I just saw on The Sporting News Daily that the players of MLS are considering going on strike. SERIOUSLY? You guys are kidding, right? MLS as in Major League Soccer?
You guys are thinking about going on strike?
and therefore you will join the rest of America, which apparently is already on strike, in terms of watching MLS.
Give me a break MLSers. Get out there and kick the ball. MLS on strike? If a tree fell in the woods yet no one was around, would it make a sound?
Wait, what will ESPN2 run at 1 am now? More poker?
OH NO, MLS might go on strike. I guess 8-year-old girls across the country might not get to watch what NOT to do for that Saturday's game.
Why would the MLS folks go on strike? Did the owners decide to stop giving the players Capri Sun and orange slices after the game?
Seriously, MLS? You guys are going on strike? Are you attempting to pull an NHL by locking out/striking yourselves out of America's consciousness?
MLS is going to strike. And McDonalds will stop selling fries.
MLS is thinking about striking? I'll take The Dumbest decisions ever made for $600 please Alex.
Shelley Long called. She said you guys are stupid.
The MLS is really considering going on strike? That would be like letting young children swim with Shamu.
The MLS wants to strike? Are they thinking that this is bizzaro world where that would GET them viewers?
I cannot believe the MLS is even considering striking. Do they want a spot in the Wally Pipp Hall of Fame?
Hey buckos, enjoy the fact that some one is paying you ANYTHING to play soccer for a living. And next time you are out on the pitch (soccer reference. that's what they call the field), look in the stands. Yeah, don't see anyone? Realize no one is watching you at home either. Consider yourselves lucky that the MLS even exists. I'm surprised you guys aren't getting minimum wage. Honestly.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Shamu looking to move on up
As we all remember, whales are in the top ten of the dominance scale, well below No.1 humans, but still dangerous in the top ten. Humans are the Kansas of the Animal word while whales are more like the Villanova of the animal world: scary come tourney time and can knock off higher ranked teams they matchup well with, but ultimately with a fatal flaw. In a whale's case, "killer" in the water against a drunk and/or unarmed person but SOL out of water.
Well Cinderella struck yesterday as Shamu killed a trainer by pulling the trainer underwater down in Florida before drowning her. Apparently this is not the first time this Shamu has killed, once knocking off a drunk dude that sneaked into the tank for a drunken midnight swim.
Well, chalk one up to the whale in this situation. Hey, every now and then Davidson knocks off Kansas in the Elite 8...
But seriously here, this doesn't really move the whales up on the dominance scale. Let's remember that it was a human that put the Shamu in the tank to begin with. And odds are, the humans could strike back if they wanted to...with a harpoon or by simply NOT feeding him. Yeah, this whale depends on humans in order to live. The humans don't depend on the whale. Let's be serious here. We put HIM into the tank for our entertainment.
Just saying.....Humans still rule on the dominance scale. Even Kansas lost to Tennessee....
Well Cinderella struck yesterday as Shamu killed a trainer by pulling the trainer underwater down in Florida before drowning her. Apparently this is not the first time this Shamu has killed, once knocking off a drunk dude that sneaked into the tank for a drunken midnight swim.
Well, chalk one up to the whale in this situation. Hey, every now and then Davidson knocks off Kansas in the Elite 8...
But seriously here, this doesn't really move the whales up on the dominance scale. Let's remember that it was a human that put the Shamu in the tank to begin with. And odds are, the humans could strike back if they wanted to...with a harpoon or by simply NOT feeding him. Yeah, this whale depends on humans in order to live. The humans don't depend on the whale. Let's be serious here. We put HIM into the tank for our entertainment.
Just saying.....Humans still rule on the dominance scale. Even Kansas lost to Tennessee....
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Midweek Entertainment report 2/24/10
Vick to get nekked?, Archer will return to F/X, Seinfeld's idea actually a good one, a Real Housewife (well, unmarried one...) loses a job and Ole Miss getting a new mascot from a galaxy far far away?
Ladies and gentlemen, the midweek entertainment report!
CLAPCLAPCLAP (hey, it's a recession.)
Michael Vick used to have a $130M contract from the Falcons plus much more from Nike and other sponsors. Then he lost it all and went to jail. The Eagles gave him a deal for close to $5M, but he might get cut before he sees most of that cash, and the dough he has from them has been carved up and doled out to creditors. Vick could soon be a millionaire again....thanks to Playgirl Magazine. The publication has reportedly offered Vick one MILLION dollars to pose nude ala Levi Johnston. Will MV7 do it? Dunno, but 1M is a lot of cash in this recession. Just saying................
Archer has been picked up for another season on F/X and if you haven't seen it yet, GO TO ON-DEMAND AND WATCH IT. Wifey doesn't like it but the humor is there, kind of like Arrested Development-esque humor. I usually have two or three laugh out loud moments in each show, which is impressive because I don't always LOL during TV shows. Is the show absurd? yes. but still quite funny for a kid that grew up watching EVERY SINGLE James Bond movie. Throw in the fact that Aisha Tyler does a voice for the show and you have a winner.
Seinfeld's new show The Marriage Ref actually looks pretty funny, and it is an idea that could stick around. Married couples will always fight and this show will pick a winner. Sometimes I wish I had a marriage ref when Wifey starts talking crazy. (wait, if she is reading this, she is BEAUTIFUL!)
Kandi Burruss of the Real Housewives (that aren't actually married) of Atlanta opened up a TAGS boutique, but shockingly it is closing. Why? because you are a reality-celeb that tried to cash in on some "heat" from RHoA which you shouldn't have really done because you aren't that famous. Sorry. the show you SOMETIMES appear on is on Bravo. For the record. If Sly and Ar-nald and the rest of the gang from planet hollywood failed, how did you think you'd make it?
Finally, Ole Miss has been sans mascot since 2003 when the school decided the ole' Col. Reb was a bit too racist. REALLY? Ya THINK? Well the school has wisely decided to let the students decide who the mascot should be, and a Facebook petition has been pushing Admiral Ackbar from Star Wars. Yeah, the octopusfish-face guy that screams "It's a trap!" This is what happens when you let the students decide. Bill Stewart keeps his job and you get Admiral Ackbar as your mascot. Honestly....but I guess, as the campaign says, an Admiral is better than a Colonel.
Have a great rest of the week everybody!
Ladies and gentlemen, the midweek entertainment report!
CLAPCLAPCLAP (hey, it's a recession.)
Michael Vick used to have a $130M contract from the Falcons plus much more from Nike and other sponsors. Then he lost it all and went to jail. The Eagles gave him a deal for close to $5M, but he might get cut before he sees most of that cash, and the dough he has from them has been carved up and doled out to creditors. Vick could soon be a millionaire again....thanks to Playgirl Magazine. The publication has reportedly offered Vick one MILLION dollars to pose nude ala Levi Johnston. Will MV7 do it? Dunno, but 1M is a lot of cash in this recession. Just saying................
Archer has been picked up for another season on F/X and if you haven't seen it yet, GO TO ON-DEMAND AND WATCH IT. Wifey doesn't like it but the humor is there, kind of like Arrested Development-esque humor. I usually have two or three laugh out loud moments in each show, which is impressive because I don't always LOL during TV shows. Is the show absurd? yes. but still quite funny for a kid that grew up watching EVERY SINGLE James Bond movie. Throw in the fact that Aisha Tyler does a voice for the show and you have a winner.
