Blog In-Depth: World Series, Game 5 suspension, Bud Selig… what did bloggers think?

Buzz Manager™ analyzed online discussion surrounding reaction to the World Series, in particular the suspension of Game 5. Overall, most felt that Bud Selig made the correct decision by suspending the game and playing it in full. However, most felt that Selig should have let everyone, including fans, know beforehand that should weather become an issue the game would still be played in its entirety regardless of the inning in which it was suspended, and then suspended the game earlier.

The Buzz ranked 7 out of 10, a topic of a high level of interest among sports bloggers.

-     Bloggers in the Positive category enjoyed watching good baseball. They said that although the match-up wasn’t between two of MLB’s marquee teams, it was still entertaining. There was no overtly positive commentary regarding the handling of suspending Game 5.

-     Bloggers in the Negative category criticized Bud Selig’s handling of the weather issues. Although bloggers were happy the World Series wasn’t decided by a game being called due to weather, they felt that Selig should have suspended the game much earlier given the conditions. Instead, it appeared to them that he purposefully waited until the Rays had tied the game to call for a weather delay. One blogger characterized the series itself as a ‘disaster’, reflected by low television ratings and low interest in the two teams playing, outside of their own fan bases. Another felt that the World Series has lost the ‘overall luster’ it once had.

-     Bloggers in the Neutral category felt that Bud Selig was in a very difficult position and that deciding when and how to suspend the game was a tough decision. 

“Though I’d have loved to watch a seven game series, and there’s no sense in diminishing Tampa’s historic achievement, it’s very hard to argue the Phillies aren’t deserving.” – Can’t Stop the Bleeding

“I think the ultimate sentiment is that the World Series has just lost the overall luster that it once had. “- Awful Announcing

“When This World Series Ended, Did Anyone Notice? It’s not just the two teams involved. Although, let’s be honest, nobody outside Philadelphia cares about the Phillies (we’re pretty sure Phillies fans don’t give a damn about that) and, despite the underdog appeal, literally nobody this side of Dick Vitale is really invested in the Rays (that’ll soon change, we hope). We feel like it’s all kind of a shame. We’re big, big baseball fans. And irregardless of the fact that the Cubs or Padres (there you go, boys) are rarely if ever in the Series, this should be baseball’s ultimate showcase. … But in a lot of ways, this year’s Fall Classic was a disaster. The television ratings have been pretty awful. We all know that and knew it would be like that going in. We even found ourselves flipping around or watching weird weekday college football games instead of focusing in on the World Series. “- Rumors and Rants

Bud Selig’s handling of the World Series, Greg Oden injury top the blogs

Over the past 24 hours, the World Series continued its hold on the top spot in the Top 5 Topics as bloggers debated MLB Commissioner Bud Selig’s handling of the weather delays. Portland Trail Blazers C Greg Oden’s foot injury just minutes into his NBA debut last night garnered a lot of attention from bloggers, many disappointed that his true ‘debut’ will be even further delayed. The video of Danyelle Sargent’s interview with 49ers coach Mike Singletary continued to be highly discussed following Sargent’s appearance on the Dan Patrick Show attempting to explain the incident. Although some feel the gaffe regarding Bill Walsh is inexcusable, others feel sorry for Sargent because the clip never appeared on the air so her mistake never should have been public. Along with Oden’s injury, the start of the NBA season was a popular topic. Rounding out the Top 5, bloggers posted a video clip from last night’s Marshall vs. Houston football game in which Houston WR Patrick Edwards suffered a compound leg fracture after colliding with a band equipment cart sitting a few yards past the end zone line. Bloggers expressed condolences and get-well wishes for Edwards, while questioning why the cart was so close to the field.

