SportSpectator Blog

August 4, Week in Sports

::   MANNY RAMIREZ TRADED TO DODGERS (Pro. Baseball)

::   FAVRE REINSTATED IN NFL (Pro. Football)

::   U.S. BASKETBALL TEAM PREPS FOR OLYMPICS  (Pro. Basketball)

———-

MAN, OH MANNY! RED SOX SHIP RAMIREZ TO THE DODGERS

Manny Ramirez, the twelve-time All-Star who won two World Series championships with the Boston Red Sox, was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers just minutes before the MLB trading deadline on July 31st. Ramirez is one of the biggest names in the league, so his surprise move to Los Angeles is significant.

In the weeks leading up to the trading deadline, the relationship between Manny and the Red Sox got significantly worse. Manny publicly stated that the Red Sox didn’t deserve a player of his caliber, then half-heartedly played a week’s worth of games, then stated that he would like to be traded. In the end, he got his wish. The Red Sox, desperate to get rid of Ramirez, gave up the former World Series MVP for very little, though they landed Pirates outfielder Jason Bay as part of the deal sending Manny to L.A.

Future Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. was traded the same morning, moving from the Cincinnati Reds to the Chicago White Sox.

Quote of the Week: “I like this city, the environment, the energy in the fans. I think that I’ll play here for the remainder of my career.” — Manny Ramirez, on the city of Los Angeles

Further Reading: ”Manny, Junior relocate” — Derrick Goold, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

———-

HE’S BACK…FAVRE’S RETURN TO NFL OFFICIAL

In the latest development in the Brett Favre soap opera, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell officially reinstated the Green Bay Packers quarterback on Sunday.

Over the past few weeks, Favre has made it clear that he wants to come out of his brief retirement to play again this year. Now that Goodell has reinstated him, Favre is officially back in the league. However, Goodell’s decision in no way answers the question on everyone’s mind: where is Brett Favre going to play this year? The Packers have made it clear that they are reluctant to bring Favre back–even reportedly going so far as to offer him $25 million to stay retired. But it looks like Favre will reject that deal, in which case the Packers are going to have to make up their minds by either welcoming him back on the team or trading him. Goodell’s decision to reinstate Favre is expected to force Packers management to make a decision this week.

Quote of the Week: “The Brett Favre saga has gone on for so long now, that it actually causes physical pain to hear mention of his name. If NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has his way, though, the beginning of the end to the nauseating Favre-Packers standoff will mercifully start early next week.” — Marcel Mutoni, Deadspin

Further Reading: ”Goodell Reinstates Favre” — ESPN

———-

THE RETURN OF THE ‘DREAM TEAM’?

On Sunday, the U.S. Olympic team beat the Russian squad in an exhibition game meant as a warm-up for the upcoming Olympics in Beijing. The U.S. team, exclusively composed of players from the NBA, has its sights set on the gold medal.

In 1992, the U.S. basketball team, nicknamed the “Dream Team,” completely dominated the competition. That domination continued until 2004, when the American team was knocked off its pedestal–an embarrassment, considering the team was stacked with the best players in the world. Since then, the U.S. team has played like they have something to prove. This year’s squad is the team to beat in Beijing. The players include the likes of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmello Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul, among others.

That’s not as good as the 1992 Dream Team (which included Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Charles Barkley), but if this year’s team plays with a chip on their shoulder, look for them to put up some fireworks later this month.

Quote of the Week: “Yes, they’re the favorites. No, they don’t expect to be crowned Dream Team 2.0 without having earned it.” — Chris Sheridan, ESPN

Further Reading: ”Kobe scores 19 as US thwarts Russia” — Associated Press, via ESPN

———-

WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

:: GOLF: The PGA Championship, the last Golf Major of the year, takes place this week.

:: OLYMPICS: The Opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing is Friday, August 8th. From then until August 24th, the Olympics will be the focus of the sporting world’s attention.

