February, 2009: Week 1 (with Eric Akita, Brazilian Baseball Confederation)
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Time to unwrap another NOR CAL Report! This week, Jess returns from his South American vacay to the hotbed of North American sports. Eric Akita, media relations guru of the Brazilian Baseball Confederation, tells Jess of the long and unusual history of baseball in the land of samba. Plus, back Stateside, the lads jam on hoops, hockey, and more:
The Sharks marcheth on, matching up strong against the Bruins, and looking ever forward toward Lord Stanley's playoffs;
The Warriors have something to crow about lately, sticking their uptempo stylings to Phoenix and Portland, and hanging a league-high number on the Knicks. Yes, they have far to go; but perhaps changes on the Anthony Randolph front are symbolic for the team...
It's official: the Raiders tell Tom Cable he's the head man. They couldn't have done this a month ago, 'cuz why?
Meanwhile, it's also official: after five weeks and ten interviews, the 49ers have their new offensive guru. This former Raiders, former Niners coach has been around the block. No, Jimmy Raye doesn't have the high profile personality of a Mike Martz. And that might be part of the solution...
The Kings continue to outrace the Wa's and Clips to the Pac Division cellar, going gently into the winter night. The lads are forced to asked: what direction is this team trying to go, if not south?
No matter what side of the equator you're on, it's always hotter than a two-dolla' pistol — on The NOR CAL Report!
UP NEXT: Catch up on the 'Quakes preseason, along with the A's and Giants' spring training follies. Meanwhile, the Warriors hope to keep it rollin', the Kings go mojo hunting, and the Sharks continue to plow toward the postseason.
The NOR CAL Blog:
All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.
For those of you not into frozen surfaces, I know it seems like the dog days about now. But with the new seasons looming, there's plenty to talk about:
There's word here that the 49ers could lose WR Isaac Bruce. Bruce is not only a strong player — even in his mid-30's — but also a class guy. Here's hoping the Niners find a way to keep him around...
Footie fans, tune in next week as we hit up the 'Quakes many offseason moves. Meanwhile, the tremors must be trembling over the Beckham negotiations: Becks prefers Milan over languishing L.A., but MLS does have some say in the matter...
In case you missed it, the Earthquakes have a new sponsor for their jerseys. Okay, so to a 'Merican, it looks pretty dumb — remember, that's true of the best soccer jerseys in the world...
You could argue that the essence of hoops is bangin' down low. Perhaps Andres Biedrins' injury is a blessing in disguise for the Warriors, since it forces Anthony Randolph, always a face-up guy, to focus on fundamentals like footwork and positioning. In three games backing up Ronny Turiaf, A.R. has averaged 9 and 7, plus a block per game and 9-of-10 from the line, in just 13 m inutes...
Regarding this week's interview: it appears Brazil's highest-placed prospect is warming up just in time. For more, here's the Confederation's website, a very interesting excerpt from Google's new Book Search, and a blog entry on Brazilian baseball development brought to you by... former Giants top pick Adam Hyzdu?
Yes, new Giants special assistant Will Clark is the best first baseman they've invited to Scottsdale. Although if you expect him at his playing weight, you haven't seen his photo ops lately. The Giants, going full retro, also signed an infielder named Uribe...
If you didn't catch it, the Bonds saga is getting uglier, thanks to a player with the gall of José Canseco, but less talent than Marvin Benard...
Which did you say is a better-than-average hitter's park (for runs and homers) — the Oakland Coliseum, or AT&T Park? Giants and A's fans, lock in your votes, then click for results — you might be surprised...
Kings fan: are you an optimist, or pessimist? According to this piece, the royals may get a new arena, or may not, or may move to one of at least two other California towns...
The 'Quakes also got two-for-one recently, re-signing their best player and best Javier Bardem lookalike, all for one low-low (undisclosed) price...
Fans of A's, Quakes, and sports generally might be fascinated, as I am, that Billy Beane does appear to be working on some highly secretive soccer statistics technology (scroll toward bottom of link)...
Steroid "buffs," remember George Mitchell? Did you know he turned down a seat on the Supreme Court? Have you seen what he's up to now?
And yes, speaking of steroids: Still suspect Barry Bonds will wiggle out of a conviction? I thought you knew: never underestimate the dastardly power of the mother-in-law...
Yes, Mickey Rourke is terrific in The Wrestler. And yes, he did step to Chris Jericho on the red carpet at the S.A.G. Awards. But is he serious?
R.I.P. to a fine writer and sportsman, John Updike. He hailed from — nay, led — a time when sports, essayism, and popular fiction writing were complimentary, not mutually exclusive.
Just for the heck of it: former WADA chief Dick Pound:
Finally, for detailed thoughts and photos from my travels in Buenos, Iguazú, Sao Paolo, and Rio, check out the Ratapult.
All in a day's work — even from far south of the border — on the world's only NOR CAL Report!
