Month: August 2013

Oakland Raiders’ Jared Veldheer needs surgery, still able to play season

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By Kahlil Najar

NAPA –

It was revealed in a MRI on Tuesday that Oakland Raiders Left tackle Jared Veldheer partially tore his triceps at practice in Napa. Veldheer will undergo surgery to fix the tear however luckily it’s not a full tear which the Raiders had initially feared. If it had been a full tear Veldheer would have been out for the entire year but now it looks like he’ll be ready to play for most of the season.

If Veldheer’s injury was worse, it would have thrown a wrench into the system as the Raiders would have had to find someone to protect newly acquired Quarterback Matt Flynn as well as All-Pro but injury prone running back Darren McFadden – who with the addition of new offensive coordinator Greg Olson, is promised to get more time to run the ball and find his blockers which is where Veldheer excels.

With this scare, it points out that the Raiders do have some planning to do with finding a competent back up left tackle. As of right now they have Alex Barron who although being a first round draft pick when he entered the league in 2005, hasn’t played a game since 2010 when he started 11 games for the Dallas Cowboys. Then there’s second-round draft pick Menelik Watson from Florida State who can be groomed for the left tackle position but he has been out for almost all of camp with a calf injury.

Jared Veldheer has impressed all Raider fans ever since he came to the league in 2010 with his near perfect play and his durability as he’s started every game for the last two years. The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for Veldheer as he’s in his contract year and since the Raiders will have a good amount of salary-cap room next year, it’s been speculated that he was a guaranteed signing before free agency. Hopefully Veldheer will be able to com back from this surgery and continue the form that all Raider fans are used to.

Former Retiree earns Defensive Back of the Year

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By Emily Zahner

August 13, 2013

SAN JOSE, CA—The San Jose SaberCats gave their fans another year worth watching, posting a record of 13-6 and making the post season once again. A crushing defeat the Arizona Rattlers saw the Cats eliminated and sent packing, but that wouldn’t be the last of San Jose in the news. The Arena Football League announced on Tuesday that SaberCats DB Clevan Thomas had been named the AFL Defensive Back of the Year, as well as being a First Team All-Arena Selection.

Clevan’s selection came as a shocker to some, as he had retired from the AFL in 2008. The Cats faithful weren’t surprised at all… and upon his return in 2013, Thomas posted an incredible year with the Cats. Playing in all 18 games for San Jose, Thomas blew the lid of all sorts of records, including a career and franchise-high 15 interceptions. Most notable, Thomas set a new AFL record with six pick-6; the previous record was four. Thomas picked up the final two in a win against the Chicago Rush.

San Jose’s star DB recorded 74 tackles and recovered two fumbles throughout the season. The Cats hope to see Thomas owning the field again next year.

Whitecaps shutout Quakes in Vancouver

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By Elliot Alagueuzian

August 10, 2013

143VANCOUVER–The San Jose Earthquakes will be disappointed they did not finish their chances after conceding two goals and losing 2-0 to the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place. The Whitecaps offense was led by Nigel Reo-Coker, Kenny Miller and Camilo Senvezzo. Reo-Coker took on Clarence Goodson and beat him out wide before crossing into the box to Senvezzo who tapped the ball into the back of the net to give the Caps a 1-0 lead.

Earthquakes tried to respond when Sam Cronin took a shot inside that rebounded off a Whitecaps defender and above the head of Shea Salinas who attempted an overhead kick whoever, the shot lacked power and fell straight into the arms of goalkeeper David Ousted.

The second goal came when midfielder Russell Teibert passed the ball into the box from the right hand side, Reo-Coker missed his shot but Kenny Miller didn’t and made it 2-0 Vancouver.

Quakes Head Coach Mark Watson was disappointed his team couldn’t take their chances against a good team away from home. “The game quite simply was they took their chances and we didn’t, we had a couple opportunities to score one or two early on that would’ve changed the game.” Said Watson who believes his team still have a great chance to qualify for the playoffs. “We’re disappointed but we know that there are enough points on table so we keep working, we get back to work next week and prepare for our next game.”

Vancouver made the game’s first great chance when Senvezzo hit a freekick and Miller headed the ball inches over the crossbar. Quakes created a few chances to try and take the lead but the best chance of the first half came when the ball fell to Cordell Cato who struck the ball very well but Ousted made a fantastic save.

Chris Wondolowski thinks the team can bounce back against Sporting Kansas City next week. “They’re very good, it’s good to be home but we have to go out there and play to the best of our capabilities.”

Preseason preview week 2, 49ers at Chiefs

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By Gabe Schapiro

This Friday, August 16 at 5pm, the San Francisco 49ers (0-1) face off against the rebuilding Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) at Arrowhead Stadium. Despite just being the preseason, this matchup comes with some intrigue. After a dismal 2-14 season last year, the Chiefs underwent a major overhaul. They brought in a new general manager, John Dorsey, and head coach, Andy Reid, who had previously spent over a decade with the Philadelphia Eagles. In addition, the Chiefs got themselves a new starting quarterback. In June these two opponents completed a trade that sent Alex Smith, who was somewhat controversially replaced last season by Colin Kaepernick, to the Chiefs for a couple of draft picks. This will be the first time Smith will be taking on his former team of seven years.

