Daily Recap - 7/31

Headlines- Lincecum Goes Seven Strong, Giants Snap Losing Streak at Five- A's Shutout by Rays 8-0- Giants Acquire Hunter Pence from Phillies- Nate Robinson Signs with Bulls- Brandon Rush Re-Signs with Warriors- Oakland Raiders: Training Camp News and Notes- Dodgers Acquire VictorinoA Good Read- Analysis of Hunter Pence Deal- Why Ty Montgomery is Key to Cardinal Success in 2...

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A's Shut Out 8-0 By Rays

It was a record-setting July for the Oakland A's, but it ended on a sour note.The Tampa Bay Rays shut them out 8-0 on a brilliant pitching performance by James Shield, who went the distance and allowed just three hits.Throughout a 162 game season, a team will have occasional bad days, and this was one of them.The runs piled up like raindrops against Tommy Milone, who allowed five runs in six innings. Evan Scribner would give up the other three runs.The Rays scored their eight runs without the use of a home run. They racked 11 hits off of A's pitching, and seemingly had runners on base every single inning of the game.Even with the loss, the A's...

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Lincecum Goes Seven Strong, as Giants Snap Their Five Game Losing Streak

Tim Lincecum pitched seven innings while striking out seven batters, leading the Giants to a 4-1 victory over the New York Mets. More importantly, he helped snap the their season-high, five game losing streakLincecum did something on Tuesday night that he hasn’t done all that often this season--- get out of jams.His night didn’t start too well, though, as the scorching hot Scott Hairston singled and he would be driven home on a Justin Turner double off the facing of the wall in left field. Lincecum would allow just two hits over the next three innings, and his offense scratched out a couple runs for him, thanks to a few hiccups by the reeling...

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Oakland Raiders: Training Camp News and Notes (7/31)

All systems are a go at Raiders camp. Here are a couple quick notes on some of the buzz going around camp:- Some key injuries are giving some younger players an opportunity to show the coaching staff what they can do. Linebacker Aaron Curry is the PUP list and fourth-round rookie Miles Burris is filling his spot getting reps with the first-team defense. Also, cornerback Ron Bartell has a hamstring injury and Demarcus Van Dyke is filling in at that position. Head Coach Dennis Allen likes what he sees so far with both players filling in so this is only positive for the Raiders moving forward. - Running back Darren McFadden looks healthy and is...

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Nate Robinson Signs With Bulls

Former Warriors point guard and fan-favorite Nate Robinson has agreed to a contract with the Chicago Bulls. Robinson averaged 11.2 points in 51 games last season, but the Warriors never showed interest in bringing him back.&nb...

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Analysis of the Hunter Pence Trade to the Giants

The Trade: Giants: Hunter Pence and cashPhillies: Tommy Joseph, Nate Schierholtz and Single-A RHP Seth RosinQuick Analysis:The Giants were looking for an outfield bat to complement baseball’s hits leader Melky Cabrera, and they accomplished that in acquiring Hunter Pence from the Phillies. Pence hit 17 home runs with the Phillies. That mark would lead the Giants by a modest margin, and he has found success at AT&T Park as well, hitting five home runs in 76 career at-bats at AT&T Park.Tommy Joseph will likely replace Carlos Ruiz after the 2013 season, who will be pushing 40 at that point. Scouts says that he is a very good acquisition ...

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Analyzing Warriors' New Core

The Warriors are so stacked, for lack of a better word.After signing Carl Landry, Brandon Rush soon followed. Those two players, very capable of being starters, are backing up two better players in this Warrior core.Fans, what are we to expect this season? Playoffs. It's as simple as that. I've been saying this every year, but now I know the Warriors actually have a legitimate shot to make a deep playoff run. Inexperience, however will hinder them a great bit.All the starters and their backups are capable of averaging double digits. Although that is highly unlikely, I believe the Warriors will have 7 played consistently hitting double digits.Those...

