Kickin' It in the Rain

I don’t know a thing about German football, but I do know I like this photo of a match today – like right now – between Nuremberg and Fuerth.

The Getty Images caption reads:

Nuremberg's defender Philipp Wollscheid (R) and Fuerth's Kazakhstan's midfielder Heinrich Schmidtgal (L) challenge for the ball during the German Football League DFB Cup last sixteen round match between 1. Fc Nuremberg and Greuther Fuerth in the arena in Nuremberg, southern Germany, on December 20, 2011.

In the meantime, there’s a lot of wet stuff falling in Blackburn where the Rovers trail Bolton 2-0 and the Ewood Park faithful are ready to kick Steve Kean out in the rain.

You're right. The Blackburn/Bolton photo stinks. I'll try to do better as the match progresses.

Slide, Reggie, Slide!

Who knew the Dolphins were a cold weather team?

Heck, through first seven games of the season, who knew the Dolphins were a team at all?

Since starting at a dreadful 0-7 and being accused of sucking for Luck, the ‘Phins have swam back to respectability by winning five of their last seven games, including a 30-23 victory over the Buffalo Bills Sunday in a snowy, picturesque Orchard Park, N.Y., where temperatures were just below freezing. (Wow, that was a long sentence.)

Miami running back Reggie Bush led his team with 203 rushing yards, a big chunk of which came on a 76-yard gallop to the end zone and capped by a slide through the end zone snow at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Teammate Brandon Marshall, who could take a few sliding pointers from South Beach’s newest resident, Jose Reyes, glided right past Bush.

“I play FIFA a lot on PlayStation,” Bush said after the game. “I felt like I did a little soccer slide right there.”

Bush’s impromptu celebration drew a 15-yard penalty.

No blubber off the Dolphins, who continue their December tour of cold Northeast states with a visit with the Patriots Saturday in Foxboro, Mass., where the forecast – yeah, I know it’s a little early for forecasts – calls for a high temperature of 36 degrees and, you guessed it, a chance of snow.

Photo: Getty Images

Note: Buffalonews.com has a great photo gallery of the snowy game.

One more thing: Someone just told me I could really increase page views to The Rainout Blog if I posted images of Bills cheerleaders dancing in the snow. I haven’t yet found a good shot, but I’ll keep checking. If you have one, send it my way, and I’ll post it on the blog.

Answer Still Foggy

On Tuesday, I posted a brief story centered on an Associated Press photo of a recent FIFA Club World Cup soccer match in Japan between Auckland FC and Kashiwa Reysol. The caption mentioned that fog shrouded Toyota Stadium at the point the photo was taken.

Indeed, it looks like fog, and, who am I to question the AP?

However, no story I read about the match mentioned fog, but one story did mention a pre-match fireworks display. So I asked: was it fog or smoke from the fireworks?

Keep in mind: I know this isn’t super important and no one really gives rats arse either way. But this is a sports weather blog, so I thought I’d take a crack and uncovering the truth. You know… just for fun.

I sent out a few Tweets and emails and then yesterday received this email from Auckland FC Media Manager Gordon Glen Watson:

Hi,

I was there, and my first impression was the 'mist' was from the fireworks display of the short opening ceremony.

However, as the match progressed, the mercury fell and the argument for fog probably becomes stronger.

To be honest, there was no way to be 100% completely sure.

There was steam coming off the players, so that's also an indicator.

The fireworks display wasn't that grandiose, although the roof was closed over the pitch, so who can tell.

The focus was mainly on the football, although I did hear journalists from abroad ask whether it was fog or smoke.

Let me know when you find out!

Cheers,

Gordon

Ok, we’re not any closer to knowing the answer, but as I said, it’s really not important, just fun.

Big thanks to Watson for taking the time from his busy schedule to reply to my email at – I hope my math is correct – approximately 11:23 p.m. on a Friday night.

Tebowing in the Rain? Not in the Sunday Forecast

Yep. I'm trying to capitalize on Tebow Mania, too.

Hey, you know what would be great for increasing page views to The Rainout Blog?

Rain in Denver Sunday when the Broncos host the New England Patriots, that’s what.

I’m not above capitalizing on Tebow Mania, ya know.

Alas, (I can’t believe I just wrote the word “alas”) the Sunday forecast for Denver calls for a sunny day with a high temperature around 51 and only a 10 percent chance of rain.

Crap!

Oh, well. I’ll just put Tebow’s name in the tags below and watch the page views roll up like the QB’s passing yards. Wait. I’m already at that pace. Never mind.

By the way, the above photo was taken during Florida’s 45-15 win over Florida State on Nov. 29, 2008, when 1.34 inches of rain fell on Doak Campbell Stadium  in Tallahassee. Tebow passed for three touchdowns that day.

Fog or Fireworks?

Is it fog or smoke from a pre-match fireworks display covering the pitch
during a recent match at Toyota Stadium? Who knows?

The caption on this Dec, 8 Associated Press photo reads:


"Fog shrouds the Toyota Stadium where Auckland FC plays Kashiwa Reysol during the playoff for the quarterfinal at the FIFA Club World Cup soccer in Toyota, near Nagoya, central Japan, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)"

You know how I love foggy playing fields, so I had to post the pic.

While doing a little research for a brief story to accompany the photo, I found no reference to foggy playing conditions during Kashiwa Reysol’s 2-0 over their opening round opponents from New Zealand.

However, a match review on the FIFA website noted:

"The action was preceded by an opening ceremony that culminated with some deafening fireworks, but there was nothing particularly explosive during an untidy opening to the match itself."

So, was it fog or smoke from the fireworks display shrouding Toyota Stadium last Thursday?

