Our very own Trent Warren is published discussing Olympic Track & Field

If you haven't noticed, The Flurry has been a little (okay, a lot) dormant lately. The lead editor having four real jobs does that to a blog.

Nonetheless, our very own Trent Warren is still writing and doing big things in his home town of Chula Vista, CA. Below you will find links to two articles Trent previously wrote, complete with predictions for some of the events that have already happened (he did pretty well, eh?).


Trent's Picks for the events

Trent does what he does best - discusses the success of athletes from the San Diego area


But Trent, seriously, no Usain Bolt for GOLD in the 100-meter dash? For shame...

Olympic Trials 2012: What to Watch For

By Trent Warren

Yes, we are back! Four years have surpassed since the last Olympic Trials and once again U.S track fans are in for a treat. What kind of magic will we be seeing at Historic Hayward Field these Olympic Trials? Well, I will be giving you just a small dose of which Olympic hopefuls you should lookout for along with my predictions in the male running events.

100m:

Tyson Gay- American Record Holder in the event. Look to see if he can bounce back from two hips surgeries. Gay ran his first race back from injury just a few weeks ago at the Adidas Grand Prix with a 10 seconds flat 100m; a respectable time for a guy running in his first race after taking a complete year off from injury.

The Perfecto: A first-hand account of Matt Cain's perfect game from the stands at AT&T Park

By Dallas McMurry

Wednesday night I had the opportunity to go see my favorite team play for the only time all year long. I was pretty happy to go to the game seeing as how I wouldn’t be able to make any trips to AT&T all year long due to school in San Diego. I figured the day would go as most Giants games I attend: I’d go there, root hard, and watch my team play a game against the Astros, nothing too special, as the Astros have no real star power. The most exciting thing for me going into the game was “hey, I’ve never seen Matt Cain pitch in person, so I’m excited to see him, and the Giants better not bench Posey tonight.” Strange I had never seen Matt Cain pitch, I’ve seen Livan Hernadez, Russ Ortiz, Jason Schmidt, Lincecum, Zito, Bumgarner, Todd Wellemeyer, and Jonathan Sanchez, over my travels to San Francisco, but never Matt Cain.  Cain was always my favorite Giant pitcher since he was called up Yes, Lincecum was “the Freak”, but Cain came up in a year where the giants really needed to find a new pitcher, and his personality was one that makes you think he’s just a normal guy who just wants to win games.

            However, my thought process for this game was that it’d be one of those close games where the Giants can’t hit a lick, and Matt Cain had to do everything for the team. I love my Giants but I think you can’t be a real Giant fan unless you’re a skeptic, good stuff isn’t supposed to happen to us. Maybe that’s all changed since 2010, but I doubted I’d ever be able to shake my doubts.

Euro 2012 preview: Group C - Italy seeking redemption, Spain fatigued

By Ry Basham Mintz

Group C will see current European champion Spain face off with powerhouse Italy, and hopefuls Croatia and Ireland. Yes, I realize that Spain and Italy’s profiles are much longer than Ireland and Croatia’s, but hey (for lack of a stupid overly used internet subculture term), YOLO.

Spain

Spain enters Euro 2012 looking to become the first side ever to win three straight international titles, and besides maybe a German roadblock, the possibly is definitely within their grasp. Coach Vicente del Bosque has a plethora (Three Amigos reference goes here) of stars on his team, and will no doubt be the envy of many with the depth of talent he has to choose from for his final 23-man squad.

LaMichael James to the 49ers

By Joey McMurry

Oregon's all-time leading rusher, LaMichael James, is now heading to the NFL.

Check out my thoughts on James going to the San Francisco 49ers on Bay Area Sports Guy!

LIVE BLOG: 2012 NFL Draft - thoughts from The Flurry

Below are the thoughts of Flurry staff members Joey McMurry, Ronnie Grenier, Preston Hiefield, Trent Warren, Zan Schindler, Matt Scotton and Bart Batey on each pick in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Remember, this same post will update as the draft moves along, so just refresh this page after each pick to see our updated thoughts. Round 1 is at the top, and our thoughts on some big picks in the later rounds are below.

