Sports

Kelly leaving U of O?

2012-01-22T18:35:00.000-08:00

KATU is reporting that Oregon Football Coach Chip Kelly, may be on his way to Tampa Bay, to be the new coach of the Buccaneers.

http://www.katu.com/sports/Report-Chip-Kelly-close-to-deal-with-Tampa-Bay-Buccaneers-137864433.html

Happy 2012!!

2012-01-05T22:27:00.000-08:00

HAPPY 2012!!

Some news to start the new year.

Mariners sign a pitcher from Japan.
http://www.kirotv.com/ap/ap/top-news/mariners-sign-japanese-free-agent-pitcher-iwakuma/nGGhp/

Sacramento Kings relieve Coach Paul Westphal from his duties.
http://www.news10.net/sports/article/171460/3/Kings-coach-Westphal-ousted-Smart-takes-over

And the Blazers have sent Luke Babitt and Armon Johnson, to Idaho of the Development League.

http://www.kptv.com/story/16446825/blazers-send-babbitt-johnson-to-d-league

Blazers schedule out

2011-12-06T16:53:00.000-08:00

The 2011-2012 Portland Trail Blazers schedule (post lockout) is out. The first regular season game is Monday, December 26 at the Rose Garden against the Philadelphia 76ers. To see the complete schedule, go here.
http://www.nba.com/blazers/schedule/

Lockout over

2011-11-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

The NBA lockout is over!!

http://www.komonews.com/sports/NBA-owners-players-reach-tentative-deal--134530763.html

Interview

2011-11-24T22:25:00.001-08:00

Tune in Saturday for a really good interview. If the NBA lockout continues, there is some what of a solution for your lockout blues. Find out what Saturday morning starting at 9:34!

Astros moving to American League

2011-11-17T21:03:00.000-08:00

KHOU Channel 11 (CBS)in Houston is reporting, the Astros will be moving to the American League.

http://www.khou.com/sports/Jim-Crane-approved-as-new-owner-of-the-Houston-Astros-134049528.html

New Mariners logo

2011-11-17T20:52:00.000-08:00

The Mariners unveiled a new logo today, in time for their 35th anniversary. To see the logo go here, as my blog won't allow me to post a picture.

http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111116&content_id=25987734&vkey=news_sea&c_id=sea

Krzyzewski record

2011-11-15T19:46:00.000-08:00

Duke Basketball Coach Mike Krzyzewski hold the record of, most wins as a college basketball coach (903). Bob Knight previously held it.

One other note. ALL NBA games are canceled through December 15.

ESPN Interview

2011-10-22T09:22:00.001-07:00

I had an interview this week with ESPN NBA Writer, Chris Broussard on the NBA lockout. Check it out!

There are a lot of questions surrounding the NBA lockout. Is
>>>>>this a battle between Commissioner David Stern and Union Chief
>>>>>Billy Hunter? The preseason and first two weeks of the regular
>>>>>season cancelled, is the whole season next?
>>>>> I know a lot about the NBA and have been following the lockout
>>>>>closely. However, there are a lot of questions I had, and
>>>>>random people have been asking as well. I turned to ESPN Senior
>>>>>NBA Writer Chris Broussard, who took some time to answer these
>>>>>questions.
>>>>>
>>>>> THE LOCKOUT SEEMS TO BE MORE OF A BATTLE BETWEEN STERN AND
>>>>>HUNTER. IS THIS TRUE? THEY ARE THE ONLY ONES REALLY TALKING.
>>>>>
>>>>> "No! no! This is about the owners and players. This is
>>>>>about the money. Stern and Hunter are out returning to places
>>>>>of their particular parties;. No, this is not a personal thing
>>>>>between the two of them. This is strictly about the money and
>>>>>each side trying to get what they consider to be a fair deal
>>>>>for their client."
>>>>>
>>>>> WHAT ARE THE HOLD UPS AS OF NOW FROM A DEAL BEING REACHED?
>>>>>
>>>>> "There are several issues. There is basketball related
>>>>>income, how are they going to split that bit of revenue, which
>>>>>is about $4.3 billion. Players had been getting 57 percent and
>>>>>the owners now want the players just to get 47 percent, that;s
>>>>>a 10 percent decrease. Each percentage point is roughly $40
>>>>>million, that is about a $400 million hit they (the owners)
>>>>>want the players to take."
>>>>>
>>>>> "Beyond that, there is a system, the economic part is the
>>>>>basketball related income. But the system part is whether or
>>>>>not you have a hard salary cap, or a soft salary cap. Whether
>>>>>or not you have restrictions to the cap, which obviously goes
>>>>>with the soft salary cap. What kind of luxury tax you have. For
>>>>>instance, under the old agreement, you could go over the salary
>>>>>cap because it was a soft cap, but if you went above a certain
>>>>>number than you have to pay a dollar for dollar tax. Now, the
>>>>>owners want to make that tax more severe to be at least $2.00,
>>>>>and in some cases $3.00, $4.00 and even higher, $3.00 to $1.00
>>>>>if you;re over the tax. that is to discourage the big markets
>>>>>like the New York Knicks and the L.A. Lakers from spending well
>>>>>over the tax, so the smaller market teams feel like they have a
>>>>>chance to compete. The small market teams may be able to go
>>>>>over the cap, but they can;t go over it to the degree the large
>>>>>market teams can go over it...The owners are saying they need a
>>>>>certain system where smaller market teams can compete with the
>>>>>large market teams."
>>>>>
>>>>> WILL STERN CANCEL THE SEASON (THERE WERE REPORTS) IF
>>>>>MEDIATION FAILS WITH MEDIATOR GEORGE COHEN ON TUESDAY?
>>>>>
>>>>> "No! There is no way. He is saying the season might be in
>>>>>jeopardy, which is true, it;s in jeopardy now. He is not going
>>>>>to come out and cancel the entire season based on what happens
>>>>>Tuesday. I don;t even think he will cancel another few weeks
>>>>>tomorrow, he may eventually, but I don;t think he will tomorrow
>>>>>if they don;t come to an agreement."
>>>>>
>>>>> WILL SOME PLAYERS CONTINUE TO GO OVERSEAS TO PLAY? WHAT ABOUT
>>>>>A PLAYER SUPER LEAGUE?
>>>>>
>>>>> "A few more players may go overseas, but it is not a huge
>>>>>threat just because there are not a ton of teams with money to
>>>>>offer these players. China has money, but put in a rule that
>>>>>you have to stay the entire season. That took them off the
>>>>>radar for a lot of players. Especially, the super stars."
>>>>>
>>>>>"As far as the super league, that is a very difficult
>>>>>proposition and they certainly couldn;t start anything that is
>>>>>even remotely equal to the NBA. It is a really tough thing to
>>>>>do, and I think it;s a long shot to say the least."

