Garrett Anderson in a Brave New World

Note: this is the cover story for this week's Score Atlanta. This is the unedited version. Check it out online or when it hits newsstands this Wednesday at 1300 locations in the Greater Atlanta Area...

Any Braves fan still fuming over Ken Griffey Jr.’s return to Seattle should breathe a huge sigh of relief. Because Junior went to Seattle, the Braves actually signed the better free agent leftfielder in Garrett Anderson. For 15 years Anderson led the Angels to victory after victory and was integral in the team winning the 2002 World Series. For his career, Anderson has been named to the American League all-star team three times and was the 2003 Mid-Summer Classic’s MVP.
But what makes Garrett Anderson the perfect addition to the Braves team isn’t all-star appearances, it is his nature as a ball player. Anderson, who will wear No.18 with the Braves after fifteen years of donning No.16 with the Angels, opened the 2008 season cleanup spot for the Angels and should slide right into that vacant spot for Atlanta. Anderson manned the four-hole until the Angels made a July trade with Atlanta and acquired Mark Teixeira, moving Anderson to the second spot in the lineup. With Anderson batting cleanup, third baseman Chipper Jones can stay at his preferred No.3 spot in the everyday lineup where he hit .364 last season en route to a league batting title. Anderson can also provide coverage for Jones that the third baseman was missing down the stretch as Anderson is a career .296 hitter with 272 home runs and 1292 RBI. “I’m pleased to be here, and looking forward to helping the Braves in any way I can,” said Anderson when he was introduced as the newest Atlanta Brave last week.
“Help in any way,” will also mean playing leftfield on a regular basis. Before Anderson was signed, the team was preparing to head into the season with Matt Diaz platooning with likely Brandon Jones or Gregor Blanco in leftfield. Diaz missed most of the second half of last season with an injury and Brandon Jones never won the job in Diaz’s absence. The team missed out of Griffey, but that could end up being a blessing in disguise as Griffey was being looked at as a platoon with Diaz. A platoon would have meant two different lineups for the everyday players to get used to, however with Anderson in the fold, he will likely get most of the starts in the outfield with Diaz coming off of the bench. The left-handed hitting Anderson still hits lefties well enough to warrant staying in the lineup against southpaws. "I can't say enough about Anderson," Braves manager Bobby Cox says. "I've always tried to catch games when he was playing just to watch his swing. I was a big favorite of guys like George Brett, who could put up a good at-bat every time they were up and get the run in. Garret is that type of guy." Anderson’s smooth swing and left-handed success will be important this season as he will have significant at-bats against Ace lefthanders in his new division such as Johan Santana, Cole Hamels and (Jamie Moyer).
For those worried about Anderson switching leagues this late in his career, Anderson is a professional. “I've put on three different uniforms there and gone through three different name changes," Anderson said in his press conference. "Today when I put the [Braves] uniform on and looked down, it looked different. I'm used to seeing a different script across the front and a different color. But that chapter in my life is closed, and I'm looking forward." Despite playing with just one organization, Anderson has seen his former franchise move players in and out and take on different identities. His former team’s most recent identity mirrors his new team’s strategy of relying on good pitching while waiting for a big inning then turn it over to the bullpen. For years Bobby Cox has geared the team to sit on the starting pitching while playing for the three-run home run. Anderson should be right at home behind a feared batter and hitting in front of Casey Kotchman, his teammate from the Angels that the Braves acquired in the Texeiria deal last July.
Anderson’s arrival also signals the end of a very busy offseason for Braves GM Frank Wren. The team had several goals of solidifying the rotation and bolstering the offense of the outfield. Wren worked hard to find a bat for the leftfield position and the two-time Silver Slugger winner certainly fits the bill. "We are absolutely thrilled to bring Garret to Atlanta," says Wren on his latest acquisition. "He is a proven winner and true professional. We look forward to his veteran leadership and his presence in our lineup." Cox agreed with Wren in the introductory press conference. “This is probably the final piece to fit the 25-man roster. It's a piece that we needed. We have a lot of young outfielders in camp that could actually use another year down in the Minors. I think this helps in many ways, but especially in our lineup, Garret fits." Anderson will also be looked at a one of the players that WANTED to come to Atlanta. This offseason has seen multiple players flirt with the Braves, only to take a larger salary elsewhere. Anderson actually signed on the dotted line and many Braves fans will root harder for him for that reason.
Bottom line, Anderson’s arrival to the Atlanta means this team is ready to compete. Adding a three-time all-star to an outfield needing some juice and adding a cleanup hitter to a lineup in need of a cleanup hitter means this team can now legitimately throw its hat into the ring for the wild card as well as the division. Anderson joining the Braves for one year at $2.5M may be just a drop in the bucket financially, but the potential return could make this deal the bargain of the off-season.

Kawakami look gud in debut

For the second straight day, Braves fans were treated to the spring training debut of a new pitcher. After Tommy Hanson impressed fans with nothing but heat, Japanese import Kenshin Kawakami likely delighted his manager with two scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, striking out one and recording six outs in seven batters. Kawakami threw 18 strikes in 29 total pitches, giving up only a bloop single to Adam LaRoche before striking out Jose Tabata on a high fastball to end his day.
The Braves received run support from Omar Infante’s third inning single and later would tack on a Greg Norton solo home run as well as a two-run bomb from Chipper Jones. Buddy Carlyle struck out three in two innings of work while Kris Medlin had two Ks in one inning pitched. The Braves take care of the Pirates 5-2, but the story was once again the debut of a pitcher. The Braves should count themselves 2-0 for the team’s future with a successful outing from Hanson and a solid performance from Kawakami. Fans anxious to see how Derek Lowe will earn his fat contract will get the chance Saturday as the team faces Toronto at 1:05.

Let's not outthink ourselves about the NFL draft

Paul Mac and Fletcher Proctor will be having multiple discussions about the NFL draft, which is still a few months away. But I thought I'd throw out my thoughts on the best guys at each position because we are hearing a lot of talk about how some players are disappointing scouts at the combine, while others are climbing. One guy in particular, Aaron Curry, the LB from Wake Forest. There is now talk he will be the #1 overall pick going to Detroit. Neither Paul Mac nor myself could recall any major plays this guy made. In fact, when we first heard local media and national media talking about a linebacker from WFU, we both assumed it was Alphonso Smith.

I understand that the NFL is littered with players plucked from nontraditional powers, but come on. Those guys are the exceptions, not the rules!

I knew who patrick willis was when sanfran drafted him. Curry, not so sure.

You want the best LB this draft? the Rey Mauluga kid from USC. DONE.

you want the best DT, the BC kid.

you want the best OT, Eugene Monroe. #2 Andre Smith. Don't care about his leaving the combine or getting suspended for the Sugar Bowl. I watched him play. The Baylor kid? NEVER HEARD OF HIM. Heck, I might even say Michael Oher is better. I'VE SEEN HIM PLAY!

best WR? Crabtree. WATCHED HIM PLAY. Maclin of Mizzou? Nice as a slot receiver/PR, but worthy of a top ten pick? NO. Percy Harvin? NOT worthy of a top 20 pick. HE GETS HURT!

best RB? Beanie Wells. he is the big back. KM24 will be the nice Tiki/JNor to a bigger back, but you MUST have a bigger back first. KM24 will need to be paired with an LDT in San Diego or a Michael Turner or a Larry Johnson in KC

best QB? Stafford. The arm, the throws, the experience. Sorry Dirty Sanchez. should MS7 go #1? not to me to decide, but he's the best qb

best TE, Pettigrew. DON'T CARE ABOUT 40 times for a FREAKING TIGHT END!

best CB Malcolm Jenkins. DON'T CARE ABOUT 40 TIME

We'll have more discussion as the draft approaches, but for now, THAT'S my list of the top guys.

Paul Mac is NOT a fan of the Skins' moves

Paul Mac is a diehard Falcons fan who once had to be taken to the hospital in his Warrick Dunn jersey and was pissed MOST that he missed the game and the EMTs cut his Dunn jersey to check his heart rate. He weighs in on the Redskins recent moves of signing Albert Haynesworth and DeAngelo Hall, while cutting Shawn Springs and Andre Carter and Jason Taylor likely next....

100 million dollars for a guy who plays 62% of the snaps… OK good luck with that at least he’s an elite player we think. 50 million and an obscene (for this guy) 22.5 guaranteed to DEANGELO HALL!!!!!!!!!!!!
Really? Is that Right?
That’s embarrassing. They paid a guy who got CUT but the RAIDERS after they signed him to a retarded contract….
22 million guaranteed. AYFKM?
The guy that got smoked by Hines Ward with one shoe… drummed by Eddie Royal a freaking Rookie. Spit on By TO… Lost a game because he lost his mind against Steve Smith?
Haynesworth… Ok, I can live with that.. D Hall… that’s just stupid. Snyder has lost his freaking mind… or he just cares nothing about the playoffs. Highest Paid defensive player… average QB, average coach…. Yadda yadda yadda.
There’s room for you in the Falcons Bandwagon. Got a fresh #2 jersey for you.

That’s like paying 8 million to Keith Brooking because he’s a good “leader.”
Boy, that “leadership” thing has been overplayed by Atlanta sports talk. How about you show up, play hard and make freaking plays… some guy on the field yelling at me never really made me play harder.
-Sleazy P

I had to respond that I'd rather have Snyder who is TRYING everything he can, opposed to the owner of the Raiders.
Or the owner of the Bucs, who just fired his coach, cut his QB as well as most of the people who MADE the Bucs who they were. AND he hired a coach with ZERO experience.
Or the owner of the Lions, who kept Millen around for 99 years.
Or the owner of the 49ers.

Bottom line, the Skins are on the verge and Snyder realizes it. Too bad he thinks the way to put them over the top is with these two cats on defense. He SHOULD be looking at his crappy coach (which he did. He tried to get Cowher) and his crappy QB (he SHOULD be looking at Jeff Garcia!)
I won't bust Snyder's balls for trying to buy a championship. The Pats tried two years ago. Maybe this talent can get them past the first round of the playoffs. I can only hope!

Congrats Walton Lady Raiders!

With five straight state titles and no losses since 2003, to say that the Walton High School (Georgia) girls tennis team has been on a roll would be an understatement. Roberta Manheim has been the head coach for each of the five titles and has overseen a winning streak that has now reached triple digits.

With Walton’s 5-0 victory over Wheeler Thursday, the Raiders opened up the 2009 season with a victory - but the bigger record is 100 consecutive wins. Manheim refuses to take credit, however, instead heaping all of the praise on her girls.

“We have been very fortunate to have had very talented girls who are willing to play for Walton,” she said.

Under Manheim, several current Raiders as well as several from past teams have received college scholarships. Cameron Ellis received a scholarship to the University of Georgia after four years at Walton, Katie Kilborn played at Vanderbilt, and last year’s lone senior Ashley Lawrence is playing at Wofford. Manheim’s current Nos. 1 and 2 singles players are both looking to add one final team title before heading off to play Division-I tennis next season. Top singles player Elizabeth Kilborn has signed to play at Georgia Tech, while No. 2 Emily Lauten will become a Hokie next year at Virginia Tech. These two helped Walton win last year’s state title while playing in the top two spots.

Manheim’s team is once again loaded after the two seniors. Sophomore Emily Zabor has stepped into Lawrence’s No. 3 singles spot and both of Manheim’s doubles pairings are made up of sophomores with Kayla Brady/Maxie Weinberg at No. 1 and Stephanie Falcon/Claire Marshall at No. 2.

With so much talent again, “everyone will have the opportunity to play,” Manheim says, and it has been this formula which has allowed Walton to reload its singles spots every year.

But how does the team stay hungry?

“I tell my girls all the time, ‘Take it one match at a time,’” Manheim says. “I think part of our strength is they are so focused and they have always wanted to play for each other.”

Match after match, title after title, this Walton girls tennis program doesn’t look to come up short anytime soon. Move over, John Wooden - there’s a new coach with her own winning streak!

Real World Atlanta: Episode 5

Previously on THE REAL WORLD
The Element pulls up to the Tyler Perry Studios and Tyler Perry greets the roommates as they get out. “So you guys will be coming up with three of the six main characters and you will be working with the writing team on three episodes.”
“What’s wrong, Max?” Cailie asks Max. He says nothing. Cailie drains the two shots.
“Listen Cai, you can make out with whoever, whomever, but I think we’re done. This one’s on me.” Max walks away as Cailie is stunned.
In confessional Jimmy and Vlad both look at the camera. “Dani is my friend. Ray is my girlfriend,” Vlad mimics Todd.
“Vlad, watch what I’m about to do. I WILL have Todd making out with someone NOT named Ray by tonight,” Jimmy predicts.
Cailie is grinding on Todd and Dani looks on, a tad annoyed. “Whatever, girlfriend, whatever. Dance with the whore all you want Todd. I’ll tell Ray. Don’t worry!!” Dani shouts into the crowd, but the music is blaring.

