Maryland Upsets No. 13 North Carolina on Walk-Off

by John Vittas

Originally Published for WMUC Sports (March 15, 2014)

Charlie White ripped a single into right scoring sophomore Anthony Papio as the Terps upset No. 13 North Carolina on Saturday in College Park.

Maryland is now 7-0 on Saturdays. Three of those wins have come against ranked teams, with freshman Mike Shawaryn starting all three.

White's walk-off was his third hit of the series. Papio was hit by a pitch and stole second to set up White's game-winner.

Freshman lefty Tayler Stiles (2-0) earned the win, pitching 4 and one-third innings of scoreless relief. Shawaryn and Stiles, both freshmen, pitched the entire game for Maryland, and both boast ERAs below 2.00.

The Terps (11-5, 2-3) look for the series win tomorrow in the finale. Kevin Mooney will make his first start of the season and will be opposed by Zac Gallen for the Tarheels. Coverage begins at 11:50 am. on WMUC Sports.

Courtesy of Christian Jenkins / The Diamondback

35-Year FSU HC Mike Martin: "This is the Best Maryland Baseball Team I've Seen"

by John Vittas

Originally Published for WMUC Sports (March 9, 2014)

FSU Hall of Fame coach Mike Martin was effusive in his praise for the 2014 Maryland baseball team, calling this year’s Terps squad the best in his long tenure at Florida State.

“This is the best Maryland team I’ve seen since we’ve been competing against Maryland,” Martin said. “And it’s John Szefc and his staff. You don’t fool ‘em. You don’t fool 'em. When DJ [Stewart] got picked off, I changed the sign. That’s how much respect I got for them.”

Martin played at FSU in the mid-1960s and has been the head coach for the past 35 seasons. He has been involved in 76 percent of the wins in the history of Florida State baseball. He has the most victories of any active coach in America (For Martin's full resume, click here)

Photo: John Vittas

“Maryland is a very impressive club,” Martin said with his thick southern drawl. “They’re going to be very, very tough this year.

Martin also complimented Maryland’s top two starting pitchers, Jake Stinnett and Mike Shawaryn, throughout the weekend. Shawaryn beat Martin’s No. 2 Seminoles on Saturday afternoon.

“We ran into a buzzsaw last night with Shawaryn. He was beautiful.”

The Terps (9-4, 1-2) return home losers in two out of three in Tallahassee, but with an impressive win against the country’s number two team. Boasting a 7-0 non-conference record, Maryland hosts Delaware on Tuesday at 4 p.m., which can be heard live here on WMUC Sports.

“They’re a good group of guys that do it right,” Martin said. “He [John Szefc] is to be commended. They’re on the right track.”

TO HEAR MARTIN'S FULL COMMENTS ON MARYLAND BASEBALL FROM SUNDAY'S PRESS CONFERENCE, CLICK HERE

FOR FULL WEEKEND COVERAGE OF THE MARYLAND / FSU SERIES, CLICK HERE

Stinnett Impresses Seminoles in Defeat

by John Vittas

Originally Published for WMUC Sports (March 8, 2014)

Jake Stinnett took the loss against No. 2 Florida State Friday, but did win over the Florida State dugout.

"Coming into the game, we knew what he was about, how good of a pitcher he was," Seminoles starter Luke Weaver said. "He had a great night. The whole time I was just trying to compete with him and put up zeroes like he was. We just happened to get the edge."

At the onset of the FSU press conference, Hall of Fame head coach Mike Martin went out of his way to compliment the Terps' senior.

"I'll tell you what," Martin said. "Mister Stinnett was very impressive. He's got a good arm, a good breaking ball. He did a very good job."

Stinnett is 2-0 with 16 shutout innings at home so far in 2014, including a no-hitter against UMass Saturday. However, he is 0-2 with an ERA of 5.25 in the state of Florida this year. Both of those losses came against ranked teams, No. 20 Florida in the season opener and No. 2 Florida State in the ACC opener.

Stinnett, Terps Head into Tallahassee Confident, Ready for Opportunity

by John Vittas

Originally published for WMUC Sports (March 7, 2014)

The Terps enter this weekend’s series at No. 2 Florida State confident and riding a seven-game winning streak. Maryland has outscored their opponents 43-12 over that span.