Curry gone?

2011-10-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

KOMO 4 in Seattle is reporting Seahawks' Aaron Curry could be on his way out.

http://www.komonews.com/sports/131623303.html

Minnesota Coach

2011-09-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

ESPN is reporting, former Blazers coach Rick Adelman is about to become the next coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/6962794/minnesota-timberwolves-hire-rick-adelman-new-coach-sources-say

Bedard Traded!

2011-07-31T14:13:00.001-07:00

The Mariners have traded pitcher Erik Bedard to the Boston Red Sox.

http://www.komonews.com/sports/126486703.html

MARINERS TRADE

2011-07-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

The Mariners have traded Pitchers Doug Fister and David Pauley to the Detroit Tigers, for LHP Charlie Furbush, Outfielder Casper Wells, and prospect Francisco Martinez.

http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110730&content_id=22509496&vkey=news_sea&c_id=sea

Hasselbeck officially out

2011-07-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

KOMO TV 4 in Seattle is reporting, Matt Hasselbeck is officially out at Quarterback and former Minnesota Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson is in.

http://www.komonews.com/sports/126202858.html

Blazers schedule released

2011-07-22T19:10:00.001-07:00

http://www.nba.com/blazers/schedule/
This schedule of course depends on the lockout.

Blazers fifth hardest team to root for?

2011-07-22T19:02:00.000-07:00

In a recent online report by The Business Journal's G. Scott Thomas, he has the Trail Blazers as the fifth hardest team to root for. Do you agree with this? Leave your comments and I may read them in a future broadcast.

http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/on-numbers/scott-thomas/2011/07/kings-are-toughest-nba-team-to-support.html?appSession=242119776192580&RecordID=&PageID=2&PrevPageID=&cpipage=3&CPISortType=&CPIorderBy=

And the Mariners are the seventh hardest team to root for in MLB.

http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/on-numbers/scott-thomas/2011/07/nats-are-toughest-mlb-team-to-support.html

Seahawks 21.
http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/on-numbers/scott-thomas/2011/07/nats-are-toughest-mlb-team-to-support.html

NFL Lockout

2011-07-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

NFL lockout is officially over.

Blazers schedule out tomorrow!

2011-07-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

NBA/Blazers schedule officially comes out tomorrow. Let's hope there will be a season.

New name for Seahawks Home

2011-07-11T23:04:00.000-07:00

Did you hear that Seahawks Stadium, aka Qwest Field is getting a new name? If you attend a Seahawks' game, you will now attend the game at CenturyLink Field.

http://downtownseattle.komonews.com/news/public-spaces/qwest-field-becoming-centurylink-field/648159

Mariners batting

2011-07-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

Something is seriously wrong with the Mariners bats. Pitching is great, but again something is wrong with the bats. Hope to get the answers in an interview with the M's sometime in the near future.

Draft

2011-06-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

The NBA Draft is tomorrow. What will the Blazers do? I will be at their Practice Facility and will have what they do.