This is the TRUE STORY, of Seven strangers (you’re a rapper?), picked to live in a house (ATL BABY!), and have their lives taped (get the F*** out my face!) to find out what happens when people stop being polite (say it again, I DARE YOU!) and start being real. The Real World: Atlanta!

Kids are shown flying kites at Grant Park. People are playing Ultimate Frisbee while Vlad and Jimmy are running. “What happened last night with Todd? Did he come to bed alone?” Vlad huffs
“Don’t know,” Jimmy says, hardly breaking a sweat. “He never came into the room last night. But something happened. You can count on that.”
“I cannot believe he would do that to his girlfriend,” Vlad is struggling now.
“Are you kidding? First night here he was all over those skanks at the Compound. You can smell that kind out, man. Nice guy, but not faithful.”
The two run by a MARTA bus stop.

“So did you and Todd, uhhhhh, “ Carly and Cailie are talking on MARTA.
“Did we what?” Cailie asks. “You know what I’m talking about Cai,” Carly shoots Cailie a razor-like stare.
“He has a girlfriend. No, we didn’t. We were dancing at the Compound. Close and all, but, like, nothing happened,” Cailie seems like she is trying to convince herself.
“Just seemed like you two were hot and heavy,” winked Carly. “I mean you had just gotten dumped by Max…”
“Yeah, what the heck was that about? He says, ‘make out with who you want to.’ Who was I making out with?”
“I don’t know. That’s crazy? How would he even know or think of anything?” Carly wonders.
“I will say THIS about Todd,” Cailie offers. “I was dancing next to Todd and he rubbed against me.” She gives a mischievous smile and eyebrow raise. She makes a motion with her hands in reference to Todd’s package. Carly cracks up laughing. “REALLY?”
“Really!”

Todd is finally stirring around the house. He peeks his head into Dani’s room, he looks for Vlad in the computer room. He seeks out Jimmy in the weight room. He makes his way to the kitchen and grabs a Vitamin Water. Kevin enters the kitchen. “Hey bro, saw you and Cai last night dancing. Did you uhhhh…”
“What? Shut up Kevin. I have a girlfriend. Cailie was wasted and was grinding all up on me. We’re friends, nothing more,” Todd quickly spit out.
“Just looked like stuff might have led to stuff, know what I’m saying?” Kevin laughs at himself as he cracks an egg into a frying pan.
“Nothing happened bro. Hey you want to get to work on our assignment?” Todd is trying to change the subject.
“umm sure, let me finish this egg sandwich.” Kevin turns away and Todd runs his hand through his hair.

Jimmy and Vlad have returned and see Todd and Kevin in the computer room.
“Hey guys, we’re working on the show. You want to help out? We’ve gotta come up with a character today, so we’re throwing together some ideas,” Todd calls out.
Jimmy pokes his head into the room while elbowing Vlad. “Did ah, you and Cailie…”
“NOPE!” Todd semi-yells without looking up. “Want to help out?”
“Be in in a minute,” Vlad says as his stare could level a building.

Jimmy is jumping up and down as Vlad laughs. “Dude, they hooked UP!”
“How can you tell?” Vlad questions Jimmy.
“They just did. You KNOW they did.”
“Did what?” Dani asks as she walks up to the two giddy idiots.
“You know, Todd and Cailie hooked up last night.
“If they did, Todd would have been taking advantage of her. She was nearly passed out when they came home,” Dani is clearly angry with Todd.
“Jimmy says they made out though,” Vlad lets Dani in on the plot.
“Well she will make out with a tree when she gets drunk,” Dani criticizes her roommate.
Todd suddenly appears, “So we need to work. Come on in. Let’s focus guys.” Dani and Vlad just roll their eyes at his enthusiasm.
Carly and Cailie come home and see everyone in the computer room.
“God, I bet they’re working on that stupid show. Do you even what to work on this?” Carly complains to Cailie. “I don’t even understand how we are going to write this show. Look at me. Jimmy and Dani can do this.”
“Carly, we should probably get in there.” “Oh, do you want to see your boyfriend?”
“Shut up whore.” The two girls giggle as they walk right by the computer room.
Inside, Vlad is looking all around the room, bored while Todd and Jimmy bounce ideas off of each other. Dani and Kevin are trying to contribute, but Todd and Jimmy seem to be ignoring them.

In confessional Kevin and Dani are staring at the camera. “Should we say something?” Dani asks Kevin as she is looking directly at him. “Maybe we should ask Todd?” Kevin answers. “Todd and Jimmy seem to be really pumped about this show. Cai and Car don’t seem to care. Vlad has never seen a black person before, and we are trying to help, but Jimmy and Todd don’t seem to care!” Dani says nonchalantly. “In their defense, we are pretty boring people with zero creativity,” a sarcastic Kevin adds.

Todd walks into the bathroom where Cailie and Carly are standing while Carly washes her face. “So we came up with some good stuff about Miss Doris. I can go over it with you guys if you want to,” Todd offers, barely making eye contact with Cailie.
“I bet you’d like to go over it with Cailie,” Carly says while splashing water over her face. Cailie’s face turns red as Todd mutters something before walking away. “Kidding girl.” They both laugh as Cailie makes the gesture again.

Dani runs into Todd in the hallway and Todd tries to make small talk. “Shut up asshat. Did you and Cailie hook up last night?” Dani spews to Todd.
“What? NO! Why does everyone think that just because SHE was up on ME, that means we hooked up?” Todd is exasperated. “She was all over me Dani. You saw it.”
“You weren’t pushing her away Todd.”
“We were dancing, there was booze,” Todd tries to make excuses.
“No excuse, Todd. You have to tell Ray.”
“I did NOTHING wrong. I danced with my friend, my ROOMMATE. Ray wouldn’t care,” Todd’s voice is quivering, but he is trying to hide it.
“That’s just messed up Todd. You can’t do this to her if you REALLY love her. You either need to let her know or refrain from that sh!t because I know I wouldn’t like it if you were my boyfriend…” Dani stops talking quickly and Todd seems to pick up on what she just said.

Kevin and Vlad are sitting in the hot tub. “So are you going to see your girl soon?” Vlad asks Kevin, but he doesn’t seem interested. “Maybe. She’s cool, but I don’t know. I’ve got to focus on my music and this show.” Kevin rolls his eyes as he brings up the show.
“Let me ask you something Kevin,” Vlad starts. “Do you watch these Tyler Perry shows?”
“Yeah, I’ve seen them.” “Do you like them?”
“I don’t think they’re funny, but whatever maybe ours can be,” Kevin offers.
“So they are supposed to be comedy shows right? Isn’t comedy supposed to be funny?” Vlad questions. “Dude, some people think they are funny,” Kevin laughs at Vlad.
“What’s funny?” Todd asks as he gets into the hot tub.
“Do you think Tyler Perry shows are funny?” asks Kevin?
“Yeah!” Todd blurts. “What, you don’t ?”
“nah, it’s alright,” Kevin starts. “NO!,They suck,” Vlad finishes.
“You guys are crazy,” Todd says as he sips a margarita.
Dani is seen on the phone, “Mom, I am so pissed. There’s a guy here that I am best friends with and I think he may have hooked up with another one of the roommates.” On the other end: Well Dani, what does it matter, unless you like this boy. Do you?” Dani looks out of the phone room to see Todd talking by in just a bathing suit, about to get into the hot tub. “I don’t know Mom. I didn’t know if I’d ever like a boy again, but this one, maybe.” “Dani, do what your heart tells you.” “Thanks Mom.” Dani hangs up the phone and sits by the hot tub. She listens as the boys argue about the merits of Tyler Perry’s programming.

Later Dani is outside smoking a cigarette when Todd comes out and sits by her. “So are you going out with the rest of them?” “Doubt it. I don’t want the drama of last night,” Todd answers, looking at the stars.
“Todd,” sighs Dani. “I am sorry I got pissed at you this morning. But I think the reason I got so upset with you this morning is because…” Dani stops speaking as Todd finally looks at her. “I didn’t make out or even kiss Cailie, Dani. I don’t like her. Seriously, we were drunk. I wouldn’t cheat on Ray with Cai. I love Ray, and wouldn’t want to hurt her like that. I wouldn’t want to ruin what I have over Cailie.” The way Todd says Cailie causes Dani to cock her head.
“The reason I got so pissed at you is because…Listen I didn’t think I’d ever be attracted to or want to be with a guy again. There is just something about…”
Jimmy pops his head out to the porch. “Hey guys, we’re headed to Smith’s Old Pub. Some band that Carly once saw at FSU is playing there. You guys in? Taxi is coming in 10 minutes.”
“Nah man. We’re good,” Todd responds but doesn’t break his gaze with Dani. Dani is entranced right back at Todd. Jimmy senses something is up. “Ohhhhhhh-Key. I’ll pick you up a Smoothie King. Later Lovahs!”
Todd and Dani kind of laugh to break the ice. “You,” Dani finishes.
“What?” Todd asks.
“Something about you. I know you probably love Ray, but I’ve just felt something from you ever since day one here.” Dani stops talking after seeing the gears obviously cranking in Todd’s head.
“I love Ray, but yeah, there is something about you Dani. Something special.” Todd finally says.
“But I respect your relationship too much and I will let this thing die down and…” before Dani can finish Todd leans in and kisses her. Dani is startled at first and pulls back, only to smile and go in and return the kiss. She runs her hands through Todd’s hair while he moves his hand down her back.
The camera pans up as Todd says, “Yeah, no drama here.”
Credits.
Next time ON THE REAL WORLD.
Jimmy enters his room only to immediately turn around wide-eyed. Jimmy and Vlad in confessional as Jimmy says, “confirmed Vladdy.”
Kevin and Kirstin are on a date but Kevin seems uninterested. His eyes catch another female at the bar who smiles. Vlad is drinking a martini at Dantanas when Cailie comes up, drunk and grabs Vlad’s butt. Carly meanwhile grabs Vlad’s other butt cheek. Finally we see Todd on the phone with Ray, crying

Hanson impresses in debut

The final line in the boxscore will read 2 innings, 38 pitches-22 strikes, 2 hits, 2 earned runs allowed, 1 walk, 1 HBP and 1 strikeout. Numbers can lie however. Tommy Hanson made his Atlanta spring training debut blowing smoke against the Houston Astros. His first pitch was a 96 mph fastball. In fact, his first ten pitches were all fastballs. After a walk, Hanson might have earned some clubhouse respect by hitting Miguel Tejada, possibly in retaliation to Yunel Escobar’s HBP one inning prior. Hanson displayed a 94 mph (according to ESPN) slider as well as a 99 mph fastball in his second inning of work. Hanson was able to wiggle out of trouble in the second by pulling a nice hook (curveball) out of the bag against Carlos Lee.

Overall Hanson showed a power slider, a smooth curve, great movement on the fastball and just a comfortable presence on the bump. What will the future hold for Hanson? With Lowe, Vazquez, Kawakami, Jurrjens and Glavine penciled in as the rotation, Hanson will likely start the year in Gwinnett. Braves GM Frank Wren has said that they anticipate Hanson to be ready for the majors by the summer. He certainly showed potential today but if the team doesn’t need to rush him, why would they?

Braves open up spring training slate with Tiger Tilt

The Atlanta Braves opened the 2009 spring training schedule with a trip across Florida to face the Detroit Tigers. Manager Bobby Cox was without 2008 batting champ Chipper Jones as well as newcomer Garrett Anderson, who both stayed at the Braves training facility for an extended batting practice session. His lineup featured Josh Anderson leading off and Casey Kotchman batting cleanup with Jordan Schafer manning rightfield. Jair Jurrjens, who led the 2008 team in wins, pitched two innings, allowing two runs on four hits while walking one. The Braves trailed 3-0 entering the top of the 5th when Schafer and Anderson each stole a base, leading to a Brian McCann RBI sac-fly. With two outs, Freddie Freeman delivered a two-run single to knot the game at 3-3. Schafer would give the team a 4-3 lead with a home run to deep center in the 7th, but the Tigers tied the game in the bottom of the inning as new catcher Clint Sammons couldn’t block enough of the plate on a bang-bang play at home.

