SF Examiner: Keys to World Series title no secret for San Francisco Giants

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

The Giants are going to be in the World Series. And then, just as in 2002, they’ll lose to the Los Angeles Angels.

That’s the prediction from Sports Illustrated, which is rarely correct in such a thing, but why be concerned about accuracy, unless it’s with Tim Lincecum’s fastball.

Albert Pujols, the new Angel, is on the front of SI’s baseball issue...

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2012 SF Newspaper Company

RealClearSports: Goodell Punishment Fits Saints' Crime

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

Someone had to make a stand. Someone had to make us believe the rules in sports, as the rules of society, were created for a reason, and just because the country is full of scofflaws and liars and thieves who masquerade as businessmen – yes, you Bernie Madoff – we should keep winking and nodding.

These are serious times in football, the game, although wildly popular, undercut by the stories of concussions and dementia, of Dave Duerson shooting himself, but not in his head, so medicine could research the effects of a lifetime of tackling and blocking had on the human brain.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2012

SF Examiner: Booing of Lacob during ceremony was shameful, but understandable

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

You’ve heard it before. No good deed goes unpunished. What the man who owns the Warriors heard was a backlash of boos, which while reprehensible, also was understandable.

Joe Lacob has the keys to a kingdom he is trying to upgrade. The team is a work in progress. Patience is needed, we’ve been told.

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2012 SF Newspaper Company

RealClearSports: Peyton's World Becomes 49ers' Worry

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

It all makes sense in a nonsensical sort of way, Peyton Manning deciding to join the Denver Broncos, the only team run by a man who as a quarterback won more Super Bowls than has Manning.

If you get recruited by John Elway, you have an offer you almost can't refuse, and Manning didn't refuse it. Tough luck, Mr. Tebow.

At last the Peyton saga has reached its conclusion...

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2012

SF Examiner: Historic Olympic Club will pose a daunting challenge for US Open contenders

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

The trophy was there, bright and gleaming. The trophy sitting on the tee of the ridiculously lengthened eighth hole at Olympic Club. The trophy and U.S. Open, thoughts about what is coming and what has gone.

A photo day to capture the beauty of Olympic — where the second full week in June, for a fifth time, America’s golfing championship will be played in all its ecstasy and agony.

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2012 SF Newspaper Company