Can The Marlins Sign Stanton To a Long Term Deal?

 

Will Stanton stay with the Marlins for the long term? Photo Credit: AP

 

The Miami Marlins have made it crystal clear this season that they have no intention of trading their budding superstar in Giancarlo Stanton. In fact, Marlins brass have intentions of trying to convince Stanton of staying in Miami for years to come with a new long term deal. For all the good intentions and effort they are putting into this initiative, just how realistic of a chance  do they have of being able to keep Stanton happy enough to wanting to stay with the fish for many years to come?

 

By: Michael Hanley

USA Basketball News: Kevin Durant Pulls Out of International Play, Replaced by Rudy Gay

Durant no longer on Team USA's roster. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Thursday evening news broke that Durant will be pulling from the USA team and will not compete in the FIBA World Cup saying he was mentally and physically exhausted.

 

By: Niqko Marshall

NFL Fantasy Football Preview with Scott King

Join Scott King of FootballExtraPoints.com for a full preview of the upcoming NFL Fantasy Football season. Don't draft until you have heard this!

Five St. Louis Rams to Watch In The Preseason Opener vs. The New Orleans Saints

Greg Robinson will make his Rams debut tonight. Photo Credit: Getty Images

 

Friday night the Rams host the Saints in the Edward Jones Dome for the preseason opener. The word on the Rams is that they plan on making a big leap this upcoming season and young group have been having a good training camp. Head Coach Jeff Fisher has stated guys such as Sam Bradford, Jake Long, and Scott Wells will not be participating in the opener for precautionary reasons. But nonetheless here are a couple Rams to keep an eye on.

By: Niqko Marshall

Inside The NY Mets: Young Pitching Leading The Way For NY

 

deGrom leads bright future for NY. Photo Credit: Mike Stobe/Getty Images

 

Though the New York Mets are having an underwhelming season so far to this point, the real bright spot for the club is the emergence of their young pitching prospects starting to make an impact at the major league level. We will take a look at each picture and how they will fit into the plans for the Mets moving forward.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Yankees solve Verlander With Long Ball In Victory Over Tigers

 

McCann sparked Yankees to victory over DET. Photo Credit: Ray Stubblebine

 

Brian McCann’s tie-breaking solo blast into right center field bullpen in the 7th inning gave the Yankees the 2-1 lead over the Detroit Tigers which would stand up for New York.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

World Series Contender Profile: The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Trout leading Angels to a big season. Photo Credit: Alex Gallardo/AP

The Angels have been one of baseball’s best teams in recent months thanks to  a number of factors that have been working in their favor. Lets take an inside look at this red hot team from the left coast and see what makes this club so consistent and high performing.

 

By: Michael Hanley

The Winners & Losers of The MLB Trade Deadline



Will Price lead Detroit deep into the postseason? Photo Credit:USA Today

 

The trading deadline came and went, it did not disappoint in the sheer volume of trades that were made. Not all trades though made teams winners on this annual big event in baseball. We had our fair share of winners and losers after this trading frenzy. Just who were winners and losers? Find out below.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Pacers' Star Paul George Suffers Gruesome Leg Injury in USA Men's Basketball Scrimmage

George has a long road to recovery ahead. Photo credit: Getty Images

 

In the fourth quarter of Friday night's USA Men's inter-squad scrimmage, Paul George suffered a terrible injury. James Harden was pushing the ball in transition, and Paul George was looking to stop the play he went to contest the layup and landed wrong resulting in his leg snapping. Immediately all players apart of the game felt pain for George as he laid helplessly.

By Niqko Marshall

Red Sox's Ranaudo Stymies Yankees



Ranaudo pitched a gem in his first MLB start. Photo Credit: Jeff Roberson/AP

Anthony Ranaudo, a Freehold, New Jersey native called up from Triple A Pawtucket got the ball on Friday night and ended up tossing six innings limiting the Yankees to two runs on four hits for his first major league victory over the Yankees.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Harden and Parsons Have No Issues Between Each Other



Harden & Parsons on good terms. Photo Credit: Dan Lippitt/Getty Images 

 

James Harden and Chandler Parsons are in Las Vegas getting ready to represent the USA Men's Basketball team for the World Cup. Of course, the media caught up with both to ask them about the recent back and forth between the two.

By: Niqko Marshall

Yankees Defeated By The Rangers



Colby Lewis pitched a gem last night. Photo credit: USA Today Sports

 

After erupting for twelve runs on twelve hits in a victory over the Rangers on Tuesday night, the Yankees were only able to muster two runs on four hits in a 3-2 defeat.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Athletics Bolster Rotation By Acquiring Lester From Boston

Can Lester lead Oakland to the W.S? Photo Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

 

The Oakland A’s made it known through trading for Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel a few weeks ago, that they were putting all their chips toward the middle of the table and  going all in to win the World series this season. Now they have added another ace like pitcher to what is becoming a rapidly improving rotation.

 

By: Michael Hanley

Yankees Win A Wild Game Over Texas

Robertson converted  his 27th save. Photo credit:William Perlman/Star Ledger

 

The Yankees nearly blew a six run cushion lead but David Robertson got Adrian Beltre to fly out to deep left field preserving a thrilling 12-11 victory over Texas.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Rangers Rally Past The Yankees

Darvish rings up  win vs. NY. Photo Credit:Thomas Campbel/ USA Today

 

The Texas Rangers rallied for four runs in the 5th inning wiping out a 2-0 deficit to defeat the New York Yankees 4-2 on Monday night at Global Life Park in Arlington, Texas.

By: Sunil Sunderraj

Rams Rookie Aaron Donald Impressing at Training Camp

Aaron Donald opening eyes at training camp. Photo Credit: Jeff Roberson 

In the last few days, Aaron Donald has been the talk of training camp at Rams Park. He is catching the eye of every fan and spectator so far who has attended the opening days of camp.

By: Niqko Marshall

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