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Padres Draft Manziel in MLB Draft

Johnny Manziel drafted by the Padres. Photo Credit: USA Today

In the MLB Draft, we got to see the top picks be selected by the teams who have been targeting them for months even years in some cases.The San Diego Padres though chose to make a splashy pick with their 28th round pick: Johnny Manziel. Yes that Johnny Manziel of Heisman Trophy fame and 22nd overall pick by the Cleveland Browns of the NFL. It certainly generated quite the buzz throughout the sports world.

By: Michael Hanley

LeBron James. Photo credit: NBA

Day 5 of my blog covering the 2014 NBA Finals. As the cool air returns to the building, the "coolest" player returns to the building also.

by +Rodney Fisher

Kings Stun Rangers with Double OT Victory

Dustin Brown, the hero in Game 2 for LA. Photo Credit:Alex Gallardo/AP

For the second consecutive game in the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals the Los Angeles Kings defeated the New York Rangers in overtime. The Kings did it this time in double OT. Erasing two goal deficits three times in Game 2. Captain Dustin Brown deflected a Willie Mitchell out of midair past Henrik Lundqvist at 10:26. Los Angeles had rallied from 2+ goals down in the last three games, forth in the last games. Los Angeles has overcome 2+ goals deficits five times this postseason notching three victories.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Dante Exum moving in the NBA draft. Photo credit: HoundSports

After talking with some other NBA beat writers I have a few changes to the first round of the upcoming draft. Some teams may not draft for need afterall...

by +Rodney Fisher

Mascot tries to cool the crowd. Photo credit: MySanAntonio

Day two of my live blog covering the 2014 NBA Finals. The trials and tribulations of traveling and enduring the hot-box formerly known as the AT&T Center.

by +Rodney Fisher

Dodger's Mattingly shows frustration after latest loss.

Don Mattingly of the Dodgers. Photo Credit:Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Dodgers have been a team that is the definition of an enigma so far this baseball season. The series just completed against the White Sox, showcased why Los Angeles is just an average 31-30 so far more than two months into the season. Manager Don Mattingly’s frustration was palpable after the latest loss on Wednesday against Chicago.

By: Michael Hanley

Ready like Ray Allen for Game 1. Photo credit: Rodney Fisher

The first installment of my game-by-game blog covering the 2014 NBA Finals. Find out new information that may sway the entire series, not just game 1...And a quick reminder about the central Texas weather.

by +Rodney Fisher

Kings Defeat Rangers in Thrilling Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final

Justin Williams leads LA to Game 1 win over NY. Harry How/Getty Images

Once again the Los Angeles Kings erased a two goal deficit and won a game in overtime. Justin Williams a hero in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against Chicago and worked his magic again last night. A turnover by New York Rangers defensemen Dan Girardi led to a pass from Mike Richards to Williams in the slot who buried the puck past Henrik Lundqvist blocker side at 4:36 of the extra session.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Jose Abreu: A Rising Star

Jose Abreu becoming next great MLB slugger. Photo Credit: Morry Gash/AP

Jose Abreu’s return to the White Sox on Monday night vs. the Dodgers from the disabled list was a welcomed sight for the ball club and organization. He certainly made his mark on the game as he hit a two run home run to get back into the swing of things for Chicago. Beyond his impressive swing and the numbers he puts up now in the big leagues, his journey to being one of the brightest young sluggers in the game is a fascinating and incredible one.

By: Michael Hanley

Tyler Toffoli. Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Kings became the first team in NHL History to win three consecutive Game 7’s on the road in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Tyler Toffoli's second goal of the game on a redirection off stick of which deflected off Chicago defensemen Nick Leddy and over shoulder of goaltender Corey Crawford at 14:13 of Overtime. Los Angeles advances to their second Stanley Cup in the past 3 seasons.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Yankee's Teixeira and Pineda Experience Injury Setbacks

Mark Teixeira experiencing soreness Photo Credit: Abelimages/Getty Images

The Mash unit known as the New York Yankees continues to be snake bitten by bad injury news. Just as both Mark Teixeira and Michael Pineda were trying to work back from their injuries, they were unfortunately stopped in their tracks as both have suffered setbacks that will further delay their goal of becoming 100% healthy playing wise.

