Author: Dave Ettinger

Dave is a Trending News Sports Writer for Athlon Sports, covering breaking and trending news across major sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA, college football and basketball. With over 10 years of experience in sports media, Dave’s versatility extends to television, radio, and journalism. In addition to his role at Athlon Sports, Dave works in TV Production at ESPN, where he manages the production, editing, and processing of shows and events that re-air across ESPN's network of channels. Prior to joining ESPN, Dave served as an Executive Producer at WFAN and CBS Sports Radio, further solidifying his expertise in sports media. Dave earned his bachelor’s degree in Media Communications from SUNY College at Old Westbury, bringing both his education and extensive industry experience to his roles across various platforms.

It’s Time To Hit The Links!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

open championship

It’s 5:57 in the a.m. and that means one thing, it’s time for some golf!! That’s right sports fans, today marks the first round of the Open Championship. Playing host for the 10th time, is Royal Birkdale in Southport, England. I’m excited!! With a 5-hour time difference from New York, the players have already hit the links. Your early leaders are Ian Poulter and Justin Rose (2 Englishmen) at -2. Expect to see many European players in contention throughout the week. Golf in England, Scotland, and Ireland is a different animal. It is ‘links style’. This means there are less trees but more fescue. And there are fairway bunkers as deep as a basketball hoop. I’ve played golf in Scotland. There’s nothing like hitting a ball right down the middle of the fairway only to find out it ran into a bunker!!

Anyway….

Your most exciting pairing today is Jordan Spieth and Henrik Stenson. They are currently on the course, both standing at -1 thru 5 holes. Jordan Spieth is the #3 ranked golfer in the world, and Henrik Stenson is the defending champion. Last year’s Open Championship was played at Royal Troon in Scotland. Stenson shot a record breaking -20 to win his first Major. Royal Troon is one of the courses I was blessed to play while in Scotland (14 years ago). I’m no professional, but let me tell you, that course is FREAKIN’ HARD!! Granted my dad and I were fresh off the plane, and we played in 40 mph wind, but that course ate me alive. My 12-handicap quickly doubled, as I shot a 96 that day. The sea was angry that day my friends. That’s the worst round of golf I’ve played since I was 12 years old by the way.

Anyway….

As evidenced in the 2017 U.S. Open, golf is struggling to find a consistent superstar to latch onto. This is something the sport of golf has been longing for ever since Tiger Woods disappeared from the scene. It seemed that Jordan Spieth was going to assume the role as the face of golf, but after an incredible 2015 season, Spieth’s game has moved in the wrong direction. He’s still playing at a high level, however, winning 2 Majors in the same year (2015) seems like a lifetime ago. Maybe we were spoiled by Tiger Woods. Or maybe we just enjoy watching history be made right in front of our eyes. Or maybe we feel the need to root for someone, rather than simply just enjoying the event. Or maybe it’s a combination of these 3 things.

Golf isn’t dead, but it’s battery has died, and it needs a jump in order to make it home. The PGA is also pushing another name, Jon Rahm. Rahm is a 22-year old, budding star. He has just 1 PGA tour victory on his resume but is still the 3rd favorite to win this tournament. Yeahhhh, I’d say they want him to win.

I know I’ll be watching this week’s Open Championship, but I’m about the craziest sports fan you’ll ever meet. What about you, the casual sports fan?? Will you be glued to the TV, watching every drive, chip, and putt?? While I hope so, I highly doubt it.

Oh yeah, come Sunday, Jordan Spieth will be hoisting the trophy. Book it!!

 

Who do you think will win the Open Championship?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

Yankees’ Sellin’ Days Are Over!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

frazier

Are we buyers or sellers?? Should we live for the moment or build toward the future?? Oh yeah, it’s that time of year again in Major League Baseball. The time when General Managers make decisions that determine their employment status. Every season there are teams who are clearly out of the playoff race (sellers) and teams clearly in the playoff race (buyers). Door opens..grey area enters. And then there are teams who are trying to figure out what to do with their lives. Many thought the New York Yankees fell into this unenviable area. Many would be wrong about that.

Tuesday night, the Yankees definitively become buyers in this year’s trade market, as they acquired 3 players from the Chicago White Sox. At 38-53, the White Sox hold the worst record in the American League. Selling off players who aren’t part of their long-term future is the right decision. The question is, are the Yankees making the right decision by trading prospects for players who can contribute now?? As with anything, only time will tell.