Seinfeld's new show The Marriage Ref actually looks pretty funny, and it is an idea that could stick around. Married couples will always fight and this show will pick a winner. Sometimes I wish I had a marriage ref when Wifey starts talking crazy. (wait, if she is reading this, she is BEAUTIFUL!)
Kandi Burruss of the Real Housewives (that aren't actually married) of Atlanta opened up a TAGS boutique, but shockingly it is closing. Why? because you are a reality-celeb that tried to cash in on some "heat" from RHoA which you shouldn't have really done because you aren't that famous. Sorry. the show you SOMETIMES appear on is on Bravo. For the record. If Sly and Ar-nald and the rest of the gang from planet hollywood failed, how did you think you'd make it?
Finally, Ole Miss has been sans mascot since 2003 when the school decided the ole' Col. Reb was a bit too racist. REALLY? Ya THINK? Well the school has wisely decided to let the students decide who the mascot should be, and a Facebook petition has been pushing Admiral Ackbar from Star Wars. Yeah, the octopusfish-face guy that screams "It's a trap!" This is what happens when you let the students decide. Bill Stewart keeps his job and you get Admiral Ackbar as your mascot. Honestly....but I guess, as the campaign says, an Admiral is better than a Colonel.
Have a great rest of the week everybody!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
UK or KU? which one?
How come Kansas is so clearly the No.1 basketball team in the country, with Kentucky leading the rest of the country in peering through the glass? Honestly? Can someone explain this to me? I've watched a bunch of games this season and seen highlights from just about every game these two have played.
Kansas is really that much better? Just asking. I don't think anyone on Kansas stops John Wall if these two teams played at a neutral site. Just saying. If these two teams played, Wall would lead the Wildcats to a win. Is Kansas a better overall team? Probably, but if they played, Kentucky would win because of one player, the best player in the college game right now.
I can understand why you want to reward the best collection of talent but Kentucky has the best player and he would lead his team to a win over the best collection of talent. And that's what it should all be about.
PS, Kentucky's one loss was to a VERY motivated South Carolina team, where Devan Downey went out of his mind at home in an upset. Kansas meanwhile lost to Tennessee, when the Vols had just lost four players, including their best returning player. I know now Tennessee has recovered and meanwhile SoCar has fallen off of the bubble, but I think Kentucky's loss is one of those "tough road conference losses" whereas Kansas lost a national showcase game.
And if Duke's Kyle Singler REALLY DOES leave Duke early to go to the NBA to get drafted late in the second round, I might just die of laughter-overdose. Honestly.
Kansas is really that much better? Just asking. I don't think anyone on Kansas stops John Wall if these two teams played at a neutral site. Just saying. If these two teams played, Wall would lead the Wildcats to a win. Is Kansas a better overall team? Probably, but if they played, Kentucky would win because of one player, the best player in the college game right now.
I can understand why you want to reward the best collection of talent but Kentucky has the best player and he would lead his team to a win over the best collection of talent. And that's what it should all be about.
PS, Kentucky's one loss was to a VERY motivated South Carolina team, where Devan Downey went out of his mind at home in an upset. Kansas meanwhile lost to Tennessee, when the Vols had just lost four players, including their best returning player. I know now Tennessee has recovered and meanwhile SoCar has fallen off of the bubble, but I think Kentucky's loss is one of those "tough road conference losses" whereas Kansas lost a national showcase game.
And if Duke's Kyle Singler REALLY DOES leave Duke early to go to the NBA to get drafted late in the second round, I might just die of laughter-overdose. Honestly.
Funeral Services announced for Rajaan Bennett
I've updated my cover story for Score Atlanta's Prep Edition to include funeral service information for McEachern RB Rajaan Bennett. If you are interested in helping the family out, see the address below of where you can send a check and where the memorial services will be held.
Tragedy. Unfair. Senseless. These are just some of the words that come to mind when one hears about a young life that is ended before it has a chance to start and blossom into what we all hope it can. Recently the Atlanta area was faced with this situation when McEachern running back Rajaan Bennett was shot and killed last week. For those that never knew Bennett, he was truly a special individual that was forced to grow up way too soon. Bennett was forced to become the man of the house while still in middle school after his father passed away, and he constantly helped his mother in caring for his three younger siblings. At McEachern, Bennett not only starred on the football field but in the classroom and with his fellow students. At a news conference last week, McEachern’s principal Regina Montgomery said of her former student, “We have a population of 2,200 kids, and when you're Rajaan Bennett, you touch the lives of all 2,200."
Just three weeks ago the star running back, with his support system in attendance, signed a letter of intent to attend Vanderbilt and play football. This grand day came after Bennett led McEachern to a region title his senior season as he rushed for 1857 yards and scored 28 TDs. As a senior captain, Bennett carried the ball 236 times in Kyle Hockman's Pistol Offense. Several recruiting services ranked Bennett as not only the Commodores best prospect in this class but perhaps in all of coach Bobby Johnson’s tenure. Said Johnson of Bennett’s passing, “Our whole football family is shocked by the death of Rajaan Bennett. It’s just hard to believe. He seemed to be the ideal young man for Vanderbilt and college football to tell you the truth.”
McEachern’s Athletic Director Jimmy Dorsey was devastated when addressing the press last week. “This is a tragedy. A senseless, gut-wrenching tragedy, and it has shaken the entire McEachern family,” said Dorsey. “He was a friend to everybody on this campus. Everybody knew Rajaan. Rajaan is what McEachern High School is all about. It's what everybody wants their kid to grow up and be like - he was a model for that."
Hockman said of the tragic loss, “it’s awful but we’ll stay strong for the kids.” Hockman and the school have helped to establish a special fund to help out Bennett’s family. Those wishing to help can make a check out to McEachern Endowment Fund - Bennet Memorial and either drop it off at McEachern or send it to the school at 2400 New Macland Rd Powder Springs, GA 30101. The school had a memorial service for Bennett this past Wednesday and a visitation is planned for Friday, February 26 from 5-8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Powder Springs. The funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Church Chapel of Georgia. Support for the family has poured in and the funeral service had to be moved because so many people were expected to attend the service.
On a personal level, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bennett twice during the recruiting process, and my co-host on Score Atlanta's Official Visit Scott Janovitz noted that he was so knowledgeable about the pistol offense and his role in [the offense], he seemed to be MADE for that offense. Hockman was also a guest and deflected credit, saying that the back would be good in any offense with his skills set. Bennett however clearly benefited once Hockman was named coach of the Indians two seasons ago, going from relative unknown to future SEC tailback. Last season McEachern went 9-0 in Region 5-AAAAA and 10-0 in the regular season before falling to Brookwood in the first round of the state playoffs, despite Bennett’s 136 yards rushing. Bennett routinely rushed for over 100 yards, going for 141 and 2 scores against North Cobb and scoring twice against Etowah. On any list, be it Scout.com or the GHSF Daily or AJC, Bennett was always one of the top players, not just tailbacks, in the state. When wrapping up National Signing Day on The Official Visit two weeks ago, Bennett was discussed as being Vanderbilt’s best signing in a fine class and perhaps one of the true freshmen that could potentially make an impact next season.
But now he is gone, though not forgotten.