———-

ALL-SPORTS UPDATE

ACTIVE SEASON

:: BASEBALL

MLB (Pro. Baseball): As the second half of the season moves forward, teams will be jockeying for spots in the post-season–either by winning their division, or by taking the Wild Card spot. [Official MLB Website]

———-

:: GOLF

MEN’S GOLF: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments are the four Major Championships: The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open (The British Open), and the PGA Championship. The PGA Championship takes place this week. [Official PGA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson

———-

:: TENNIS

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments are the four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. [USTA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic

———-

OFFSEASON

:: BASKETBALL

NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL (College): Now that the tournament is over, college basketball news will focus on which players leave their schools for the NBA, and which college teams land the premier high-school players for next season. [CBS Sports]

———-

:: FOOTBALL

NFL (Pro. Football): The pre-season runs through August, and the regular season begins in September. [Official NFL Website]

NCAA FOOTBALL (College): Practice sessions for college football begin in summer, and the regular season begins in August. [NCAA Football, ESPN]

———-

:: HOCKEY

NHL (Pro. Hockey): The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals, completing the 2007-08 season. [Official NHL Website]

———-

:: BASKETBALL

NBA (Pro. Basketball): The Celtics defeated the Lakers to win the NBA Finals, ending the 2008 season.  [Official NBA Website]

July 28, Week in Sports

::   JIMMIE JOHNSON WINS AT THE BRICKYARD (NASCAR)

::   SASTRE WINS TOUR DE FRANCE (Pro. Cycling)

::   UNDERDOG ANTONIO MARGARITO BEATS MIGUEL COTTO BY TKO  (Pro. Boxing)

———-

YAWN… TIRE ISSUES PLAGUE BRICKYARD RACE

On Sunday afternoon, Jimmie Johnson finished in first place at the Brickyard–a high-profile NASCAR race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This was Johnson’s 2nd career victory at the Brickyard, having first won in 2006.

However, the big story of the day was the tire troubles experienced by all of the drivers, including Johnson. Evidently, the rubber on the Goodyear tires was wearing down on all of the cars as a result of the track, the composition of the tires, and the new cars. In the end, drivers were unable to push their cars to the maximum speed, and caution flags (limiting the drivers’ speeds) were out for the vast majority of the race.

The result? A slow-paced, dull event in a sport whose popularity is based on high-speed, aggressive driving, and high-intensity racing.

Quote of the Week: “I don’t think anyone could push their car as hard as they would have liked to, today. I was patient as I ever was in any other race. When I wanted to run hard, I could look like I was 20 mph better than anyone else, but I knew I was going to pay for it in the end.” — Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver

Further Reading: ”JJ Embraces Pit-Yard” — Associated Press, via ESPN

———-

SASTRE CLIMBS TO TOUR TITLE

33-year old Spaniard Carlos Sastre won the Tour de France on Sunday, cruising into Paris with a narrow 58-second lead. The Tour de France is the most prestigious and historic cycling event of the year.

This is the second year in a row that the Tour de France winner has claimed victory by less than a minute. It is also the third year in a row that Spain has won the event. Sastre’s victory locked up yet another significant international sporting event for Spain, which has already produced wins at Wimbledon and Euro 2008.

As per usual, this year’s Tour de France was marred by doping. Alberto Contador, last year’s winner, and his team were barred from competition after former team members were charged with doping. Four riders this year where eliminated from the event for doping.

Quote of the Week: “These guys are crazy, and the sooner they start learning, the better.” — International Cycling Union Chief Pat McQuaid, on doping in cycling

Further Reading: ”Spain’s Sastre wins Tour de France” — CNN

———-

COTTO DESTROYED BY “TIJUANA TORNADO”

Antonio Margarito–the “Tijuana Tornado”–defeated Miguel Cotto in the 11th round of a highly-anticipated boxing match, which took place on Saturday night. It was the first loss that Cotto has sustained as a professional boxer.

While the popularity of boxing has declined in the United States, it has continued to produce some of the fiercest international rivalries in sports, and perhaps the biggest boxing rivalry of all stands between Mexico and Puerto Rico. That was certainly the case on Saturday night as Margarito (Mexico) and Cotto (Puerto Rico) gave viewers across the world an electric show. After Margarito knocked down Cotto twice in the 11th round, Cotto’s trainer threw in the towel.

Though Margarito steadily broke down Cotto throughout the course of the fight, Cotto is one of the greatest active boxers in the world and continued to keep the match close. When, in the 11th, Margarito won the fight by TKO, he was technically only winning the match by a couple of points.

Quote of the Week: “He never hurt me…. I got him with body shots, and then I hit him in the head, and then I knocked him out.” — Antonio Margarito

Further Reading: ”One to Remember” — Dan Rafael, ESPN

———-

WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

:: BASEBALL — The trading deadline for Major League Baseball is July 31st. There have already been several big trades this year, but every year the teams who have dropped out of the playoff race take the opportunity to trade off some of their star players.

:: FOOTBALL — The NFL pre-season begins on August 3rd. The outcome of the game is inconsequential, but it will effectively launch the country into the hype surrounding America’s most popular sport.

