SB Nation Arizona - Desert Dirt

Patrick Peterson Receives Honorable Mention Among Top NFL Young Talent

2012-05-16T21:21:28Z

There are a lot of talented players in the NFL today, although many of them usually take a few years to acclimate to the physical and mental aspects of the game. Still, there are some players who blossom early, and they make their presence felt quickly.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com files this report of the ten best up-and-comers in the league under the age of 25, and although no Arizona Cardinals make the list, one comes close in Patrick Peterson.

Peterson's talent cannot be denied. He was emerging as one of the most lethal punt return threats in the NFL last year and was probably one of the most dynamic special teams weapons out there. There are still questions about how far he has to go as a cover corner though, which probably precluded him from being placed on this list.

To talk about Peterson with Cardinals fans, head on over to Revenge of the Birds.

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Jamie Moyer Vs. Patrick Corbin, A Pitching Matchup You Never Could Even Think Of

2012-05-16T18:43:01Z

On Wednesday night, the Arizona Diamondbacks take on the Colorado Rockies in Coor's Field and have an interesting matchup on the mound with their starting pitchers. The Diamondbacks are sending out Patrick Corbin, a promising young left-hander that, outside of his start in New York, has been very impressive since the start of spring training.

The Rockies will send Jamie Moyer, who set a record earlier this season by becoming the oldest pitcher in history to record a win.

This matchup you could not even have dreamed up.

Moyer, who is 49 years old, made his major league debut in 1986. Corbin was born in 1989. By the time Corbin was born, Moyer had already logged 28 wins and lost 34 games.

Before Corbin made his big league debut this season, Moyer had appeared in over 685 games. Corbin probably has not yet played that many organized games in his life.

Both are lefties, but Moyer can only throw about 70 mph maximum. Corbin has a 90-92 mph fastball to go along with his other pitches.

Both pitch to contact...only Moyer still can get people out while throwing batting practice.

I remember when Moyer came up and struggled as a member of the Chicago Cubs. He was promising, but was one of the worst pitchers in the league at one point. The fact that he became later one of the better pitchers was impressive. At this point, the fact that he has survived in the league as long as he has is even more impressive.

Corbin might not ave been around in this world when Moyer started his career, but he certainly could look to his career for at least a model of how to survive in a league that doesn't see this sort of longevity often.

Get more Diamondbacks coverage over at AZ Snakepit.

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Calais Campbell Contract, Rookie Mini-camp, Guest Scott Wedige On Arizona Birdgang Podcast

2012-05-16T14:00:57Z

After a week off, the Arizona Birdgang Podcast crew of Joe, Mario and Tyler got back together in the studio to record the latest episode of the show. With the team agreeing to terms on a new contract for defensive end Calais Campbell, they discuss what that means for the team and whether it was a good contract or not.

As a nice change, the show had a guest from the team -- undrafted rookie Scott Wedige. He talked about his experience so far as a rookie and the adjustments to the professional game.

They discussed the rookies from this year's draft class and why there is perhaps concern for safety Justin Bethel. From there, the discussion of athletes and Twitter comes up as it has before.

Where do you side in this discussion?

To listen to the latest edition of the Arizona Birdgang Podcast on your phone, click here. Or, if you are on your computer, just use the embedded player below. Thanks for listening!

Cardinals Fare Well in NFL Home Field Advantage Rankings

2012-05-16T01:44:46Z

National Football Post's Joe Fortenbaugh recently put together some rankings for NFL teams and their ability to 'take care of their business' at home. He used each team's home record from 2009-2011 (regular season) and their record against the Vegas spread to make his rankings. I'll let Fortenbaugh explain his scoring system, because at first glance it's a little confusing:

I've devised a rudimentary formula for these rankings that consists of both home field record and ATS (against the spread) record. The team that posted the best home field record since 2009 is awarded one point, while the organization with the worst record is awarded 32 points, and so on. If two teams had the same record and occupied spots No. 4 and No. 5 in the rankings, the difference was split and both teams were awarded 4.5 points. As I'm sure you could have already guessed, the goal is to have the fewest total points between the two categories.

Though it's obviously not a perfect way to measure the 'home-field advantage', it is an interesting look at team records at home, both straight up and against the spread. The Cardinals and their home field at the University of Phoenix Stadium came in 11th on the rankings system, meaning Arizona's ability to win at home is quite good as compared the majority of NFL teams. They've gone 14-10 at home since 2009 and 12-12 against the spread, just behind division rival Seattle and well ahead of perennially competitive teams like the Eagles, Cowboys and Giants.

You can talk more Cardinals over at Revenge of the Birds.

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Ian Kennedy, Clayton Kershaw, Beanballs And A Lesson For Cole Hamels

2012-05-15T17:00:29Z

On Monday night, a little bit of old school baseball was present in the 3-1 loss the Arizona Diamondbacks suffered at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers. During the game, Ian Kennedy threw two purpose pitches at his opposing starting pitcher, Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw later retaliated with an inside pitch to Kennedy.

It stems from a season ago. Last September, Gerardo Parra hit a homer that he watched a bit too long (he pimped it). The next game, Kershaw plunked him and got ejected.

This time out, Kennedy sent the message back at Kershaw. He buzzed him high and tight and then threw a ball behind him. After the pitch behind him, Kershaw looked to the D-backs' dugout and smiled -- message received. Of course, that wasn't the end. He buzzed one in on Kennedy, which resulted in a warning for both teams.

After the game, when asked about it, Kennedy and catcher Miguel Montero were coy on the subject. Their reasoning for going inside? Kershaw's "long swing."

Recently, Phillies starter Cole Hamels ended up suspended for beaning young phenom Bryce Harper and then owning up to it.