Mariners in Draft

2011-06-06T16:34:00.000-07:00

The Mariners just picked second in Major League Baseball's First Year Player Draft. And the player selected is left handed Pitcher Danny Hultzen from the University of Virginia.

Another coach out in the NBA

2011-06-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

Pistons fired Coach John Kuester.

Astoria Baseball Final

2011-06-04T17:21:00.000-07:00

Baseball Championship Final:

Astoria 4
North Valley 1

Cho fired

2011-05-23T18:14:00.001-07:00

Blazers fire GM Rich Cho. More as it becomes available.

Draft Lottery Results

2011-05-17T18:16:00.000-07:00

Here are the results of the NBA Draft Lottery. Portland will be picking at 21.

14: Houston Rockets

13: Phoenix Suns

12: Utah Jazz

11: Golden State Warriors

10: Milwaukee Bucks

9: Charlotte Bobcats

8: Detroit Pistons

7: Sacramento Kings

6: Washington Wizards

5: Toronto Raptors

4: Cleveland Cavs

3: Utah Jazz

2: Minnesota Timberwolves

1: Cleveland Cavaliers

2011-05-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Comcast Sports Net

2011-05-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

I am frequently asked when will North Oregon/South Washington Coasts residents will get to see the Blazers broadcasted via Comcast Sports. I spoke online with representatives from both Charter and Comcast tonight and here is what they both had to say...

Charter: "I am sorry, we still do not have the Comcast Sports Network on your current channel lineup. So that we can have request realized, I will be sending sales request to your local office so that we can have Comcast Sports Network on the list of channels to be added as soon as the changes and additions on your line-up will commence. At this time, there are still no updates as to when channels may be added to your area. Thank you for your request. We hope to meet your needs' at the soonest possible time."

Comcast: "I understand that fans out there want Charter to air Comcast Sports on Cable as well as the Trail Blazers games. So far, there isn't any confirmation from Comcast with regards to this. I have already noted your request."

There you have it. It doesn't sound like our areas will be getting it anytime soon.

Bradley and Langerhans cut from Mariners

2011-05-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

The Mariners have released outfielders Milton Bradley and Ryan Langerhans and have called up outfielders Carlos Peguero and Mike Wilson from Triple A Tacoma.

Via: KOMO TV 4

http://www.komonews.com/sports/121515184.html

The year of the Bulls

2011-05-03T16:49:00.000-07:00

Could this be the year of the Bull(s)? Chicago Head Coach Tom Thibodeau was named coach of the year yesterday and now Point Guard Derrick Rose was just named MVP! The Bulls finished the regular season 62-20 and are taking on the Atlanta Hawks in round 2 of the Eastern Conference semi finals. What’s next? A title for the Bulls? STAY TUNED!!

Winter hawks off to finals

2011-05-02T23:57:00.000-07:00

Portland's remaining playoff team, the Winterhawks are headed to the Western Hockey League Finals.

Portland defeated Spokane 6-3 and will take on Kootenay beginning Friday at the Rose Garden

Kings staying

2011-05-02T17:35:00.000-07:00

As I have been reporting, the Sacramento Kings could be headed to Anaheim. ABC 10 in Sacramento is reporting as of now the Kings will be staying in Sacramento.

Hasselbeck out

2011-04-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

KING 5 in Seattle is reporting Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will not return to the Seahawks next season. The NBC affiliate is also reporting that he may be replaced with Bengals QB Carson Palmer.

http://www.king5.com/sports/ESPN-rumor-Hasselbeck-out-Palmer-in-as-Seahawks-QB-121036554.html

Interviews

2011-04-25T17:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday, you heard from Ryan Holmstedt of the Arizona Diamondbacks. In tomorrow's Daily Astorian, I have a one-on-one with the Blazers' Adam Bjaranson. And this Saturday (April 30) I have an interview with the Portland Winterhawks' Andy Rygg.

Game 5!

2011-04-25T17:41:00.000-07:00

Game five is about to begin. GO BLAZERS!!

Houston looking for new coach.

2011-04-18T16:40:00.000-07:00

KTRK TV in Houston is reporting, Rick Adelman will not return next season as head coach of the Rockets.

Winterhawks advance

2011-04-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

The Winterhawks defeated the Kelowna Rockets 4-2 and move on to the Western Conference Finals. Game one is Friday (April 22) at The Rose Garden. Tickets are available.

NBA Playoffs

2011-04-13T20:42:00.000-07:00

Last night the Blazers clinched the 6th spot in the playoffs. And it appears (unless the Sacramento Kings can pull off a miracle against the Lakers) Portland will be playing the Dallas Mavericks in round 1. One more quick note, Blazers signed 7'0 Center Earl Barron for the remainder of the season to bulk up the roster. Barron will wear number 40. More Saturday!!