** Thanks for making The NOR CAL Report a success. Don't forget to tell your friends! **
Time to unwrap another NOR CAL Report! This week, Jess returns from his South American vacay to the hotbed of North American sports. Eric Akita, media relations guru of the Brazilian Baseball Confederation, tells Jess of the long and unusual history of baseball in the land of samba. Plus, back Stateside, the lads jam on hoops, hockey, and more:
The Sharks marcheth on, matching up strong against the Bruins, and looking ever forward toward Lord Stanley's playoffs;
The Warriors have something to crow about lately, sticking their uptempo stylings to Phoenix and Portland, and hanging a league-high number on the Knicks. Yes, they have far to go; but perhaps changes on the Anthony Randolph front are symbolic for the team...
It's official: the Raiders tell Tom Cable he's the head man. They couldn't have done this a month ago, 'cuz why?
Meanwhile, it's also official: after five weeks and ten interviews, the 49ers have their new offensive guru. This former Raiders, former Niners coach has been around the block. No, Jimmy Raye doesn't have the high profile personality of a Mike Martz. And that might be part of the solution...
The Kings continue to outrace the Wa's and Clips to the Pac Division cellar, going gently into the winter night. The lads are forced to asked: what direction is this team trying to go, if not south?
No matter what side of the equator you're on, it's always hotter than a two-dolla' pistol — on The NOR CAL Report!
UP NEXT: Catch up on the 'Quakes preseason, along with the A's and Giants' spring training follies. Meanwhile, the Warriors hope to keep it rollin', the Kings go mojo hunting, and the Sharks continue to plow toward the postseason.
Played: 900 | Download | Duration: 00:46:11
The NOR CAL Blog:
All the latest info, anecdotes and opinions from the Report's own Jess Zitrin.
For those of you not into frozen surfaces, I know it seems like the dog days about now. But with the new seasons looming, there's plenty to talk about:
There's word here that the 49ers could lose WR Isaac Bruce. Bruce is not only a strong player — even in his mid-30's — but also a class guy. Here's hoping the Niners find a way to keep him around...
Footie fans, tune in next week as we hit up the 'Quakes many offseason moves. Meanwhile, the tremors must be trembling over the Beckham negotiations: Becks prefers Milan over languishing L.A., but MLS does have some say in the matter...
In case you missed it, the Earthquakes have a new sponsor for their jerseys. Okay, so to a 'Merican, it looks pretty dumb — remember, that's true of the best soccer jerseys in the world...
You could argue that the essence of hoops is bangin' down low. Perhaps Andres Biedrins' injury is a blessing in disguise for the Warriors, since it forces Anthony Randolph, always a face-up guy, to focus on fundamentals like footwork and positioning. In three games backing up Ronny Turiaf, A.R. has averaged 9 and 7, plus a block per game and 9-of-10 from the line, in just 13 m inutes...
Regarding this week's interview: it appears Brazil's highest-placed prospect is warming up just in time. For more, here's the Confederation's website, a very interesting excerpt from Google's new Book Search, and a blog entry on Brazilian baseball development brought to you by... former Giants top pick Adam Hyzdu?
Yes, new Giants special assistant Will Clark is the best first baseman they've invited to Scottsdale. Although if you expect him at his playing weight, you haven't seen his photo ops lately. The Giants, going full retro, also signed an infielder named Uribe...
If you didn't catch it, the Bonds saga is getting uglier, thanks to a player with the gall of José Canseco, but less talent than Marvin Benard...
Which did you say is a better-than-average hitter's park (for runs and homers) — the Oakland Coliseum, or AT&T Park? Giants and A's fans, lock in your votes, then click for results — you might be surprised...
Kings fan: are you an optimist, or pessimist? According to this piece, the royals may get a new arena, or may not, or may move to one of at least two other California towns...
The 'Quakes also got two-for-one recently, re-signing their best player and best Javier Bardem lookalike, all for one low-low (undisclosed) price...
Fans of A's, Quakes, and sports generally might be fascinated, as I am, that Billy Beane does appear to be working on some highly secretive soccer statistics technology (scroll toward bottom of link)...
Steroid "buffs," remember George Mitchell? Did you know he turned down a seat on the Supreme Court? Have you seen what he's up to now?
And yes, speaking of steroids: Still suspect Barry Bonds will wiggle out of a conviction? I thought you knew: never underestimate the dastardly power of the mother-in-law...
Yes, Mickey Rourke is terrific in The Wrestler. And yes, he did step to Chris Jericho on the red carpet at the S.A.G. Awards. But is he serious?
R.I.P. to a fine writer and sportsman, John Updike. He hailed from — nay, led — a time when sports, essayism, and popular fiction writing were complimentary, not mutually exclusive.
Just for the heck of it: former WADA chief Dick Pound:
Finally, for detailed thoughts and photos from my travels in Buenos, Iguazú, Sao Paolo, and Rio, check out the Ratapult.
All in a day's work — even from far south of the border — on the world's only NOR CAL Report!
Posted by Jess Zitrin and Lex Gopnik at February 13, 2009 
Categories: 49ers, Warriors, Raiders, Sharks, Kings
Categories: 49ers, Warriors, Raiders, Sharks, Kings
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