Dodgers Add Infield Depth By Acquiring Darwin Barney From Cubs

Barney adds depth to LA infield. Photo Credit:Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images 

  

Defense, has been something the Los Angeles Dodgers have struggled with mightily at times during this season. This afternoon LA made a trade to help shore up their middle infield defense & add depth.

By: Michael Hanley

SF Giants Upgrade Rotation By Acquiring Jake Peavy From The Red Sox

Can Peavy help SF to the playoffs? Photo Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

 

The San Francisco Giants have been seeking a way to improve what has been just an average overall performance from their starting rotation this season. A starting rotation ERA of 3.59 has been part of the reason why they have been unable to create any gap between themselves and LA in the NL West standings.This afternoon they have made a move to try and change that.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Harden's Comments Ruffle Feathers in Lonestar Star State

 

Harden's comments not taken well. Photo Credit:Rocky Widner/ Getty Images

 

James Harden is in the Philippines doing charity work and was asked by the media out there on his take of the Rockets future without key players from last year. As we know the Rockets no longer have Jeremy Lin, Chandler Parsons, and Omer Asik all of which were key contributors to a 54-win team last year.

By: Niqko Marshall

Rams Primed To Make A Big Splash Part II: Defense

Quinn will look to better his 19 sacks of last yr. Photo Credit: Getty Images

In part one of this two part article series on the Rams, you saw that I addressed the offensive side of the ball for the Rams. In part two, I will address the defense. The Rams have handed the helm of the defense back over to Gregg Williams after firing Tim Walton after one season. In the fans eyes, they were not head over heals over defensive coordinator Walton, and many are happy to have Williams back.

By: Niqko Marshall

Yankees Win Rain Shortened Game

Brett Gardner sparked NY to the W Photo Credit: Kim Klement/USA Today 

 

After a rain delay of nearly two hours the umpires called the game giving the New York Yankees a 2-1 victory over the Texas Rangers at Yankee Stadium.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Will Kendrys Morales Impact The Mariner's Offense?

Kendrys Morales back with the Mariners. Photo Credit: Elaine Thompson/AP

 

 

In the powerhouse that has been the AL West division this season, the Seattle Mariners are trying to stay afloat when it comes to trying to stay in contention within the division and in the wild card race. Their main issue that is hindering them  is the lack of offensive production from their overall lineup. This afternoon, Seattle made a trade to try and address that very issue.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Rams Primed To Make A Big Splash This Season Pt.1

  Can the Rams get over the hump? Photo Credit: Pat Lovell/USA Today Sports

 

Many people have viewed the St. Louis Rams as a team on the rise. After consecutive seven-win seasons, they are looking to make a splash into the upper half of the league and finally become a playoff team in the third season under Jeff Fisher. Following the draft in May the Rams have set a good foundation on offense to be successful heading into the 2014 season.

By: Niqko Marshall

Rockets' Young Players Show Potential in NBA Summer League

  Nick Johnson showing off his unlimited potential. Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Houston Rockets showed a lot of potential from its young players in the most recent NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Last night the Rockets lost to the Kings 77-68 in the summer league championship. Though they fell short of victory, the Rockets got great production all summer from the likes of Dontas Motiejunas, Isaiah Canaan, and Nick Johnson.

By: Niqko Marshall

Joaquin Benoit: The Next Padre To Leave Town?

 

Benoit leaving SD? Photo Credit: Chris Humphreys/USA Today Sports 

 

Joaquin Benoit has been dazzling for the San Diego Padres so far this season coming out of their bullpen. His consistency in his performance from game to game have not only been eye catching to the Padres team and front office, but to other teams as well. Benoit has grabbed the attention of some contending teams  who are looking to add bullpen help for the stretch run. Who are those teams? Find out below.

 

By: Michael Hanley

The Newest LA Laker: Jeremy Lin

 

How will Jeremy Lin fare in LA? Photo Credit: Scott Halleran/Getty Images

 

Despite being unable to land LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony, the Los Angeles Lakers were able to acquire Jeremy Lin from the Houston Rockets.

By:  Benjamin Santos

Red Bulls Unable To Closeout San Jose

 

 

Lenhart powered SJ to a draw vs NY. Photo Credit: Fox Sports

 

The Red Bulls were 5 minutes away from reaching the .500 mark until Steven Lenhart bulleted home a shot past a diving Luis Robles into the right corner of the net tying the match at 1-1, a mark at which the game would end with vs. San Jose.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Is Matt Kemp's Tenure in LA Coming To An End?