World Series still on top, but Mike Singletary becoming a blog sensation

Over the past 24 hours, the World Series continued to be the most popular topic among sports blogs, though many wondered how Monday’s Game 5 rain delay would affect the remainder of the series. San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary’s post-game press conference also continued to generate discussion as well as a video clip of a pre-game interview with Singletary by Fox’s Danyelle Sargent in which she asked about whether he talked with Bill Walsh after getting the 49ers job, apparently unaware that Walsh is deceased. The gaffe never made it to air, but the clip was picked up from the network’s ‘open feed’ by WNBC-TV show “Mike’d Up”, then made its way to the internet. Monday Night Football was also highly discussed, with many surprised that the Titans continue to be undefeated. The behavior of Phillies fans sparked blog discussion following an article from the St. Peterburg Times that condemned their hostile treatment of Rays fans. Rounding out the Top 5 was news that Washington head football coach Ty Willingham will step down at the end of the season after going winless so far this season.

Phillies take a 3-1 series lead, stay at the top of blog discussion

Over the weekend, the World Series was the most popular topic, with bloggers discussing the Phillies taking a 3-1 lead over the Rays and the series relatively low TV ratings thus far. College football was also highly discussed, in particular Penn State’s close win over Ohio State, Georgia’s win over LSU, Texas’ close win over Oklahoma State, Florida’s big win over Kentucky, and Texas Tech scoring 63 points in its win over Kansas. Former Knicks coach Isiah Thomas sparked blog discussion after reports that he was taken to the hospital for a sleeping pill overdose. Thomas later stated that it was actually his daughter that was taken to the hospital, a statement disputed by NY police. The NFL was a popular topic following the Giants’ close win over the Steelers, 49ers coach Mike Singletary’s ‘intense’ post-game press conference, and reports that several NFL players have tested positive for substances classified as water pills. Rounding out the Top 5 was talk of fans in Boston being injured after a check into the glass caused it to shatter during the Bruins game vs. the Maple Leafs.

PGA McGladrey Team Championship Update

The Stonebridge Ranch Country Club of McKinney, Texas, representing the Northern Texas PGA Section won the PGA McGladrey Team Championship with a 3-stroke victory.The team was made up of PGA professional Joseph Menton and amateurs Eric Kelly, Jim Freed and Mickey Freed.

This is an eclectic group of guys. Amongst the team there is a former pastor, an air

Stonebridge Ranch Country Club Team at the PGA McGladrey Team Championship

craft mechanic and an insurance agent.

It must of been so special for this team from Texas to succeed in the qualifying rounds, make it to magnificent Pinehurst and win the PGA McGladrey Team Chamionship.

RSM McGladrey’s sponsorship and architecture of this event has allowed these amateur golfers to be forever known as national champions.

Blog In-Depth: David Beckham on loan to AC Milan from MLS L.A. Galaxy

Buzz Manager™ analyzed online discussion surrounding L.A. Galaxy midfielder David Beckham playing for AC Milan on loan during the MLS off-season.

The Buzz ranked 3 out of 10, a topic of a low level of interest among sports bloggers.

-     Bloggers in the Positive category thought it was a good move by Beckham. The benefits for Beckham and AC Milan were discussed more highly than any benefits for MLS. Some thought that Beckham playing in Italy in the off-season would be beneficial for MLS in that Beckham would be maintaining a high profile in soccer and could continue to increase buzz when he returns to L.A. for the MLS season.

- Bloggers in the Negative category wondered why MLS would risk losing Beckham, arguably its most valuable asset, to Milan permanently given how much MLS has invested in him. Some also pointed out that it reflects poorly on the L.A. Galaxy that some perceived the team to be out of the loop of any negotiations.

-     Bloggers in the Neutral category understood Beckham’s desire to stay fit and compete at a high level during the off-season to try to secure his spot on the England team. However, they were unsure if this move would accomplish that or how it would affect his relationship with the Galaxy.

That’s the first thing that makes this rumour intriguing: why would the Galaxy, and MLS, risk what may become a permanent move to Milan if Beckham thrives there? Why would they release their most valuable asset, even for something as limited as a loan deal? - Sports Caddy

