Manchester United Update

From 2006 through 2009, Manchester United had fixed themselves a position atop the English Premier League standings, proving their dominance year after year.  Last season, Chelsea unseated the champions and stole possession of the Premier League crown.  It is no surprise to see Chelsea on top the standings once again, however, United sits just four points behind the lead with a match scheduled for Saturday at Aston Villa.  A win at Villa may not be too difficult to come by, having not lost since opening day of the 1995-’96 season.

Villa’s manager, Gerard Houllier realizes the circumstances of the upcoming match: “Villa have not won against United (at home) for a long time. I would say that at some stage it has to stop.  We must make sure we don’t give them too much respect.  They are so good, we must not watch them play.”

On the opposite side, Manchester has six draws on the season and two in their last five games.  In order to gain momentum and have an opportunity to challenge Chelsea, they must begin to grind out victories.  Darren Fletcher, widely acknowledged as one of the top midfielders in the game, has told his Manchester United team-mates it is time to end the succession of draws that has halted their progress this term.

Much has been made about the 25-game unbeaten streak dating back to last season’s loss in the title game to Chelsea; however, the players will not look at that as an impressive feat.  Fletcher added, “People are talking about us not losing but we have drawn too many, especially away from home.”

United must keep pace with Chelsea in an effort to make their December 19^th home match-up with The Blues a pivotal game.  The Red Devils must take one game at a time; however, they realize the type of pressure they are under to win because another draw will keep them from putting the pressure on Chelsea to win as well.

Fletcher added, “Overall, you would be better winning two games out of three and losing the other one rather than winning one and drawing two.”  And he’s quite correct.

Hottest NBA Ticket of 2010

As an avid NBA fan and frequent attendee of games during the season, I’ve been wondering to myself which team has the most draw in the NBA in 2010-‘11.  Most would quickly respond by suggesting the Miami Heat, hands down.  Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh all on one team attracts even the weak fans as well as those willing to pay the extra fee to catch a glimpse of the super squad.  However, all the hype over this team has overshadowed the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, who quietly retained their prized players and added crucial pieces (see: Steve Blake, Matt Barnes, Theo Ratliff) to fortify and prepare the team for another deep run at a potential 3-peat.  Oh, yeah and they aslo have some dude named Kobe Bryant along with all-stars’ Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom and Ron Artest.

These two teams are set to meet on Christmas day which is primed to receive the highest ratings of an NBA game on Christmas in history because of the star power presence.  However, prior to that meeting, which team would you rather see square off live against your home team?

Seeing as today’s common NBA fan would rather be subject to a game comprised of high-flying dunks, buzzer beaters, dominating blocks, etc., it seems that on the surface the Heat would be the most popular ticket.  Lebron is a two time MVP known to electrify crowds with his ability to glide to the rim, absorb contact and throw down a monstrous dunk.  Dwyane Wade has a championship ring and Finals MVP on his resume, and has been notorious for his incredible leaping ability and air-time at the rim.  Watching these two stars in the open court is a sight unmatched by any other combo in the league.

The Lakers, however, employ Kobe Bryant, who repeatedly defies the odds with his turnaround-fall away-jaw-dropping jumpers from the baseline, which cause any human being in attendance to salivate.  High flyer Shannon Brown electrifies the crowd when he enters the game because of his knack for the shocking, gravity-defying slam dunks on the break or through traffic.  Sometimes overlooked is the versatile lefty Lamar Odom, who could quite possibly carry the most diverse tool-set in the league.  At 6’10’’, Odom can shoot, penetrate, defend, rebound and pass efficiently, likening him skill wise, to the greatest players in the game.

It almost seems unfair to choose only one team.  You know your team will give either the Heat or Lakers everything in the tank, because the chance at a victory could define a team’s season.  The Lakers are no longer just Kobe and sidekicks as the Heat are no longer Wade and the rejects.  This may have to end in a tie for the most attractive ticket.  I know a tie is like kissing your sister, but what other choice do you have?! These are two of the most impressive teams in NBA history; either way you will witness greatness.  To get the best of both worlds, make sure to save up for the hottest ticket of the season when these two square off on Christmas Day 2010.

For more information or travel packages to see your favorite team, be sure to visit Premiere Global Sports. Click here for more information.

World Series Champions

The San Francisco Giants have won the World Series! San Francisco has been waiting 54 years for this. This victory was long overdue. Willie Mays led the Giants to their previous crown in 1954, four years before they moved to San Francisco. After that, they never quite got it done despite the likes of baseball giants Barry Bonds, Juan Marichal and Willie McCovey.

The Giants came close in 2002 when they lost in seven games to the then Anaheim Angels. Bonds was a huge part of that team’s success hitting four World Series home runs. The Giants took this series from the Texas Rangers in five games and Edgar Renteria was named World Series MVP.

Game 5 in Texas was a match up of arguably this year’s two best pitchers- Tim Lincecum and Cliff Lee. Lincecum out-dueled Cliff Lee for the second time in a week giving up three hits over eight innings and striking out 10. Lee was effective as well giving up three runs on six hits over seven innings but, made one big mistake in the top of the seventh to Edgar Renteria. With runners on second and third and two outs Renteria jumped on a 2-0 cutter that didn’t cut. Renteria sent a drive that kept sailing and landed over the left-center field wall as Cody Ross jumped across home plate to give the Giants a 3-0 lead.

Renteria reprised his role of postseason star. His 11th-inning single ended Game 7 of the 1997 World Series and lifted Florida over Cleveland. Renteria went 7 for 17 (.412) with a Series-leading six RBIs prompting him to be named World Series MVP. Giants closer Brain Wilson came on and pitched a perfect ninth to seal the Championship for San Francisco.

This year of baseball was characterized as “the year of the pitcher” and that continued throughout the whole postseason. This World Series was dominated by the Giants pitching. The Giants reinforced baseball’s oldest cliché- Great pitching shuts down great hitting. The Texas Rangers hit just .190 in the five games and were outscored 29-12, while their MVP hopeful Josh Hamilton went 2 for 20 with one RBI.  Lincecum won both starts he made in the World Series while posting a 2.43 ERA throughout the playoffs. Matt Cain was sensational this postseason going 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA. This year was Cain’s coming out party and he showed baseball why the Giants are a dangerous team. The Giants also got a huge game in game 4 from their 21 year old starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner. Bumgarner went eight innings giving up only three hits and zero runs. San Francisco’s bullpen was fantastic as well, starting with closer Brian Wilson as he posted a 0.00 ERA along with six saves this postseason.

This youth movement of pitching by Giants management is the reason the title is in San Francisco and as we see again, great pitching and defense wins you championships. The parade will be Wednesday November 3^rd, hope you enjoy this one San Francisco. Congratulations on winning the World Series!

For more information or travel packages to see your favorite team, be sure to visit Premiere Global Sports. Click here for more information.