“Our pitching’s been really good, obviously,” head coach John Szefc said. “Our defense has been pretty flawless too, we’re just trying to get some guys comfortable at the plate. We’re a little bit inconsistent offensively.”

Maryland swept UMass over the weekend, outscoring the Minutemen 17-3. Senior ace Jake Stinnett highlighted the series with the school’s seventh no-hitter Saturday, striking out nine and walking only two in the process. The California native will pitch Friday night against No. 2 Florida State.

“I feel really good about this team,” Stinnett said. “The vibe is very good. I can tell that we have a lot of guys that are confident in their ability and confident in this team and that’s something that’s contagious out on the baseball field. I see a lot of good things coming in the future."

Maryland’s only two losses have come against a nationally-ranked Florida Gators team. In years past, stealing one of three from a ranked team would be considered a success. But this year’s team was not happy with the result.

“After Florida, we were kind of kicking ourselves because we knew we could play better,” freshman pitcher Mike Shawaryn said.

Teammates echo those type of expectations. The Terps aren’t starstruck heading into Tallahassee. Instead, they view the No. 2 Seminoles as just another team in the way.

“We just see it as another game,” Sunday starter Jared Price said. “We’re very confident. We started off the season hot and we continue to get better every day.”

This year’s team is looking to finish with a winning record for the third consecutive season for the first time in 41 years. But that’s not the only goal. Two wins this weekend against the nation’s number two team should get the Terps into the top-25 and the national spotlight, as people in the game will start to view Maryland as a legitimate contender.

Terps Not Fazed About Facing Jameis Winston, No. 2 Noles

by John Vittas

Originally Published on WMUC Sports (March 6, 2014)

The Terps' baseball team (8-2) is not intimidated by the prospect of facing Heisman trophy winner Jameis Winston and the second-ranked Florida State Seminoles this weekend in Tallahassee.

“He’s just another player we have to get through,” Sunday starter Jared Price said. “We just see it as another game. If we do our thing, we’ll win.

Winston hasn’t given up a run in six innings of relief this season. He’s also 3-for-7 at the plate, with a walk, double and RBI.

“After the game it’ll be cool [seeing Winston] during handshakes,” Saturday’s starting pitcher Mike Shawaryn said. “But once it’s in between the lines, it’s a game and you just revert back to the good old days of throwing strikes and playing baseball.”

Terps' Freshman Pitcher Mike Shawaryn Making an Impact

by John Vittas

Originally published for WMUC Sports (March 5, 2014)

Maryland freshman Mike Shawaryn strolls around practice like any other pitcher, laid back and unassuming. But when it comes time to work, Shawaryn's coolness is replaced with pinpoint focus. He doesn’t mess around.

“As a person, you can just tell he was someone who takes care of business, worked hard and was always on task,”
Terps’ senior ace Jake Stinnett said. “That was the first thing I noticed about him. He wanted to know exactly what he was doing that day, exactly what the practice plan was. He was here to work hard and really make an impact.”

Through three starts, Shawaryn has done just that. After beating No. 20 Florida on the road in his first career Division I outing, Shawaryn has posted eleven consecutive shutout innings, a streak that will be on the line against No. 2 Florida State this weekend.

“He has really good makeup, he doesn’t get messed up mentally,” Maryland head coach John Szefc said. “He can reset himself and get back in the zone quick. He’s pitched in big situations before he got here, he has a good feel for pitching in pressure situations and he’s the kind of kid who welcomes the pressure.”

Shawaryn won four Non-Public A state titles during his time at Gloucester Catholic in New Jersey, while also adding multiple All-American accolades and an American Legion World Series title to his resume. Perfect Game USA ranked him the No. 4 prospect in the state.

“He’s strong mentally,” sophomore catcher Kevin Martir said. “He’s the kind of kid who wants the ball. He’s the kind of kid who gets outs.”

