Tree of Life

15 Jun

US Open Wednesday

published in category: Sports Talk Radio on Wednesday, June 15th, 2016 – 2:02 pm

Kevin Gorman live from the US Open on the Final practice day before the players tee it up for real in Oakmont.

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Trib Writer Andrew Erickson on what is happening today at the US Open at Oakmont.

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The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced that one additional player has earned a full exemption into the 116th U.S. Open Championship, to be contested June 16-19 at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club, bringing the number of fully exempt players to 76. Additionally, five alternates from sectional qualifying were added to complete the 156-player field.
William McGirt earned an exemption based on the current Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). McGirt, who is No. 45 in the OWGR, is playing in his first U.S. Open. The 36-year-old from Boiling Springs, S.C., won the Memorial Tournament on June 5 when he defeated Jon Curran on the second playoff hole. McGirt, who has three other top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour this season, advanced to match play at the 2003 U.S. Amateur, held at Oakmont Country Club.
The USGA held six spots in the field for those players who could potentially qualify by moving into the top 60 of the OWGR, as of June 13. Since McGirt was the only player to earn an exemption, five alternates from sectional qualifying were added to the field. They are Zach Edmondson, Tony Finau, Kevin Foley, Daniel Summerhays and Mike Van Sickle.
Edmondson, 25, of Cary, N.C., was the first alternate from the Jacksonville, Fla., sectional. He will play in his first U.S. Open. Edmondson played as a collegian at East Carolina University and competes on PGA Tour Canada’s Mackenzie Tour.
Finau, 26, of Lehi, Utah, was the first alternate from the Springfield, Ohio, sectional. He is competing in his second U.S. Open after tying for 14th with a 72-hole score 1-over-par 282 at Chambers Bay last year. Finau won the 2016 Puerto Rico Open, his first PGA Tour victory, by defeating Steve Marino with a birdie on the third playoff hole.
Foley, 29, of Somerville, N.J., is competing in his first U.S. Open. He was the first alternate from the Summit, N.J., sectional. Foley, who is one of 27 players who advanced to this year’s U.S. Open through both local and sectional qualifying, won the 2013 Panama Claro Championship on the Web.com Tour. He played at Penn State University and won the 2009 Sunnehanna Amateur.
Summerhays is playing in his third U.S. Open, with his best finish a tie for 27th last year at Chambers Bay. He was the first alternate from the Powell, Ohio, sectional qualifier. The 32-year-old from Fruit Heights, Utah, has played in 18 PGA Tour events and recorded seven top-25 finishes this season. Summerhays played Tony Finau in the final of the 2006 Utah Amateur, falling to Finau by a 3-and-2 margin.
Van Sickle, 29, of Pittsburgh, Pa., was the first alternate from the Rockville, Md., sectional qualifier. He is playing in his first U.S. Open. Van Sickle, a three-time All-America selection at Marquette University, won the 2007 Pennsylvania State Amateur and Pennsylvania State Open in 2007 and 2008.
