Cavalier attitude: Cleveland's Kyrie Irving (right) receives his NBA Rookie of the Year trophy on Tuesday. APHe was the NBA's Rookie of the Year."This award is for us," Irving said to his father, Dred, who raised his son after his wife, Elizabeth, died 15 years ago. "We're bringing it back home and we're going to put it right on the mantle and we're going to put some flashing lights on it so it shines throughout the whole entire house."This season, Irving shined brightest.The 20-year-old ran away in voting by a nationwide media panel that could have handed in ballots with two months left in the season. There was really no other choice.Irving received 117 of 120 possible first-place votes from writers and broadcasters and finished with 592 points, more than three times as many as Minnesota's Ricky Rubio (170), who finished second despite missing most of the season with a knee injury. Denver's Kenneth Faried (129) was a distant third.Faried, San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard and New York's Iman Shumpert received the other first-place votes, stopping Irving from joining Blake Griffin (2011), David Robinson (1990) and Ralph Sampson (1984) as the only players to win the award unanimously.Irving played beyond his years and above everyone's expectations — including his own — this season when he routinely took over games in the fourth quarter and renewed the hopes of a Cleveland franchise still putting together the pieces after LeBron James left as a free agent two summers ago.Irving always felt the award was within his reach."It was a goal of mine," Irving said. "I kept it on the back burner. I knew as long as we won games and we beat great teams that it was going to come."The first pick in last year's draft, Irving led all rookies — and the Cavs — in scoring with 18.5 points per game. He also led first-year players in field-goal percentage (46.8), was second in assists (5.4) and became one of just six rookies in league history to average at least 18 points and five assists.However, it was the other elements of his game — a nasty crossover dribble, a fearless desire to get to the basket, and a clutch, cold-blooded instinct in the fourth quarter — that separated him from the others.Cavs coach Byron Scott knew Irving was special long before he made his pro debut."The day we brought him in for his individual workout before the draft, I thought he was definitely the best player that we had," Scott said.Still, Irving's first season, delayed because of the league's labor lockout, began with some doubting whether he was deserving of the top pick or if Cleveland had made a mistake. Irving had played in just 11 games at Duke because of a toe injury.It didn't take him long for him to show the Cavs made a perfect choice.
Showing posts with label rookie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rookie. Show all posts
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Cavs' Irving named Rookie of the Year
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Once Kyrie Irving finished cracking jokes, thanking Cleveland's fans, his teammates and coaches, he looked down from the podium at the person who promised this would happen.Cavalier attitude: Cleveland's Kyrie Irving (right) receives his NBA Rookie of the Year trophy on Tuesday. APHe was the NBA's Rookie of the Year."This award is for us," Irving said to his father, Dred, who raised his son after his wife, Elizabeth, died 15 years ago. "We're bringing it back home and we're going to put it right on the mantle and we're going to put some flashing lights on it so it shines throughout the whole entire house."This season, Irving shined brightest.The 20-year-old ran away in voting by a nationwide media panel that could have handed in ballots with two months left in the season. There was really no other choice.Irving received 117 of 120 possible first-place votes from writers and broadcasters and finished with 592 points, more than three times as many as Minnesota's Ricky Rubio (170), who finished second despite missing most of the season with a knee injury. Denver's Kenneth Faried (129) was a distant third.Faried, San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard and New York's Iman Shumpert received the other first-place votes, stopping Irving from joining Blake Griffin (2011), David Robinson (1990) and Ralph Sampson (1984) as the only players to win the award unanimously.Irving played beyond his years and above everyone's expectations — including his own — this season when he routinely took over games in the fourth quarter and renewed the hopes of a Cleveland franchise still putting together the pieces after LeBron James left as a free agent two summers ago.Irving always felt the award was within his reach."It was a goal of mine," Irving said. "I kept it on the back burner. I knew as long as we won games and we beat great teams that it was going to come."The first pick in last year's draft, Irving led all rookies — and the Cavs — in scoring with 18.5 points per game. He also led first-year players in field-goal percentage (46.8), was second in assists (5.4) and became one of just six rookies in league history to average at least 18 points and five assists.However, it was the other elements of his game — a nasty crossover dribble, a fearless desire to get to the basket, and a clutch, cold-blooded instinct in the fourth quarter — that separated him from the others.Cavs coach Byron Scott knew Irving was special long before he made his pro debut."The day we brought him in for his individual workout before the draft, I thought he was definitely the best player that we had," Scott said.Still, Irving's first season, delayed because of the league's labor lockout, began with some doubting whether he was deserving of the top pick or if Cleveland had made a mistake. Irving had played in just 11 games at Duke because of a toe injury.It didn't take him long for him to show the Cavs made a perfect choice.
