04.14.09
Posted in MLB at 5:20 PM by Administrator
After a long, and hard fought battle on the road, the Tampa Bay Rays came home and the fans were waiting to watch their team play their first home game of 2009. The pregame ceremonies started by raising the 2008 A.L. championship banner. Afterwards, the fans settled in to watch their hometown boys wax the Goliath of baseball, the New York Yankees.
Carlos Pena hit a grand slam and drove in six runs Monday night, helping Scott Kazmir beat Chien-Ming Wang and the New York Yankees 15-5 in the home opener for the AL champions.
“We showed everything,” Carl Crawford said after the young, confident Rays homered three times, amassed 17 hits, stole four bases, made some nice defensive plays and impressed manager Joe Maddon with how well they maintain focus on an emotional night.
It got so bad for the Yankees that first baseman Nick Swisher pitched a scoreless eighth inning, the first New York position player to take the mound since Wade Boggs used his knuckleball in 1997.
“It’s one of those days,” captain Derek Jeter said. “It was their day, an opportunity to celebrate what they did last season, and they had their way.”
The Rays toasted last year’s improbable worst-to-first turnaround by hanging two large blue and white division and league championship banners above the left-field stands during a festive pregame ceremony at sold-out Tropicana Field.
They spent the rest of the night pleasing the crowd of 36,973 by beating up on a division rival that shelled out more than $400 million in offseason acquisitions with hopes of regaining supremacy in the AL East.
Kazmir (2-0) allowed three runs and six hits in 6 2-3 innings, including Swisher’s solo homer in the fourth and Melky Cabrera’s RBI single in the fifth. The left-hander struck out six and walked none.
“Whatever could go wrong tonight went wrong,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi. “It started with starting pitcher. Chien-Ming never got it going. We know he’s much better than he’s pitched so far.”
Earlier in the day, New York’s Alex Rodriguez resumed drills on a baseball field five weeks after hip surgery and said following the workout in Tampa that he eventually hopes to return as “good as new.”
The Yankees could use some help with Jeter—1-for-his-last-20—struggling and Cody Ransom going 2-for-24 with two RBIs as A-Rod’s replacement at third base.
Swisher may have been New York’s most effective pitcher. After giving up a walk and Tampa Bay’s 17th hit, he struck out Gabe Kapler and got Pena and Pat Burrell to fly out.
“I had fun with it. When am I ever going to have a chance to do that again? Probably never,” said Swisher, who hadn’t pitched in a game since he was a freshman in high school. “We know we didn’t play very well. Got to find something to laugh about in that moment. I just happened to be the guy.”
Pena had a two-run double in the first off Wang (0-2), who continued to struggle in his comeback from foot surgery that sidelined him for more than three months last season. The slugger drove in three of the eight runs charged to Wang in one-plus innings with the sixth grand slam of his career off reliever Jonathan Albaladejo in the second.
Burrell and Jason Bartlett also homered for the Rays, who got two more RBIs from hot-hitting Evan Longoria.
Longoria, the 2008 AL rookie of the year, has hit safely in all seven of Tampa Bay’s games and has five homers and 12 RBIs.
“We have good young players coming off a very good season. My biggest concern is how we were going to react to success. And to this point, I’m pleased,” Maddon said. “Gratitude and humility, I really believe in that. And I think our guys have channeled all the success properly to this point.”
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Posted in NBA at 4:46 PM by Administrator
The only thing good coming out of these final days for the Magic is that everyone should be healthy when the playoffs start.
Building any momentum is out of the question.
The Magic have quit in the regular season. Center Dwight Howard rested Monday night, joining forwards Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu on the sideline. The two forwards sat out with minor injuries.
The Magic have not offered any refunds to paying customers, but they probably should.
The Magic will finish the regular season at home Wednesday night against Charlotte, but it’s unclear who might play. It’s buyer beware for anyone thinking of paying for a ticket.
Turkoglu (left ankle sprain) and Lewis (right knee tendonitis) could have played if necessary. So could have J.J. Redick (back spasms).