Each of Ronnie's picks is listed as well. Keep in mind all of his mocks are for the original team in the spot before all trades.

NFL Draft: what to expect from The Flurry

Joey McMurry, Ronnie Grenier, Preston Hiefield, Trent Warren, Zan Schindler and Matt Scotton will be doing a live blog during the first round of the draft with Bart Batey txting in his thoughts.

We will be constantly updating a single post as the picks are made with our thoughts on each selection. To follow along with us, all you'll need to do is keep refreshing the same post and it will update as we write our comments.

The post will appear on Thursday with a few preliminary notes on the draft, and will then be updated as the draft moves along.

Just a quick reminder: the draft is this Thursday, April 26 at 5 p.m. pacific time. After round 1, the draft will resume with rounds 2 and 3 Friday at 4 p.m.

We will also be scoring Ronnie's mock draft as we go awarding one point for a correct pick and a half a point for a pick in which he mentioned the player who was actually picked in his description.

Check out Ronnie's NFL Mock Draft before the draft gets underway!

2012 NFL mock draft

By Ronnie Grenier

It's that time of year again. Mocks are abundant, prospects are hopeful, teams are fantasizing, and the media is in full-on spectacle mode.

But, of course, when all is said and done, NFL mock drafts are a total crapshoot. Mockers who proclaim themselves experts are no more of an expert than the next guy. I may not be an expert, but it's always fun to speculate and think about all the possibilities that stem from the draft. In celebration of this wonderful time of year (my favorite time of the year), I present my mock draft for The Flurry.

IKEA is now making...... TVs?

By Joey McMurry

Yep, that's right. The cheap furniture do-it-yourself lots of pieces college student's best friend megastore IKEA is now making TVs.

...Err... Uppleva. That's their name for an integrated TV/furniture combo.

Basically, the idea is that it's all in one - speakers, cabinets, TV, you name it. The wires are all hidden and it puts everything all together.

A pretty cool idea, but will it last, and will it be cost effective?

Continue on to check it out.

Vote ESPN College GameDay to Oregon

By Joey McMurry

For the first time, ESPN is letting fans choose where College GameDay will film a commercial over the summer.

Pretty good way to market the show and connect with the fans, if you ask me.

***BIAS ALERT***

So, of course, Oregon puts on the best show of any college in the nation. Therefore, you should all vote for Oregon by click this link:
http://www.gamedayvote.com/

Like I said, Oregon produces great commericals.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCkhpQKX2Rw

And seriously, who wouldn't want to see Puddles (The Duck) in another ESPN commercial?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z56bjJKr07I

See my point? Good. Vote Oregon.

Album review: Little Broken Hearts by Norah Jones

By Hunter Moore

Little Broken Hearts by Norah Jones

Blue Note/EMI Records

Release date: 1 May 2012

It is almost inconceivable that a decade has passed since New York singer-songwriter Norah Jones made her gigantic mark on the pop, adult contemporary, and neo-jazz communities with her 2002 debut Come Away with Me. Jones ended up sweeping the 45^th Grammy Awards in 2003, winning Best New Artist and Album of the Year among others. In the ten years that have passed, however, she has become a different artist with a different path to take. 

Bryan Stow throws out emotional first pitch at the Giants home opener

Bryan Stow and his mother.

By Joey McMurry 

Bryan Stow, the Giants fan who was brutally beaten at a Giants-Dodgers game last season, threw out the first pitch at the Giants home opener Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Stow's injuries showed how entire communities can rally together and his emotional appearance at AT&T Park reminded sports fans how athletics can bring people together. My applause goes out to the Giants community for standing behind Stow and to the Giants management for having Stow at the stadium for the first pitch of the new season at AT&T Park.

Read more about Stow here.

UPDATE: Santa Cruz City Council unanimously approves exploration of moving the Dakota Wizards to Santa Cruz

The top may read "Santa Cruz" by next fall.

By Joey McMurry

In a 6-0 vote, the Santa Cruz City Council decided to approve the exploration of moving the Warriors' D-League team, the Dakota Wizards, to Santa Cruz.

