The Show Speak

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

My last year as a Phoenix Suns Fan (repost)

Words cannot describe the pure beauty of this blog posting by phoenixsuns1979 on a popular Phoenix Suns blog - Bright Side of the Sun.

Bright Side of the Sun
"My Last Year as a Phoenix Suns Fan"
phoenixsuns1979 (Link)

I'm sure we can all remember our first sporting event we attended, I'll never forget the Phoenix Suns vs. Atlanta Hawks game I saw with my Father in 1989. I remember walking into ,what seemed like, a brand new shiny area that had colors so vibrant they would confuse my 700 pound RCA tube television back at home . Kevin Willis might as well have been the Incredible Hulk with his monsterous height and interior scoring ability.It felt as if I had been blind and deaf my whole life and Veterans Memorial Coliseum shook these senses alive. Of course, the old Coliseum was run down and on the verge of collapse but that was the magic of the Suns and sports in general. Every sports fan has a similar story that is equally beautiful and romantic . However, eventually there is an end to the story and romance. I will remember this years season finale against the Denver Nuggets as my last game. I was diagnosed with a terminal illness at the beginning of 2012 and my time is coming to a close. I am not writing this to curse a world that has forced this fate upon me or gain sympathy.I just wanted to say goodbye to something that has meant the world to me throughout my life. There have been few things that have remained constant in my life since that first game, the Suns being one of them.

I had always hoped that I would live to see the Suns raise the Larry O'Brien trophy but I finally realized this past year that it was never about wins and losses. As girlfriends and friendships passed through my life, the Suns always played 82 games (minus a lockout or two). Each and every game brought a hope and promise that brightened my days. All the highlights and wins blurred the failures and defeats over time. The Phoenix Suns became a friend that would not waiver. An imperfect friend that might make mistakes but were always there and would fight for me. Personally, that was all I could ever ask of someone or something.

Please continue reading here.

Thank you PhoenixSuns1979.

Until Next Time,

Craig Turley

@That_Dude_CT

Sunday, February 24, 2013

February Predictions For October Baseball

Article sponsored by Fan Duel Fantasy Baseball, Guest Author.

Can Joey Votto lead Cincinnati back to a Reds October? (photo: Craig Turley, 2/22/13)

February Predictions For October Baseball

Players are still getting used to the daily routine of Spring Training, but with games about to start, it is never too early to give a look at what the standings might look in October. While there are two Wild Card teams in each league, for now the focus will be on the division winners.

American League East – New York Yankees

With the Blue Jays going all in, and the Rays and Orioles stocked with great young talent, many people are ready to write off the New York Yankees as being too old to compete. It just seems as though this core group of guys will have one more run in them. Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter are expected to return to full strength by the beginning of the season, and if Michael Pineda can begin pitching by the middle of the season, they could have a solid #2 starter. They might not be built for the playoffs, but they win a hotly contested American League East.

American League Central – Detroit Tigers

Detroit might have the best rotation in baseball, and their lineup can score a lot of runs. It is easy to see why they are the pick in the Central. This division has been known as one of the weakest in baseball the past few years, but the four other teams are making some moves with an eye on the future. Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera are reason enough to buy into Detroit.

American League West – Los Angeles Angels

After their spending spree a season ago, the Angels finished behind the Rangers and the A’s in their division. The response? Go spend more money. Josh Hamilton joins an already potent lineup with Albert Pujols and Mike Trout that will strike fear into the rest of the league, it has an almost fantasy baseball look to it. There are still some pitching questions, but Tommy Hanson, Jason Vargas and Joe Blanton could all add some depth to the rotation this season.

National League East – Atlanta Braves

The Nationals exceeded expectations a season ago, but there are some question marks surrounding them heading into 2013. They might be able to land a Wild Card spot, but the division will go to the new look Atlanta Braves. Gone is future Hall of Famer Chipper Jones, and in is Justin and BJ Upton.

Atlanta made a name for itself in the 1990s by relying on solid pitching. Their rotation looks decent on paper, but their offense will have to carry them if they want playoff success.

National League Central – Cincinnati Reds

Much like last season, the Cincinnati Reds are just built to win a lot of games. That has not translated to the playoffs very well, but that mostly has to do with their lack of a true ace. Offensively, few teams can match Cincinnati when you step back and look at things.

Shin-Soo Choo joins an already potent lineup this season, but the key to their success will be to see if Johnny Cueto or Mat Latos steps up to be that go-to pitcher the Reds need. Neither one has been able to come through just yet.

National League West – Los Angeles Dodgers

The defending World Series champions won’t be too happy about this, but the Dodgers have emerged as the best team in their division. The one-two punch of Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke is scary for any opponent, and their offensive firepower is among the best in baseball as well. Health is always a concern for any club, but they should be able to put together a great season overall due to their depth.