Name changes

2011-03-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

It was announced today that Portland's PGE Park was re named to
Jeld-Wen Field. Now, according to The Portland Tribune The Rose Garden could be getting a new name and it could be renamed to a company in Spain.

Mid season Report

2011-03-03T15:17:00.000-08:00

MID SEASON REPORT ON THE BLAZERS THIS COMING SATURDAY (MARCH 5). FIND OUT WHAT THE TEAM HAS TO SAY. AND HEAR FROM NEWEST BLAZER GERALD WALLACE. SATURDAY, 9:34 IN SPORTS.

Blazers Trade!

2011-02-24T12:44:00.000-08:00

Blazers make a trade. Portland trades Center Joel Przyblla, Forward Dante Cunningham, Center Sean Marks and draft picks. to the Charlotte Bobcats for Forward Gerald Wallace.

For more information on Wallace
nba.com/playerfile/gerald_wallace/index.html

Anthony traded

2011-02-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Denver Nuggets Carmello Anthony traded to the New York Knicks. Could that signal the start of trades? Blazers?? Stay tuned!!

Trade Deadline

2011-02-18T14:56:00.000-08:00

NBA trade deadline is this coming Thursday (February 24). Check back for reports on what the team does!

Blazers sign player

2011-01-23T22:30:00.000-08:00

Blazers have signed Center Chris Johnson of the Dakota Wizards (NBA Development League) to a 10 day contract.

For information on Johnson go to www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/chris_johnson

Interview coming up

2011-01-21T16:33:00.000-08:00

Major League Soccer is coming to Portland. I have an interview with the Timbers' COO, it will be aired January 29th in the regular sports time. It was a great interview and I for one am interested in this exciting team. Be sure to listen to it, 9:34am January 29th.

Developing story

2011-01-18T22:23:00.001-08:00

Just received word, Blazers Center Marcus Camby has a partial tear of meniscus in his left knee and will have surgery this week.

BCS Bowl results

2011-01-10T21:16:00.000-08:00

It was a great season for the Oregon Ducks. However, it was not meant to be as Auburn beat the Ducks 22-19 in a last second field goal. Next year Oregon??

Seahawks win

2011-01-08T16:59:00.000-08:00

Seahawks just upset the New Orleans Saints in round 1 of the NFL Playoffs. Seattle 41, New Orleans 36.

NBA Courts

2011-01-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

If you recall, I did a report/review of the New Orleans Arena. Now, Sports Illustrated via si.com has a ranking of the "elite", Decent" and "worst" of the NBA courts.

YOU CAN SEE THE REPORT
BY GOING
HERE

BOWL GAMES

2010-12-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18

NEW MEXICO BOWL
BYU, UTEP, 11:00, ESPN

HUMANITARIAN BOWL
NORTHERN ILLINOIS, FRESNO STATE, 2:30, ESPN

NEW ORLEANS BOWL
OHIO, TROY, 6:00 ESPN

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21

BEEF O'BRADY BOWL
SOUTHERN MISS, LOUISVILLE, 5:00 ESPN

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22
UTAH, BOISE STATE, LAS VEGAS BOWL, 5:00 ESPN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23,
NAVY, SAN DIEGO STATE, POINSETTA BOWL, 5:00 ESPN

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24
HAWAII, TULSA, HAWAII BOWL, 5:00 ESPN

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 26
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL, TOLEDO, LITTLE CAESERS BOWL, 5:30 ESPN

MONDAY, DECEMBER 27
AIR FORCE, GEORGIA TECH, INDEPENDENCE BOWL, 2:00 ESPN 2

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28
WEST VIRGINIA, NORTH CAROLINA, CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL, 3:30, ESPN

MISSOURI, IOWA, INSIGHT BOWL, 7:00 ESPN

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29
EAST CAROLINA, MARYLAND, MILITARY BOWL, 11:30 ESPN

ILLINOIS, BAYLOR, TEXAS BOWL, 3:00 ESPN

OKLAHOMA, ARIZONA, ALAMO BOWL, 6:15, ESPN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30
ARMY, SOUTHERN METHODIST, ARM FORCES BOWL, 9:00 ESPN