———-

ALL-SPORTS UPDATE

ACTIVE SEASON

:: BASEBALL

MLB (Pro. Baseball): As the second half of the season moves forward, teams will be jockeying for spots in the post-season–either by winning their division, or by taking the Wild Card spot. [Official MLB Website]

———-

:: GOLF

MEN’S GOLF: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments are the four Major Championships: The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open (The British Open), and the PGA Championship. The next event is the PGA Championship, which takes place in August. [Official PGA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson

———-

:: TENNIS

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments are the four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. [USTA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic

———-

OFFSEASON

:: BASKETBALL

NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL (College): Now that the tournament is over, college basketball news will focus on which players leave their schools for the NBA, and which college teams land the premier high-school players for next season. [CBS Sports]

———-

:: FOOTBALL

NFL (Pro. Football): The pre-season begins in August, and the regular season begins in September. [Official NFL Website]

NCAA FOOTBALL (College): Practice sessions for college football begin in summer, and the regular season begins in August. [NCAA Football, ESPN]

———-

:: HOCKEY

NHL (Pro. Hockey): The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals, completing the 2007-08 season. [Official NHL Website]

———-

:: BASKETBALL

NBA (Pro. Basketball): The Celtics defeated the Lakers to win the NBA Finals, ending the 2008 season.  [Official NBA Website]

July 21, Week in Sports

::   PADRAIG HARRINGTON WINS BRITISH OPEN (Pro. Golf)

::   AMERICAN LEAGUE WINS ALL-STAR GAME (Pro. Baseball)

::   JOSH HAMILTON SETS RECORD IN HOME RUN DERBY  (Pro. Baseball)

———-

DOUBLE YOUR PLEASURE: HARRINGTON DEFENDS OPEN TITLE

On Sunday afternoon, Padraig Harrington won the British Open–one of the four Major Championships in professional golf. Harrington’s win was especially impressive because he also won the Open in 2007; no European player in more than 100 years has produced back-to-back victories at the Open. On top of it all, Harrington won the championship while playing with an injury.

With Tiger Woods out for the season with an injury, everyone knew that there might be some surprising names at the top of the leaderboard at the Open. However, none of those names was more surprising than that of Greg “the Shark” Norman. The 53-year old Norman, once one of the world’s best golfers, is no longer perceived as a real threat in the golfing world. However, Norman was winning the tournament going into Sunday’s final round, before he dropped a number of strokes due to the rough winds and tough playing conditions.

After Harrington’s victory at the Open, there is only one Major Championship remaining–the PGA Championship, which is played in August.

Quote of the Week: “Padraig played brilliantly today, even though he tried to let it get away in the middle of the round. He came back and performed brilliantly, and he finished like a true champion.” — Greg Norman

Further Reading: ”As Norman fades, Harrington cruises to second British title” — Associated Press, via USA Today

———-

WAY PAST BEDTIME: AL DEFEATS NL IN 15 INNING ALL-STAR GAME

The American League won the 2008 All-Star Game, defeating the National League by a score of 4-3 in the 15th inning. The American League has not lost to the National League in more than a decade.

The game was a record five-hour stalemate, with both teams threatening to break the 3-3 tie multiple times before Justin Morneau ultimately scored the winning run on a sacrifice fly. Both teams used every single available player on their rosters, and both teams were running out of pitchers as the clock ticked closer to 2 a.m.

Since the American League won the game, whichever American League team advances to the World Series this year will have home field advantage.

Quote of the Week: “I know I’ve never been so happy to score a run. The Red Bull started to wear off in the 12th.” — Justin Morneau, All-Star player

Further Reading: ”A Starry night to remember in New York” — Bob Nightengale, USA Today

———-

JUST JOSHING AROUND

During the first round of Monday’s Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium, Josh Hamilton hit 28 home runs, setting a new record for the event.

Home Run Derby is purely an exhibition event, intended to give the sport’s biggest sluggers the chance to hit some impressive home runs. While it generally draws a decent amount of attention, the event itself typically tends to draw an unenthusiastic response from fans. Suffice to say, fans and players alike were astonished by Hamilton’s record-setting first round, in which three of his 28 home runs were 500 plus-foot monster shots to the furthest depths of Yankee Stadium. Hamilton, who plays for the Texas Rangers, has been one of the most inspirational stories this year. Just years ago, almost everyone had given up on Hamilton when his life collapsed due to his severe drug abuse. He has since cleaned himself up, fought his way to the major leagues, and having a truly outstanding season in Texas.

