By: Lily Zhao
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Top-ranked Boston College dominates Minnesota-Duluth for a berth in the Frozen Four
By: Lily Zhao
For more on the Northeast Region finals between the Eagles and Bulldogs, read the game recap here: http://www.golocalworcester.com/sports/boston-college-shuts-out-minnesota-duluth-for-frozen-four/
By: Lily Zhao
For more on the Northeast Region finals between the Eagles and Bulldogs, read the game recap here: http://www.golocalworcester.com/sports/boston-college-shuts-out-minnesota-duluth-for-frozen-four/
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Defending National Champion Minnesota-Duluth takes on Top-Ranked Boston College for the Northeast Region Crown
By: Lily Zhao
It's a battle between the last two NCAA National Champions. Both teams have high-powered offenses and stout defenses.
The last time these two teams met was in 2003, and BC has the edge in the all-time series.
Here's the preview for the Northeast Final match-up between the Bulldogs and the Eagles:
http://www.golocalworcester.com/sports/minnesota-duluth-and-boston-college-fight-for-a-spot-in-the-frozen-four/
By: Lily Zhao
It's a battle between the last two NCAA National Champions. Both teams have high-powered offenses and stout defenses.The last time these two teams met was in 2003, and BC has the edge in the all-time series.
Here's the preview for the Northeast Final match-up between the Bulldogs and the Eagles:
http://www.golocalworcester.com/sports/minnesota-duluth-and-boston-college-fight-for-a-spot-in-the-frozen-four/
NCAA Hockey Regionals from Worcester
By: Lily Zhao
Top-ranked Boston College takes on Air Force, and defending champion Minnesota-Duluth faces off against Maine in the Northeast Region's semifinals.
For more on what happened in Worcester last night, read my game recaps here: http://www.golocalworcester.com/sports/top-ranked-boston-college-soars-over-air-force/
By: Lily Zhao
For more on what happened in Worcester last night, read my game recaps here: http://www.golocalworcester.com/sports/top-ranked-boston-college-soars-over-air-force/
Monday, March 19, 2012
Jimmy Rollins, the Masterful Thief
By: Lily Zhao
There's an ongoing crime wave in baseball, and Philadelphia Phillies Jimmy Rollins is right in the thick of it. Runners like him are stealing... well, stealing bases that is.
For the past couple of years, base stealers like Rollins have been changing the game of baseball. The sport is slowly moving away from purely muscle and power, to one of quickness and stealth.
The three-time Gold Glove and former MVP shortstop entered his rookie season in 2001 and accumulated one of his most successful seasons yet. That year, he stole 46 bases and along with it, stole America's heart.
From then on, Rollins was known as That Guy, the one who stole lots of bases and got away with it. But the 33-year-old ball player isn't just quick, he's efficient.
Entering his 2011 season, Rollins had stolen 343 bases against just 70 times being caught, for an astounding 83.05% success rate. His rate of success ranked him 15th all time in baseball history for anyone with 400 attempts or more.
Rollins said his technique takes time and practice.
"You have to study, you have to know who is behind the plate, the situation, the hitter," Rollins said. "You [have to] know what the count on the batter is because that might dictate what he throws, so you [have to] take that all into consideration."
All this preparation starts in the clubhouse before games, where he evaluates the opposing pitcher's habits. He then analyzes the speed and accuracy of the opposing catcher's throws to second base, since that will determine how long he will actually have to get to that base.
"You go out there, you've done your homework, you get your read and if you see a sign that you know you've been studying, you take off," Rollins said.
But, that's if everything works out perfectly. Sometimes the key is to just wing it and go.
"Sometimes you throw it out the window," he said. "You know at the game and it's on the line and the situation calls for it... but you better be safe, you know, the more you're out, the more you cost your team some runs."
But, as he got older and his legs slowed, the questions and doubts fans had about Rollins' potential upside was amassing. In 2010, those doubts came to a head.