Anyone out there know the answer?

This may be The Rainout Blog’s first attempt at investigative journalism… or first attempt at journalism, period. 

Last Word on West London Downpour

Yesterday, I was a bit ticked at not being able to see the falling rain on my screen captures from the Chelsea vs. Manchester City game. I could clearly see rain pouring down on the Stamford Bridge pitch as I watched the match on my laptop, but the wet stuff wasn’t visible in photos I wanted to post to the blog. But then I found some cool pics from Getty Images, and now I’ve stumbled upon this gallery from The Guardian photographer Tom Jenkins.

The Jenkins image here shows Frank Lampard after scoring what turned out to be the game-winner in Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over the EPL’s top club.

Seeing the Rain More Clearly

Chelsea leaves Man City all wet Monday.

I mentioned in the post below that the rain falling on the Stamford Bridge pitch today – tonight in London – was not visible in the my crappy screen capture. No problem.

Here is a cool shot from Getty Images giving us nice visual insight into the playing conditions between Chelsea and Manchester City.

The match is tied 1-1 at halftime.

UPDATE: Chelsea defeated Man City, 2-1.

London Rain

It’s a cold, wet night at Stamford Bridge, and “City fans are singing in the rain in West London.” Those were the words of ESPN commentator – I think it’s Rob Stone – after Mario Balotelli scored at the 1:38 mark to give Manchester City a 1-0 lead in the steady downpour.

If you’re relaxing comfortably at home, you can catch the game on ESPN2. If you’re stuck at work like someone I know who shall remain nameless, you can watch on your computer on ESPN3.

By the way, my crappy screen shot was unable to capture the rain falling on the pitch at Stamford Bridge. You’ll have to take my word for it.

Update: Chelsea just got the equalizer on a goal by Raul Meireles. Chelsea 1, Man City 1.

Off Pitch

Occasionally – and by occasionally I mean very, very rarely – I like to stray away from sports and offer just… well, weather. And since it’s a slow sports/weather day, here’s a cool Associated Press photo of traffic flowing through heavy rains today in downtown Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Perfect!

Once upon a time I had thought about transforming The Rainout Blog into a site about weather’s affects on all aspects of life, not just sports. Thinking more clearly, I quickly realized it would a daunting task, much more work than I willing to do, I guess.

Associated Press Photo: Mark Baker

I Would Pay to See a Kick Returned in a Hurricane

Oops!

Oh, no!

Not again!

Come on, Cromartie, you @#$%!

Those are just a few words and phrases Jets fans, I’m sure, have used while watching their team’s normally reliable kick returners cough up the pigskin to the opposition this season.

It’s happened four strait games now following rookie Jeremy Kerley’s ball-belching gaffe against Washington Sunday that led to a Redskins score. The Jets have fumbled away six return chances this season thanks to the uncertain hands of Kerley, Antonio Cromartie and Joe McKnight.

With the Jets most likely needing to win their four remaining games for a chance at the playoffs, Coach Rex Ryan has decided to go with the sure-handed Jim Leonard on kick returns, particularly as the season moves into the potentially harsh winter months of December and January.

Leonard may not – who are we kidding? Does not – have the speed of the aforementioned returners, but Ryan has confidence in Leonard’s ability to secure the ball under any circumstances, even severe storms.

“As I mentioned before, he can catch it in a hurricane,” Ryan said in a press conference of his sure-handed return man. “This time of year, the weather has a tendency to pick up, the wind and all those types of things. I just, right now, would feel more comfortable having Jim Leonhard back there. I know Westy (special teams coach Mike Westhoff) and I feel the same way. I think that’s how we’re going to go."

Photo: Getty Images

Tiger Confident Through the Wind

In case you didn’t hear, let me be the first to tell you Tiger Woods won The Chevron World Challenge Sunday, his first tournament victory in more than two years.

This has been big news today for those sportscasters who still gush over Tiger.

I think I heard one sports radio host today say Tiger, in the process of winning a golf tournament, can make TV viewers switch off the NFL and to the links.

Come on, fellas!

As sick as I sometimes get over the Tiger love fests that often occur in sports media, I couldn’t help be a little fascinated – maybe “fascinated” is too strong a word here, but I’ll go with it – with one Woods weather-related item from last week when the golfer explained to ESPN Radio’s Colin Cowherd that playing in the wind at the Australia Open, where he finished third, helped him gain confidence his game was on par with his pre-Thanksgiving 2009 level of play.
“I am fully healthy and the way I played in Australia was very exciting for me because when the wind blows like that and it’s howling consistently like when it did in Sydney and down in Melbourne and I ended up playing nine rounds, nine competitive rounds during that stretch, Woods told Cowherd.

“I felt like I had control of the golf ball for all those days and as a player you get exposed from the wind if you have any kind of weakness and I didn’t have any glaring weakness and as the more I played I got better. That was the fun part that when the wind blew my swing tightened up and actually got better.”

Woods’ shot, but not his confidence, did suffer a bit from the gusty winds Saturday at the Thousands Oaks, Calif., course, where the 35-year-old golfer entered the third round with a three-shot lead, but fell to second place behind Zach Johnson.

"Most of the time today it wasn't me,” Woods said following the third round. “I hit a lot of good shots. The wind was all over the place. It was tough out there.''

Weather bureaus reported the winds to be at 30 to 40 miles per hour.

According to Sunday’s reports, winds slowed during the final round, and Woods shot a three-under-par 69 to finish 10 under and a shot ahead of that pesky Johnson.

Photo: Reuters

Stinging in the Rain

Photo of the Day: I’m labeling this post the Photo of the Day because I really don’t have much to say about the game or the weather, but I do like the accompanying photo from Getty Images.

