Monday, July 02, 2007

Patriots Training Camp Info

Courtesy of the New England Patriots

Okay Patriots fans, here are some important dates you’ll want to circle on the calendar

The New England Patriots will open training camp at Gillette Stadium on Friday, July 27. Practices are open to the public. On Saturday, July 28, training camp access will be closed due to the New England Country Music Festival featuring Kenny Chesney that will be hosted at Gillette Stadium.

Friday, July 27

8:45 - 10:45 a.m.  Morning Practice Session
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.  Evening Practice Session

Saturday, July 28

Closed due to the New England Country Music Festival at Gillette Stadium featuring Kenny Chesney

Sunday, July 29

8:45 - 10:45 a.m.  Morning Practice Session
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.  Evening Practice Session

Monday, July 30

2:30 - 4:30 p.m.  Afternoon Practice Session

August 10 — Preseason Opener: Patriots at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7:30 p.m.

August 17 — Preseason: Patriots vs. Tennessee Titans, 8:00 p.m.

August 24 — Preseason: Patriots at Carolina Panthers, 8:00 p.m., CBS

August 28 — Roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players. All NFL Europa exemptions expire.

August 30 — Preseason: Patriots vs. New York Giants, 7:30 p.m.

September 1 — Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players.

September 2 — Clubs may establish a practice squad of up to eight players.

September 9 — Patriots open 2007 regular season at NY Jets, 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Herb Hill Predraft interview

By; Frank Carpano

What follows is the interview I conducted tonight with former Providence College Friar Herbert Hill. He is expected to be drafted in Thursday’s NBA Draft. Here’s a transcript of our conversation

Herbert Hill Interview - June 27, 2007 Providence, RI

Frank Carpano: So how are you feeling twenty four hours before the draft?

Herbert Hill: I’ve been excited. I haven’t been able to sleep these past couple of weeks. I’ve been waiting for this day for twenty-two years, should be a great night tomorrow night.

FC:  More excited than nervous?

HH: Probably just anxious, you know? To move on with my life and open up this new chapter in my book, and just take it from there.

FC: You want to know where you’re going, right?

HH: Yeah.

FC: You say you’ve been waiting for this for twenty two years, when did you first think the NBA was a possibility?

HH: I’d probably say the end of last year. The way I finished off the last ten games, I’d say that I had maybe an outside chance, but I never gave into myself and I just kept working, you know?

FC: Were you one of those guys when you came to PC they put together the little bio that goes in the program?

HH: Yeah, I put…in the NBA, but every guy does that, you know? Every kid wants to do that. That’s why you play basketball. But it’s finally here. I’m just truly blessed.

FC: You did a lot of workouts. Did you do anything for one team more than another?

HH: No, because it’s just a short period of time. In the pervious years you could work out two months before - I think maybe a month or so before the draft - I only had three weeks this month for workout opportunities since June 5th. Some teams try to get you into second workouts, but it’s tough.

FC: So who did you work out for?

HH: I worked out for thirteen teams. I got a lot of positive feedback so I’m just excited about tomorrow.

FC: In your gut, though, do you have a good feeling about one team more than another?

HH: Not really. I did all I could do, you know? I had a great season this year, and with the workouts I just played as hard as I could. There’s nothing I can do now. I’m just pleased with my performance. It’s in God’s hands now, so whatever happens now, happens.

FC: After those workouts, did anybody come up to you and whisper in your ear: ‘Herb, if you’re on the board when we pick, we’re going to select you?’

HH: It was too early then. My agent has talked to some teams and stuff, but they really try to keep that stuff under wraps because the way things happened in the draft…[rolls eyes]...like, a guy may go somewhere he’s not supposed to go, and the whole draft is turned upside-down. So you never really know.

FC: Are you superstitious at all talking about it?

HH: Nah, I don’t really like talking about it. I’ve answered the questions so many times now, I’m just ready for the day to come and go. [Smiles]

FC: So how will you spend the day tomorrow and tomorrow night?