There were 111 U.S. Open local qualifying sites that led to 12 sectional qualifiers, including international sites in Japan and England. Sectional qualifying in the United States took place at 10 sites on June 6. The USGA accepted 9,877 entries by the deadline of April 27, the third-highest total ever in championship history
A list of the 76 golfers fully exempt into the 2016 U.S. Open is below.
2016 U.S. Open Exemption List (as of June 13):
Byeong Hun An 13 Brooks Koepka 12, 13
Kiradech Aphibarnrat 13 Matt Kuchar 12, 13
a-Derek Bard 2 Anirban Lahiri 13
Daniel Berger 12, 13 Danny Lee 12, 13
Steven Bowditch 12 Marc Leishman 13
Keegan Bradley 7 David Lingmerth 13
Angel Cabrera 1 Shane Lowry 11, 13
Rafael Cabrera Bello 13 Jeff Maggert 10
Paul Casey 12, 13 Hideki Matsuyama 12, 13
Kevin Chappell 13 Graeme McDowell 1
Jason Day 7, 8, 11,12,13 William McGirt 14
Jamie Donaldson 13 Rory McIlroy 1, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13
Jason Dufner 7 Phil Mickelson 6, 13
Ernie Els 6 Ryan Moore 13
Harris English 12 Kevin Na 12, 13
Matthew Fitzpatrick 13 Geoff Ogilvy 1
Rickie Fowler 8, 12, 13 Louis Oosthuizen 11, 12, 13
Jim Furyk 12, 13 Scott Piercy 12, 13
Sergio Garcia 13 a-Jon Rahm 4
Lucas Glover 1 Patrick Reed 12, 13
Branden Grace 11, 13 Justin Rose 1, 12, 13
Emiliano Grillo 13 Charl Schwartzel 11, 13
Retief Goosen 15 Adam Scott 5, 11, 13
Bill Haas 12, 13 Webb Simpson 1
James Hahn 13 Cameron Smith 11
Charley Hoffman 12, 13 Brandt Snedeker 11, 12, 13
J.B. Holmes 12, 13 Jordan Spieth 1, 5, 11, 12, 13
Billy Horschel 13 Henrik Stenson 12, 13
Dustin Johnson 11, 12, 13 Robert Streb 12
Zach Johnson 6, 12, 13 Andy Sullivan 13
Smylie Kaufman 13 Justin Thomas 13
Martin Kaymer 1, 8, 13 Jaco Van Zyl 13
K.T. Kim 13 Jimmy Walker 12, 13
Chris Kirk 13 Bubba Watson 5, 12, 13
Kevin Kisner 12, 13 Lee Westwood 13
Patton Kizzire 13 Bernd Wiesberger 13
Soren Kjeldsen 13 Danny Willett 5, 13
Russell Knox 13 Chris Wood 9, 13
Bold – U.S. Open champion a-amateur
Key to Player Exemptions:
1. Winners of the U.S. Open Championship the last 10 years (2006-15)
2. Winner and runner-up of the 2015 U.S. Amateur Championship (must be an amateur)
3. Winner of the 2015 Amateur Championship, conducted by The R&A (must be an amateur)
4. Winner of the 2015 Mark H. McCormack Medal (top-ranked in WAGR & must be an amateur)
5. Winners of the Masters Tournament the last five years (2012-16)
6. Winners of The Open Championship, conducted by the R&A, the last five years (2011-15)
7. Winners of The PGA of America Championship the last five years (2011-15)
8. Winners of The Players Championship the last three years (2014-16)
9. Winner of the 2016 European Tour BMW PGA Championship
10. Winner of the 2015 U.S. Senior Open Championship
11. From the 2015 U.S. Open Championship, the 10 lowest scorers and anyone tying for 10th place
12. Those players who qualified for the season-ending 2015 Tour Championship
13. Top 60 point leaders and ties from the current World Ranking as of May 23, 2016
14. Top 60 point leaders and ties from the current World Ranking as of June 13, 2016
15. Special exemptions selected by the USGA

