For MLB's Venezuelan Players, Stardom Comes With a Hidden Danger
By Didier Morais | Special to ESPNBoston.com
BOSTON -- Franklin Morales sensed the fear in his agent's voice.
Thirteen months ago, the Red Sox pitcher was enjoying his offseason back home in Venezuela until he received the call. It was his agent, Gustavo Marcano, calling to deliver terrifying news regarding his other client.
Marcano received word that Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos had just been kidnapped by four gunmen in Valencia, Venezuela, a city roughly two hours from Morales' hometown in San Juan de los Morros.
So on the heels of Ramos' sudden abduction, Marcano issued
an urgent warning to Morales. It was a message the 26-year-old
would never forget. READ MORE
BOSTON -- Franklin Morales sensed the fear in his agent's voice.
Thirteen months ago, the Red Sox pitcher was enjoying his offseason back home in Venezuela until he received the call. It was his agent, Gustavo Marcano, calling to deliver terrifying news regarding his other client.
Marcano received word that Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos had just been kidnapped by four gunmen in Valencia, Venezuela, a city roughly two hours from Morales' hometown in San Juan de los Morros.
So on the heels of Ramos' sudden abduction, Marcano issued
an urgent warning to Morales. It was a message the 26-year-old
would never forget. READ MORE
Vicente Padilla Says Mark Teixeira Should Play 'Women's Sport'
By Didier Morais
BOSTON -- Vicente Padilla is tired of listening to Mark Teixeira's criticism.
In recent years, Teixeira has publicly ripped the reliever, claiming Padilla was a headhunter who intentionally threw at hitters. The
pair were teammates in Texas in 2006 and 2007, and Teixeira believed he took the brunt of the opposing teams' retaliation
when Padilla plunked batters.
The Yankees first baseman delivered payback Friday night
when he belted the go-ahead run against the Red Sox
reliever. After the game, Teixeira called Padilla out, saying
he didn't "have a lot of friends in this game" and insinuated
that Padilla should be suspended for his actions.
Upon learning of Teixeira's comments, Padilla returned fire
on Saturday. In a Spanish-language interview with NESN.com
after Boston's 9-5 victory over New York, he publicly responded
to Teixeira's jabs for the first time. READ MORE
BOSTON -- Vicente Padilla is tired of listening to Mark Teixeira's criticism.
In recent years, Teixeira has publicly ripped the reliever, claiming Padilla was a headhunter who intentionally threw at hitters. The
pair were teammates in Texas in 2006 and 2007, and Teixeira believed he took the brunt of the opposing teams' retaliation
when Padilla plunked batters.
The Yankees first baseman delivered payback Friday night
when he belted the go-ahead run against the Red Sox
reliever. After the game, Teixeira called Padilla out, saying
he didn't "have a lot of friends in this game" and insinuated
that Padilla should be suspended for his actions.
Upon learning of Teixeira's comments, Padilla returned fire
on Saturday. In a Spanish-language interview with NESN.com
after Boston's 9-5 victory over New York, he publicly responded
to Teixeira's jabs for the first time. READ MORE
Josh Beckett's Defiant Attitude Proving to Be Greatest Strength and Weakness
BOSTON -- This is Josh Beckett.
At any given moment, Beckett can be a defiant personality, a man who is rarely remorseful and barely cares about public perception. After last Thursday's debacle, he was unapologetic about playing golf -- during an off day -- while he battled a sore lat.
The lack of remorse prompted many to call for Red Sox management to immediately trade Beckett to the highest bidder. But a week later, Beckett responded by pitching seven shutout innings to lead the Red Sox to a 5-0 victory over the Mariners. READ MORE
At any given moment, Beckett can be a defiant personality, a man who is rarely remorseful and barely cares about public perception. After last Thursday's debacle, he was unapologetic about playing golf -- during an off day -- while he battled a sore lat.