HH: I’ll probably just chill tomorrow or maybe do a little shopping just to relax, go out to dinner with my family and friends, or go somewhere tomorrow night and probably celebrate after the draft.

FC: Where will you be watching it?

HH: One of my close friends’ house here with some of my old teammates and family and friends.

FC: I know that you’re friendly with one of your former teammates Ryan Gomes. How big would it be if Herb Hill went before pick fifty. That’s where Ryan was chosen by the Celtics?

HH: I don’t think it will be a big deal. Maybe to other people, but not to us. Wherever I go, he’s going to support me. He’s going to be happy. It’s the same with him, I was there when he got drafted fifty, I was happy that someone gave him an opportunity and I’m happy that he’s doing well, so I know he’ll be rooting for me wherever I end up.

FC: But, if you are picked before the 50th selection, when you first speak with Ryan,will you have some fun with it…

HH: Yeah, regardless I’m going to probably see him tomorrow. It’s really not even a matter of where I go. I feel confident I’ll be in the NBA next year. I think it’s just more the situation.

FC: Has Ryan talked to you at all about draft day and what to expect, and what to do and what not to do?

HH: Yeah, he just tells me to expect the unexpected. I looked at him, this guy’s an All-American here. I’m just going to expect the unexpected and whatever happens, happens. It’s just a whacky day, anything could happen, you never know.

FC: So, are you going to watch TV or are you just going to wait for a phone call?

HH: Um, I’m going to watch a little of it and whatever happens, happens. I’m going to be at dinner for the beginning of it and probably catch it halfway through or before the end of the first round and check it from there.

FC: Great, thanks.

Keep an eye on NBC 10 Thursday At 6, we’ll have more with Herb Hill. At 11, hopefully his reaction to getting drafted

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

What would you do? Part Deux

by: Frank Carpano

I previously discussed my disgust with professional athletes who follow the money.
Not that I’ve got anything against money. We’re talking about guys who are getting paid a comfortable living that should last several lifetimes. But in professional sports (especially team sports) the only “Standings” most athletes care about is their standing on the salary scale.

If you’ve been following sports for any length of time, you know that it’s risky to root for a particular player. Chances are if you fall in love with a player and what he can do for your team, he’ll break your heart at some point when he decides to chase a bigger paycheck.  So you need to root for the laundry. That is: a particular team.

I previously condemned Roger Clemens for taking the money to play this season for the Yankees.

Here’s an example of somebody who didn’t.

Do you remember Dickie Simpkins? He was a senior on the Providence College basketball team that won the Big East Tournament in 1994. Simkins was drafted late in the first round that year by the Chicago Bulls.

He played 7 seasons in the NBA, the majority of that time for the Bulls. He won 3 NBA championships playing an average of 10 minutes off the bench.

I recently saw him in Providence and asked him this question. If you had to do over again, would you have taken a nice paycheck for the experience you had with the Bulls. That is; to mostly sit on the bench, watch arguably the best player to ever play the game (Michael Jordan) every night and win 3 NBA Championships or….Given the opportunity, would you have preferred to been a starter and a star on a team that rarely won games (let alone championships) and made a little more money.

Simpkins said, if he had it to do over again, he would have gone the same route. He said, you can’t trade the experience of winning an NBA championship. You can’t buy the 3 NBA title rings he has at home. The money doesn’t last forever, but the memories do. Isn’t that what sports is supposed to be all about?

Monday, June 25, 2007

What would you do?

by:  Frank Carpano

I often criticize athletes who move from team to team just for the money. Today I offer an example of one athlete who has his priorities in order and another who doesn’t.

Let’s begin with Roger Clemens. Prior to this season, we were led to believe Roger wanted to play for a team that had a chance to win it all. A noble pursuit, because how much money does a guy need. After all when an athlete retires, fans don’t remember you for how much money you made, they remember you for personal accomplishments and team championships. Clemens has made millions over the course of his career, probably enough to keep the next 10 generations of Clemens’ living a very comfortable lifestyle.

