SB Nation Bay Area: All Posts by Aaron Torreshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48817/bayrea-fave.png2013-02-15T05:00:10-08:00https://bayarea.sbnation.com/authors/aaron-torres/rss2013-02-15T05:00:10-08:002013-02-15T05:00:10-08:00Two Warriors will play in Rising Stars Challenge
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<figcaption>Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A pair of Golden State Warriors will highlight Friday night's BBVA Compass NBA Rising Stars Challenge. Warriors guard Klay Thompson and forward Harrison Barnes will both play for "Team Shaq."</p> <p>The NBA's Rising Stars Challenge is on Friday night, and a pair of <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Golden State Warriors</a> will highlight the action.</p>
<p>Warriors guard <span>Klay Thompson</span> (now in his second year) and rookie forward <span>Harrison Barnes</span>, will both play on "Team Shaq" Friday night. The teams were pre-selected by TNT commentators Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley, who will coach in the game.</p>
<p>As a rookie in 2012 Thompson was left out of the game, but was selected for this year's event after a strong first half showing. On the season Thompson is the Warriors third-leading scorer, averaging 16.4 points per game. Meanwhile, Barnes is averaging 9.3 points per game in his rookie season.</p>
<p>No Warriors played in the 2012 game, which was won by Team Chuck last February at the Amway Center in Orlando. <span>Kyrie Irving</span> was named the MVP in 2012 with a 34 point effort.</p>
<p>Irving will team with Thompson and Barnes on Team Shaq Friday night.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/2013/2/15/3991102/2013-rising-stars-challenge-rookie-sophomore-game-time-tv-scheduleAaron Torres2012-12-31T15:54:37-08:002012-12-31T15:54:37-08:00Running backs key in this year's Rose Bowl
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<p>Two of college football's top ranked rushing offenses will take the field Tuesday when Wisconsin and Stanford do battle in the Rose Bowl. Each team averaged at least 170 yards rushing this season. </p> <p>When Wisconsin and Stanford step on the field for Tuesday afternoon's Rose Bowl, they will try to beat each other with very similar offensive approaches. Each team prefers a power running game, with both clubs averaging over 170 yards a game rushing this year.</p>
<p>Stanford linebacker <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37760/chase-thomas" class="sbn-auto-link">Chase Thomas</a> summed up the match-up best on Sunday, by telling <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/stanford-cardinal/ci_22288295/stanfords-rose-bowl-opponent-is-much-like-cardinal">the San Jose Mercury News</a>:</p>
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<p>"The closest to them is facing our offense. That power running game is definitely something we're used to seeing from our offense."</p>
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<p>Thomas is correct.</p>
<p>When he and the Cardinal defense line up against Wisconsin Tuesday, they'll see one of college football's Top-15 run offenses. On the season, the Badgers averaged 237 yards per game, which ranked them No. 12 in college football. Stanford averaged 173 yards on the ground per game.</p>
<p>Furthermore, the comparisons continue when looking at the two team's best running backs.</p>
<p>Wisconsin's <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77778/montee-ball" class="sbn-auto-link">Montee Ball</a> and Stanford's Stepfan Taylor both ranked in the Top 10 nationally with over 300 carries each and they also both ranked in the Top 20 nationally in total rushing yardage. Ball finished the season with 1,730 yards on the ground, while Taylor totaled 1,442 yards.</p>
<p>The pair of running backs will match-up at the Rose Bowl Tuesday afternoon in Pasadena, Calif.</p>
<p>Kick-off is set for 2 p.m. PT.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/2012/12/31/3823306/2013-rose-bowl-wisconsin-stanford-montee-ball-stepfan-taylorAaron Torres2012-12-31T14:08:18-08:002012-12-31T14:08:18-08:00Sanders Jr. mimics Montee Ball at Badgers practice
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<figcaption>US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>In the lead-up to this year's Rose Bowl, Stanford freshman running back Barry Sanders Jr. has played the role of Wisconsin's Montee Ball in practice. Last year Ball tied the record of Sanders' father, Barry Sanders, with 39 touchdown scores. </p> <p>In preparation for their Rose Bowl match-up with Wisconsin, Stanford has used true freshman <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/164309/barry-sanders" class="sbn-auto-link">Barry Sanders</a> Jr. to replicate Badgers' star running back <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77778/montee-ball" class="sbn-auto-link">Montee Ball</a> in practice. Sanders Jr. is the son of famed Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders.</p>
