yyys123
Joined: 08 Jul 2019
Posts: 885
|
 Posted: 22.02.2009 Post subject: s the beginning of the end |
 |
|
|
| There is no shortage of possible contenders this week as the Masters gets underway. Here are a few to keep your eye on and possibly include in your pool. Rory McIlroyDespite blowing up on the final nine in 2011, McIlroy showed he has the game to play at Augusta National. And, after a flat 2013 campaign, there are signs of life in his game this year that include a win in Australia at the end of last year and three top-10 finishes in five PGA Tour starts this year. Phil MickelsonNot many golfers have as impressive a record at Augusta National as Phil Mickelson who has only missed the top 10 three times since 1999. However one of those was last year and he also pulled an oblique muscle two weeks ago which forced him to withdraw from the Texas Open. The reigning British Open champion has won five majors in the last 10 years. Dustin JohnsonSupremely talented and enjoying a good season, Wayne Gretzkys future son-in-laws best finish at Augusta National is a tie for 13th, which came last year. This year, hes ranked second in Driving Distance and third in Greens In Regulation, and no one has made more birdies this year than DJ. Hes also a very good putter which will likely be his make-or-break club this week. Graeme McDowellAlthough hes missed the cut three of the last four times, McDowell has five top-10 finishes in his six starts this year and is leading the Strokes Gained – Putting category. Good putters do well at Augusta National and McDowell also knows how to play under pressure. And what Northern Irishman doesnt look good in green? Jason DayHes finished in the top three here in two of the last three years and is the fourth-ranked golfer in the world. Hes pronounced himself healthy from the thumb injury he sustained a few weeks back and he has a win already this year. If his putting stays sharp, he will have a chance to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Adam Scott. Graeme DeLaetAs we all know, first-timers havent fared well around here of late, but with more than a quarter of the field made up of those on their maiden voyage at the Masters, the odds have never been better. DeLaet has a game well-suited for Augusta National and hes arrived feeling healthy and excited, and playing some excellent golf. He wont have any trouble getting the ball to the green but its what happens once hes on those putting surfaces that will determine how he fares. Sergio GarciaAfter coming off this course and proclaiming that he would never win a major championship, Garcia has quietly become a legitimate pick around here again, thanks in large part to his improved putting. He seems to be an older, wiser player these days playing a much calmer game. However, a little of his old fire and passion wouldnt hurt him here this week. Adam ScottIts tough for a champion to defend at any major. Theres always so much attention and so many extra duties that throw the winner out of their regular routine. But Adam Scott seems prepared for that and has used his energy wisely this week. Still, theres probably a good reason why only three champs have ever followed up their victory with another win. Matt KucharHas anyone been more consistent this year than Matt Kuchar? Yes, he missed glorious opportunities to win the last couple of tournaments but the fact he was in the hunt speaks volumes about where his game is at. He has top-10 finishes both of the last two years around here and has played as well as anyone in the majors since 2010. He is due. Amari Cooper Youth Jersey . They were right in that they responded to coach Randy Carlyles goaltending switch to erase a two-goal deficit. Charles Haley Jersey . The CFL unveiled its 2014 schedule Wednesday and the Redblacks will play their first-ever regular-season game in Winnipeg against the Blue Bombers on July 3. https://www.cowboyssportsgoods.com/Womens-Tony-Romo-Inverted-Jersey/ . Louis Cardinals on Sunday afternoon; a brief, poor outing that served to highlight two trends that have developed this season. Chuck Howley Jersey . According the CSNBayArea.com, the 31-year-old suffered an ACL injury in his right knee on Friday when he collided with Anaheims Emerson Etem during a pre-season game. Jaylon Smith Jersey . Jeff Carter had two goals and an assist as the Kings stretched their streak to seven wins in a row with a 4-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday.ANAHEIM – Colby Rasmus was saying the right things when asked about his new lot in life. Hes a platoon player now. Once the starting centerfielder, hell share duties with Darin Mastroianni for the time being. "I guess its different than Ive been in before as far as being platooned," said Rasmus. "Im just going to look at it as theyre trying to help me in some weird kind of way." Rasmus is struggling, of that there is no question. With his first taste of free agency only months away, hes suffered through a .214/.267/.458, his .725 OPS propped up by his slugging percentage, which is strong because of Rasmus 41 hits, 12 have been home runs and 11 have been doubles. His splits would, on the surface, suggest a platoon makes sense. Rasmus has a .754 OPS with 10 home runs against right-handed pitchers; a .619 OPS with two home runs against left-handers. Manager John Gibbons has decided that involving one of the clubs latest of many waiver claims, Darin Mastroianni, in the centerfield mix is right for the team. "We want him to start hitting right-handers too," said Gibbons. "Were scrambling for offence right now and we think thats the best chance. Hes not hitting any lefties so give Mastro a shot at it." This comes at an interesting time. Edwin Encarnacion is on the disabled list with a right quadriceps strain. Brett Lawrie is on the disabled list with a fractured right index finger. Jose Bautista is playing despite hamstring tightness. Adam Lind is playing as he recovers from a bone bruise in his right foot. It seems anyone who is anyone is fighting an ailment to some degree. Rasmus should be part of the solution but hes going to have to break out of his funk in order to get the chance. "Its not going like I want it to, obviously," said Rasmus. "Everyday in this game is a fight no matter if youree doing good or doing bad.dddddddddddd Right now its not going that great for me. At the plate, theyre pitching me well and theyre not playing into my strengths, which is their job." In the fifth inning of Mondays 5-2 loss to the Angels, the score was 2-2 at the time, Los Angeles Josh Hamilton hit a lazy fly ball to Rasmus in centerfield. The bases were loaded and Kole Calhoun tagged from third. Rasmus caught the ball flatfooted rather than circling it and setting up for the throw home. His throw was offline, Calhoun scored easily and the Jays trailed the rest of the way. Two innings later, with the score 5-2 Angels in the seventh, Mastroianni pinch hit for Rasmus with left-handed Angels reliever Joe Thatcher on the mound. Gibbons made the move knowing right-hander Jason Grilli was ready. Grilli struck out Mastroianni looking. While Gibbons said he wasnt punishing Rasmus for the defensive miscue, he didnt offer Rasmus a ringing endorsement. "Well, you knew they had us either way," said Gibbons of the matchups. "So they forced our hand. They got us any way we want to go there." Its a little late to call this the beginning of the end of Rasmus time in Toronto, but the club appears poised to go in a different direction next season. Rasmus will seek out a contract big on term and dollar and knows he needs a strong finish to improve his chances of securing one. "Thats not really my main concern," said Rasmus. "My main concern is to get back to playing, not necessarily trying to prove anything or prove to anybody that Ive got to do anything; just to come in, do what Ive got to do, play baseball, have fun, enjoy my family and that will be it. "Im not going to let whatevers going on put more stress on me," he said. "Im just going to go out there and play. Whenever they want me to play, Ill play." ' ' ' |
|