Check out my thoughts on the move at Bay Area Sports Guy.

The Madden Curse: why I won't vote for Patrick Willis in the semi-finals of the Madden 13 cover vote

By Joey McMurry

Patrick Willis is a stud. He's the best linebacker in the league and has made it further than any other defensive player in the history of Madden NFL cover voting. Props to him, and I really am rooting for him to get on the cover because I am a 49ers fan who loves defense.

That being said, I hope Willis doesn't win.

As much as I would love to see Willis dawn the cover of the game I play the most every year, I care too much about the real Patrick Willis and his welfare.

3 Ducks in a Row, Ep. 6 - MLB Season Preview

Joey McMurry hosts the MLB season preview show of 3 Ducks in a Row while Zan Schindler makes his debut on the first video edition of the podcast.

The guys cover division picks, award picks, players to watch, and story lines heading into the 2012 season. A little longer than normal, but with the addition of video, it's worth it.

Two great shots, a natural, and golf at its finest: the 2012 Masters

By Joey McMurry
 
The Masters is always fun to watch. Drama, emotion, it has it all.

But this year was particularly exciting, especially on the event's last day.

Bubba Watson and Louis Oosthuizen teed off together in the final round and ultimately pushed each other to a playoff.

Along the way, though, Oosthuizen made this shot:

Euro 2012 Preview: Group B - "the group of death"

By Ry Basham Mintz

In every major football tournament, there is a group that is christened the “group of death.” With the Euro 2012, Group B has been labeled as such, and with good reason. With three former European champions and a runner-up, along with some of the world’s finest football players, Group B will provide some of the most high profile and thrilling matches of the tournament.

Warriors' D-League team to Santa Cruz? Makes sense for Golden State and Surf City

By Joey McMurry 

A new article of mine just went up over on Bay Area Sports Guy!

Check out my thoughts on the Dakota Wizards, D-League team for the Warriors, possibly moving to Santa Cruz.

Google does it again: augmented reality is now a real possibility

By Joey McMurry

Google has just unveiled glasses that make augmented reality possible.

Umm..... What?

Yeah, that was my reaction.

I could go into tons of detail about everything these glasses can do, but I think Google does a pretty good job in this video:

Breaking down this year's Final Four

By Trent Warren 

Unlike last year’s Final Four, every team this year is a four seed or higher. Not to mention, all four of these teams (Louisville, Kentucky, Kansas, and Ohio State) have something special about them. Here is a little breakdown on what to expect, along with my picks for this year’s Final Four.

Movie review: The Hunger Games

By Shona Blumeneau

Most people try to compare The Hunger Games to the Twilight films. In my mind, this just cannot be done. One features a strong female lead who sacrifices herself for her sister and district, eventually overcoming all obstacles and defies the oppressive government that controls her life, while the other follows a girl who is torn between a sparkly vampire and a werewolf who lost his shirt. Now it’s time for me to stop writing about a trashy tween movie, and write about a cinematic masterpiece, otherwise known as The Hunger Games.

Do you remember the midnight premier of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two? I sure do. All the anticipation and excitement, with crazy people dressed as wizards and normal people waving wands at each other…dressed as wizards. That same energy has now been transfused into The Hunger Games, or the “Harry Potter Rebound” as I like to call it. But why this film? Why not, say, Adam Sandler’s Jack and Jill? This film has gained such a following because of a girl: Katniss Everdeen. Audiences have finally been given a character that they respect, admire, and thoroughly enjoy rooting for throughout the entirety of the film. Unlike Bella (I’m sorry for all the Twilight comparisons, but it just has to be done), the protagonist is a strong, independent girl not searching for love or anyone to protect her. Her courage is repeatedly shown time and time again without fault, and it is her family that she cares for first and foremost, not a boy.

Mile-high Manning: Why Peyton chose Denver and what it means to the NFL

By Bart Batey

When Peyton Manning made the decision to sign with the Denver Broncos, he ended the pursuit of the biggest free agent in the history of the NFL. His new deal, 5 years for $96 million, reflects the massive amount of hype that now surrounds the new Broncos quarterback. The Decision (without the jersey burnings and ESPN special) sent shockwaves throughout the league and some repercussions have yet to surface.