Jo-Jo Reyes pitched two innings, allowing one run on three hits. Manny Acosta gave up one hit in an inning’s work. Stephen Marek, acquired in the Mark Texeiria trade along with Kotchman, made his spring debut, striking out one in 1IP. Eric O’Flaherty gave up the short-lived Braves lead in the seventh inning and Juan Perez gave up the eventual game-winner in the eighth.

Schafer showed that Josh Anderson may have some serious competition this spring for the centerfielder position. Freddie Freeman also showed that his ceiling is higher than some people originally thought. Jason Heyward also had a chance to show off his arm, which no one really talks about. He fired a bullet that nearly nailed a runner at the plate. Schafer also showed his arm on a play early in the game. The Braves fall to 0-1 on the Grapefruit schedule, but these games are more about development and looking at the future. If this game was any indication, the future is bright with Schafer, Heyward and Freeman.

Urban crying again

You'd think that two BCS titles in three years would be all this "Great & tireless recruiter" needed, BUT APPARENTLY NOT.

I read where Florida Gator head coach Urban Meyer's friendship with Tampa's Plant High school coach Robert Weiner has become a bit strained of late. Meyer is apparently tweaked that Weiner's QB Aaron Murray signed with UGA (because he could play right away, opposed to sitting behind Tim Tebow and getting ZERO snaps next season) and the WR/TE Orson Charles has eliminated the Gators from his list of potential schools.

Because this is ALL Weiner's fault, right? This coach's players have decided to leave the state and it is Weiner's bad. Yeah, he has TOTAL control over 18 year old's minds and actions. Yeppers. I can see how Meyer can find fault with that. This is a guy that railed about the "lack of class" on Georgia's part for the Gator Stomp, but called several late timeouts to rub in a big win one year later. he also kicked a field goal so his team could win by 17 instead of 14 points against Miami.
A guy that runs up the score as much as possible to get his team into the BCS title games because he knows the voters are sometimes just looking at the score instead of the actual game.

I just feel bad for Weiner. Urban will probably have a Plant High School recruit about to commit, then call a timeout so he can pull the scholarship, just to teach Weiner a lesson. Watch out Weiner, Meyer might put sugar into your gas tank. He takes weird things to heart and "Urban doesn't forget!"

I guess two BCS championships doesn't carry as much currency as I thought. Hmmmm.

Mid-week Entertainment report 2/35/09

Voting for the sleeves girl, A guy leaves Barenaked Ladies (is he CRAZY?), Georgia wins a basketball game and Flo Rida is spun right round.

Ladies and gentlemen, the midweek entertainment report! (Better late than never!)

CLAPCLAPCLAP YAWN!

Steven Page has decided to leave his gig as lead singer of the Barenaked Ladies. Apparently he wants to pursue a solo career and this has NOTHING to do with getting busted with Cocaine recently. (Who is he, Jamal Anderson?) Does this guy really think he has a solo career out there? Does the band think it has a future without this guy? This is kind of like if Zak Hanson had tried to leave Hanson. REALLY? You think this is a smart move? Shawn Michaels leaving the Rockers was smart. This...not so much.

The Georgia men's basketball team just beat Vandy for the team's second conference win of the year. I didn't get to watch this game mind you, and maybe that's a good thing as I just read the box score. Ricky McPhee (Jack's younger brother?) led the Dawgs with 14 points. WOW. That's great that your white walk-on led the team. Dustin Ware and Corey Butler (a true frosh and a former walk-on who shoots something like 9% on his free throws) were the only other players to hit double digits. Trey Thompkins had 9, so did Chris Barnes. then you've got Albert Jackson (a severe waste of talent-kind of like River Phoenix) scoring 4. Georgia managed 61, but still won. WOW. Vandy really sucks!

I was sitting in a bar last Saturday when "You spin me right round" came on, only it was rap-i-sized. Flo Rida had done the remake, and it was pretty good, I have to say. I wasn't a huge fan of his other stuff, but this was pretty decent. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Finally, i am finishing up watching Idol and they gave the pimp final spot to a dude that screamed through Satisfaction. REALLY? If I had to vote people through, it would be the guy doing Man in the Mirror, the hot blond chick with the tattoo sleeves and possibly the other "rocker" redhead 16 year old chick. As for the dude at the end, the judges liked him, but enh. Whatevs. And can Norman Gentle please stop? It would be a shame if he got through over the Man in the Mirror guy (or the last guy, who is good, but I thought gave an overrated performance). Overall this group was hellabetter than last week. I COULD see a winner coming from this group.

Basketball and the City

No this isn't Sportsbyfletch's newest blogivision show starring Jarvis Hayes and Sarah Jessica Parker. No this is my newest idea for Tuesday's blog. I plan on giving my opinions on the college basketball landscape while mixing in a little bit of my thoughts on that Monday night's episode of The City. (and I apologize that this wasn't posted yesterday, but Mardi Gras was calling!)

Let's start this off with a tour around the Big 12. I watched AJ Abrahms just go OFF on OU. After a cruddy first half, the kid just flipped a switch and single-handedly took down the #1 team in the country. Well, not single-handedly, Blake Griffin helped too by getting hit in the nose and then sitting out the final 29 minutes of the game. WAY to step up there PLAYER OF THE YEAR! You just cost yourself my vote! (not that I get a vote, but DUDE! You just lost major cool points by pussing out of a big ESPN game!) Speaking of losing cool points, ERIN! Come on girly! You lose major cool points (you still are the coolest-read:hottest-character on the show, but your lead over Nevan has decreased significantly!) for calling the alien and tattling. Then you lose even MORE cool points for saying you smell ahi tuna? Something fishy? COME ON! But Blake Griffin, I will now call you a sophoLESS!

Speaking of OU players, dare I say that Willie Warren is now the best player on the team? The FreshMAN point guard kept OU in the game when Blake "I'm seeing stars" Griffin had to leave. Can't wait to see Warren v Lawson in the NCAA finals! Speaking of things I can't wait to see.....How short Whitney's dress will be next week. Seriously, this chick wears the shortest skirts in the world. WOW. Not complaining here, and a Wifey says, "If you've got it, flaunt it!" I am glad Whitney has decided to do the latter because she lives the former.

MOVING on the the ACC
Wake Forest: great at home, crap on the road. You really can't go TO Winston-Salem anymore and expect to win, but get the Deacs on the road and they lose: Duke, Georgia Tech. Gosh, they stink on the road.

Duke's Gerald Henderson is a beast. Why didn't David Cutcliff go after this guy to play as a scat runningback? He is incredible on the break. He's a warrior. Good for him. Too bad the FIRST thing I always think of though with this guy is how he went with a cheapshot elbow to break Psycho T's nose a few years back. He may be one of the top players in the conference now, but all I think about it that elbow. KIND of like how whenever I see Jess now on The City, I will think of that gap in her teeth. Yeppers, Pottsy's girlfriend has a Michael Straham going on. She may go on to be quite a character, but all I can think about is that gaptooth.

Hey UNC, stay focused! When you lose focus look what happens. You need to stay focused like Adam did in Miami. Notice with all of the 15sets of t!ts around him, he wasn't straying like Erin I guess thought he was. He was focused. UNC could learn a lot from Adam.

This Clemson team may be the best Tiger team ever...but they will STILL lose in crunch time to the real teams. Yep, second round of the ACC to a BC or FSU(ps, where did FSU come from?). Then in the second round of the NCAA to a #4 seed. Gonna happen. Sorry Tiger fans!

Finally, hey Big East. You guys are JUST as top-heavy as the ACC. After Pitt (way to lose last night to Providence!) and UCONN, you have Marquette and Louisville. Then on a lower tier, you have Da Cuse, Georgetown and West VA. JUST like how the ACC has UNC, then Duke and Clemson. Then Wake and FSU. So let's stop kidding ourselves Big East. Oh so big and powerful Big East. How is DePaul doing guys? Oh, about the same as Georgia Tech. So shut up.

And Finally for my City thoughts (I gave you a finally in basketball terms, and this is my pop culture finally.), can someone PLEASE explain to me how Allie is allowed to go on DATES with other dudes but Adam cannot converse with females? How is that fair? And why did Allie try to play the "Imagine how I felt" card? How did you feel when you were on your date, Allie? I don't know. Maybe we should ask your date if you were upset.

But it's ALL Adam's fault that Allie went on a date. HIS fault. Now they have broken up when he did NOTHING wrong and even Wifey has Adam's back. "MTV didn't show anything to warrant that call," according to Wifey. This show was NOTHING but chicks throwing the boys under the bus, first Erin with Adam, then Jess with Jay. Hey b!tches, just because you aren't happy, don't bring down happy people. It is mean.

The Once and Future Oriole King

The most popular Baltimore Orioles catcher of all time enjoyed Froot Loops. The organization’s greatest catcher according to its fan base was a weak hitter but endeared himself with an MVP 1983 World Series performance. Now the club will soon turn over the backstop duties to a rookie less than two years out of Georgia Tech. Matt Wieters was just the third Yellow Jacket to ever earn All-America honors twice in a three year career and the Goose Creek, SC native was the 5th overall pick in the 2007 MLB draft. The switch-hitting backstop burned up the minor leagues last season en route to a .355 batting average with a .454 OBP and .600% slugging. His 27 home runs and 91 RBIs combined between stops at Class A and AA helped him earn Baseball America’s 2008 Minor League Player of the Year honors. Baseball America also named him No.12 on the Top 100 Prospects List and the highest ranked catcher on the list.
Now the Orioles have hopes that Wieters can contribute sooner rather than later for the major league club. The team traded away last year’s starter Roberto Hernandez and chose to sign Gregg Zaun as a seat warmer over Hall of Famer Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez as to not block the path of young Wieters’ certain ascension to the club. Wieters’ college coach Danny Hall believes that Wieters will be in Baltimore sooner rather than later. “Matt Wieters is a guy that will break onto the scene of Major League Baseball this season and is going to be playing for a long time.” The fact that Wieters has shown switch-hitting power at the minor league level as well as in college has many major league scouts comparing him to another former Yellow Jacket backstop Jason Varitek. Like Wieters, Varitek strokes it from both sides of the plate, though Wieters at 6’5 is taller than his fellow alum. Wieters has been switch-hitting since a child, just as his father did as a minor league journeyman in the Braves and Indians minor league systems.
The high expectations will likely put extra pressure on Wieters to perform, but the No.5 draft pick met the challenge last season and will be looking to take the next step in the Majors. Hall noted of his former player that he was one of several ex-Jackets that have “made us very proud [here at Tech].” If the Baltimore Orioles have a Mount Rushmore of franchise catchers, Rick Dempsey, Chris Hoiles, Mickey Tettleton and Ellie Hendricks would be the current faces. Only time will tell if Wieters stands out to where fans will demand a chisel be taken to the monument to add his visage.

Hooters Baseball preview

The following was written in January for Hooters Magazine, to appear in the April/May issue. It was also written before the A-Rod steroids story broke. Pick up a copy at ANY Hooters location!

When the Phillies captured the 2008 World Series Championship, most baseball fans were happy that a relatively boring season was finally over. The playoffs had the potential to be quite memorable, but along the way the Cubs and Dodgers lost in the National League playoffs and the Red Sox and Angels failed to reach the World Series, thus setting up a Philadelphia/Tampa Bay World Series. The New York teams didn’t enjoy missing the playoffs and the Los Angeles teams have worked hard this off-season to try and advance farther. Record-setting contracts and several all-stars switching uniforms have ensured that this season will end with one of the best postseasons ever.

BIGGEST OFF-SEASON ACQUISITION: CC Sabathia, New York Yankees.
The answer here is two-fold: not only did Sabathia sign the largest ever contract for a pitcher, but the man himself is likely to push 300 lbs by the end of his record-setting 7 year/$161M deal. Sabathia paced the Brewers to a Wild Card finish and was the most dominant pitcher in the National League after coming over in a trade from Cleveland. His arrival to the Yankees will provide them with a true “ace” to throw out in game one of a playoff series, though Sabathia’s playoff record is less than stellar. He must become a playoff pitcher to justify his contract. RUNNER UP: Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets. K-Rod will give the Mets the lights-out closer it lacked down the stretch last year after Billy Wagner went down with an injury.

AMERICAN LEAGUE MVP: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
Picking A-Rod to win the MVP award isn’t original or sexy, but it IS a solid pick that is likely to prove correct. Rodriguez is getting used to playing in the Bronx and despite people saying that he isn’t clutch in the postseason, he still puts up 40+ home runs with 110+ RBI every year. And the last time I checked, the MVP is given based on regular season stats. With all of the new pieces the Yankees have added to its roster this off-season, A-Rod should see his power numbers jump even higher. Mark Teixeira should give him some cover in the lineup and the pitching staff should give the squad more wins, which certainly will help A-Rod’s case.