<p>Here was Ball's reaction to the news on Sunday, with his quotes coming via the <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jsonline.com%2Fblogs%2Fsports%2F184954571.html&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fbayarea.sbnation.com%2F2012%2F12%2F31%2F3822966%2Frose-bowl-2013-stanford-wisconsin-montee-ball" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel</a>:</p>
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<p>"Barry Sanders’ kid is here?. Really? Really? Seriously?</p>
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<p>The news has special meaning for Ball, who struck up a relationship with the elder Sanders during his All-American junior year in 2011. At the time, Ball tied Sanders' single-season record of 39 touchdowns, and in the process finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting.</p>
<p>Ball returned for his senior season this fall, but hasn't had nearly the same impact as his junior year, with just 1,733 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns in 2012. However Ball did break the FBS career rushing touchdown record with 79 earlier this season.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Sanders Jr. is currently red-shirting as a freshman at Stanford, after arriving at the school as a highly-touted running back recruit last fall.</p>
<p>Stanford and Wisconsin will play in this year's Rose Bowl on Tuesday, at 2:00 PT on ESPN.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/2012/12/31/3822966/rose-bowl-2013-stanford-wisconsin-montee-ballAaron Torres2012-12-26T11:01:22-08:002012-12-26T11:01:22-08:00Could Alex Smith end up in Arizona?
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<figcaption>Jim Rogash</figcaption>
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<p>With each passing week it seems more likely that Alex Smith will not return to the 49ers for the 2013 season. If he does leave San Francisco one team which might be interested in Smith is the Arizona Cardinals, the 49ers' opponent this Sunday. </p> <p>With <span>Colin Kaepernick</span> entrenched as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> starting quarterback, it seems like the Alex Smith era could be coming to a close in San Francisco. And if Smith is released in the off-season, look for this weekend's opponent, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>, to try and sign him.</p>
<p>The Cardinals are in the midst of an awful season which has seen them lose 10 of their last 11 games, after starting out 4-0. Arizona's quarterback play in specific has been especially bad, with four different players taking snaps under center. <span>Brian Hoyer</span> replaced <span>Ryan Lindley</span> last weekend, and <span>Kevin Kolb</span> and <span>John Skelton</span> have also started games for Arizona.</p>
<p>With that much instability at quarterback it also makes Arizona a logical landing spot if the 49ers let him go in the off-season. Smith has been solid in 2013, with 13 touchdowns to go with nine interceptions, and currently leads the NFL with a 70 percent completion percentage.</p>
<p>At the same time, he doesn't appear to be in Jim Harbaugh's long-term plans in San Francisco either.</p>
<p>Kaepernick has started each of the last five games for the 49ers, while Smith has only seen action in one game since the start of November.</p>
<p>On the season, Kaepernick has completed 63 percent of his passes, and thrown for eight touchdowns while rushing for an additional five.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/2012/12/26/3805108/nfl-alex-smith-san-francisco-49ers-backup-Arizona-CardinalsAaron Torres2012-12-19T10:30:21-08:002012-12-19T10:30:21-08:0049ers' DeMarcus Dobbs won't need surgery on knee
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<figcaption>David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>San Francisco 49ers fans received good news this week when they learned DeMarcus Dobbs won't need surgery on his injured right knee. Dobbs was placed on injured reserve last week and will miss the remainder of the season. </p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> tight end DeMarcus Dobbs received good news on Tuesday, when he learned that he won't need surgery on his injured right knee. Dobbs suffered a partially torn MCL and PCL in the 49ers' December 9 victory over Miami and was placed on injured reserve last week.</p>
<p>Here is what Dobbs had to say about the situation, <a href="http://www.csnbayarea.com/blog/kevin-kurz/49ers-notes-goodwin-not-worried-about-fumbles">via CSN Bay Area</a>:</p>
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<p>"It looked a lot worse and felt a lot worse," he said. "I thought it was my whole knee, my ACL and everything. I thought the worst of it."</p>
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<p>Now it appears as though Dobbs will simply need to rehabilitate the injury prior to the start of next season.</p>
<p>Overall it's been a tough 2012 season for Dobbs, who is now in his second year out of Georgia.</p>
