334 average, percentage points ahead of DH Victor Martinez of the Tigers.
Let’s go to the hardwood, and here is Ira Winderman reporting on the Heat and the NBA in the South Florida Sun Sentinel:
Let’s go check out the Dolphins and the NFL.
This past Saturday, the Dolphins mounted a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Dallas Cowboys 25-20. Led by backup QB Matt Moore, the Fins scored two touchdowns in the final quarter to improve to 2-1 in the preseason. The Fins conclude their preseason on Thursday, again at the Seven Names Stadium, against the St. Louis Rams. The Rams just got word that starting QB Sam Bradford will be out for the entire season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee. Shaun Hill is now the starter, but don't expect head coach Jeff Fisher to stay put. Could ex-Jet Mark Sanchez be on Fisher’s mind? Sanchez is more than familiar with Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who was the OC with the NY Jets while Sanchez was there. Game time on Thursday is at 7:00 pm, and all of the Dolphins preseason games will be broadcast on Channel 4, CBS in Miami. The regular season opens on Sunday, September 7th at the Seven Names Stadium against the New England Patriots.
QB Ryan Tannehill has looked good in running the offense so far in the preseason, and did some good things against the Cowboys. More importantly, the offensive line was able to open some holes in the running game last week, as the Fins ran for over 200 yards. Very impressive debut for Knowshown Moreno, who looks more and more like the starting RB for this team. I don’t expect to see a lot of Tannehill in the finale against the Rams, nor do I expect to see any of the starters getting considerable playing time. The team has been very careful not to show all their cards as they prepare to play the Patriots in the season opener. They have not fully implemented Bill Lazor’s new offense in a game yet.
In other Dolphin news, it is now official - - - Dan Marino is back with the team as a special adviser to owner Stephen Ross. I truly hope that this is more than just a token title and job. I also hope that he also spends a lot of quality time with Ryan Tannehill.
Here is the schedule for the final preseason games this week, all of them on Thursday, August 28:
Falcons @ Jaguars 6:00 pm
Lions @ Bills 7:00 pm
Colts @ Bengals 7:00 pm
Chiefs @ Packers 7:00 pm
Jets @ Eagles 7:00 pm NFL Network
Rams @ DOLPHINS 7:00 pm CBS 4
Patriots @ Giants 7:30 pm
Redskins @ Buccaneers 7:30 pm
Panthers @ Steelers 7:30 pm
Bears @ Browns 8:00 pm
Broncos @ Cowboys 8:00 pm
Ravens @ Saints 8:00 pm
Vikings @ Titans 8:00 pm
Cardinals @ Chargers 10:00 pm
Seahawks @ Raiders 10:00 pm NFL Network
Check your local listings (depending on where you are), and remember that the NFL Network carries all the preseason games on a delayed basis as well.
What else are the Dolphins up to?
Miami Dolphins blog from The Herald's Armando Salguero:
Chris Perkins and Omar Kelly bring us their Dolphin blog:
Here are both the Preseason and Regular Season schedules:
2014 MIAMI DOLPHINS Preseason schedule:
Aug. 8 at Atlanta Falcons L, 10-16
Aug. 16 at Tampa Bay Bucs W, 20-14
Aug. 23 Dallas Cowboys W, 25-20
Aug. 28 St. Louis Rams (Thu) 7:00 pm
Aug. 16 at Tampa Bay Bucs W, 20-14
Aug. 23 Dallas Cowboys W, 25-20
Aug. 28 St. Louis Rams (Thu) 7:00 pm
2014 MIAMI DOLPHINS Regular Season schedule:
Sep. 7 New England Patriots 1:00 pm
Sep. 14 at Buffalo Bills 1:00 pm
Sep. 21 Kansas City Chiefs 4:25 pm
Sep. 28 at Oakland Raiders (London) 6:00 pm
Sep. 14 at Buffalo Bills 1:00 pm
Sep. 21 Kansas City Chiefs 4:25 pm
Sep. 28 at Oakland Raiders (London) 6:00 pm
Oct. 5 BYE
Oct. 12 Green Bay Packers 1:00 pm
Oct. 19 at Chicago Bears 1:00 pm
Oct. 26 at Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00 pm
Nov. 2 San Diego Chargers 1:00 pm
Nov. 9 at Detroit Lions 1:00 pm
Nov. 13 Buffalo Bills (Thu) 8:25 pm
Nov. 23 at Denver Broncos 4:25 pm
Oct. 12 Green Bay Packers 1:00 pm
Oct. 19 at Chicago Bears 1:00 pm
Oct. 26 at Jacksonville Jaguars 1:00 pm
Nov. 2 San Diego Chargers 1:00 pm
Nov. 9 at Detroit Lions 1:00 pm
Nov. 13 Buffalo Bills (Thu) 8:25 pm
Nov. 23 at Denver Broncos 4:25 pm
Dec. 1 at New York Jets (Mon) 8:30 pm
Dec. 7 Baltimore Ravens 1:00 pm
Dec. 14 at New England Patriots 1:00 pm
Dec. 21 Minnesota Vikings 1:00 pm
Dec. 28 New York Jets 1:00 pm
Dec. 7 Baltimore Ravens 1:00 pm
Dec. 14 at New England Patriots 1:00 pm
Dec. 21 Minnesota Vikings 1:00 pm
Dec. 28 New York Jets 1:00 pm
For more news from around the NFL, here is NFL NATION:
Of course, we can all continue to sleep at night, knowing full well that Aaron Hernandez remains in jail, where he belongs.