My lasting memory of Rajaan won't be the interviews on The Official Visit, but of him nearly single-handedly bringing his team back in the second half against Woodstock last year. Woodstock had flexed its defensive muscle all throughout the first half and seemed to be ready to just sit back, let the running back from McEachern get some yards while they nursed a lead. Bennett wouldn't let that happen. He took off on one long 42-yard score to start the comeback. He took a screen pass nearly the distance on another drive and he finished with 3 TDs on 22 carries, good enough for 160 yards and the game-winning TD in overtime. Bennett imposed his will and got his team back in the game down 16-0 at halftime and a 31-16 game in the fourth.
This is certainly a sad situation where we won't be able to follow a hometown kid's journey towards certain success at the college level. It is even sadder for his teammates and friends who all knew Rajaan better than any of us. And his family will be hit the hardest, losing not just a special football player and great student but also a caring brother and a devoted son. Over time the memories of his football accomplishments will fade away as it does with all players that leave high school, but the memories of Bennett the person will live on with everyone that has ever met him. In the coming months when thinking of Bennett, don’t feel sad, but instead smile and remember what a great person he was and how lucky everyone was to have him here while we did.
Tragedy. Unfair. Senseless. These are just some of the words that come to mind when one hears about a young life that is ended before it has a chance to start and blossom into what we all hope it can. Recently the Atlanta area was faced with this situation when McEachern running back Rajaan Bennett was shot and killed last week. For those that never knew Bennett, he was truly a special individual that was forced to grow up way too soon. Bennett was forced to become the man of the house while still in middle school after his father passed away, and he constantly helped his mother in caring for his three younger siblings. At McEachern, Bennett not only starred on the football field but in the classroom and with his fellow students. At a news conference last week, McEachern’s principal Regina Montgomery said of her former student, “We have a population of 2,200 kids, and when you're Rajaan Bennett, you touch the lives of all 2,200."
Just three weeks ago the star running back, with his support system in attendance, signed a letter of intent to attend Vanderbilt and play football. This grand day came after Bennett led McEachern to a region title his senior season as he rushed for 1857 yards and scored 28 TDs. As a senior captain, Bennett carried the ball 236 times in Kyle Hockman's Pistol Offense. Several recruiting services ranked Bennett as not only the Commodores best prospect in this class but perhaps in all of coach Bobby Johnson’s tenure. Said Johnson of Bennett’s passing, “Our whole football family is shocked by the death of Rajaan Bennett. It’s just hard to believe. He seemed to be the ideal young man for Vanderbilt and college football to tell you the truth.”
McEachern’s Athletic Director Jimmy Dorsey was devastated when addressing the press last week. “This is a tragedy. A senseless, gut-wrenching tragedy, and it has shaken the entire McEachern family,” said Dorsey. “He was a friend to everybody on this campus. Everybody knew Rajaan. Rajaan is what McEachern High School is all about. It's what everybody wants their kid to grow up and be like - he was a model for that."
Hockman said of the tragic loss, “it’s awful but we’ll stay strong for the kids.” Hockman and the school have helped to establish a special fund to help out Bennett’s family. Those wishing to help can make a check out to McEachern Endowment Fund - Bennet Memorial and either drop it off at McEachern or send it to the school at 2400 New Macland Rd Powder Springs, GA 30101. The school had a memorial service for Bennett this past Wednesday and a visitation is planned for Friday, February 26 from 5-8 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Powder Springs. The funeral service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Church Chapel of Georgia. Support for the family has poured in and the funeral service had to be moved because so many people were expected to attend the service.
On a personal level, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bennett twice during the recruiting process, and my co-host on Score Atlanta's Official Visit Scott Janovitz noted that he was so knowledgeable about the pistol offense and his role in [the offense], he seemed to be MADE for that offense. Hockman was also a guest and deflected credit, saying that the back would be good in any offense with his skills set. Bennett however clearly benefited once Hockman was named coach of the Indians two seasons ago, going from relative unknown to future SEC tailback. Last season McEachern went 9-0 in Region 5-AAAAA and 10-0 in the regular season before falling to Brookwood in the first round of the state playoffs, despite Bennett’s 136 yards rushing. Bennett routinely rushed for over 100 yards, going for 141 and 2 scores against North Cobb and scoring twice against Etowah. On any list, be it Scout.com or the GHSF Daily or AJC, Bennett was always one of the top players, not just tailbacks, in the state. When wrapping up National Signing Day on The Official Visit two weeks ago, Bennett was discussed as being Vanderbilt’s best signing in a fine class and perhaps one of the true freshmen that could potentially make an impact next season.
But now he is gone, though not forgotten.
My lasting memory of Rajaan won't be the interviews on The Official Visit, but of him nearly single-handedly bringing his team back in the second half against Woodstock last year. Woodstock had flexed its defensive muscle all throughout the first half and seemed to be ready to just sit back, let the running back from McEachern get some yards while they nursed a lead. Bennett wouldn't let that happen. He took off on one long 42-yard score to start the comeback. He took a screen pass nearly the distance on another drive and he finished with 3 TDs on 22 carries, good enough for 160 yards and the game-winning TD in overtime. Bennett imposed his will and got his team back in the game down 16-0 at halftime and a 31-16 game in the fourth.
This is certainly a sad situation where we won't be able to follow a hometown kid's journey towards certain success at the college level. It is even sadder for his teammates and friends who all knew Rajaan better than any of us. And his family will be hit the hardest, losing not just a special football player and great student but also a caring brother and a devoted son. Over time the memories of his football accomplishments will fade away as it does with all players that leave high school, but the memories of Bennett the person will live on with everyone that has ever met him. In the coming months when thinking of Bennett, don’t feel sad, but instead smile and remember what a great person he was and how lucky everyone was to have him here while we did.
Braves news and notes from Spring Training...
Well, I'M not at spring training, but the Bravos are. Here are your weekly notes and news.
It now appears that the man Boston Red Sox fans used to call Caveman Jesus will not walk on water in Atlanta. Johnny Damon has signed with the Detroit Tigers after the Chicago White Sox reportedly pulled out of the running for the former Yankee outfielder. Damon will reportedly split time between the outfield and the DH position for the Tigers. His deal will be worth one year for somewhere between $7-8M. The Braves reportedly offered Damon a one-year deal worth between $4-6M. The White Sox reportedly were discussing a multi-year deal with Damon but discussions ended before a deal was offered. With Damon apparently not coming to Atlanta, it appears Nate McLouth will bat leadoff, a sentiment Braves GM Frank Wren intimated last week on 680 The Fan. According to Wren, the team saw Damon as more of a No.2 hitter anyways.
Speaking of McLouth, the centerfielder now appears to have fixed both problems that plagued him last season: his vision and his sore hamstring. According to the AJC, McLouth got contacts over the off-season and will wear them this season. Also, an off season of rest will hopefully heal his sore legs so that he can be more active on the base paths this season. McLouth has also switched his number to No.24 after giving up No.13 to new closer Billy Wagner.
The Braves shortstop position appears solid with the young and blossoming Yunel Escobar back with his rocket arm, but it is never too early to think about the future. The Braves, according to several outlets, are on the verge of signing 18-year-old Edward Salcedo, out of the Dominican Republic. Two years ago the Cleveland Indians thought they had an agreement with Salcedo and his agent at the time Scott Boras for $2.3M, but the deal fell through after questions about the prospect’s age surfaced. The Braves have been working with Salcedo’s current agent Edgar Mercedes to hammer out a deal but no terms have been revealed. Several scouts have said that Salcedo has the talent equivalent of a first round draft pick, but he is not eligible for the MLB draft.