That’s Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy – has there ever been a better name for a QB from Texas? Never mind – soaking in falling rain drops after he was popped by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Avanbadejo Sunday.

The Ravens soared – that’s so cliché – to a 24-10 victory over the Browns on a windy, rainy day in Cleveland behind the running of mudder Ray Rice, who racked up 204 yards and a rushing touchdown on 29 carries.

With Rice rumbling through the Brownies defense, the Ravens had no real reason for Joe Flacco to take to the air, but he did anyway, completing just 10 of 29 passes for 158 yards.

Rodgers Won't Blame it on the Rain... or Snow... but Maybe Wind

If the Green Bay Packers slip on their way to an undefeated season, Aaron Rodgers is not going to blame the weather.

While discussing on his radio show Tuesday a potential “recipe” for opposing teams to beat the Packers – by the way, that show is a must-listen for any football fan – the Packers’ quarterback told host Jason Wilde that “depending on the severity of the weather, it can have an impact on any game, but I think you have to factor in what opponent you‘re playing, the setting, be it home or away, those are all individual factors as well, so I don’t think you can put weather above those other factors.”

Rodgers also noted, and we hear this from players and experts about this time each year, that nasty weather and slippery fields can be helpful to offenses, a scary thought for the Packs’ remaining opponents.

“I think when you get into a field where it might not be the best footing … I don’t think you can immediately dismiss the notion that it’s going to be difficult to throw the ball,” Rodgers told Wilde. “I think you have to factor in that not only is it going to be difficult footing for the offense, but for the defense, and as the offensive player knows where he’s going, the defensive player has to react. I think that gives you a slight advantage. If you’re able to grip the ball effectively, and not have to deal with severe winds to go along with the cold conditions, I think you should have a good opportunity to throw the ball effectively.”

Rodgers should have no trouble tossing the ball around the field in snow and cold, but as he said, wind could be a problem. The Packers play on the road against the Giants this weekend, where wind typically can be a problem.

However, a quick check of the forecast calls for relatively calm winds with temperatures in the mid 50s under partly sunny skies. That sounds like a recipe for disaster for the Giants defense.

Photo: Associated Press

Raining on Jeter’s Hit Parade

What’s that?

Oh yeah. You’re right. I have officially closed The Rainout Blog, but occasionally I get the itch. Such is the case on this late Friday night as I chill in the Mancave watching the Giants and Mets. The Panda just made a nice play at third, by the way.

Anyway, it’s not raining in San Francisco, but clouds did explode over Yankee Stadium tonight, postponing the Bombers’ game with the Rays. The significance of the rainout, of course, is it gives Derek Jeter one less game to smack his 3,000 career hit before the home crowd in the Bronx.

The short stop is two hits shy of the milestone, and can certainly record two base hits in one game. However, it’s not unthinkable to say Jeter, a guy who’s hitting well below his career average at .257, could be held hitless throughout the remainder of the series. After Sunday, the Yanks, along with the rest of the Major Leagues, go to the All-Star break and then visit Toronto and Tampa during an eight-game road trip.

I can’t think of a worse place than Toronto for Jeter’s 3,000th base hit.

Friday’s rained out game could have been made up as part of a day-night doubleheader on Saturday – the regularly-scheduled game begins at 1:05 p.m. – but the Rays declined, according to Yankees Manager Joe Girardi, who added that his team voted to play two on Saturday. Now, the rained out contest will be made up Sept. 22.

Will the Rays refusal to play a day-nighter on Saturday create more friction between the two American League East contenders? Girardi and Yankees’ General Manager Brian Cashman say no, but Girardi’s comments suggest otherwise.

"Whether I'm frustrated or not, doesn't really matter,” the skipper said. “We wanted to see this happen for our fans. We thought that was important. But it's not (happening), so let's get the hits the next couple days, that's all."

(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Rain Threatens NHL Winter Classic

Imagine the series of F-bombs Bruce Boudreau could drop if his Washington Capitals are skating in sea of slush during Saturday’s NHL Winter Classic at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

Ok, NHL officials won’t allow the Caps and hometown Pittsburgh Penguins to square in a slush fest, but with a chance of rain on Saturday, there’s a possibility the teams could be skating on a less than ideal ice surface.

The forecast for Saturday in Pittsburgh calls for a chance of rain and temperatures in the low 50s. The warmish temps will not affect conditions of the two-and-a-half-inch thick ice, but falling rain could be a factor. If the slightest bit of rain falls on the ice, it will freeze quickly, causing an uneven and dangerous skating surface. A hard rain would force the postponement of the game to later in the day or to Sunday.

After Sunday, Heinz Filed goes back to the Steelers, and the game will need to be made up in the Penguins’ new CONSOL Energy Center.

I have an efin felling that Bruce efin Boudreau wouldn’t efin like that at efin all.

The Ultimate Bad-Weather Team

As I sit here at The Rainout Blog World Headquarters watching the Saints and Falcons play in the warm, cozy Georgia Dome, I’m wondering about how either of these teams would fair against the New England Patriots if they were squaring off, let’s say, on a snowy night in New England with the temperature at 18 degrees and the wind chill at nine. I’m guessing the Pats would roll either of those fair-weather teams, just like they always have done in the Bill Belichick era in New England.

Seriously, have you noticed Tom Brady and the Belichick-led Patriots never lose in cold weather, particularly in snowy, nasty weather?

In the last five Patriots games played in at least snow flurries – including the 34-3 thumping of the Bills in Buffalo Sunday, the Pats have outscored their opponents 211-24, according to the Boston Globe’s Gregory Lee Jr.