The Magic (58-23) will close with the second-best regular season in franchise history, trailing only the 1995-96 team that won 60 games and eventually lost in the conference final to the Chicago Bulls.
They also matched last season’s team for most road victories (27) in a season, a mark they failed to break as they limped through the final week of the regular season.
They will open the playoffs either Saturday or Sunday against the No. 6 seed, which will be either Chicago or Philadelphia.
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Posted in Daytona Cubs at 4:36 PM by Administrator
Yet another back and forth battle between the Daytona Cubs (3-1, 3-1) and the Brevard County Manatees (1-3, 1-3) went the way of the Cubs, who pulled out a 6-5 win in ten innings to earn a sweep of the three-game series. Shortstop Starlin Castro’s bloop single into shallow right field fell just out of the reach of a diving Caleb Gindl to score catcher Mark Reed for the game-winning, walk-off run.
The Cubs had several chances to win the game in the ninth, as hitters came up twice with the bases loaded. Two groudouts later and the game was headed into extras. Relief pitcher David Cales (2-0) allowed just two hits over the final two innings putting Daytona in position to come out victorious.
Reed bunted his way on to lead off the bottom of the tenth, then advanced to third when infielder Zelous Wheeler committed his second error of the game and threw the ball into the visitors bullpen. Two hitters later, Manatees Manager Mike Guerrero would replace left fielder Lee Haydel with an extra infielder, Eric Farris, leaving just two players to man the outfield. Castro would take advantage with the pop fly to shallow right for the winning run.
The Manatees put up the game’s first run after just three batters, but the Cubs would answer quickly. A lead-off double by second baseman Nathan Samson, followed by a Marwin Gonzalez single tied it up at one apiece. Three hitters later, right fielder Dylan Johnston rode a fastball from Manatees starter Mike Jones over the center field wall for his, and the teams, first home run of the season and a 3-1 lead.
Brevard County would regain the lead with a run in the fifth with a run and extend the lead to two with another in the sixth, but the resilient, young Cubs responded in the bottom of the sixth. Three hits and two walks gave the Cubs opportunities to score with the bases loaded and two away. Manatees reliever John Axford walked Reed to bring in one run, then surrendered an RBI hit to centerfielder Jonathan Wyatt. For Wyatt, it marked his first hit and RBI of the 2009 season.
The two teams would combine for 26 hits in the contest as all but one position player to start the game would record a hit. Johnston and Jonathan Wyatt led Daytona with two apiece, while Gindl and Cole Gilliespie both notched three hits for Brevard County.
The Cubs will continue their homestand with a three-game set against the Dunedin Blue Jays beginning Tuesday night. Righty Marcos Mateo is the probable starter for Daytona, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. and gates to open at 6 p.m.
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04.04.09
Posted in The Chuck and Cody Sports Show at 6:59 PM by Administrator
Apparently, “Chuck and Cody’s Sports Report” is holding it’s own on the airwaves. The show has been promoted, and will now proceed FoxSports every Saturday morning at 11:30am. The show boasts a listenership of 17,000 locally, not including those that listen worldwide using streaming audio on the wnzf.com website. The new time slot is expected to draw even more listeners, with the goal of attracting over 20,000. This number would be approximately 20% of the Palm Coast population. Currently, the show sponsorship is near maximum capacity with 10, and two on the waiting list.
Starting on April 3rd, 2009, “Chuck and Cody’s Sports Report” will air live each Saturday morning from 11:30am-12:00pm, simultaneously on Flagler County’s 106.3 FM, 1550 AM, and worldwide, through the use of streaming audio on the WNZF website at www.wnzf.com. The 30 minute show consists of four quarters of sporting news, with the first three being, local, state, and national news including special quests. The last quarter of the show is called “Breaking The Code.” During this special segment of the show, Cody will read a sports trivia question, and listeners will have the chance to call in with the correct answer. If the correct response is given, and the “Code is Broken” then that caller will receive a free gift certificate package, compliments of “Chuck and Cody’s Sports Report.”