Posted in Sports Talk Radio

 

14 Jun

Pirates-Mets Preview

published in category: Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday, June 14th, 2016 – 5:49 pm

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and Babcock Beer present Pirates Pre-Game! Gerrit Cole goes on the disabled list, Jameson Taillon gets called up again from Triple-A, and has Andrew McCutchen gotten a grip on his recent struggles?

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Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, PIA Pittsburgh, an education with opportunities. Also sponsored by Babcock Beer on Babcock Blvd.- The largest selection of craft beer in the area – easy access, friendly service and plenty of parking.

Bucs Broadcaster Greg Brown joins us to talk about the difficult upcoming schedule, the need to turn around the hitting and pitching. Is the division lost to the Cubs? Crucial weekend series coming up.

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14 Jun

WWE Split

published in category: Wrestling Reality on Tuesday, June 14th, 2016 – 3:08 pm

Two Pay-Per-Views Per month? One for RAW and one for Smackdown? Justin LaBar says that’s one too many.

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14 Jun

Tuesday at the US Open

published in category: Sports Talk Radio on Tuesday, June 14th, 2016 – 2:55 pm

Kevin Gorman checks in live from Oakmont at the US Open. Sponsored by TJS Insurance Group, insuring Pittsburgh individuals and businesses since 1924, congratulates the Pens on their 2016 Stanley Cup win!

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Mike Grau spent Monday night at Oakmont and checks in with Josh Taylor on how the players and course looked and what to expect for this week. Plus will the weather come into play?

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TJS Insurance Group is one of Pittsburgh’s largest, most experienced insurance brokerages, providing employee benefits, commercial lines, and personal lines coverages since 1924. TJS Insurance Group cares about your needs – we are honest, fair, and dependable. Our main objective is to make obtaining insurance as easy as possible. We believe in partnering, building, and maintaining strong relationships. Call TJS Insurance Group for insurance coverage for you or your business at 412-395-4000.

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Posted in Sports Talk Radio

 

14 Jun

Can Pens repeat? by Tim Benz

published in category: Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday, June 14th, 2016 – 8:57 am

It’s been almost 48 hours since the Penguins won the Stanley Cup. Are we allowed to get greedy yet?

I know there will be some reading this post saying: “Can’t we wait until the parade is over?” But the question is worth asking: What if these Penguins win a third Stanley Cup? And what if they win it next year? How would that compare to the sainted Mario/Jagr teams of the 90’s/early 2000’s? Would that elevate this team above the perceived untouchable greatness of the Lemieux teams?

I say yes.

Honestly, it shouldn’t be that hard of a question to answer, right? It’d be three cups for Team 87/71 vs two for Team 66/68. It’d be four finals appearances vs two. It’d be five conference finals appearances vs four. And it’d be one set of back to back titles apiece.

Those accomplishments seem to heavily favor these modern Penguins to the Cup teams of the early 90’s. History should look more fondly on the team Mario has owned than the one he played for. Frankly, unless you put incredible weight on repeating, even if the current Pens didn’t claim the third cup next year but still managed to win another in the Sid-Geno era that should elevate them above the ‘91/’92 clubs.

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But did that feel as blasphemous for you to read as it did for me to write? I feel like I should put myself in the box for unsportsmanlike conduct just for thinking it.

Your first love always seem to linger the longest. And those on-ice Lemieux era teams are what first attached this city to hockey on a mainstream level.

And this argument isn’t the same thing as comparing the Super Steelers of the 70’s to the Ben Roethlisberger era teams. Twenty-six years spanned between Super Bowls 14 and 40. Many who enjoyed what happened in Detroit know nothing of Super Bowl XIV beyond what NFL films has told us.

But roughly a decade less of a gap between the hockey titles means there are more people who were able to enjoy the high points of both eras, and by extension more have sentimental leanings towards both. The “these are your Stillers” vs “your daddy’s Stillers” in the football comparison doesn’t apply as easily in this puck debate.

Yet that natural deference to the memories of (and respect for) history always seems to kick in with discussions like this. The further we get away from the moment the more likely we are to see the beautiful portrait…and overlook the warts.

Those who contend that the 90’s Penguins would still be superior to this modern group would likely point to the long lull between championships. That’s fair. These Penguins dealt with the “underachievers” label for six full playoff runs in between Cups.

But then again, what were the Penguins for the five post seasons between winning Cup #2 and Mario’s initial retirement after the 1997 campaign? Pretty much the same thing right? In fact I’d suggest that of all the teams that came up short under the Sid/Geno tent, none were as singularly talented as that infamous 1993 Lemieux-era team that was stunningly upset by the Islanders in the second round. Even the disappointing 2013 team featuring Crosby & Malkin at least made it to the conference final before their ignominious exit at the hands of Boston that year. And that Bruins’ team was far better than the Islander squad that upended the ‘93 Pens.

Here are a few other things I’d argue are in favor of the current Penguins when comparing legacies of the two teams:

-These current Penguins faced a tougher foe in the Finals. The ‘08 Red Wings won the President’s Trophy. The’ 09 Wings had just three fewer points and were second best in the West. The ‘92 Blackhawks were 3rd best in the west and were a slightly better comp than this year’s Sharks. But San Jose did have a deflated point total because of just six loser points in overtime. Meanwhile the ‘91 NorthStars had the league’s second lowest playoff point total with 68 and got in as the last seed from the Norris Division.