Cavalier attitude: Cleveland's Kyrie Irving (right) receives his NBA Rookie of the Year trophy on Tuesday. APHe was the NBA's Rookie of the Year."This award is for us," Irving said to his father, Dred, who raised his son after his wife, Elizabeth, died 15 years ago. "We're bringing it back home and we're going to put it right on the mantle and we're going to put some flashing lights on it so it shines throughout the whole entire house."This season, Irving shined brightest.The 20-year-old ran away in voting by a nationwide media panel that could have handed in ballots with two months left in the season. There was really no other choice.Irving received 117 of 120 possible first-place votes from writers and broadcasters and finished with 592 points, more than three times as many as Minnesota's Ricky Rubio (170), who finished second despite missing most of the season with a knee injury. Denver's Kenneth Faried (129) was a distant third.Faried, San Antonio's Kawhi Leonard and New York's Iman Shumpert received the other first-place votes, stopping Irving from joining Blake Griffin (2011), David Robinson (1990) and Ralph Sampson (1984) as the only players to win the award unanimously.Irving played beyond his years and above everyone's expectations — including his own — this season when he routinely took over games in the fourth quarter and renewed the hopes of a Cleveland franchise still putting together the pieces after LeBron James left as a free agent two summers ago.Irving always felt the award was within his reach."It was a goal of mine," Irving said. "I kept it on the back burner. I knew as long as we won games and we beat great teams that it was going to come."The first pick in last year's draft, Irving led all rookies — and the Cavs — in scoring with 18.5 points per game. He also led first-year players in field-goal percentage (46.8), was second in assists (5.4) and became one of just six rookies in league history to average at least 18 points and five assists.However, it was the other elements of his game — a nasty crossover dribble, a fearless desire to get to the basket, and a clutch, cold-blooded instinct in the fourth quarter — that separated him from the others.Cavs coach Byron Scott knew Irving was special long before he made his pro debut."The day we brought him in for his individual workout before the draft, I thought he was definitely the best player that we had," Scott said.Still, Irving's first season, delayed because of the league's labor lockout, began with some doubting whether he was deserving of the top pick or if Cleveland had made a mistake. Irving had played in just 11 games at Duke because of a toe injury.It didn't take him long for him to show the Cavs made a perfect choice.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Darvish honored as AL's top rookie for April
NEW YORK — Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish was named the American League Rookie of the Month for April, Major League Baseball announced Wednesday.With five starts under his belt, Darvish has a 4-0 record with 33 strikeouts and 17 walks over 33 innings. The 25-year-old's ERA of 2.18 placed fifth in the American League.
AL Player of the Month honors went to Darvish's teammate Josh Hamilton, who batted .395 in April with nine home runs.Darvish's next scheduled start is on Sunday at the Cleveland Indians.
AL Player of the Month honors went to Darvish's teammate Josh Hamilton, who batted .395 in April with nine home runs.Darvish's next scheduled start is on Sunday at the Cleveland Indians.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Rookie Ross lifts Rangers
ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers rookie Robbie Ross makes his way to the bullpen before each game wearing a kiddie cowboy vest and hat while carrying a pink backpack and plush stuffed horse.
