December 2008: Week 2 (with Jeremy Roenick, San Jose Sharks)
** Thanks for making The NOR CAL Report a success. Don't forget to tell your friends! **
Welcome to the one-year anniversary episode of The NOR CAL Report! As a special treat, the lads sit down for an exclusive piece with the best quote in sports, future hockey Hall of Famer Jeremy Roenick. J.R. lays down his humor and insight from two decades in the league. Plus, it's been an active week in Nor Cal sports. To wit:
The 2008-2009 Sharks are officially the best NHL team ever... through the first quarter of the season. What will it take to maintain their dominance, and what should Coach Mac and co. be watching out for?
The Mike Singletary 49ers post a landmark win against Brett's Jets. Will the never-say-die attitude translate into more W's — and perhaps a re-up for their charismatic coach?
The Raiders, meanwhile, sink closer to the Earth's core with another abominable loss. Hear what Coach Cable has been up to around the office, that says a lot about his take on the position...
The Warriors, too, have limped through their season. Their young core is locked up long-term; but is that the good news or the bad?
The Kings continue to make progress with little to show for it. Lex reveals whether they're about to slip past the Warriors and up the Pac standings...
And the Giants have signed another 30-something position guy in Edgar Renteria. But was it a move anyone wants to see — and what's up with the C.C. Sabathia flirtation?
There's always something going on — and you can always grab it all, on The NOR CAL Report!
UP NEXT: Sharks forward Patrick Marleau takes the boys through the NHL, starting with his own rigorous preparation. Plus, the Niners and Warriors look to build on their recent wins, the Sharks continue to chew up the chum, and the ball teams look to sneak up on April.
Played: 268 | Download | Duration: 00:55:48
The NOR CAL Blog:
All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.
The Sharks' hot start stacks up well (points-wise) against history's best (see how, at bottom here.) And yes, a majority of these squads (4 of 7) went on to hoist Lord Stanley...All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.
Bruce Jenkins got Don Nelson to say something a coach will rarely admit: this Warriors team isn't nearly as good as last year's. What's Cap'n Jack think? "I'll keep my opinion to myself. My opinion doesn't matter, just like his doesn't."
Speaking of which — love Barry Bonds or hate him, you've got to be surprised to see him at the intersection of guns and money...
One of my favorite stories this offseason, about India, javelin throwers, and reality t.v., now involves the Pittsburgh Pirates. Think it's odd the Pirates would sign two guys who've never played a baseball game? You obviously haven't been watching the Pittsburgh Pirates....
Looking for a holiday gift for that die-hard sports lover? The inimitable Baseball America has released the A's top prospects list — but for the juiciest details, you must subscribe. (The Giants report comes out Feb. 4.) Meanwhile, the new MLB.com prospects report is more forthcoming...
How much will Giants tix be in '09? Depends on what the calendar says. Word from ESPN is the Giants are taking variable ticket pricing to the next level. Like it or not, fans of the Giants, A's, and others can expect more programs like this in the future. If you claim to be shocked, remember the GG Bridge and downtown S.F. are rolling out similar models for vehicle traffic...
John Shea breaks down the Giants' failed play for Sabathia. Good move to pass on Burnett, Lowe, and even Manny, Tex, and Adam Dunn. The one name here that intrigues me: Edwin Encarnacion. Meanwhile, yes, it is Pablo Sandoval (four walks in 2008) at 3B, and yes, the A's are still after Furcal. Sabes on another 3b: "I don't know how much more we can spin the Rubik's cube." Huh?
Wondering about the A's Cisco Field project in Fremont? It looks like the recent mayoral election means progress; or, you could believe this shocker that points to San Jose or elsewhere. Meanwhile, the Mets' $400 million naming rights deal with Citi is still intact — for now...
MLB is laying off 4% of its employees, including 20 from its ritzy Chelsea Street cash cow, MLB Advanced Media...
For those (ahem... Lex) who say Steven Jackson's no leader — how do game stories like this develop? After going for 21, 8 and 5, in pain: "It starts with me. I'm the captain of the team and the leader. It's up to me to make some sacrifices."
I'm not one to pile on... but Plaxico Burress's story is just sad. That's the only word. Makes me want to start the Clean Up The NFL social movement. (If you don't think there's a problem, Raiders fans, recall how NFL culture can bring out the ugly.) If I circulate a petition... wouldn't you sign?
Finally: What's a 73-year-old Mink doing on the court? S.I., the N.Y. Times and others have been running this feel-good story. And to my friends: stop emailing it to me. I know I look 73 out there, but...
All right, enough for one week, but we'll be back soon — promise. Thanks to YOU for making our first year a truly awesome one!
Posted by Jess Zitrin and Lex Gopnik at November 18, 2008 
Categories: 49ers,Warriors,Raiders,Earthquakes,Sharks,Kings
Categories: 49ers,Warriors,Raiders,Earthquakes,Sharks,Kings
Doesn't Hollinger have a stat for defensive efficiency? Take it easy on S-Jax if the only one he's down on is Harrington. Wasn't everyone?
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He does. Insiders can view it at http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats?sort=defeff&league=nba
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