June 10, 2012

Euro 2012: June 10

Spain 1-1 Italy
Croatia 3-1 Ireland

Croatia really looked strong today but could still have difficulties making it out of the group without taking some points from both their next games.

June 9, 2012

Day 2 of Euro 2012 has begun, and started off with my Holland being defeated by the major underdog Denmark, 1-0.  Denmark was able to capitalize on shaky defending early in the match and then was able to park the bus in the second half to absorb the Dutch attacks.  Amazingly, the Netherlands outshot Denmark 32-8, but were unlucky to come up with no goals.  They were the highest scoring team in qualifying, and this was definitely an unexpected result.  The shots were there, they just weren't falling.  Advancing out of the group will now be a monstrous task, with games still to go against Germany and Portugal, two very strong teams as well.  

Netherlands vs Denmark match stats

Euro 2012: June 9

Denmark 1-0 Netherlands
Germany 1-0 Portugal

June 8, 2012

It's finally Friday, and another work week is in the books (I'm actually on lunch break right now though). The big story in my sports world is the kickoff of Euro 2012.  The 2nd most awesome soccer tournament in the world (behind the World Cup of course) should provide plenty of excitement and I'll be recording as many games as I can to watch after work.  Being mostly of Dutch descent I've always been partial to the Netherlands as my favorite soccer country, other than the US.  The 2010 World Cup was a bit of a disappointment as they lost the final, but new hope abounds and we should make a strong showing in the European championship.  We are grouped with Germany, Denmark, and Portugal in Group B, otherwise known as they Group of Death.  All 4 are legitimate teams, possibly excluding Denmark but they are no pushover either.  The Netherlands kicks off its Euro 2012 tomorrow against Denmark.

Euro 2012: June 8

Poland 1-1 Greece
Russia 4-1 Czech Republic

June 5, 2012

Stat Line of the Day

Cliff Lee's line vs the Dodgers

Yet again Cliff Lee twirls a gem, and yet again he comes up winless thanks to non-existent run support.  In fact, he's been receiving the 2nd lowest support of qualifying starting pitchers, receiving barely over 2 runs a game.  As dominant as he is, it's nearly impossible to expect him to give up less than 2 runs in every start, and it really is sad that he's still winless.  With Roy Halladay on the DL and the offense struggling, the Phillies should really be looking to acquire an impact bat, and will also be heavily relying on the return of Ryan Howard to provide an offensive spark.  Without an improvement in their anemic offense, the Phillies will not challenge in the NL East, no matter how good their pitching is.  

June 1, 2012

Stat Line of the Day

Johan Santana's line vs the Cardinals

Major props to Johan Santana of the Mets for shutting down the powerful Cardinals lineup and producing the 1st no hitter in Mets history.  While he did walk 5 batters and took 134 pitches to do it, the feat is nonetheless praise-worthy.  While he may have dropped off the baseball radar in recent seasons this just shows that Santana isn't done yet, and looks to be regaining a smidgeon of his former Cy Young winning form.  If he can keep up his solid start to the season the Mets could come a lot closer to contending than anyone imagined.