2014 Sochi Winter Olympics
I'll bet a lot of you are like me when it comes to the Olympics. I caught Olympic fever for the two weeks before the games, and when they started, I realized I didn't care whatsoever. Well, the two week event has finally ended in Sochi. Medals were won, hopes were dashed, and nations were lifted. Here's the final medal count in case you were curious.
The U.S. put out a good effort racking up the second most medals in the games, but were edged out by the host nation. There were many controversies about this Olympics being in Russia, like the fact that Sochi is actually a summer paradise. The actual Olympics were held in a near by town up in the mountains. The living conditions for the athletes were quite poor. The opening ceremony was a failure, and Vladimir Putin has probably currently locked himself in his home and will drink these games away. Although the Russians won the total medal count, their hockey team was a huge disappointment. Russia should be really embarrassed by how unprepared they seemed to be. Enough with the news, how about my top 5 favorite events from this year.
- Snowboard cross- This is where five athletes race down a hill around turns, over bumps, and over kickers. It is very intriguing to watch as the racers move very fast and there is high likelihood of wiping out.
- Luge/Skeleton/Bobsled- They go really really fast and it looks like they are going to go off the top of the turns everytime.
- Downhill Skiing- The goal is to get down the hill as fast as you can. A big time wipeout can happen at any time.
- Hockey- I hate hockey, but with the U.S. pulling off some impressive victories early, I couldn't help but root Team USA on.
- Ski Jumping- Scariest sport out there, I can't believe they almost always land these jumps.
This has been a hot topic ever since Buster Posey was trucked by Scott Cousins a few years ago. For 2014, the MLB has instituted this experimental rule change:
"A runner attempting to score may not deviate from his direct pathway to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher (or other player covering home plate). If, in the judgment of the umpire, a runner attempting to score initiates contact with the catcher (or other player covering home plate) in such a manner, the umpire shall declare the runner out (even if the player covering home plate loses possession of the ball). In such circumstances, the umpire shall call the ball dead, and all other baserunners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the collision.
Rule 7.13 comment: The failure by the runner to make an effort to touch the plate, the runner's lowering of the shoulder, or the runner's pushing through with his hands, elbows or arms, would support a determination that the runner deviated from the pathway in order to initiate contact with the catcher in violation of Rule 7.13. If the runner slides into the plate in an appropriate manner, he shall not be adjudged to have violated Rule 7.13. A slide shall be deemed appropriate, in the case of a feet first slide, if the runner's buttocks and legs should hit the ground before contact with the catcher. In the case of a head first slide, a runner shall be deemed to have slid appropriately if his body should hit the ground before contact with the catcher.
Unless the catcher is in possession of the ball, the catcher cannot block the pathway of the runner as he is attempting to score. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the catcher without possession of the ball blocks the pathway of the runner, the umpire shall call or signal the runner safe. Notwithstanding the above, it shall not be considered a violation of this Rule 7.13 if the catcher blocks the pathway of the runner in order to field a throw, and the umpire determines that the catcher could not have fielded the ball without blocking the pathway of the runner and that contact with the runner was unavoidable."
A lot of verbage, but I'll break it down for you. I think they got this spot on. Runners can no long intitiate contact unless the catcher has the ball and is in front of home plate. However, he can not use arms, elbows, or lower a shoulder to do so. It pretty much has to be incidental contact. The catcher on the other hand, can no long block the plate without the ball. The only problem I see with the rule change is judging whether or not the catcher was blocking the plate, whether there was intent for contact, and other judgement calls. But with the expanded instant replay rules that go into effect this year as well, this rule will be reviewable, so hopefully with the replay option everything will be called properly.
Boeheim, Michael Sam/Jason Collins, and Jadeveon Clowney
These guys are grouped together because I will only briefly touch on them.
Jim Boeheim was in the news after his rage session after the Cuse-Duke game. Syracuse lost the game on a charge call which was probably not a charge, looked like a no call to me. I don't really care though because I love when coaches go off like this.
Michael Sam and Jason Collins started what I can see being a string of athletes deciding to come out of the closet. This is more of a news story, not a sports story. Let NBC or CNN cover this and focus on their athletic abilities ESPN.
I think Jadeveon Clowney solidified himself as the number one pick in this year's NFL draft. He has impressed at the NFL combine and has my attention. Here is his 40 yard dash finish compared to Cam Newton and Colin Kaepernick.
Pretty shitty picture, but the black blur is Clowney, first red blur is Newton, and the last red blur is Poppke (Kaepernick). Clowney is a DE! He is faster than a couple of the fastest QB's in the NFL. Can you imagine J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney coming after you? I would be surprised if he isn't the first pick.
Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson/Angels Pitching
Sorry guys, I ran out of time today. I need to budget time more efficiently (I know I told myself that last blog). Expect these last two pieces of what I was going to cover to come out later this week.
-Austen Stewart
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