Mexico Eliminated from WBC

Hey there sports fans and welcome to this weeks edition of the Wide World of Wildcats. Great week for Wildcat fans here in Tucson as the team is now in the sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament, but a sad week for Mexico as they were eliminated from the World Baseball Classic. Let's recap their time in the tourney.

In Round 1 in Mexico City, Mexico, the team went 2-2, beating South Africa and Australia and losing to Australia and Cuba. They were however, able to advance to the second round, playing back-to-back games at Petco Park in San Diego, California. 

In their first second round game, Mexico took on Korea losing 8-2. Shortstop Augie Ojeda of Mexico had 2 RBIs, giving Mexico the little hope they had in this game, but unfortunately it was not enough. In game 2, Mexico played Cuba who had previously destroyed them 16-4 in a first round game so now it was Mexico's chance to get revenge. Even with 7 hits, including 1 homerun by third baseman Jorge Cantu, Mexico was unable to seek their revenge, losing 7-4. Double elimination put Mexico out of the tournament, but the team is still holding their heads high and looking to come back bigger and better than ever in the 2013 WBC.

Tonight will be the championship game will be held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California at 6 p.m. MST. The defending champs Japan will take on Korea in the teams fifth meeting in this series. The series between the two is an even 2-2, so this game is really up for grabs. Make sure to tune in tonight on ESPN or ESPN Deportes in which should be one for the books. 

Congrats to the WBC for another exciting tournament. I look forward to seeing what the 2013 tournament brings and hope it is even more successful than this one. From Tucson, this concludes this edition, but make sure to tune in next time. Until then, Bear Down! 

World Baseball Classic Kicks Off

Hey there sports fans and welcome to another (early) edition of the Wide World of Wildcats. Big week for sports as the World Baseball Classic is officially underway. For the next few weeks, I will be giving you a play-by-play of Team Mexico and their status in the WBC. Let's get started.

Despite playing at home at Foro Sol Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, Team Mexico started out a little rough in their first game on Sunday, March 8th against Australia, losing 17-7. Mexico started out strong, leading 5-3 at the bottom of the first inning, but it didn't take long for Australia to gain momentum. Designated Hitter Jorge Vasquez had a big game for Mexico with a home run in the first and four RBIs. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to pull off the win.

Mexico dominated in game two against South Africa, coming up big 14-3. The game was relatively slow, but Mexico picked up the pace towards the end, scoring a combined total of 11 runs in the last three innings. First baseman Adrian Gonzalez had two homeruns, one in the third and one in the eighth, and 6 RBIs. 

The third game took place Wednesday, March 11th and Mexico was able to get their revenge on Australia. This time, they turned the tables around beating Australia 16-1. Mexico pitcher Rodrigo Lopez was unstoppable, pitching 11 strikes and only four balls and holding Mexico to only six hits the entire game. Mexico produced big numbers with 16 runs, 13 hits and 15 RBIs. 

Mexico's final game in round 1 was tonight against the undefeated Cuba. Mexico was up for the challenge, but they were not able to pull through in the end losing 16-4.  The game was all tied up until the fourth inning where Cuba had five runners score. From there it was down hill as Cuba scored 9 runs in the seventh inning and didn't look back.

Mexico will be advancing to round two which will take place at Petco Park in San Diego, California. Their first game will be against Korea who has yet to lose a game in the WBC and is coming off three huge wins. The game will be held on Sunday at 8 p.m. MST and will be aired on the MLB Network and ESPN Deportes.

Well, that concludes this weeks edition. I'm off to sunny Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for a relaxing spring break. Thanks for tuning in and until next time, Bear Down!

D-backs vs. Team Mexico

At 5:45 p.m. on March 4th, myself along with my friend Meredith pulled into the parking lot at Tucson Electric Park, home of Arizona Diamondback's spring training, ready for an exciting baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Team Mexico. The sun was starting to set as we paid the $5 parking fee and made our way to the ticket office to purchase lawn seats. Upon arriving at the ticket office, the lines were so long they trickled into the parking lot, each line no shorter than 15 people. Meredith and I looked at each other and smiled as we both pulled our Borderbeat badges out of our bags in hopes of using them to enter the game. It is important to note that a couple days prior to this game, I called and emailed media relations for the D-backs in hopes of attaining media passes, but I never heard back. We never really thought our badges would work but we figured we had nothing to lose and it was worth a try. We went up to the main entrance, flashed our laminated badges like we owned the place and told them we were journalists with Borderbeat. The ticket-takers looked at us, looked at each other and then directed us to the "office" for further guidance. It looks like our plan was actually going somewhere...