And since Bellichick took over as HC of the NEP, the Patriots are 12-0 in snow games. Three of those victories have come in the playoffs, including the tuck rule game back in 2002. Eight years later, I’m still ticked about the tuck.

The tuck rule game was probably the most significant win of the 12 – it led to the Patriots dynasty in the early 2000s – but, to me, the most impressive and memorable snow game wins were the 36-7 victory in Chicago a few weeks ago and the 59-0 spanking of Tennessee in October 2009.

Lee posted the dates, opponents, temperatures and scores of those 12 snow games on the Globe’s Extra Points blog Sunday after the win in Buffalo. Thanks for letting me share, fellas.

from the Boston Globe
Bill Belichik era snow games (12-0)
Date Opp. Tmp Weather W/L Score
12/26/10 at Buffalo 22 Snow flurries W 34-3
12/12/10 at Chicago 26 Snow W 36-7
10/18/09 Tennessee 39 Mixed Rain, Snow W 59-0
12/21/08 Arizona 30 Snow W 47-7
12/10/05 at Buffalo 30 Light Snow W 35-7
12/04/05 New York Jets 26 Light Snow W 16-3
01/16/05 Indianapolis* 25 Snow W 20-3
01/18/04 Indianapolis* 32 Light Snow W 24-14
12/14/03 Jaxsonville 25 Snow in 2nd Half W 27-13
12/07/03 Miami 28 Cold, Snow, Wind W 12-0
01/19/02 Oakland* 25 Snow, 3-5 inches W 16-13 ot
12/17/00 at Buffalo 35 Snow Showers W 13-10 ot
*Playoffs

Photo: Dilip Vishwanat Source: Getty Images

Ed Reed is en fuego

Ed Reed was on fire Sunday, figuratively and literally. The Baltimore Ravens safety had two interceptions in his team’s playoff-clinching win over the Browns in cold Cleveland, where the wind chill was 13 degrees. Reed, after the second pick, retreated to the sideline to warm up, but got a little too close to a heater, which ignited his jacket. Check out the video.

Pennsylvania Governor Really Wanted to Watch the Eagles Sunday Night

I’m guessing it was nice and cozy in the governor’s mansion, or where ever Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell was planning to watch the Eagles game from Sunday night. I bet he had his chips, dip, a lovely beverage and his Eagles Snuggie all ready when he leaned the game had been postponed. Rendell, upset about the NFL’s decision to move the Eagles-Vikings game in snowy Philadelphia to Tuesday night for the safety of the fans, told Fox 29 News in a live interview that “fans can make their own judgments about their safety. This is football.” Rendell went on to invoke the name of Vince Lombardi, as everyone seems to do when they’ve been wronged by something as silly as a blizzard interrupting their football. You can see the entire interview on the Fox 29 website.

The Eagles-Vikings game will be played at 8 p.m., Tuesday night at Lincoln Financial Field. It will be the first Tuesday night NFL game since 1946.

In the meantime, snowy weather caused some minor problems for teams that did play On Sunday. After the Patriots spanked the Bills, the team had to take a bus to Rochester, N.Y. for the night. And the Jets, fresh off of blowing a lead and eventually losing to the Bears, were forced to stay the night in Chicago.

UPDATE: I just read that Gov. Rendell provides commentary after Eagles games, so maybe he would have been at the game and not at wrapped up in a Snuggie at the governor’s mansion. But, I’m guessing he’s not in the booth for each Eagles home game. If anyone has any information about the Rendell’s commentaries, send me an e-mail.

Poinsettia Bowl is a Go

Workers pumped water out of Qualcomm Stadium overnight, readying the field, which was covered with water this time yesterday, for today’s Poinsettia Bowl between Navy and San Diego State. The field will be wet and soggy, or course, but who cares? Not Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo, who said “Football is football. We’ll go out and play and do what we do.” Kickoff is scheduled for 5:06 Pacific.
Photo: K.C. Alfred

Flood Me with Your Qualcomm Stadium Pics

If there’s anyone out there working to remove water from Qualcomm Stadium, send me your pics, and I’ll post the best photos here on the blog, giving you full credit, of course. Send photos to rainoutblog@gmail.com. Thanks a bunch, and good luck!

That’s Way Too Much Water on the Poinsettia’s, Guys

Given the fact that the field at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium is several inches under water, I’ll give a slight edge to Navy in Thursday’s Poinsettia Bowl. I’m sure that’s not the first, nor the last, Navy joke you’ll read or hear regarding the stadium flood.

Heavy rain in Southern California over the past few days has left the stadium flooded, and now we’re less than 24 hours away from the scheduled kick off between Navy and San Diego State University.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5:06 p.m. Pacific, and Poinsettia Bowl officials are insistent the game will played as scheduled. "The stadium grounds crew worker will work round the clock to make sure they get in the game," executive director Bruce Binkowski said.

And if you’re worried about the San Diego Chargers, don’t. The team that calls Qualcomm Stadium home is finished with its regular season home schedule. However, there is a chance the team could host a playoff game next month. The Chargers end the regular season at the Bengals and Broncos. Now there’s a couple of teams that are under water.

A spokesman for Mayor Jerry Sanders said workers have been trying to pump water out of the stadium since Thursday morning. Good luck, fellas!

I’m no expert on pumping water from football fields – although I listed exactly that on a resume once – but I just can’t see how the field will be ready for play 21 hours from now after watching this footage from San Diego’s KGTV.