The lack of remorse prompted many to call for Red Sox management to immediately trade Beckett to the highest bidder. But a week later, Beckett responded by pitching seven shutout innings to lead the Red Sox to a 5-0 victory over the Mariners. READ MORE
Alfredo Aceves Plans to Draw Lessons From Hero Dennis Rodman
By Didier Morais
WASHINGTON, D.C. — His basketball fandom started with Scottie Pippen.
As a teenager, Alfredo Aceves would step onto the hardwood court, impersonating the Chicago Bulls forward's every move. Between Aceves and a close friend — an avid Michael Jordan fan — they would moonlight as basketball's top tandem.
That all changed in 1995, when the Bulls traded for Dennis Rodman. During one game, Aceves watched as the 6-foot-7 forward locked down 7-foot-1 center Shaquille O’Neal despite the height disparity. The
defensive effort mesmerized Aceves. READ MORE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — His basketball fandom started with Scottie Pippen.
As a teenager, Alfredo Aceves would step onto the hardwood court, impersonating the Chicago Bulls forward's every move. Between Aceves and a close friend — an avid Michael Jordan fan — they would moonlight as basketball's top tandem.
That all changed in 1995, when the Bulls traded for Dennis Rodman. During one game, Aceves watched as the 6-foot-7 forward locked down 7-foot-1 center Shaquille O’Neal despite the height disparity. The
defensive effort mesmerized Aceves. READ MORE
Bobby Valentine Has Been Imparting Japanese Philosophies on Red Sox
By Didier Morais
FORT MYERS, Fla. –– All three of them undertook the risk. One by one, Alex Ochoa, Justin Germano and Scott Atchison each sacrificed the comforts of the United States for the unknown in Japan.
For some, it was a chance to extend their playing careers in the Nippon Baseball League. For others, it was an opportunity to earn a simple paycheck, one they couldn't cash while playing in Major League Baseball.
Along the way, they each witnessed the Zen of Bobby Valentine
firsthand in the Far East. READ MORE
FORT MYERS, Fla. –– All three of them undertook the risk. One by one, Alex Ochoa, Justin Germano and Scott Atchison each sacrificed the comforts of the United States for the unknown in Japan.
For some, it was a chance to extend their playing careers in the Nippon Baseball League. For others, it was an opportunity to earn a simple paycheck, one they couldn't cash while playing in Major League Baseball.
Along the way, they each witnessed the Zen of Bobby Valentine
firsthand in the Far East. READ MORE
Deaf Lufkin DE meshes silent world with contact sport
By Didier Morais
Houston Chronicle
SHENANDOAH - Demontrai Lewis relies on the vibrations. Each time the junior crouches on Lufkin's defensive line, a pulsation - which starts in his toes - triggers his instincts.
It's a unique sensation, one that most people can't comprehend. Then again, Lewis is deaf, forced to depend on his other senses in a silent world.
But on the football field, Lewis' impact is far from quiet, having recorded 48 tackles and eight sacks this season. When the defensive end takes the field Friday in the Class 5A Division II bi-district game against Westfield in Huntsville, he'll enter empowered by the adversity he has overcome.
READ MORE
Houston Chronicle
SHENANDOAH - Demontrai Lewis relies on the vibrations. Each time the junior crouches on Lufkin's defensive line, a pulsation - which starts in his toes - triggers his instincts.
It's a unique sensation, one that most people can't comprehend. Then again, Lewis is deaf, forced to depend on his other senses in a silent world.
But on the football field, Lewis' impact is far from quiet, having recorded 48 tackles and eight sacks this season. When the defensive end takes the field Friday in the Class 5A Division II bi-district game against Westfield in Huntsville, he'll enter empowered by the adversity he has overcome.
READ MORE
Carlos Arroyo Looking to Gain Credibility in Reggaeton Industry
Editor's note: Houston Chronicle sports writer Didier Morais contributed this story to NESN.com.
The core of Carlos Arroyo's game begins with a crossover. Like most NBA point guards, he relies on the move to gain separation from defenders and shift his momentum into different directions.