As promised, here are my closer looks at the state universities:
The U
This is the first season that UM head coach Al Golden will not have the albatross known as the NCAA around his neck. They will be starting a freshman QB, Brad Kayaa. I wish he would have worn number 8, as we could then refer to him as “KAYAA OCHO”. (BTW, he wears #15) Will Kayaa be the second coming of Bernie Kosar or Jacory Harris, two QB’s that started as freshmen for Miami. He has an advantage, knowing that he has Duke Johnson in the backfield, with Joe Yearby and Gus Edwards behind him. Look for Edwards, especially, to get opportunities to contribute. The Duke is not the only offensive talent available to him, however. Look for WR Stacy Coley to continue to get better, along with his cohorts, starters Phillip Dorsett and Malcolm Lewis. They need to find a way to get Coley on the field and get him the ball. On defense, LB Denzel Perryman has the potential to become the next NFL first-rounder for Miami. Safety Dallas Crawford, who converted from running back, has been very impressive so far. The Canes open their season on Monday, September 1, in a rematch against the Louisville Cardinals, who beat the living tar out of them in the Russell Athletic Bowl. ESPN will broadcast the game nationally, starting at 8:00 pm.
FSU
The defending national champions are the odds-on favorites to repeat. However, this is the start of the new NCAA playoff era. It may be a little more difficult for the Noles. They also have a lot of seniors to replace. Returning Heisman winner “Famous” Jameis Winston is back, but this year he not only needs to play as well, but he needs to eliminate all the distractions and become a true leader both on and off the field. WR Rashad Green will be counted upon to lead a very young and inexperienced receiving corps, and RB Karlos Williams has the potential to become a superstar. They have a lot of holes to plug on defense, but head coach Jimbo Fisher will find a way. This team is loaded. The Seminoles kick off their season on Saturday, August 30th at Arlington, Texas against Oklahoma State. Watch it on ABC, starting at 8:00 pm.
UF
If you look up the phrase “Coach on the Hot Seat” in the dictionary, you will find a photo of Florida head coach Will Muschamp. After a 4-8 record in 2013, this edition of the Gators is probably the most talented group in Gainesville since Muschamp got there. QB Jeff Driskell has a lot of talent, but needs to avoid turnovers that have plagued him in the past. He has a new weapon in TE Jake McGee, who transferred from the University of Virginia. Last year, Gator tight ends caught four passes the entire season. McGee will exceed that number in the first half of the first game of the season against Idaho. The Gators’ offensive line is very good, but there are depth questions. RB Kelvin Taylor got a lot of experience in his first season. On defense, DE Dante Fowler and CB Vernon Hargreaves will be the on-field leaders. They still need to replace kicker Caleb Sturgis, now with the Dolphins. Last season was a nightmare for their kickers. The first game against Idaho will be televised on ESPN-U, starting at 7:00 pm, on Saturday, August 30.
Central Florida
No Blake Bortles this year. Tough hole to fill. After a 12-1 season in 2013, coach George O’Leary has to find a way to replace the first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Knights will again have a quality offensive line, and they will need to protect new QB Pete DiNovo. He will have a very good group of WR’s to work with, led by Rannell Hall. However, look for the Knights to take advantage of the talented tight ends on their roster - Justin Tukes, Kevin Miller, and Jordan Akins, who is also listed as a WR. You will probably see a lot of two tight-end formations. Another hole they need to fill is at running back to replace Storm Johnson. Will Stanback will be the starter, and Dontravius Wilson will undoubtedly get some chances as well. On the defensive side of the ball, the Knights have nine starters returning, including the entire defensive backfield. Central Florida opens their season in Ireland on Saturday, August 30th. They will face Penn State, who is looking to avenge a 34-31 loss to UCF last season. Game time on Saturday is 8:30 AM. That’s right, 8:30 AM. Catch it bright and early on ESPN-2.