The Broncos obviously put together an impressive sales pitch to Manning. They offered more than $40 million in cap room, allowing them to sign more free agents than just Manning, but this result was based on more than just money. Manning, who has spent his entire career with the Colts, was looking for a certain level of comfort. The fact that the leader of the Broncos’ push for Manning, John Elway, is a Hall of Fame quarterback can’t hurt. John Lynch and Brandon Stokley, two friends of Manning also reside in Denver and Manning’s backup quarterback at Tennessee is currently the starting first-baseman for the Colorado Rockies, Todd Helton. The Broncos’ offensive coordinator, Mike McCoy, has also shown that he is flexible with his scheme and willing to fit the offense to the quarterback’s strengths. These factors combined to make Denver a very attractive destination for Manning.

Devils and Rangers in best hockey fight in a while

By Joey McMurry 

And now for something completely different...

Maybe the best hockey fight I've seen in a long time simply because it started before the puck even dropped.

Continue on to watch the fight between the Rangers and Devils.

Warriors fans should be ashamed of booing at Mullin jersey retirement ceremony

By Joey McMurry

Best fans in the NBA? No way in hell, Golden State.

During what was supposed to be a spectacular ceremony to honor one of the greatest Warriors of all time, Chis Mullin, the so-called "best fans in the NBA" booed Warriors owner Joe Lacob to the point where he couldn't be heard inside Oracle Arena despite his use of a microphone.

Wow.

Regardless of how everyone feels about Joe Lacob right now, Chris Mullin deserves far better than that. This was supposed to be his night, his honor. Players only get to retire their jersey once, and only a handful of players get to see their jersey retired at all. Mullin is a classy guy and a damn good player. He deserves better from the so-called "best fans in the NBA" as Warrior greats like Alvin Attles and Mitch Richmond called Golden State fans. Instead of the evening belonging to Chris Mullin, the evening will now forever be remembered as the night Warriors fans acted like complete disrespectful idiots.

3 Ducks in a Row, Ep. 5 - Sweet 16 Preview

The first weekend of the Madness is over, and we're breaking down the round of 32 and previewing the Sweet 16. Ducks in the NIT talk as well.

Ronnie Grenier sitting in for Trent Warren who, as we all should be, is studying for finals.

Kris Boyd is the Timber's missing link

By Zan Schindler

Friday night, the Portland Timbers kicked off their first away game of the season against FC Dallas. Last season, Dallas shut them out 4-0, but this season they went into the match with expectations of a better result. Portland managed to squeak out a 1-1 draw.

The Portland Timbers need to improve on the road this year if they expect to be viable playoff contenders in the hunt of winning an MLS Cup, which they have the talent and coaching to do.

The key component to the Timbers’ success on the road this year is a calm sense of urgency during the first 25 minutes of the match. The Timbers need to attack and be aggressive, firing off shots and counter-attacking like crazy. Opposing teams will not be given the opportunity to establish their game plan, which will only benefit the visiting Timbers. To accomplish this, Portland needs to target newly acquired striker Kris Boyd.

The best fans in college basketball: Oregon's Pit Crew

By Joey McMurry

Talk about an exciting basketball game.

The Oregon Ducks defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 108-97 in the highest scoring Division-I regulation basketball game this season. Needless to say, defense wasn't a factor. But that doesn't matter. Offense is what excites fans anyway. Just ask the Pit Crew.

The Oregon Ducks' student section, the "Pit Crew" didn't quiet down throughout the entirety of this game or the first-round NIT game against LSU.

Actually, I lied. The Pit Crew did quiet down once: when Olu Ashalou smacked his head on a court side railing after hustling for a ball going out of bounds. Matthew Knight Arena fell silent. At most venues, the shock of silence is not as apparent. Yes, when a star player goes down, the crowd reacts. But at Matthew Knight Arena, the difference is astounding. It's strange to hear the broadcasters speaking at normal levels at a home Oregon basketball game, and it's equally as strange to not hear some sort of loud, sometimes obnoxious (but lovable) banter in the background.