These days, though, the Puerto Rican point guard is mastering a different type of crossover -– the crossover from professional athlete to musical recording artist. READ MORE
The core of Carlos Arroyo's game begins with a crossover. Like most NBA point guards, he relies on the move to gain separation from defenders and shift his momentum into different directions.
These days, though, the Puerto Rican point guard is mastering a different type of crossover -– the crossover from professional athlete to musical recording artist. READ MORE
Rally comes up short in Houston
By Didier Morais
For the Deseret News
HOUSTON — A hint of rustiness would have been acceptable from forward Paul Millsap. After all, he had just missed the team's last five games with patellar tendinitis in his left knee.
But in the first half against Houston Sunday night, the Jazz played like they had endured a long layoff instead. Plagued by nine missed free throws and subpar perimeter defense, Utah lost 110-108 to Houston at the Toyota Center and ultimately wasted Millsap's herculean 35-point effort.
As a result of the loss, the Rockets (37-34) leapfrogged the Jazz (36-34) for ninth place in the Western Conference standings and inched even closer to claiming the elusive eighth and final playoff spot. READ MORE
For the Deseret News
HOUSTON — A hint of rustiness would have been acceptable from forward Paul Millsap. After all, he had just missed the team's last five games with patellar tendinitis in his left knee.
But in the first half against Houston Sunday night, the Jazz played like they had endured a long layoff instead. Plagued by nine missed free throws and subpar perimeter defense, Utah lost 110-108 to Houston at the Toyota Center and ultimately wasted Millsap's herculean 35-point effort.
As a result of the loss, the Rockets (37-34) leapfrogged the Jazz (36-34) for ninth place in the Western Conference standings and inched even closer to claiming the elusive eighth and final playoff spot. READ MORE
Female kicker Bizer takes on football showcase
By Didier Morais
Houston Chronicle
Hunched down in preparation for her 40-yard-dash attempt, Meya Bizer tried to block the distractions. She knew all eyes were locked on her the moment she lined up to race David Gamez — a hulking lineman nearly twice her size.
The attention was inevitable, considering Bizer was the only female participant at the third annual Greater Houston Senior Football Showcase, a program for overlooked senior football prospects to showcase their skills in front of college recruiters.
But once the whistle blew, gender disparity went out the window. READ MORE
Houston Chronicle
Hunched down in preparation for her 40-yard-dash attempt, Meya Bizer tried to block the distractions. She knew all eyes were locked on her the moment she lined up to race David Gamez — a hulking lineman nearly twice her size.
The attention was inevitable, considering Bizer was the only female participant at the third annual Greater Houston Senior Football Showcase, a program for overlooked senior football prospects to showcase their skills in front of college recruiters.
But once the whistle blew, gender disparity went out the window. READ MORE
Sister act boosts McNeese
By Didier Morais
Houston Chronicle
KATY – Sibling rivalry surpassed conference rivalry as the primary attraction Friday night.
Going basket for basket, McNeese State guards Ashlyn Baggett and Caitlyn Baggett turned the Southland Conference Tournament Final against Central Arkansas into their own personal playground, making the 71-50 rout just a mere, afterthought.
And though Ashlyn Baggett outscored her twin 23 to 15 and claimed the Southland Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player, the sisters merely relished the chance to clip down the nets from their first tournament victory in program history. READ MORE
Houston Chronicle
KATY – Sibling rivalry surpassed conference rivalry as the primary attraction Friday night.
Going basket for basket, McNeese State guards Ashlyn Baggett and Caitlyn Baggett turned the Southland Conference Tournament Final against Central Arkansas into their own personal playground, making the 71-50 rout just a mere, afterthought.
And though Ashlyn Baggett outscored her twin 23 to 15 and claimed the Southland Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player, the sisters merely relished the chance to clip down the nets from their first tournament victory in program history. READ MORE
Always-prepared Stackhouse fills immediate need for Heat
By Didier Morais
Special to CBSSports.com
MIAMI -- Pressing his left shoulder against Jerry Stackhouse's chest, Heat guard Dwyane Wade lined up in the postup position.