The Clemens courtship began in spring training. The Red Sox along with the Yankees and Astros were bidding for Roger’s services. In May, when Clemens signed with the Yankees, the bombers were struggling. It was clear, even then, that the Red Sox were the team to beat.  The Yankee deal was for a prorated contract of $28 million dollars for this baseball season. Why did he sign with New York? Because the Yankees offered the most money!

He could have signed with the Astors and said he wanted to stay close to home. He could have signed with the Red Sox because they appeared to have the best chance to win it all. Or because, as a baseball purist, he wanted to finish his career where it started, in Boston.
But no, he signed with the Yankees. Maybe there is some underlying noble reason for returning to the Bronx. But unfortunately Roger (never a great communicator) didn’t make that reason known. So he looks like a mercenary.

Which brings me to Minnesota’s Kevin Garnett. Late last week, the Boston Herald broke a story that the Celtics were talking to the Timberwolves about a deal for Garnett. Friday night, Garnett’s agent announced that his client would not go to Boston. The unspoken, but underlying reason is because, if he was going to be traded, his client wanted to play for a team that has a chance to win.

It’s not the kind of thing Celtics fans wanted to hear, but you have to respect a guy whose primary reason for playing the game is winning!!!  Granted, money wasn’t an issue here. But his intentions were clear. He wants to play for a winner. What a concept. I want that guy on my team.

Unfortunately, it further illustrates the sad state of affairs at the NBA’s Boston outpost.
Guys don’t want to come here to play. It doesn’t seem like all that long ago, Boston was the place to play in the NBA. But sadly, the days of Bird, McHale and Parish are long gone.

I’m hoping this is just a cyclical thing. Afterall, it wasn’t that long ago, that the NFL’s elite didn’t want to play for the Patriots.

Bottom Line: It’s an interesting question, one that most of us will never have to face.
Go to work at a place that pays you great money but where you will never have any professional success. Or do you work at the place that pays you good money but also gives you the best chance to excel professionally.

Tomorrow: A story of someone who took professional success over the money

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Extra Point - Thursday

By: Frank Carpano

• Did you read the Boston Herald article regarding the trade talks between the Celtics and Timberwolves? Two former teammates are reportedly talking
about doing a deal. The Celtics Danny Ainge and Minnesota’s Kevin Mchale are reportedly talking about sending Kevin Garnett to the Celtics in
exchange for Al Jefferson and the Celtics first round pick (number 5 overall) in next week’s draft. Garnett and Pierce together should definitely get you
to the playoffs, but are you giving up too much. I would like to hear your opinion on that.

• ESPN will air a miniseries next month on the 1977 Yankees. The New York Post review I read today gives it high marks. It should be a lot of fun to see how ESPN did in casting Billy Martin, Reggie Jackson and George Steinbrenner.

• Is it me or are the Rhode Island Interscolastic league baseball playoffs confusing this year.

• If you’re interested in seeing the PGA Tour golf stars of tomorrow this weekend you should stop by the Wannamoissett Country Club. They are once again hosting the Northeast Amatuer.

• If cycling is your thing, the Cox Charities Cycling Classic takes place Sunday in downtown Providence.

• Righthanded pitcher Clay Buchholz and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury will represent the Red Sox organization in the 2007 XM All-Star Futures Game, it was announced today by Major League Baseball.

• Best of luck to new Boston Bruins Coach Claude Julien. He said all the right things at today’s news conference announcing his hiring. But he’s got a huge job on his hands. The Bruins are a distant 4th in popularity among the 4 pro teams in Boston.

• Roger Clemens made his 3rd start for the Yankees today. He took the loss in the Yanks 4-3 loss to the Rockies. Here’s Rocket’s line:  4.1 innings pitched, 4 runs, 7 hits, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts. He gave up a pair of homeruns and his earned run average ballooned to 4.86.

• The Red Sox are off tonight, so New York drops to 10 ½ games behind Boston in the American League East.

