SB Nation Arizona: All Posts by Thomas Toddhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2012-12-27T06:02:12-07:00https://arizona.sbnation.com/authors/thomas-todd/rss2012-12-27T06:02:12-07:002012-12-27T06:02:12-07:00TCU a hot pick for Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>Experts weigh-in on Michigan State versus TCU in the Dec. 29 game at Sun Devil Stadium.</p> <p>Buffalo Wild Wings certainly taste better than copper, which was the original name for the bowl that will celebrate its 24th year when Michigan State plays TCU on Saturday. The game should be tasty regardless, but who takes the whole bottle of hot sauce?</p>
<p><a href="http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/50195728/ns/sports-college_football/" target="_blank">NBC's College Football Talk</a> has the Horned Frogs in a squeaker, predicting a 24-19 win by TCU. Joe Tamanaha cites both teams' similar styles, desiring to grind the game out on the ground and rely on a stout defense.</p>
<p>Three of the four Fox Sports analysts agree, picking TCU over the Spartans, with Joel Beall as the lone detractor. It should be mentioned that all four of the analysts have whiffed on both of their bowl picks this season, all taking Boise State and Fresno State to win their respective games.</p>
<p>Getting on board with the trend are the<a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/features/writers/expert/picks" target="_blank"> CBS analysts</a>, who are 4-2 in favor of TCU, despite picking against the spread. The Horned Frogs are 2.5-point favorites heading into Saturday.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/27/3806124/buffalo-wild-wings-bowl-2012-michigan-state-tcu-predictions-picksThomas Todd2012-12-27T06:00:28-07:002012-12-27T06:00:28-07:00Experts favor ASU in Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl
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<figcaption>Ezra Shaw</figcaption>
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<p>Experts weigh in on the bowl game between Arizona State and Navy</p> <p>It's the Pac-12 versus the world in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl on Saturday, as Arizona State plays a Navy team that doesn't have a conference to represent. The 7-5 Sun Devils take on the 8-4 Midshipmen in the 11th annual Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl, which was previously known as the Emerald Bowl.</p>
<p>While most of the experts respect Navy's ground attack, a majority of them have picked the Sun Devils to prevail.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/50195728/ns/sports-college_football/">NBC's College Football Talk</a> has Arizona State handily defeating Navy, even giving a score prediction of 42-23. Writer John Tamanaha cites the balanced attack of the Sun Devils behind quarterback <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/112766/taylor-kelly" class="sbn-auto-link">Taylor Kelly</a> against a porous Navy defense as the reason for the pick.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://msn.foxsports.com/fantasy/collegefootball/bowlpickem/research/expertpicks/">Three of Fox Sports' four analysts</a> agree with Tamahana, picking the Sun Devils, with Joel Beall as the lone detractor. Take these picks with a grain of salt, the four analysts are a combined 0-8 after two bowl games.</p>
<p>CBS Sports insists on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/features/writers/expert/picks">picking the bowl games against the spread</a>. Despite ASU being favored by 14.5 points half of their six analysts still pick the Sun Devils.</p>
<p>The Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl will be held at AT&T Park in San Francisco, CA on Saturday, December 29.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/27/3805944/kraft-fight-hunger-bowl-2012-navy-arizona-state-predictions-picksThomas Todd2012-12-26T14:46:31-07:002012-12-26T14:46:31-07:00Upton a candidate to bounce back in 2013
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<figcaption>Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>After a monster 2011 and a disappointing 2012, the Diamondbacks outfielder could re-establish himself as a superstar.</p> <p><a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Diamondbacks</a> outfielder <span>Justin Upton</span> deservedly finished fourth in the 2011 NL MVP voting. In 2012, Upton was arguably the fifth-most valuable hitter on his team. These wild swings drew the attention of <a target="_blank" href="http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/hotstove12/story/_/id/8780239/justin-upton-young-players-bounce-back-2013-mlb">ESPN Insider Dan Szymborski, who predicts an uptick in production</a> from the 25-year-old outfielder in 2013.</p>
<p>When Upton finished 2011 with an OPS+ of 141 and garnered all those MVP votes, Szymborski's projection system (called ZiPS) called for regression, predicting a 128 OPS+ in 2012. But by swatting only 17 home runs and posting a 107 OPS+, Upton underperformed even the most negative projections.</p>
<p>But if this is Upton bottoming out, Szymborski argues, isn't it right to think that he will settle somewhere <i>between</i> "the next big thing" and "that guy can hit a little"? ZiPS projects better things for Upton in 2013, with 24 home runs and 3.4 Wins Above Replacement (he notched just 2.1 in 2012). So if you are looking for a player with something to prove and a chance to prove it in 2013, look no further than Justin Upton.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/26/3805654/justin-upton-diamondbacksThomas Todd2012-12-26T14:17:30-07:002012-12-26T14:17:30-07:00Coyotes' Murphy selected to World Junior Team
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<figcaption>Bruce Bennett</figcaption>