<p>Dobbs was used mostly as a special teams player in 2012 and had zero catches as a tight end prior to the injury. He was also arrested on Nov. 30 for suspicion of drunk driving and possession of marijuana following a car accident.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/2012/12/19/3784808/49ers-demarcus-dobbs-no-surgery-injured-kneeAaron Torres2012-11-14T12:05:13-08:002012-11-14T12:05:13-08:00A's Melvin named AL Manager of the Year
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<figcaption>Tim Fuller-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>On Tuesday A's manager Bob Melvin was named AL Manager of the Year. He led the A's to the AL West title and their first playoff appearance since 2006. </p> <p>On Tuesday <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Athletics</a> skipper Bob Melvin was named the 2012 AL Manager of the Year after leading his team to its first playoff berth since 2006.</p>
<p>Melvin narrowly edged out Baltimore's Buck Showalter to take home the award. He finished with 116 points overall and 16 first place votes, while Showalter totaled 12 first place votes and 108 points overall.</p>
<p>Under Melvin, the A's had one of the most stunning turnarounds in recent baseball history during the 2012 season. The club overcame a 13-game deficit to win the AL West crown, and in the process clinched its first playoff berth since 2006. With a 94-68 record, the A's finished with 20 more wins in 2012 than they had in 2011.</p>
<p>For Melvin it was the second time he won the award, first accomplishing the feat while managing the <a href="https://www.azsnakepit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Diamondbacks</a> in 2007. He becomes the 14th manager to win the award multiple times, and the sixth to win it in both leagues.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/athletics/2012/11/14/3645886/oakland-athletics-bob-melvin-awardAaron Torres2012-11-14T11:51:36-08:002012-11-14T11:51:36-08:00Giants' Bochy finishes third for award
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<figcaption>Christian Petersen</figcaption>
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<p>On Tuesday it was announced that Giants manager Bruce Bochy finished third in the NL Manager of the Year voting. The Washington Nationals' Davey Johnson finished first, and Cincinnati Reds skipper Dusty Baker second. </p> <p>On Tuesday it was announced that Bruce Bochy, who recently led the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">San Francisco Giants</a> to a World Series title, finished third in this year's NL Manager of the Year award voting.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Washington Nationals</a>' Davey Johnson won the award with 131 points and 77 first place votes with Cincinnati's Dusty Baker finishing second, totaling 77 points and five first place votes. Bochy finished with three first place votes and 66 points overall.</p>
<p>The award -- which was voted on at the end of the regular season, and prior to the start of the playoffs -- reflected how the three teams finished in the standings. Johnson's Nationals finished with an MLB best 98-64 record and an NL East title, while Baker's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> finished a game off Washington's pace at 97-65 overall. Meanwhile San Francisco finished at 94-67 overall as winners of the NL West.</p>
<p>Had Bochy won, it would've been his second career NL Manager of the Year nod.</p>
<p>He also took home the award in 1996 as manager of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a>.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/2012/11/14/3645908/san-francisco-giants-bruce-bochy-award-world-seriesAaron Torres2012-11-14T10:58:37-08:002012-11-14T10:58:37-08:0049ers' Smith seeking second opinion on concussion
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<figcaption>Brian Bahr</figcaption>
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<p>On Sunday, Alex Smith suffered a concussion and has yet to be cleared to play entering Monday night's game with the Chicago Bears. That's why according to reports which surfaced Wednesday, Smith is seeking a second opinion on the injury. </p> <p>With the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> facing a crucial game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> on Monday night, quarterback Alex Smith is seeking a second opinion on a concussion he received last Sunday afternoon against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">St. Louis Rams</a>.</p>
<p>The news was first reported by <a href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/11/13/alex-smith-getting-second-opinion-on-his-head-injury/">Pro Football Talk</a> on Wednesday.</p>
<p>According to Pro Football Talk, Smith has not been cleared to play in the 49ers next game, and has now sought out the second opinion of an independent neurologist. Depending on what Smith's symptoms are, he could be diagnosed with a mild concussion or no concussion at all, however at this time it's unclear whether any diagnosis would result with Smith getting back on the field Monday night.</p>
<p>For Smith though, the long-term effects of the injury could be mitigated by the short-term realization that if he doesn't play Monday he could lose his starting job.</p>