Based on their current statistics, the practice matchup between Wade, a perennial NBA All-Star at his peak, and Stackhouse, a veteran far removed from his superstar heyday, looked to be a lopsided affair.
But as Wade flashed an array of hip fakes, Stackhouse almost immediately poked the ball out of the guard's right hand, showing that crafty intellect could still sporadically defy explosive talent. READ MORE
Special to CBSSports.com
MIAMI -- Pressing his left shoulder against Jerry Stackhouse's chest, Heat guard Dwyane Wade lined up in the postup position.
Based on their current statistics, the practice matchup between Wade, a perennial NBA All-Star at his peak, and Stackhouse, a veteran far removed from his superstar heyday, looked to be a lopsided affair.
But as Wade flashed an array of hip fakes, Stackhouse almost immediately poked the ball out of the guard's right hand, showing that crafty intellect could still sporadically defy explosive talent. READ MORE
Miami Heat's Juwan Howard holds Fab Five banner
By Didier Morais
DMORAIS@MIAMIHERALD.com
Reclining on a chair, Juwan Howard slips on a headset in preparation for a radio interview. The 37-year-old power forward inhales deeply and strokes his pepper-gray goatee before speaking.
Just a few feet away is another 37-year old. It's Jalen Rose, also in a headset, towering over another reporter.
This Media Day setting is a reunion of sorts for two members of the Fab Five, the nickname given to the University of Michigan's 1991 star-studded recruiting class that featured Howard, Rose, Chris Webber, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson.
On this day, there is a noticeable difference between Rose and Howard -- one is wearing a Heat uniform, the other is donning a dark blue suit. READ MORE
DMORAIS@MIAMIHERALD.com
Reclining on a chair, Juwan Howard slips on a headset in preparation for a radio interview. The 37-year-old power forward inhales deeply and strokes his pepper-gray goatee before speaking.
Just a few feet away is another 37-year old. It's Jalen Rose, also in a headset, towering over another reporter.
This Media Day setting is a reunion of sorts for two members of the Fab Five, the nickname given to the University of Michigan's 1991 star-studded recruiting class that featured Howard, Rose, Chris Webber, Jimmy King and Ray Jackson.
On this day, there is a noticeable difference between Rose and Howard -- one is wearing a Heat uniform, the other is donning a dark blue suit. READ MORE
Miami Heat taking CSKA seriously
By Didier Morais
DMORAIS@MIAMIHERALD.com
The embarrassment from a 2005 exhibition game loss against Maccabi Tel Aviv still lingers with Chris Bosh.
On Oct. 16, 2005, Bosh, then a member of the Toronto Raptors, watched as the Israeli club squeezed a shocking 105-103 victory over his team, marking the first time an NBA team had lost to Maccabi in 27 years.
And the following day, Bosh remembers being roasted by the Toronto media. So as a result of the humiliating experience, the Heat forward plans to treat Tuesday's 7:30 p.m. preseason matchup against CSKA Moscow seriously. READ MORE
DMORAIS@MIAMIHERALD.com
The embarrassment from a 2005 exhibition game loss against Maccabi Tel Aviv still lingers with Chris Bosh.
On Oct. 16, 2005, Bosh, then a member of the Toronto Raptors, watched as the Israeli club squeezed a shocking 105-103 victory over his team, marking the first time an NBA team had lost to Maccabi in 27 years.
And the following day, Bosh remembers being roasted by the Toronto media. So as a result of the humiliating experience, the Heat forward plans to treat Tuesday's 7:30 p.m. preseason matchup against CSKA Moscow seriously. READ MORE
A boxer's mentality for Florida Marlins pitcher Alex Sanabia
By Didier Morais
DMORAIS@MIAMIHERALD.com
Hanging above Alex Sanabia's locker are a pair of black boxing gloves. Taped over the Marlins pitcher's nameplate is a paper inscribed with the name Rocky Balboa, referring to the fictional boxer from the movie series that began in the 1970s.