• Rare are the boxers who don’t complain that they were robbed after a loss. Last night at Foxwoods, Peter Manfredo Junior won a unanimous decision over David Banks. Afterwards, Banks said the officials were biased towards the local boxer (Manfredo).

• Congratulations to Narragansett’s Jamie Clampitt. She won a 10 round unanimous deicison over Jane Couch. Clampitt leaving nothing to chance, threw 100 punches in the final round.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Wednesday June 20, 2007

By: Frank Carpano

• The Red Sox aren’t saying much about Curt Schilling’s injury. They placed him on the 15-day disabled list today. Schilling said on WEEI Radio today that he believes his sore shoulder is being caused by Tendinitis. The Sox have said that Josh Beckett will move up in the rotation and start in Schilling’s place Sunday in San Diego. The obvious move would be to bring Jon Lester up from Pawtucket. However, Lester pitched for the Pawsox today. He worked 5 innings giving up 3 runs on 5 hits. He walked 4 batters and struck out 3.

• The Bruins have a news conference scheduled for Thursday morning (10:30) regarding their head coaching position. Published reports out of Canada click here indicate that former Devils and Canadiens head coach Claude Julien will be named head coach of the Bruins.

• Providence’s Peter Manfredo Jr. steps into the ring tonight at Foxwoods against David Banks. I interviewed Peter last week and he admitted that he is burned out and plans to take a long break after this fight. I can’t blame him for being burned out (it’s his 3rd fight in 3 months), but isn’t that a recipe for disaster? I guess we’ll see.

• Rhode Island’s Jamie Clampitt is also on that fight card. She’s hoping to get a title shot and a great payday against Christy Martin. Is it just me, or does it seem like Christy Martin has been around forever? I remember reading about her in Sports Illustrated more than 10 years ago. So, I checked. She has been boxing for 17 years (53 fights!) and is 38 years old. Interestingly, Martin has her sights set on Jane Couch. Couch is Clampitt’s opponent tonight at Foxwoods.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Bits and Pieces from the Classic

by: Frank Carpano

• From all indications the addition of women to the field was a success. The team of Natalie Gulbis and Jilu Inkster had the biggest spectator gallery each day. After the event I asked tournament co-host Brad Faxon if the women would be back. He sounded optimistic that they would be back

• Tournament organizers arranged to have a sky jumping team (The Red Bull parachuting team) drop in at the awards ceremony. 2 guys came flying in over the 18th green and appeared to come close to the golfers sitting around the green before landing on the 18th fairway. Many of the golfers scattered as the guys parachuted in. It was scary and funny at same time. Apparently the plane had been circling for quite some time. If the tournament went to a playoff, they would have cancelled the jump. Always something different at the Charity Classic.

• The volunteers are the backbone of this 3 day event. There are over a thousand who serve in different capacities. They are the friendliest, happiest bunch of people I have ever met working at a sporting event. And they actually had to pay to be there. Each person has to purchase their CVS shirt and hat . But they get fed everyday and get a pass to watch the event when they aren’t working.

• CVS President and CEO Tom Ryan promised that the contribution to charity from this year’s event will at least meet if not exceed last year’s contribution. Last year CVS distributed $1.6 million dollars to local charities.

• Our location for our early evening live reports was right next to the 15th green at Rhode Island Country Club. That’s the hole that runs along the road nearest Narragansett Bay. Cars are always driving by and depending on the timing, and who is driving by there is a good chance that you’ll get a shoutout t happened tonight during the commercial break just before the 6pm sports segment.  I heard a car pull up and somebody yell my name a couple of times. Since I was so close to going on the air, I didn’t want to look up. But the person was persistent. I looked up to discover a familiar face smiling at me. It was a playful Brad Faxon who was heading home and wanted to know when I was going to be on TV. Not sure if he was trying to crack me up or just wanted to say hi.

• At 6pm, about 3 hours after the conclusion of the event, the golf Channel had wrapped up all it’s cables and many of the signs directing spectators around the course had been removed. It won’t be long before the luxury suites roll on to the next site.