And outs are exactly what Shawaryn has gotten, fifty of them to be exact, to go with just ten hits and three walks. All in all, Shawaryn has allowed only 14 base runners in 16 and two-thirds innings this season. Opponents are hitting just .172 off him, and in case you were wondering, his ERA is a stingy 0.54 (1 ER allowed).

Shawaryn’s father, Michael, played football at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. The younger Michael believes growing up in an athletic family has facilitated his success.

“It helps you with determination and work ethic,” Shawaryn said. “When I was younger, I would just play all the sports. I think the biggest thing it really helped is my competitiveness and drive. And that is still instilled in me today, just the drive to get it done and get the W.”

Shawaryn has become well acquainted with 'the W,’ having earned wins in each of his first three collegiate starts. His pitching has improved since high school, but his mindset remains the same.

“At this level, it’s still baseball. You take what you know from your roots. Even back in Little League, just throw strikes and you’ll be successful."

Charlie White Breaks All-Time Stolen Base Record; Terps Knock Off JMU 13-6

by John Vittas

Charlie White had three hits and three RBIs en route to breaking the University of Maryland's all-time stolen base record in Tuesday's 13-6 win at James Madison. His first-inning swipe broke Larry Long's 14-year mark of 63 career steals, which was tied by Alfredo Rodriguez in 2011. White, who is only a junior, added another stolen base in the fifth inning.

Charlie White breaking the all-time stolen base record (Photo: James Madison Athletics)

The Terps posted 13 runs on 14 hits Tuesday. Shortstop Blake Schmit drove in three runs and stroked three doubles. He now leads the team with six two-baggers in seven games.

Freshman Mike Rescigno had a career day too. The New Jersey native went 4-for-5 with two doubles and a pair of RBIs.

White, Schmit and Rescigno combined to go 11-for-15 with seven doubles and eight RBIs. The team had eight extra-base-hits in all, their highest total in over a year.

Brandon Lowe began the scoring with an RBI double in the first and Krysthian Leal ended it by recording his first career Division I RBI with a sac fly in the ninth.

Jake Drossner (1-0) pitched five innings and struck out three to record the win in his first start of the season. Zach Morris followed him by retiring six of the seven batters he faced in his Terps debut.

Maryland (5-2) will return home Friday to take on UMass at 4pm. Jake Stinnett is expected to start for the Terps. Stinnett is the reigning ACC Pitcher of the Week and College Sports Madness National Pitcher of the Week, having struck out 11 batters while allowing just one hit in eight shutout innings against Bryant on Saturday.

2014 Maryland Baseball Preview

by John Vittas (@JohnVittas3)

It's hard to deny the ascent of Maryland Terrapins baseball over the past few years. Heading into 2014, the Terps have positioned themselves to take the next big step into the thick of ACC contenders.

One thing to note, Maryland baseball finished with a losing record in 23 of the past 29 seasons. However, they've put up back-to-back winning campaigns and double-digit ACC win totals for the first time since 1971-72. On the heels of four straight nationally recognized recruiting classes, this year's team could be one of the most talented in school history.

Photo: Gene Sweeney Jr., Baltimore Sun

Although the majority of the 2013 contributors do return this year, John Szefc's Terrapins will have to weather the losses of some key players. Last year's ace, Jimmy Reed, was drafted in the sixth round by the St. Louis Cardinals. Reed went 6-4 as the Friday starter, posting a 2.34 ERA and out-dueling some of the nation's best arms.

Three-year starter Jordan Hagel also graduated last year. Hagel, who registered the highest OPS of any offensive player in 2013, leaves behind a vacancy in right field.

The Terps will also have to replace seven players who transferred out of the program. 3B KJ Hockaday (Tennessee Wesleyan), UT Greg Olenski (Delaware), OF Matt Bosse (SC-Aiken), 1B Tim Kiene (Tennessee Wesleyan), OF Kyle Moore, LHP Cam Hatch and C Alex Ramsay have all left College Park. With the exception of Moore, the transfers were recruited by previous head coach Eric Bakich, who resigned as Terps skipper after the 2012 season, leaving for the Michigan job.

Heading into the Terps' crucial opening series against No. 23 Florida, many of the Opening Day decisions have already been made:

Catcher

Starter: Kevin Martir (So.)
Backup: Nick Cieri (Fr.)