Finally, the show will launch into a two minute scramble called “Overtime” when Cody will either answer fan e-mail and/or Chuck will read a brief sports editorial, or the two hosts will debate a sports topic to close out the show. “Chuck and Cody’s Sports Report” is also committed to donating to the “Make-A-Wish Foundation.” Since 1980, The Make-A-Wish Foundation has given hope, strength, and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
The show is sponsored by Airtime Hobbies, Anytime Fitness, “Cash it In” Pawn Shop, Jukido Academy of Martial Arts, Sakura Japanese Steakhouse, The Florida Writer, Martin’s Seafood and Lounge, Joseph’s Bistro and Pizzeria, Lucky Day Sweepstakes, and Woody’s BBQ.
If you or your business is interested in being a sponsor of “Chuck and Cody’s Sports Report” please e-mail Chuck at cja@flawriter.com
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02.24.09
Posted in Blogging about Sports, MLB at 4:02 AM by Administrator
With the faltering economy, lingering wars, record gas prices, and all the rest, there wasn’t much to get excited about in 2008. Unless of course you happened to be a Tampa Bay Ray’s fan.
Last year, the ball club made a name for themselves, by going from worst to first in the standings, and then beating the Boston Redsox in the playoffs, enroute to their first World Series.
Ultimately, they lost to the Philadelphia Phillies, but in the process, they proved that money doesn’t always buy championships, and sometimes, willpower defies all odds, by producing remarkable results. The Tampa Bay Rays are a young team. Committed to a common purpose, and motivated by a leader who knows what it means to be an underdog. Using his uncanny leadership skills, Joe Madden will once again find a way to motivate his young ball club to an even higher level in 2009. With their appetites hardly quenched, by the post season treats, the Rays are hungry for even more.
This year, the Rays will be even stronger than last. Here are some of the reasons why…
Now that Carl Crawford is healthy, he’ll resume stealing bases and his average should improve after an injury-riddled 2008. Look for Crawford to hit close to a 300 average, and produce somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 homers. B.J. Upton was also slowed by injuries last year, but underwent off season treatment for his chronic shoulder problems. A healthy Upton will not only steal 40 bases this year, but will bat on average near 280, and will send between 15-20 balls into the seats at the Tropicana.
Next, we have First Baseman, Carlos Pena and last year’s rookie sensation, at 3rd base, Evan Longoria. They are projected to bat third and fourth respectively, and each have 30-HR power. Except Longoria to bat near 280, and but be surprised if Pena tops 250.
Dioner Navarro is one of the better offensive catchers in the A.L., and shortstop Jason Bartlett is a cheap source of steals coming off a season slowed by a knee injury. Now that he is healthy, except him to steal over 25 bases this year.
Matt Joyce, Ben Zobrist, Willy Aybar, and Gabe Gross are all in contention for playing time, and one will play regularly in right field.
Rounding out the offensive weapons, is the huge off season acquisition, of Designated Hitter, Pat Burrell. Burrell hit 33 home runs last year for Philadelphia, and after 9 seasons in MLB, he already has a total of 251. That’s an average of 27 per year.
Finally, the pitching rotation will be lead by the ace of the staff, Scott Kazmir. Followed by James Shields, Matt Garza, Andy Sonnanstne, and big lefty David Price. Price will be entering the 2009 season as candidate for Rookie of the Year. He was impressive in high-pressure situations in the postseason, showing off his strikeout potential. The only downside, is that such a valuable young arm will be limited to somewhere around 150 innings this season.
From the bullpen, look for J.P. Howell, Joe Nelson(previously with the Marlins), and Grant Balfour to flourish as setup pitchers. This year’s closer will once again be Troy Percival. After a hot start in 2008, Percy’s age caught up with him. However, when healthy, he is still Tampa’s first choice to save the game. If Percival’s health does become an issue, J.P. Howell could easily assume the closing spot, while grabbing some vulture wins.
Are you ready for some baseball? Then try and forget about the economy, and let the Tampa Bay Rays take to you on another day dream, that starts in early spring, and lasts throughout the fall. The unforgettable moments, the shocking blows, the random miracles, and the sight of grown ups being kids again. Because that’s what Baseball is all about.