It’s Official!

by Frank Carpano

final scores from the CVS Caremark Charity Classic

Here are the final scores from the 2007 CVS Caremark Charity Classic

Team round 1 round 2 total under par

Cink/Henry 60 62 122 -20 $250,000

Faxon/Johnson 60 63 123 -19 $175,000

DiMarco/Villegas 61 64 125 -17 $130,000

Quigley/Quigley 63 62 125 -17 $130,000

Price/Clark 63 63 126 -16 $115,000

Toms/Immelman 65 63 128 -14 $110,000

Andrade/Trevino 66 64 130 -12 $102,000

Jacobsen/Ohair 67 63 130 -12 $102,000

Gulbis/Inkster 66 67 133 -9 $95,000

Choi/Parnevik 68 68 136 -6 $90,000

Total purse is $1.3 million

Coming up tonight on NBC 10:

at 5pm:  We profile the 2007 CVS Caremark Charity Classic Volunteer of the Year

at 6pm: A story about Legend Lett Trevino’s visit to Barrington

Coming up later on the blog: final notes from the event
Cink/Henry

Crowd Pleasers

by Frank Carpano

update from the CVS Caremark Charity Classic

The addition of a team of women appears to be a hit. The largest spectator gallery the last 2 days has been the one following Juli Inkster and Natalie Gulbis.

CVS Golf Gala

by Frank Carpano

Monday night the scene shifted to Newport for the CVS Caremark Charity Classic Gala.
This is the first year it was held in Newport. Usually it is held at the Rhode Island Convention Center.
The site was Marble House, one of the spectacular mansions on Bellevue Avenue.

1200 invited guests were treated to a wonderful evening of food, drink and entertainment.
When we arrived guests were directed to a parking area at a beach club on Ocean Drive. Buses transported us to the entrance of the Marble House.

We entered through the main hallway of the mansion and proceeded to the backyard where most of the guests gathered prior to dinner.

Soon after we were directed to a huge tent for dinner. Dinner under a tent? It’s not what you think. The tent was huge,
big enough for the 1200 guests, a dance floor and stage.

Here’s the menu for dinner

Local Farmers Green Sald with Candied Pecans and Goat Cheese - Freshly Baked Artisan Bread with Sweet Butter - Seared Fitel Mignon with marsala Demi-Glace - Shrimp Scallop Brochette with local Summer Snap Beans and Chive Mashed Potatoes - Classic Key Lime Pie and Chocolate Truffle Torte with seasonal berry coulis.

Dinner was followed by a speaking program. Once again I had the honor to open the program as the emcee.
CVS President and CEO Tom Ryan followed, he introduced tournament co-hosts Billy Andrade and Brad Faxon.
All the golfers were there. They each sat at a different table of sponsors. The only golfer other than Billy and Brad to speak was Lee Trevino. He paid tribute to Billy and Brad and their efforts putting together the tournament

Seated at tables around me were Billy Andrade, Juli Inkster, Nick Price and Lee Trevino. Price sat with Tom Ryan. Also joining Ryan at his table were NFL Hall of Famer Roger Staubach, Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Governor Don Carcieri.

The annual live auction is always a highlight of the evening. And last night was no exception. There were only 6 items.
My favorite was a Masters tournament package. It included (for 4 guests), 2 day badges for the Masters, a house with chef and ground transportation. It also included a foursome at Sage Valley, the premier private club in the Augusta area.  It was auctioned off for $50,000! They added a 7th item at the end of the auction and raised a total of $635,000. And it all goes to charity! What is better than that.

Kool and the Gang came on stage and got everybody dancing until it was time to leave.

A great night had by all

Monday, June 18, 2007

CVS Caremark Charity Classic - End Of Round 1

By Frank Carpano

Play just concluded at Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington.

After Round 1, Brad Faxon and Masters champion Zach Johnson share the lead. They are tied at 11-under par with the team of Stewart Cink and J.J. Hendry.