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Reports: Giants Acquire Hunter Pence

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Giants have acquired Hunter Pence from the Phillies.hunter pence on way to #SFGiants. details up soon on CBSSports.com— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) July 31, 2012According to Jim Bowden, Gary Brown, Brandon Belt, and Kyle Krick are NOT involved in the dealUPDATE:Tommy Joseph is included in the deal going to the Phillies for Hunter Pence...the rest of the trade to follow— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) July 31, 2012More Updates:Giants ownership stretching budget to make Pence acquisition work....new ownership with Dodgers being felt hard in SF and they are adjusting— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) July 31,...

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Brandon Rush Re-Signs with Warriors

Brandon Rush's agent says that Rush has re-signed with the Golden State Warriors. The deal is reportedly worth $8 million over two years, which is similar to Carl Landry's contract.Brandon Rush has reached agreement on a two-year, $8 million deal to stay with Golden State, agent Mark Bartelstein says.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 31, 2012Rush averaged 9.8 PPG coming off the bench for the Warriors last season, He shot 45% from three-point range....

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Dodgers Acquire Shane Victorino

The Dodgers are dealing, and they're looking to improve every facet of their team today.Phillies have traded Victorino to Dodgers for Lindblom and Ethan martin— Tim Brown (@TBrownYahoo) July 31, 2012After acquiring Brandon League last night, they acquire Shane Victorino to address their leadoff woes. Although the Giants were not looking at him, are the Phillies willing to trade any other of their outfielde...

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Why Wide Receiver Ty Montgomery is Key to Cardinal Success in 2012

Ty MontgomeryDavid Shaw will have his fair share new offensive starters to work with in 2012. The Cardinal have lost quarterback Andrew Luck, who many considered to be the best NFL prospect in a decade, two first-team all-conference linemen in Jonathan Martin and David DeCastro and freakishly athletic tight end Coby Fleener.With these superstars now on NFL rosters, the Stanford offense may see some early struggles in 2012. What many fail to realize, however, is that the loss of electric wide receiver Chris Owusu is potentially just as big a blow.Owusu showed his blistering 4.36 speed in the NFL combine earlier this year. Unfortunately,...

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Daily Recap-7/30

Headlines- A's Walk-Off Again in Fifteen Innings- Giants Drop Fifth Straight in Crazy Game- Warriors Sign Landry, Green, Close to Agreement with Rush- Rangers Want to Trade for Joe Thornton?A Good Read- Giants Postgame Notes- How Scutaro Will Help the Giants- Warriors Have a Playoff Roster- Will Josh Howard be a Good F...

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A's Pull Out Another Walk-Off in 15 Inning Marathon

As I am writing this, it is already Tuesday morning in Oakland and mid-morning in Tampa Bay. You can thank the A's and Rays for providing five hours of entertainment for all of us, a 15-inning affair that never seemed to end.The A's scored the game's first two runs on RBI doubles by Chris Carter and Kurt Suzuki off Rays' starter David Price, and led 2-0 after two innings. But that didn't foreshadow what was to come. Carlos Pena tied the game with a two-run double in the fourth, and the Rats would take a 3-2 lead on a home run by Matt Joyce in the sixth. Price seemed dominant throughout, but the A's would capitalize on his mistakes. Brandon Hicks...

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Giants Post-Game Notes

-According to multiple reports, Angel Pagan injured his hand while striking something in the dugout after an at-bat. He's day to day.- Nate Schierholtz has requested a trade according to Fox Sports Jon Morosi - Giants continue to talk to Hunter Pence, but not Shane Victorino- The Dodgers traded for Brandon League- Trade Deadline is TOMOR...

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Giants Lose a Wild One, 8-7 in 10 Innings

Led by Scott Hariston, who hit two key home runs, the Mets won a thriller against the Giants in ten innings, 8-7. Madison Bumgarner threw far too many pitches to to go deep into the game, as he pitched just six innings, but did strikeout six Mets hitters. Marco Scutaro broke the Giants 22 inning without a run in the third inning, but Ronny Cedeno followed with a two out, two RBI double in the fourth inning to give the Mets a 2-1 lead. Let's fast forward, however. Sergio Romo gave up a two-run homer on Friday night, and he gave up a two-run homer again on Monday night to Giant killer, Scott Hairston which tied the game....

