Wednesday, November 30, 2011

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Sports Blog Net

Somerville High 2011 Fall Wrap-Up: Golf, Girls’ Soccer, Cross-Country

Posted: 30 Nov 2011 06:00 AM PST

[caption id="attachment_1745" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="The Somerville Highlanders' cross-country, girls' soccer and golf teams went a combined 6-28-1 in 2011."][/caption] (written for Somerville Patch) Final notes and quotes from the less-covered Somerville Highlander teams.

Golf

Final record: 1-9 overall; 1-7 in Greater Boston League Despite just one win this season – one more than last year – golf coach Jay Hart said he got a better-than-expected performance from a "fairly inexperienced team." "We really only had a couple of kids returning from last year," Hart said. "Some of the young kids stepped up." One such younger player was freshman Justin Carey, who led the Highlanders with five individual victories. "He's a great little player," Hart said. "See, his dad plays, so there's the difference." Another player whose skill Hart credited in part to parental encouragement was junior Kyle Higgins, who shot a school-record 35 – one under par – against Everett on October 20 at home-course Indian Ridge in Andover. That match was also the Highlanders' lone victory this season. The Highlanders' late-season trips to Stoneham Oaks Golf Course may also have played a part in that victory. Hart said that with access to an actual golf course on which to practice, his team improved and could continue to improve for next season. "It all depends on if the kids play during the summer," Hart said. "My kids generally don't play, that's the reason. Once they start trying out and playing for me, they play almost every day."

Girls' Soccer

Final record: 2-14-1 overall; 2-5-1 in Greater Boston League After graduating so many seniors last year, girls' soccer coach Jason Lenicheck said his team's poor win-loss record was not surprising. But developmentally, Lenicheck said he was happiest with how his team's intensity and competitive fire grew across the season. "Some of the players I thought developed some really good skills that they didn't have at the beginning of the season," Lenicheck said. The team will try to turn those developmental skills into wins next season. Lenicheck said one focus would be finding more scorers to compliment team leader and two-time GBL All-Star Natalie Henrique. "We can't continue being a one-player team," Lenicheck said. He added that one player who might become another offensive weapon is junior Rachael Berry. "Another example of someone who developed a ton over the course of the year," Lenicheck said. "I knew that she was skillful, I knew that she was very, very good at being able to play the ball comfortably with either foot. … But what I really didn't expect was her being just so damn strong on the ball." One player Lenicheck will say good-bye to is senior Jesselyn Vasquez, an energetic defender that rarely let up, even during blowout losses. "This is her first year as a varsity player, and over the course of the year you could see just night and day, massive improvements, both mentally and physically," Lenicheck said.

Cross-Country

Boys' record: 1-3, all in GBL; third place in GBL Championship Girls' record: 2-2, all in GBL; third place in GBL Championship The 2011 cross-country season might have been a small step back from a program that went a combined 8-1 last season. The boys' team, however, will get back top runner Brian Martinez, a junior who hadn't run cross-country before this season. Two of the other top-five Highlanders – junior Ngawang Tsering and sophomore Kevin Ma – will also return, but once again the team may have to rely on new players to provide depth to an undermanned squad. The girls are losing senior top-runner Pristine Mei, who placed sixth overall at the GBL meet. Four of the girls' top five runners this season were seniors, with only junior Melina Garro expected to return. The girls' squad runs far deeper in experience, however, with multiple underclassmen running varsity races this season. Included on that list: junior Emily Mei and sophomore Cindy Mei. With coach Charlie Tesch's prowess, this season will likely prove to be just a bump on the road back to victory.

Bill Madlock: Is He One of the 50 Best Not in the Hall?

Posted: 30 Nov 2011 12:01 AM PST

Of the eleven players who won four or more batting titles, only Bill Madlock isn't in the Hall of Fame. (The other ten are listed at the end of my column; try to name them before looking. Note: some spoilers in the text.)
Does this mean that Mad Dog Madlock has been unjustly ignored? Or is the former third baseman who played for multiple teams (Texas Rangers, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Dodgers and Detroit Tigers) just not qualified for baseball's highest honor?
In anticipation of Baseball Past and Present's pending announcement of the 50 Best Players Not in the Hall of Fame, my questions are timely and appropriate.  A reminder that all ballots must be submitted to Graham Womack (e-mail address here)by 9:00 PM PST December 1st.
Madlock, who won his titles in 1976 and 1977 for the Chicago Cubs and in 1981 and 1983 for the Buccos, ended his career with an impressive .305 average. And Madlock stacks up well, at least as a hitter, against others from his era excluding of course Mike Schmidt. The Phillies' star had it all over Madlock in fielding (10 Gold Gloves) and power numbers (548 HRs and 1,595 RBIs) but not average (.267)
Interesting footnotes to Madlock's batting crowns abound. His record of four batting titles as a third baseman stood until 1988 when Wade Boggseclipsed it. And since 1970, only Tony Gwynn has won more National League batting titles (eight). Madlock is also one of only three right-handed hitters to have won multiple National League batting titles since 1960. Roberto Clemente also won four and Tommy Davis captured back-to-back titles in 1962 and 1963.
Madlock won one of his titles by the narrowest margin. In 1976, on the season's last day against the Montreal Expos, Madlock went 4 for 4 (all singles) to raising his average from .333 to .339. At the beginning of the day, Madlock was in second place behind the Cincinnati Reds' Ken Griffey (.338) Sr. Hoping to win the batting championship by default, Griffey rode the pine for the final game. But when word reached Griffey that Madlock was on a tear, he entered the game---but too late. Griffey's 0-2 (two strike outs) put him at .336.
To answer the questions I posed earlier about Madlock's Hall worthiness, I'll simply say that I didn't include him. And in 1993, Madlock's first and only year on the Cooperstown ballot, he received only 4.5 percent of the total votes cast.
Here's an alphabetical list of the ten other four-time batting champs: Wade Boggs, Rod Carew, Roberto Clemente, Ty Cobb, Tony Gwynn, Harry Heilmann, Rogers Hornsby, Stan Musial, Honus Wagner and Ted Williams.

