July 23
Each week I will post my "Dick's Dow Jones" report on whose stock is up and whose is down from across the world of sports.
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From 1998 until this past weekend, David Duval posted eight top-10 finishes in majors without getting a victory. |
Stock up: Duval, Maddux, C-Webb and Tracy
You have to give David Duval a lot of credit for winning his first major after 26 tries. A lot of people figured Duval would fold down the stretch of the final round, but he made clutch putt after clutch putt in winning the British Open.
Duval was solid the final two days, shooting 65 and 67 to win. He handled the pressure well. There was such a logjam going into the final round, but he came through like a champion, so his stock soars.
Greg Maddux has seen his stock climb this season after a slow start. He has won nine straight decisions and the Braves are back in their usual spot -- first place. Maddux is closing in on Curt Schilling in the race for the NL Cy Young Award.
Chris Webber's stock is up, and so is his bank book. It was great to see him return to Sacramento. There are very few sports where a small-market franchise can re-sign its big-name free agent. Kings fans have to be happy with Webber's decision to return.
Also, how about a salute to Dodgers manager Jim Tracy, who has done a great job as his team is in the hunt in the NL West. Tracy is from my neck of the woods in Sarasota, Fla.
Stock down: Rockies, Spurs
The Colorado Rockies pitching staff has been struggle city. Come on, giving up 22 runs to the Dodgers?
Mike Hampton has had his problems in his last seven starts. He hasn't posted a single W, baby! His ERA is over eight during that time. He's been hitting home runs this season, but lately he hasn't come through on the mound.
A stock down to the San Antonio Spurs for letting Derek Anderson get away to Portland. Anderson may not be a mega-star, but he is a very solid player and the third option on the team after Tim Duncan
and the Admiral, David Robinson.
Anderson is valuable; look what happened to the Spurs when he was hurt and out of the lineup against the Lakers in the postseason.