Photo: Charlie DeBoyace (Diamondback)

The injury to freshman John Mazza and the departures of Alex Ramsay and Alex Yee leave the Terps incredibly short-handed behind the plate. Martir (pictured) will be in the everyday lineup after batting .279 in 50 games as a true freshman. His leadership skills continue to grow, and his bat will be relied upon heavily in 2014.
Cieri is an above average backup. Highly regarded coming out of high school in New Jersey, Cieri was drafted in 32nd round by the San Francisco Giants. He should spell Martir behind the plate at least once a week, and may get at bats as the designated hitter.

Infield

1B: LaMonte Wade (So.)
2B: Brandon Lowe (R-Fr.)
SS: Blake Schmit (Sr.)
3B: Jose Cuas (So.)

Injured: 2B Kyle Convissar (Sr.), 1B Matt Oniffrey (Fr.)

Backups: Mike Rescigno (Fr.), Krysthian Leal (Jr.), Patrick Hisle (Fr.)

For the second straight preseason, the Terps have lost their second baseman. Last year, it was freshman Brandon Lowe, who tore his ACL on the final rep of practice before Opening Day. This year, Lowe is the beneficiary of another costly keystone injury. Senior leader Kyle Convissar tore a ligament in his foot and will miss at least four weeks to start the season. Convissar's injury opens the door for Lowe, who is said to be a defensive wizard.
Speaking of strong defense, former JUCO transfer Blake Schmit (pictured) returns to anchor shortstop. Schmit admirably replaced Brewers-farmhand Alfredo Rodriguez in 2013, batting .277 and routinely dazzling crowds with extraordinary defensive plays.

Photo: Charlie DeBoyace (Diamondback)

The departure of Hockaday opens the door for sophomore Jose Cuas. Cuas started 37 games in 2013, but struggled. One of the best pro prospects on the team, Cuas was drafted by the Blue Jays in 2012. His power, athleticism and potential is noticable, and Coach Szefc could not resist the temptation of giving him a shot.
Wade returns for his second season as the starting first baseman. Undersized for the position, the Maryland native led the team in RBIs (38) in 2013, and is strong defensively. Having  played outfield for much of his career, moving Wade to right in 2014 was an option. If the corner outfielders struggle offensively, Rescigno could bump Wade to the outfield.
Leal, a transfer from Chipola College, and Hisle, a freshman from nearby Bethesda, both had good showings in the fall and could earn some time off the bench.
Oniffrey and Cieri can also play first, but Oniffrey will miss significant time after breaking his thumb.
With an unstable infield, expect players to shift around, and nine different players could eventually start if the first four don't pin down their opportunities.

Outfield

LF: Andrew Amaro (Jr.)
CF: Charlie White (R-Jr.)
RF: Anthony Papio (So.)

DH: Michael Montville (R-Jr.)

Backups: Tim Lewis (Jr.), Bradley Keith (Fr.)

With Hagel, Olenski and Bosse gone, many opportunities exist in the outfield.
Two-time New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year Michael Montville is still recovering from arm surgery, and will only be available to DH at the start of the season. If Montville is able to play the outfield this spring, it is likely he will replace Amaro in left. Montville is a career .237 hitter, but has as much power as anyone on the Maryland team.
White (pictured) is the biggest name on the Maryland squad. With a team-high .350 average and league-leading 39 stolen bases in 2013, White turned down a contract offer from the Yankees to return to College Park. He can absolutely fly, and is as good a defensive centerfielder as there is. College Sports Madness named him a preseason All-American, after finishing fourth in the nation in steals last year. An Illinois native, White could return to College Park for his fifth year of eligibility when the Terps move to the Big Ten next year.

Photo: umterps.com

Papio batted .245 over 39 starts last year, and features a good combination of power and athleticism.
Amaro won the final starting spot over Mike Rescigno, and will enjoy a starting role for the first time in his career. He too, can fly. Originally an infielder, he served the offense primarily as a pinch-runner the past two seasons.

Pitching

Projected Roles

Friday: RHP Jake Stinnett (Sr.)
Saturday: RHP Mike Shawaryn (Fr.)
Sunday: LHP Jake Drossner (So.)