NATIONAL LEAGUE MVP: Ryan Howard, Phillies
For years MVP voters could just pencil in Albert Pujols and not have to really worry about the award. The new name that voters can start to rely on is Ryan Howard. The Philadelphia first baseman won the award in 2006, just one year after capturing the Rookie of the Year award. In 2007 his 47 home runs were not enough to repeat and in 2008, he finished second to Pujols. The 2007 and 2008 years though did find Howard reaching the postseason, and Howard enjoyed some postseason success last season as he homered thrice in the World Series win over Tampa Bay. Look for Howard to reach 50+ home runs and 140+ RBIs as he wins his second MVP award.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CY YOUNG: Josh Beckett, Red Sox
As much as the New York Yankees would like to think that the best pitcher in the American League resides in the Big Apple, the game’s best pitcher can be found delivering fastballs in Fenway Park. Beckett has come up time after time in postseason play and it seems only right that he should win his first Cy Young after being denied in 2007, despite winning 20 games. Beckett has two major advantages in the race as his offense always seems to supply him with runs and his bullpen might be the best in baseball. Beckett is just 11 wins from 100 for his career he should be well on his way to 200 by the end of the year. Look for 200+ strikeouts in 200+ innings pitched.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CY YOUNG: Cole Hamels, Phillies
No pitcher in Major League Baseball has more momentum entering the 2009 season than the Phillies Lefty ace Cole Hamels. The 25-year-old Hamels ended the 2008 campaign with a 4-0 post-season record, including the NLCS MVP award and the World Series MVP award along with a title. Hamels recorded two complete game shutouts last season and when his changeup is on, he is hard to beat. His 518 strikeouts in less than three full seasons show he has great stuff, but he needs to improve on his 14-10 2008 record to take this award. The only negative going against Hamels is the small home stadium he pitches in, but that should also mean more run support from his teammates.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WORLD SERIES REPRESENTATIVE: Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox whiffed on its biggest off-season target in first baseman Mark Teixeira, so the team decided to feather lift instead of full on restructure. Former Cy Young winner John Smoltz was given a one-year, incentive-laden deal to switch leagues. Brad Penny was also signed to give the rotation some depth. Rocco Baldelli will also add some pop off the bench. Jason Bay will continue to put up solid numbers and David Ortiz will give reigning MVP Dustin Pedroia some cover in the lineup. Let’s not forget the best big-game pitcher in baseball Josh Beckett still dons red socks too!

NATIONAL LEAGUE WORLD SERIES REPRESENTATIVE: Chicago Cubs
The Cubs were the best team in the National League all of last season, only to come undone in the playoffs. The team ran in to a red-hot Dodgers team and Carlos Zambrano, Rich Harden and the rest of the Cubs were once again forced to “wait ‘til next year!” This year is finally the year for the Cubs. Harden needs to stay healthy (a problem over the course of his career), but the team has resigned Ryan Dempster and has cleared enough salary to make a run at acquiring Jake Peavy from the San Diego Padres. If the former Cy Young Award winner Peavy comes aboard, this rotation is the best in baseball. The team only needs a closer, but a by-committee approach will suffice for now.

THE NEXT RAYS aka THE SLEEPER PICK: Cincinnati Reds.
Entering last season, the Tampa Bay Rays were an afterthought in the minds of many baseball pundits trying to predict who would make the World Series. This season’s Rays could be the Cincinnati Reds. The team has added Willy Taveras, the speedy outfielder, and reliever Arthur Rhodes to a team that started hot last year but faded down the stretch. First baseman Joey Votto, OF Jay Bruce, and pitchers Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey provide a solid base and Taveras could set the table for this lineup, which can rake at the bandbox ball park the Reds call home. Juan Pierre helped the Marlins win the 2003 World Series by setting the table and Taveras could do the same.

BIGGEST FREE AGENT BUST-TO-BE: Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees
This was a tossup between Teixeira and fellow Yankee newcomer AJ Burnett, but Teixeira gets it because of his salary. Teixeira said before last season that he doesn’t use spring training but rather the first few weeks of the season to get into baseball shape. If he tries that with the New York media he will be in for a rude awakening. Having played for the Rangers, Braves, and the last half of last year with the Angels, Teixeira has made the postseason just once in his career. If he is a part of just one postseason run with the Yankees, he will certainly hear be hearing boos. And at his salary, he will be one of the guys that the finger is pointed at for any of the team’s shortcomings.

SEASON MOST LIKELY TO BE DERAILED BY SUPERNATURAL FORCES: Yankees

This will be the first season for the Yankee in the new Yankee Stadium. I realize that the old stadium didn’t have the luxury boxes that the new one will have, but it did have the history and the ghosts that helped the Yankees win all of those World Series titles. DiMaggio, Mantle, Maris, and Ruth once manned the outfield that Johnny Damon patrolled last year. The Iron Horse, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson and Yogi all enjoyed magical moments there. Now the team moves to new digs and the ghosts might be unhappy. Don’t be surprised if Sabathia gets shelved with the stomach flu, Burnett gets hurt yet again and A-Rod goes into a slump. The ghosts are pissed!

The biggest question mark entering the 2009 season is Jeff Francoeur.
The homegrown rightfielder homered in his first game and graced the cover of Sports Illustrated just a few short weeks after making his major league debut. However the once future face of the Atlanta franchise has been floated in trade scenarios and seems to have given way to Brian McCann as Turner Field fan favorite. Frenchy’s 2008 season was one to forget as he hit .239, with 11 home runs and a .359 slugging percentage and also spent some time in the minors. Francoeur must get it back on track as he is seeking a long-term Grady Sizemore-like contract, but the Braves brass has been hesitant to offer him a big payday after he turned down a deal several seasons ago that would have locked him up for the near future. Will Francoeur hit 30 home runs with a .290 average like scouts believed he could coming out of high school, or will Frenchy continue to struggle and force the Braves to trade him for bullpen help?

PREDICTIONS:
AL EAST Boston Red Sox
AL CENTRAL Chicago White Sox
AL WEST Oakland A’s
AL WILD CARD LA Angels of Anaheim

NL EAST Philadelphia Phillies
NL CENTRAL Chicago Cubs
NL WEST Los Angeles Dodgers
NL WILDCARD NY Mets over Cincinnati in a one game playoff

Playoffs-1st Round
Red Sox over Angels
White Sox over A’s
Cubs over Mets
Phillies over Dodgers

LCS
Red Sox over White Sox
Cubs over Phillies

World Series
Red Sox over Cubs in 6 games

What's a frustrated Braves fan to do?

Yes some good news has popped out of Braves camp recently (Kelly Johnson and Jeff Francoeur reup without going to arbitration; Glavine resigns for one year; Derek Lowe and Kawakami and Vazquez join the rotation) but mostly this offseason has been a crappy one. The team misses out on Peavy and Burnett; the team loses John Smoltz; the team THINKS it has Furcal then Griffey only to have BOTH back out; leftfield is still a question mark as is leadoff. Brian McCann should be an all-star again, but only because each team HAS to have an all-star. (He'd make it anyways. He is a friggin stud. I've got a man-crush on Heaps/Lumpy)

So what is a frustrated Braves fan to do until Georgia football starts? The Braves might be competitive for a while, but they just don't have the horses that the Phillies do and the Braves will have to square off with a loaded NY lineup and bullpen for the wild card. I think the rotation will keep the team in the race until maybe July/August before the team eventually fades. Oh well.

If you are frustrated like me and need something to get you through the dog days of summer until it's time to tee it up between the hedges, let me offer you three options (or at least tell you my three.)

#1 Watch the Braves of the future RIGHT NOW in your own backyard! The guys that return Atlanta to contention will all play in the greater Atlanta area this year, in Gwinnett! Jordan Schafer will man Centerfield (according to Atlanta GM Frank Wren, they have him penciled in for AAA for most of 2009.). Jason Heyward will see plenty of time in Gwinnett Park this year. The guy is the future cleanup hitter for the parent club, so why not see that power destroy AAA pitching right now? Freddie Freeman will hopefully make 1B Casey Kotchman expendable. Diory Hernandez, with enough time and practice could push Kelly Johnson into left. And then you have the pitching. With Tom Glavine in the fold, that likely means Tommy Hanson will at least START the year in AAA. Hanson is the 1st ever pitcher to win the Arizona Fall League MVP award and if we are to believe the Score Atlanta beat writer who has watched Hanson highlights on Youtube, this dude is SICK. And when Glavine retires after the season, is there another lefty in the system that can take his place? Perhaps it is Cole Rohrbough. Also, see if Phil Stockman, JoJo Reyes and Charlie Morton can get their careers back on track. All of this talent just a stone's throw from Suwanee!

#2 The University of Georgia baseball team is back and trying to finish the drill by winning the CWS. Last season the team had a 1-0 series lead and a 5-run advantage in game 2 before falling to Fresno State. Now the team will go to battle sans two 1st round draft picks (Gordon Beckham and closer Joshua Fields) and with 18 freshman, including 5 starters. I had a chance to speak with coach David Perno recently and he says he is excited about this team. He said it reminds him of 2004 when several freshmen stepped in and played HUGE roles as the team reached the CWS. The team will start 5 true freshmen tonight against Youngstown State to open up the 2009 campaign. Why will I, a proud alum, be watching? A NUMBER of reasons. Freshman Johnathan Taylor is one of the fastest recruits Perno has ever brought to Athens and I followed this kid at North Cobb with Score Atlanta. All three outfield spots will be occupied by freshmen and two of the infield spots will see 1st year players man positions: Levi Hyams at second and Colby May at third. How will Michael Demperio take over for Gordon Beckham at Short? Matt Cerione should see time in the OF and at DH. Rich Poythress is a preseason Golden Spikes candidate. C Bryce Massanari has a hot wife so I could look for her at games. Lyle Allen and Robbie O'Bryan got a taste of action in the postseason last year. Dean Weaver will try and lock the games down like Fields did last year. Trevor Holder is back as Friday Night starter according to Perno. This team has me excited and intrigued. How will the new blood and the old faces top last season? just get me ONE more win on the end of the schedule.

Option #3 is an acid flashback to my childhood: Follow the Baltimore Orioles! Plenty of storylines with this squad. The outfield will be one of the best young units in the division and league: Greek sensation Nick Markakis, Adam (not Pacman) Jones and Luke Scott. Throw Ryan Freel, a guy I wish the Braves had traded for or signed about 98 times over the last 5 years or so. The infield should jump out to a hot start per usual with Melvin Mora at 3rd (he ALWAYS seems to start out hot), same with Brian Roberts at 2nd (coach's son plays hard and is finally getting signed. MAN I wish the Braves had gotten that guy!) How will Cesar Izturis fit in? Goes Aubrey Huff have anything left after a huge year last year? How many positions will Ty Wigginton play this season? How soon will we get a look at Catcher of the future Matt Wieters?(PS, look for a story I am working on in regards to Wieters. Check ScoreATL.com next week!) Then you take a look at the bullpen: Chris Ray returns and George Sherrill are two all-star-caliber closers. Then you have to wonder if Rich Hill can regain the hook he had two years ago. It will be fun rooting for the Birds again because HEY maybe they can compete through August...

...wait, that's too much like rooting for the Braves.

OK, maybe just two options.

Real World Atlanta: Episode 4

Previously on THE REAL WORLD…
“Well you hold on to her, she’s pretty.” Denise points at Dani. Dani starts to correct her when Todd grabs her hand and squeezes. “She is great.” Dani hugs Todd as he really starts to cry about a block or two away from the house. “It will be OK Todd. I’m here.”
“For you my love, I will soldier on! If you nurse me through,” Jimmy bats his eyelashes at Carly. Carly gives Jimmy a big hug and kiss on the cheek.
Kevin and Kirstin have ice cream as he walks to her door. He kisses her but she lays a serious one on him. “You want to come up?” Kirstin lays another one on Kevin and he says, “ok, yeah.”

This is the TRUE STORY, of Seven strangers (you’re a rapper?), picked to live in a house (ATL BABY!), and have their lives taped (get the F*** out my face!) to find out what happens when people stop being polite (say it again, I DARE YOU!) and start being real. The Real World: Atlanta!