The results of Jair Jurrjens MRI came back as just inflammation and he should resume “baseball activities” sometime either this week or next week, however Jurrjens may be going up against stats and history. Tom Verducci has done multiple studies over the years of his covering baseball and has come up with the “Verducci effect,” that strikes pitchers under the age of 25 whose innings increase by more than 30 from the previous season. Verducci found that more often than not, those pitchers tend to either struggle the following season with ERA or injury. Though Jurrjens was not included in Verducci’s recent 10 for ’10: Young Aces at Risk list, Verducci noted after Jurrjens’ injury occurred, Jurrjens could be at risk due to the number of innings he threw last year. Jurrjens threw 215 innings last season after 188.1 in 2008, which is an increase of just 26.2, but for Jurrjens, it was the first time of his career that he went over 200 in a single season.
It now appears that the man Boston Red Sox fans used to call Caveman Jesus will not walk on water in Atlanta. Johnny Damon has signed with the Detroit Tigers after the Chicago White Sox reportedly pulled out of the running for the former Yankee outfielder. Damon will reportedly split time between the outfield and the DH position for the Tigers. His deal will be worth one year for somewhere between $7-8M. The Braves reportedly offered Damon a one-year deal worth between $4-6M. The White Sox reportedly were discussing a multi-year deal with Damon but discussions ended before a deal was offered. With Damon apparently not coming to Atlanta, it appears Nate McLouth will bat leadoff, a sentiment Braves GM Frank Wren intimated last week on 680 The Fan. According to Wren, the team saw Damon as more of a No.2 hitter anyways.
Speaking of McLouth, the centerfielder now appears to have fixed both problems that plagued him last season: his vision and his sore hamstring. According to the AJC, McLouth got contacts over the off-season and will wear them this season. Also, an off season of rest will hopefully heal his sore legs so that he can be more active on the base paths this season. McLouth has also switched his number to No.24 after giving up No.13 to new closer Billy Wagner.
The Braves shortstop position appears solid with the young and blossoming Yunel Escobar back with his rocket arm, but it is never too early to think about the future. The Braves, according to several outlets, are on the verge of signing 18-year-old Edward Salcedo, out of the Dominican Republic. Two years ago the Cleveland Indians thought they had an agreement with Salcedo and his agent at the time Scott Boras for $2.3M, but the deal fell through after questions about the prospect’s age surfaced. The Braves have been working with Salcedo’s current agent Edgar Mercedes to hammer out a deal but no terms have been revealed. Several scouts have said that Salcedo has the talent equivalent of a first round draft pick, but he is not eligible for the MLB draft.
The results of Jair Jurrjens MRI came back as just inflammation and he should resume “baseball activities” sometime either this week or next week, however Jurrjens may be going up against stats and history. Tom Verducci has done multiple studies over the years of his covering baseball and has come up with the “Verducci effect,” that strikes pitchers under the age of 25 whose innings increase by more than 30 from the previous season. Verducci found that more often than not, those pitchers tend to either struggle the following season with ERA or injury. Though Jurrjens was not included in Verducci’s recent 10 for ’10: Young Aces at Risk list, Verducci noted after Jurrjens’ injury occurred, Jurrjens could be at risk due to the number of innings he threw last year. Jurrjens threw 215 innings last season after 188.1 in 2008, which is an increase of just 26.2, but for Jurrjens, it was the first time of his career that he went over 200 in a single season.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Paul Mac weighs in on Tiger....again
Maybe the most unsettling part of that speech was, "I don't know when I'm coming back to golf." I was hoping he would make the Masters.
The thing about this situation to me is more about America and the general populace than Tiger. I've understood the why from the beginning. It's just that everyone has an excuse for being an ass these days. That part bothers me. The hero worship part from the public bothers me. I don't get standing 40 rows deep to see a glance at a guy who puts his pants on like me.
I'd love to talk to the guy on or off the record about a lot of topics but autographs... yawn. I'm not a celebrity worshipper. I am a cultural observationist.
It disturbs me that virtually every public figure in America is incredibly self serving at their core. That bothers me. That they can acknowledge the were doing the wrong thing and yet... who cares... I am above recourse. It's honestly not hard at all to not be a dbag whether you have billions of dollars or just a regular living.
OF course the story is compelling because of who it is and his image but it's not really shocking. I mean what if people actually followed Phil or Davis Love around? I have country club peoples wives making out with each other in the club house bar. I'm not really shocked.
Of course the editors of Sportsbyfletch had to respond:
A little back story: The speech last Friday was thirteen minutes long, and in it he admitted that he “was unfaithful,” and was “deeply sorry.” Tiger noted that he “has a long was to go,” and hopes that one day people will “believe in [him] again.” Finally Tiger seethed that it angered him that “people fabricate a story like [Elin attacking him].” In his speech Tiger admitted that he will not be playing golf anytime soon and PGA commissioner Tim Finchem revealed to the press that Woods would be heading back to therapy.
I say this was horrible. No, not the way Woods delivered the speech that made him sound like he was a seven-year-old reading a book report for his second grade class. Not the way that the “press conference” was limited to certain members of the media and allowed just one network to provide cameras, leading to the front camera “breaking” nine minutes into the speech and the angle was forced to switch to an awkward side angle for parts. I say it was horrible that he even had to do it at all. Tiger didn’t owe me an apology and he doesn’t owe children out there an apology. He is still a tremendous golfer which is all he should have been to the world. To his family, yes he owes an apology. A big one. But he didn’t need to do it on TV and in front of the media that covers him, by the way, AS A GOLFER.
If I had been Tiger’s PR people, I would have had him do an apology a LONG time ago, like maybe the week after Thanksgiving, perhaps. Then I would have had him offer his resignation to each of his sponsors and that way, he wouldn’t have had to do that silly apology which wasn’t for the fans or the family but for his sponsors. He is JUST a golfer that way. Then I would have had Tiger out on the golf course immediately and after the round, ONLY answer questions about his round. This way he isn’t the poster boy for NIKE or Gatorade, he is just a golfer out there doing his thing. The endorsements would have come back eventually and they would have been stronger than ever. This thing was handled very poorly and Tiger’s speech the other day was laughable, considering it sounded like he was aiming for a gold star from his elementary school teacher instead of Buick’s approval.
The thing about this situation to me is more about America and the general populace than Tiger. I've understood the why from the beginning. It's just that everyone has an excuse for being an ass these days. That part bothers me. The hero worship part from the public bothers me. I don't get standing 40 rows deep to see a glance at a guy who puts his pants on like me.
I'd love to talk to the guy on or off the record about a lot of topics but autographs... yawn. I'm not a celebrity worshipper. I am a cultural observationist.
It disturbs me that virtually every public figure in America is incredibly self serving at their core. That bothers me. That they can acknowledge the were doing the wrong thing and yet... who cares... I am above recourse. It's honestly not hard at all to not be a dbag whether you have billions of dollars or just a regular living.
OF course the story is compelling because of who it is and his image but it's not really shocking. I mean what if people actually followed Phil or Davis Love around? I have country club peoples wives making out with each other in the club house bar. I'm not really shocked.
Of course the editors of Sportsbyfletch had to respond:
A little back story: The speech last Friday was thirteen minutes long, and in it he admitted that he “was unfaithful,” and was “deeply sorry.” Tiger noted that he “has a long was to go,” and hopes that one day people will “believe in [him] again.” Finally Tiger seethed that it angered him that “people fabricate a story like [Elin attacking him].” In his speech Tiger admitted that he will not be playing golf anytime soon and PGA commissioner Tim Finchem revealed to the press that Woods would be heading back to therapy.