The objects -- placed by his teammates -- are simply lighthearted jokes, poking fun at the rookie's participation in a Sept. 1 brawl against the Nationals that earned him a five-game suspension.
But the boxing items also could symbolize Sanabia's journey to the big leagues. Considering he was selected in the 32nd round of the 2006 draft, it took quite the fighting attitude for Sanabia to overcome the improbable odds of making the Marlins roster. READ MORE
DMORAIS@MIAMIHERALD.com
Hanging above Alex Sanabia's locker are a pair of black boxing gloves. Taped over the Marlins pitcher's nameplate is a paper inscribed with the name Rocky Balboa, referring to the fictional boxer from the movie series that began in the 1970s.
The objects -- placed by his teammates -- are simply lighthearted jokes, poking fun at the rookie's participation in a Sept. 1 brawl against the Nationals that earned him a five-game suspension.
But the boxing items also could symbolize Sanabia's journey to the big leagues. Considering he was selected in the 32nd round of the 2006 draft, it took quite the fighting attitude for Sanabia to overcome the improbable odds of making the Marlins roster. READ MORE
| florida_marlins_story__a_boxers_mentality.pdf |
Players moved by tributes to Yanks icons
By Didier Morais/MLB.com
NEW YORK -- Throughout Mariano Rivera's 15-year career in New York, he's only known two colors -- blue and white. The simple, yet signature Yankee pinstripes have been the sole color scheme the closer has ever donned.
So, when Rivera stepped into the clubhouse Friday afternoon and noticed two black patches stitched onto his uniform, he didn't feel quite right. READ MORE
NEW YORK -- Throughout Mariano Rivera's 15-year career in New York, he's only known two colors -- blue and white. The simple, yet signature Yankee pinstripes have been the sole color scheme the closer has ever donned.
So, when Rivera stepped into the clubhouse Friday afternoon and noticed two black patches stitched onto his uniform, he didn't feel quite right. READ MORE
Nava's success no surprise to inner circle
By Didier Morais/MLB.com
As Daniel Nava stepped into the batter's box on June 12, Jon Macalutas immediately reached for his iPhone.
Thousands of miles across the country, the former Chico (Calif.) Outlaws hitting coach stood in front of his office television at Macs Professional Baseball School, proudly capturing pictures of his pupil's first career Major League at-bat.
Before Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton tossed the first pitch, however, Macalutas turned to his clients and coworkers to make a bold prediction. READ MORE
As Daniel Nava stepped into the batter's box on June 12, Jon Macalutas immediately reached for his iPhone.
Thousands of miles across the country, the former Chico (Calif.) Outlaws hitting coach stood in front of his office television at Macs Professional Baseball School, proudly capturing pictures of his pupil's first career Major League at-bat.
Before Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton tossed the first pitch, however, Macalutas turned to his clients and coworkers to make a bold prediction. READ MORE
LESSON PLAN: For the last 22 years, Donahue has coached SU for free while teaching middle school science
By Didier Morais
Staff Writer
It's 3:30 p.m., and Kevin Donahue is already running late to practice. With a game against Rutgers only three days away, the assistant coach of the men's lacrosse team should have already started strategizing with his fellow coaches.
So far, he's nowhere to be found. Finally, 15 minutes into practice, Donahue saunters down the stairs of Hookway Field and nonchalantly takes his place on the sidelines with a lacrosse stick in hand.
For the last 22 years, this has been Donahue's life. READ MORE
Staff Writer
It's 3:30 p.m., and Kevin Donahue is already running late to practice. With a game against Rutgers only three days away, the assistant coach of the men's lacrosse team should have already started strategizing with his fellow coaches.
So far, he's nowhere to be found. Finally, 15 minutes into practice, Donahue saunters down the stairs of Hookway Field and nonchalantly takes his place on the sidelines with a lacrosse stick in hand.
For the last 22 years, this has been Donahue's life. READ MORE