The Yankees acquired Todd Frazier, David Robertson, and Tommy Kahnle for Blake Rutherford, Ian Clarkin, Tito Polo, and Tyler Clippard. Todd Frazier is a third baseman with solid power and deceptive speed. He also possesses the ability to play first base. This all sounds great, but there must be a catch…. Oh, well, see the thing is, is ummmm..he’s hitting .207. .207?!?! Yup. No typo there. Now, Frazier’s career batting average is .247, so I’m sure he’ll slowly move that in the right direction, but expect Frazier to bring solid pop to an already dangerous lineup. He’s an expiring contract, so he’s a 2-month rental.

David Robertson, former Yankees’ closer, and Tommy Kahnle will provide much needed bullpen support. What was seen as the Yankees’ greatest strength at the start of the season, has become their biggest weakness. Robertson will most likely slide into the 7th inning role, while Kahnle will be a 6th inning, Swiss-Army Knife type reliever for the Yankees. Both relief pitchers are strikeout machines with live arms. Robertson is under contract through 2018, and Kahnle is under contract until 2021 (I really like that part of this deal by the way).

Now let’s meet the prospects the Yankees packed up and shipped out. Blake Rutherford was their #3 prospect. He’s a 20-year old outfielder (the Yankees have plenty of those), currently hitting .281 in Single-A. He’s the biggest prize in this deal for the White Sox, and his development over the next 5 years will determine the victor here. Ian Clarkin is a left-handed starting pitcher (22 years old) who is having a nice season at High-A Ball. And Tito Polo (love the name) is a 22-year old, speedy outfielder in Double-A. It’s extremely difficult to evaluate a trade involving 3 players, all 22 or younger, but I think this is a good trade for the Yankees.

They part ways with 1 very solid prospect in exchange for 2 proven bullpen arms and 1 infield power hitter. And I haven’t even mentioned the best part of the trade yet….

They rid themselves of Tyler Clippard!! Tyler Clippard, who’s been traded more times in his career than I’ve done laundry in my life, will play for his 6th MLB team. And for good reason..HE SUCKS!!

Following this trade, the Yankees must continue their buying ways, by bringing in a starting pitcher. To truly give themselves a fighting chance this year, they need a solid starting pitcher to fill out the rotation. Luis Cessa has shown he’s not ready for the big show, and I wouldn’t bring up Chance Adams (Yankees’ best pitching prospect) now. With the Yankees looking to make an October push, they should allow Adams to hone his skills at Triple-A, while they bring in an experienced starter.

 

What do you think of the Yankees’ trade?? Like it, love it, or hate it?? Tell me in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M EST.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Legendary Sportscaster Bob Wolff’s Unrivaled Legacy

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

Unmatched. Unparalleled. Unbelievable. The impact legendary sportscaster Bob Wolff made, not only on the sports world, but on society, will live on for generations. Wolff passed away Saturday night in his Nyack home, leaving behind a legacy that is second to none. The iconic sportscaster was 96 years old.

Wolff stood as the record holder for longest running broadcaster (78 years). His work dates back to 1939, when he was on WDNC Radio as a student at Duke University. His most recent work, in 2017, sports commentary for News 12 Long Island. Over the last 78 years, Wolff accomplished more than most could ever dream of, compiling the most impressive broadcasting resume in the history of sports.

Every accomplishment of Wolff’s is more impressive than the last, so I will list the major ones in no particular order:

  • Called the only perfect game in World Series history (Don Larsen in 1956)
  • Did TV play-by-play for both New York Knicks’ championships (1970 and 1973)
  • Called “The Greatest Game Ever Played” (1958 NFL Championship Game — Baltimore Colts vs. New York Giants)
  • Called Jackie Robinson’s last major league hit (game winning hit in Game 6 of the 1956 World Series)
  • Interviewed Babe Ruth

The list is endless, as Wolff seemingly did every broadcasting job known to man. He is the only sportscaster to call play-by-play of championships in all 4 major sports (MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL). Throughout his career, he even found time to become the TV play-by-play voice for 8 different teams across 5 sports:

  • Baltimore Colts, Washington Redskins, and Cleveland Browns
  • New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons
  • New York Rangers
  • Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins
  • Tampa Bay Rowdies (Soccer)

How is this even possible?? Broadcasters are fortunate to become the voice of 1 team, in 1 sport. Wolff managed to conquer multiple sports, in multiple cities, across the country. Wolff also served his country. He served as a supply officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

All of his hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. Wolff was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995 as well as the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008, becoming only the 2nd sportscaster to be inducted into both Halls of Fame (Curt Gowdy). Bob Wolff’s life and career should be endlessly applauded. He was a pioneer, and without his efforts, it is unlikely you’d be reading this article right now. Thank you Bob Wolff, for paving the way.