That's how loud this section is. That's how intense they are about their team.

Blazers begin rebuilding with strong trade deadline

Gerald Wallace's days are done in Portland.

By Matt Scotton

The NBA trade deadline is one of those days that every NBA fan circles on their calendar.  People sit and wait to see if their teams made that deal everyone has been talking about; or if one comes out of no where and catches everyone off guard.  Many Trail Blazer fans felt a great array of emotions on Thursday, March 15, 2012.

Leading up to the deadline all you heard about the Blazers was there was a ton of interest in Jamal Crawford or that the Blazers were trying to find a new home for Raymond Felton.  When 3 P.M. ET rolled around, Crawford and Felton were still wearing Blazer uniforms and it was Gerald Wallace and Marcus Camby who had been traded.  Gerald Wallace was traded to the Nets for a protected first round pick, Mehmet Okur, and Shawne Williams.  Marcus Camby was traded to the Rockets for Jonny Flynn and Hasheem Thabeet.  The Blazers also cut Greg Oden and Chris Johnson.

3 Ducks in a Row, Ep. 4 - March Madness 1st & 2nd Round Breakdown/Round of 32 Preview

In the 4th edition of 3 Ducks in a Row, we're breaking down the first two rounds of this year's March Madness and previewing the round of 32.

Episode 5 will be coming at you Sunday to preview the Sweet Sixteen.

Movie review: Jeff, Who Lives at Home

By Hunter Moore

Jeff, Who Lives at Home

Written and directed by Jay & Mark Duplass

Starring Jason Segel, Ed Helms, Judy Greer, Susan Sarandon, Rae Dawn Chong

Release date: 16 March 2012

To call Jason Segel’s wonderful Jeff naïve or lazy would be ignorant. Yes, he’s a jobless 30-year-old who spends his days smoking pot in his mom’s basement with M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs on repeat. Yes, some would unapologetically call him a “loser.” But could he be wise and prophetic in his own slacker-y, Dude-meets-Lenny-like way? It’s possible. Is he sweet, charming, and innocent? Absolutely.

“Jeff, Who Lives at Home” is the latest amiable dramedy from the brothers Duplass, who arrived on the scene in 2005 with their mumblecore gem “The Puffy Chair” and made a big splash in 2010 with the John C. Reilly-Jonah Hill vehicle “Cyrus.” They have a distinct, focused style, but they only take themselves too seriously when it’s appropriate. Their writing is crisp and realistic and their dialogue is fun to listen to. The writer-directors are smart about keeping things moving along both within the story and within the character arcs: The audience feels for Jeff as he processes everything around him and decides what to do next. Oddly, they employ a distracting, maybe endearing cinematographic flourish wherein their camera quickly zooms in and zooms out multiple times, usually on characters’ faces and usually within the same shot. Grammatically, this doesn’t make sense. Hopefully they’ll grow out of it.

Warriors complete trade deadline with flip of Jackson; thanks be to Jesus

Richard Jefferson will play the rest of the season -
and beyond - as a Golden State Warrior.

By Joey McMurry

The Warriors trading for Stephen Jackson was a bit shocking.

As Dallas mentioned in his piece, Jackson burned almost every bridge on his way out of Oakland, so it's no wonder they flipped him quickly after acquiring him.

Jackson will be playing in San Antonio for the time-being and Richard Jefferson will be joining Golden State. Additionally, the Warriors receive the Spurs' first-round pick in this year's draft and T.J. Ford.

Ford is the weird piece to the deal. There's been some talk of him retring due to a neck injury, but the Warriors are mum on the subject except for the fact that San Antonio requested he be part of the deal. Either way, Warriors fans should not worry about Ford too much - he's not the important piece of the deal.