By: Michael Hanley

Miami Heat vs San Antonio Spurs. Photo credit: NBA

NBA fans will see #1 take on #1 for a second straight time in The Finals. Will the Miami Heat win their third-straight championship? Will San Antonio avenge their only franchise loss in The Finals?

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- Michael Hanley, Editor

Blackhawks stave off elimination with Game 6 victory

Patrick Kane of the Blackhawks. Photo Credit: Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

The Chicago Blackhawks staved off elimination for a second time defeating the Los Angeles Kings in Game 6, 4-3. Patrick Kane’s second goal of the game with 3:45 left in the 3rd period was the difference maker. A perfect drop pass to Kane who circled the puck around the Kings zone utilizing patience, speed and quickness eventually snapped a wicked wrist shot past a screened Jonathan Quick. Kane’s 4th game winning goal in the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs and 7th overall of his career.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Did Shelly Sterling orchestrate the billion dollar sale of the LA Clippers?
Photo credit: LA Times

The Los Angeles Clippers have gone from the black-eye of the NBA to a $2 billion dollar pay day for the Sterlings after the announcement of the franchise's sale for former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. The total transformation of fortune over the last 45-days seems too scripted for even Hollywood.

by +Rodney Fisher

Toronto has James Shields in its sights. Photo credit: Charlie Riedel/AP

The Blue Jays have been the surprise team so far in all of the major leagues. They currently sit at 32-23, first place in the AL East and just had a nine game winning streak snapped last night. Their starters as a group have done a solid job posting a collective 3.88 ERA, firth best in the American League, but are rumored to be looking to add a veteran starter to further strengthen the rotation.

By: Michael Hanley

Carlos Rodon a possible Astro? Photo Credit: Ethan Hyman, News Observer

Its still a mystery to as who the Astros are going to select with the number one pick in the upcoming draft on June 5th. They have plenty of options when it comes to high caliber prospects that could make an impact on their on their organization. This is a decision that can easily determine just how much farther they can go in terms of improving as a whole and making those steps in the rebuilding process.

By: Michael Hanley

Michal Handzus was the Game 5 hero. Photo Credit:Bill Smith/Getty Images

Michal Handzus scored 2:04 into the second overtime allowing the defending Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks to play another game. A steal in the neutral zone and nifty pass by Brandon Saad to Handzus who skated in and backhanded puck top shelf past Jonathan Quick. Handzus 1st career OT playoff winner. The Brandon Saad/Patrick Kane/Andrew line totaled 1 goal, 8 assists and +10 rating.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Shea McClellin of the Bears. Photo Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Shea McClellin, who’s in the third year of his four-year rookie contract, is switching to linebacker this year after playing defensive end for two years.

By: Gabe Salgado

New Mets’ Hitting Coach With A Big Challenge Ahead

Lamar Johnson. Photo Credit: Michelle V. Agins/The New York Times

When the Mets decided to fire hitting coach Dave Hudgens this past Monday, it did not come as much of a surprise with the struggles that the offense for New York has been dealing with. In comes new hitting coach Lamar Johnson, who walks into one of the biggest challenges in all of baseball right now: turning around the Mets offense.

By: Michael Hanley

Josh Beckett tosses a no hitter. Photo Credit:Chris Humphreys,US Presswire

Josh Beckett nearly a year ago was in a battle to even keep his career going. In July of last year, he was suffering a nerve condition that was effecting his right arm, which in turn was wreaking havoc with his pitching performances. Beckett went 0-5 with a 5.19 ERA in eight games he started last season, a low point in his career. The pain got to the point that he had no feeling in his fingertips and had to have a rib be removed through thoracic outlet syndrome surgery. Questions about his career and ability to come back from such a surgery were mounting by the day. Through all the pain and questions, Beckett began his road to recovery.