That season, Rollins missed nearly three months of action due to calf, hamstring and foot injuries. In his 350 at-bats, he hit just .243 with eight home runs. However, what was more damaging was the number of bases he stole that year: 17. That was a significant decline from 2009, where Rollins stole almost double that amount, despite having another bad offensive season on top of that.
From then on, Rollins was forced to face many detractors. He doesn't get on base enough. He pops up too much. He tends to swing too early in the count. Five years removed from his MVP, he's still trying to be That Guy.
But this season, with many questions about what the Phillies' infield will even look like--key players Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are still injured--Rollins wants to be that guy to step up.
He wants to be that guy who can steal bases again, but most importantly steal back America's heart.
CLICK BELOW to hear what Rollins had to say about his expectations for himself and his team this season:
By: Lily Zhao
There's an ongoing crime wave in baseball, and Philadelphia Phillies Jimmy Rollins is right in the thick of it. Runners like him are stealing... well, stealing bases that is.
 |
| (danny-wild.com) |
The three-time Gold Glove and former MVP shortstop entered his rookie season in 2001 and accumulated one of his most successful seasons yet. That year, he stole 46 bases and along with it, stole America's heart.
From then on, Rollins was known as That Guy, the one who stole lots of bases and got away with it. But the 33-year-old ball player isn't just quick, he's efficient.
Entering his 2011 season, Rollins had stolen 343 bases against just 70 times being caught, for an astounding 83.05% success rate. His rate of success ranked him 15th all time in baseball history for anyone with 400 attempts or more.
 |
| (nextlevelballplayer.com) |
Rollins said his technique takes time and practice.
"You have to study, you have to know who is behind the plate, the situation, the hitter," Rollins said. "You [have to] know what the count on the batter is because that might dictate what he throws, so you [have to] take that all into consideration."
All this preparation starts in the clubhouse before games, where he evaluates the opposing pitcher's habits. He then analyzes the speed and accuracy of the opposing catcher's throws to second base, since that will determine how long he will actually have to get to that base.
"You go out there, you've done your homework, you get your read and if you see a sign that you know you've been studying, you take off," Rollins said.
But, that's if everything works out perfectly. Sometimes the key is to just wing it and go.
"Sometimes you throw it out the window," he said. "You know at the game and it's on the line and the situation calls for it... but you better be safe, you know, the more you're out, the more you cost your team some runs."
But, as he got older and his legs slowed, the questions and doubts fans had about Rollins' potential upside was amassing. In 2010, those doubts came to a head.
 |
| (usatoday.com) |
From then on, Rollins was forced to face many detractors. He doesn't get on base enough. He pops up too much. He tends to swing too early in the count. Five years removed from his MVP, he's still trying to be That Guy.
But this season, with many questions about what the Phillies' infield will even look like--key players Chase Utley and Ryan Howard are still injured--Rollins wants to be that guy to step up.
He wants to be that guy who can steal bases again, but most importantly steal back America's heart.
CLICK BELOW to hear what Rollins had to say about his expectations for himself and his team this season:
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Gators send Norfolk St. back to Earth, dominate 84-50
By: Lily Zhao
When the clock ran out, so did the hopes of upset-minded Norfolk State.
No No. 15 seed has ever made it to the Sweet Sixteen, and the Spartans were no different.
Up 6-4 early in the first quarter, the Florida Gators went on a 25-0 run full of stifling defense, back-to-back three's and domination of the boards.
Kenny Boynton scored 20 points as the Gators' balanced attack led to an 84-50 dominating win against the Cinderella Spartans. This is the second straight year that Billy Donovan's club has reached the regional semifinals.
The Gators relied on the law of averages. Having made only 4-of-23 3-pointers against Virginia on Friday, the Gators made sure to make the pendulum swing the opposite way in this game, making 10 three's on the night.
While Norfolk State shook up the West Regional with an upset of No. 2 seed Missouri, the Spartan's inability to get out of foul trouble and sink shots led to a 28 point deficit at halftime.