Just Win Baby!

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 11:03 PM PST

Tim Tebow just keeps doing it. The only thing that's impressive about Tebow is his desire, determination, and leadership which continues to motivate his teammates and incite victories. His throwing mechanics are atrocious. His arm strength dazzles noone. His quarterbacking skills just don't fit the bill of what's considered an NFL quarterback. But he just continues to win. However, I must first give credit where credit is due. Denver's defense has been nothing short of spectacular. In the first five games before Tebow took over the reigns, they were giving up just short of 30 points per game. In the six games since, they've depressed that stat down to 20 points per game which includes the Detroit game where they permitted 45 points to then-streaking Lions. Von Miller has transformed into the threat he was drafted because of, compiling 31 tackles and 5.5 sacks in the six games Tebow has started compared to his 15 tackles and 5 sacks the five games previous. He is becoming a Defensive Coordinator's nightmare with his versatility, combining both his speed and strength to improve his presence. He's impressed me with his crafty spin moves as well as with his ability to utilize brute strength while bull rushing offensive lineman and confining the pocket. Elvis Dumervil returned this season with an excellent comeback year recording 5.5 sacks and combined with Champ Bailey's leadership in the secondary along with his steady play recording tackles and locking down on receivers, the Broncos defense continues to impress. They've rebounded  miraculously since surrendering 45 points to Detroit a few weeks back and they keep the Broncos within striking distance, giving Tebow the opportunities to win games. Statistically, Tebow only flatters his mother, (no disrespect, it's just that mothers love their sons regardless). He has a QB rating of 80.5. He's completed only 45% of his passes. He averages less than 100 passing yards a game. On top of that his speed blinds noone, yet his ability to break tackles and extend runs that would normally lose yardage into three, four, or five yard gains that keep the chains moving makes him special. He's averaging 5.8 yard per carry on his way to 455 yards rushing on the season. He's added 3 rushing touchdowns, complimenting his 8 passing touchdowns very nicely. But the statistic that demands attention is one. He has only one interception. Not only is the Defense giving him opportunities to win games, but Tebow is also supplying the Defense the opportunities to do so. His unusual quartebacking style along with his late-game heroics beckons answers to the many questions that he poses. Is Tim Tebow the long time answer for the Broncos? Will he propel Denver to the playoffs? Will he grow into a conventional NFL quarterback? All valid questions. Only none of them breathe valid answers. It's difficult to say if Tebow is the long-term answer. John Elway doesn't seem to think so and how can you argue with him? I just don't see Denver's spread-option offensive strategy producing consistently. Sure they were able to beat Miami, San Diego, the Jets, Oakland, and KC, but with the exception of Oakland, that doesn't impress me much. The most talented D of the bunch is arguably New York, but their so individually orientated, that I can't say I'm surprised it beat them. I'll have to see this strategy beat the likes of Pittsburgh or Baltimore before I'm convinced it can work. Regardless, I think Tebow has elevated the play of his teammates immensely. This surprises me, because I figured that with all the talk of Tebow and his faith to go along with his jersey sales and hype, that the Broncos players would be partial toward him especially considering his talent warranted a second or third round draft pick rather than a first rounder. But I was wrong. The players have rallied around him and I even think the defense plays harder just to ensure that Tebow has the opportunity to win the game for them. He has extraordinary work ethic, great leadership qualities, and a winner's mentality that seems to have rubbed off on every single player in that locker room. As long as he continues winning, how can you get rid of him? Plus, hard work tends to pay off. He'll continue to grow as a quarterback. Elway needs to show him a thing or two instead of just evaluating/criticizing him because from the looks of it, if he gets rid of Tebow, he may lose his team's support. As for a playoff push, I won't count it out. The Broncos remainig schedule begins Sunday in Minnesota. I sense a breakthrough game for Tebow passing the ball. The Vikings have a secondary that makes me embarrassed to call myself a fan. As long as they stick to their gameplan running the ball, the're will definitely be some holes in the secondary for Tebow to take advantage of. Plus it looks as if Adrian Peterson's out for the game and the Broncos pass rush should make it very difficult for rooking quarterback Christian Ponder to settle in. I see no reason why Denver shouldn't win this game. Next week, Denver plays at home against a Bears team who are without starting quarterback Jay Cutler. Their offensive line couldn't hold a block to save Cutler anyway so the Broncos pass rush will be licking their chops for this one. If their pass rush performs, their secondary should be even more excited because back-up quarterback Caleb Hanie struggled with ball control in his start against the Oakland Raiders. I have two concerns I'll keep my eye on in this game. Can Tebow and the Broncos offense move the ball against a veteran Bears defense and can the Broncos' D contain Matt Forte? If they can accomplish both tasks, this should be a W. Following their matchup with Chicago, Tebow will face his toughest test yet, the New England Patriots. If there's anyone better at orchestrating game winning drives than Tebow, it's Tom Brady. Enough said. I don't see the Broncos winning this game. After New England, the Broncos travel to Buffalo to take on the exasperated Bills. Buffalo has hit a wall. They rode a hot streak the first five games and I think they've lost all confidence. The Broncos should be able to move the ball and control the clock enough to keep the high powered Bills offense off the field long enough to get a win in this game. It won't be easy, though. The Broncos finish the regular season against the Chiefs which intrigues me. Kansas City picked up former QB Kyle Orton, who lost his job to Tebow, after the Broncos released him. It's hard for me to pinpoint this game yet because I haven't seen how Orton will respond to his new teammates. My guess is that he'll continue to struggle. The Chiefs' protection is shaky and I don't see Orton having enough time to get comfortable. I think the Broncos should win this game as well. So, I have the Broncos going 4-1, maybe 3-2 in the five game stretch to finish of the season. That would put them at 10-6 or 9-7. Whether or not that will be enough to inch past the Raiders in the division remains to be seen. Oakland has two more difficult games they could lose remaining on their schedule against Green Bay and Detroit. That might just be enough for the Broncos to slip past them. It's going to be an interesting finish for Tebow and the Broncos. He may not be a pretty quarterback but his play would even put a smile on Al Davis' face, (if he weren't a Bronco). JUST WIN BABY!