Euro 2012 Preview: Group A - co-host Poland at disadvantage, Greece on the rise

By Ry Basham Mintz

June 8, 2012. A date fútbol lovers have been looking forward to since the conclusion of the biggest event in the fútbol world, the World Cup. Hosted in Poland and Ukraine, the UEFA Euro 2012 will see millions of fans flock to the various host stadiums to see their national team clash with some of the world’s greatest. The stage is set for what will surely be some of the best matches of the decade, with power houses like England, France, and Italy looking for redemption after embarrassing performances at the 2010 World Cup. However, dark horses Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland, and Ukraine will be looking to stop these premier squads in their own quest for glory.

Qualifying rounds for the tournament began in September of 2010, seeing 51 teams separate into 9 groups. Each team played a grand total of 10 matches, and the leader of the group along with the second place squad qualified for the contest. The 16 teams that qualified are all fairly familiar faces to the Euro landscape, besides Ukraine who is making its first appearance in the European championship contest. The teams that qualified are listed as follows: Czech Republic, Greece, Russia, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal, Croatia, Italy, Ireland, Spain, England, France, and Sweden. Poland and Ukraine automatically qualified being the host countries, and therefore did not participate in the qualifying round.

Album review: Port of Morrow by The Shins

By Hunter Moore

Port of Morrow
by The Shins
Release date: 20 March 2012

After a five-year break and one or two intriguing side projects, indie pop hero James Mercer returns to power this spring with his Portland-based band The Shins and their fourth LP, optimistically titled Port of Morrow (assumedly a reference to Oregon’s own port authority). The boys (or, rather, the men, seeing as they’re all about 40 years old) sound sanitary, polished, and even futuristic on Port; the arrangements are simple but the vocals are squeaky-clean, and the guitars and drums stay loud and busy for a good two-thirds of the record. On more than a few tracks, the band gets some assistance from relatively new member Jessica Dobson. She provides guitar and backing vocals, even going so far as to release a shrill, endearing falsetto on the title track.

The production on this thing is affable if not exactly enjoyable. More than half the tracks here have in their possession a certain flatness that cannot be helped. Award-winning pop aficionado/producer Greg Kurstin (Lily Allen, Sia) adds little to the mix, making for a fairly straightforward pop-rock album. It should also be noted that this is the band’s first outing without Sub Pop Records (who made The Shins a household name in the indie community back in 2002), instead opting for distribution through Columbia Records and release through Mercer’s own label, Aural Apothecary.

Sting now, pay off later: the Warriors' Monta Ellis trade

Monta Ellis will dawn a new uniform for the
first time in his career this season.

By Dallas McMurry

Well, it finally happened. After a few years of trade talks before the deadline, the Warriors finally dealt explosive high scoring guard Monta Ellis.  To go along with Ellis, the Warriors are also parting ways with the 6^th overall pick in the 2010 draft Ekpe Udoh. While this trade is hardly a shocker for any Warriors fan, this trade seems to sting a bit more than fans had anticipated.

First off, let’s talk about what the Warriors are getting in this deal. Andrew Bogut is a top five center in the league when he is healthy, emphasis on when. Currently, he’s expected to miss the remainder of the year with a broken ankle, so there’s no way this trade will help the W’s this year. However, if Bogut can return to his 2009-2010 form, the Warriors will finally have the post presence that they have been desperately lacking for years. With this, the Warriors will look to build toward the 2012-2013 season with a healthy Bogut and Curry.

Duck notes: NIT victory, softball loss, and national champions

By Joey McMurry

A quick roundup of recent Duck sports...

The Ducks demolished LSU 96-76 in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament. Oregon will host their second round game of the NIT this Sunday at 2 p.m. against Iowa. Erik Gundersen wrote about the game for KWVA Sports here.

No. 1 Alabama defeated No. 14 Oregon in the Ducks' home opener at Howe Field Tuesday night. Check out my write-up for KWVA Sports here.

Finally, the Women's Indoor Track team won their third straight national title. Brianna Theisen took home the national championship in the Pentathlon and English Gardner sped her way to an NCAA championship in the 60M.

Congratulations to the entire team.

The NCAA Champion Women's Indoor Track team was honored Tuesday, March 14 at the Duck's first-round NIT game.
Photo credit to Matt Scotton.

Yoenis Céspedes and Manny Ramirez: not your typical "Moneyballers"

Céspedes hit his first HR with the A's in his
first spring training at bat.

