What did we learn from this weekend in sports? Let us count five ways.
* We were really wrong for writing off the Tampa Bay Rays. Would you believe since their 1-8 start, they have a 19-6 record? It says a ton about manager Joe Maddon. Guess I should listen to Maddon’s commercials and start taking One-A-Day vitamins.
* That the San Francisco Giants are one game out of first place in the National League West says a lot about their pitching, especially since they still haven’t found any offense. They have scored more than three runs only four times since April 19. All of these hitters who looked liked gangbusters in the second half — i.e. Buster Posey, Aubrey Huff and Pat Burrell — are doing zilch this season.
* Joel Ward of the Nashville Predators has to be the feel-good story of the NHL playoffs. He is tied for the league lead in playoffs goals (seven) after scoring 10 during the regular season. Just three seasons ago, his career seemed stuck playing for the minor-league Houston Aeros of the AHL. He’s a classic grinder whose hard work has paid off since being signed by the Predators in 2008.
*Why isn’t Justin Verlander considered one of the best pitchers of our time? Yes, even average pitchers can throw a no-hitter but Verlander has two and his stuff looks great every time. The Detroit Tigers right-hander has 85 career victories and has earned a lot more respect than he gets in the game.
* What has been billed as the “most exciting two minutes in sports” is now a boring event for TV. Not sure why horse racing is aging so fast, but it badly needs a Triple Crown winner to bring back its luster.