By: Charles J. Asbury
Host of “Chuck and Cody’s Sports Report” and owner of “The Florida Writer”
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02.17.09
Posted in Nascar at 1:02 AM by Administrator
Mark Martin has declared that this is really, really, and I mean really his last year in Nascar. I personally hate to see him go, as will many other Nascar fans. On and off the track he comes across a champion in every sense of the word. You won’t find a nicer guy in the sport. He represents Nascar well, by hard work, discipline, dedication, fair driving tactics, and has no problem admitting when he is at fault after a crash. He is the Brett Farve of Nascar. Oh, and by-the- way, he doesn’t beat his wife, do steroids, shoot himself in the leg while out clubbing with friends, or cause any in house distractions with his fellow teammates. Why? Because he’s Mark Martin.
After gunning for a Nascar championship that has eluded him for more than 25 years, Mark now has a better chance than ever before, in his new ride with Hendrick Motorsports. A dynasty boasting big name teammates like, Jimmy Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. If there ever was a time to make a serious run for that elusive championship, that time is now.
If you take the time to look at Martin’s stats, he has produced numbers worthy of championships many times over. He made his Nascar debut in 1981, and since then, he has qualified and started 41 races on the pole. He has 243 top five finishes, and 396 top ten finishes in 700 starts. He ranks 18th overall on the all-time win list with 35 trophies to his credit. In the Nationwide series, he leads all drivers past and present with 48 wins. He actually did win two championships in the short track ASA series, and five in the IROCC series. But, by using the analogy of a dove hunter, the Nascar Sprint Cup Championship, is one bird Mark Martin just can’t seem to bring down. Until now…
With one big trophy missing from his case, Martin has decided to give it one last try. He signed a one-year, full time deal with Hendrick Motorsports, driving the No. 5 Chevrolet. Rick Hendrick is in his 25th anniversary as a Cup car owner. He established a friendship with Martin back in 2007, when Mark drove a car for him in three Nationwide Series events. In his first race, Mark placed second at Darlington. In 2008, Martin would share the stage with Hendrick in victory lane at Las Vegas. The short stint allowed crew chief Alan Gustafson the opportunity to get to know Martin. As fate would have it, this year, Gustafson is Mark Martin’s new crew chief.
The tale of Mark Martin, it’s got the making of a story made for publishing. Take it from another old school guy, who knows the weight of being the underdog. Sometimes Cinderella stories do come true. And waiting 25 years makes the deal even sweeter. To pull off a championship season would be pretty special for everyone, especially Mark Martin. I’ll be pulling for Mark Martin, until his very last lap. His last shot in ole No.5! By: Charles J. Asbury II
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02.16.09
Posted in The Chuck and Cody Sports Show at 7:42 PM by Administrator
The Florida Writer is a media conglomeration combining various types of news coverage such as newspaper, magazine, and internet articles, as well as radio broadcasts. From the “Po Dunk ” towns of central Florida covering high school football games, to highly acclaimed magazines such as “Life on the Coast” and “Distinguished Lifestyles,” Now, “The Florida Writer” is proud to announce it’s latest media venture, “Chuck & Cody’s Sports Report”
From an early age, Chuck Asbury often dreamed of either being a sports reporter, calling a big league game on the radio as an announcer, or hosting his own sports show. Late each night, he would lay quietly under his covers listening to the Atlanta Braves on his little AM radio, with the single ear piece tucked in tight. Each night, he would fall asleep dreaming of what it would be like to…zzzzzz.
But life has a way of changing our dreams, and taking us places where we never dreamed of going. The responsibilites, and the hustle and bustle of everyday life can swallow up our dreams, and many dreams are often forgotten. Somewhere along the way, Chuck forgot his dream. He forgot his dream, and in the process forgot his wish. But God didn’t!
Flash forward 30 plus years…
Now with the help of WNZF, and several outstanding sponsors, that childhood fantasy has become a reality. Starting on February 21th 2009, “Chuck and Cody’s Sports Report” will air live each Saturday morning from 10:00am-10:30am, simultaneously on Flagler County’s 106.3 FM, 1550 AM, and worldwide, through the use of streaming audio on the WNZF website at www.wnzf.com. To make the dream even sweeter, Chuck’s son, Cody, will help co-host the show.