Mid-Week: LHP Zach Morris (R-So.)
Mid-Week: LHP Alex Robinson (So.)

Closer: RHP Kevin Mooney (So.)
Set-Up: LHP Ben Brewster (Sr.)
Set-Up: RHP Jared Price (So.)
Set-Up: LHP Tayler Stiles (Fr.)

Other Arms: RHP Brandon Casas (So.), RHP Bobby Ruse (Jr.), RHP Mike Rescigno (Fr.), LHP LaMonte Wade (So.), RHP Chase Brewis (Fr.), LHP Robert Galligan (So.), LHP Jamie Pashuck (Jr.), RHP Andrew Green (Fr.), RHP Ryan Selmer (RHP)
Injured: RHP Brady Kirkpatrick (Sr.)

The story here is Shawaryn (pictured). The true-freshman has leap-frogged the entire staff and parked himself comfortably in the weekend rotation. At 6-4, 210, the New Jersey prep star is the full package, having turned down a contract offer from the Kansas City Royals.
Stinnett turned down the Pirates to anchor the Maryland rotation, and will lead a formidable 1-2 punch. Stinnett and Shawaryn have a chance to be very high picks in future MLB drafts.

Photo: Ron Cortes (philly.com)

Six other pitchers were battling for the final three spots in the rotation. It appears sophomores Jake Drossner, Zach Morris and Alex Robinson have won them, although it isn't clear who will pitch on Sundays and who will start during the week.
After a lackluster 2013, Drossner proved himself in the Cape Cod League, posting a 1.46 ERA against the nation's best college hitters.
Robinson made 13 starts for the Terps as a freshman, but has struggled with control and won't pitch on the weekend to start the year.
Morris, a former weekend starter for Cincinnati, becomes eligible after sitting out last year.
Price will start against Florida on Sunday, but will likely spend much of the season in the bullpen.

Mooney, Brewster and Price will headline one of the best bullpens in the ACC. Returning as the closer after a dominant freshman year in 2013, Mooney saved nine games, posted a 2.18 ERA and allowed just 30 hits in 41 innings a year ago. He is one of two ACC closers to be named to the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List.
Brewster emerged as an unorthodoxed, yet effective reliever late in 2013. His deceptive motion and blistering heater will earn him a much larger role in 2014.
Price is the hardest thrower on the team, having touched 96 consistently in the offseason. If he can improve his command from last year, he can be unhittable.
Stiles is a true freshman who pitched well against D-I talent in the Ripken League this summer.

Casas and Ruse will also shoulder some of the bullpen load. Casas had a strong freshman year in 2013 and Ruse went 4-0 with a 3.93 ERA out of the pen.
Brewis, Wade and Rescigno have also shown potential this winter.

Preseason Superlatives

Team MVP: CF Charlie White
Best Pitcher: RHP Jake Stinnett
Freshman of the Year: RHP Mike Shawaryn

Offense
Best Pure Hitter: Kevin Martir
Best Power Hitter: Michael Montville
Most Speed: Charlie White (Amaro for Honorable Mention)

Defense
Best Infielder: Blake Schmit
Best Outfielder: Charlie White
Best Arm: Kevin Martir
Most Athletic: Jose Cuas

Pitching
Biggest Fastball: Jared Price
Best Command: Kevin Mooney

Schedule

ACC Home Series:
No. 17 North Carolina (Mar. 14-16)
No. 5 NC State (Mar. 21-23)
No. 13 Clemson (Mar. 28-30)
Georgia Tech (Apr. 18-20)
Notre Dame (May 2-4)

ACC Road Series: 
at No. 6 Florida State (Mar. 7-9)
at Wake Forest (Apr. 4-6)
at Virginia Tech (Apr. 11-13)
at Boston College (Apr. 25-27)
at Pittsburgh (May 9-11)

Non-Conference Opponents: 
Florida (Feb. 14-16 in Gainesville)
Rider (Feb. 18 at home)
Bryant (Feb 21-24; 4 games)
James Madison (Feb. 25 at JMU, Apr. 29 at home)
UMass (Feb. 28-Mar. 2; 4 games)
VCU (Mar. 4 in Richmond, Apr. 1 at home)
Delaware (Mar. 11 at home, Mar. 18 at UD)
UMBC (Mar. 19)
George Mason (Mar. 25 in Fairfax, Apr. 8 at home)
Towson (Apr. 15, May 7; both games at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen)
Navy (Apr. 16 at home)
West Virginia (Apr. 22 at WVU, May 13 at home)

Game to Watch

Friday, March 21 vs. NC State (7pm.)

