A quick look at Endy Chavez’s MLB performance in 2014

Sports with Neil and Friends

Endy Chavez was first called up from the minors in 2001. He has since spent the entirety of his 14-year career bouncing the minors and the majors. The 2014 season has been more of the same for Chavez, as he started with Triple-A Tacoma before being called up to Seattle on May 30th. Chavez has been getting plenty of playing time since his call-up, a move that has generated a lot controversy among fans. That controversy is for a good reason, as his peripherals are really weird — no like really weird — but he hasn’t been a black hole for the Mariners; and most of his production has come with him at the top of the batting order.

Chavez is in his third stint with the Mariners

Chavez’s slash line this season isn’t exactly encouraging, and in fact gives you the impression of an aging athlete who is over…

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US soccer loses 0-1 to Germany, but advances anyway

Sports with Neil and Friends

The United States men’s soccer team lost to the German national team 0-1 in the final match of group play, but is going to advance to the round of 16 anyways. Germany’s victory gave them the points victory in Group G, and the better match-up in the knockout rounds. US soccer is advancing, despite the loss, thanks to Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Ghana (US has a better goal differential than Portugal).

The match’s only goal came in the 55th minute when US goal keeper Tim Howard made an incredible save that deflected the ball out to German Thomas Müller. Müller hit the game winning shot from the edge of the box, and put all of the pressure on the United States to score an equalizer.

Müller’s goal was spurred on by the introduction of striker Miroslav Klose after the half. Klose’s play immediately made the German offensive attack more dangerous as he…

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Time For The Last Bites on Luis Suarez

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Let me start out by stating I’m a fan of Liverpool FC. I’ve supported the Reds since 1984, when the likes of Kenny Daglish, Ian Rush and Graeme Souness led Liverpool to their third European championship. Through the good (5 European titles, 18 League titles) and the bad, (The tragedies at Heysel and Hillsborough) I’ve remained supportive of Liverpool FC.

But I cannot, nor will not, defend the actions of one Luis Suarez. We all know what happened by now. During the Uruguay-Italy fixture at the World Cup, Suarez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder. The officials did not see it, and Suarez was not penalized. Not long after the gross incident, Uruguayan defender Diego Godin headed home a corner to give Los Charruas a shocking 1-0 victory. Uruguay advanced to the knockout stage, Italy are going home.

The Suarez incident made headlines around the world, and Twitter…

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Portugal’s late goal forces a 2-2 draw, USA soccer needs a draw to advance

The United State’s men soccer team dominated Portugal throughout heir match during group play. But a goal in the 95th minute cost the American team three points, and means that the USA needs to record a draw against German to move on in the World Cup.

Portugal winger Silvestre Varela headed in the match tying goal with 3o seconds left in stoppage time. Varela’s goal came thanks to a fast break on the right side by Cristiano Ronaldo, who fired off a perfect cross pass to set up the final goal.

Outside of the tying goal, the Americans pretty much controlled the match. With goals coming from Clint Dempsey (81st minute) and Jermaine Jones (64th minute) that gave the US a 2-1 lead. Continue Reading->

Switzerland vs France Preview

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The last time France and Switzerland met in the World Cup was in 2006. Despite some hype by neutrals that the fixture would be terrific, it ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw that failed to excite. The two European nations renew acquaintances in Salvador in a critical Group E match, eight years later.

Both teams won their opening fixture in this World Cup. France scored a comfortable 3-0 over a thuggish Honduras side that was more interested in maiming their opposition, than playing football. Switzerland recorded a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ecuador, as Haris Seferovic scored in the third minute of stoppage time, to give the Swiss the points.

Switzerland lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Ecuador, and the feeling is they will stick with what works. With his heroic goal, Seferovic may have earned a place on the team sheet. The Real Sociedad striker showed more life against…

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Holland vs Australia Preview

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Two teams at the opposite end of the spectrum clash in Group B action at the 2014 World Cup. Holland got off to a roaring start by thrashing defending champions Spain 5-1, while Australia were defeated 3-1 by Chile in their opening fixture.

The Dutch were extremely impressive as they got their revenge against the team that defeated them at the 2010 World Cup Final. It was a return of Total Football for The Clockwork Orange that harkened back to the days of Johan Cruyff. Flowing in attack and finishing with aplomb, the Dutch served notice that they will be a threat in Brazil.

Holland surprised observers by lining up in a 3-5-2 formation against Spain. Coach Louis Van Gaal is a master tactician so one should suspect he used that particular formation specifically geared to play Spain. Expect the Dutch to possibly lineup in a conventional 4-3-3 against the…

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Brazil vs Mexico Preview

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A critical matchup in Group A highlights Tuesday’s action in the 2014 World Cup. The host nation Brazil will tangle with Mexico in a key fixture that could determine who finishes in first place in the group.

Both sides won their opening fixtures in the tournament. Brazil overcame a shaky start to defeat Croatia 3-1. Mexico overcame controversial calls against them to squeak out a 1-0 victory over Cameroon.

Brazil lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation but could easily switch to a 4-3-3 if necessary. No matter the formation, the key player to watch will be Neymar. The Barcelona winger scored twice in Brazil’s victory over Croatia and was a force throughout the match. Fred would be the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1, but will need to do more, than just dive in the penalty area.

Oscar was simply brilliant in Brazil’s opening match and will need to keep his…

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Germany vs Portugal World Cup Preview

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A massive fixture kicks off Group G of the World Cup as the two favourites, Germany and Portugal will meet in Salvador. Both sides have high expectations coming into the tournament so expect plenty of tension and drama in this match.

The biggest question surrounding the match is the fitness of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar has been nursing a knee injury that kept him out of the lineup for Portugal’s warmup matches prior to the tournament. Ronaldo did participate in a full training session on Friday, and is expected to make the team sheet for the opening match.

Portugal will lineup in a 4-3-3 formation with Helder Postiga and Hugo Almeida joining Ronaldo on the front line. Postiga is inconsistent while Almeida will disappear from time to time. Both will have to be at their best, especially if Ronaldo isn’t 100%.

The midfield does have some question marks, but…

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RIP Chuck Noll

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It was a sad day for the NFL on Friday. Sadder yet for fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Chuck Noll, the head coach who guided the Steelers to 4 Super Bowl titles in the 1970s, passed away at the age of 82.

Noll first gained recognition as the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Colts in 1968, when the Colts had the top-ranked defense in the NFL, allowing only 10.2 points per game. The Steelers took notice and hired Noll to coach the moribund Steelers in 1969. At the time, the Steelers were considered one of the worst franchises in the NFL and it was up to Noll to turn the fortunes around.

He started the process by drafting defensive tackle “Mean” Joe Greene in the first round of the 1969 draft. Greene became the focal point of the famed Steel Curtain defense that terrorized the NFL throughout the 1970s. Noll…

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2014 World Cup Preview

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The biggest sporting event on the planet will take place in arguably the most soccer mad nation there is. The World Cup of soccer is in Brazil, the home of the five time champions.

However, not all the talk is on soccer. Many Brazilians are angry at FIFA for not keeping their promises in giving the money to help fund schools, hospitals, and housing. These protests could interrupt the proceedings, so security will be high.(Blame FIFA for this. They are a corrupt organization that needs to be taken down a few notches.)

But the games will go on and soccer is the focus here. Eight groups of four will compete throughout the large South American country, in order to lift the golden trophy. Here’s a look at the groups, featured matches and players and predictions for the tournament.

Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon

The question is, who will join…

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