The 30 minute show will consist of four quarters of sporting news, with the first three quarters consisting of, local, state, and national news including special quests. The last quarter of the show is called “Breaking The Code.” During this special segment of the show, three callers will have the opportunity to ask Cody (age 15) any question from one of four categories(Football, Baseball, Basketball or Nascar) All trivia questions must have taken place historically after December 1993, when Cody was born. If any caller is able to come up with a question that Cody cannot answer, and the “Code is Broken” then that caller will receive a free gift, compliments of “Chuck and Cody’s Sports Report.” Finally, the show will launch into a two minute scramble called “Overtime” when Cody will answer fan e-mail and/or Chuck will read a brief sports editorial, or the two hosts will debate a sports topic to close out the show.
“Chuck and Cody’s Sports Report” is also committed to donating to the “Make-A-Wish Foundation.” Since 1980, The Make-A-Wish Foundation has given hope, strength, and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
The show is sponsored by Bible Baptist Church, New Beginnings Salon & Spa, The Florida Writer, Tom Gibbs Chevrolet, and Woody’s BBQ. If you are interested in being a sponsor of “Chuck and Cody’s Sports Report” please e-mail Chuck at cja@flawriter.com
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Posted in Blogging about Sports, Nascar at 4:33 PM by Administrator
With the economy being like it is, it’s a slap in the face of all money strapped Nascar fans when a race ends the way Nascar ended the Daytona 500. I thought Nascar was going to be more creative and fan friendly this year. They were going to help out us broke fans, by offering better deals on tickets, etc. Because they’re looking out for the fans. Yeah right! Run the other laps when it’s dry! The track was dry at 8:57pm, with no further showers. Most fans wouldn’t even have cared if the race resumed at 1:00am! Because Nascar fans are loyal like that.
Fans waited all year for the so called Super Bowl of Racing. They deserved the right to see a real ending to what used to be the greatest race ever. Would the NFL ever stop the Super Bowl after 3 Qtrs.? NO!!! Heck, Nascar could have ran the remaining laps early Monday morning. And you know what? The fans would have welcomed that fan friendly gesture. It’s a lot better than packing up and going home after forking out big money for tickets.
I’ve been to races and waited 4-6 hours to complete the race because of rain. One in particular was at Talladega back in the mid 90’s. I waited forever for that race to restart, and I’m glad I did. That race finish ended up being one of the most memorable of any of the races I’ve ever attended, and I’ve been to plenty.The Daytona 500 is the Nascar fan’s yearly pilgrimage and some mark their calenders off day by day waiting and planning for this special event all year long. They save money and make huge sacrifices to attend the race. Some fans spend all weekend camping out, anxiously awaiting the race. They endure all the pre-race waste of time entertainment! If Nascar would’ve started the race earlier, instead of 3pm. By the way, the race used to start at noon, then they would have had plenty of time to get the race in. Hey, I have an idea, let all those people sing after the race. Because all those entertainers wouldn’t get paid until after the race was over. You think a race would ever get called early again? Call it a little reverse psychology for the money hungry hounds of Nascar.
As it stands, all the loyal fans got so hyped up only to have such an anti-climatic ending. The fans got duped! We get some rain sprinkles, and a guy that led only one lap wins the race. What a crock!
If the race would have resumed when the track was dry, and it was dry at 8:30pm, then we might have seen another more deserving race driver win, like Mark Martin or Kevin Harvick. We always want to see a exciting finish, and it didn’t happen. We’re Nascar fans, not Nascar Executives! This sport is becoming about as real as WWE! It’s all just smoke and mirrors. I would love to see NASCAR FANS go on strike! Maybe, then, and only then when Nascar is gasping for air because of money problems, would they possibly become more fan friendly. As it stands, Nascar got paid, but the fans didn’t!
We the fans should speak up. If we don’t, we will always be tricked into thinking Nascar is fan friendly(haha). When the only truth is, Nascar is money friendly, and that’s it! Yeah, take the money and run!