By Zan Schindler

This past year, the Oakland Athletics Baseball Organization was put in the spotlight with the premiere of Moneyball, starring Brad Pitt. This film follows A’s general manager Billy Beane through the 2002 season as he tries to put together a baseball team using a computer-generated analysis program. The idea of buying hits, on base percentages, and other statistics is seemingly non-existent with the signings of Manny Ramirez and Yoenis Céspedes.

Manny Ramirez, a player who has been all over the place in the past few years, recently signed with the A’s after dodging an illegal substance suspension by simply retiring last season. He was also suspended in the 2009 season for violating Major League Baseball’s drug policy.

For the upcoming season, Ramirez has finagled his 100 game suspension down to 50 games. Before his retirement from the Rays, Manny played 5 games registering 17 at bats and 1 hit. His batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage were all .059.

A good day one of free agency for the 49ers: Moss, Cox, and Rogers

By Joey McMurry

The San Francisco 49ers have been a busy team in free agency so far.

As of 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13 (the first day of NFL free agency), the 49ers' free agency looks like this:

Why the Timbers Army is the best fan section in sports

By Zan Schindler

The Portland Timbers may have the best fans in all American Sports. Yes, that’s right – the best. Topping the die-hard Yankee and Red Sox fans of the MLB and the crazies of college football, the so-called “Timbers Army” rivals none. The passion and love they have for the Portland Timbers Soccer team is the best I’ve ever seen. Growing up as a soccer fan, I’ve seen grown men do unspeakable things in the name of their soccer teams. In the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final featuring France vs. Italy, one Frenchman smuggled in a live chicken for “luck.”

Soccer is an emerging sport in the United States, with the 2012 season carrying high expectations in game attendance and TV ratings.

On Monday March 12, 2012, the Portland Timbers opened up their season against the Philadelphia Union, and the Timbers Army was already in full force. Even with storm-like weather conditions, the standing only section was sold out, as it usually is.

Crawford, Felton, and what Portland should do at the deadline

Jamal Crawford may be Portland's biggest trade chip.

By Matt Scotton

Well, it is that time of the year again - the NBA trade deadline approaches and trade rumors are everywhere.  Teams contending for a championship are trying to find that last piece to put them over the edge, while other teams are trying to rebuild.  The Blazers are not one trade away from being a contender; however, they do need to make some moves because the current set of personal is not working out how they hoped.  Everyone on this team, except Nicolas Batum and LaMarcus Aldridge, is tradable.

The Blazers will probably entertain offers for Batum because of his expiring contract, but Raymond Felton will be the one wearing a different jersey come March 15.  There have been rumors that the Lakers want to swap Raymond Felton for Steve Blake.  This trade does not make sense for the Blazers because they had Blake before he lost the starting job to Andre Miller, and Felton then replaced Miller.  This trade is not helping the Blazers move forward, it moves them backward.  Blake is a good point guard, but Portland should not be trading for him.

3 Ducks in a Row, Ep. 3 - March Madness Preview

We're breaking down the newly released 2012 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament in this episode of 3 Ducks in a Row and Oregon's trip to the NIT.

Ronnie Grenier making his 3 Ducks in a Row debut sitting in for Trent Warren.

Ducks go 2-2 in Nike Showcase, defeat Connecticut 4-0

By Joey McMurry

Brando Tessar threw a complete game shutout to give the Ducks their twelfth win of the season.

Mitch Earnshaw wrote about the game for KWVA Sports here.

PAC-12 has something to prove after rough selection Sunday

By Joey McMurry

For the first time in collegiate basketball, the regular season winner of a major conference will not be going to the Big Dance.

The Washington Huskies, after winning the PAC-12 in the regular season going 21-10 overall and 14-4 in the conference, will not be in March Madness.

After blowing it against Oregon State in a PAC-12 tournament quarterfinals game, the Huskies lost their opportunity to solidify themselves as the true PAC-12 champions. Instead, Colorado went on to win the PAC-12 championship by defeating Arizona.