Every Gopher - and Viking - Grab a Shovel

When it comes to news production, the fine folks who serve in the public relations offices of colleges and universities often do some nice work. This video from the University of Minnesota University of Relations office is no exception. The three-and-a-half-minute piece includes a time-lapse of the snow removal and details the dedicated efforts of university staff and numerous other individuals toward preparing the already-winterized TCF Bank Stadium for Monday night’s Vikings – Bears game. It took 27,000 man hours to shovel and haul snow out of the stadium, according to Minnesota Associate Athletics Director Scott Ellison. Cool Fact of the Day: Workers, Ellison said, removed 40,000 cubic yards of snow, which if pilled back on to the field, would stack up to 20 feet high.
Photo: Reuters/Eric Miller

Going Social

Hey, guess what. The Rainout Blog is joining the rest of the world on Facebook. Click on the page and click like if you if you do indeed like The Rainout Blog. If not, well then... go make a sandwich or something.

Zygi, It's Cold Outside

Wow, it was cold in Minnesota last night, eh? Not that I was at the game. Heck no. I was sitting comfortably in the man cave, sipping on hot cocoa. Yummy.

What wasn’t so good was the game. It was a stinker by most measures. A stinker unless you like the way weather often inserts itself into sports. I do. That’s why I (sometimes) write this blog. You do. That’s why you’re wasting time, probably at work, reading this nonsense.



When we looked at the NFL schedule back in September – when the Vikings had Super Bowl hopes and the Bears… we’ll, we didn’t know what to think about the Bears – we thought that, come December 20, the Vikes would be sitting as comfortable in the playoff picture – playing in the cozy Metrodome – as me sitting on my man cave couch.

It’s funny how 16 inches of snow on the Metrodome roof – not to mention an aging quarterback’s banged up body – can change things.

By the way, in case you somehow missed the action or any news reports, the Bears won 40-14 and clinched the NFC North title. Game time temperatures were 20 degrees with a wind chill of 9. Burrrr! Pass the hot cocoa… and someone take the whip cream away from Ty.


Zygi said what? You would think last night’s conditions would prompt the Vikings brass to build some sort of super indoor football facility and perhaps chip in a little cash so that all cold-weather teams could build a dome. Not the case. Vikings owner Zygi Wilf said he’d like all the Vikings home games played outdoors. “Football should be played outdoors, and for the Vikings in the past, the weather has given the Vikings a big advantage," Wilf said… uh, before the game. We’ll see if he changes his tune.

Before we go today, let’s take one more look at that Metrodome roof collapse. I just can’t get enough.

Good night everybody.

Going to the World Series Tonight? Bring an Umbrella

It was a beautiful night for baseball in San Francisco last night, at least as far as I could observe by sitting on the comfy couch in my man cave.
Tonight’s Game Two of the World Series, however, may be a have a different feel to fans at AT&T Park – a wet feel.

According to the National Weather Service, a weather system will be approaching the ballpark from the north, just about the same time – 4:57 Pacific – Giants’ starter Matt Cain tosses the first pitch.

Chances of rain are at 30 percent – according to Weather.com – at game time, decreasing to about 10 percent as the game progresses. No heavy rain is expected, so the game should be completed tonight. Temperature at first pitch should be around 63 degrees.

Someone please inform Kristen Lee about the impending rain, so she won't think Giants fans are spitting on her. Thank you.

Blog Drought

Hey, there you are, Perry.

Oh, wait. It’s me who’s been gone for so long.

Have you missed me? Don’t answer that.

You know, I’d update The Rainout Blog more often if wasn’t for this work thing I have to do everyday.

Anyway, I thought I’d share this Associated Press cool photo of a mechanic for Red Bull driver Mark Webber pushing a rack tires through rain following a practice session for the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix. This weekend’s race in Kuala Lumpur, where thunderstorms are forecasted through Sunday, could turn out to be another thrilling soaker like last week’s Australian Grand Prix.

Ok, is this a triumphant return for The Rainout Blog? Nope. But, I hope to update this thing a little more frequently, particularly since baseball season is about to begin. You know how I love baseball rainout stories.

Yeah, It's Cold in Wisconsin

When you look at the NFL schedule and notice that the Green Bay Packers are playing on a Monday night in December, one question immediately pops to mind: Will there be snow?

According to the National Weather Service, there is a chance, a small chance, of white stuff falling on Lambeau Field. And if it does snow, no accumulation is expected.

Bummer!

However, it is Green Bay in December, so you know it’s going to be frostier than Thanksgiving dinner at Elin and Tiger’s house. At the moment, the 10-day forecast is calling for temps to dip to about 25 degrees.

Hold on.

Ok. Vince Lombardi just called and said that sounds like a heat wave.

Anyway, Tom Silverstein has a story in the Journal Sentinel today about the Packers’ remaining frostbitten schedule, which includes road games in Chicago and Pittsburgh and a game back at Lambeau against the Seahawks.

And Kevin Cowherd of The Baltimore Sun advises Ravens players to stay close to the bench heaters Monday night.

The photo above is from the AP. Thanks, guys.

Man U Gotta Love Soccer in the Rain

Turkish champion Besiktas is facing Manchester United Wednesday night in the Champion’s League group B match at Old Trafford. In the photo above, Besiktas players are seen practicing in the pouring rain. There’s only a 20 percent chance of rain when the two teams meet Wednesday night, but it will be cold. The wind chill is projected at 33 degrees. If you go to the game, send me a photo and I’ll post it on The Rainout Blog. The e-mail address is rainoutblog@gmail.com.

Word from the Booth

Hey, I know this sports-weather blog stuff is a fascinating, riveting read. However, if you really want something totally cool and interesting, check out Word from the Booth. It’s a new blog created by my pal in Tennessee – I thought the Jets would win the Super Bowl before this guy started blogging – and it offers compelling topics about stuff that you may have never heard of. For example, do you know about Thanksgiving maskers? Me neither, until I read Word from the Booth.

