Morning Jolt: August 10, 2011
Wednesday, August 10
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In a conversation about his legacy, Ray Lewis talked both about how capable he is to play football and how soon he might leave it. "My son will be a junior this year. I only play this game for another ring. If we can win it this year, and I'm being brutally honest with you, if we win it this year, I'm gone to then spend as much time as I can with him," Lewis said. "I'm gone to be with my son. And I feel like now we have enough pieces in place to make a good run at the Super Bowl." So if the Ravens win a title this season -- and they have a definite shot to do so -- Lewis may not come back. Is that set in stone? No, but Lewis made it very clear that while he isn't consistently pondering retirement, a championship would likely lead to the end of one of the top five greatest defensive careers the sport has seen. (CBSSports.com)Comment
Turkey 'very intriguing' for Durant
Kevin Durant may be the next big fish to land in Turkey. [Durant] is in the early stages of contract negotiations with the same Turkish team that has signed Deron Williams and has been pursuing Kobe Bryant, according to Durant's agent. Agent Aaron Goodwin told ESPN.com on Tuesday night that he has met with officials from Turkish club Besiktas and has likewise begun exploring opportunities for Durant in Spain and Russia. Goodwin added that playing in China is not something Durant is considering at this time. "The Turkish option is very intriguing," Goodwin said. "We're looking at other countries as well. Kevin hasn't agreed to play anywhere yet, but we're looking for the best fit." (ESPN.com)Comment
More money, more problems in Minnesota
Is there some buyers' remorse in the Twin Cities? The Twins spent a franchise-record $115 million on a team that will be lucky to avoid last place in a weak division. After decades of overachieving despite financial constraints, the 2011 edition is proving that neither a new ballpark nor inflated spending ensures success. "It's deceptive, because we haven't had our payroll on the field," manager Ron Gardenhire said. That is true, and incomplete. Injuries remain the primary reason this team has imploded. There is another reason, though: The Twins, like novice investors or the uninitiated in Las Vegas, found themselves with just enough cash to get themselves into trouble. With a lower payroll, they never would have invested $14.5 million in a skinny Japanese shortstop. (Star Tribune)Comment
Must-See Photo
Ian Kinsler scores the game winning run and is greeted at the plate by Michael Young, Elvis Andrus and other teammates after the Rangers beat the Mariners, 7-6, at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas. (AP)
Must-See Video
Chad Ochocincois looking for a roommate in the Boston area. Here is his resume.
Game To Watch
Brewers at Cardinals, 8:15 p.m., ET
- Milwaukee Brewers
- St Louis Cardinals
SI Vault: More Juan Marichal
This Day in Sports
- 1971 -- At San Francisco's Candlestick Park, Juan Marichal records his 50th career shutout as the Giants blank the Expos, 1-0. The Dominican hurler's ninth-inning double helps to setup the winning run.
- 1989 -- After 15 months of recovery from cancer surgery to his arm, Dave Dravecky pitches one-hit baseball for seven innings, blanking the Reds to get the victory. The Giant bullpen holds on for a 4-3 win at Candlestick Park.
- 2002 -- Sammy Sosa hits three home runs in consecutive at bats in the third, fourth and fifth innings, tying a Cubs' record with nine RBIs, which was first established by Heinie Zimmerman in 1911.