I say this was horrible. No, not the way Woods delivered the speech that made him sound like he was a seven-year-old reading a book report for his second grade class. Not the way that the “press conference” was limited to certain members of the media and allowed just one network to provide cameras, leading to the front camera “breaking” nine minutes into the speech and the angle was forced to switch to an awkward side angle for parts. I say it was horrible that he even had to do it at all. Tiger didn’t owe me an apology and he doesn’t owe children out there an apology. He is still a tremendous golfer which is all he should have been to the world. To his family, yes he owes an apology. A big one. But he didn’t need to do it on TV and in front of the media that covers him, by the way, AS A GOLFER.
If I had been Tiger’s PR people, I would have had him do an apology a LONG time ago, like maybe the week after Thanksgiving, perhaps. Then I would have had him offer his resignation to each of his sponsors and that way, he wouldn’t have had to do that silly apology which wasn’t for the fans or the family but for his sponsors. He is JUST a golfer that way. Then I would have had Tiger out on the golf course immediately and after the round, ONLY answer questions about his round. This way he isn’t the poster boy for NIKE or Gatorade, he is just a golfer out there doing his thing. The endorsements would have come back eventually and they would have been stronger than ever. This thing was handled very poorly and Tiger’s speech the other day was laughable, considering it sounded like he was aiming for a gold star from his elementary school teacher instead of Buick’s approval.
Friday, February 19, 2010
My quick two cents on Tiger and his "talk" today
I will start by saying that I did not watch nor listen to Tiger Woods' 13 minute address to the (limited) press earlier today. Why would I? Do I need to see him apologize to his wife? NO! And neither should the rest of the press.
I'm ready for people to quit worrying about Tiger Woods' private life and focus on his golf. Seriously. Stop guys.
And before you call me a Tiger-apologist, I'm not. I just am smart enough to know that he isn't a role model; he is a golfer. Anybody who has a kid and wants him/her to grow up to be like an athlete needs to punch him/herself in the face. Your kids should want to grow up to be like you, at least the good parts of you. Set the proper example for them. Don't rely on athletes to do so. They don't care about your kids. YOU SHOULD.
Anyways, i don't care that he cheated on his wife. Why should that affect my view of him as a golfer. He is an incredible golfer and apparently a bad husband. You can be a fan of someone's ON THE COURT/FIELD/COURSE/ICE performance and yet still not like them off the field. I think a lot of Falcons fans felt that way about MV7 back in the day.
But why should the fact that he cheated on his wife really matter when it comes to him sinking a 6-ft putt. I was not really a fan of his before last Thanksgiving unless he was on the Ryder Cup team, and I likely won't be afterwards (because I like other golfers more. Anthony Kim and Phil) but why in the world does it matter what kind of person he is? Honestly?
I'm ready for people to quit worrying about Tiger Woods' private life and focus on his golf. Seriously. Stop guys.
And before you call me a Tiger-apologist, I'm not. I just am smart enough to know that he isn't a role model; he is a golfer. Anybody who has a kid and wants him/her to grow up to be like an athlete needs to punch him/herself in the face. Your kids should want to grow up to be like you, at least the good parts of you. Set the proper example for them. Don't rely on athletes to do so. They don't care about your kids. YOU SHOULD.
Anyways, i don't care that he cheated on his wife. Why should that affect my view of him as a golfer. He is an incredible golfer and apparently a bad husband. You can be a fan of someone's ON THE COURT/FIELD/COURSE/ICE performance and yet still not like them off the field. I think a lot of Falcons fans felt that way about MV7 back in the day.
But why should the fact that he cheated on his wife really matter when it comes to him sinking a 6-ft putt. I was not really a fan of his before last Thanksgiving unless he was on the Ryder Cup team, and I likely won't be afterwards (because I like other golfers more. Anthony Kim and Phil) but why in the world does it matter what kind of person he is? Honestly?
Around the Dial much? Sneak Peek!
Be sure and go grab your copy of Score Atlanta for the week! Kroger, Blockbuster and QuikTrips in the Metro-Atlanta area! PS this is just a taste. If you want the whole thing....go get your copy of Score Atlanta!
Here we are, one week into NBC’s coverage of the 21st Winter Olympics and I must say that I guess I just like the Summer Olympics better. Nothing against the Winter Olympics but some of the events, they just don’t give me that Ancient Greece feel for whatever reason. The freestyle moguls? Really? Is this the X-Games? Same with all of the snowboarding. I guess I’m just old school where I enjoy the skiing and the hockey and the curling.
Tragedy struck the Olympics before the Opening ceremonies even had a chance to get underway when a luge athlete from the Republic of Georgia died after crashing into a wall. NBC refrained from showing the graphic images although Yahoo! and several media outlets repeatedly showed the crash. Kudos to NBC for not showing the images and giving this fallen athlete’s family a small amount of respect and privacy that it needs right now. The NBC announcers of Bob Costas and Cris Collinsworth were even somber while “commentating,” on the Georgia’s entrance during the opening ceremonies. I thought NBC handled the tragedy about as well as any network could be expected to, considering it happened just hours before the telecast was slated to kick off.
And speaking of the Olympics, American skier Lindsey Vonn was recently ripped by several women’s organizations for posing on the cover of Sports Illustrated in full skiing gear in a skiing position. The organizations were saying that she was in a “prone” position that had sexual undertones. Umm, she was in a skiing position. Apparently these organizations have never seen a skiing competition. I know the Olympics are only every four years but come on. You should know what skiers look like when doing their craft. One of the organizations that I will not mention because I don’t want to give them attention (these people are the certain animal rights group, only for women who just attack anything to get their name out there), even put some “stats” out there that said women only appear on 4% of Sports Illustrated covers and usually it is with minimal clothes as they are seeking attention. What? Again, Vonn was dressed in full skiing gear in a skiing position. If this group really wanted to rip Vonn, wait one week and go after her for appearing in the Swimsuit issue, which she does. She and several other Olympians are in bikinis or really no clothes across a dozen pages, drawing attention to themselves and their sports. I didn’t hear this group attack this spread though. I don’t get these groups. They don’t pick their battles well.
Once again, for the rest, go get a copy of Score Atlanta!
Here we are, one week into NBC’s coverage of the 21st Winter Olympics and I must say that I guess I just like the Summer Olympics better. Nothing against the Winter Olympics but some of the events, they just don’t give me that Ancient Greece feel for whatever reason. The freestyle moguls? Really? Is this the X-Games? Same with all of the snowboarding. I guess I’m just old school where I enjoy the skiing and the hockey and the curling.
Tragedy struck the Olympics before the Opening ceremonies even had a chance to get underway when a luge athlete from the Republic of Georgia died after crashing into a wall. NBC refrained from showing the graphic images although Yahoo! and several media outlets repeatedly showed the crash. Kudos to NBC for not showing the images and giving this fallen athlete’s family a small amount of respect and privacy that it needs right now. The NBC announcers of Bob Costas and Cris Collinsworth were even somber while “commentating,” on the Georgia’s entrance during the opening ceremonies. I thought NBC handled the tragedy about as well as any network could be expected to, considering it happened just hours before the telecast was slated to kick off.