In the second half, things would get no better. Kyle O'Quinn the heralded star in the Spartan's 63-61 win last Friday, did not show up when he was needed. O'Quinn ended the game with a disappointing 4 points and 3 rebounds.
Florida led by as many as 38 points as five Gators finished in double figures. Along with Boynton, Erving Walker had 15 points, Bradley Beal scored 14, Mike Rosario scored 12 and Erik Murphy contributed 10.
With this win, the Gators are off to Phoenix to face No. 3 seeded Marquette this Thursday.
By: Lily Zhao
 |
| (Eric Francis/Getty Images) |
No No. 15 seed has ever made it to the Sweet Sixteen, and the Spartans were no different.
Up 6-4 early in the first quarter, the Florida Gators went on a 25-0 run full of stifling defense, back-to-back three's and domination of the boards.
Kenny Boynton scored 20 points as the Gators' balanced attack led to an 84-50 dominating win against the Cinderella Spartans. This is the second straight year that Billy Donovan's club has reached the regional semifinals.
The Gators relied on the law of averages. Having made only 4-of-23 3-pointers against Virginia on Friday, the Gators made sure to make the pendulum swing the opposite way in this game, making 10 three's on the night.
While Norfolk State shook up the West Regional with an upset of No. 2 seed Missouri, the Spartan's inability to get out of foul trouble and sink shots led to a 28 point deficit at halftime.
In the second half, things would get no better. Kyle O'Quinn the heralded star in the Spartan's 63-61 win last Friday, did not show up when he was needed. O'Quinn ended the game with a disappointing 4 points and 3 rebounds.
Florida led by as many as 38 points as five Gators finished in double figures. Along with Boynton, Erving Walker had 15 points, Bradley Beal scored 14, Mike Rosario scored 12 and Erik Murphy contributed 10.
With this win, the Gators are off to Phoenix to face No. 3 seeded Marquette this Thursday.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
First Week of Spring Training: Philadelphia Phillies
By: Lily Zhao
SEASON PREVIEW: The 2011 Philadelphia Phillies set a franchise record of 102 victories, winning the NL East division for the fifth straight year. With the return of aces Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels, the Phillies will be strong on the mound once again. A strong veteran core returns, but the team is aging and still plagued by injuries. Star slugger Ryan Howard is recovering from his last Achilles tendon tear, while second baseman Chase Utley is battling knee problems. This season, the NL East looks to be top heavy. Aside from the Phillies, the Atlanta Braves bring in a strong pitching staff, but questions remain if young hitters Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman can generate enough offense. There is also excitement from Miami Marlins fans. With the signing of Jose Reyes, a brand new name, manager, ballpark and higher expectations, it seems the Marlins are serious in being competitive in the league.
ON THE MOVE: Catcher Sebastian Valle's statistics last season were sufficient enough to supplant himself as Carlos Ruiz's possible replacement. With Ruiz likely to become a free agent after the 2012 season, Valle's defensive upside and work ethic is an encouraging sign for Phillies fans.
Phillippe Aumont is another player looking to make a splash this season. He was one of the players Philadelphia received when they traded Cliff Lee to the Mariners after the 2009 season. He initially struggled to adapt to the major leagues, but in a relief role last season, dominated with his fastball and curveball.
KEY BATTLE: Pitcher Dontrelle Willis is also bidding for a starting position in an already star-studded pitching rotation. Signing Willis was a low risk move for manager Charlie Manuel, but it is still to be seen if Willis can be the player of old. In less than two innings during last Tuesday's game against the Houston Astros, he gave up five hits and five earned runs. Willis is also nursing a sore forearm which is affecting his ball delivery.
NEW FACES: Boston Red Sox fans can now see Jonathan Papelbon closing another door. After many years under the microscope in Boston, the closer is able to get a fresh start in Philadelphia. Papelbon signed a four year, $50 million contract and has already taken a step forward in Philly by pleasing the fans.