Crucial clout: Oakland's Yoenis Cespedes blasts a two-run homer against Chicago in the bottom of the 14th inning on Wednesday. The Athletics beat the White Sox 5-4. APThere's nothing kid-like about the way the 22-year-old left-hander is pitching.Ross worked 2? perfect innings in relief for his AL-best fourth victory and the Rangers beat the New York Yankees 7-3 on Wednesday night, winning their sixth consecutive series to start a season for the first time in franchise history."He's doing the job, he has no fear, he throws the ball over the plate," manager Ron Washington said.As for the two-time defending American League champion Rangers (15-4) having the best record in the majors, Washington said, "We're just playing complete baseball."Adrian Beltre hit one of the Rangers' three homers and a pair of RBI singles. Mile Napoli and Mitch Moreland also homered.After Scott Feldman gave up two runs in 3? innings of a spot start, Ross retired all eight batters he faced with two strikeouts.The Rangers said Ross (4-0) is the first pitcher in the majors since at least 1918 to earn four relief wins in his first six career appearances. He hasn't allowed an earned run in his eight innings, either."I didn't expect anything like this," said Ross, who wasn't even really in the team's plans for this season until an impressive spring.Ross is getting noticed for more than the cowboy get-up put together by veteran pitchers that he has to put on before each game to walk from the dugout to the bullpen."I'm totally fine with that as long as I can be here," he said. "I'm just enjoying it so far, soaking it all in and trying to remember what's going good right now."Red Sox 7, Twins 5In Minneapolis, Mike Aviles homered and the Boston bullpen just barely avoided another big collapse.The Red Sox led 7-1 after five innings, but their beleaguered bullpen was able to hang on with 3? scoreless innings of relief. Last Saturday, Boston blew a 9-0 lead against the Yankees.Minnesota's Liam Hendriks (0-1) gave up seven runs on nine hits and two walks in four innings.Mariners 9, Tigers 1In Detroit, Felix Hernandez allowed only a run in seven innings and rookie Alex Liddi hit a two-run homer.Ichiro Suzuki finished 3-for-5 for Seattle.Rays 3, Angels 2In St. Petersberg, Florida, Jeremy Hellickson overcame early struggles to pitch six effective innings and Ben Zobrist homered.Royals 8, IndiansIn Cleveland, Billy Butler hit two of Kansas City's four home runs to help the Royals snap a 12-game losing streak.Orioles 3, Blue Jays 0In Baltimore, Jason Hammel pitched seven innings of four-hit ball and Wilson Betemit and Chris Davis homered for the Orioles.Athletics 5, White Sox 4 (14)In Oakland, Kila Ka'aihue blooped a winning single in the 14th inning soon after Yoenis Cespedes' tying two-run homer.Kosuke Fukudome finished 1-for-4 with an RBI for Chicago.NATIONAL LEAGUEMets 1, Marlins 1In New York, David Wright hit a two-run homer to become the Mets' career RBIs leader and R.A. Dickey outpitched Mark Buehrle in a crafty duel.Nationals 7 Padres 2In San Diego, Jordan Zimmermann helped Washington set a team record for the longest scoreless innings streak for starters before Orlando Hudson homered and the NL East-leading Nationals beat San Diego.Cardinals 5, Cubs 1In Chicago, David Freese homered and Lance Lynn threw eight strong innings.Phillies 7, Diamondbacks 2In Phoenix, Cole Hamels pitched eight strong innings and also hit a two-run single as Philadelphia beat Arizona.Reds 4, Giants 2In Cincinnati, Scott Rolen's homer started a four-run rally in the seventh inning that swept the Reds to a win.Astros 7, Brewers 5In Milwaukee, Jose Altuve had a career-best four hits and J.D. Martinez had three hits and three RBIs as Houston ended its 11-game losing streak to the Brewers.Norichika Aoki was a 0-for-1 in a pinch-hit appearance.Rockies 2, Pirates 1 (1st)Pirates 5, Rockies 1 (2nd)In Pittsburgh, Pedro Alvarez hit his second home run of the day and Charlie Morton pitched seven solid innings in the night cap for the Pirates.In the opener, Colorado broke up James McDonald's no-hit bid in the seventh. Matt Reynolds (2-0) won in relief and Rafael Betancourt worked the ninth for his sixth save.Chris Resop (0-2) lost after relieving McDonald in the eighth.Braves 4, Dodgers 2In Los Angeles, Chipper Jones singled home the go-ahead run in his final regular season at-bat at Dodger Stadium after Dan Uggla tied it with his second RBI single earlier in the ninth inning to lead Atlanta.