 

What is your favorite Bob Wolff memory?? Please share it in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M EST.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Roger Federer Wins Wimbledon Without Breaking A Sweat

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 5 Comments

Roger-Federer-Win-Mens-Singles-Beats-Marin-Cilic-in-Wimbledon

This was the most impressive thing you’ve ever seen at Wimbledon. That’s saying a lot, considering the all-time greats who have graced the All England Club. Roger Federer set the bar even higher Sunday, accomplishing something that hasn’t been done in 41 years. Not only did Roger Federer capture his record-breaking, 8th Wimbledon title, but he did it without losing a single set. This hasn’t been done since Bjorn Borg in 1976. Hold on, hold on..you mean he didn’t lose a set throughout the entire tournament?! Yes, that’s exactly what I mean. That is RIDICULOUS!!

Roger Federer now holds 19 Grand Slam Singles Titles, having won 2 this year (Australian Open and Wimbledon). This is 2017, not 2007 right???? Roger Federer is playing arguably the best tennis of his career. Sunday’s final saw Federer breeze through Marin Cilic, the 7th ranked player in the world, 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 in just 1 hour and 41 minutes.

Why is this so impressive?? Because he’s 35 years old!! As far as tennis goes, he qualifies for the senior citizen discount. Ya know, the early-bird, dinner at 4:30 pm special. Federer’s Wimbledon victory on Sunday, in which he didn’t have his serve broken, made him the oldest Wimbledon champion of all-time. The guy defines effortless. He seemingly never ages, sweats, or exerts himself. He’s essentially a robot. Which begs the question, how many more Grand Slams can Roger Federer win?? It is an extremely difficult question to answer, for every victory, every trophy hoisted, is accompanied by history.

Excuse me while I bust-out my art “skills”….

I’m going to draw a big circle over here to my left. Then I’m going to draw stick-figure representations of athletes I will NEVER doubt (no matter their age).

  • Roger Federer (35)
  • Tom Brady (39)
  • Lebron James (32)
  • Ichiro (42)
  • Jaromir Jagr (45)
  • Venus Williams (37)
  • Serena Williams (35)

Lebron James is not that old, but he has played the minutes of a 40 year old, plus he’s bald, so he just looks old. Everyone on this list continues to excel at their sport at an advanced age. And Venus Williams put forth an incredibly impressive performance in this year’s Wimbledon, making it to her 9th Wimbledon Final, before falling to Garbine Muguruza.

While it may feel like we’ve jumped in our DeLorean and gunned it to ’88, this really is 2017. And Roger Federer is still playing like Roger Federer. Federer will soon have a chance to capture 3 Grand Slam Titles in the same year. A feat he hasn’t accomplished since 2007. The U.S. Open, a.k.a. the most fun you’ll ever have at a tennis venue, starts on August 28th, 2017. It’s in New York, so you know it’s fun. And with Roger Federer playing at a high level, tennis fans will have yet another chance to witness history.

 

How many more Grand Slam Titles do you think Roger Federer will win?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M EST.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

Knicks Hire Life-Size Marionette

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

scott perry

They’ve done it. They’ve finally done it. The New York Knicks actually found someone who wants to work for them. It’s a Christmas Miracle in July!! And even though you’ve never heard of him he actually has NBA front office experience. Crazy right?! Knicks fans..meet Scott Perry.

Before I introduce Scott Perry, we must fully understand this hiring. Scott Perry might be the Knicks’ general manager, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be making decisions. Oh sure, he’ll make suggestions, but they may be acknowledged, or ignored, depending on what side of the bed Steve Mills and James Dolan wake up on. That sounds empowering to me!! Essentially, Scott Perry is a life-size puppet. So why would Perry take the job you ask?? Because he gets to put Knicks general manager on his resume, and his pay will increase — a lot. Now let’s meet the poor bastard.