Kevin sneaks into the house, still wearing the same adidas running suit he donned the night before and heads straight to the kitchen. He is being quite stealth as he pours himself some milk. Suddenly Vlad peaks his head through a doorway. “Someone’s an early bird. Or a late night owl! Where you been?” Vlad is all the way in the kitchen and Kevin is blushing. “Shut up man. I just got back from my date.”
“you guys had a sleep over on your first date?” Vlad laughs as he asks the question.
“Yeah, so? The K-Dawg was barking all night baby!” Kevin seems proud of himself and slips back into K-Dawg mode that we haven’t seen in a while.
“You going to see her again?” Vlad wonders.
“Maybe Baby. We’ll see how the K-Dawg feels.
In confessional Kevin opens up. “I was able to be myself and not put up a front and she bought in. I like being myself around her. It’s hard for me to open up. After my addiction troubles, my parents kicked me out and I had to kinda fend for myself, so I became tougher. Juvy does that to you. But it is nice to feel like I CAN be myself around her. I want to make friends, friends who see me for me and not a former druggie. Kirstin knows my past but she doesn’t care. I’m ready to let her inside my bubble. But some of these people don’t deserve to be in my bubble.”

Jimmy enters the kitchen. “Weren’t you wearing that yesterday?”
Vlad laughs with Jimmy and slaps him on the back. “It looks like our little Kevin has grown up.”
“Shut up, both of you.” Kevin starts to walk off when Todd blocks him.
“Did Kevin get a little last night?” Todd joins in laughing with Jimmy and Vlad as Kevin leaves.
“Who had Kevin as getting the first hit of all of us?” Jimmy asks the two other guys.
“Dude, we have girlfriends. Vlad, dude, you should feel like crap though,” Todd shoots in quick.
“You don’t have a girlfriend. Unless those two at the bar and Dani count!” Vlad booms.
“What?” Todd is red in the face. “actually I think Vladdy has a point, Todd. You DO seem to be trying to hit that Lesbian tail.” Jimmy is quite proud of his recent cutdown.
“It’s not like that. Dani is my friend, Ray is my girlfriend,” Todd tries to convince himself as much as the other guys.
Jimmy and Vlad wink at each other with this last statement.

In confessional Jimmy and Vlad both look at the camera.
“Dani is my friend. Ray is my girlfriend,” Vlad mimics Todd.
“Vlad, watch what I’m about to do. I WILL have Todd making out with someone NOT named Ray by tonight,” Jimmy predicts.
“Game on my friend,” Vlad shakes his head.

A shot of folks shopping at the Prado are shown as we see Cailie and Carly eating at Frankies.
“Do you think you’d wanna get with any of the guys in our house?” Cailie asks.
“Yeah I think Jimmy is cute, who wouldn’t” Carly says.
“Yeah, have you ever seen him work out? Boy is hot” Cailie agrees.
“Vlad is the one to watch working out. Have you ever worked out with him?” Carly answers. Cailie shakes her head no. Carly’s eyes get big and she just shakes her head.
“Did Kevin come home last night?” Cailie throws out the question while Carly rolls her eyes.
“Don’t care. I hope he’s found someone and stays at her house for the next four months!” Carly doesn’t like Kevin, clearly.
“I’ve got one for you: Jimmy or Todd?” Cailie poses the question to Carly.
“Well since Todd is into black chicks, I’m out. First Ray, now Dani…” Carly stops talking and just smiles.
“He isn’t with Dani. Wait, have you heard anything?” Cailie is eager for gossip.
“Once you go black you never go back. Goes both ways. They were pretty close when they came home last night. Grrr, I don’t want to go to work.”

In confessional Cailie announces, “So we have a job. Apparently we are going to be working in TV somehow. CNN maybe? I think that’s based in Atlanta. Don’t know what we’d do. We have a meeting today though.”

“Is everybody ready to go?” Dani yells. “We are waiting for Carly…SHOCKER!” responds Todd. They both laugh as Kevin appears with a Nike headband and yellow-tinted sunglasses. Jimmy is chugging a bottle of water before he sets the bottle down and yells, “Carly, let’s freaking GO!”
Carly is in the bathroom putting on makeup and Cailie is standing by her putting on earrings. Vlad comes into the bathroom and says, “Girls, come on, we’re going to be late.”
“Vlad, we’ll be down in a minute. Give me a friggin break. 5 minutes late, who cares?
“On our first day, we MUST make a good impression,” Vlad scolds as he leaves.
“Ve MUST make GOOD IMPRESSION!” Carly apes in a Russian accent.

Finally everyone is in the Honda Element and Jimmy is driving. “So where do you think we’re going?” Kevin asks Dani.
“Well it isn’t CNN. That’s downtown. We’re headed Southwest,” Dani tries to piece together where they are headed.
“Step on it dude, we’re going to be late, thanks to SOME ONE!” Todd calls to the backseat. “Shut up TODD!” Carly disgustedly yells to the front seat. “What a loser. Go make out with Dani.”
Dani hears this and shoots Carly a sideways glance. “Jimmy just get us there in one piece.”
The Element pulls up to the Tyler Perry Studios and Tyler Perry greets the roommates as they get out.
“Right on time,” Tyler says as he introduces himself to each of the roommates. “Come on into my office guys.
Everyone settles inside Perry’s office as Alex, Perry’s creative manager is also introduced. “So I don’t know you guys know, but I own Tyler Perry Studios where we make movies and television shows. And I want you guys to work on the creative team of a new show that I’ll soon be releasing for The CW. It is based on my old black woman character’s ladies church group. I will be dressing up as the old black woman and making spot appearances on the show, but it is mostly a spinoff-kind of show based on these women. I want this new characters to be the main characters, you know. Branch out a bit. Now, I have to go oversee The Browns, so I will leave you with Alex, my creative manager.” Perry leaves as Alex stands in front of the roommates.
“So you guys will be coming up with three of the six main characters and you will be working with the writing team on three episodes. You need to study some of your intended audiences and come up with a demographic study. We’ll want some major backgrounds on each of the three you guys come up with and think about how they can grow as the show goes on. Think of your episode themes and storylines too. We will meet once a week and you will need to be writing constantly and keeping me up to date. The writing team will want two drafts per week and you’ll be involved in everything about those three episodes: working with the director, the producers, the camera guys, editors, everything. This is a bigtime opportunity, so when we meet next week, let’s bounce some ideas. I want one character next week and the two others by the following week. Let’s get excited and really put our best foot forward. Thanks for coming in guys.”

The roommates are looking at each other. Kevin and Dani seemed pumped. Jimmy seems in awe of Tyler Perry. Vlad looks skeptical as he looks around at everyone else. Todd is looking at the posters on the wall while Carly is rolling her eyes and Cailie is laughing with Carly. “Well THIS ought to be fun,” a sarcastic Carly whispers to Cailie as she give a thumbs down.
“Let’s go guys, let’s get working,” Dani grabs Todd as they leave.

Back at the house Carly and Jimmy are getting ready to go out. “Well that was disappointing,” Carly casually says to Jimmy. “What, you don’t like Tyler Perry?” Jimmy is surprised that Carly doesn’t like the job.
“I’ve just never seen any of his stuff. Isn’t it black humor?” Carly asks as Jimmy doesn’t respond, just continuing to shave.

In confessional Carly admits, “Listen, sorry I don’t watch black comedy. I just don’t. I have nothing against black people, I just don’t like black comedy. I don’t get it. Only FUNNY things are funny to me. Black guys dressing up as old women? I don’t get that. Why can’t they just be funny on their own? Why do they need a fat suit? Eddie Murphy, Tyler Perry, Martin Lawrence? In that Momma’s house movie, you could see his mustache. Was that supposed to be funny?”

Vlad and Todd are putting on shoes when Vlad asks Todd if he’s talked to Ray recently? “I’ll call her tomorrow, I guess. Why?” Todd asks.
“Just wondering. I saw you calling her a couple of times a day when we first got here, and I haven’t seen you call her recently. Everything OK?” Vlad offers a hand.
“Yeah, we’re fine. Don’t worry.”

The roommates enter the Compound and Jimmy motions for some drinks. Music is playing as Vlad and Jimmy are talking in a corner. Kevin is watching Dani and Carly dance while Todd and Cailie are talking. “So this is how this starts, big man. Watch me in action. Oh and hold Cailie back for a minute.” Jimmy heads to the bar.
Vlad runs interference on Cailie while watching Jimmy head over and talk to Max. “Hey Max, what’s up brother?” Max gives Jimmy a head nod and comes over and gives Jimmy a fist pound. Jimmy leans over and whisper-shouts to Max, “Dude, are we still cool? I mean after what went down Monday, I just want to make sure we are cool.”
“What are you talking about?” Max asks as he puts a drink in front of another girl beside Jimmy.
“Dude, I don’t know if Cailie told you, I guess not. Are you guys a couple? Cause she made out with another dude at STATS. I don’t know if you guys are a thing or not, but I just want to make sure we, you and me, we’re still cool.” Jimmy throws back a shot and motions for another one.
“I mean, we never had the talk. She’s a cool chick. I like her, but we never had a talk or anything. She can make out with whomever she wants I guess. I guess though if she is making out with other guys, whatever.” Max looks a bit pissed, but he shakes it off.
“Maybe she was just drunk or something. I guess she likes you but she made out with this guy a couple of different times. I just wanted you to know, so, you know, WE could be cool. Cause Max, you’re a cool dude.” Jimmy offers his fist for a bump and Max bumps it, angrily before throwing a glass into the ice/trash bucket.

Jimmy flashes a big thumbs up to Vlad and brings back a handful of shots for Vlad, Cailie, Todd and Carly. Dani and Kevin are off dancing on stage.
“To Tyler Perry!” Jimmy boasts. Carly rolls her eyes, yet throws the shot back.
Cailie heads to the bar and tries to flag down Max. He ignores her and another bartender approaches her. “Can you get Max?” Cailie asks. Max walks over, pissed off. “What?”
“Hey Babe!” Cailie is happy to see Max, but picks up on his attitude.
“You want a drink or something?” Max is a bit put off by Cailie’s bubbliness.
“Sure, a jaegar and a jaegar.” Cailie winks at Max. He slams two shot glasses on the bar and pours the shots without spinning the bottle as is his normal routine.
“What’s wrong, Max?” Cailie asks Max. He says nothing. Cailie drains the two shots and Max puts a Corona on the bar and gives her a lime as he knows her favorite beer.
“Thanks. What’s the matter?” Cailie is concerned now.
“Listen Cai, you can make out with whoever, whomever, but I think we’re done. This one’s on me.” Max walks away as Cailie is stunned.
Todd walks up and puts his arm around Cailie. “What’s the matter beautiful?”
“I think Max just dumped me,” Cailie says, near tears.
“Come on Cai, let’s go,” Todd pulls her closer and stares down Max. Max sees Todd and heads to the other end of the bar.
Jimmy gives Cailie a drink and feeds Todd a shot. Katy Perry’s I Kissed a girl comes on and Cailie, now cleary feeling the effects of the booze, grabs Todd and they head to the dance floor. Jimmy elbows Vlad in the ribs. Cailie is grinding on Todd when Kevin, up on stage, sees what is going on. He points out the action to Dani and she looks on, a tad annoyed. “Whatever, girlfriend, whatever. Dance with the whore all you want Todd. I’ll tell Ray. Don’t worry!!” Dani shouts into the crowd, but the music is blaring.
“I freaking told you dude. It’s on like donkey kong.” Jimmy is now proud of himself and isn’t hesitating to tell Vlad about it.
“He hasn’t made out with her yet though,” Vlad counters.
“Dude, are you WATCHING what is going on? That is HAPPENING TONIGHT!” Jimmy is clapping now.
“You are the puppetmaster. Remind me not to cross you,” Vlad says, bowing down to pay mock-homage.
“It’s ON Dude. ON!
Todd and Cailie are seen once more, VERY CLOSE as the we hear “AND I LIKED IT!” CREDITS!

NEXT TIME ON THE REAL WORLD…
“So we need to work. Let’s focus guys,” Todd says, but Dani and Vlad just roll their eyes at his enthusiasm. Jimmy asks Todd, “Did, ah, you and Cailie…” “So did you and Todd, uhhh,” Carly and Cailie are talking on MARTA. Kevin then enters the kitchen to see Todd getting a Vitamin Water. “Hey bro, saw you and Cai last night dancing. Did you guys, uhhh..” Dani is seen on the phone, “Mom, I am so pissed. There’s a guy here that I am best friends with and I think he may have hooked up with another one of the roommates.” On the other end: Well Dani, what does it matter, unless you like this boy. Do you?” Dani looks out of the phone room to see Todd talking by in just a bathing suit, about to get into the hot tub.

Maybe if he had just danced....