By: Michael Hanley

The Captain, Derek Jeter. Photo Credit: William Perlman,The (Newark) Star-Ledger

As Derek Jeter continues his final season as a player for the New York Yankees, it is easy to contemplate what his next career move will be once the curtain falls on this season for him. One of those career choices people have speculated is that he could be a manager of a major league team one day. Jeter himself completely removed doubt on that possibility by shooting it down completely.

By: Michael Hanley

Who will backup Jay Cutler?

Bears in search of a backup QB to Jay Cutler. Photo credit: USATSI

Currently the Bears have three quarterbacks behind Jay Cutler on the roster with Jordan Palmer, Jerrod Johnson and David Fales.

By Gabe Salgado

The LaRussa-Towers Dynamic in D’Backs Front Office

Kevin Towers battling rumors about job security. Photo credit: Getty Images

In the latest chapter of As the D’Backs Turn, the hiring of Tony La Russa to oversee their baseball operations department has caused quite a stir within the organization. General Manager Kevin Towers was the man that everyone pointed to and thought this hiring would spell bad news in terms of his job security. To his credit though, Towers has continued to do his daily work with the team and not let this news affect how he operates within the organization.

By: Michael Hanley

2014 NBA Mock Draft. Photo credit: CBS Boston.

Unlike some NBA media, I like to wait until after the lottery to debut the first incarnation of the NBA mock draft. I am still baffled by the Cleveland Cavaliers getting the first pick for the third time in four years, but I don't expect a shock pick like Anthony Bennett to be a possibility in such a deep draft this year.

by +Rodney Fisher

Stephen Drew is Back with the Red Sox

Stephen Drew is back with the Red Sox. Photo Credit: Elsa/Getty Images

In what has been a long and at times strange road for Stephen Drew since winning the World Series with the Red Sox last season, he returns back to Boston for the remainder of this season. It was a very long offseason for Drew who after last season tested the free agency market, could not find a team that would take a chance on him, even on a one year deal.

By: Michael Hanley

Cleveland Cavs are awarded the number one pick again. Photo credit: CBS Cleveland

For the third time in four years, the Cleveland Cavaliers have bee awarded the number one pick in the NBA draft. This will be the Cavs second straight year with the first pick. The teams with higher percentage chances of winning the lottery, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers, will pick second and third.

by +Rodney Fisher

“Million Dollar Arm” Star Pitcher Needs Tommy John Surgery

Rinku Singh recovering from Tommy John Surgery. Photo Credit: Getty Images

If you have been watching any sporting event of any length in recent weeks you have seen the ads for the movie “Million Dollar Arm” about two young men lives in Rinku Singh and Dinesh Kumar Patel from India who win a reality show that sought to see who could throw the hardest. Rinku Singh won with show w/ an 87 mph throw. Singh, still with the Pirates after signing w/ them in 2008, unfortunately now has joined an ever growing club of pitchers with one common thread: undergoing Tommy John surgery.

By: Michael Hanley

Jordan Lynch continues his progression in the NFL

Jordan Lynch making strides in Bears mini camp. Photo Credit: NBC San Diego

As the Chicago Bears concluded their three day rookie mini-camp over the weekend, most of the watchful eyes in attendance were focused on quarterback turned running back Jordan Lynch. Changing positions is never easy, but the former Northern Illinois standout has done everything in his power to make the transition as seamless as possible.

By Gabe Salgado

San Antonio Spurs take on the OKC Thunder in the WCF. Photo credit NBA

The OKC Thunder may have swept the San Antonio Spurs in the regular season, but the NBA Playoffs are totally different. We take a look at the big question marks for this series and prediction.

by Rodney Fisher

Jordan Lynch trying to find his niche with the Bears. Photo Credit: Jeff Haynes, AP

It was apparent from the moment that Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch declared his eligibility for the 2014 NFL Draft that teams were more interested in the Jordan Lynch that ran for 3,735 yards and 42 touchdowns, as opposed to the Jordan Lynch that threw for 6,030 yards and 49 touchdowns.