16 years ago...

Cold, Frosted Coors

I’m in the minority here, I know, but I love playoff baseball games played in football weather. According to the forecast for Saturday night, that’s exactly what we’ll get when the Colorado Rockies host the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the National League Division Series in Denver. Weather.com is forecasting – get this – a 70 percent chance of snow showers and temperatures to be in the mid 30s when the first pitch is thrown at 7:37 p.m. local time. The wind chill at game time will make fans at Coors Field feel like it’s about 23 degrees.

I know baseball purists hate cold weather baseball games, but I love the added drama that little snow and chill can deliver.

The Open in Pictures

Yahoo! Sports has a great photo gallery of the rain-drenched U.S. Open. I don't think I've ever written more about golf and rain than I have today. The photo here is from the Associated Press.

Done for the Day

Play at the U.S. Open has been suspended for the day. They'll try again Friday morning.

No word yet on a postponement of the Yankees/Nationals game. It's still in a rain delay.

UPDATE: The target -- this has become a moving target -- for the first pitch at Yankee Stadium is now 4:05 p.m.

Send Us Your Rainy Sports Photos

By the way, I've been intending to write this, but keep forgetting: If you happen to be at the U.S. Open or Yankee Stadium, e-mail to me a cool rainy shot and I'll try to post it here. Be sure to send me your name so I can give you credit. The e-mail address is: rainoutblog@gmail.com.

Thanks.

The Organist is Playing “Singing in the Rain”

It’s raining in the Bronx, delaying Joba Chamberlain’s first pitch in the Yankees’ rubber (boots) match with the Washington Nationals. Jack Curry has the rain delay covered, including Johnny Damon’s forecast, on the New York Times’ Bats blog.

Frank Franklin of the Associated Press took the above photo exclusively for The Rainout Blog (that’s not true).

Keep visiting The Rainout Blog for updates on the Yankees/Nationals and U.S. Open rain delays. (That, too, is probably not true. I got stuff to do, ya know?).

Weather Update

...from usopen.com:

"Mike Davis just informed us that it will be at least until 2 p.m. before players possibly could get out to the practice range to warm up for a resumption of play today. Heavy rain is still expected over the next 45 minutes, but the good news is there's a window this afternoon when golf should be able to resume. The hope is that the morning wave of 78 competitors can complete round one today, with the afternoon wave, which includes Phil Mickelson, completing the first round on Friday.

Once the rain does stop, Jim Hyler, the chairman of the Championship Committee, said it would take 30 minutes or so to get the course back into playing condition."

Running updates can be found here.

Rain Delay at Black

Play currently is suspended at the U.S. Open because of heavy rain. While you’re waiting, here is an insightful article about how U.S. Open officials are combating the wet conditions. By the way, the photo is from the Associated Press.

Tracking Tiger

The weather is playing a factor as the U.S. Open begins this morning. Jim Baumbach of Newsday is following Tigers woods throughout the day on the newspaper’s On The Green blog. The photo above is from Newsday’s J. Conrad Williams.

And what's better than reading live updates about the U.S. Open on a blog? Well, watching the tournament on your computer -- if you're not near a large scree TV. You can watch live -- the rain is pouring now -- on the U.S. Open Web site.

Wet Sox

The White Sox game with the Cubs, as you already know, was rained out on Tuesday, but the coolest baseball rain delay photo from the past week is this AP snapshot of the Sox grounds crew as they squeegee water from the tarp covering the field during a rain delayed game between the Pale Hose and the Tigers.

Striking Photo

I’m about two weeks late with posting this AP photo of lightning striking at the Southern California Golf Association golf course in Temecula, Calif. on June 3. It’s a great pic, so you’ll give me a break on its tardiness to the blog, right? Enjoy!

By the way, you can keep up with U.S. Open weather conditions at weather.com

Rain Could Halt U.S. Open

The potential of significant rainfall on Thursday and Friday has USGA officials concerned about possible delays at the beginning and throughout the U.S. Open, which begins Thursday at Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, N.Y. So, are USGA officials open to extending play into the early part of next week should play be held up by rain? Jim Hyler, a USGA vice president and chair of the championship committee told the New York Times: “If we can’t play it, if it’s not fair to be playing the ball as it lies, we’ll suspend play. We’ll stay here until we get a champion.” Rainfall from last week has the course already soggy, the Times story said.
How much rain will it take to garner a play suspension? “If we get an inch of rain Thursday, I’m fairly sure we’ll get a suspension,” Currier said. “Especially if it’s an inch of rain in a couple hours. If it’s spread over the whole day, we’ll be O.K. But if it comes quickly, the bunkers will fill up fast. It seems like we haven’t seen the sun in a month. I’m gearing myself for four days of rain.”
Read more of the New York Times story>>

Cincinnati Reds Grounds Crew Pulls the Tarp in Thunderstorm

Tarp Problems at Nationals Park

Two Out on Opening Day, so far

It’s opening day, and threats of rain and snow already have claimed two games. The snowy forecast in Chicago led officials Sunday to postpone Monday’s White Sox opener, and rain in Boston today has led to delaying the Red Sox contest with Tampa. Also, rain has been falling in Cincinnati, but the Reds and Mets continue to play through. And, as you can see in the photo, the tarp has been on the field today in Baltimore, but it looks like the O’s and Yankees will begin on time.

By the way, for more frequent Rainout Blog updates, follow the blog's Twitter page at Twitter.com/Rainoutblog.

A Snowball's Chance in Jail

Much attention has been given to the huge snow boulder Shaun Ellis of the Jets tossed into the stands at Qwest Field Sunday, but how about the snowball Todd Kobus took in the puss while being escorted from Gillette Stadium? Hilarious!