At the office, we talked to the nice, older woman working the desk who was more than happy to help us. She called one of the guys who does media relations for the D-backs who wants to talk to one of us about our motives of obtaining press passes. Meredith willingly takes the call thinking it is going to be a piece of cake and proceeds to get yelled at about being "unprofessional" and not going through the proper process of obtaining a pass. He then tells Meredith that he needs to talk to our professor to make sure we are legitimate. Meredith handles herself beautifully as we scramble for our professor's, Jay, phone number. We finally

 get it and Jay thankfully agrees to call in and vouch for us. Meredith and I patiently await the outcome, hoping that Jay can work his magic and talk this guy into giving us passes. After 15  minutes, the media relations guy calls back and wants to talk to one of us again. This time, I step up to the plate and confidently take the phone. He was pleasant and asked me what we kind of story we were hoping to attain. I tell him all about why we were there-to simply get a story about Team Mexico playing the D-backs. After hearing me out, he agrees to give us media passes. 30 minutes later, it's go time.

We enter Tucson Electric Park and to my surprise, it is packed. Fans are wondering the ballpark, purchasing T-shirts, eating hot dogs and sipping on a refreshing beer. Red D-backs shirt are lost in a sea of green Mexico jerseys.  While this is supposed to be D-backs "home" game, there were by far more Team Mexico fans showing their team pride. Along with the Mexico and D-backs jerseys, many people were wearing the official World Baseball Classic 2009 shirt since Team Mexico would be representing for their country in the tournament which started Thursday. 

Meredith and I circle the park and take a few pictures from the first baseline and decide to take full advantage of our passes and head to the press box. We walk behind the closed double black doors and take the elevator up to the third floor. A security guard checks our passes and clears us for the box. We enter the box which is next to empty, consisting of only six other media members and take a seat (but not before grabbing a complimentary water). The view from the box is unreal. We were seated between the third baseline and home plate, but more towards home plate. You could see the entire park from our seats. The lights were illuminating the field as fans were out of their seats cheering loudly for their favorite players and for their team of choice. Meredith and I sat in the box for the remainder of the game, bailing out a little early to avoid the traffic.

All in all, the game was a great time. It started out a little rough, but it was worth it in the end. The game was exciting as Team Mexico had 19 runs, beating the D-backs 19-4 and just being in the ballpark and experiencing the game up close made it that much better. The measures a journalist must take to get the perfect story are endless and on March 4th, we proved this.

Check out Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic as they hope to bring home the championship. For a complete schedule, click here.

D-backs Spring Training

Good evening sports fans and welcome to this weeks edition of Wide World of Wildcats. Big week in Tucson as Spring Training games started up this week for the Arizona Diamondbacks. There are only 35 days until the MLB season begins and as D-backs blogger and host of the Arizona Diamondbacks Webisodes Daron Sutton puts it, "You let the sweat pour in February so that the champagne can pour in October."

The D-backs took to the field on February 27th against the Chicago White Sox where they suffered a devastating loss, 1-10. On February 28th the D-backs went against the Texas Rangers losing 4-6 and they got their first win today vs. the Oakland As, 9-7. The D-backs next game will be on March 4th against Team Mexico. For a complete D-backs Spring Training schedule, click here.

The D-backs have a 40-count roster and players who were least expected to have an impact were stepping up to the plate. The team is relying on their strong pitchers and their young talent to help lead the D-backs to victory. Ryan Roberts, a non-roster invitee, has really showed what he is capable of, especially in the today's game. Roberts, originally from Ft. Worth, Texas, had two hits which gave him a run scored and an RBI. Ro

berts has played three seasons in the MLB, two with the Toronto Blue Jays and one with the Texas Rangers. He is showing a lot of potential with the D-backs, but it may be too early to predict his future with the team. 

Tickets for Spring Training are very reasonably priced and if you can stand the Tucson heat, you are guaranteed a good time. Ticket prices range from the cheapest, $5 for lawn seats and standing seats, to the most expensive, $16 for the covered mezzanine (recommended if you want to stay out of the sun) and for field level infield. To check out a full list of ticket prices and to purchase tickets, click here.

This season, the D-backs are looking to clinch their fifth divisional crown in 12 seasons. It's going to take a lot of hard work and effort, but the D-backs are up for the challenge. Come check out the D-backs as they take on Team Mexico at Tucson Electric Park at 5:05 p.m. on March 4th.