Phillies take Game 1, while drama follows Brett Favre

Over the past 24 hours, the Phillies’ Game 1 win over the Rays in the World Series dominated blog conversation. ESPN covering the ‘Brett Favre talked about the Packers to the Detroit Lions’ story for the first time yesterday, following Favre’s press conference, continued to raise the suspicions of bloggers that ESPN purposefully avoided the story because it was first broken by Fox’s Jay Glazer. Making a first appearance in the Top 5, Cal football player R.J. Garrett and former Cal player Gary Doxy have been charged in connection with a robbery last month of two Cal crew team members. Bloggers were amused because Garrett and Doxy intended to rob a crew team member that reportedly made racial slurs at a party a few days earlier, but ended up targeting and robbing the wrong people. Although they are highly-ranked and undefeated, it’s the Texas Tech football team’s kicking woes that are garnering attention from bloggers after news that Matt Williams, a Tech student that won a promotional place-kicking contest at a game, has been added to the team and may take the field against Kansas this weekend. Rounding out the Top 5 was news that Texas QB and Heisman contender Colt McCoy said he will return for his senior season next year.

World Series Game 1… can the Backstreet Boys save the ratings?

Over the past 24 hours, tonight’s Game 1 of the Rays-Phillies World Series was the most popular topic, with bloggers wondering about the Backstreet Boys being selected to sing the national anthem and whether the match-up will draw good ratings. Also popular was discussion about ESPN not reporting  on the story that former Packers QB Brett Favre allegedly discussed the Packers’ schemes with the Detroit Lions. Many believed that ESPN was not discussing the story because it was broken first by FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer. The demise of Elite XC continued to be highly discussed and remained in the third spot of the Top 5. The one game suspension of Browns TE Kellen Winslow after his disparaging comments towards the team’s management sparked conversation among bloggers. The non-suspension of ESPN college football analyst Lou Holtz remained in the Top 5. Bloggers are now reacting to a statement from ESPN’s Jemele Hill, who was suspended recently for a Hitler reference, that she is focusing on her own career and is not going to worry about what happens to Holtz.

Monday Night Football, Patriots’ win over Broncos most popular topic

Over the past 24 hours, the New England Patriots’ Monday Night Football win over the Denver Broncos was the most popular topic. Also highly discussed was the Tampa Bay Rays historic ALCS win and World Series berth. News that mixed martial arts fighting league Elite XC is folding sparked blog conversation, with many wondering what would become of Kimbo Slice and Gina Carano’s MMA careers. Bloggers debated ESPN’s decision not to reprimand college football analyst Lou Holtz for his comments comparing Michigan head football coach Rich Rodriguez to Hitler. Rounding out the Top 5 was discussion about Kansas City Police investigating an incident at a nightclub where Chiefs RB Larry Johnson allegedly physically assaulted a woman.

PGA McGladrey Team Championship: Golf at Pinehurst

The PGA McGladrey Team Championship, held at the hallowed ground of Pinehurst, has vastly exceeded all expectations. There are 26 teams of amateurs who have worked their way through the 22,000 person field. They have endured rounds upon rounds of competitive golf, deep sand traps with high lips and the occasional trick shot from the woods.

The amazing thing…every single golfer I have talked to is as warm and welcoming as the next. These are genuinely good people with success stories about their golf game, their business relationships and their personal lives. RSM McGladrey’s sponsorship of this event has afforded me the opportunity to be reminded that its not just the professional golfers, but the amateur golfers that are ambassadors of the game.

Speaking of professional golfers, RSM McGladrey brought their impressive team of golfers to the tournament to provide lessons for all who were smart enough to watch. Zach Johnson and Chris DiMarco flew from Las Vegas to North Carolina at 2:30 AM after tying for 10th in Justin Timberlake’s new tournament. They may have been tired or disheveled, but they didn’t show it one bit. Aside from a trick shot session where Zach and Chris were breaking pumpkins and shattering glass, the two golfers spoke of their mind set while on the course and how they got to the level they’re at today. Chris is more of an outgoing jovial character with one-liner after one-line, while Zach exhibits more of a soft comedy combined with an obvious openness.

The championship isn’t over, actually it has just begun. I will keep you posted as to the scores and who ultimately wins. The important lessons I take away from the PGA McGladrey Team Championship thus far are that a team of cohesive amateurs playing together is as representative of the game of golf as is the Golden Bear or Tiger, and that RSM McGladrey makes an outstanding partner for the PGA of America. McGladrey understands the culture of golf better than many other sponsors involved in the sport of golf.