And speaking of the Olympics, American skier Lindsey Vonn was recently ripped by several women’s organizations for posing on the cover of Sports Illustrated in full skiing gear in a skiing position. The organizations were saying that she was in a “prone” position that had sexual undertones. Umm, she was in a skiing position. Apparently these organizations have never seen a skiing competition. I know the Olympics are only every four years but come on. You should know what skiers look like when doing their craft. One of the organizations that I will not mention because I don’t want to give them attention (these people are the certain animal rights group, only for women who just attack anything to get their name out there), even put some “stats” out there that said women only appear on 4% of Sports Illustrated covers and usually it is with minimal clothes as they are seeking attention. What? Again, Vonn was dressed in full skiing gear in a skiing position. If this group really wanted to rip Vonn, wait one week and go after her for appearing in the Swimsuit issue, which she does. She and several other Olympians are in bikinis or really no clothes across a dozen pages, drawing attention to themselves and their sports. I didn’t hear this group attack this spread though. I don’t get these groups. They don’t pick their battles well.
Once again, for the rest, go get a copy of Score Atlanta!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
RIP Rajaan Bennett
Tragedy. Unfair. Senseless. These are just some of the words that come to mind when one hears about a young life is ended before it has a chance to start and blossom into what we all hope it can. McEachern running back Rajaan Bennett was shot and killed early last Thursday morning by his mother’s ex-boyfriend who then turned the gun on himself. This is just the latest tragedy to befall Bennett’s family as Rajaan was forced to become the man of the house after his father passed away when Bennett was just in middle school. Bennett helped his mother in caring for Bennett’s three younger siblings. At McEachern, Bennett not only starred on the football field but in the classroom and with his fellow students. At a news conference last week, McEachern’s principal Regina Montgomery said of her former student, “We have a population of 2,200 kids, and when you're Rajaan Bennett, you touch the lives of all 2,200."
Just two weeks ago the star running back signed a letter of intent to attend Vanderbilt and play football after leading McEachern to a region title as he rushed for 1857 yards and scoring 28 TDs. He carried the ball 236 times as a senior captain in Kyle Hockman's Pistol Offense. Several recruiting services ranked Bennett as not only the Commodores best prospect in this class but perhaps in all of coach Bobby Johnson’s tenure. Said Johnson of Bennett’s passing, “Our whole football family is shocked by the death of Rajaan Bennett. It’s just hard to believe. He seemed to be the ideal young man for Vanderbilt and college football to tell you the truth.” Vanderbilt Associate Director of Student Athletics Brian Reese spoke to the Tennessean newspaper, saying, "We are extremely saddened by the news and we're praying for Rajaan's family during this time. It's a terrible loss because he was such a fine young man."
On a personal level, I had the pleasure of talking to Bennett twice during the recruiting process and my co-host on Score Atlanta's Official Visit Scott Janovitz noted, he was so knowledgeable about the pistol offense and his role in [the offense], he seemed to be MADE for that offense. His coach Kyle Hockman was also a guest and said of Bennett that the back would be good in any offense because of his skills. Bennett however clearly benefited once Hockman came in as coach of the Indians two seasons ago, going from relative unknown to future SEC tailback. The team’s success also skyrocketed after Hockman started calling the shots and employed his new offense. Last season McEachern went 9-0 in Region 5-AAAAA and 10-0 in the regular season before falling to Brookwood in the first round of the state playoffs, despite Bennett’s 136 yards rushing.
This season was interesting in that two of the best senior tailbacks in the state were both named Rajaan/Rajion. On The Official Visit, we had numerous discussions on the debate of "who is the best Rajaan/Rajion in the state?" Bennett routinely rushed for over 100 yards, going for 141 and 2 scores against North Cobb and scoring twice against Etowah. In any list, be it Scout.com or the GHSF Daily or AJC, Bennett was always one of the top players, not just tailbacks, in the state. In fact in wrapping up National Signing Day on The Official Visit last week, Bennett was discussed as being Vanderbilt’s best signing and perhaps one of the true freshmen that could potentially make an impact next season.
But now he is gone.
My lasting memory of Rajaan won't be the interviews on The Official Visit on 790 The Zone, but the memory of him nearly single-handedly bringing his team back in the second half against Woodstock from this past season. Woodstock had flexed its defensive muscle all throughout the first half and seemed to be ready to just sit back, let the running back from McEachern get some yards while they nursed a lead. Bennett wouldn't let that happen. He took off on one long 42-yard score to start the comeback. He took a screen pass nearly the distance on another drive and he finished with 3 TDs on 22 carries, good enough for 160 yards and the game-winning TD in overtime. Bennett imposed his will and got his team back in the game down 16-0 at halftime and a 31-16 game in the fourth.
McEachern’s Athletic Director Jimmy Dorsey was devastated when addressing the press last week. “This is a tragedy. A senseless, gut-wrenching tragedy, and it has shaken the entire McEachern family,” said Dorsey. “He was a friend to everybody on this campus. Everybody knew Rajaan. Rajaan is what McEachern High School is all about. It's what everybody wants their kid to grow up and be like - he was a model for that."
Hockman said of the tragic loss, “it’s awful but we’ll stay strong for the kids.” Hockman and the school have helped to establish a special fund to help out Bennett’s family. Those wishing to help can make a check out to McEachern Endowment Fund - Bennet Memorial and either drop it off at McEachern or send it to the school at 2400 New Macland Rd Powder Springs, GA 30101.
This is certainly a sad situation where we won't be able to follow a hometown kid's journey towards certain success at the college level. It is even sadder for his teammates and friends who all knew Rajaan better than any of us. And his family will be hit the hardest, losing not just a special football player and great student but also a caring brother and a devoted son.
Just two weeks ago the star running back signed a letter of intent to attend Vanderbilt and play football after leading McEachern to a region title as he rushed for 1857 yards and scoring 28 TDs. He carried the ball 236 times as a senior captain in Kyle Hockman's Pistol Offense. Several recruiting services ranked Bennett as not only the Commodores best prospect in this class but perhaps in all of coach Bobby Johnson’s tenure. Said Johnson of Bennett’s passing, “Our whole football family is shocked by the death of Rajaan Bennett. It’s just hard to believe. He seemed to be the ideal young man for Vanderbilt and college football to tell you the truth.” Vanderbilt Associate Director of Student Athletics Brian Reese spoke to the Tennessean newspaper, saying, "We are extremely saddened by the news and we're praying for Rajaan's family during this time. It's a terrible loss because he was such a fine young man."
On a personal level, I had the pleasure of talking to Bennett twice during the recruiting process and my co-host on Score Atlanta's Official Visit Scott Janovitz noted, he was so knowledgeable about the pistol offense and his role in [the offense], he seemed to be MADE for that offense. His coach Kyle Hockman was also a guest and said of Bennett that the back would be good in any offense because of his skills. Bennett however clearly benefited once Hockman came in as coach of the Indians two seasons ago, going from relative unknown to future SEC tailback. The team’s success also skyrocketed after Hockman started calling the shots and employed his new offense. Last season McEachern went 9-0 in Region 5-AAAAA and 10-0 in the regular season before falling to Brookwood in the first round of the state playoffs, despite Bennett’s 136 yards rushing.
This season was interesting in that two of the best senior tailbacks in the state were both named Rajaan/Rajion. On The Official Visit, we had numerous discussions on the debate of "who is the best Rajaan/Rajion in the state?" Bennett routinely rushed for over 100 yards, going for 141 and 2 scores against North Cobb and scoring twice against Etowah. In any list, be it Scout.com or the GHSF Daily or AJC, Bennett was always one of the top players, not just tailbacks, in the state. In fact in wrapping up National Signing Day on The Official Visit last week, Bennett was discussed as being Vanderbilt’s best signing and perhaps one of the true freshmen that could potentially make an impact next season.