Crucial clout: Oakland's Yoenis Cespedes blasts a two-run homer against Chicago in the bottom of the 14th inning on Wednesday. The Athletics beat the White Sox 5-4. APThere's nothing kid-like about the way the 22-year-old left-hander is pitching.Ross worked 2? perfect innings in relief for his AL-best fourth victory and the Rangers beat the New York Yankees 7-3 on Wednesday night, winning their sixth consecutive series to start a season for the first time in franchise history."He's doing the job, he has no fear, he throws the ball over the plate," manager Ron Washington said.As for the two-time defending American League champion Rangers (15-4) having the best record in the majors, Washington said, "We're just playing complete baseball."Adrian Beltre hit one of the Rangers' three homers and a pair of RBI singles. Mile Napoli and Mitch Moreland also homered.After Scott Feldman gave up two runs in 3? innings of a spot start, Ross retired all eight batters he faced with two strikeouts.The Rangers said Ross (4-0) is the first pitcher in the majors since at least 1918 to earn four relief wins in his first six career appearances. He hasn't allowed an earned run in his eight innings, either."I didn't expect anything like this," said Ross, who wasn't even really in the team's plans for this season until an impressive spring.Ross is getting noticed for more than the cowboy get-up put together by veteran pitchers that he has to put on before each game to walk from the dugout to the bullpen."I'm totally fine with that as long as I can be here," he said. "I'm just enjoying it so far, soaking it all in and trying to remember what's going good right now."Red Sox 7, Twins 5In Minneapolis, Mike Aviles homered and the Boston bullpen just barely avoided another big collapse.The Red Sox led 7-1 after five innings, but their beleaguered bullpen was able to hang on with 3? scoreless innings of relief. Last Saturday, Boston blew a 9-0 lead against the Yankees.Minnesota's Liam Hendriks (0-1) gave up seven runs on nine hits and two walks in four innings.Mariners 9, Tigers 1In Detroit, Felix Hernandez allowed only a run in seven innings and rookie Alex Liddi hit a two-run homer.Ichiro Suzuki finished 3-for-5 for Seattle.Rays 3, Angels 2In St. Petersberg, Florida, Jeremy Hellickson overcame early struggles to pitch six effective innings and Ben Zobrist homered.Royals 8, IndiansIn Cleveland, Billy Butler hit two of Kansas City's four home runs to help the Royals snap a 12-game losing streak.Orioles 3, Blue Jays 0In Baltimore, Jason Hammel pitched seven innings of four-hit ball and Wilson Betemit and Chris Davis homered for the Orioles.Athletics 5, White Sox 4 (14)In Oakland, Kila Ka'aihue blooped a winning single in the 14th inning soon after Yoenis Cespedes' tying two-run homer.Kosuke Fukudome finished 1-for-4 with an RBI for Chicago.NATIONAL LEAGUEMets 1, Marlins 1In New York, David Wright hit a two-run homer to become the Mets' career RBIs leader and R.A. Dickey outpitched Mark Buehrle in a crafty duel.Nationals 7 Padres 2In San Diego, Jordan Zimmermann helped Washington set a team record for the longest scoreless innings streak for starters before Orlando Hudson homered and the NL East-leading Nationals beat San Diego.Cardinals 5, Cubs 1In Chicago, David Freese homered and Lance Lynn threw eight strong innings.Phillies 7, Diamondbacks 2In Phoenix, Cole Hamels pitched eight strong innings and also hit a two-run single as Philadelphia beat Arizona.Reds 4, Giants 2In Cincinnati, Scott Rolen's homer started a four-run rally in the seventh inning that swept the Reds to a win.Astros 7, Brewers 5In Milwaukee, Jose Altuve had a career-best four hits and J.D. Martinez had three hits and three RBIs as Houston ended its 11-game losing streak to the Brewers.Norichika Aoki was a 0-for-1 in a pinch-hit appearance.Rockies 2, Pirates 1 (1st)Pirates 5, Rockies 1 (2nd)In Pittsburgh, Pedro Alvarez hit his second home run of the day and Charlie Morton pitched seven solid innings in the night cap for the Pirates.In the opener, Colorado broke up James McDonald's no-hit bid in the seventh. Matt Reynolds (2-0) won in relief and Rafael Betancourt worked the ninth for his sixth save.Chris Resop (0-2) lost after relieving McDonald in the eighth.Braves 4, Dodgers 2In Los Angeles, Chipper Jones singled home the go-ahead run in his final regular season at-bat at Dodger Stadium after Dan Uggla tied it with his second RBI single earlier in the ninth inning to lead Atlanta.Wednesday, May 18, 2011
NPB opts for rookie award changes
Experienced foreign players will be considered for the rookie of the year award in both the Central and Pacific Leagues starting this season, NPB decided on Monday.Players from overseas with professional experience were previously not eligible for the award. Eligibility will now be subject to a case-by-case review by NPB's executive committee and the board of each league.On Monday, the Yomiuri Giants sought rookie eligibility for their Venezuelan closer Levi Romero, who has seven saves this season.
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