The Portland Timbers ran into the buzz saw that is the Colorado Rapids defense on Independence Day. It didn’t help that the stingiest defense in MLS only got better with the addition of Tim Howard between the sticks. The Timbers still felt the full force of the raging Rapids defenders even though despite Howard was hardly […] READ MORE
Author: Joe Hojnacki
Joe hails from the bustling suburbs of Detroit, Michigan, where he supports Detroit City FC locally, Portland Timbers nationally, and Arsenal globally. He's also a baseball nerd, pathetic Detroit Lions fan, and beer league athlete who produces and makes occasional appearances on traditional sports radio in Detroit.
@SportsDeskJoe Crowding the Plate Episode 14: Baseball Milestones and Firsts
One of the things we love about baseball is how new things happen all the time. Last week, we saw Kris Bryant do something that’s never been done before, Bruce Bochy hit a milestone that only one other has accomplished, and Joe Maddon pull off some rather unorthodox moves with his pitching staff playing the outfield. […] READ MORE
Crowding the Plate Episode 13: 2016 MLB All Star Ballots
Joe Hojnacki and Greg Hessen give their 2016 MLB All Star Ballots. Do the Chicago Cubs dominate theirs like they are in the overall vote totals? Is Greg’s ballot composed entirely of Detroit Tigers? Before that, last night was Bark at the Park Night at Comerica Park. That has Greg thinking about lots of stupid ballpark gimmicks. […] READ MORE
USA vs. Argentina Recap: Messi and Company Dominate USA in Semi-Final
USA vs. Argentina was billed as the biggest match the United States Men’s National Team has ever played. While this may not be far from the truth, the squad was far from ready for a match of this magnitude. Let alone a competitive one against the number one ranked team in the world. The clear […] READ MORE
Argentina vs. Venezuela Recap: Higuaín, Messi Roll Into Semis
Argentina have been one of the Copa America Centenario favorites since the beginning. Their quarterfinal match agaisnt Venezuela did nothing to dispel that notion. Lionel Messi and company are now on their way to the semi-finals, where they will face the United States on Tuesday night in Houston for the right to play in the tournament final. […] READ MORE
Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake Preview: Timbers Must Prevail Without Nagbe
The Portland Timbers get back to MLS action tonight as they travel to Rio Tinto Stadium to take on a short handed Real Salt Lake squad. Last time these two sides met, Kyle Beckerman was sent off for a questionable challenge and Portland fought back to earn a 2-2 draw at Providence Park in the […] READ MORE
Crowding the Plate Podcast Episode 12: Pitchers Home Run Derby and Ichiro’s Hit Record
Madison Bumgarner, who leads MLB pitchers in home runs over the past two seasons, has come up with the idea for a pitchers home run derby. Jake Arrieta has seconded the thought, but would Joe Hojnacki or Greg Hessen be interested in watching it? What about the general baseball fan? Of the 24 pitchers who […] READ MORE
Brazil vs. Haiti Recap: Seleção Dominate, But Still Incomplete
Copa America Centenario Group B’s Brazil vs. Haiti match went just about as most people expected. Brazil’s skill was far too much for the Haitians to overcome and this match became a blowout very quickly. Brazil vs. Haiti Recap Philippe Coutinho had himself a brace within a half hour thanks to a blistering shot in […] READ MORE
Crowding the Plate Podcast Episode 11: The MLB First Year Player Draft
On the heels of Last Word on Sports‘s coverage of the MLB First Year Player Draft, Josh Greenberg joins Joe Hojnacki and Greg Hessen to talk about the top prospects and which ones to watch in a couple years after they bake in the minors. Josh highlights some of the top high school pitchers and […] READ MORE
Brazil vs. Ecuador Recap: La Tricolor Robbed of Win by Officiating Mistake
After Copa America Centenario Group B started of with Peru eking out a result against a resilient Haiti, the final match of the night, Brazil vs. Ecuador, graced the pitch at the Rose Bowl with contrasting styles. Brazil’s possession and passing would meet with Ecuador’s quick counter attacks, but neither side was able to penetrate […] READ MORE