Ironically, Hamilton did not actually win the Home Run Derby. Since they reset the number of home runs, Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins was able to claim the victory. However, Hamilton’s first round performance will surely be the only thing that people remember about the 2008 Home Run Derby.

Quote of the Week: “It does seem kind of unfair that he didn’t get to win the whole thing. Anyone who was here won’t forget that performance.” — Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins

Further Reading: ”Hamilton hits record 28 HRs in Derby first round” — Associated Press, via ESPN

———-

WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

:: FOOTBALL — The Brett Favre saga will likely continue this week. Brett Favre appeared on national TV last week, defending his desire to return to play football this year. However, Favre and the Packers management are butting heads over the issue and it has not been resolved. In any case, the developments in the Favre situation will immediately become big news as they occur.

———-

ALL-SPORTS UPDATE

ACTIVE SEASON

:: BASEBALL

MLB (Pro. Baseball): As the second half of the season moves forward, teams will be jockeying for spots in the post-season–either by winning their division, or by taking the Wild Card spot. [Official MLB Website]

———-

:: GOLF

MEN’S GOLF: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments are the four Major Championships: The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open (The British Open), and the PGA Championship. The next event is the PGA Championship, which takes place in August. [Official PGA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson

———-

:: TENNIS

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments are the four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. [USTA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic

———-

OFFSEASON

:: BASKETBALL

NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL (College): Now that the tournament is over, college basketball news will focus on which players leave their schools for the NBA, and which college teams land the premier high-school players for next season. [CBS Sports]

———-

:: FOOTBALL

NFL (Pro. Football): The pre-season begins in August, and the regular season begins in September. [Official NFL Website]

NCAA FOOTBALL (College): Practice sessions for college football begin in summer, and the regular season begins in August. [NCAA Football, ESPN]

———-

:: HOCKEY

NHL (Pro. Hockey): The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals, completing the 2007-08 season. [Official NHL Website]

———-

:: BASKETBALL

NBA (Pro. Basketball): The Celtics defeated the Lakers to win the NBA Finals, ending the 2008 season.  [Official NBA Website]

July 14, Week in Sports

::   BRETT FAVRE RUMORS HEAT UP (Pro. Football)

::   SABATHIA, HARDEN TRADED TO BREWERS, CUBS (Pro. Baseball)

::   ALL-STAR BREAK IN THE BRONX (Pro. Baseball)

———-

BACK ALREADY? BRETT FAVRE REPORTEDLY SET TO UN-RETIRE

Brett Favre, who retired from the NFL at a tearful press conference in March, is reportedly thinking about coming back to play in the 2008 season. Favre is the winningest QB in the history of the league.

In Green Bay, where Favre forged a career as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Packers history, Favre is treated like a hero and a living legend. However, when he retired in March, the Packers organization was forced to move on–promoting long-time backup Aaron Rodgers to the starting position, and drafting Brian Brohm in the second round of the NFL Draft. Favre’s sudden desire to return puts the Packers organization in an uncomfortable position. If they re-install Favre on the roster, they could improve their chances of winning the Super Bowl in 2008, but they would also stunt the long-term growth of the team by keeping the team’s future leaders on the bench for another season. However, if they do not bring back Favre, the Packers will almost certainly be less successful this year, it would look like they were slighting their legendary quarterback, and they might even have to trade Favre to a rival team.

The Packers organization has refused to release Brett Favre from his contract, and it was reported that they offered him a spot on the Packers roster as a backup to Aaron Rodgers (although Packers management later denied the “backup” offer). One thing is for sure: with training camp just weeks away, the Brett Favre story line will continue to get more interesting, and if Favre ends up playing for a different team, it would be the biggest story in the NFL this year.

Quote of the Week: “We don’t know where everything is going to go. It’s been a distraction. It’s been a distraction for our fans. I’m trying to stay steady and do the right things for the Packers and do the right thing for Brett Favre.” — Packers GM Ted Thompson

Further Reading: ”Thompson won’t cut Favre, but GM deflects blame in ordeal” — Tom Pelissero, Green-Bay Press Gazette, via USA Today

———-

KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES; BREWERS, CUBS MAKE MAJOR TRADES

Last Monday, the Milwaukee Brewers acquired CC Sabathia, one of the best pitchers in baseball, through a trade with the Cleveland Indians. Not to be outdone, the Chicago Cubs (who compete in the same division as the Brewers) landed Rich Harden, an ace from the Oakland Athletics, the very next day.