Kobus is the fella who rushed onto the field in the fourth quarter Sunday and tackled the Patriots’ Junior Seau on the sideline. Kobus is now saying that he is a big fan of Seau, and meant only to give the linebacker a hug. Whatever the motive, Kobus has been charged with trespassing and assault and battery. Police said Kobus was intoxicated. No kidding! Boston’s Fox 25 has video on its web site of Kobus being led off the field under a shower of snowballs. Enjoy the show.

Above photo: AP Photo/Boston Herald, Matthew West

Bears Heat Up in Record Cold

How cold was it in Chicago last night? Cold enough to be the coldest Bears home game since the NFL began keeping such statistics in 1963. The cold, hard facts about Monday’s night’s weather says the temperature was 2 degrees, and the wind chill made Soldier Field patrons feel as if it were minus 13 degrees as they watched the Bears slip past the Packers in overtime. The Chicago Sun-Times web site has a list today of the Bears top 5 coldest games. The Packers have been the opponent in four of those games.

Seattle Snow

But this photo (see below post) may be the best of Sunday's football action.

Seattle may have the most picturesque stadium… ever!

Oh, Baby! Let It Snow

I was looking through all the snow photos from Sunday's NFL action, and, so far, this is my favorite.

Frozen Phins

Hey, did you hear that the Miami Dolphins played in the coldest game in team history Sunday in Kansas City? Of course you did. Everyone has heard it by now. The temperature was 10 degrees with a wind chill at minus 12 at kickoff. The previous coldest Dolphins game was in December 1977 in Foxboro, Mass. What I want to know is: What was the temperature at the Dolphins coldest home game and when was that game played? Anyone who e-mails me with the correct answer wins a free subscription to this blog.

Jets Shaun Ellis, Hurls Giant Snowball at Seahawks Fans

Bear Weather

From today's Chicago Sun-Times:

Bear weather / BARE weh THUR / n. / Popular -- and much-overused -- term to describe miserably cold conditions for Chicago Bears games at Soldier Field, conditions that die-hard fans can attest don't necessarily help the home team. Bear weather is marked by: steam coming off Brian Urlacher's head, snot frozen to fans' faces, a wicked wind off the lake that sends field goal attempts awry and, perhaps, snow: e.g., tonight's game conditions.

The forecast for tonight's Monday nighter at Soldier Field calls for low temperatures at 11 degrees with windchill at minus 2.

Isola Recalls Last Knicks Snow Day

Snow is hitting hard in many parts of the country, but so far there are no NBA or NHL postponements to report. In today’s N.Y. Daily News, Frank Isola remembers the last time the Knicks had a snow day.

The last time the Knicks had a home game postponed, Don Nelson went bar-hopping on the snow-covered streets of Manhattan. That was back on Jan. 7, 1996, a little more than two months before Nelson was fired despite being nine games over .500.
In ’96, the Sonics were already in New York but the league and the Knicks still decided to postpone the game. The Milwaukee Bucks arrived in Manhattan late Wednesday night and as of noon today the Knicks are still planning to go ahead with the game.

Mass Snow Fall

I just read that Massachusetts is expected to receive 10 to 14 inches of snow from the storm hitting the state today. It’s already white in Foxboro, as you can see in this Gillette Stadium web cam.

White (Sunday Before) Christmas

I’m an idiot.

Of course, if you’re a regular here, you already know that. My latest blunder involves my fantasy football team. Sure, I’m in the championship game, so I must have been doing something right, right? But where I went totally wrong was benching Payton Manning this week in favor of Matt Cassel. Manning tossed for 368 yards and three touchdowns last night in a win over Jacksonville. This Sunday, Cassel will be tossing snowballs.

When the Pats host the Cardinals Sunday, temperatures will be in the 30s and there is a good chance of snow and a wintery mix. Someone on the radio this morning – I don’t remember who – said the conditions could be similar to the Tuck Rule game. (That was a fun game to watch… until the @#$%& Patriots won on a totally bogus, @##$%&&* rule.) Patriots kicker Steve Gostkowski is preparing for whatever conditions arise (or fall) while the Pro Bowlers’ wife is preparing for the warmth of Hawaii. Meanwhile, the Warm-Weather Birds may be a little nervous about leaving the cozy, warm confines of their home dome.

The Panthers play the Giants in the wind tunnel that is the Meadowlands Sunday night in a super important game for both teams. The game forecast calls for temps in the 20s and single-digit wind chill. There’s also a chance for snow and freezing rain. (I’m trying to work in an Earth, Wind and Fire reference, but I’m just not that talented.)

Snow possibilities also are forecasted for Seattle on Sunday where the Jets hope to not allow their playoff chances melt like a snowman at August training camp. Remember when Brett Favre used to be the cold-weather king? I’m not sure that’s the case these days. I think he’d rather be playing indoors and wearing purple.

The Dolphins are staring at back-to-back cold weather games, starting this week in Kansas City where the high temperature is expected to top out at 9 degrees with winds reaching 18 to 24 mph and gusts as high as 33 mph. A week from Sunday the Dolphins travel to play the Jets in what could be a cold, night contest if the game is flexed into primetime, which could happen if the game is to decide the AFC East title.

"Cold weather can be used as an excuse," said Miami and former Jets quarterback Chad Pennington to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. "Both teams have to play in it. I did it for eight years. It's really a mind-over-matter type of thing. Cold weather, that's what football is really all about."

It still hurts a little inside to say “former Jets quarterback Chad Pennington.”

Perhaps the coldest game of the week will be Monday night in Chicago were the low temperature is predicted to be 2 degrees when the Bears and Packers kick off.