Oh yeah, for all you Dale Jr. haters, Brian Vickers did cut him off and Jr. didn’t mean to wreak him! He was just trying to stay on the track. Read my blogs on Nascar.com, under the pen name Firedawg1982, for more Nascar bashing and post race recaps. Anyway, I was looking forward to the beginning of the new season, and I love the Daytona 500. Now, I’m seriously disappointed in Nascar’s lack of respect and sensitivity for the most loyal and dedicated fans of any sport.
Be sure to listen to “The Chuck and Cody Sports Show” when Chuck will represent many disgruntled Nascar fans and let Nascar have it with both barrels concerning the early finish of the Daytona 500. The show is aired every Saturday morning from 10:30-11:00 on 106.3 FM and 1550 AM on WNZF in Flagler County, Florida. The show can also be heard worldwide by tuning into wnzf.com on your computer and listening to it by the use of streaming audio.
Yours Truly, Charles J. Asbury II
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01.23.09
Posted in Blogging about Sports, MLB at 3:28 AM by Administrator
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01.06.09
Posted in MLB at 2:46 AM by Administrator
Everyone seems to be a fan of something. Just ask any Nascar enthusiast who their favorite driver is, and you’ll get an immediate answer. A devotee of college football will proudly wear their favorite colors, and loudly sing the team fight song. But for some, it goes deeper than that. Yes, some appreciate, and even love a particular sport. For me, I proudly wear “The Fan” label for what I believe is still America’s greatest pastime, Baseball. I’m a fan of the game, and these are some of the reasons why.
When I was a little kid, and against my mother’s will, I would listen to the Atlanta Braves’ games underneath the covers with my little AM Radio. With the single ear piece in, I would either listen until the last pitch, or fall asleep trying. Night after night, and many miles away, that little boy would quietly root for his favorite team. Even though my alarm clock never showed me any compassion the next morning at six a.m., it never once stopped my nightly ritual of being “The Fan.”
Staying up until one a.m. to hear your favorite team lose, which in those days wasn’t uncommon, is just one example of being “The Fan.” Matter of fact, that might even be considered borderline fanatic, which in fact is the word in which “Fan” comes from. Sometimes, it’s not cool to be a fanatic, but when it comes to sports, people don’t think twice about it. Who can paint their face, make a total spectacle of themselves, and get away with it? Only “The Fan”.
As a fan of baseball, day after day, I would memorize the sports page, and could zealously quote player statistics at random. Of course, I would save some of my lunch money to buy and collect baseball cards. I would also methodically cut out the box scores, game recaps, and any relevant pictures to make a scrapbook of my favorite team, that started in spring training, and marched on through the entire season.
I played my favorite sport from the age of four, and would walk, talk, and try my best to emulate my favorite player. Many times at dusk, my mother would yell, “supper is ready,” but in the midst of my favorite childhood fantasy, I would throw the baseball up in the air one more time, trying to send it sailing over the azalea plants for the game winning home run. In my mind, I was living a dream that only a few can understand. It’s all about baseball, and I am “The Fan.”
Listening to a game on the radio, watching it on TV, or experiencing it in person were distinctly different, yet each one complete and satisfying in it’s own way. You see, “The Fan”relishes the special enjoyment of each memory, and I’ll leave you with a few of mine.
A long time ago, summertime Saturday afternoons were spent watching the Chicago Cubs play on TV with my grandfather. Old Polaroid pictures remind me of the father and son trip from Florida to Atlanta, to watch the Braves play the Dodgers. Then, while stationed in England, baseball held my attention, time after time, while this proud father rocked his little baby girl to sleep. In the fall of 1991, while stationed in Saudi Arabia, I never thought twice about staying up until three in the morning to watch the Atlanta Braves make their dramatic run from worst to first. And now, I can see the twinkle in my son’s eyes as he opens up a fresh pack of baseball cards.
All of these memories, and many more, are written on the tablature of my heart. Immortal, they move the soul. They deepen my love for the game of baseball, and help define this person that I’ve become, “The Fan.”
By: Charles J Asbury II
“The Florida Writer” www.flawriter.com
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