By Gabe Salgado

MLB: Red's Injury Picture Looking Brighter

Devin Mesoraco of the Cincinnati Reds. Photo credit: AP Photo/Al Behrman

On a day when the Red’s found out they in all likelihood will have to put slugger Joey Votto on the DL, they did get great news on two players who have been on shelf. Catcher Devin Mesoraco and starting pitcher Tony Cingrani both are on their way back to be active participants for Cincinnati sooner rather than later.

By: Michael Hanley

To preview the rematch of the Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers for the chance to go to The Finals, here is a quick look back at their battles from the regular season and prediction.

by Rodney Fisher

NY Mets pitcher Matt Harvey making progress. Photo credit MLB

In a rehab stint that that not always been so quiet and calm, Matt Harvey continues to make marked improvement as he continues to rehab from his Tommy John surgery. He made another step of in the right direction with increasing the distance he threw from, going from 90 feet to 120 feet. Its the first time in his rehabilitation program that Harvey has been able to expand his throwing distance.

by Michael Hanley

Can Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook win together? Photo credit NBA

After an epic first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs, round 2 is ready to tip-off. Is everything okay for Indiana now? Can the Clippers continue to overcome? Is LeBron really what the Brooklyn Nets want? What are the betting odds?

by +Rodney Fisher

2014 NFL Draft Order and Picks

Round 1:

Sergio Romo of the San Francisco Giants. Photo credit MLB

Sergio Romo can make the claim as literally having a perfect start to his season . The numbers bear that out as he is a perfect 10 for 10 when it comes to save opportunities. He also boasts a miniscule 1.88 ERA along with a 12/3 strikeout to walk ratio, which is a sensational ratio. From those numbers there is good reason that the San Francisco Giants want to extend his contract and lock him in with the team for the foreseeable future. Those talks for an extension of Romo’s contract have been postponed until presumably the offseason. Both sides agreed that they did not want the talks to interrupt Romo or the team’s focus from the games.

by Michael Hanley

On the surface the headline of Gregory Polanco turning down a seven year, $25 million dollar deal would cause many people question the advice he got from his agent or friends around him. Below the surface of the years and amount of money, its very obvious why an elite prospect of Polanco’s stature would turn down this type of deal and why the Pirates would push so aggressively for this deal.

by Michael Hanley

Download the latest TheLateShift podcast

In sports there's always records that are made to be broken, usually that is something to celebrate. Last night that is not the case for the New York Mets. Saturday night vs the Rockies, the Mets pitchers have set a new benchmark in hitting futility as they have now started this season 0 for their first 46 at the plate. Its a record that had stood for exactly 100 years in the major leagues. You have to go back to the 1914 St Louis Browns, not Cardinals,the Browns who had that year their pitchers collectively start the season with an 0 for their first 45 at the plate.

by Michael Hanley

Mayweather vs Maidana

In case you missed this, here is the LIVE weigh-in event for tonight's huge fight between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Marcos Maidana.

Damian Lillard hits game-winner over Rockets. Portland will advance
in the playoffs. Photo credit NBA

In case you did not stay up late enough last night to watch the Portland Trailblazers vs Houston Rockets game, here is your chance to see the biggest shot of the NBA Playoffs so far. With less than a second left in regulation, Damian Lillard sinks a deep three-pointer to give the Trailblazers their first playoff series win in 14 years.

by +Rodney Fisher

Dirk Nowitzki and Dallas Mavericks force Game 7. Photo credit NBA

Dallas Mavericks keep their season alive with a gutsy win over the San Antonio Spurs 113-111 in Game 6. Mavs will travel to San Antonio on Sunday to play the final and deciding Game 7. Dirk Nowitzki, Monta Ellis, and Rick Carlisle comment on winning the game and looking ahead to Sunday.