KANSAS STATE, SYRACUSE, PINSTRIPE BOWL, 12:20 ESPN

NORTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, MUSIC BOWL, 3:30 ESPN

NEBRASKA, WASHINGTON, HOLIDAY BOWL, 7:00 ESPN

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31
SOUTH FLORIDA, CLEMSON, CAR CARE BOWL, 9:00 AM ESPN

NOTRE DAME, MIAMI, SUN BOWL, 11:00 CBS

GEORGIA, UCF, LIBERTY BOWL, 12:30, ESPN

SOUTH CAROLINA, FLORIDA STATE, CHICK-FIL-A BOWL, 4:30 ESPN

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1

NORTH WESTERN, TEXAS TECH, TICKET CITY BOWL, 9:00 ESPN UNIVERSITY

ALABAMA, MICHIGAN STATE, CAPITAL ONE BOWL, 10:00 ESPN

FLORIDA, PENN STATE, OUTBACK BOWL, 10:00 ABC

MISSISSIPPI STATE, MICHIGAN, GATOR BOWL, 10:30 ESPN 2

WISCONSIN, TCU, ROSE BOWL, 2:00 ESPN

CONNECTICUT, OKLAHOMA, FIESTA BOWL, 5:30 ESPN

MONDAY, JANUARY 3

STANFORD, VIRGINIA TECH, 5:30 ESPN

TUESDAY, JANUARY 4

OHIO STATE, ARKANSAS, SUGAR BOWL, 5:30 ESPN

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6

MIDDLE TENNESSEE, MIAMI (OHIO), GODADDY.COM BOWL, 5:00 ESPN

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7

LSU, TEXAS A & M, COTTON BOWL, 5:00 FOX

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

PITTSBURGH, KENTUCKY, COMPASS BOWL, 9:00, ESPN

SUNDAY, JANUARY 9

NEVADA, BOSTON COLLEGE, FIGHT HUNGER BOWL, 6:00 ESPN

MONDAY, JANUARY 10

OREGON, AUBURN, BCS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME, 5:30 ESPN

BLAZERS TRADE

2010-10-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

ESPN reporting, Jerryd Bayless traded to the New Orleans Hornets, for a future first round draft pick.

Blazers

2010-10-16T10:06:00.000-07:00

That's what happens when a C.D. player decides it wants to skip. I recently wrote an article for
The Daily Astorian and it was basically the same that should have been aired. Since there is no time to air the report, this HOPEFULLY will do.

The Blazers' soap opera enters a new season

By DAVE NELSON
For The Daily Astorian

The regular season is about to start in the NBA, which means the end of the offseason. It has been an offseason filled with drama for the Portland Trail Blazers, almost soap opera like - "The Days of Our Blazers."

"The Days of Our Blazers" made its debut the night of the NBA draft, when it was announced that General Manager Kevin Pritchard would be fired following the event.

Blazers Assistant General Manager Tom Penn was relieved of his job last season and there was speculation Pritchard would be next.

During the draft, rumors were swirling that Pritchard was going to make a trade that could have possibly saved his job. Instead he traded forward Martell Webster to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for the rights to the 16th pick, who turned out to be University of Reno-Nevada Forward Luke Babbitt.

Later in the draft, University of Memphis guard Elliot Williams was selected at 22nd and Armon Johnson a guard from Nevada at 34th. Pritchard was replaced with Oklahoma City Thunder executive Rich Cho.

The drama doesn't end with Pritchard's firing.

Guard Rudy Fernandez, via his agent, made a public demand to be traded, announcing that Fernandez was prepared to sit out the final two years of his contract. Later, Fernandez, again via his agent, said, "I don't want a trade; I prefer to go home with my family and play in Europe." The Blazers announced they would not grant Fernandez's request. Rudy would be fined a total of $75,000 by the NBA in a two-month time span.

There are questions about the center position. Last season, both Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla missed most of the season with knee injuries, setting up a need to trade for a center.

That player was Marcus Camby from the Clippers. Oden and Przybilla have yet to return from their injuries, and left the team with Camby and Jeff Pendergraph.

Not so fast! In only the second preseason game, Pendergraph was lost for the season because of a right knee injury.

What now? Who would play center with Camby?

A few days after Pendergraph went down, center Steven Hill would be signed.

With all the injuries to Portland's centers, is Hill worried he could be the next center injured? "No! No! Not at all, you never have that attitude! You hope for the best for all the injured guys, but I definitely want to seize my opportunity," Hill said.

What about playing the whole season, is he just a temporary player? "It is kind of touch and go as far as I know," Hill said. "I just signed a nonguaranteed contract and will just be here as long as they want me to be."

Portland's only offseason acquisition could be a prize catch, the signing of Utah Jazz shooting guard Wesley Matthews. Matthews went undrafted in the 2009 Draft and averaged 9.4 points and 2.3 rebounds while starting 48 times and is averaging 15.5 points and 3.30 rebounds coming off Portland's bench.

What can fans expect from Matthews? "I just go out there and work and play, lay it all out on the line for my teammates, try to come up with as many wins as possible," he said.

And what style of basketball does Matthews play? He said, "Winning! I really can't put a name or a stamp on it. Just go out there and win."

The coach

What kind of mentality does coach Nate McMillan think the Blazers have going into the 2010-11 season?

McMillan said, "We are in training camp right now, we are still working, we have a lot to work on, to get ready for the (season) opener, but the guys are working hard."

Who is McMillan most impressed with so far? "All of our young guys have worked hard," he said. "Wesley has a pretty good training camp. Johnson, Babbitt, all of those young guys have had a really good training camp. The team in general is working on, but there is still a lot of work to do."