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Warriors' Have a Playoff Roster

Many polls and reports indicate that most Warrior fans believe that the Warriors have a solid playoff roster. While this may be true, it's also what us Warrior fans have believe the past 3 years. What happened then? Exactly.From the 2008-2012 playoffs, I've been saying the Warriors will get it right next season. That was all mindless thinking. Now, I believe the Warriors actually do have a legitimate shot to make a deep post-season run. I'm backed up with stats. Many other writers and analyzers have also predicted that the Warriors will finally make the playoffs again.Let's look at the main fact:- The Dubs have 5 solid starters. These starters...

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Report: Landry Signs with Warriors

Recent reports indicate that the Warriors have bagged and signed Carl Landry to add more depth to their roster. The deal is worth $8 million over two years,Landry will be a great addition to the Warriors.He performs great plays at the best times. He plays clutch defense, and can get the crowd energized. He has a couple of weak points, like free throws, but it's not a huge gap. Now David Lee will be able to get a long rest because Landry is more than capable of playing for long stints of time.Landry was quite dramatic with his decision, like Dwight Howard, but the Warriors have filled in the missing piece and signed a much needed backup. Brandon...

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How Marco Scutaro Will Help the Giants Offense

Question Brian Sabean’s acquisition of Marco Scutaro all you want, but he’s a solid addition. But by no means is he the piece that will take the Giants to the next level, nor will he bring them down a level. However, he brings something to the table that the Giants don’t do consistently. The ability to put the ball in play.Scutaro’s contribution is that simple. He’s not a free swinger, neither does he wait around like Brandon Belt to. Sure, he’s everything but a power hitter, but he does the the little things like moving the runner over or hitting a sacrifice fly to get a run in. There have been numerous events where the Giants have failed to...

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A's Option Norris to Triple A to Make Room for Kottaras

The A's have optioned catcher Derek Norris to Triple A Sacramento in order to make room for George Kottaras, who they acquired in a trade from the Milwaukee Brewers.In 21 games, Norris hit .205 with 3 home runs with the A...

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Warriors On Verge of Signing Rush, Landry

According to the agent for Brandon Rush and Carl Landry, the Golden State Warriors are close to coming to terms with both of those players.Rush is a restricted free agent, but has yet to receive an offer from another team. The Warriors have made it clear that they will match any offer for Rush, and that may have scared teams off.Landry and the Warriors have expressed mutual interest, so this should not come as a surprise. He averaged 14.5 PPG with the New Orleans Hornets last season, and is an unrestricted free agent.Matt Steimetz reports that both deals could be done by the end of the day. We'll keep you post...

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Warriors Sign Draymond Green to Contract

Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Golden State Warriors have agreed to terms with Draymond Green, the 35th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.Golden State has reached agreement on a 3-year, $2.6M deal with Draymond Green, league source tells Y!Green was 35th pick in June draft.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 30, 2012Green spent four years at Michigan State, averaging 16.2 PPG and 10.6 RPG during his senior year. More Warriors' News: Warriors on the Verge of Signing Rush, Lan...

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Rangers Interested in Trading for Joe Thornton?

Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe is reporting that the New York Rangers will make a "real play" for San Jose Sharks' captain Joe Thornton. Here's more of what he had to say:Nash and Thornton were magic together in Davos, Switzerland, during the last lockout, and have paired like hand and glove in the Olympics for Team Canada. Thornton would have to allow the Sharks to make the deal, but it’s probably a good time for him to go. He has played 1,077 games — 545 with the Sharks, 532 with the Bruins. Still without a Cup  Of course, all this is pure speculation, and I seriously doubt that the Sharks would be willing to part with...

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Trade Deadline: Are the Giants Still Looking at Hunter Pence

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Giants are still trying to acquire Pence even after false reports on Sunday night.The one problem that stands in the Giants' way is the money factor. The ownership has not given them the OK to raise the payroll up to deal for Pence. If/When GM Brian Sabean gets the nod, then a trade for the Phillies' outfielder might seem more realist...

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Could Josh Howard be a Good Fit?

The Warriors haven't expressed much interest in Josh Howard, who is currently available. Chances are the Warriors won't sign him. He could actually be a good fit in Golden State, as he's a solid, consistent guy, and he's washed up as well.When Howard was at his prime, he averaged 18 PPG. He was like Richard Jefferson. Then the age affect took place, and he migrated from team to team, never getting his groove back. There's a few players on the Warriors like that. Howard would be able to give David Lee a rest.He's not the most ideal option right now, but he's still a player to look into. Although people don't see him as much, he could add that...