Last week in the preseason opener the 49ers lost to the Denver Broncos 10-6. As is to be expected the assumed starters saw little action, mostly just playing in one series. The first-team offense looked solid, going on a 13-play drive for a field goal in their opening possession. The second and third units have some work to do after combining for four turnovers, but that is what this time of year is all about. As will continue to be the emphasis in the coming three weeks, the preseason is all about staying healthy, settling position battles, and gearing up for the real deal on September 8.

With week 1 in the books, the competition at wide receiver seems to be more up in the air than ever. Anquan Boldin already seems to have an established chemistry with Kaepernick, which is great news moving forward, but after Boldin the depth chart looks unclear. Kyle Williams didn’t play last week as he continues to nurse a hamstring injury. Marlon Moore, Chad Hall, Kassim Osgood, and Austin Collie had solid games. AJ Jenkins, however, struggled. He saw his fair share of snaps, but was targeted just three times, and only had one reception. To make matters worse, on his one reception he promptly fumbled, accounting for one of the teams’ four turnovers. By all accounts Jenkins has the talent, but as of yet just hasn’t been able to put everything together. Keep a close eye on the receiving corp, Jenkins in particular, heading into week 2 against a lesser defense.

The competitions at free safety and cornerback continue as well, although both positions look far less muddled. At safety Craig Dahl started the game last week, but presumed starter Eric Reid had a strong debut, getting a lot of playing time and finishing with six tackles. Looking to step up for the injured cornerback Chris Culliver, the trio of Parrish Cox, Tramaine Brock, and Nnamdi Asomugha did well. The group will look to show what they’ve got against former teammate Alex Smith.

As a whole, expect to see slightly more playing time for all of the starters as everyone gets game ready for the regular season opener.

Vancouver offers fine dining at Bridges Restaurant

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photo (3)August 9, 2013

VANCOUVER, BC — For a first time traveler to Canada, Vancouver was a great place to dip my feet in and get a feel for the place. Just a mere two hours (unless you get stopped at the border… *grumble*) from Seattle, Vancouver had so much to offer. Upon first glance, it seemed it had the same two seasons you see in Illinois; Winter and Construction. Once you get through the traffic and avoid all the tourists, Vancouver became a beautiful and extraordinary place.

From the “stadium city”, where the Whitecaps, BC Lions, and Canucks play, the Science Centre where I learned far too much about sexuality, and Convention Centre where a Pokemon Championship was being held, there wasn’t a day I spent in Vancouver I wasn’t in awe. The hospitality provided was just as I hoped for, and our hosts at Bridges Restaurant were no exception!

Located on Duranleau Street in Vancouver, Bridges Restaurant welcomed the four of us with open arms and warm hearts. When I think “Bridges”, the first thing that comes to mind is Mrs. Doubtfire and Robin Williams, but now I have a whole new memory to recall. Our waitress, Nicole, was exceptional. She laughed with and at us, cracked jokes, and even participated in our radio show, to which we are very grateful! The owner, Damien, stopped by and told us his story on air and even threw in a few jabs about the Canucks and Sharks!

The food was, simply put, amazing. The entrees we had around the table all came out perfectly. Fresh Oysters, Caeser Salad with grilled prawns, Caprese Pizza, and the fish and chips, all brought smiles to our faces and filled our stomachs. But wait, there’s more! We couldn’t leave without getting dessert! I had hoped to get a small slice of chocolate cake, but that just wasn’t in the cards… Do you remember in the movie Matilda where that kid had to eat the entire chocolate cake in front of everyone? I swear, the cake was that big, but WOW was it good. It came with raspberry sauce and a blob of ice cream, and sadly, extra spoons for the vultures around the table. If you are ever in Vancouver, look up Bridges. Head to Duranleau street and check out the scene… you won’t be disappointed.

One of the great opportunities Sports Radio Service provides me is the chance to meet new people and go new places. Bridges Restaurant, Nicole and Damien, and Vancouver, British Columbia will forever be one of the first things that come to my mind when I think of this trip. Not the fact the SJ Earthquakes lost, not the traffic or rain, but the friendship we created with people who extended the hospitality to us and joined in on something we care about deeply. That’s one of the special things sports can offer you; the chance to go somewhere you’ve never been and bond and relate with people you’ve never met.

So thank you Nicole, thank you Damien, and thank you Bridges Restaurant. Like our former Governor once said, We’ll be back.

Visit Bridges Restaurant

Giants looking for a spark in D.C.

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By Morris Phillips

August 12, 2013

According to Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy, the Giants’ bats are ice cold right now.

The temperature for first pitch at Nationals Park on Tuesday night in steamy Washington D.C. should be around 83 degrees.

Could this convergence of circumstances bring about a change of fortunes for the NL West’s last place club? Probably not.