<p>In Smith's absence last Sunday against the Rams, back-up <span>Colin Kaepernick</span> played well, completing 11 of 17 passes for 117 yards and rushed for 66 as well.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/2012/11/14/3645710/alex-smith-injury-concussion-49ersAaron Torres2012-11-14T08:58:09-08:002012-11-14T08:58:09-08:00Raiders, 49ers headline Week 11 NFL schedule
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<figcaption>Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Both the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers will be featured in key games on the Week 11 NFL schedule. The Raiders will play host to the hot New Orleans Saints on Sunday afternoon, while the 49ers take on Chicago in San Fransisco. </p> <p>For both Bay area teams, the Week 11 NFL schedule will provide the opportunity to get a crucial win in front of the home fans.</p>
<p>Starting in Oakland, the 3-6 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> will play host to the red-hot <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>. New Orleans all of a sudden finds itself at 4-5 overall, after back-to-back wins over Philadelphia and the previously undefeated <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>. Meanwhile Oakland has lost four of their last six, including two straight in which they've allowed a combined 97 points. Sunday's game will be a 1:05 local kick-off on FOX.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, fans in San Francisco will have to wait until Monday night at 5:30 PST to see their <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> try and bounce back from last Sunday's 24-24 tie with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a>. San Francisco (6-2-1) will look to take one step closer to an NFC West title, when they face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>, who at 7-2, are coming off their second loss of the season to Houston last weekend.</p>
<p>Here is the remainder of the Week 11 slate:</p>
<p>Thursday, November 15:</p>
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<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Dolphins</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Bills</a>, 5:20 p.m. NFL Network</li>
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<p>Sunday, November 18:</p>
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<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Cardinals</a> at Falcons, 10:00 a.m. FOX</li>
<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a>, 10:00 a.m. CBS</li>
<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a>, 10:00 a.m. FOX<br>
</li>
<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Chiefs</a>, 10:00 a.m. CBS</li>
<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a>, 10:00 a.m. FOX</li>
<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a>, 10:00 a.m. FOX</li>
<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jaguars</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>, 10:00 a.m. CBS</li>
<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a> at Rams, 10:00 a.m. CBS</li>
<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Broncos</a>, 1:25 p.m. CBS</li>
<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a>, 1:25 p.m. CBS</li>
<li>
<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>, 5:20 p.m. NBC </li>
</ul>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/49ers/2012/11/14/3645164/2012-nfl-schedule-week-12Aaron Torres2012-11-07T18:55:52-08:002012-11-07T18:55:52-08:00San Jose State still looking to improve the run
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
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<p>Despite winning 42-13 Saturday, San Jose State still has concerns with its run game. Although the Spartans are 7-2 on the season, their rushing offense is ranked 114th nationally.</p> <p>After struggling to run the ball all season, and struggling to run it Saturday against Idaho in particular, San Jose State coach Mike MacIntyre had seen enough.</p>
<p>Frustrated with the situation, <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/sjsu-spartans/ci_21941217/san-jose-states-inconsistent-run-game-not-worry">he told the San Jose Mercury's Jimmy Durkin</a>:</p>
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<p>"Finally we just said, 'Forget it, spread 'em' out, we're throwing it,' and it was over," MacIntyre said.</p>
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<p>The Spartans went on to beat the Vandals 42-13.</p>
<p>But again, all those second-half points were courtesy of the No. 9 passing attack in college football. If San Jose State wants to win the rest of their games, they know that they'll need to improve the run.</p>
<p>On the season the Spartans rank just 114th nationally in rushing.</p>
<p>And for the Spartans, establishing the run game may be the difference between a WAC title or not.</p>
<p>Currently, San Jose State is 7-2 and 3-1 in the WAC, but it is one game behind Utah State in the conference standings.</p>
<p>Utah State is the only WAC team to beat the Spartans this season.</p>
https://bayarea.sbnation.com/2012/11/7/3616134/san-jose-state-preview-offenseAaron Torres