Kemp reportedly not happy in OF position change. Photo Credit: USATSI

 

 

The logjam at the outfield position for the Dodgers has been very much debated and noted throughout this season so far. One of those outfielders fighting for a permanent spot out in the outfield, Matt Kemp, made some waves recently with not what he directly said but what his agent, former major leaguer Dave Stewart, said to Fox Sports baseball insider Ken Rosenthal about his client’s desire to return to centerfield.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Ellsbury Lifts Yankees To Win Over Reds

Ellsbury powered NY to victory. Photo Credit: NY Post/Charles Wenzelberg

 

Jacoby Ellsbury’s two run home run into the short porch in right field off starting pitcher Mike Leake in the fifth inning broke a 2-2 tie and ultimately turned out to be the difference in the game as the Yankees went on to beat the Reds 4-3 in their first game coming out of the All Star break.It was Ellsbury’s seventh round tripper of the season and a very timely one at that for New York.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Kevin Love Trade: Win Now or Win Later

Trading Kevin Love is complicated for Flip Saunders. Photo Credit: NBA

After saying that Andrew Wiggins would be untouchable, reports have surfaced that the Cleveland Cavaliers would be willing to trade him for Kevin Love. The Minnesota Timberwolves also have strong interest from the Golden State Warriors. Minnesota has to now decide to win now or win later.

by +Rodney Fisher

Are The Atlanta Braves In David Price's Future?

Will David Price be donning a Braves cap next month? Photo Credit: USATSI

 

The David Price trade talks feel like they have been going on forever and with no end in sight. It is widely assumed that the Rays will trade their star ace pitcher at the trade deadline for some highly regarded prospects to put into their minor league system to grow and develop. The million dollar question of just where David Price will end up took an even more interesting turn after this new piece of news.

 

By: Michael Hanley

MLB: A First Half In Review

 

 

 

Can Cespedes & the A's keep up their hot play? Photo Credit: Getty Images

 

 

As the All-Star break has arrived, it is time that we take a look back at the first half of the season. Alot has happened since spring training broke back  in March, lets take a look at the best teams & players so far that shaped the first 81 games of this baseball season. Plus which team has fallen short of expectations? Find out below.

By: Michael Hanley

Germany Wins 4th World Cup Title in Dramatic Fashion



Gotze's lone goal was enough for victory. Photo Credit: Diego Azubel/EPA

The latest goal for Germany in a FIFA World Cup final proved to be momentous as Mario Gotze scored at the 113th minute of the second extra session giving Germany the 1-0 victory and its 4th World Cup title. It is Germany’s first World Cup title since they won it back in 1990, which happen to also come over defeating Argentina also.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Orioles Defeat Yankees In Rain Shortened Game

 

 

Chris Davis was a big part of  Baltimore's win. Photo Credit: Rob Grabowski

  

The heavens opened up in the 5th inning as the Yankees and Orioles entered into a rain delay lasted almost 3 hours before the game was called giving Baltimore the 3-1 win.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Miami Heat: Against All Odds

Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade are still a threat in the East. Photo credit: NBA 

If we learned anything from the NBA Finals we learned that having LeBron James on your squad does not guarantee anything. The Miami Heat, without him, will get the chance to prove that now. For Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh the have the chance to get back to playing the type of basketball that made them stars.

by +Rodney Fisher

How Injuries To Molina & Phillips Shakeup NL Central Race



Yadier Molina's injury a huge loss for STL. Photo Credit: AP

 

 

With the injuries of Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and Red’s  second baseman Brandon Phillips, the NL Central race just got allot more wide open and unpredictable.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Netherlands Steamrolls Brazil In 3rd Place Game

 

Van Persie gave his team the early lead. Photo Credit: Dita Alangkara/AP

  

Netherlands locked up 3rd place in the 2014 World Cup with a 3-0 rout over Brazil.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

NBA: Why Cavs Say Wiggins Trade Will Not Happen

Andrew Wiggins will remain a Cleveland Cavalier for good reason. Photo credit: NBA 

Cleveland Cavaliers have told #1 NBA draft pick Andrew Wiggins that he will not be traded for anyone, including Kevin Love. The Cavs have a great reason why.

+Rodney Fisher

LeBron Coming Home: More Than Basketball, It's Business

LeBron James coming home to Cleveland. Photo credit: NBA 

There are some lessons to learn from LeBron James return to the Cleveland Cavaliers. His decision was more than just basketball related, it was a great business move.

by +Rodney Fisher

Yankees Bullpen Implodes in Loss

 

Cabrera came up clutch for Cleveland in their win. Photo Credit: The Palin

 

Asdrubal Cabrera’s bases loaded clearing double into the right field corner in the 7th inning off losing pitcher Matt Thornton erased a 3-0 deficit as the Indians went on to clobber the Yankees 9-3.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Ellsbury Powers New York To Victory

 

Jacoby Ellsbury came up clutch for NY  in their win. Photo Credit: USATSI

  

Jacoby Ellsbury’s go ahead 14th inning solo shot off Vinnie Pestano gave the Yankees the 5-4 victory over the Indians.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Peavy The Target of Cardinals Trade Talks

 

 

Will Jake Peavy be donning Cardinal red soon? Photo credit: Getty Images

 

 

There are multiple reports out that say  the St. Louis Cardinals are interested in acquiring Red Sox starting pitcher Jake Peavy in  a trade.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Tanaka Struggles With Indians Lineup in Loss

Tanaka struggled with his control. Photo Credit: Adam Hunger/USA Today  

 

Masahiro Tanaka’s second straight clunker of a start included yielding a career high five runs and ten hits as the Yankees were defeated by Cleveland on Tuesday night.