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<p>Connor Murphy -- Phoenix's 2011 first-round pick -- will represent the US in Russia</p> <p>While hope slips away on a 2012-2013 hockey season, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/teams/phoenix-coyotes" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Coyotes</a> prospect <span>Connor Murphy</span> will stay busy. The 2011 first-round pick has signed on to play for Team USA in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championships that begin today in Ufa, Russia.</p>
<p>The 19-year-old defenseman, selected 20th by Phoenix in 2011, has played 28 games for the OHL's Sarnia Sting this season. Murphy has recorded five goals and nine assists for a plus-8 rating and 28 penalty minutes. Last season, the Dublin, Ohio native scored eight goals and notched 18 assists.</p>
<p>The IIHF is held annually for the ten highest-ranked national teams comprised of under-20 players to compete for world supremacy, or something to that effect. 23 players were selected to Team USA, who compete in the Top Division of the tournament. Sweden won last year's competition, which has been held annually since 1977. The competition concludes January 5.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/26/3805566/Phoenix-coyotes-Thomas Todd2012-12-26T13:53:51-07:002012-12-26T13:53:51-07:00Hoyer to start for Cardinals
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<figcaption>Elsa</figcaption>
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<p>The quarterback position has been an absolute disaster for Arizona this season</p> <p>In the last game of a lost season, <span>Brian Hoyer</span> will become the fourth quarterback to start a game for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/kentsomers" target="_blank">according to Kent Somers of azcentral.com</a>. In Sunday's 28-13 loss to Chicago, Hoyer replaced an ineffective <span>Ryan Lindley</span> just 13 days after joining the Cardinals roster.</p>
<p>In just under a half of playing time, Hoyer accomplished little more than Lindley. The former Michigan State signal-caller produced no offensive points and threw an interception. Presumably Hoyer will get the most of the first-team reps in practice and will be playing for a potential roster spot in 2013.</p>
<p>Hoyer came into the league as an undrafted free agent with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> in 2009, and served as <span>Tom Brady's</span> backup for several seasons before being released in training camp prior to this season. He signed with Pittsburgh and backed up a smattering of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> QBs before being released on December 8. The Cardinals claimed him on December 10.</p>
<p>Sunday will be Hoyer's first career start.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/26/3805496/arizona-cardinals-starting-quarterback-49ersThomas Todd2012-12-19T16:57:49-07:002012-12-19T16:57:49-07:00Urlacher won't play vs. Cardinals
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<figcaption>Eric P. Mull-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>After suffering a hamstring injury in Week 13, the linebacker's season may be over</p> <p>Future Hall of Fame linebacker <span>Brian Urlacher</span> has a slim chance of returning this season for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a>, but he certainly won't be around for Week 16 against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a>. The linebacker will be held out of Sunday's game against Arizona after injuring his hamstring back in Week 13.</p>
<p>Adding to the Bears problems at linebacker is a knee injury to <span>Geno Hayes</span> that kept him out of Week 15's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>. He practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday and should be evaluated as the week goes on. Another injury on the defensive side is cornerback <span>Tim Jennings</span>, who left Week 13's game against Seattle with a shoulder injury. Like Hayes, Jennings participated in practice in a limited capacity.</p>
<p>After leaving the same Seattle game that injured Urlacher and Jennings with a concussion, wide receiver <span>Earl Bennett</span> practiced for the first time on Wednesday. While there will be no final word until at least Friday, this is a good sign for Bennett.</p>
<p>Offensive lineman <span>Jonathan Scott</span> was a scratch from practice with a hamstring injury. Scott had been playing through an injured shoulder.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/19/3786134/bears-cardinals-injury-report-nfl-week-16Thomas Todd2012-12-19T16:29:36-07:002012-12-19T16:29:36-07:00Sax, Ward join D-Backs coaching staff
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<figcaption>Steve Sax throws out the first pitch at Chavez Ravine | Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>The former Dodger joins the team in a bit of treachery.</p> <p>To be fair to Steve Sax, there were no Diamondbacks when he spent nine seasons and won two World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers. But he joins Arizona as first base coach, his first job for an MLB team after his 13-year career ended in 1994. Turner Ward has also been named assistant hitting coach, having spent the past two seasons managing the Diamondbacks Double-A affiliate, the Mobile BayBears.</p>
<p>Sax, 52, had a fine career at second base, falling just short of 2,000 hits and playing in five All-Star Games. He won titles in Los Angeles in 1982 (his rookie year) and 1988. He left the Dodgers following the '88 season and went on to play for the Yankees, White Sox and A's. Since retiring from baseball, the California native has been involved in fitness education, public speaking and even politics.</p>
