Joe Nathan placed on DL with a strained right elbow The Detroit Tigers' weakest link last season was a bullpen that finished with the fourth-worst ERA in MLB. Among the biggest culprits was veteran closer Joe Nathan, who finished the season with a disappointing 4.81 ERA while allowing a .265 batting average and blowing seven saves. But despite what could only be described as Nathan's least … [Read more...]
Rose's return to Bulls expected Wednesday
Rose's return to Bulls expected Wednesday Nick Friedell, Chicago Bulls beat reporter Close Nick Friedell is the Chicago Bulls beat reporter for ESPN Chicago. Friedell is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and joined ESPNChicago.com for its launch in April 2009. 0 Shares Print ORLANDO, Fla. -- After missing almost six weeks … [Read more...]
Don’t overreact to early pitching dominance
Don't overreact to early pitching dominance The 2015 regular season is just a few days old, but it's never too early for overreactions. Given the dominance of pitching in recent years, it's easy to look at the results of the first 23 games, throw your hands in the air and say, "here we go again." There have been 23 #MLB games played, and already 9 shutouts, including both games today..— Bob … [Read more...]
As is his custom, Draymond Green disses ‘cocky arrogance’ of Clippers
As is his custom, Draymond Green disses 'cocky arrogance' of Clippers If the basketball gods are the trash-talking sort I imagine them to be, they will treat us to a Western Conference playoff rematch between the Warriors and Clippers. There is no love lost between California rivals Golden State and Los Angeles, if only because the Warriors' ultimate weapon, Draymond Green, manages to twist … [Read more...]
The Charlotte Hornets are just about done, and short of the playoffs
The Charlotte Hornets are just about done, and short of the playoffs The Charlotte Hornets’ return to the postseason in 2015 was always going to be a tenuous proposition, the team overachieved a bit in winning 43 games in its final year as the “Bobcats” last season, and LeBron James’ return to the Cleveland Cavaliers just about guaranteed that at least one 2014 Eastern playoff participant … [Read more...]
Welcome back, Matt Harvey: We missed your nasty pitches
Welcome back, Matt Harvey: We missed your nasty pitches Happy Matt Harvey Day! It's been 18 months, but the 26-year-old New York Mets pitcher is ready to get back on the mound for a regular-season game. By now, we're all familiar with Harvey's story. The right-hander broke out in 2013, posting a 2.27 ERA over 26 starts before succumbing to Tommy John surgery. While Harvey worked his way … [Read more...]
Tigers shut out Minnesota again in 11-0 rout
Tigers shut out Minnesota again in 11-0 rout DETROIT (AP) Anibal Sanchez helped Detroit blank Minnesota for the second straight game, Jose Iglesias had four hits and Alex Avila scored four runs as the Tigers routed the Twins 11-0 Wednesday. Ian Kinsler drove in four runs for Detroit, which had beaten Minnesota 4-0 on opening day behind star left-hander David Price. Sanchez (1-0) was impressive, as … [Read more...]
Josh Harrison gets extension from Pirates, could make $50M in six years
Josh Harrison gets extension from Pirates, could make $50M in six years After a surprisingly successful 2014, Josh Harrison has morphed from a Pittsburgh Pirates utility man into a crucial piece of the team's long-term plan. And now, he's getting paid as such. The Pirates announced Wednesday that they've agreed to a four-year contract extension with Harrison. It includes two club options, … [Read more...]
Portland Trail Blazers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction and Betting Picks
Portland Trail Blazers vs Minnesota Timberwolves Prediction and Betting Picks. Portland Trail Blazers host Minnesota Timberwolves as -16.5 favorites with a 207 line at 10.00 PM ET on Wednesday, April 8 2015. The home team won seven of last eight meetings, and that also means Minnesota managed to win the last two meetings despite being +10 and +5 underdogs respectively. Portland Trail … [Read more...]
Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns Prediction and Betting Pick
Dallas Mavericks vs Phoenix Suns Prediction and Betting Pick. Dallas Mavericks host Phoenix Suns as -8.5 favorites with a 207 line at 9.30 PM ET on Wednesday, April 8 2015. Phoenix won the last three meetings, and even when Dallas would win, it wouldn't be by more than 3 points. At least not in the last seven meetings between these two teams. Dallas Mavericks are safe in the 7th spot in the … [Read more...]