As I sit here and watch Newsies for the 30th time of my career, I realize that the reason Davey's (David Moscow) career never took off was because he just didn't dance in the movie. Why Not? Christian Bale's Jack Kelly did and he became Batman. Les did and Luke Edwards went on to a pretty decent movie/tv career. Max Casella aka Racetrack continued to have a TV career and appeared in a few episodes of Sopranos. Bill Pullman danced and he became PRESIDENT (where he saved the world from the Aliens in ID4. Maybe HE should be our commander-in-chief right now.) Heck even that killjoy Michael Goorjian went on to a decent career appearing as recurring characters in a few tv series because, despite HIS negative attitude, he at least danced.

Dave though, NEVER danced. He refused. Perhaps he felt he was above dancing, I don't know. But David Moscow's career took a nosedive the INSTANT he decided not to shake a leg. I think the writers were even a little pissed at him and rewrote his character to be a ginormous Puss. They probably wrote in Ele Keats' character Sarah JUST so Jack could seduce her and have one over on Dave. I just wish she had been written as Dave's girl and Jack stole her away. Then Davey, as he watching Jack ride off with Teddy, sort of smirk and think about how he'll take his girl back, only to watch her basically rip his heart out and use it as a tampon when JK's car turns around and he hops out to stay.

THAT would have been better.

I think this refusal to dance may have cost Moscow his career, cursed him if you will. Unlike the Curse of the Babe, this Curse was real. Boston at least made the playoffs; Moscow had NO career, AND if you believe his IMDB page, he lost his hair. The lesson is: DANCE when asked to! Pretend you ARE the monkey seeking the quarter.

And one more question, I wonder what Denton was thinking when he watched the Newsies decide to strike by breaking into song. What article was he writing? Maybe I should write that one sometime...

Midweek entertainment report 2/18/09

Chris Brown rejected by Oprah's better half, Idol's first 12 sucks, and Christian gets engaged.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Midweek entertainment report!

CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP!

Chris Brown officially apologized to Rihanna, but Gayle King has come out on the record saying she doesn't accept the apology. Ummmmm Gayle, he wasn't apologizing to you. Sorry. I know you are the editor of O magazine and Oprah's secret girlfriend, but why are you rejecting the apology? Did Chris Brown really beat YOU up, but just claimed it was Rihanna because he didn't want to be seen as a gay-basher? Didn't realize this was a coverup. Hmmmmmmmmmm. Seriously Gayle, I realize O magazine probably isn't achieving the success Oprah probably hoped for when she appointed you, her girlfriend as the head cheese (like Caleb with wife Julie Cooper-Nickel running Newport Living from Season 2 of The OC). How about you keep your nose out of it since it really doesn't apply to you.

If last night was any indication, American Idol will SUCK MAJOR BALLS this season. The first 12....enh. Do I HAVE to pick three from this group to advance to the finals? I'd take the Alexis girl with the dyed blond and pink hair as the best, but that is like saying, "Hey Billy, you are the tallest of ALL of the lollipop gild!" I think she just sounded better because everyone else wasn't good. As for the guy, take the last guy Gokey, or whatever. He was in the pimp spot. Anoop probably gets the final spot because, as Wifey says, "He's likeable!" But everyone else, really disappointing. What was with the chick in the elastic pants? And the two hot chicks really sucked. Same with the rest of the guys. Really really bad. I hope the next 24 are WAY better. SAVE THIS SEASON. But I think this was Season6 redux written ALL OVER IT! And I like the format that makes you do well, not just avoid doing poorly. We can cut a whole bunch of crappy singers this way. I think the producers realized they had a bunch of shite and changed the format to get rid of it in a hurry. I LIKE E!

Finally your Nip/Tuck report. I am sorry, but I am already sick of the Sean/new lady doctor relationship. So he is too uptight for her? Then he TOTALLY changes who he is (which if I was her, I wouldn't like that. You can TELL he is faking) only to go back to being himself, ONLY TO END the show as being fake again? Come on..... As for Christian, dude, you got engaged to a lezbinen. But maybe that is just a label. Maybe you can't help WHO you fall in love with. Maybe Nip/Tuck is really teaching America a lesson. How deep you are Ryan Murphy. How deep. I would have LOVED how the episode ended, except that Sean is seemingly back with the new lady doctor. (I don't even know her name, that's how much I want her to go away.)

Have a great one everybody!

Griffey to Braves? Deal nearly finished.

The Kid is finally coming to Atlanta. Sources close to free agent outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., say that the 39 year-old and the Atlanta Braves are thisclose to finalizing a deal that would put Junior in a Braves uniform for the 2009 season. Griffey is a thirteen time all-star and has amassed 600+ career home runs, one of only 6 players in MLB history to accomplish the feat. The deal is believed to be worth about $2M guaranteed with incentives added based on games played and plate appearances.
Griffey is expected to provide pop for an outfield that, as a unit managed just 27 home runs last season. Griffey will likely platoon in leftfield with Matt Diaz, maybe even play spot duty in center. While Junior is coming off knee surgery, he still managed to rake against RHPs to the tune of .272 with 14 home runs. For the season, Griffey averaged .249 with 18 home runs and 71 RBI as a member of the Reds and then the White Sox.
Griffey was the American League MVP in 1997 while with the Seattle Mariners, the only real competition the Braves met in trying to acquire Griffey’s services.

For more info and continuous updates, log on to www.scoreatl.com

Midway point look at the NCAA BBall season

We might be a little farther into the 2008-09 men's basketball season than halfway, but I decided it would be a good time to look at the game after last night's Pitt win over UConn. UConn had it going in the first half, but DeJuan Blair took that game over in the second half and UConn is NO LONGER the #1 team in the country (and they shouldn't have been anyways). I don't know if this goes back to the football season with USC, but UNC should be #1 regardless of the fact that they lost two straight to open the ACC schedule. They have since beaten #6 Duke and #12 Clemson on the way to 9 straight wins. Their 3 point loss AT Wake Forest put the Demon Deacons to #1 in the land, but if the two played 9 more times, the Heels win 9 straight, IMO.

But let's do what the bracktologists do, and seed the field.
UNC is the #1 in the South. BOOMER SOONER (with Blake Griffin-way better than Hasheem Thabeet) is #1 in the Midwest. Pitt in #1 in the East. and Let's still send UConn out to the West as a #1.

Arizona State is pretty good out west in the Pac10, and UCLA's final four streak is in SERIOUS trouble. Their talents freshmen aren't as good as last year in Love and Collison can't do it ALL.

In the Big 12, OU be the best while Texas just has too many holes to REALLY be a contender. KU, the defending champs will MAKE the field, but that's about it.

In the SEC, there is a new frontrunner every day it seems. I like Jodie Meeks and Kentucky because Pat Patterson is there to help out the SHOULD-BE POY in the SEC. Out in the west, a new team steps up each day so who cares. The SEC stinks this year. The real talent is in the East with UK and SoCar (wow did I just say that?) Tennessee is not that good. Oh, you beat Georgia twice...who hasn't? Wait, Florida. Oops. PS, I think Florida's loss to UGA should knock them OUT of the tournament. Hello NIT!

as far as Duke, I like them about as much as I like Nevan's chances of moving out of Olivia's apartment on The City, which is not very much. Speaking of The City, how funny is Allie, Adam's girlfriend. She looks like an alien with those sunken in eyes. I watched Star Wars Episode II with Wifey the other day and when ObiWan goes to visit the clone-making planet and that Alien greets him, we both said, "Hey, it's Allie!" And Duncan is rather troll-looking to, with the beard and the disheveled hair. When he left Erin last night after breaking up with her because she had the audacity to SPEAK to another male (what a boner move that was. Does he own a mirror? And has he SEEN Erin? That is an Eddie Fogler move if I've ever seen one!), Wifey wondered aloud why he was taking a cab to go to a bridge? I thought it might have been so he could avoid the snow. He does live UNDER the bridge. He wouldn't want to get his beard wet and matty. BACK to Duke, we've seen them exposed AGAIN and again. Over the last four games, they are 1-3, with the lone win coming after Miami choked the game away. Duke isn't very good and I've said this before: they will stink until this core group of players is gone. Expect two more years of this!

Clemson is doing JUST what we KNEW they would do: run out fast then stumble like Barbaro. Or pull up like Big Brown. Clemson does this EVERY YEAR and I am proud to say that Sportsbyfletch called this and was NOT fooled! UVa beat them for pete's sake!
And while we are talking about the ACC, GT, you guys SUCK. Major balls. Yeah you beat Georgia, but who hasn't? If (and probably when) you go 1-15 in the conference, why are you keeping your coach again? Because he has one HECK of a recruiting class coming in? Didn't he have two lotto picks about three years ago that he did NOTHING with? Why would you want this guy to mess up this great recruiting class coming in? Favors is a one-and-one and if you lose him, so what. Get rid of Hewitt and start over. I would say you can't do any worse, but you could. You could go 0-16. So Paul Hewitt is good enough for ONE WIN on a Saturday morning when the team you beat just knocked off the #1 team and is experiencing a hangover. But congrats!

The Big East is the last conference I want to talk about (sorry Big10, I hate you and every single one of your teams). While they seemed to be stacked, and they are in fact the best conference (probably because they have 16 teams and if the ACC wanted to play like that, grab Florida, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee out of the SEC to make 16 and I'd call it pretty even) I think the statement by the Louisville kid last week was maybe the dumbest I have ever heard out of someone from that school: "The last place team in the Big East could win the ACC!" REALLY? So DePaul at 8-18 and 0-13 could take down UNC? Brother, PITT couldn't take down UNC. Neither could UConn, even with the Dyson kid that just went down (and without him, the Huskies cannot win it all). I like when people are proud of their conferences; heck I beat my SEC chest, but I KNOW that Florida couldn't have beaten USC last year. They were the BEST team in the country, I don't care WHERE the BCS trophy ended up. Urban Meyer should be thanking his lucky stars there is not a playoff, because he'd lose to USC in the final four or the finals every year. And he knows it.

UNC is by FAR the class of Basketball this season, even with their personnel losses. Now they just STILL have the best team, but no longer the best depth. Take way THans, and Wayne and Lawson kill you. Try and stop Lawson and Wayne & Psycho T will inside-out you to death. UNC is just plain stacked and with Roy Williams (better than Coach K at this point to be the best in the game), the Heels won't lose this year. Psycho T reminds me a bit of John Adams from John Adams of HBO how he won't be denied in his quest (for a title and Independence, respectively). Adams did what he had to do, with trusting certain people, making deals and getting TJ involved, just like #50 is doing with letting Lawson do his thing and scoring less while doing the dirty work to get a ring. I am looking forward to OU and UNC going at it for the whole she-bang. Blake v Tyler. Willie Warren v Ty Lawson. Can't wait! And sorry Capel, but Ole Roy wins his second.

Back to John Adams, for a second. I was YELLING at Laura Linney for giving her kids the pox vaccination because I thought she had killed her daughter. I dunno, I think I would have rather taken my chances and hoped I didn't get it, opposed to INVITING IT INTO MY HOUSE. But whatevs. I have enjoyed the series thus far. Pretty much matches up word for word to how I was taught the thang in 4th grade history. Looking forward to seeing more. I love history like that. And the music is great too. Give it a whirl if you Netflix! Sportsbyfletch officially gives the endorsement. I should be paid for that, at least a free subscription to netflix.

Bucs new head coach makes first MAJOR mistake

Well Raheem Morris, that didn't take long. For WHATEVER reason this new head coach with ZERO head coaching experience who hails from the defensive side of the ball has decided to dump his Pro-Bowl QB Jeff Garcia to go with journeyman Luke McCown or never played Josh Johnson or lush Brian Griese. WHAT? Really? You tell Garcia to kick rocks so you can go to battle with an AGING defense MINUS Monte Kiffin and a running game that is led by Cadallic Williams-oops he just got injured as I was typing that. He apparently woke up! Well at least you have a rock at QB....wait. You DON'T anymore! If you thought Antonio Bryant was a pain in the butt with a Pro Bowl QB throwing to him, just wait until Brian Griese has the beer sh!ts in the huddle and Luke McCown sucks and Josh Johnson gets that deer in the headlights look. Yeah.

Oh, and I wonder how a hungover Griese will be when the Preditor is running after him next season? Who will rally the team to try and go point-for-point with New Orleans? When Carolina is grinding away yard after yard against your defense and you have to run a two minute offense, who is going to do it? Josh Johnson? Luke McCown? I don't like those odds.