Scott Perry has over a decade of experience, working for 5 different franchises. He has worked for Seattle, Oklahoma City, Detroit, Orlando, and Sacramento. His most successful tenure was in Detroit. Perry was the Pistons’ director of player personnel when they reached 6 consecutive Eastern Conference Finals, including 1 championship (2004). The past 4 months of his career haven’t been quite as stable. Perry was fired by the Orlando Magic (uhhh, hi red flag) in April. He wasn’t a bachelor for long though, as the Sacramento Kings hired him later that month to be vice president of basketball operations.

Okay, so he showed some resiliency in getting hired quickly, however, the Kings are letting him walk away after only 4 months on the job. What does it say when the Kings don’t want you?! Nothin’ good.

I’m not going to sit here and completely bash this move, but there are moving parts that make me slightly uncomfortable. The first is Steve Mills. Upon hiring Perry, Mills will be promoted to president of basketball operations. So Perry will have to report to Mills. Enjoy that!! Second, the Knicks will be required to give some form of compensation to the Kings in exchange for Perry. This compensation better be money, because if the Knicks just TRADED A DRAFT PICK TO BRING IN SCOTT FREAKIN’ PERRY, I’M GOING TO LOSE MY MIND!!!!

There goes another blood vessel. Oh well.

Once the dust settles on this sand storm, the attention will revert back to Carmelo Anthony. As his first order of business, what will Scott Perry “do” with Carmelo Anthony?? Trade him, keep him, or buy him out?? As of now, trade talks between the Knicks and Houston Rockets have been put on hold.

And now, it’s opening night. The theater is sold out, and the stage is yours (as Mills lowers Perry onto the stage). It’s time to start the show Pinoch….I mean Steve Perry. Break a leg!!

 

What do you think of this hiring?? What do you think of Scott Perry?? Tell me your thoughts in the comment section.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M EST.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Living Legends Continue To Impress

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 7 Comments

wimbledon

72. Combined age of Roger Federer (35) and Venus Williams (37). 22. Combined semifinals appearances at Wimbledon for Federer (12) and Williams (10). 4. Number of hours I slept last night. I know that’s irrelevant, but let’s just say 4:15 A.M. came quicker than I had hoped. Anywayyyyyy…….

Venus Williams will square off with Johanna Konta today at 10 A.M. EST. Federer will take on Tomas Berdych on Friday morning (time is TBD). If Venus is able to get past Konta, she’ll be pleased not to see her sister on the other side of the net (Serena is 4-1 vs. Venus in Grand Slam Finals). As for Federer, he is the odds on favorite to win the tournament. With Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic both losing Wednesday, Federer went to bed with a smile on his face.

It is incredible both Williams and Federer are still competing at such a high level. Williams made her professional debut 23 years ago. Insane!! She now holds 7 Grand Slam titles, and is looking for lucky number 8. Federer has already won 18 Grand Slam titles (most of all-time). This would give him 19 total Grand Slams and would be his 8th Wimbledon!! Again..Insane!!

I will be watching every second of every match because no one knows how much longer these living legends will be able to compete at this level. Federer will treat Berdych like a stroll in the park. I’d be surprised if Federer doesn’t win in straight sets. As for Venus, Konta is a tough match-up. At age 26, she is a tough player with a good all-around game. I see this being a highly competitive, 3-set match. Don’t be surprised with a 28-26 finish in the 3rd set.

Dave’s Predictions: Venus wins 6-4, 4-6, 10-8. Federer wins 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.

Whether I’m right or wrong (obviously I’ll be right), my tired eyeballs will be glued to the television. It’s like spending time with your children, you need to cherish these moments, because they won’t last forever.

 

Will Roger Federer and Venus Williams both advance to the Finals at Wimbledon?? Post your prediction in the comment section below??

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Don’t Be A Dummy, Save Your Money

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

mayweather

Do people actually buy into this crap?!?! Are there really people at home, sitting on the edge of their seats, jumping up and down every time Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Conor McGregor speak?? These must be the same people who think Jerry Springer is exciting television. Ahem..there’s probably a reason you’re home on a Tuesday, watching TV, at noon….