For those Phillies fans who remember Jim Thome, voted the nicest man in the MLB, he's back in the lineup. His second stint in Philadelphia includes a $1.25 million, one-year contract. Manuel's plan is to slowly get Thome back in the rotation. The 41-year-old hit .256 with 15 home runs and 50 RBIs with the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indian last season. Thome will be expected to add power off the bench and could be called upon to play first base because of the injury to Howard.
BREAKING OUT: John Mayberry Jr. who hit 15 home runs last season in just 267 at-bats will be expected to fill the void that Raul Ibanez left. The Phillies need a right-handed power player to balance out a very left-handed lineup. Mayberry's maturity and development last season helped him move forward in plate development and refining his swing. For a team that is aging and needs a spark of offense, Mayberry could very well make 2012 his breakout year.
ALL EYES ON: As good as the trio of Halladay, Lee and Hamels are, the Phillies will need to get production out of their fourth and fifth starters. The final two spots will presumably go to Vance Worley and Joe Blanton. However, both Blanton and Worley still have areas of improvement they need to work on. Blanton gave up two hits and struck out one in two scoreless innings. Worley gave up two runs in his first start and is working on a new approach to his changeup.
By: Lily Zhao
 |
| (phillysportsblogs.com) |
ON THE MOVE: Catcher Sebastian Valle's statistics last season were sufficient enough to supplant himself as Carlos Ruiz's possible replacement. With Ruiz likely to become a free agent after the 2012 season, Valle's defensive upside and work ethic is an encouraging sign for Phillies fans.
Phillippe Aumont is another player looking to make a splash this season. He was one of the players Philadelphia received when they traded Cliff Lee to the Mariners after the 2009 season. He initially struggled to adapt to the major leagues, but in a relief role last season, dominated with his fastball and curveball.
 |
| (ESPN.com) |
NEW FACES: Boston Red Sox fans can now see Jonathan Papelbon closing another door. After many years under the microscope in Boston, the closer is able to get a fresh start in Philadelphia. Papelbon signed a four year, $50 million contract and has already taken a step forward in Philly by pleasing the fans.
For those Phillies fans who remember Jim Thome, voted the nicest man in the MLB, he's back in the lineup. His second stint in Philadelphia includes a $1.25 million, one-year contract. Manuel's plan is to slowly get Thome back in the rotation. The 41-year-old hit .256 with 15 home runs and 50 RBIs with the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indian last season. Thome will be expected to add power off the bench and could be called upon to play first base because of the injury to Howard.
 |
| (blogs.suntimes.com) |
ALL EYES ON: As good as the trio of Halladay, Lee and Hamels are, the Phillies will need to get production out of their fourth and fifth starters. The final two spots will presumably go to Vance Worley and Joe Blanton. However, both Blanton and Worley still have areas of improvement they need to work on. Blanton gave up two hits and struck out one in two scoreless innings. Worley gave up two runs in his first start and is working on a new approach to his changeup.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Skies Clear for Phillies in Clearwater
By: Lily Zhao
One big hit made Luis Montanez a big hit.
Montanez's walk off home run in the tenth inning helped redeem the Philadelphia Phillies 10-3 loss to the Houston Astros yesterday.
The Phillies would go on to win 5-4, fending off a late comeback by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Montanez would end the game with 1 HR and 4 RBIs.
Earlier in the game, the Phillies led 4-0 at the bottom of the fifth inning. Third baseman Placido Polanco would hit a single on a ground ball and score on the next play, as center fielder Shane Victorino homered on the fly ball to right field.
It looked as if the Phillies had the game in control. However, Pittsburgh's bats came alive at the top of the sixth, when Phillies manager Charlie Manuel pulled most of the his starters out of the game.
Casey McGehee's single would allow Josh Harrison to score the first run of the game for the Pirates. harrison, McGehee and Rod Barajas had three consecutive hits off Phillies right-hander Dave Bush. McGehee and Brock Holt would both score, bringing the Pirates within one run 4-3.