That wraps up this weeks edition. Tune in next week for another exciting update! Go out and support the D-backs and until next time, Bear Down!

Duel in the Desert

Hi sports fans and welcome to another exciting edition of this weeks blog. Today is a big day for Arizonians alike as Arizona State takes on the University of Arizona in the duel in the desert. Tip off is in approximately two hours (8 p.m. MST) on FSN and fans from everywhere will be tuning in for the sold out main event. This is a big game for both teams as ASU is having a winning season, ranked 14 in the country, and UA is on a hot streak winning their past seven games. The Cats are looking to get revenge on the Devils after a 53-47 loss in Tucson as both teams are looking to clinch the Pac-10 championship.

UA will be looking for the "Big Three,"Chase Budinger, Jordan Hill and Nic Wise, to step up and continue producing big plays and put up big numbers. ASU will look to young guard James Harden and forward Jeff Pendergraph who make up most of the Devils offense. 

The Cats are currently 18-8 this season under interim head coach Russ Pennell and the Devils are 20-5 under head coach Herb Sendek. Both teams are coming off big wins against the ranked UCLA Bruins and the USC Trojans. The Cats and the Devils are playing great basketball which will make this showdown in the desert one to remember.

That wraps up tonight's update. From Tucson, don't forget to tune in for what should be an unforgettable game. Until next time, Bear Down!

NBA All-Star Game

Hey there sports fans and welcome to this weeks edition of the Wide World Of Wildcats. This weekend marks one of my favorite weekends of the entire year and that is not because it's Valentines day, but because it's the NBA All-Star game. The All-Star game occurs once a year and gives NBA players and fans alike the opportunity to have fun and compete with the best of the best and this year it is being held right down the road in Phoenix. There are different events such as the three-point shootout and the slam dunk contest that all lead up to the actual game which will be played tonight and aired on your local TNT network. 

Fans from around the world vote for their favorite players from the Eastern conference and the Western conference and the top 12 players from each conference with the highest vote make the roster and the 5 with the highest amount of votes are starters. This year, the Eastern conference team consists of (with the 5 starters listed first) Allen Iverson (Detroit), Dwayne Wade (Miami), Lebron James (Cleveland), Kevin Garnett (Boston) and Dwight Howard (Orland0), Joe Johnson (Atlanta), Jameer Nelson (Orlando), Ray Allen (Boston), Danny Granger (Indiana), Paul Pierce (Boston), Chris Bosh (Toronto), Mo Williams (Cleveland), Devin Harris (New Jersey) and Rashard Lewis (Orlando).  The east is coached by Mike Brown of the Cleveland Cavaliers. For the West coast, the team is (with the 5 starters listed first) Kobe Bryant (LA), Chris Paul (New Orleans),  Tim Duncan (San Antonio), Amare Stoudemire (Phoenix), Yao Ming (Houston), Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas), Shaquille O'Neal (Phoenix), Brandon Roy (Portland), Chauncey Billups (Denver), Pau Gasol (LA), David West (New Orleans) and Tony Parker (San Antonio).  The west is coached by Phil Jackson of the Los Angeles Lakers. 

One thing that stands out to me every year is the number of international players in the All-Star game. This year, there are five international players, all part of the west coast roster. These players include Yao Ming from China, Tim Duncan from the Virgin Islands, Dirk Nowitzki from Germany, Pau Gasol from Spain and Tony Parker from France. Only Yao and Duncan are starters, each getting over 2 million votes from fans everywhere.

In my opinion, these five players are truly the best the international market has to offer (in addition to Steve Nash who didn't make the cut this year). Here's a rundown of these five All-Stars.

Although Yao and Duncan received the highest amount of votes for the international starts, Dirk Nowitzki is undoubtedly the best foreign player in the NBA. Dirk, from Wurzburg, Germany, is a 7-ft. forward for the Dallas Mavericks. In the current 2008-2009 season, Dirk averages 24.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. He is an eight-time All-Star, eight-time member of  the All-NBA team and the first European player in NBA history to receive the MVP award. Dirk is currently the fourth highest scorer in the NBA and not only deserves to be a member of the All-Star team, but deserves to be a starter as well.

On paper, Tim Duncan has the best resume. As forward for the San Antonio Spurs, reigning from St. Croix, Virgin Islands, Duncan has won four NBA championships, two MVP awards, three NBA finals MVP, was named Rookie of the Year in 2008 and has made the All-Defense team, All-Star team and All-NBA First team since his NBA debut in 1997. This season, Duncan has 20.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. Duncan has earned his spot as starting forward for the Western Conference and will prove that in tonight's game.