-Both teams dispatched frequent playoff speed bump Washington en route to each of their two titles. But I’d argue the ‘09 Caps were better than the ‘92 squad. And the ‘16 team was superior to any of the other three.

-The current Penguins beat the Flyers twice on the way to Stanley Cup Finals appearances, lost once to Philly in the playoffs. The Lemieux/Jagr Pens were 0-2 vs Philly in playoff competition. Yeah. That matters.

This isn’t a debate over who’d win a best of seven series between the squads. I’d yield on that point. The 90’s teams had more talent for a longer swath of time (particularly if you factored in the the ‘01 post Mario return team). This is a debate about accomplishment, legacy, and success within the era.

And based on the evidence above I’d say the legacy of these modern Penguins should be held in higher esteem if they win another title. In fact, I’d argue it should be already.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins

 

13 Jun

US Open Preview Podcast

published in category: Sports Talk Radio on Monday, June 13th, 2016 – 8:50 pm

Josh Taylor and Michael Grau preview the US Open at Oakmont this week. US Open Coverage on TribLIVE Radio is brought to you by TJS Insurance Group, insuring Pittsburgh individuals and businesses since 1924, TJS congratulates the Pens on their 2016 Stanley Cup win!

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WHO’S HERE: Among the 156 golfers in the 2016 U.S. Open, there are:
U.S. Open champions (12): Angel Cabrera (2007), Ernie Els (1994, ’97), Jim Furyk (2003), Lucas Glover (2009), Retief Goosen (2001, ’04), Martin Kaymer (2014), Graeme McDowell (2010), Rory McIlroy (2011), Geoff Ogilvy (2006), Justin Rose (2013), Webb Simpson (2012) and Jordan Spieth (2015).
U.S. Open runners-up (8): Jason Day (2011, ‘13), Ernie Els (2000), Rickie Fowler (2014), Jim Furyk (2006, ‘07), Dustin Johnson (2015), Graeme McDowell (2012), Phil Mickelson (1999, 2002, ’04, ’06, ’09, ‘13) and Louis Oosthuizen (2015).
U.S. Amateur champions (7): Byeong Hun An (2009), Bryson DeChambeau (2015), Matthew Fitzpatrick (2013), Matt Kuchar (1997), Danny Lee (2008), Phil Mickelson (1990) and Ryan Moore (2004).
U.S. Amateur runners-up (1): Derek Bard (2015).
U.S. Junior Amateur champions (4): Jason Allred (1997), Scottie Scheffler (2013), Jordan Spieth (2009, ’11) and Kevin Tway (2005).
U.S. Junior Amateur runners-up (2): Ryan Moore (2000) and Justin Thomas (2010).
U.S. Senior Open champions (1): Jeff Maggert (2015).
U.S. Amateur Public Links champions (3): Ryan Moore (2002, ‘04), Brandt Snedeker (2003) and D.J. Trahan (2000).
U.S. Amateur Public Links runners-up (1): Jason Dufner (1998).
USGA champions (25): Jason Allred (1997 Junior Amateur), Byeong Hun An (2009 Amateur), Angel Cabrera (2007 Open), Bryson DeChambeau (2015 Amateur), Ernie Els (1994, ’97 Opens), Matthew Fitzpatrick (2013 Amateur), Jim Furyk (2003 Open), Lucas Glover (2009 Open), Retief Goosen (2001, ‘04 Open), Martin Kaymer (2014 Open), Matt Kuchar (1997 Amateur), Danny Lee (2008 Amateur), Jeff Maggert (2015 Senior Open), Graeme McDowell (2010 Open), Rory McIlroy (2011 Open), Phil Mickelson (1990 Amateur), Ryan Moore (2004 Amateur; 2002, ‘04 Amateur Public Links), Geoff Ogilvy (2006 Open), Justin Rose (2013 Open), Scottie Scheffler (2013 Junior Amateur), Webb Simpson (2012 Open), Brandt Snedeker (2003 Amateur Public Links), Jordan Spieth (2009, ’11 Junior Amateurs, 2015 Open), D.J. Trahan (2000 Amateur Public Links) and Kevin Tway (2005 Junior Amateur).
Walker Cup Team Members:
United States (17): Bryson DeChambeau (2015), Rickie Fowler (2007, ’09), Lucas Glover (2001), Bill Haas (2003), J.B. Holmes (2005), Billy Horschel (2007), Bill Hurley III (2005), Dustin Johnson (2007), Chris Kirk (2007), Matt Kuchar (1999), Phil Mickelson (1989, ’91), Ryan Moore (2003), Patrick Rodgers (2011, ’13), Webb Simpson (2007), Jordan Spieth (2011), Justin Thomas (2013) and D.J. Trahan (2001).
Great Britain & Ireland (8): Paul Casey (1999), Luke Donald (1999, ’01), Matthew Fitzpatrick (2013), Graeme McDowell (2001), Rory McIlroy (2007), Justin Rose (1997), Andy Sullivan (2011) and Danny Willett (2007).
NCAA Division I champions (6): Kevin Chappell (2008), Bryson DeChambeau (2015), Luke Donald (1999), Phil Mickelson (1989, ’90, ’92), Ryan Moore (2004) and Aaron Wise (2016).
NCAA Division II champions (1): Jeev Milkha Singh (1993).
TOTAL U.S. OPENS WON BY 2016 CHAMPIONSHIP FIELD (14): Angel Cabrera (1), Ernie Els (2), Jim Furyk (1), Lucas Glover (1), Retief Goosen (2), Martin Kaymer (1), Graeme McDowell (1), Rory McIlroy (1), Geoff Ogilvy (1), Justin Rose (1), Webb Simpson (1) and Jordan Spieth (1).
PLAYERS IN FIELD WITH MOST U.S. OPEN APPEARANCES (2016 included): Phil Mickelson (26), Ernie Els (24) and Jim Furyk (22).
ACTIVE CONSECUTIVE U.S. OPEN APPEARANCES (2016 included): Ernie Els (24), Phil Mickelson (23) and Jim Furyk (21).