South Florida
A nightmare 2-13 season in 2013 for head coach Willie Taggart. Taggart needs to build a true team environment in 2014. A good battle at the QB position, with Mike White slightly ahead of Steven Bench. Wouldn’t shock anyone to see a revolving door at that position this year. Their strongest position is probably at kicker, where Marvin Kloss was one of the nation’s best. Kloss scored almost half of South Florida’s points last season. The Bulls open their season against Western Carolina, a much lesser opponent. A loss would spell disaster for the Bulls. Game time is 7:00 pm, and you can watch it on your computer or smartphone on ESPN-3.
FAU
New head coach Charlie Partridge will lead the University of Boca Raton this season, as they get ready to play at Howard Schnellenberger Field this season. Good move by FAU in honoring their former coach and architect of their program. Their defense was quite good last season, and they expect more of the same this year. Standout players on defense include DT Brandin Bryant, LB Andrae Kirk, SS Damian Parms, and CB D’Joun Smith, who had seven interceptions in 2013. When the Owls have the ball, it will be QB Jaquez Johnson leading the team. Running back Tony Moore and a receiving corps of TE Alex DeLeon, Jenson Stoshak, William Dukes, and Lucky Whitehead (quite possibly the best name among the colleges in Florida) will try and keep up with the very talented offenses in Conference USA. Their first game of the year will not be pretty, as the Owls travel to Lincoln, Nebraska to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Game time is Saturday, August 30th, at 3:30 pm. It will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network, on your cable or satellite system.
FIU
This program has been going downhill really fast. After two consecutive winning seasons and bowl appearances in 2010 and 2011, including a win over Teddy Bridgewater and Louisville in 2011, they fired head coach Mario Cristobal after a 3-9 season in 2012, and replaced him with Ron Turner. Turner came to FIU with a reputation of being an offensive guru. Last year, however, the FIU offense was last in the nation in total offense, with a meager 219 yards per game. On defense, they weren't any better, ranking #94 in the country, allowing almost double the yards they gained, 430. QB E.J. Hilliard returns to lead the offense, with freshman Alex McGough backing him up. Running backs Lamarq Caldwell and Alex Gardner are at the top of the FIU depth chart, and there is some potential talent at the wide receiver position, with Dominique Rhymes, Glen Coleman, Dennis Turner, T.J. Lowder, Clinton Taylor, Fred Porter, Richard Burrows, and Shug Oyegunle. Tight ends Jonnu Smith, Yakeem Griner, and Aki Dan-Fodio are also poised to catch a lot of passes this season. The offensive line returns all five starters from last year. I’m not sure just yet if that is a positive or a negative, based solely on last year’s woeful results on offense. On defense, look for a lot of rotating at all positions. That’s what happens when you don't have standout players at any position. Michael Wakefield has impressed with his play at DE, and Luis Rosado has climbed past Treyvon Williams at middle linebacker. Richard Leonard is the most talented defensive back, along with Randy Harvey and Jeremiah McKinnon. Justin Halley, Jordan Davis, and Demarkus Perkins will rotate at safety, along with freshman players Vontarius West and Niko Gonzalez. FIU’s first game of the season is against Bethune Cookman, a home game starting at 7:00 pm. Avenging a devastating loss against the Division 2 Wildcats would get this season off to a good start. Television coverage by American Sports Network, whose games will air over affiliates of THE CW and MY NETWORK TV. Your best bet is to check your local listings.
In more news from around the universities,
Manny Navarro and Susan Miller Degnan have all the latest news from the University of Miami.
From FIU, David J. Neal of the Herald has the latest in his blog.
Here’s the latest from Tallahassee and the Seminoles:
From Gainesville and the University of Florida:
The Central Florida Knights are in the house:
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THE ANSWER TO TODAY’S TRIVIA QUESTION: The Yankees retired Joe Torre’s number 6 this past weekend, adding to the longest list of retired numbers for any team. There is only one number that the Yankees retired honoring two different players. What is that number and who are the players?
Number 8 was retired for two Yankee catching greats, both members of the Hall of Fame - Bill Dickey and Yogi Berra.
Behave yourselves, and always remember that tomorrow will bring us a brand new day.
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