Aside from Starling Marte's homer at the top of the eighth, the Pirates could not muster enough offense the rest of the game to complete the comeback.
Both teams will face off again March 12 at McKechnie Field.
By: Lily Zhao
 |
| (ESPN.com) |
One big hit made Luis Montanez a big hit.
Montanez's walk off home run in the tenth inning helped redeem the Philadelphia Phillies 10-3 loss to the Houston Astros yesterday.
The Phillies would go on to win 5-4, fending off a late comeback by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Montanez would end the game with 1 HR and 4 RBIs.
Earlier in the game, the Phillies led 4-0 at the bottom of the fifth inning. Third baseman Placido Polanco would hit a single on a ground ball and score on the next play, as center fielder Shane Victorino homered on the fly ball to right field.
It looked as if the Phillies had the game in control. However, Pittsburgh's bats came alive at the top of the sixth, when Phillies manager Charlie Manuel pulled most of the his starters out of the game.
Casey McGehee's single would allow Josh Harrison to score the first run of the game for the Pirates. harrison, McGehee and Rod Barajas had three consecutive hits off Phillies right-hander Dave Bush. McGehee and Brock Holt would both score, bringing the Pirates within one run 4-3.
Aside from Starling Marte's homer at the top of the eighth, the Pirates could not muster enough offense the rest of the game to complete the comeback.
Both teams will face off again March 12 at McKechnie Field.
Astros Blast the Phillies for Second Straight Win
By: Lily Zhao
The runs came fast and often.
The Houston Astros outplayed and outscored the Philadelphia Phillies 10-3 for their second straight Spring Training win.
Jordan Schafer and J.D. Martinez led the way for the Astros. At the top of the first inning, Schafer singled and went on to score the first run. Martinez added two hits and three RBIs.
Schafer and Martinez took Phillies pitcher Vance Worley to task, each recording a single. Worley gave up a run in each of the two innings he pitched.
Astros right-hander Bud Norris threw three scoreless innings in his first start. His consistent pitching allowed the Astros to get onto the plate early and often, especially with the Phillies star-studded trio of Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee not on the mound.
The Phillies did not get their first hit of the game until Shane Victorino hit a one-out single in the bottom of the fourth, while the Astros offense came alive.
At the top of the fourth, Jason Castro would single to centerfield, allowing Brett Wallace to run to second. From there, the floodgates would open for Houston. Castro, Wallace, Schafer and Brian Bogusevic would all score, putting the Astros up 6-0.
Philadelphia would make a late run in the late innings as Luis Montanez hit a two-run double and Hector Luna hit his second home run of the season. The Phillies effort was a little too late as the team added only three runs in the last couple innings.
The Astros improve to 4-1, while the Phillies fall to 2-2 on the season.
By: Lily Zhao
 |
| (Phillysportsdaily.com) |
The Houston Astros outplayed and outscored the Philadelphia Phillies 10-3 for their second straight Spring Training win.
Jordan Schafer and J.D. Martinez led the way for the Astros. At the top of the first inning, Schafer singled and went on to score the first run. Martinez added two hits and three RBIs.
Schafer and Martinez took Phillies pitcher Vance Worley to task, each recording a single. Worley gave up a run in each of the two innings he pitched.
Astros right-hander Bud Norris threw three scoreless innings in his first start. His consistent pitching allowed the Astros to get onto the plate early and often, especially with the Phillies star-studded trio of Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Cliff Lee not on the mound.
The Phillies did not get their first hit of the game until Shane Victorino hit a one-out single in the bottom of the fourth, while the Astros offense came alive.
At the top of the fourth, Jason Castro would single to centerfield, allowing Brett Wallace to run to second. From there, the floodgates would open for Houston. Castro, Wallace, Schafer and Brian Bogusevic would all score, putting the Astros up 6-0.
Philadelphia would make a late run in the late innings as Luis Montanez hit a two-run double and Hector Luna hit his second home run of the season. The Phillies effort was a little too late as the team added only three runs in the last couple innings.