Honestly, why would this young coach get rid of Garcia? Why would ANYONE want to get rid of Garcia? The Lions were at least winning games with Garcia. Garcia took the 49ers to the playoffs. Same with Philly in his one year there. He took the Bucs to the playoffs in his first and came dadgum close in his second season. (He isn't to blame for the Oakland loss. Come on!)

If this REALLY IS the end for Garcia and the Bucs, I know ATL fans will be happy (assuming he doesn't go to Carolina). The Bucs just became two easy wins on that schedule. In fact, I wouldn't be shocked to see Tampa fall to 5-11 or 6-10 next year(sorry Bruce).

And Garcia should probably thank his lucky stars. He is the type of guy that can come in next season and take a borderline team and put them into the second round of the playoffs. yeah, not the first, the SECOND round. From there, tell the rest of your team to step up and help him out.

If I was the GM of the Jets, I'd give Garcia a call. Assuming Favre IS retired, imagine Garcia coming in and going to Coles and handing off to Jones, behind that bigtime line. The Jets WILL be in the playoffs with Garcia at the helm.
Of course, Brett might come back or Kurt Warner might sign with the Jets.

If Warner signs with NYJ, then if I'm Ken Whisenhunt, I call up Garcia and ask him if he'd like to come play with Fitz and Q and Breston. The DEFENDING NFC Champs would be hard to pass up, especially with Fitz there.

Or go to KC with Todd Haley and throw to Bowe, Bradley, and Gonzo. Heck, if Garcia is in the fold, maybe the Chiefs take Michael Crabtree with the #3. Behind a pretty strong line (Albert or maybe the Chiefs take Andre Smith/Eugene Monroe instead of Crabtree), with an improving Defense, in the Chiefs crap division (Chargers are getting old, Broncos have a rookie coach, Raiders suck) could sneak into the playoffs, especially with Garcia under center.

Or go to Washington. I am sorry, as a Redskins fan I can say this: the Jason Campbell experiment needs to come to a close. It is OVER! Campbell isn enh, but Garcia could and WOULD put them into the playoffs. Look what Todd freaking Collins did down the stretch in 2007-08. PUT THEM INTO THE PLAYOFFS. With Santana Moss, Randle-El, Cooley, Fred Davis, Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, and CLINTON PORTIS at his disposal, Garcia would make at least 4 of those guys Pro Bowlers, along with himself all the way to the NFC championship game. If Garcia was on the team this past season, Portis doesn't melt down the way he did. Washington needs Garcia's presence in its lockerroom right now. A guy that the players can look to instead of Clinton Portis.

Or go to Minnesota. They even WENT to the Playoffs, yet TJax held them back. Imagine Garcia carving up the Detroit/Chicago/Green Bay defenses all the way to an 11-5 record in the regular season and perhaps a first round bye. AP running hard and setting up the playaction for Garcia, along with the NEW Purple People Eater dline that Minny boasts....The winter wouldn't be as cold with a Super Bowl appearance for Vikings fans.

or go to Carolina. You know the division and you'll have Steve Smith AND a strong running game. No way Garcia turns it over 7 times against the Cardinals in the playoffs. Julius Peppers leaves, but Garcia and the rest of the offense win games in a shootout fashion. The run is OVER for Jake the Cajun snake; plug in Garcia and the Panthers are dangerous again.

Otherwise I'd say that Jax and Houston should at least look into seeing if he wanted to come in on a one-year deal to compete with the high priced QB's that have ALREADY gone stale (David Gerrard and Schaub, but both have MAJOR contracts that were just recently signed within the last two seasons.)

Bottom line, I think Tampa is crazy to cut ties with this guy. Get ready for a LOT of losses and I feel bad for Derrick Brooks, who will likely end his illustrious career in rebuilding mode with McCown and Johnson as his QB. I've interviewed Brooks; he is a good guy and deserved one last run. maybe that's what last year was. Oh well. I think Garcia still has two good seasons in him though, maybe two more "effective" ones after that.

....and the ocean is blue

I saw this on ESPN.com and just LAUGHED..................

Astros left-hander Mike Hampton is returning to Houston to get treatment for an irregular heartbeat. Hampton was to be examined Monday by team physician Dr. Jim Muntz and will undergo a procedure that corrects his heartbeat with an electrical current.

The condition was discovered during an EKG test Saturday that was part of the routine physical for Astros pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training. The Astros say the irregularity was minor and they hope to have Hampton back in camp Thursday.

The 36-year-old is 141-105 with a 4.01 ERA in 14 seasons, including six with Houston from 1994-99.

Wait, Mike Hampton is hurt again and in danger of missing time? SHOCKER!

Happy President's Day out there

On this President's Day (which some people will think was created just to honor our current president-NOT TRUE....) I thought I would look back at some of the most underrated Prezes of our time. (PS I started watching the HBO John Adams miniseries last night. Pretty good thus far. But whenever Laura Linney comes on screen I say "Hey Karl." Don't know why.)

First up... John Tyler. The 10th president was the first president to come into the office through the process of succession, after William Henry Harrison died one month into his term. JT was from the great state of VA, so I have to give him props for that. AND he annexed the Republic of Texas into the Union in 1845. So he had that going for him too. Without that, my wife would have been an alien and I would have thought that perhaps she only married me for a green card. (Instead she married me for my great body.)

Next up, James Monroe. Another Virginia guy, he oversaw the "Era of Good Feeling," and he was a near unanimous selection, with one vote going to his opponent so that George Washington remained the only unanimous election. While I have to fing fault with him for the acquisition of Florida (while we got Disney out of it, we also had to accept the Gators. Grrr), he DID break ties with France from the War of 1812. And the best thing that might have come from his run was the Monroe Doctrine. (Though this sometimes gets confusing to some: The Monroe Doctrine, simply stated said that European powers were no longer allowed to colonize in the Americas, or interfere with the affairs of the newly independent states of the Americas. The United States would not interfere with existing colonies or their dependencies in the Western Hemisphere. However, any attempt by a European nation to oppress or control any nation in the western hemisphere would be seen as an act of aggression and the United States would intervene. Thanks Wikipedia!) In my opinion this would lead to isolationism in early 1900s, which the world killed us for, but now wishes we would do again. MAKE UP YOUR MINDS. Monroe's terms also saw Maine (lobsters), Illinois(Cubs), Bama(Houndstooth hats), Missouri(not sure) and Mississippi(hot chicks) become states. Overall a pretty good run, but he doesn't get his due.

Finally, TR aka Teddy Roosevelt. This guy was George W Bush, but back when people still respected the presidency. He didn't care about Congress's opinion on war, once sending troops across the Pacific and saying "If they want them back after 90 days, they can pay for it!" And people didn't ride around with Bumper stickers saying "less Roosevelt!" or "I didn't Vote for him!" (Yeah, you didn't vote PERIOD you hippy!)
But TR was a genuine bad-ass. I think the REAL reason everyone liked him? Quite possibly from his time as NY Governor when he helped out Jack Kelly's cause and gave him a ride to the train station, only to talk him into staying and getting the girl, and crushing Dave's hopes of taking over the Newsies. Yeah right Dave. YOU SUCK! The Newsies would have followed Les or Racetrack before they followed you! (I always got the feeling that Jack got out of TR's car, looked at Dave trying to move in on his empire and yelled, "Grab your shinebox!" Did Jack ever seek any payback for the attempted mutiny? Pirates used to bury alive traitors like that, or make them walk to plank. I've seen PirateMaster on CBS.com!) He is also on Mount Rushmore, with all of the greats. Throw in Teddy bears and you have yourself a zonetastic Prez.

How come you don't see....

...Ukulele Hero? Is that big in Hawaii? or harmonica hero for that matter?
....a guy with hooks for hands playing the bongo drum? The mom from Boston Public would RULE!

Just wondering...

Georgia High School Wrasslin'

This weekend Georgia High school wrestling programs will be participating in individual state sectionals in preparation for the state championships next week at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. Score Atlanta will be helping GHSA broadcast the state championships on the GHSA website.

Over the past decade, two teams have achieved unparalleled success in Georgia High School wrestling. The Dragons of Jefferson County have dominated in Class A and now in Class AA while the Collins Hill program has built a dynasty in Area 7-AAAAA and Class AAAAA. How do the two programs do it? Everything starts with Collins Hill coach Cliff Ramos and Jefferson County coach Doug Thurmond.
For Jefferson County, several already-decorated wrestlers helped the team recently capture its eighth straight dual title, and the first in Class AA. The Dragon wrestling team won the 2009 dual championship after moving up from Class A to go along with the program’s twelve traditional titles. Coach Thurmond’s two sons, Cason (2008 103lb champion) and Cam (119lb 2007 and 2008 champion) helped lead the team. The squad also boasts three time-champion Jay Fowler (152lb in 2006, ‘07 and ‘08), and Zac Crosby is a reigning champion (160lb) as well. The team has a great love for the sport, according to Thurmond. “We don’t treat wrestling as a secondary sport. We feel the sport teaches for life.” Thurmond’s talented bunch also features several 2008 runners-up that will be seeking the elusive individual championships. Daniel Barber (112), Cutler Finch (130), Cole Hightower (285), and Patrick Allen (215) all came close last year and will now look to hit the mat and capture their respective titles. With a team championship already in the bank, look for Coach Doug Thurmond’s wrestlers to make a huge splash yet again with multiple individual championships.
Meanwhile the class of Class AAAAA Collins Hill features just as many all-stars. Senior Taylor Knapp, who is ranked No.10 in the country on Amateur Wrestling News National’s No. 22 Collins Hill team, leads by example. Coach Cliff Ramos said that Knapp is just one of the many seniors that does “a good job, especially in practice.” John Allgood is another senior that Coach Ramos was quick to cite as being so strong for this team. “There are a lot of pieces to the puzzle that make this program successful.” Coach Ramos credited the “six outstanding assistant coaches, supportive parents and a fantastic youth program,” in helping the program win two straight team state championships and three since 2005.
Thirteen Collins Hill wrestlers qualified for state sectionals and two of Coach Ramos’s juniors were his picks to go on to win state individual titles. TJ Mitchell and Joel Smith were favored to win state while Gary Tiller, a previous state runner up (152lb), will try to overcome injuries to win what he missed out on last year. Nine other individual region champions will join those three in seeking state championships. Look out for Bazell Partridge (103), Nick Holbert (171), CJ Collins (215), and Allen Willard (130). These wrestlers have been pushed all season by the team’s nine seniors who help keep the team motivated, which at times can be pretty tough according to Ramos. “We’ve wrestled all over the country and sometimes you come back to the in-state meets and motivation is tough.” Knapp, named most outstanding middleweight in the recent Sham Slam and Caleb Sawchuck were huge in clinching the dual state title when the team knocked out Pope 47-9 to win the team crown. Coach Ramos is proud of the fact that his program has done something no other Class AAAAA team in any sport has done: finish in the top three every season since 2000.

Wrestling fans will have plenty of storylines to follow in the individual championships. Carl Rider of North Gwinnett High School became the first Bulldog freshman to win a region title when he took home the 152lb crown. Peachtree Ridge will send Michael Chapman (145) and Sam Kuntz (189) to try and win individual glory. Mill Creek has five hopes for a state title, led by Josh Harrison (130). Union Grove will be represented by Joey Lazor (135), who recently notched his 200th career victory. Lazor, who is committed to Northern Iowa, will be joined by his teammate, former champion Justin Crozier. Toombs County Bryan Benton is a beast at 140lb and owns three state rings. Pope finished second in Class AAAAA and was led by Dexter Bushart (130). If pins are your thing, keep an eye out for Central Gwinnett’s sophomore Jacob Aiken-Phillips (285), who recently won the region title and tied the Gwinnett County pin season record. With so much talent hitting the mats fans are sure to see some great action.

UNC is clearly the best in CBB

Last night I thought Dickie V's head was going to explode. The Dookies had an 8 point halftime lead and the Cameron Crazies were living up to their name. And get this, I was able to hear Dickie V's excitement all the way from a television carrier company that wasn't blocking the ESPN telecast out locally so MyAtl could carry it and we had to listen to a depressed Mike Gminski in the second half!

But honestly, Dook gave UNC its best shot in the first half and UNC wasn't playing well over the last 12 minutes of the second half, yet ONLY trailed 8. That was probably the BEST Dook could have played and they were only up 8. Yeah. In the second half, Dook saw what REAL defense is, stealing passes, BLOCKING shots, getting defensive rebounds, and they crumbled. Dook fans were probably wonder if what UNC was doing was legal because the only defense the Blue Devils only do is stand under the basket and hope a player runs into him to draw a charge. THAT'S IT!