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Oakland Raiders: Training Camp Quick Hits

The Oakland Raiders opened training camp for the 2012 NFL season on Sunday, in Napa, California. There are some key elements to follow as camp progresses closer to the season opener against the San Diego Chargers on September 10. The first thing to keep in mind is that this is the first training camp for new general manager Reggie McKenzie and first-year head coach Dennis Allen. It is already evident how McKenzie is going to run an organization. Now what remains to be seen is how Allen handles his duties now that the dawn of the season is here. Allen's job is pretty cut and dry: improve this team and get them to the playoffs. That...

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Daily Recap - 7/29

We'll keep you up-to-date on the Hunter Pence trade rumor, but until then, good night!Headlines- Giants Swept by Dodgers, Now Tied for NL West Lead- A's Fail to Complete Sweep in Baltimore- Hunter Pence Trade Rumors- Warriors Have "Minimal" Interest in Josh HowardA Good Read- Giants' Struggles with RISP- Golden State Warriors' Offseason Homework: Klay Thompson- Predicting Warriors' Stats Leaders- Warriors' Need for Backup PF Gr...

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No Deal for Pence, League

Henry Schulman has confirmed that there is indeed no deal for Hunter Pence or Brandon League to the Giants:I'm told as well there's no deal for Pence. Also no deal for League. But I will say this: O'Donnell is a good reporter who's broken Gs news.— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) July 30, 2012 Well, at least it was a nice adrenaline ru...

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Warriors' Updated Offseason Coverage

The Warriors are now on the verge of re-signing Brandon Rush, AND getting Carl Landry. That's the extra special super cherry, on top of the regular cherry, on top of the Ice Cream Sunday. In my opinion, signing both these players will really help the Warriors. Landry isn't exactly ideal, but the Warriors could use his basketball OQ and his tough mentality. As for Rush, the Warriors need him. They got him for a steal. He suddenly broke out and became one of the better bench players in the NBA. Rush and Landry obviously add more depth to the Warriors' lineup. Provided that they sign them... Its not official yet. Although a deal is very close.The...

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Hunter Pence Trade Shot Down?

According to Andrew Baggarly on Twitter,  Giants VP Bobby Evans texted him saying that there is "no truth to the rumor."Giants VP Bobby Evans texts that there's "no truth to the rumor" the Giants have a deal in place for Pence.— Andrew Baggarly (@CSNBaggs) July 30, 2012It was fun while it lasted, but don't rule out the possibility of a deal with the Phillies happening, as Shane Victorino seems to be a better fit than Pence. Then again, maybe they will end up trading for Pence.Stay Tuned....

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Breaking News: Giants Have Deal in Place for Hunter Pence, Awaiting Ownership Approval

Update 10:20 PM : According to Giants' VP Bobby Evans, there is "no truth to the rumors" that Pence has been traded to the Giants. Dennis O'Donnell better get his sources straightened out.Giants VP Bobby Evans texts that there's "no truth to the rumor" the Giants have a deal in place for Pence.— Andrew Baggarly (@CSNBaggs) July 30, 2012Update: Minor league catcher Tommy Joseph is in the deal, according to Dennis O'Donnell of KPIX.Original StoryKPIX-TV is reporting that the Giants have a deal in place to acquire Hunter Pence from the Philadelphia Phillies, pending ownership approval. KPIX-TV is reporting that the Giants have a "deal...

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Golden State Warriors Offseason Homework: Klay Thompson

This article was first published on BlueManHoop.Klay Thompson's Assignment: Attack the Basket More Often and More Efficiently We all know that Klay Thompson can shoot the lights out of the gym. He led all rookies in three-point shooting percentage (.414) and three-pointers made (111) last season. There is no doubt that he will be regarded as one of the top sharpshooters in the NBA in the very near future.But the same cannot be said about him when he is attacking the basket. Take a look at these advanced stats of Thompson's shot location courtesy of HoopData:                          Shot...

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