Projected No. 1 pick Carlos Rodon will take on Stinnett in College Park. The Wolfpack's shortstop Trea Turner also figures to be a top-5 selection.

In Conclusion

Without a doubt, the pitching staff is the strength of the team, with the offense being the question for the Terps. Their defense up-the-middle is as good as it gets, with White, Schmit, Lowe and Martir all qualifying as elite.

Conference Breakdown

Baseball America ranked six ACC teams in their top-25 poll:
1. Virginia
5. NC State
6. Florida State
13. Clemson
16. Miami
17. North Carolina

Georgia Tech is ranked in different polls. Notre Dame, Pittsburgh and defending-ACC champ Virginia Tech received votes, which should motivate Maryland players.

Season Outlook

A reasonable goal for the Terps is a .500 ACC record, which should put them in the ACC and NCAA Tournaments.
Unlike previous years, Maryland has bulked up their non-conference schedule, especially early on. The Terps open their season at No. 20 Florida and return home to play Bryant the following weekend, a team that went 45-18-1 last year.
They avoid two in-conference foes in top-ranked Virginia and No. 16 Miami. Their ACC schedule gets easier as the season progresses, as their first four series are against ranked opponents, with their final six coming against unranked teams.

Top 10 Breakout Performers in Baseball in 2013

by John Vittas

Many new stars emerged this season for baseball to market and fans to savor for years to come. In case you missed it, here’s the guys who made a name for themselves in 2013.

Honorable Mention: Shelby Miller, Marlon Byrd, Brandon Belt, Yu Darvish, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Travis Wood

10. Manny Machado

After a promising 51 games as a teenager in 2012, Manny Machado hit the ground running in his first full Major League season. Anchoring the hot corner in Baltimore, the Miami native racked up 189 hits (including 68 for extra bases) and a league-high 51 doubles. At an age where most kids are either in A-ball or college (20), Machado is already one of the most productive players in the Majors.

Photo: baltimoresportsreport.com

9. Chris Johnson

The former Astros farmhand went from an afterthought to a legitimate offensive threat in the span of one season. Johnson was neck-and-neck for the batting title all season long, and finished with a .321 mark, the highest of his career by a longshot.

8. Hisashi Iwakuma

After three years of trying to stick in America, Iwakuma accomplished that and then some in 2013. The former Tokohu Rakuten Golden Eagles star blossomed into an elite pitcher, earning the All Star title in his first full season in an MLB rotation. Both his 14 wins and 2.44 ERA exceed his superstar teammate, Felix Hernandez.

Photo: sportsillustrated.cnn.com

7. Domonic Brown

Domonic Brown had never batted above .242 in three Major League seasons, before dropping 27 bombs and raising his average 37 points in 2013. In a year marked by an aging Phillies team, it’s Brown that’s headed in the other direction.

6. Jean Segura

At just 23 years old, the Dominican shortstop racked up 173 hits in his first full Major League season. He was one stolen base away from leading the league and made the All Star team as a rookie. Segura will be a fixture on the Brewers infield for years to come, following a long line of Dominican shortstops.

5. Josh Donaldson

Probably the most shocking of any name on this list, the former Auburn Tiger finished top-10 in the A.L. in RBIs, SLG, OBP and OPS in 2013. Prior to 2013, Donaldson had struggled in his brief Major League stints and batted just .248 in two seasons of Triple-A.

4. Matt Carpenter

Speaking of a lot of hits in his first full MLB season, Matt Carpenter stroked 199 for St. Louis. After moving to second base in honor of David Freese, the former blue-chip prospect batted .318 in 2013, leading the Majors in hits.