Pat’s Kick Snowballs Giants to Famous Title Tilt

Before the Giants and Colts hooked up for the 1958 NFL Championship – you know, the “Greatest Game Ever Played” – the G-Men had to win a playoff game against the Cleveland Browns. That playoff became necessary on Dec. 14, the final day of the regular season when Giants kicker Pat Summerall nailed a 49-yard game-winning field goal in the snow. ReelSportsFan.com has highlights of the game.

Polar Bears Welcome Brees

The Bears and Saints go toe-to-toe Thursday night in Chicago, and while both teams will be fighting to remain in the playoff hunt, the story of the night will be the Windy City weather.

Forecasters are calling for temperatures to dip to the lower teens with wind gusts as high as 20 mph. That’s not good news for Saints quarterback Drew Brees, whose passer efficiency rating at Soldier Field is 16 points below his career average. Bears linebacker Lance Briggs thinks Brees may be a bit too soft to play in the Chicago cold after Brees has spent his pro career playing in a warm city and indoors.

"Drew Brees has been in San Diego and in New Orleans in a dome,” Briggs said. "So when he comes out here, and he's got his hand-warmer fanny pack, it's a whole different ballgame. He's freezing; his blood is real thin."

In their past two trips to Chicago, the Saints have moved the ball well, but also have committed seven turnovers. The Bears defense also sacked the QB six times.

Last week, Chicago defeated Jacksonville 23-10 in 19-degree temperatures – minus 1 degree if you factor in wind chill. It was the coldest game ever in Jaguars history.

“If you talk to teams that aren’t from Chicago, believe me, they don’t want to come to Chicago this time of the year to play football,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said. “For us, it’s a part of our everyday life. It’s no issue with us.”

Flight Crew Weathers Turbulence Better than Jets

On Wednesdays during the NFL season, SI.com posts a photo gallery of some of the league’s cheerleaders from the previous week’s action. The week 13 gallery went online today, and four of the 28 images are of a soaking wet New York Jets Flight Crew. More than half of the gallery is photos of Chargers cheerleaders doing their thing in sunny San Diego and the Vikings gals cheering in the climate controlled Metrodome. Boring. Well, not boring, but you know what I mean. Enjoy the show.

Kirwan Writes about Our Two Favorite Subjects

I knew the rain poured in Tampa during the Bucs game Sunday, but I had no idea that there had been a tornado warning. But, one of my favorite NFL guys, Pat Kirwan did. In his NFL.com column this week, Kirwan delves into weather-related issues from Week 13 that include the importance of ball control through inclement conditions and how the Power I formation can be effective in poor weather. Kirwan also notes that when “rain, snow, and wind become factors, it looks like the fast players slow down and the big old fat linemen seem to get on a level playing field.” You can read Kirwan’s column in its entirety here.

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Cheering in the Rain

As I sift through the all the photos from rainy football games from the weekend, I think I've decided that this is my favorite. Why would it not be?

Tallahassee Soaker

According to a story on Gainesville.com, 1.34 inches of rain fell on Tallahassee Saturday. Much of the soaker occurred during the Florida Gators 45-15 win over state rival Florida State.

'Cats Freeze Out Black Bears

Perhaps you heard already – this game was played Saturday – that the University of New Hampshire and University of Maine played in blizzard-like conditions at Maine’s Alfond Stadium. Who won? Who cares? It was a snow game. Well, ok. New Hampshire won, but that’s irrelevant. The snow is the news here, people. Without it, most of the country would not have known this game was played. (AP Photo/Michael C. York)

Leon Lett Thanksgiving Blunder

Today is the 15th anniversary of Leon Lett’s Turkey Day blunder. Enjoy!

Hazy in Huskieville

It's a bit foggy in DeKalb, Ill., tonight, and the fog is not working as a home field advantage for Northern Illinois. The homestanding Huskies trail Central Michigan 30-6 with 2:50 to play in the third quarter. No photos have hit the Web yet, but I'm sure plenty of pics will pop up soon. Hey, instead of waiting for me to post photos of the fog fest, why not watch the live action on ESPN 2?

Update: Northern Illinois just put eight points on the board with a touchdown and two-point conversion. The Huskies trail now 30-14 and just recovered an onsides kick with seconds to play in the third frame.

Update II: The fog is getting thick enough to force ESPN 2 to use field-level cameras instead of the traditional broad shot. If the atmospheric conditions aren't enough excitement, the hometown Huskies are making a heck of a comeback, trailing 30-27 midway through fourth quarter.

Outstanding in the Rain

Ok, this post has nothing to do with sports – although, I hear this fella has a mean jump shot – but you have to like a guy who’ll roll up his sleeves and a deliver a speech in the pouring rain. I’ll get back to posting sports-weather stories soon… as soon as there is a weather-inflicted sporting event that is not a cricket match.

Best Series Action Yet

Say what you will about Major League Baseball’s handling of the World Series rain delay and postponement Monday night – it seems everyone has an opinion today – but you have to admit that the rain is the most exciting storyline of this lackluster Series. Several columnists, bloggers and radio personalities are chiming in today, and most are going hard after Bud Selig. I would link to a host of stories, but you people are smart. You know how to Google. Knock yourselves out.

Wait, I do want to link to a couple of items. Here are opposing opinions of the Commish’s actions.

Bud Selig makes a bad call for baseball – LA Times

And here’s the other side: (Actually, this is from MLB.com and is more of a skipping-through-a-field-of-daisies argument.)
Silver lining: Another day of baseball

By the way, in case you haven’t heard, the conclusion of Game 5 has been postponed until Wednesday night.