Kennedy did it the right way. He threw at Kershaw. He made his point. Then he pretended like it wasn't on purpose. As absurd as it sounds, blatantly admitting you threw at a guy is not the way baseball works. Had Hamels done the same thing, he would not have been suspended.

With another game left in the Dodgers series and another one next week, what are the odds of another pitch being thrown to send a message? Based on Monday night, you have to think so.

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Get more Diamondbacks coverage over at AZ Snakepit.

Dan Majerle Makes One-Handed Catch While Holding Plate At Diamondbacks Game [Video]

2012-05-15T14:00:54Z

In what was a rather forgettable game for the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday afternoon, Phoenix Suns legend Dan Majerle gave the crowd -- or at least TV viewers -- one of the better highlights of the afternoon. In the game itself, the D-backs fell 5-2. However, in the third inning, Majerle was in the pool area partaking of some of the food near the grill.

He turned around as Gerardo Parra blasted a ball over the outfielders heads in right-centerfield. The ball bounced into the pool area and right into the outstretched right hand of Majerle, who maintained his plate of food in his left hand without losing a single crumb.

To add to the showmanship, he didn't move his hand, giving it several incredulous glances.

He later explained to the TV crew that he was doing a little Shaquille O'Neal, who would at times lay the ball up with his left hand and then just stare at like he couldn't believe what he did.

Here's the video:

This isn't the first time Majerle has given fans some feat to admire. While on the court at US Airways Center and wearing his gameday suit, he wowed fans with some circus shots from the coaching area.

Majerle already has rock star status in town for his Suns career, his successful restaurant and for being still with the organization as an assistant coach. Things like his catch only add to the mystique and legend of Thunder Dan.

For the latest AZ sports, follow us on Twitter @SBNArizona and "Like" us on Facebook.

O Captain, My Captain: How The Play Of Shane Doan And Dustin Brown Will Affect The Series

2012-05-15T13:01:20Z

Shane Doan and Dustin Brown are at different points of their careers, but both are shining examples of what an NHL captain should be.

Doan has been with the Phoenix Coyotes franchise his entire career. The 35-year-old center was drafted seventh overall by the Coyotes, who were then the Winnipeg Jets, in 1995. After eight years with the team, Doan was named captain during the 2003-2004 season.

Doan has found plenty of individual success in Phoenix, but this season is the first time the Coyotes have advanced past the first-round of the playoffs. While Doan is not the sole reason the Coyotes have been so successful in the playoffs this year, his leadership is something that cannot be overlooked.

Going into Game 1 against the Kings, Doan ranked fourth in the playoffs with 48 hits. Captain Coyote continued to throw his body around in Game 2, registering a team-high seven hits. Doan was a physical presence all over the ice, and his tough play along the boards even led to the Coyotes second goal.

"He's one of the hardest-working players you're going to find in practice. He goes into every game with preparation and detail into every game is at the forefront of what you want any captain to be," coach Dave Tippett said of his captain. "You take the hockey side of it as well as who he is as a person and how he lives his life. He's just a stand-up guy. Every teammate will tell you is a wonderful person."

Brown has been with the Kings his entire career as well, albeit it has been a lot shorter. While Doan may be on his way down from a stellar career, Brown is in his prime. The 27-year-old center was drafted 13th overall by the Kings in 2003, and was named captain of the franchise when he was the ripe age of 23.

This season has had its share of drama for Brown though. Just before the trade deadline rumors began to surface that the Kings were shopping Brown, possibly in hopes of getting Blue Jackets star Rick Nash.

Brown took the rumors in stride though saying, "Around that time of year, it happens. It was probably a little more serious, it seemed like because of the media coverage on it this year. But it was no different me coming to the rink. I prepared to be my best - just like I would any other time."

Brown remained with the team through the deadline, and the Kings should be thankful they did.

Brown leads all remaining players in the postseason in goals (7), points (13) and plus-minus rating (plus-11). Brown also has three game-winning goals, including his snipe of Mike Smith in Game 1 that gave his Kings a 1-0 lead in the Western Conference Finals.

Doan and Brown are the clear emotional leaders of their respective teams and play similar brands of hockey. Both will throw their bodies around, come through in the clutch and are not scared to drop the gloves to get their team going. This was evident in the teams regular season matchup on Feb. 16 when the captains went toe-to-toe at center ice.

Shane Doan vs Dustin Brown Feb 16, 2012 (via hockeyfightsdotcom)

Both captains lead by example and their teams feed off their tenacity and relentlessness on the ice. While the play of the goaltenders was the focus coming into the series, and for good reason, the play of the captains may have just as big of an impact.

With a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals on the line, I would not be surprised if the two captains squared off one more time before this series is over.

Steve Nash Wins Magic Johnson Award

2012-05-14T19:04:33Z

The reasons for why Steve Nash deserved his season-ending standing ovation continue to pile on. Even among those who have to be impartial in their viewing of athletes, Nash still stands out among his peers. And for that, Nash was awarded his first Magic Johnson Award for combining excellence on the court with cooperation with the media and fans, according to the Arizona Republic.

Nash beat out finalists Kevin Love, Manu Ginobli and Chris Paul for the award.

The annual Professional Basketball Writers Association award has also been bestowed upon the likes of Kevin Durant, Chris Bosh, Brandon Roy and Grant Hill, in recent years.

"It's a privilege and honor to be recognized by the pro basketball writers, whose passion and skillfulness present the frontline of how our game is understood and perceived by our fans," Nash told the Republic. "Their role in our sport can't be underestimated and it's an honor to be recognized by them along with the past recipients."

For more on Nash and the Suns, visit Bright Side of the Sun.