Every year, major baseball trades are made around the middle of July, since teams are only allowed to trade up until July 31st. These two trades were significant, not only because they involved two high-profile players, but also because the Cubs and Brewers are expected to be in a close race to make the playoffs. While the Cubs have the best record in baseball, the NL Central is expected to have one of the most competitive playoff races down the stretch. Now, with two of the game’s top pitchers moving to that division, analysts are expecting the next two months to be a neck-and-neck race between the Brewers and Cubs.

Both Sabathia and Harden have pitched for their new teams, and both pitchers looked to be in excellent form. Last year, Sabathia won the NL Cy Young award–the highest honor for any individual pitcher. Harden, who has suffered from injuries of late, is also regarded as one of the best in the game.

Quote of the Week: “I’d say we’re going for it. That’s the way I look at it.” — Doug Melvin, Brewers GM

Further Reading: ”CC Sabathia deal notable as he goes to smaller-market team” — Phil Rogers, Chicago Tribune

———-

THE HOUSE THAT RUTH BUILT, PACKED WITH STARS

The 2008 All-Star Game will take place on Tuesday, July 16th at Yankee Stadium. The All-Star Game pits the best players from the National League against the best players from the American League. The winning league secures home field advantage for its representative in the World Series.

The All-Star Game, though essentially an exhibition game, is an extravagant affair. This year, the game has an added significance because of the fact that it is being hosted at historic Yankee Stadium. This is the Yankees’ final year at the stadium, a veritable baseball shrine where all-time greats like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, and Joe Dimaggio made names for themselves. Next year, the Yankees will move into their new stadium, which is currently being constructed across the street from the current one.

While Tuesday night’s game is the main event of the All-Star break, there are other exhibition events as well. The Home Run Derby will be held on Monday night, when the league’s top sluggers will blast so many dingers out of Yankee Stadium, it would make the Babe himself blush.

Quote of the Week: “[It has] been one of the most stupendous, unpredictable baseball seasons in eons.” — Jayson Stark, ESPN analyst, evaluating the baseball season so far

Further Reading: ”At the Half” — Jayson Stark, ESPN

———-

WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

:: BASEBALL — This week is the All-Star break for Major League Baseball. Monday night is the Home Run Derby event. On Tuesday night, the All-Stars in the National League and American League will fight it out for home field advantage in the World Series.

:: GOLF — The Open, one of the four Major Championships in professional golf, will be played July 17-20 in England. With Tiger Woods out for the season, it’s a level playing field.

———-

ALL-SPORTS UPDATE

ACTIVE SEASON

:: BASEBALL

MLB (Pro. Baseball): The All-Star break takes place this week. The All-Star game is essentially the halfway point of the season, and from now until October, teams will be fighting for spots in the playoffs. [Official MLB Website]

———-

:: GOLF

MEN’S GOLF: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments are the four Major Championships: The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open (The British Open), and the PGA Championship. Now that the U.S. Open is over, the next event is the Open (also known as the British Open), which is played July 17-20. [Official PGA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson

———-

:: TENNIS

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments of the year are the four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. [USTA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic

———-

OFFSEASON

:: BASKETBALL

NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL (College): Now that the tournament is over, college basketball news will focus on which players leave their schools for the NBA, and which college teams land the premier high-school players for next season. [CBS Sports]

———-

:: FOOTBALL

NFL (Pro. Football): The pre-season begins in August, and the regular season begins in September. [Official NFL Website]

NCAA FOOTBALL (College): Practice sessions for college football begin in summer, and the regular season begins in August. [NCAA Football, ESPN]

———-

:: HOCKEY

NHL (Pro. Hockey): The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals, completing the 2007-08 season. [Official NHL Website]

———-

:: BASKETBALL

NBA (Pro. Basketball): The Celtics defeated the Lakers to win the NBA Finals, ending the 2008 season.  [Official NBA Website]

July 7, Week in Sports

::   NADAL BEATS FEDERER TO WIN WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIP (Tennis)

::   VENUS WILLIAMS TOPS SERENA FOR WIMBLEDON CHAMPIONSHIP (Tennis)

::   ALL-STAR ROSTERS ANNOUNCED (Pro. Baseball)

———-

NADAL NETS MAJOR WIN

Rafael Nadal defeated his arch rival (and number one player in the world) Roger Federer to win the gentlemen’s singles championship at Wimbledon. The match, the longest in Wimbledon history, was an epic back-and-forth affair between two players at their best–an instant classic.