<p>Ward, 47, spent 11 seasons in Major League Baseball as an outfielder, and also won two titles, having played for the '92 and '93 Toronto Blue Jays. He also spent two seasons with the Diamondbacks in '99-'00 as a role player, even swatting a home run in the 1999 NLDS against New York.</p>
<p>Sax and Ward join a star-studded coaching staff that includes manager Kirk Gibson, hitting coach Don Baylor, pitching coach Charles Nagy, bench coach Alan Trammel and third base coach Matt Williams.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/19/3786062/steve-sax-turner-ward-diamondbacks-coaching-staffThomas Todd2012-12-19T16:08:12-07:002012-12-19T16:08:12-07:00Arizona sees year-round boost from Spring Training
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<figcaption>Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Spring Training and its facilities add an estimated $632 million to the Arizona economy each year</p> <p>A recent study released by the Cactus League Baseball Association found that Arizona's economy is boosted by more than half a billion dollars because of Major League Baseball's involvement in the area. Each year, 15 MLB teams host their Spring Training in the Phoenix metro area, and an influx of money comes in. Tourists, scouts and the facilities themselves account for a $632 million boost to The Grand Canyon State's economy.</p>
<p>Spring Training alone accounted for a $422 million boost, with the year-round use of the facilities accounting for the extra spike in revenue. The numbers have increased 36 percent since the last study, which was done by FMR Associates of Tuscon in 2007.</p>
<p>The number of Spring Training attendees last season spiked to 1.7 million, with an estimated 56 percent coming from outside of Arizona. The effects are also long-term, with out-of-state attendees more likely to vacation in Arizona when baseball isn't in season. Major League Baseball's Spring Training provides exposure for a state that is known for little more than a gaping hole in the Earth.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/19/3786002/Spring-Training-Cactus-League-ArizonaThomas Todd2012-12-19T15:05:37-07:002012-12-19T15:05:37-07:00Telfair and Tucker focus on defense for Suns
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>The Suns defensive tandem is doing everything they can do ramp up defensive intensity on one of the league's worst units</p> <p>Even when they were perennial contenders, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> were never known for their defense. Mike D'Antoni's teams flew by the seat of their pants, with point guard <span>Steve Nash</span> running and gunning teams out of the gym. With both having moved on from the Suns, head coach <span>Alvin Gentry</span> has looked to his second unit for defensive intensity. Guard <span>Sebastian Telfair</span> and small forward <span>P.J. Tucker</span> have embraced a defensive mindset, and wreak havoc on the perimeter with their play.</p>
<p>Telfair, 27, was drafted 13th overall out of high school by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> as an undersized scoring machine. But his failure to live up to his potential on offense meant "Bassy" was looking for a way to stay in the NBA. Harvey, also 27, has played basketball on three continents and last played in the NBA for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.raptorshq.com/">Raptors</a> in 2007. The journey of both men has led them to believe that defense is their ticket to staying in the league.</p>
<p>"With how I play and how he plays, you can't do anything but take your game up another level as far as intensity and energy and making it tough for people," said Tucker.</p>
<p>While Tucker and Telfair look to ramp up the entire defense, the numbers haven't been in Phoenix's favor this season. The Suns are 25th in the league in points allowed per game, and only Portland and Cleveland have given up a higher shooting percentage.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/19/3785702/Phoenix-Suns-Sebastian-Telfair-PJ-TuckerThomas Todd2012-12-12T14:58:50-07:002012-12-12T14:58:50-07:005 Lions miss practice Wednesday
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<figcaption>Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>With their Sunday showdown four days away, four defensive players and one offensive player did not practice on Wednesday.</p> <p>With key defensive players littering the injury report, Detroit may not be able to put its best foot forward against the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a> on Sunday. Five <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lions</a> missed practice on Wednesday, four of them on the defensive side of the ball.</p>
<p>Standout defensive lineman <span>Nick Fairley</span> didn't practice due to a shoulder injury. He left Week 14's game against the <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Packers</a> late in the fourth quarter and never returned. Tight end <span>Brandon Pettigrew</span> suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter of the same game, and was also a no-show at practice.</p>
<p>After missing Week 14 entirely with a knee injury, safety <span>Louis Delmas</span> looks to be out again after not practicing Wednesday. He has played in only five games this season, crippling the Lions secondary. Furthering the problem are injuries to corners <span>Chris Houston</span> and <span>Jacob Lacey</span>, who failed to practice as well. Houston is out with a hamstring and Lacey has a nicked up Achilles.</p>
<p><span>Calvin Johnson</span> was listed on the injury report with a knee injury, but he was able to return to practice in a limited capacity.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/2012/12/12/3760144/nfl-injury-report-cardinals-lionsThomas Todd