Duke had ZERO answer for UNC when the Heels started to comeback and then took the 14 point lead. Kyle Singler did JUST what the Miami guy did on Saturday, but because the ref SINE DUBIO feared the Rat King, Singler got to stay in the game. Bullcrap.

But that was fun. UNC just dismantled Dook, poured triple digits IN CAMERON and walked out with a huge victory. Roy's Boys proved they can play D, they can run, they can play halfcourt...THEY DO IT ALL. They have the three best players in CBB, and they have great role players. And THAT is why they will win the championships.

UConn is nice and OU has one pretty good player. UNC is the best team and might not lose another game this season. Duke meanwhile is a pretender. And I don't see them getting better this season or next. Their core is not as good as the other contenders' cores and thus they are three years from REALLY competing for a National title. Sorry Blue Devil fans. At least you have David Cutcliff.

Real World Atlanta: Episode 4

Previously on The Real World
Todd turns to Dani and says “so I heard that my mother lives in Atlanta. I was adopted. Right after my mom died, my father told me about how I was adopted.” Dani is just standing speechless, looking at Todd. “I looked into it and the adoption agency finally revealed that she lives in Atlanta. I am here, she’s here. Ray supported me looking her up.” Dani quickly shouts, “OF COURSE you should look her up.
Carly is flirting with Max. “What are you doing?” asks Cailie.
“Getting a drink…you want one?” Carly slurs. Carly looks as though she is about to hurl.” “Remember earlier when you said I could have Max. Let me have him.” Cailie insists.
“Why don’t you go away, bitch!” Carly snaps. Cailie throws Carly’s drink at her and storms out of the bar. “FINE WHORE!”
Vlad grabs Kevin to leave while Todd and Dani run after Cailie. Jimmy laughs and orders another drink The scene ends with alternating shots of Cailie and Carly then Jimmy getting a drink from Max.

This is the TRUE STORY, of Seven strangers (you’re a rapper?), picked to live in a house (ATL BABY!), and have their lives taped (get the F*** out my face!) to find out what happens when people stop being polite (say it again, I DARE YOU!) and start being real. The Real World: Atlanta!

A still wet Carly comes home and yells at Cailie. Todd has to restrain Carly while Dani holds Cailie back. “You KNEW I liked him. Just back off slut!” “If he liked you, why is he talking to every girl in the bar?!”
“He talks to other girls, but he likes me. I know he does. You’re just a drunk ass*&le bitch!” Cailie retorts back.
“Sorry I’ve got the goods. Why don’t you just go back to your Oregon farm and ride a horse.” With that Carly shakes free of her roommates and storms off to bed.
“She’s drunk. Let her go sleep it off,” Vlad rolls his eyes as he says the last part, not really directed at anyone.

Kevin takes all of this in from the phone room where he has been calling the girl he met at Compound. “You would not believe the craziness going on right here. Cailie, the girl you saw throw the drink and the chick that had the drink thrown at her just almost had it out. Just freaking crazy. So how about I call you tomorrow?”

Todd and Dani and Vlad are straightening up the kitchen when Jimmy walks in.
“Where the heck have you been” asks Todd pointedly.
“I was at Compound, having a drink,” answers Jimmy.
“Well thanks for helping out here. Cailie and Carly got into again…” Dani starts, but Jimmy waves her off. “I know what happened. I saw Cailie throw the drink.”
In confessional Jimmy brags, “I was known growing up as the Puppetmaster. I like to pull strings and stir things up. I never had a girlfriend in high school because it was too much fun being “the other guy” and I was always hooking people up then ripping them apart. It is fun. This house was getting a little too boring. Don’t worry though, I’ll get them on friendly terms again.”
Vlad asks Jimmy, so if we are going to lift in the morning, I need to get some sleep. Dani asks Todd if he has the address. “Oh, let’s go look it up.” They leave Jimmy in the kitchen smirking to himself.

In front of the computer Todd and Dani are looking at mapquest directions and Dani asks if Todd is ready. “Well yeah, I guess. As ready as you can be for something like this.”
“You are going to be great, don’t worry. And I’ll be right there beside you. What are you going to say? Does she know you are coming?” Dani asks.
“Ummm no. I am just going to ring her doorbell and say, ‘Hello, I’m the kid you dropped off 20+ years ago.”
“You really think that’s the best way? Seriously?” Dani is appalled by his answer.
“You think I should call her and give her a heads up? Why though, does she deserve that?” Todd angrily asks.
“It just might be a shock if you just SHOW UP, don’t you think?” Dani replies.
“Fine, I’ll call her tomorrow. I’m gonna call Ray though and tell her.” Dani hugs Todd as they get up to leave.
“Come find me tomorrow, I’ll sit with you if you want.”
“OK”

In the morning Kevin is beaming as Todd walks into the kitchen. “What are you grinning about?”
“I got digits last night man. Did you see that smoking honey I was all on?” Kevin is boasting now and Jimmy walks in.
“I saw you talking to some skank,” Jimmy mocks.
“Shut up a-hole. But I called her last night and I’m gonna call her, maybe set up a date…”
“YOU WHAT?” Todd and Jimmy both yell! Jimmy continues, “You called her already?”
“Dude! Desperate much?” Todd bookends.
“What, she was into me, I think she’s cute. I want to hang out, what’s the big deal?” Kevin asks.
“The big deal is, don’t call her today. Jezz, you already called her? What’s her last name? You DON’T KNOW! And yet she ALREADY has your balls in a jar.” Jimmy is laughing at Kevin now.
“Says the man who loves his girlfriend,” Vlad’s voice booms as he enters the room wearing workout gear.
“Whatever Vlad, let’s go lift.” Jimmy seems to be annoyed with Vlad that Vlad might just be better athletically than he is.
Todd saddles up to Kevin. “listen Kevin, you just can’t be so needy. This chick is going to see through that.”
“I’m not trying for a wife here. I’m here for 3 more months, why not have some fun?” Kevin sounds like the smartest man in the house.
“F it, call her!” Todd finishes.

In the gym, Vlad is pumping serious iron while Jimmy is working his legs. Vlad sees this and snarls, “Here, lift this. See if you can do a set of 8.”
“8? I can do the full 12. Move.” Jimmy starts to lift as a vein pops in his forehead. He does 12 before proudly putting the weights down. Vlad then puts 20 more pounds on and says, “OK, rest up, I am going to finish this up. I do 3 sets of 12 at this weight, then 2 of 10 with 25 more and I’m done.”
“Let’s go!” Jimmy is winded but doesn’t want to show he is outmatched. Vlad does it no sweat and then Jimmy sits down.
“I don’t think you should do this.”
“Shut up Pollock!”
Jimmy does 4 when his eyes bug out and he collapses. “Sh&t!” shouts Vlad as he just picks up the dumbbell. And ambulance drives away from the house.

Carly emerges from her room, clearly annoyed that the siren woke her up. “What the F was that?” Dani and Cailie are talking and Cailie says, “A freaking siren, you dumb b*tch.”
“Who pissed in your cornflakes?” Carly responded.
“Do you not remember how big of a bitch you were last night?” Dani asks.
“No, what happened?” Carly is confused.
“You flirted with Max and then called me a bitch and, you generally weren’t cool.” Cailie is steaming.
“Oh, sorry.” Carly actually looks sorry and embarrassed.
In confessional, Carly admits, “OK, so maybe when I drink a whole lot, I blackout and forget things. My bad. But come on, who doesn’t do that?”
“You told me to go ride a horse on my farm.” Cailie is near tears.
“You were pretty uncool Car.” Dani has her arm around Cailie.
“Listen, I’m sorry, I was a bitch I am sure. I promise that I won’t talk to Max anymore or even go to the Compound. I don’t like making my friends cry and you are my friend Cai.” Now Carly is starting to cry.
Carly and Cailie hug it out as Dani hugs before walking off. “I AM sorry.” Carly is sobbing. “I’m sorry I threw a drink at you,” Cailie wails. “I am sure I deserved it,” Carly laugh/cries.

Todd is in the phone room as Dani walks in.
Hello-says a voice on the other end.
“Hello is this Denise Metzfield?” Todd asks
Yes this is.
“Ummm, my name is Todd and I live in Seattle and 25 years ago you gave me up for adoption.” A quivering Todd blurts into the phone.
I always thought you might track me down.
“So um, I was wondering if you wanted to get together for a cup of coffee or slice of pizza or something.
Yeah, we should do that. How about tomorrow?
“Yes, we should meet up. Talk. I’ve got some questions. Looking forward to it.”
OK see you then. They hang up.
“So are you excited?” Dani excitedly asks. “I need you. You are coming with me,” Todd demands. “I am there for ya Babe!” Dani reassures a shaking Todd.

We see Kevin holding a flower walking in Cabbage town when he stops at a walk-up and rings the bell. “This is Kevin.” I’ll be right down.
Kirstin walks downstairs and Kevin gives her a daisy. “For you.”
“Ahh you are sweet.” Kirstin gives him a peck on the cheek. They pull up to The Vortex and go inside.
“So you said you are a rapper?” Kirstin makes small talk.
“Yeah, I talked to Big Boi and he wants me on his next album.” Kevin shyly boasts.
“You ever do any battles like on 8 Mile?”
“Back in Philly we had those and I’ve always wanted to go to Detroit where Em started, but I don’t need to if I make it on Big Boi’s album.”
“I want to hear you. Go to Eddie’s attic on open mic night. I want to see you in action.”
“I’ll do it if you are there.” Kevin blushes as then continue to eat.
Kevin and Kirstin have ice cream as he walks to her door. He kisses her but she lays a serious one on him. “You want to come up?” Kirstin lays another one on Kevin and he says, “ok, yeah.”

Jimmy is back from the hospital and Carly is pouring him some water. “So you just fainted?” Carly asks.
“I think I was just dehydrated. Nothing major,” Jimmy tries to shrug off having to go to the hospital, but he is loving the attention. “I guess I just needed to drink more fluids if I am going to work out that intensely.”
“Well, we need you healthy, especially if we are going dancing tomorrow.”
“For you my love, I will soldier on! If you nurse me through,” Jimmy bats his eyelashes at Carly. Carly gives Jimmy a big hug and kiss on the cheek.

Todd and Dani ring a doorbell and Todd’s birth mother opens the door. Todd shakes her hand and Dani introduces herself. They walk to the Mellow Mushroom in Sandy Springs.
“So what do you want to know? The obvious I guess?” Denise asks and Dani looks confused.
“The obvious?” Todd asks what Dani is thinking.
“Yeah, how could I do it? I will answer it. I was 17 and at a party where I it was later confirmed that something was put into my drink. I was a freshman at a frat party and a senior was trying to help his little brother get some action and I was the action.” Denise starts to tear up. “I am sorry. I am not looking for sympathy here. I was brought up in a religious family and I felt so bad for what I had done. I am pro-life, always have been. I talked it over with my parents and we thought that adoption was the best option. I wanted a life, no offense to you, but there are so many families out there that cannot have babies, I thought that maybe I would help one of them. I thought that maybe this was my mission from God. I know it sounds stupid, but …”Denise wipes away a tear as Dani is now crying. Todd is sitting in his chair, shellshocked.
“So you gave me up for me and for my parents and for you.” Todd finally says.
“I just thought that maybe YOU would be better off with a family that could help you. Listen, I’m sorry. I didn’t know if your parents would ever tell you and I figured I had forfeited all of my rights when I gave you up.”
“I just wanted to know the story. I am alright though. I’ve got some great friends and a great girlfriend and after my mom died, I found out about you and then I was in Atlanta. It only seemed like fate.”
“Well you hold on to her, she’s pretty.” Denise points at Dani. Dani starts to correct her when Todd grabs her hand and squeezes. “She is great.”
The three get up and walk back to Denise’s house. Todd doesn’t say much as Denise says that Todd can call her if he ever needs to. “Anytime, as much or as little if you ever need anything. I’m sorry, but I know in my heart everything turned out for the best. You’ll figure that out someday.”
“Thanks Denise.” Todd shakes her hand with tears in his eyes. Denise is teary as well. Dani hugs Denise and she tells Dani to take care of Todd. “He’ll need it.” Denise closes the door and Todd walks off with Dani. Dani hugs Todd as he really starts to cry about a block or two away from the house. “It will be OK Todd. I’m here.”

Next time on The Real World. “Yeah I think Jimmy is cute, who wouldn’t” Carly says. Cailie is trying to get Max’s attention, but he seems to be ignoring her. Vlad is making fun of Kevin for sleeping over and a drunk Cailie and Todd dance at The Compund while Dani looks on, a tad annoyed.