By: Sunil Sunderraj 

Germany Steamrolls Brazil To Reach World Cup Final

 

 Muller & Germany roll into final. Photo credit: Martin Rose/Getty Images 

 

Germany set a record with the five fastest goals of all-time in their 7-1 shellacking of  Brazil in the World Cup Semifinal at Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte. The five goals scored in the first half were the most  at a World Cup since Poland achieved that feat back in 1974.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Greene Shines In Yankees Win Over Cleveland

Shane Greene more than did his part in NY's win. Photo Credit: USA Today 

 

After dealing Vidal Nuno to the Arizona Diamondbacks for starting ace Brandon McCarthy, the Yankees needed a fill-in pitcher and Shane Greene delivered on Monday night against Cleveland as he was perfect through four innings en route to picking up his first major league win as the Yankees defeated Cleveland 5-3.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

NBA Wrap: Bosh Market, Carmelo in LA, Deals Get Done

Is Chris Bosh throwing the dueces to Miami? Photo credit: NBA 

Today, in the NBA, deals finally get done while the market hinges on Chris Bosh. Things are about to get very interesting...

+Rodney Fisher

Welcome Back TSCRN and NGN Sports

TSCRN and NGN Sports shows will start airing again on RFSN today.

A's/Cubs Megadeal: What Does It Mean For Both Teams?

Can Samardzija pitch Oakland to W.S Title? Photo credit: AP/John Bazemore

 

The A’s made some fireworks of their own on July 4th as word spread quickly that they had made a blockbuster of a trade that signaled that they will not be satisfied with just getting to the playoffs this season, they want to be the last team standing in October.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Argentina Muscles Through To SemiFinals

Higuain's early goal was enough for ARG to win .Photo Credit: Getty Images 

 

Gonzalo Higuain’s goal at the 8th minute in the first half lifted Argentina to their first World Cup semifinal appearance since 1990.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Germany Slips By France To Advance

Hummels early goal was enough for GER to win. Phto Credit: Getty Images

 

Germany became the first country to advance to four consecutive World Cup semifinals with a 1-0 victory over France at the Marcana in Rio De Janeiro. Mats Hummels backwards header found the underside of the cross bar at the 12 minute in the first half off a curling free kick by Toni Kross proved to be the game winner.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Brazil Survives and Advances

Luiz would be the savior for Brazil. Photo Credit: Martin Rickett/PA

 

Despite losing to Neymar late in the second half and conceding a late penalty kick goal by Colombia, Brazil advanced to the semifinals with a 2-1 victory. David Luiz’s spectacular free kick from distance that landed in upper right corner of the game at the 69th minute would turn out to be the difference maker in the end.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

NBA: Summer League Begins, Max Melo, Bosh Begins

Nerlens Noel starts off the 2014 NBA Summer League. Photo credit: NBA 

Today in the NBA we learned that Summer League does matter. Plus Carmelo Anthony has offers he can't refuse while Chris Bosh starts the process of being a free agent.

by +Rodney Fisher

NBA: Melo Weighing Options, LeBron Stirs the Pot, Dirk Done

LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dirk Nowitzki headline today's
NBA free agency talk. Photo credit: NBA 

Another day of NBA Free Agency madness brings us closer to nothing. As Carmelo Anthony weighs his options, Dirk Nowitzki gets a deal done, and LeBron James starts looking at options.

by +Rodney Fisher

Rays sweep Yankees In The Bronx

 

Gardner's big game not enough to help NY to victory. Photo credit: AP

 

The New York Yankees tailspin continued losing their fifth consecutive game, which is a season-worst, and was swept by the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium 6-3 on Wednesday night.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Some Nats Veteran Players Jealous of Harper's Star Status

 

 

Harper's popularity is bothering some teammates. Photo credit: USA Today

 

Well not everything is going so swimmingly in Nationals land. Despite having a 46-38 record and only one half game behind first place Atlanta, not everyone is on the same page it seems as they continue to battle in this very tonight division race.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Belgium Ends Team USA's Magical Run

De Bruyne broke the scoreless tie with a goal. Photo Credit: Getty Images

 

Two goals by Belgium in the second extra session were the difference maker in eliminating the USA 2-1 and ending their magical run in the World Cup on Tuesday.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Costa Rica Continues Magical Run

 

 

Umana had a world class penalty kick for  victory. Photo Credit: AP

 

Despite playing with only 10 men on the field from the 66th minute on in the second half, Costa Rica found a way and a will to defeat Greece in penalty kicks 5-3 to advance to the Quarterfinals round of the World cup.

By Sunil Sunderraj