After losing two of three to the Orioles at AT&T Park over the weekend, the Giants are 15 ½ games behind the first place Dodgers and thinking of next year. The lineups Bochy’s been running out with Roger Kieschnick getting a look and Jeff Franceour frequently featured aren’t fortune changers. Instead, they’re audition lineups as the veteran manager scours his 25-man roster for any signs of life.

A matchup of two teams that made the post-season in 2012 doesn’t offer the same snap that it did just a year ago. The Nationals are just three games under .500 but sit 14 games behind the first-place Braves in the NL East. Bryce Harper’s been terrific for the Nats, and Stephen Strasburg struggled to find his form, but the major theme out of Washington is that their offense is as bad as the Giants.

So on the surface Tuesday’s matchup between Madison Bumgarner and Gio Gonzalez might not allow the bats to break out. But if we watch, we’ll watch for that: any signs of life from the woeful Giants or the disappointing Nationals.

First pitch comes at 4:05pm.

A’s take the series, defeat Jays 5-1

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By Jerry Feitelberg

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The Oakland A’s finished an unusual four game series with the Toronto Blue Jays by beating them 5-1 on Monday in Toronto. The series was unusual due to the fact that the fourth game of the series wrapped around the weekend and was played on Monday. Getaway games are not usually played on a Monday but there is a first for everything, I suppose.

The A’s came into the game having won two out of three from the Blue Jays. The A’s lost the second game of the series by just one run but winning three out of four on the road is not a bad thing. The A’s had Dan Straily on the hill and he was opposed by J.A.Happ. Happ was making his second start since coming off the disabled list. Straily,who had not completed five innings in each of his last three starts, was terrific as he went 7 1/3rd innings allowing just six hits and one run. Happ was just as good as he went seven innings allowing just three hits and one run. The game was to be decided by the bullpens as neither pitcher got a decision. The game summary follow below.

The A’s got off to a great start as Chris Young, hitting leadoff, blasted his tenth home run of the year to get it going for the A’s in the first inning.

Toronto tied the game in the bottom of the eighth. Straily retired the first batter in the eighth but Jose Reyes and Maicer Izturis singled to put men on at first and second. A’s Manager Bob Melvin brought in Ryan Cook to pitch. Cook was facing the always dangerous Jose Bautista. Bautista hit a ball that got by Alberto Callapso, playing third base, allowing Jose Ryes to score. The ball was originally ruled a hit by the official scorer but it was changed to an error later. Cook then retired the next to batters to end the inning. Game tied at one after eight innings.

They A’s broke it open in the ninth. The Jays brought their closer, Casey Janssen, in to pitch the ninth. The A’s roughed him up for four runs. Josh Donaldson singled to get things going in the ninth. Yoenis Cespedes the fouled out. Brandon Moss pinch hit for Nate Freiman and drilled a double down the right field line. The Jays walked Josh Reddick to load the bases. That brought up Callaspo. Callaspo atoned for his error as hit lined a double to right field that scored two runners. Catcher Stephen Vogt singled to drive in the third run of the inning. Eric Sogard then hit a sacrifice fly to bring in run number four of the inning. Sean Doolittle was brought in to close out the game. Doolittle Gave up a single with one out but retired the last two batter to secure the win for the A’s.

Ryan Cook got credit for the win while Casey Janssen took the loss for the Jays.

The A’s remain one game back of the Texas Rangers. The Rangers beat Houston Monday afternoon 2-1. The Astros travel to Oakland for a three game set starting Tuesday night at the O.Co Coliseum. 

SF Bulls Pick Up A Pair of Power Forwards in Perdicaro and Paquette

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SAN FRANCISCO –

By Kahlil Najar

The San Francisco Bulls announced today they have agreed to terms with center Anthony Perdicaro and right wing Danick Paquette.

Perdicaro comes from the Quad City Mallards of the CHL where he tallied 43 points in 44 games. He’s a big guy standing 6-foot, 2-inches tall and weighing in at 190-pounds. “I’m excited to get out there and play for Pat and the Bulls fans,” said Perdicaro. “After talking to Pat this summer, the Bulls seemed like the right fit. I’m ready to go and win some games. I’ve never played in a big city, mostly small towns. But coming from New York and Florida, it won’t be too big of an adjustment.”

Paquette, 23, was a third-round draft pick, 64th overall, of the Atlanta Thrashers in 2008. last season he split the season between the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League and the ECHL-champion Reading Royals. The 6-foot, 210-pound Montreal, Quebec native has played in six AHL games between the Chicago Wolves and Hershey. Paquette had 55 points (28 goals, 27 assists) and 466 penalty minutes in 131 career ECHL games with the Gwinnett Gladiators, South Carolina Stingrays, Utah Grizzlies, Chicago Express and Reading.

“Anthony brings skill and a physical style to our lineup,” said SF Bulls President and Head Coach Pat Curcio. “Last year he was a top player in the CHL and we are confident he’ll be a top player in the ECHL. We are excited to have Danick, who has the potential to get to the next level and the NHL. He’s a skillful power forward, who will fit well on our team this season.”