The Astros improve to 4-1, while the Phillies fall to 2-2 on the season.
The Voice Behind the Team
By: Lily Zhao
His No. 28 jersey might be retired, but his voice carries on.
After 22 years on the mound, former Minnesota Twins pitcher Bert Blyleven traded in his seat in the dugout for one in the broadcast booth seven years ago.
The 60-year-old has been the color commentator for the Twins for the past seven years and is gearing up for another round of broadcasts this year.
"I grew up loving the game of the baseball, I fell in love with it," Blyleven said. "Being an announcer for the Minnesota Twins kind of came second hand to me only because I like to talk, and I like to talk about pitching and hitting."
Last year he took his voice to Cooperstown for his Hall of Fame acceptance speech.
After 14 years on the ballet, Blyleven was recognized for a stellar career that included 287 wins and two World Series rings.
"You wear this Hall of Fame ring... with a lot of pride," Blyleven said. "It's a very, very small fraternity and I'm very proud to be part of the baseball Hall of Fame."
Blyleven can be seen alongside play-by-play analyst Dick Bremer announcing Twins games on Fox Sports North.
By: Lily Zhao
 |
| (Erik Kellar, AP) |
After 22 years on the mound, former Minnesota Twins pitcher Bert Blyleven traded in his seat in the dugout for one in the broadcast booth seven years ago.
The 60-year-old has been the color commentator for the Twins for the past seven years and is gearing up for another round of broadcasts this year.
"I grew up loving the game of the baseball, I fell in love with it," Blyleven said. "Being an announcer for the Minnesota Twins kind of came second hand to me only because I like to talk, and I like to talk about pitching and hitting."
Last year he took his voice to Cooperstown for his Hall of Fame acceptance speech.
After 14 years on the ballet, Blyleven was recognized for a stellar career that included 287 wins and two World Series rings.
"You wear this Hall of Fame ring... with a lot of pride," Blyleven said. "It's a very, very small fraternity and I'm very proud to be part of the baseball Hall of Fame."
Blyleven can be seen alongside play-by-play analyst Dick Bremer announcing Twins games on Fox Sports North.
Twins' Ben Revere has high hopes for the 2012 season
By: Lily Zhao
Minnesota Twins outfielder Ben Revere is making a name for himself.
The Lexington, KY native burst onto the scene by recording 34 stolen bases and making acrobatic catches in center field last season. Revere is also one of only three Twins players to play more than 100 games last year due to injuries on the team.
"We were one of the hottest teams last year... teams know we can compete against them but hopefully we stay healthy," Revere said.
Despite the injuries, the 23-year-old says the team is practicing hard to bounce back from a 99-loss season.
"Everybody is preparing themselves," he said. "With the year we had last time, it was a tough one, but we're going to come in here and prepare ourselves so we can hopefully have 99 wins."
With that hard work ethic, Revere says bringing a trophy back to Minnesota will be the greatest reward.
"That's why we're here... waking up at six o'clock in the morning," Revere said. "Get on the field, bust our tails so we can win that World Series because I want that ring."
By: Lily Zhao
Minnesota Twins outfielder Ben Revere is making a name for himself.The Lexington, KY native burst onto the scene by recording 34 stolen bases and making acrobatic catches in center field last season. Revere is also one of only three Twins players to play more than 100 games last year due to injuries on the team.
"We were one of the hottest teams last year... teams know we can compete against them but hopefully we stay healthy," Revere said.
Despite the injuries, the 23-year-old says the team is practicing hard to bounce back from a 99-loss season.
"Everybody is preparing themselves," he said. "With the year we had last time, it was a tough one, but we're going to come in here and prepare ourselves so we can hopefully have 99 wins."
With that hard work ethic, Revere says bringing a trophy back to Minnesota will be the greatest reward.
"That's why we're here... waking up at six o'clock in the morning," Revere said. "Get on the field, bust our tails so we can win that World Series because I want that ring."
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