But now he is gone.
My lasting memory of Rajaan won't be the interviews on The Official Visit on 790 The Zone, but the memory of him nearly single-handedly bringing his team back in the second half against Woodstock from this past season. Woodstock had flexed its defensive muscle all throughout the first half and seemed to be ready to just sit back, let the running back from McEachern get some yards while they nursed a lead. Bennett wouldn't let that happen. He took off on one long 42-yard score to start the comeback. He took a screen pass nearly the distance on another drive and he finished with 3 TDs on 22 carries, good enough for 160 yards and the game-winning TD in overtime. Bennett imposed his will and got his team back in the game down 16-0 at halftime and a 31-16 game in the fourth.
McEachern’s Athletic Director Jimmy Dorsey was devastated when addressing the press last week. “This is a tragedy. A senseless, gut-wrenching tragedy, and it has shaken the entire McEachern family,” said Dorsey. “He was a friend to everybody on this campus. Everybody knew Rajaan. Rajaan is what McEachern High School is all about. It's what everybody wants their kid to grow up and be like - he was a model for that."
Hockman said of the tragic loss, “it’s awful but we’ll stay strong for the kids.” Hockman and the school have helped to establish a special fund to help out Bennett’s family. Those wishing to help can make a check out to McEachern Endowment Fund - Bennet Memorial and either drop it off at McEachern or send it to the school at 2400 New Macland Rd Powder Springs, GA 30101.
This is certainly a sad situation where we won't be able to follow a hometown kid's journey towards certain success at the college level. It is even sadder for his teammates and friends who all knew Rajaan better than any of us. And his family will be hit the hardest, losing not just a special football player and great student but also a caring brother and a devoted son.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Midweek Entertainment report 2/17/10
The Obamas are the strictest parents EVER!, Eubanks leaving Leno?, The King throws a cup of hot coffee at Micky Ds, and Sarah Palin doesn't like the Family Guy.
Ladies and gentlemen, the MIDWEEK ENTERTAINMENT REPORT!
Clapclapclapclap
Happy Lent too, PS. Great no fast food for 40+ days (I don't take Sundays off like some cheaters do.)
I read where the Obamas don't let their kids watch TV on weekdays. No wonder the Leno show at 10pm didn't work.
Speaking of Leno, he is moving back to his Tonight Show time and Kevin Eubanks is too....for a while. Apparently Eubanks is tired of fakelaughing at bad jokes and thinks it is a good idea to go do some solo stuff. I'm not saying that staying for the fakelaughing is a fulfilling thing but if you pull an Andy Richter and are back in three or four years, I'm not sure what the point will be.
Burger King breakfasts are getting a new brand of coffee as it tries to overtake McDonalds in the race for the best breakfast. (You know, outside of Hardees, which has better breakfast than both of those yet isn't acknowledged by these national polls because it is regional). Seattle's Best, part of Starbucks will be served at The King's eating establishment, instead of BK Cup of Joe or whatever it is now. Will the better coffee make up for the fact that their breakfast still sucks? Just wondering.....Cardboard biscuits, but HEY, you can choke it down with decent coffee!
Finally, Sarah Palin and her daughter Bristol are angry at The Family Guy because a character with Down Syndrome said that her mother was the former governor of Alaska. Palin of course has a young boy with D.S. and her older daughter Bristol (had a kid out of wedlock and now the Baby's daddy is posing for Playgirl) is tweeting and blogging that Seth MacFarlane and the rest of the writers are heartless jerks or something along the sort. Actually, they are pretty funny, at least they were when Family Guy was first around. But honestly Palin, when you chose a public life, that opens you up to people making fun of you and your family. Was it out of line to make fun of your down syndrome kid? Are you sure they were? The character in question was a girl and you have a boy. I say you and your family should quit being so sensitive. I don't see the Bush daughters blogging whenever their dad is made fun of, which is quite often. Perhaps FG was a bit overreaching, but tell your daughter to keep quiet about it. I'm sure they'll issue some sort of apology, just like Letterman did when you didn't get the joke, but you guys need to toughen up. Ignore it. Or Sarah, prevent your kids from watching the boobtube like the Obamas do.
Thanks and have a great rest of the week!
Ladies and gentlemen, the MIDWEEK ENTERTAINMENT REPORT!
Clapclapclapclap
Happy Lent too, PS. Great no fast food for 40+ days (I don't take Sundays off like some cheaters do.)
I read where the Obamas don't let their kids watch TV on weekdays. No wonder the Leno show at 10pm didn't work.
Speaking of Leno, he is moving back to his Tonight Show time and Kevin Eubanks is too....for a while. Apparently Eubanks is tired of fakelaughing at bad jokes and thinks it is a good idea to go do some solo stuff. I'm not saying that staying for the fakelaughing is a fulfilling thing but if you pull an Andy Richter and are back in three or four years, I'm not sure what the point will be.
Burger King breakfasts are getting a new brand of coffee as it tries to overtake McDonalds in the race for the best breakfast. (You know, outside of Hardees, which has better breakfast than both of those yet isn't acknowledged by these national polls because it is regional). Seattle's Best, part of Starbucks will be served at The King's eating establishment, instead of BK Cup of Joe or whatever it is now. Will the better coffee make up for the fact that their breakfast still sucks? Just wondering.....Cardboard biscuits, but HEY, you can choke it down with decent coffee!
Finally, Sarah Palin and her daughter Bristol are angry at The Family Guy because a character with Down Syndrome said that her mother was the former governor of Alaska. Palin of course has a young boy with D.S. and her older daughter Bristol (had a kid out of wedlock and now the Baby's daddy is posing for Playgirl) is tweeting and blogging that Seth MacFarlane and the rest of the writers are heartless jerks or something along the sort. Actually, they are pretty funny, at least they were when Family Guy was first around. But honestly Palin, when you chose a public life, that opens you up to people making fun of you and your family. Was it out of line to make fun of your down syndrome kid? Are you sure they were? The character in question was a girl and you have a boy. I say you and your family should quit being so sensitive. I don't see the Bush daughters blogging whenever their dad is made fun of, which is quite often. Perhaps FG was a bit overreaching, but tell your daughter to keep quiet about it. I'm sure they'll issue some sort of apology, just like Letterman did when you didn't get the joke, but you guys need to toughen up. Ignore it. Or Sarah, prevent your kids from watching the boobtube like the Obamas do.
Thanks and have a great rest of the week!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Hey, Hawks, the deadline to deal JJ is in two days!
Let's deal him already!
Paul Mac aka the Sports Deacon, agrees with me and thinks the Hawks should ship Joe Johnson out of Atlanta and sent me something he found on cnnsi:
The King is not the only free agent-to-be who the Knicks may land this off-season. If the Knicks lose out on LeBron James, their consolation prize could be Atlanta's Joe Johnson. And that would be just fine with Johnson, who says he would surely make a free-agent visit to the Knicks because of his great relationship with Mike D'Antoni, who coached him in Phoenix. "I got even something better to focus on right now with Atlanta, trying to finish off the season well," Johnson told The Post after the All-Star Game. "[Mike and I] have got a great relationship.