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Posted in Sports Talk Radio

 

13 Jun

Pirates Season on the Brink?

published in category: Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday, June 13th, 2016 – 2:55 pm

Pirates Beat Writers Rob Biertempfel and Travis Sawchik joins Josh Taylor, is this season on the brink? Can the Bucs get their pitching situation worked out? Has Cutch fixed his issues at the plate? Sponsored by Goodrich & Geist, representing victims of negligence.

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Goodrich and Geist are Lifelong Pittsburgh sports fans with deep Pittsburgh roots. Goodrich and Geist are involved in the community supporting youth sports and many other neighborhood programs. Goodrich and Geist is a law firm representing victims of negligence, making sure they receive just compensation, Billy Goodrich and Josh Geist are committed to larger changes that increase the general public’s safety. Call Josh or Billy to find out if you have a case at 412-766-1455.

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13 Jun

STANLEY CUP CHAMPS!

published in category: Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday, June 13th, 2016 – 12:55 pm

The Pittsburgh Penguins are the 2016 Stanley Cup Champions, Sidney Crosby is the Conn Smythe Winner. Sponsored by – Mama Pepino’s Pizza, Pub and Billiards! With the newly added Billiard room, enjoy 3,000 square feet of dedicated space for pool tables!

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Rob Rossi wakes up in San Jose to talk about covering the Pittsburgh Penguins winning the Stanley Cup and what it means for the careers of Crosby and Malkin to win a second Cup. Pens Report on TribLIVE Radio sponsored by House O’ Hockey-celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year- also reflects the 25th anniversary of the Penguins bringing home their first Stanley Cup!

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Rob Rossi with Mario Lemieux after the Stanley Cup win, Jesse Marshall joins us to give his thoughts on the win. Sponsored by Consolidated Communications, Internet plus CCI equals Discovery.

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Posted in Pittsburgh Penguins

 



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