by +Rodney Fisher

Chris Johnson will be an Atlanta Brave a little longer. Photo credit MLB

For a player that was named as a “throw in” when he was part of the trade from Arizona along with slugger Justin Upton to Atlanta in January of 2013 , Chris Johnson has come up smelling like roses as he has emerged as a reliable and consistent hitter in the Braves lineup. Today he was rewarded handsomely with a new three-year, $23.5 million dollar contract extension that keeps him an Atlanta Brave through the 2017 season, with a $10 million dollar team option for the 2018 season.

by Michael Hanley

Clayton Kershaw set to return to Dodgers. Photo credit MLB

The Dodgers have been treading water without their superstar ace in Clayton Kershaw since he went down with a back injury after he made his start vs the Diamondbacks in Australia on March 22. Los Angeles has gone 15-12 since Kershaw last toed the rubber for them, enough to stay right in the thick of the underwhelming NL West division so far this season.

by Michael Hanley

2014 Milwaukee Brewers are better than expected. Photo credit MLB

Coming into this new season, the Brewers were far from being predicted by the national baseball media and experts as a team that could contend and be a factor in the NL Central Division race, especially a division that had three teams in the playoffs last season not to mention the defending NL Champion Cardinals.

by Michael Hanley

The Late Shift recaps Game 4 and previews Game 5 of the San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks NBA Playoff series

When Albert Pujols cranked out his 500th home run of his career, it was rightfully celebrated and honored by many throughout the major leagues,including media and the fans. It is another crowning achievement in what is a first ballot hall of fame career for Pujols.

by Michael Hanley

Dallas Mavericks take 2-1 series lead over San Antonio Spurs thanks to
clutch three-pointer by Vince Carter. Photo credit RF Sports Radio

TheLateShift is live from Game 3 of San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks NBA playoff series. Mavs win on a game-winning shot by veteran Vince Carter. Listen to hear postgame interviews with Vince Carter, Rick Carlisle, Tim Duncan, and Monta Ellis.

TMZ Sports has posted a candid recorded conversation between Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling and his girlfriend.

by +Rodney Fisher

24/7 Sports Talk

Day 5 of my blog covering the 2014 NBA Finals. As the cool air returns to the building, the "coolest" player returns to the building also.

After talking with some other NBA beat writers I have a few changes to the first round of the upcoming draft. Some teams may not draft for need afterall...

Day two of my live blog covering the 2014 NBA Finals. The trials and tribulations of traveling and enduring the hot-box formerly known as the AT&T Center.

The first installment of my game-by-game blog covering the 2014 NBA Finals. Find out new information that may sway the entire series, not just game 1...And a quick reminder about the central Texas weather.

NBA fans will see #1 take on #1 for a second straight time in The Finals. Will the Miami Heat win their third-straight championship? Will San Antonio avenge their only franchise loss in The Finals?

The OKC Thunder may have swept the San Antonio Spurs in the regular season, but the NBA Playoffs are totally different. We take a look at the big question marks for this series and prediction.

To preview the rematch of the Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers for the chance to go to The Finals, here is a quick look back at their battles from the regular season and prediction.

After an epic first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs, round 2 is ready to tip-off. Is everything okay for Indiana now? Can the Clippers continue to overcome? Is LeBron really what the Brooklyn Nets want? What are the betting odds?

2014 NFL Draft Order and Picks

Download the latest TheLateShift podcast

In case you missed this, here is the LIVE weigh-in event for tonight's huge fight between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Marcos Maidana.

The Late Shift recaps Game 4 and previews Game 5 of the San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks NBA Playoff series

When Albert Pujols cranked out his 500th home run of his career, it was rightfully celebrated and honored by many throughout the major leagues,including media and the fans. It is another crowning achievement in what is a first ballot hall of fame career for Pujols.

TheLateShift is live from Game 3 of San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks NBA playoff series. Mavs win on a game-winning shot by veteran Vince Carter. Listen to hear postgame interviews with Vince Carter, Rick Carlisle, Tim Duncan, and Monta Ellis.

TMZ Sports has posted a candid recorded conversation between Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling and his girlfriend.