If Fernandez, McMillan said, "Rudy is doing fine, he playing well and he is coming out every night and competing."

Of Oden and Przybilla, the coach said, "Both are working hard. Joel did practice a little Sunday. Greg is improving every day, we are hopeful these guys are back soon."

What can fans expect from Brandon Roy? What does he have in his bag of tricks this year? Roy said, "Pretty much what they see from me every season. I try to go out there and compete at a high level, do my best to help lead this team, just really what they have been seeing, even better a little more mature, a little more understanding of the game ... I didn't plan on anything going into the previous seasons, so this year I'm going to go out there and try and play at a high level. I always try and have a goal to help this team win, and usually some cool things come with it. That is going to be a goal this year."

My forecast: It is looking rather cloudy for the Blazers right now. Portland needed another star player to go with Brandon Roy and failed to acquire this player, whoever he may be. There is a good chance this player could be acquired as we get closer to the February trade deadline. The biggest question is can the team stay healthy? Will they have enough centers to get through the season? They need this star player to help them get to the next level. They need Greg Oden, Joel Przybilla and Marcus Camby to stay healthy. If this were to take place, sunnier skies could be ahead.

Does Jazz coach Jerry Sloan fear the Blazers? "You don't fear them," he laughed. "If you fear them, you're going to be afraid to compete against them, they are really talented. They are as talented as anybody in basketball."

A Warrenton connection

One other quick note involving the Blazers. Former Warrenton resident and KGW TV sports anchor Adam Bjaranson will be leaving the station to take a job with the Blazers. "I'm going to be joining the Trail Blazers family, which is going to be great. I will be the pre- and postgame host on Comcast Sportsnet for all the games. Now you will be able to see it on KGW and TNT, we will do the pre- and postgames. Plus, they are starting an interactive website called trailblazers.tv, which is great, a website everyday where people can go to. It is going to be an excellent venture they have started and I'm just proud to be a part of it, it will be a good time!"

Dave Nelson is sports director at KMUN Radio in Astoria.

Mariners season gone wrong.

2010-08-16T20:36:00.000-07:00

This should have been a promising season for the Seattle Mariners. It has been anything but. Most publications and predictions had them taking the American League West. The team as of today (August 16th) is 46-73, last in the AL West. What went wrong? I am going to try and get some answers on August 29th, as I go on assignment to Safeco Field to interview the
Mariners. Stay tuned to what went wrong and what needs to be done in time for next year.

Sports report for 7-17-10

2010-07-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

I am away this weekend, and therefore sports won't be aired on the station. Have no fear, most of what I was going to report is here. I guess we should get started on the week's top sports stories.

This past week was baseball's all-star week. Monday, was the Home Run Derby and the Boston Red Sox "Big Papi" David Ortiz won. Tuesday, the annual American versus
National League game took place. The National League had not won an all-star game since 1996 and after 14 years, it came to an end. The National League 3, American League 1. The Atlanta Braves' Brian McCann was named MVP of the game. Ichiro Suzuki was the lone player from Seattle taking place. Former Mariner Cliff Lee, who was traded to the Texas Rangers pitched in the game.

Sad news from New York. Longtime Yankees' owner George Steinbrenner passed away Tuesday. Steinbrenner was not afraid to spend "big money" on big time players. Steinbrenner won 7 World Series Pennants since taking over the team in 1973. His sons currently own the team.

From the NBA and the Trail Blazers: This week, the Blazers signed Utah Jazz free agent guard Wesley Matthews to an offer sheet. Matthews was a restricted free agent, which meant the Jazz had 7 days starting the 12th to match Portland's offer. The Jazz informed Matthews and his agent, they would not match the contract and therefore, will become a member of the Blazers. The Jazz optioned to sign former Golden State Warriors Guard Raja Bell instead. The Blazers search for a General Manager continues. Thursday, the team interviewed Oklahoma City Assistant GM Rich Cho Thursday. Team President Larry Miller told reporters, "he hopes to have a GM hired by next week." Former Cleveland GM Danny Ferry and former Miami GM, Randy Pfund have interviewed. Miller also could interview at least one more possible candidate as well. Remember last season, the Blazers had signed Orlando Magic free agent Forward
Hedo Turkoglu and at the last moment, was signed to a better off by the Toronto Raptors? Well, Turkoglu now has a new team and city to call home. The Raptors traded him to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Guard Leandro Barbosa. Turkoglu thought he would like being in and playing for Toronto since it was closest to his home country of Turkey. Hope you like the Suns Turkoglu. Finally, Blazers Center Juwan Howard is about to sign a free agent deal to join Lebron James and his Miami Heat. Howard will be missed in Portland.

BLAZERS DRAFT PICK

2010-06-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

With the 22nd pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers select (pause)...Elliott Williams, Guard from Memphis.