Tuesday’s “Press Conference” in Los Angeles represented the 1st of 4 majorrrrrrrr $$$$ grabs. It’s like one of those booths you get in and try to grab the singles as they fly around in the wind, only in this case there are 100 dollar bills — and there’s no wind.

For 4 consecutive days (7/11 – 7/14), we will be force fed Mayweather’s fake smile and McGregor’s bravado. This is a “Promotional Tour”, being used to hype up their fight to obscene levels. Well, I’m not buying it. Not this week. And not on August 26th. This “Tour” will also stop in Toronto, Brooklyn, and London.

If you want to watch the entire “Press Conference”, click here. Allow me to warn you..it’s throw-up worthy. Even if you watched the “Press Conference”, you may have missed a minuscule detail. A detail that showcased the “class act” that McGregor is. HA! This jack wagon had a custom suit made with the tiny letters “F*** You” stitched all over his suit. So what appeared to be pinstripes were actually terms of endearment directed at his foe, Floyd Mayweather Jr. You Stay Classy Dublin!

See, this fight isn’t a fight. It’s a circus act. It’s an opportunity for 2 guys to make inordinate amounts of money in exchange for ‘Reality TV’ entertainment. Ya know, like that scripted stuff we used to watch at age 10 — “Professional” Wrestling. Now, I don’t believe the Mayweather/McGregor fight is scripted, but it might as well be. McGregor has ZERO chance in this fight. Hell, the only reason this fight was sanctioned is because everyone’s palms are being greased. Sit back and look at the big picture here..this is a 49-0 boxer vs. a guy who has never fought a professional boxing match. That’s like me getting in the ring with Mike Tyson. Sure, he’s old, and fat, and crazy, but he’d whoop my ass.

The big difference in this fight, however, is Floyd Mayweather Jr. DOES NOT knock people out..EVER. So for those who decide to pony up the $100 for this pay-per-view event, cough..don’t do it..cough cough, you will be extremely disappointed. You may even feel cheated. This fight will go as every Mayweather fight has gone in the past 19 years: jab, jab, hide behind his shoulder, jab, dance around, hug, and repeat. The result will be a unanimous decision in favor of Mayweather (McGregor won’t win a single round). Following the fight, UFC, boxing, and sports fans all over the world will criticize Mayweather for not knocking McGregor out. Criticize yourselves.

Ultimately, this spectacle will be good for people who like money and good for the UFC. On the other hand, it will be devastating for boxing.

Dear Boxing,

I never thought I’d say this, but you’ve lost a fan, for life….

 

Will you watch this fight?? Did you enjoy Tuesday’s “Press Conference”?? If so, please try to rationally explain why in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Episode #3 Of DaveTalksSports Radio

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Here it is!! Episode #3 of DaveTalksSports Radio. We talked Knicks, Home Run Derby, Wimbledon, and much more. All you have to do is Click, Listen, and Enjoy!! Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports

Please leave any comments here or on YouTube. Thanks for listening and reading!!

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Casual Dominance

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 6 Comments

Aaron-Judge-Campeon-del-Home-Run-Derby

Human beings are not supposed to be able to do that. Just when you think there are limitations to what humans beings can do, expectations are shattered. And that’s what it’s all about; expectations. No one expects a rookie to be leading the MVP race. No one expects a rookie to hit baseballs 500+ feet. No one expects a rookie to take the world by storm. Until they do.

Aaron Judge is that rookie. Yes, he is only in his first full season in Major League Baseball. It’s hard to believe due to his size, strength, ability, and demeanor. He walks, talks, and acts like a 12-year, MLB veteran.

If Aaron Judge Isn’t The Perfect Candidate To Be The Face Of Baseball, I don’t Know Who Is.

MLB needs to seize the moment. Forget the “Judge” nicknames, they should make him the poster child for their league. He is just what baseball, and more importantly society needs. He is as confident as he is humble. He is as selfless as he is gracious. He is as talented as he is grounded. But don’t ask him for an opinion of himself, because he won’t give it. He’ll assuredly attribute his success to the support of his family, friends, coaches, and teammates. In a world filled with self-promotion, it is refreshing to see a 25-year old break the mold.