While Nadal has defeated Federer in the past, this victory is even more significant because it took place on the grass court at Wimbledon. Historically, Federer has been unbeatable on grass courts, while Nadal has excelled on clay courts. That, combined with the fact that Federer has won Wimbledon the last five years, makes Nadal’s victory all the more impressive. For those who felt like Federer’s dominant career is on the decline, Sunday’s title match is, perhaps, evidence of a “changing of the guard.”

Nadal won the French Open earlier this year. With Sunday’s title win at Wimbledon, Nadal became the first player to win both of those Grand Slam events since Bjorn Borg in 1980.

Quote of the Week: ”The greatest match I’ve ever seen.” — John McEnroe, former player

Further Reading: ”Nadal Outlasts Federer in Thrilling Wimbledon Final” — Associated Press, via USA Today

———-

BIG SISTER, BIG WINNER

Venus Williams won the ladies’ singles championship at Wimbledon on Saturday, defeating her sister Serena 7-5, 6-4. Venus was the defending champion at Wimbledon, and with Saturday’s win, she has collected a total of 5 titles at the All England Club.

The Williams sisters have now played against each other in 7 final rounds of major tournaments. For the most part, little sister Serena has dominated Venus in head-to-head situations with the title on the line, having won 5 of the 7 match-ups. But on Saturday, the spotlight belonged to Venus, who was forced to tone down any celebrations out of respect for her sister.

Later in the day, Venus and Serena both had the opportunity to celebrate as Wimbledon winners–this time after winning the doubles championship, playing as a team.

Quote of the Week: “That was a difficult one to watch. You feel happy that the one won it, but you feel so bad because there has to be a loser, too.” — Oracene Price, Venus and Serena’s mother

Further Reading: ”All-Williams Wimbledon Final Is All Venus” — Christoper Clarey, New York Times

———-

MLB ALL-STARS, BIG APPLE BOUND

Major League Baseball announced the rosters for this year’s All-Star game, which will be played on July 15th. The starters for the All-Star game are voted in by fans.

The All-Star game is a major event in the baseball season. While all four major professional sports have All-Star games, the MLB All-Star game is the only one that actually has a major impact on the actual season. The game pits the stars from the American League against the players in the National League, and whichever league wins gets home field advantage during the World Series. This year, the event will be hosted at Yankee Stadium, which will be demolished at the end of the season, since the Yankees’ future stadium is currently under construction.

The Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs have the most All-Stars this year. Both the NL and the AL each have one roster spot remaining, and fans can vote on www.mlb.com to pick the two remaining players.

Quote of the Week: “It’s more than just an All-Star Game, it’s like a celebration of Yankee Stadium.” — Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter

Further Reading: “Red Sox, Cubs lead All-Star rosters” — Associated Press, via ESPN

———-

WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK

:: CYCLING — The Tour de France began this weekend. The race, the pinnacle of the cycling season, runs through July 27th.

———-

ALL-SPORTS UPDATE

ACTIVE SEASON

:: BASEBALL

MLB (Pro. Baseball): Baseball season is in full swing, but it is a long season, and teams tend to measure their success month by month. The All-Star break takes place the second week of July. By then, teams’ records will be a good indicator of how well they are performing this season. [Official MLB Website]

———-

:: GOLF

MEN’S GOLF: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments are the four Major Championships: The Masters, U.S. Open, The Open (The British Open), and the PGA Championship. Now that the U.S. Open is over, the next event is the Open (also known as the British Open), which is played in July. [Official PGA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson

———-

:: TENNIS

MEN’S AND WOMEN’S TENNIS: While there are professional tournaments throughout the year, the most important tournaments of the year are the four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. [USTA Website]

NOTABLE PLAYERS: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic

———-

OFFSEASON

:: BASKETBALL

NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL (College): Now that the tournament is over, college basketball news will focus on which players leave their schools for the NBA, and which college teams land the premier high-school players for next season. [CBS Sports]

———-

:: FOOTBALL

NFL (Pro. Football): The pre-season begins in August, and the regular season begins in September. [Official NFL Website]

NCAA FOOTBALL (College): Practice sessions for college football begin in summer, and the regular season begins in August. [NCAA Football, ESPN]

———-

:: HOCKEY

NHL (Pro. Hockey): The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals, completing the 2007-08 season. [Official NHL Website]

———-

:: BASKETBALL

NBA (Pro. Basketball): The Celtics defeated the Lakers to win the NBA Finals, ending the 2008 season.  [Official NBA Website]