TRADE

2010-06-24T18:25:00.001-07:00

Blazers trade Guard/Forward Martell Webster to the Minnesota Timberwolves, in exchange for 16th draft pick Forward Luke Babbitt and Forward Ryan Gomes. More to come!

BREAKING NEWS

2010-06-24T16:25:00.000-07:00

Reports are reporting, Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard has been fired!

DRAFT DAY

2010-06-24T11:10:00.001-07:00

A few rumblings on the Blazers end of things, but nothing as of yet. Stay tuned!

Returning

2010-06-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

I have not posted anything in a while it looks like. I have been sick and have not felt like posting anything. Yeah, I have been at the station, but that's all I have really done in the past 3 weeks or so.

Lot's to talk about in tomorrow's report. The NBA Draft is this coming Thursday and I have a feeling something BIG is about to go down with the team. I sure wish I knew exactly what, but unfortunately, I am not psychic. Since I only have a weekly show, watch here and
The Daily Astorian (I should have a report there) for what happens.

Rained out

2010-05-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

The Astoria/North Marion baseball game is rained out. They will try and play again tomorrow at 3:00. Warrenton and Santiam Christian are also rained out and hope to resume play Saturday at 1:00. The Daily Astorian is reporting, the game COULD be played at West Linn if Warrenton's field is not useable

Eastern Conference Champions

2010-05-28T21:05:00.000-07:00

The Boston Celtics are headed to the NBA Finals. The Celts defeated the Orlando Magic Friday evening 96-84 and take the series 3-2. Paul Pierce, 31 points 13 boards tops for Boston, Dwight Howard, 28 points, 12 rebounds for the Magic. Boston will take on the winner of the Lakers/Suns series in the NBA Finals. Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals is tomorrow.

Baseball Playoffs

2010-05-25T22:20:00.000-07:00

Astoria's Baseball team keeps on winning.

Today's playoff score in Round 2 of the 4 A Playoffs.
Astoria 17, Phoenix 2.

Elsewhere:
Bandon 7, Clatskanie 4 in Round 1 of the 3 A Playoffs

No word on Knappa and Warrenton.

UPDATE

2010-05-25T22:19:00.000-07:00

Mike Brown, coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers was OFFICIALLY fired Monday (May 24).

Most miserable sports city

2010-05-21T17:31:00.000-07:00

A Northwest city was named, the most miserable sports city by Forbes Magazine. Find out which one Saturday in sports.

Correction

2010-05-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

I had reported in an earlier blog the Cleveland Cavs according to various report fired
Head Coach Mike Brown. According to these same reports, Brown as of now is still the coach of Cleveland. Some reports are reporting, the firing COULD still take place, but again as of now, Brown is the coach of the Cavs.

Lottery Winners

2010-05-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

The NBA Draft Lottery just took place. This decides where teams that didn't make the playoffs pick in the June 24th Draft. Here is the order...

1. Washington Wizards
2. Philadelphia 76ERS
3. New Jersey Nets
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
5. Sacramento Kings
6. Golden State Warriors
7. Detroit Pistons
8. Los Angeles Clippers
9. Utah Jazz (via New York Knicks)
10. Indiana Pacers
11. New Orleans Hornets
12. Memphis Grizzlies
13. Toronto Raptors
14. Houston Rockets

And incase you were wondering, the Blazers will pick 22.

Fired Coaches

2010-05-14T21:46:00.001-07:00

2 NBA Head Coaches as of Friday (May 14) have lost their job's. Including, Cleveland's
Mike Brown like I predicted. Who was the other? Find out in my report tomorrow 9:34 on KMUN and KTCB.

Chaos in Cleveland

2010-05-13T20:02:00.000-07:00

Uh-oh, chaos soon to be in Cleveland involving the Cavs. Cleveland just lost to the Boston Celtics 94-85 in Boston, with the Celtics taking the series 4-2.

So, how will that bring some chaos? Lebron James is a free agent and numerous reports are reporting James could bolt to another team. Which team? Your guess is as good as mine. Some are hinting the New York Knicks, the New Jersey Nets, Chicago Bulls have likely the best chances of landing him. The Los Angeles Clippers and the Miami Heat have a slim chance. What about the Blazers? Not likely, but it's fun to dream. The Blazers could offer a trade package, but again, the odds of that happening are not good.

I also see the Cavs firing Head Coach Mike Brown, adding more to the chaos that could be happening before long in Cleveland.

STAY TUNED!!

Missing in action

2010-04-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

I have been asked a few times, "Where were you Saturday?"

I was not sick, I was not at the Blazers game, I was not out of town. So where was I? Okay, okay I will admit. I lost my voice! What you ask? Yes, I lost my voice. I lost it cheering for the team Thursday, but it didn't do any good as they lost. Thanks to Murf for filling in for me. I hope to be back this coming Saturday. My voice is starting to come back, but as of Monday night, it isn't 100%.