The mold is not the only thing Aaron Judge broke last night. He broke records and possibly some windows during his first Home Run Derby. As the 2-seed in the new “bracket” format the home run derby adopted, Judge had to overcome a mountainous obstacle in the first round. His opponent, 7-seeded Justin Bour, rallying behind his home crowd in Miami, posted 22 home runs in the first round (4th most in a single round..ever). It’s hard not to like Bour, “Mr. No Batting Gloves”, as I like to call him. His monstrous frame and forearms lend themselves to a Home Run Derby. I mean, the guy was fed a doughnut by teammate Giancarlo Stanton during one of his “timeouts”. You owe me a doughnut!

While Bour and Stanton brought energy and excitement to the Home Run Derby, Aaron Judge was not to be outshined, outmatched, or outdone. His home run hitting power stole the show, as he hit 23 home runs to narrowly advance past Bour.

And this is the only part of the Home Run Derby I would tweak. The time limit and brackets were great ideas, but Justin Bour (22) and Giancarlo Stanton (16) deserved to advance to the second round. Next year, of the 8 competitors, the top 4 should advance to the semi-finals. From there, based on the same rankings (1-8), the bracket format should ‘kick in’. This would allow the best performers to advance, and still provide the head-to-head matchup excitement.

Anyway, back to Judge….

He hit 47 total home runs, 5 that travelled at least 500 feet. He also owned the longest home run of the night; 513 feet. Can you imagine hitting a baseball 500 feet?! Yeah, me neither.

My favorite part of Judge’s performance was he showcased his opposite field power, utilizing the entire ballpark as his playground. And you’d need to watch the Home Run Derby to understand his raw power. Balls that mere mortals pop-up to shallow right field are 400 foot home runs for Judge, the demi-god. And as if all this wasn’t impressive enough, Judge actually hit the ceiling last night. HE HIT THE CEILING!! And it didn’t even count as a home run. Fortunately, this didn’t cause a Home Run Derby controversy. While it was certainly Aaron Judge’s night, I think he just drew a few more eyeballs to the game of baseball for the rest of the year.

 

Did you watch the Home Run Derby last night?? Did you tune in just to watch Aaron Judge?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

The New York Knicks Can’t Give Jobs Away

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 5 Comments

alg-knicksgrade-jpg

Who am I?? What am I doing?? Where am I going?? How am I going to get there?? These questions are normal — standard — when you are 18. Those seeking direction in life will pose such questions. These questions, however, are not normal when you are a sports franchise in the biggest marketplace in the world. The door opens..and the New York Knicks enter.

The Knicks are a mess. They lack the basic skills a teenager would need to bathe themselves, dress themselves, and feed themselves. Which brings us to today. The Knicks are sitting in their own filth, trying to figure out how to work the microwave. They have, however, figured out how, in New York City, to become the least attractive destination in the NBA. Oh no, I’m not talking about attracting players anymore. Clearly that ship has sailed. I’m talking about employees. Imagine a world, where people get a job offer from the Knicks, and they say, “Naaa, I’m good, this sidewalk is comfy.”

That’s what David Griffin did yesterday. Griffin, the former General Manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers, removed himself from the running for the Knicks’ General Manager position. And I don’t blame him. He probably got about 30 feet into Madison Square Garden before making a U-turn and sprinting toward the exit. Following his meeting with James Dolan, Griffin said, “the Knicks couldn’t make it work.” MAKE WHAT WORK?!?! The pen to sign on the dotted line?! Did it run out of ink?? All Dolan had to do was give Griffin control of player personnel. Ya know..let him make decisions. Apparently, that’s asking too much.

James Dolan is a moron. He continues to employ Steve Mills, who is clearly not qualified to make sound personnel decisions (hi Tim Hardway Jr.). And for those who are planning to wait out Dolan until he sells the team, don’t hold your breath. I’ve yet to meet a multi-millionaire who dislikes money. Allow me to repeat myself. The New York Knicks can’t find someone who wants to be their General Manager. I mean, I would take the job, so they can call me if they want…

But that’s the point. The Knicks will not sign an experienced General Manager. They will be forced to sign someone with minimal or no experience. In other words, they will hire someone who is desperate for work. Then, we will collectively cross our fingers and hope this mystery GM turns into the next Tom Brady (6th round draft pick turned greatest of all-time).

Oh boy, we’re crossing fingers now….

 

I want to hear from my Knicks fans. How much longer will you put up with this ineptitude?? Will you be a loyal Knicks fan for life, no matter the level of dysfunction?? Please help me understand in the comment section below.

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