California, the regular season number two team, also lost in the PAC-12 tournament, but in the semifinals. Cal went 24-9 and 13-5 in the PAC-12. Those conference numbers are worse than the Huskies, yet the Golden Bears got into the tournament with the potential of being a No. 12 seed if they are victorious in one of the "First Four" games.

No. 17 Oregon falls to No. 22 Oklahoma in 3-2 thriller

By Joey McMurry

The No. 17 Oregon Ducks are now 1-2 in the Nike College Showcase after they dropped a 3-2 thriller to the No. 22 Oklahoma Sooners.

Travis Teich wrote about the game for KWVA Sports. Check his article out here.

Ducks start new winning streak, pound WVU 12-0

By Joey McMurry

The Oregon Ducks baseball team pounded out 15 hits and scored 12 runs against the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Check out my article for KWVA Sports here.

Ducks' winning streak snapped at 10, fall to Illinois 2-1

By Joey McMurry

The Ducks' winning streak ended at 10 tonight after a 2-1 loss in the opening game of the Nike Showcase taking place this weekend in Eugene and Corvallis.

Check out my write-up for KWVA Sports here.

3 Ducks in a Row, Ep. 2 - Manning, the Saints, and NFL FA's

In the second episode of 3 Ducks in a Row, we're talking Peyton Manning, the Saints' bounty program, and this season's NFL free agents.

Be sure to subscribe in iTunes here!

LaMichael James should hope the Broncos take him in the 2nd round

By Bart Batey

LaMichael James is lookingfor a new team after ending his prolific career in the Oregon Ducks’ backfield.The Denver Broncos are looking for a new running back, with Willis McGaheebeing 30 and Knowshon Moreno coming off a torn ACL and a DUI arrest. Jamescould offer great value when the Broncos pick 25^th in the secondround, assuming he lasts until then.

James’s draft stock shot up after he ran a4.45 second 40-yard dash at the combine, tying him for second among runningbacks. Speed like that could help turn Denver’s offense, which led the NFL in three-and-outs in 2011, become more explosive.

James is a back who can instantly be a threat on third down. He would provide explosiveness, which the Broncos have lacked in the backfield since Tatum Bell,who last played extensively for Denver in 2006.

History, narratives, and video games: Assassin's Creed III needs to be careful how it changes history

By Joey McMurry

Role-playing games are becoming more and more popular every year.

As technology expands, developers are able to create much larger and complex environments for players to immerse themselves in. The Assassin's Creed series is one such game that has set the tone for this ever-evolving branch of the video game industry.

In this iteration of the series, players will not be thrown into the typical medieval setting they are used to. Instead, they will take part in perhaps the most important conflict in American history - the American Revolution.

Games that integrate history are always interesting and often fun to play. Players identify with the stories if they are involved in their own history.

Bochy had a right to chase Angels scout away

By Joey McMurry

During spring training workouts today, Giants manager Bruce Bochy had security ask Jeff Schugel, an Angels scout, to leave.

Andrew Baggarly reported the incident for CSN Bay Area and wrote that Schugel was in disbelief when asked to leave.

The way I see it, if a team is having workouts and a manager once them to be closed, they should be closed. Bochy was in the right asking a scout to leave. It's his team, and he should be allowed to coach them without another team's observer watching.

3 Ducks in a Row now available on iTunes!

Our sports-talk podcast, 3 Ducks in a Row, is now available on iTunes!

Find it in the iTunes store here.

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American Eagle's sponsorship of the Big East Basketball Championship

By Joey McMurry

As I was spending my morning watching basketball, I noticed something peculiar.

Clothing outfitter American Eagle is the sponsor of the Big East Basketball Championships for both men and women.

Huh. When I think basketball, I definitely think clothes like this.

Needless to say, that sponsorship doesn't fit.

So, the question is, why did the two sides make the sponsorship agreement?

3 Ducks in a Row, Ep. 1 - Tra Carson and Josh Huff

In the premier edition of 3 Ducks in a Row, we're talking Oregon football - particularly Tra Carson's transferring and Josh Huff's misdemeanor-ing

Please comment and let us know what you think!