The team of Chris DiMarco and Camilo Villegas are one stroke back.

The women’s team of Natalie Gulbis and Juli Inkster is six strokes off the lead along with the team of Billy Andrade and Lee Trevino

The leaderboard:

Faxon/Johnson -11
Cink/Henry -11
Dimarco/Villegas -10
Price/Clark -9
Quigley/Quigley -8
Toms/Immelman -6
Gulbis/Inkster -5
Andrade/Trevino -5
Ohair/Jacobsen -4
Choi/Parnevik -3

CVS Caremark Charity

by Frank Carpano

The 9th annual CVS Caremark Charity Classic got underway today under sunny skies here in Barrington. If it’s one thing people have learned about this event, it’s that you need to book your vacation the week of the Classic! The weather is always fantastic.

The day began at 9:00 am with the introduction of the players. I have had the honor of handling those duties each year. And I can’t help to be amazed at the collection of players we get here each year. Can you believe that this event has hosted the best in the world! And this year is no exception. Starting with Masters Champ Zach Johnson.

The first hour of the event is reserved for a clinic. It’s a great way to get to know more about the players and their game.
Not only have the tournament co-hosts (Billy Andrade+Brad Faxon) gathered a group of great golfers, they have a great group of personalities. And the players got to let their hair down a little this morning

The Barrington boys made a splash this morning, when they arrived dressed in pink! Not many guys could pull that off, but Brett and Dana Quigley can.

One of the loudest receptions was for the first womens team to compete in this event. Juli Inkster and Natalie Gulbis have broken the gender barrier and are competing for the over 1.3 million dollars in prize money.

Golf legend Lee Trevino is here for the first time. He’s one of those guys who you’d love to spend hours listening to his stories.

Peter Jacobsen capped the clinic off with his imitations of some of golf’s greatest. I always find it interesting to see the reaction of the people he imitates who are sitting a few feet away. In the past, Tom Kite, Arnold Palmer and Craig Stadler
have been treated (if that’s the right word) to the honor. Today ist was Lee Trevino’s turn. It was hilarious, and I think Trevino laughed the hardest.

Here’s the scoop on tournament results. the first number after the names is how many under par the team is and the second number is how many holes they have played.

Faxon/Johnson -4 6
DiMarco/Villegas -5 8
Cink/Henry -4 8
Quigley/Quigley -3 7
Toms/Immelman -2 5
Price/Clark -2 5
Gulbis/Inkster -1 4
Andrade/Trevino E 5
Jacobsen/OHair E 4
Choi/Parnevik E 9

NBC 10’s Joe Kayata and I will be reporting from the tournament tonight starting at 5pm on NBC 10.

Joe was rudely interupted on the golf course gathering material for a story. It was actually a very funny encounter that you will see tonight at 6 on NBC 10.

I’ll blog again once play is completed today. And also offer any updates if there are any other interesting developments

Questions? Hit the comment button!

Friday, June 15, 2007

Welcome to my blog - Extra Point

By Frank Carpano

Hi everyone!

Welcome to my blog.

This has been a long time coming.

In the past I’ve blogged from the Olympics (Salt Lake City and Torino) and most recently from the 2007 Big East Basketball championship. Alot of people checked it out, so that was the motivation to find a way to do it on a permanent basis.

It’s taken a few months to make it happen, but we are finally in business.

Yes, it means more work for me. But, the time limitations of our nightly sports reports on NBC 10 makes this an excellent outlet to share all the other “stuff”.
That’s where the name comes from, “Extra Point”.

I’ve got some ideas of how we can use this to better inform you. I’ll be sharing that in blogs to come. For now I’m going to keep it simple.

One great think about the blog is that it gives you a way to communicate with me.

That means if you don’t like what I have to say (on the air or in the blog), or want to offer your opinion, you can hit the “COMMENT” button and we’re connected.

I also hope that you’ll be emailing tidbits and story ideas. We certainly haven’t cornered the market on ideas.

Thanks for reading this and let the blogging begin!