Pau Gasol has been flying under the radar, but is finally starting to get the attention he deserves. Gasol first made a name for himself in his hometown of Barcelona, Spain where he led his team to victory in the Spanish National Cup Championship where he earned the title of MVP. Before being traded to the Lakers in February 2008, Gasol broke 12 franchise records for the Memphis Grizzlies. Today, Gasol averages 18.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.  Gasol is the perfect example of a superstar on the rise and has the potential to someday be one of the greats. 

Although Yao Ming started his career off slowly, he has become one of the most well-known centers in the league. Hailing from Shanghai, China, Yao truly lives up to his international superstar reputation. Yao has been selected to the All-Star team every year since being drafted in 2002 and has been named to the All-NBA Team four times. This season, Yao averages 19.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. 

Last but not least is Tony Parker who was born in Belgium, but raised in France. Parker is a young guard who has helped lead the San Antonio Spurs to three championship where in 2007 he was  named the NBA Championship Finals MVP. Parker is also a three-time all-star who averages 20.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game. Still considered a youngster in the league, Parker possesses the capability to reach superstardom in the near future.

That wraps up this weeks edition. Congratulations to both the UA mens basketball team who upset #11 UCLA yesterday and last weeks spotlight Andres Arango who was named the Pacific 10 Conference Player of the Week.  Until next time, Bear Down!

 

Good evening sports fans and welcome to another edition of the Wide World of Wildcats. The UA mens tennis team, ranked No. 45, is on a two-match winning streak after upsetting No. 34 South Florida. Junior Andres Arango brought his A-game to the court, dominating his opponent 6-0 and 6-2. I was able to catch up with Andres and here is what he had to say.

Serena Lewis: What is your full name?

Andres Arango: Andres Felipe Arango Patino

SL: Where are you from?

AA: I was born in Ecuador, South America but all my family is from Colombia

SL: How old are you and what year are you at UA?

AA: 21 years old and this is my second semester at UA

SL: What's your major?

AA: Still undecided

SL: When and why did you come to the U.S.?

AA: I have played for 3 schools so far, one semester for Georgia State, one for ASU and now I'm playing for UA. I came to the States because I thought it was great to get a degree at a University in the U.S. and have the chance to continue playing tennis, which I'm planning on playing Pro after I graduate

SL: Why did you choose UA?

AA: Academics, athletics, the weather is the most similar to my country and well, the beautiful women

SL: When and why did you start playing tennis?

AA: I started at 8 years old because of my father and my family always gave me the support in every decision I made about my tennis

SL: Do you have any pre-game rituals? If so, what?

AA: I usually change all the grips from my rackets, I listen to house music and try to stay calm

SL: What is your proudest or most memorable moment in your athletic career?

AA: I would say to qualify two times to a World Championship by nations representing Ecuador which meant that we put Ecuador in the top 16 in the world in tennis in that time

SL: What are your goals for the season?

AA: Make the NCAA tournament and do the best we can and stay in the singles rankings

SL: What is the biggest difference playing in the U.S. vs. playing in your hometown?

AA: The main difference I would say is the athletic facilities. Here in the U.S., everything is more advanced in terms of technology. People in athletics basically do a lot of things for athletes that simply make it easy for them

SL: Before you came to the U.S., what did you think it would be like? Have your views changed since?

AA: I knew what to expect because I lived in Miami, Florida, but did not know anything about the state of Arizona

SL: What do you like or not like about Tucson and the Southwest? 

AA: I love the weather and the UA campus. What I don't really like is the fact that there is not too many places for entertainment, but I think it's a cool college town besides that

SL: OK it's time for the fun questions. Here we go....Who is your favorite sports team and athlete?

AA: Roger Federer and Emelec (soccer team from Ecuador)

SL: What's your favorite food?

AA: Italian, Mexican and Ecuadorian of course

SL: Do you have any hidden talents?

AA: I am a very good voice imitator and am a frustrated comedian in Spanish

SL: What is your idea of the perfect first date?

AA: Go to dinner with a girl and have some candles on the table plus Italian food

SL: How many languages can you speak?

AA: Spanish, English and I'm learning Portuguese 

The Cats next match is against No. 55 St. Mary's and will take place tomorrow, February 8th, at 9:30 a.m. Good luck to the Cats and Andres!

That wraps up tonight's blog, but make sure to tune in next week for another update. Until next time, Bear Down!