Photo: usatoday.com

3. Jose Fernandez

Talk about the path less traveled, Jose Fernandez never threw a pitch in Double or Triple-A, but was still tabbed as the ace of the Miami staff heading into 2013. He did not disappoint. The Cuban fireballer gave up 111 hits and 172 innings (yeah, seriously) and as you would expect, finished with a WHIP below one. That 5.8 H/9 pace was the best in baseball. It’s safe to say he has NL Rookie of the Year on lock.

Photo: bleacherreport.com

2. Matt Harvey

Overshadowed by his recent Tommy John surgery, Matt Harvey’s 2013 was marked by stardom. Having allowed just three runs over his first four starts, Harvey and was off and running. He sustained his dominance throughout the summer, earning the All Star Game start on his home mound. Harvey would have been top-3 in strikeouts if not for the injury and still wound up third in the Majors in ERA.

1. Yasiel Puig

When the Dodgers signed Yasiel Puig to a seven-year, 42 million dollar deal in 2012, Baseball America called the deal “puzzling.” Well, now we all know why they did it.

Whether it’s his shocking speed or infuriating flair, Yasiel Puig will make you watch. And for 6 million per season? Whose puzzled now?

Photo: sports.yahoo.com

Terps Baseball Transitions into the John Szefc Era

by John Vittas

Had a chance to catch up with members of the Maryland baseball team last week. The team is off to a 9-3 start and just cracked the top 30 in the nation.

The 90 second feature:

The longer version:

Trivia Questions of the Week (January 28-February 3)

Mets Trivia

Whose Game 4, bottom of the 10th inning home run against Arizona in the 1999 NLDS won the series for the Mets?

Hint: It wasn't Mike Piazza.

Terps Trivia

Which three schools did Mark Turgeon act as head coach for before coming to Maryland in 2011?

Hint: None of the three schools belong to the ACC

Baseball Trivia

Who are the only two managers to win a World Series title in each league?

Hint: One managed in the 70s and the other just retired within the last 2 years

Sports Trivia

Who is the smallest player to ever play in the NBA?

Hint: He was drafted in 1983 out of Wake Forest

Did you know?

Tiger Woods is Buddhist.

This Week's Birthdays

Monday, January 28: Jermaine Dye, Daunte Culpepper, Jessica Ennis

Jessica Ennis after winning gold in London (Jan 28)

Tuesday, January 29: Dominik Hasek, Jair Jurrjens, Greg Louganis, Eddie Jordan

Wednesday, January 30: Tom Izzo, Davey Johnson, Jalen Rose

Thursday, January 31: Jackie Robinson, Nolan Ryan, Ernie Banks, Vernon Davis

The immortal #42, Jackie Robinson (Jan 31)

Friday, February 1: Dick Snyder

Saturday, February 2: Donald Driver, Kenny Albert

Sunday, February 3: Fred Lynn, Julio Jones, Fran Tarkenton, Ratief Goosen

Falcons WR Julio Jones (Feb 3)

Last Week's Answers:

Mets Trivia

In 2000, the Mets acquired two players at the trade deadline, both of whom hit a home run in their first Mets at bat. Who were they?
Hint: One was an outfielder and one was a shortstop. Both were acquired from the AL East
Answers: Mike Bordick and Bubba Trammell

Terps Trivia

Which Terps player hit a game-winning buzzer-beater against UNC-Wilmington in the first round of the 2003 NCAA Tournament?
Hint: He was the Terps leading scorer that year

There's the shot

Answer: Drew Nicholas

Baseball Trivia

Besides the Yankees, who are the 7 other teams to win multiple World Series titles since 1977?

Answers: Dodgers (81 and 88), Blue Jays (92 and 93), Twins (87 and 91), Marlins (97 and 03), Red Sox (04 and 07), Cardinals (06 and 11) and the Giants (2010 and 2012)

Sports Trivia

College Basketball: Only two teams lower than a 12-seed have reached the Sweet 16 since 2001. Who were they?
Hint: Both were 13-seeds (1 in 2006 and 1 in 2012)
Answers: Bradley (2006) and Ohio (2012)