He Did it Again

Posted: 29 Nov 2011 09:12 PM PST

Tebowmania adds a new chapter but with the exact same story after another come-from-behind win for the Denver Broncos over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium Sunday. There was nothing new in this one. Tim Tebow led the charge as it took all of one hour, 14 minutes, and 31 seconds of game time for the Broncos to stun San Diego and deliver the Chargers their sixth straight loss which is their worst stretch since they lost nine consecutive during the 2001 season. Again, Tebow's statistics didn't impress. They didn't sizzle. They just got the job done. His run-pass combination stifled the Chargers' D as he threw for 143 yards and a touchdown to go along with his 67 rushing yards on a record setting 22 carries. The most by an NFL quarterback since 1950. Tebow repeated what has become his routine late-game heroics by rallying the troops for another comeback victory. Down by three late in the fourth quarter, Tebow and the Denver offense took the field at their own 26-yard line. They marched straight along the field with the help of a 39-yard catch by Eric Decker followed with a 23-yard reception from Dante Rosario before the drived stalled and the Broncos settled for a 24-yard field goal to tie the game with 1:34 left in regulation. Their defense held strong for a minute and a half and overtime ensued. Denver kicked off overtime with a three-and-out. San Diego didn't fair much better with their first possession before forcing Denver to punt a second time in the extra session. With 2:31 left, Chargers kicker Nick Novak missed his second field goal of the game from 53 yards inching dangerously close to posting the first NFL tie since Cincinnati and Philadelphia deadlocked at 13 during the 2008 season. But Tebow pieced together another clutch drive on the short field setting up Matt Prater with a 37 yard field goal to extend Denver's win streak to four and keep a one game cushion behind Oakland in the tight AFC West divisional race. Denver's defense continued their stellar play of late by targeting in on and dismantling San Diego's huck-and-chuck offensive philosophy, holding Phillip Rivers to just a 52% completion percentage. Elvis Dumervil reaked havoc on San Diego's offensive line bringing down Rivers twice and combined with Von Miller's lone sack, the Broncos bemused Rivers and the offense, holding them to 6 for 17 on third down conversions. On the flip side, the Broncos allowed 185 rushing yards including a career best 137 yards for Ryan Matthews, his third career 100 yard rushing performance. But even without a forced turnover and a lack of rush defense, the Broncos only allowed one touchdown to the Chargers. They continue to hold ground and give Tebow the opportunities to win games. In turn, Tebow just doesn't disappoint. It will be interesting to see if Tebow can continue to impel the Broncos all the way to the playoffs. They kick off Sunday in Minnesota against a 2-9 Vikings squad before returning home the week after to face off with a Jay Cutler-less Bears team. After that game, they will have a difficult test going up against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots followed by a match-up with an exasperated Buffalo Bills team before closing out the season against divisional foe, the Kansas City Chiefs. Trailing Oakland by one game, the Broncos will need as much luck, or faith, as Tebow can provide if they intend to continue their push into late January.
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