Game 5 is tonight in Phoenix. In my opinion, the momentum is shifting Portland's way. With Brandon Roy coming back Saturday, it seemed like the Blazers regained their confidence.

One more quick note: The University of Oregon announced today, they hired Dana Altman, coach of Creighton as the new head coach of their basketball team.

Oregon State Baseball

2010-04-17T16:49:00.000-07:00

Headed to OSU tomorrow, to watch some baseball and some interviews. Stay tuned next weekend, will have a sports show on OSU Baseball and an interview with Jordan Poyer.

The Little team that could

2010-04-12T22:05:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's like the Blazers are "the little team that could." Brandon Roy is out with a torn meniscus and beat the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. Yesterday, they beat the Lakers without Roy in the second half. One question. What can't Marcus Camby do? Tonight, 30 points 13 boards. Last game of the regular season is Monday and the playoffs start Saturday. Who will they play? Still not known. The Blazers likely will end up with the 6th spot and play the team with the 3rd spot. Positions 2, 3, 4 and 5 are up for grabs. I'm hoping it will be the Phoenix Suns! I guess GO BLAZERS!! And Go Suns! Of course, GO BLAZERS in the playoffs!!!

Good sports day Sunday

2010-04-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

Busy Sports day Sunday.

First, the Blazers are taking on the Lakers in Los Angeles tomorrow afternoon. Word has it, Kobe Bryant will NOT be playing. Why would he? Lakers already clinched home court. Good news there!

Sunday night, I am hosting the Last DJ session on KMUN/KTCB at 7:00. It will be a round table discussion with Athletic Directors around the Cowapa League. Be sure to listen in. Should be a good show.

And of course, the Mariners are in Texas to finish their weekend series with the Rangers. Lots of good sports stuff to follow Sunday.

Saturday's report

2010-04-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

Lot's to talk about in Saturday's report. STAY TUNED!!

2010-04-06T17:52:00.000-07:00

Take me out to the ball game take me out to the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks I don't care if I ever go back, cause its root, root for the Mariners (and Diamondbacks). If they don't win it's a shame. For it's 1, 2 3 strikes you're out at the old ball game!!

Spring is officially here and you know what that means? BASEBALL!! I have been told by a few people, let's get basketball over with first (the Blazers are in the playoffs)and after that, focus on baseball. I'm ready for Seattle Mariners Baseball! They got their first win of the season last night in Oakland. GO MARINERS!!

Breaking Broadcast

2010-03-07T15:31:00.000-08:00

Usually, I only cover the sports news once a week, but today I'm thinking I need to have a special broadcast or something, as there is 2 BIG stories I guess you could say "breaking", one "breaking" as I type this. Where to start.

Oh yes! Watched the 11:00 news last night and they announced that University of Oregon
Basketball Coach Ernie Kent has been fired. Not really a surprise there right? Kind of knew it was going to happen.

Next, probably the biggest story. Kind of a surprise, but not really a surprise. It is the
broken record of the Blazers season. But, what surprises me is who it happened to this time. Kind of sad and makes you wonder, what will happen next? Injured Center Joel Przybilla, who was to miss the rest of the season with a ruptured patella tendon. It was just announced,
Przybilla slipped out of the shower at his home and fell and you guessed it, has to have another surgery on the knee. That's all that is known as of now, but I hope he recovers and can play again next season. Let's hope this is the last of the Blazer injuries for this season.

Maybe, I should have an emergency BREAKING NEWS broadcast, and probably the sooner the better?

Trades, trades and more trades

2010-02-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

Busy, crazy day. Ever have one of those days that everything seems to happen at once?

I just finished up an article for The Daily Astorian, on the Blazers trade involving the Clippers. I get the feeling Portland isn't quite done trading, but knowing me I could be wrong.

I am watching the internet closely for trades happening. We have one hour left until the deadline. Some trades and big ones if I may add have already happened, with rumors of more possibly on their way. I will have the latest on Saturday morning.

High school playoffs have started and will continue into next week. Will try and post schedules here.

MY first blog

2010-01-20T08:57:00.000-08:00

My first blog. What do I write?

Oh yes, I would like to thank Kathleen Morgain News Director here at the station. I would like to thank Murf, and of course the academy. Oh wait, this is a sports blog, I have not won an Oscar YET! What was I thinking?

There is a lot I could talk about. Why don't we start the first blog with my favorite sports topic, the Portland Trail Blazers and as time progresses and I feel more comfortable blogging I will blog about other stuff.

The midseason has arrived in the NBA. I hope to have a midseason review and interview with the Blazers in the next few weeks. I have to mention, all things considered (no, not the show you hear on our station's)things are looking up for the Blazers. Stay tuned and I will update this blog as frequently as I can. Let me know what you want me to blog about and I will try to do so. I will try and post scores and schedules on here as frequently as I can.
STAY TUNED!!