SB Nation User Blog: Blez

Bloody Elbow and USA Today Counting Down Top MMA Fights of All Time

Blez — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 18:10:59 -0000

Bloody Elbow, one of SB Nation's MMA blogs, already collaborates with USA Today to rank the top MMA fighters. Now with UFC 100 right around the corner, USA Today and Bloody Elbow are teaming up to name some of the top MMA fights of all time. What's fascinating as someone who knows what more recent MMA fights look like is to go back and watch some of the early fights like Ken Shamrock because they seem to be much slower paced and deliberate. Check it out to see the evolution of MMA.

Ed Valentine of Pinstripe Alley Quoted in Hartford Courant

Blez — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:15:25 -0000

Ah does the Boston Red Sox/New York Yankees rivalry know no bounds? Apparently not as the Hartford Courant, essentially ground zero in the war between the Hatfields and McCoys. They asked our SB Nation Yankees blogger Ed Valentine from Pinstripe Alley who he thought should be the starting first baseman for the All Star game this year.

Why Signing Brian Rolston is Saving the Devils Headaches Now

Blez — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:09:30 -0000

I know Brian Rolston didn't have the best year last year. He was largely a non-factor for most of the season after injuring himself pretty early on in the year with a high ankle sprain.

But it was also because if you remember, the Devils had a pretty solid second line of Zubrus, Elias and Gionta, so Rolston spent much of his time either with John Madden or even Bobby Holik. Rolston wasn't exactly given a lot of opportunity to prove that he was worth the lengthy contract. But I think in many ways as I'm sitting here still hopeful that the Devils sign Saku Koivu to center that second line, that Rolston could be giving Lou that oh-so-comfortable feeling right now if Koivu does what most expect him to do and that's sign in Minnesota to play with his brother.

See Rolston is probably best suited for the wing, but he's also a very capable center iceman . He can definitely play the pivot role and would likely make a very nice second line center between Elias and even someone like a Niklas Bergfors. I mean if the Devils really want to finally give opportunities to the young players on their team, they have the opportunity to do just that. Rod Pelley could take the Madden role. Bergfors could be ready to step in and make a difference as a second-line player. And Matthew Corrente might just be ready to step in and be an NHL-caliber defenseman.

At the same time, Rolston could also give the Devils the flexibility to go ahead and sign one of the remaining wingers out there. An Alex Kovalev or someone like that (even a Sykora/Elias reunion). And the truth is that there are a lot more available talent on the wings as opposed to centers (although the guys on NHL Live seem to think a Chad LaRose is a perfect Devil).

So the beauty of the signing last year is that the Devils can use the flexible Rolston in a role to help them adjust to what's left on the market and give them the option to see if some of the young kids are ready to make that jump. Sure Rolston seemed like a bust after last year. But remember he wound up injured, playing for a coach who didn't use him properly. I'm certainly glad the team has him now.

The Superdome for a Wedding Cake? Hell Yes

Blez — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:55:51 -0000

This network has always emphasized fan empowerment. It's all about bringing fans together and giving them an intelligent and insightful place to discuss the topic they're the most passionate about.

But the truth is that when it all comes down to it, we're fans first and foremost. That being said, witness New Orleans Saints' Canal Street Chronicles writer Dave Cariello's wedding cake:

I love it. And let me just say, Dave, congratulations. Your new bride is most definitely a keeper. Notice the details of the husband and wife holding hands wearing Saints jerseys. Awesome.

Second City Hockey Tapped as Expert for Story on Blackhawks

Blez — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:54:56 -0000

ESPN knows where to go for the voice of the fan. They recently turned to Matthew at Second City Hockey, SB Nation's Chicago Blackhawks' community, for clues as to why the Blackhawks are suddenly one of the hottest tickets in the Windy City and are the most popular ticket in hockey right now.

Beyond the Boxscore Named Hot Site of the Week

Blez — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:32:39 -0000

Beyond the Boxscore, our baseball stats site, has been named the Hot Site of the Week, voted on by fans, over at The Sports Hot Sheet.

Go check out why it's considered so hot. I think you'll find that you can learn something in a welcoming atmosphere as Sky Kalkman runs a hell of a ship over there.

Hogs Haven Interviews Redskins LB Robert Henson

Blez — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:29:40 -0000

The SB Nation Redskins blog Hogs Haven seems to have a never-ending supply of willing participants for interviews. This week the site brings us a lengthy, but great quality interview, with sixth round pick Robert Henson. It's worth the read. They get into everything from the wedge to predictions in the NFC East.

SB Nation Hockey Gives Peek into Free Agency

Blez — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:23:43 -0000

Tomorrow is a big day. Free agency starts for hockey and the signings always seem to come fast and furious that day.

But for a look into how each team might fare or what they might be looking for during that crucial 48 hours after midnight tonight, go to From the Rink. James Mirtle has compiled a list from all of our team bloggers looking at what each team might be looking for during free agency 2009.

Big Ten Network Features Black Shoe Diaries Interview

Blez — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:52:46 -0000

Black Shoe Diaries is a must-stop place for Penn State Nittany Lions. The Big Ten Network apparently agrees. They recently did an interview with Mike Hubbell, the blogger at BSD. Check it out as he offers his opinion on everything from monitoring a community to his favorite blog post.

Cincy Jungle Talks Ochocinco at Washington Post Blog

Blez — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:52:58 -0000

As I mentioned last week, SB Nation's NFL bloggers are writing the occasional piece over at the Washington Post blog. Josh Kirkendall of our Bengals blog, Cincy Jungle, wrote a piece for the Post blog about Chad Ochocinco and his tendency to embrace his individualism. It's worth a look.