Paul thinks that the Hawks brass should "Seriously, Trade him and Marvin… see if you can’t get CB4 and possibly someone to handle the ball that shoots better than Bibby."
I agree with P-Did and have said as much two straight Sundays on Score Atlanta Sports Sunday on 790 The Zone. Really, the dude is dropping more hints than a 37-year-old with a ticking biological clock. Johnson is GONE after the season. Why not get something for him now opposed to ZERO when he leaves? And even if you acquire a free-agent-to-be, maybe you have a better shot at resigning him! And if that guy leaves too, well then you're in the SAME BOAT YOU ARE NOW!
And for all of the hawks homers/apologists out there that say "oh you'll hurt the chemistry!" ummm, I think I'll break up the chemistry of a team that has ZERO shot at advancing past the second round, thank you. take a shot at least. Pull an Ole Miss! This team, as it is currently constructed is Ole Miss under Cutcliff aka at their glass ceiling. Roll the dice! It didn't work for the Rebels until they hired Houston Nutt but maybe it WILL work for the Hawks.
Or we could see an acid reflux of Dekembe to Philly for Theo....shudder. But Honestly, Joe is GONE after this year. He is. And just because you CAN sign him to 18M/season DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD. He didn't want the VERY generous 4/60M, I say PEACE.
Paul Mac aka the Sports Deacon, agrees with me and thinks the Hawks should ship Joe Johnson out of Atlanta and sent me something he found on cnnsi:
The King is not the only free agent-to-be who the Knicks may land this off-season. If the Knicks lose out on LeBron James, their consolation prize could be Atlanta's Joe Johnson. And that would be just fine with Johnson, who says he would surely make a free-agent visit to the Knicks because of his great relationship with Mike D'Antoni, who coached him in Phoenix. "I got even something better to focus on right now with Atlanta, trying to finish off the season well," Johnson told The Post after the All-Star Game. "[Mike and I] have got a great relationship.
Paul thinks that the Hawks brass should "Seriously, Trade him and Marvin… see if you can’t get CB4 and possibly someone to handle the ball that shoots better than Bibby."
I agree with P-Did and have said as much two straight Sundays on Score Atlanta Sports Sunday on 790 The Zone. Really, the dude is dropping more hints than a 37-year-old with a ticking biological clock. Johnson is GONE after the season. Why not get something for him now opposed to ZERO when he leaves? And even if you acquire a free-agent-to-be, maybe you have a better shot at resigning him! And if that guy leaves too, well then you're in the SAME BOAT YOU ARE NOW!
And for all of the hawks homers/apologists out there that say "oh you'll hurt the chemistry!" ummm, I think I'll break up the chemistry of a team that has ZERO shot at advancing past the second round, thank you. take a shot at least. Pull an Ole Miss! This team, as it is currently constructed is Ole Miss under Cutcliff aka at their glass ceiling. Roll the dice! It didn't work for the Rebels until they hired Houston Nutt but maybe it WILL work for the Hawks.
Or we could see an acid reflux of Dekembe to Philly for Theo....shudder. But Honestly, Joe is GONE after this year. He is. And just because you CAN sign him to 18M/season DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD. He didn't want the VERY generous 4/60M, I say PEACE.
Damon likely ISN'T a Brave, JJ hurt? and a look at the bench
As we all know, SBF provides Braves insight for Score Atlanta. Here is what is going on this week in BravesNation!
Shockwaves rippled throughout BravesNation last week when it was announced that the Atlanta Braves had offered free agent Johnny Damon a one-year contract offer, reported to be worth anywhere from $3M-$6M, with some money deferred. At the time it was the only offer on the table and Damon was likely considering it but several days later, the Detroit Tigers offered a two-year deal, worth about $7M per season. Earlier this week the Chicago White Sox website announced that GM Ken Williams was in the process of putting together an offer as well. The Sporting News issued an opinion last Monday that it appears that the Braves one-year offer likely will be turned down by Damon’s camp.
This likely means that Jason Heyward will get a true look at spring training and the reigning minor league player of the year has a realistic shot of making the opening day roster. Last season despite impressing everyone, Tommy Hanson was sent to Gwinnett to open the season before being called up after the Super Arbitration deadline had passed. Perhaps Heyward will not have to sit out the first two months of the season before making his debut. Should Heyward make the squad, he would likely play rightfield and hit seventh after Yunel Escobar and before Melky Cabrera/Matt Diaz. Keith Law of ESPN told Baseball Tonight that Heyward likely has the rightfield job but he will have to earn it in spring training.
Meanwhile Jair Jurrjens was expected to fly back from spring training to Atlanta for an MRI on his sore shoulder. Team officials checked out the shoulder earlier this week and determined it was structurally sound but suggested the MRI. GM Frank Wren said the MRI was strictly precautionary and the team is hoping that the situation is just a case of tendonitis.
Last week we took at look at the bullpen situation for the Braves. With pitchers and catchers reporting today, let’s examine who will come off of the bench this season for the Braves. If Jason Heyward does make the club, he should start 120+ games in the outfield, leaving a platoon in left of Cabrera and Diaz. Whoever doesn’t get the start that day clearly would be ready as a pinch hitter and Diaz has shown that he can be dangerous against lefties. Omar Infante can play multiple positions on the infield and can play a little outfield as well. Throw in the fact that Infante started off incredibly hot last season and he is a serious weapon off of the bench. Eric Hinske was signed to provide depth at the corner infield spots and has appeared on each of the last three American League World Series rosters, winning two rings with Boston in 2007 and New York in 2009. Finally David Ross comes back to back up all-star catcher Brian McCann but Ross could get pushed by Clint Sammons, a former University of Georgia standout that grew up in the Atlanta area and played well in spot duty the last two years.
In Braves broadcasting news, FOX Sports South announced that Tom Glavine will be involved in 13 Sunday broadcasts this season after Glavine was officially brought back to the organization as a special assistant to Braves president John Schuerholz. Glavine will also help out manager Bobby Cox and GM Frank Wren if necessary. Glavine officially retired last week, before accepting the position with the franchise. It was also announced by 680 The Fan that Buck Belue of Buck & Kincade fame will participate in the Braves pregame show on the station along with Glavine and two others, Mark Lemke and Leo Mazzone.
Shockwaves rippled throughout BravesNation last week when it was announced that the Atlanta Braves had offered free agent Johnny Damon a one-year contract offer, reported to be worth anywhere from $3M-$6M, with some money deferred. At the time it was the only offer on the table and Damon was likely considering it but several days later, the Detroit Tigers offered a two-year deal, worth about $7M per season. Earlier this week the Chicago White Sox website announced that GM Ken Williams was in the process of putting together an offer as well. The Sporting News issued an opinion last Monday that it appears that the Braves one-year offer likely will be turned down by Damon’s camp.
This likely means that Jason Heyward will get a true look at spring training and the reigning minor league player of the year has a realistic shot of making the opening day roster. Last season despite impressing everyone, Tommy Hanson was sent to Gwinnett to open the season before being called up after the Super Arbitration deadline had passed. Perhaps Heyward will not have to sit out the first two months of the season before making his debut. Should Heyward make the squad, he would likely play rightfield and hit seventh after Yunel Escobar and before Melky Cabrera/Matt Diaz. Keith Law of ESPN told Baseball Tonight that Heyward likely has the rightfield job but he will have to earn it in spring training.
Meanwhile Jair Jurrjens was expected to fly back from spring training to Atlanta for an MRI on his sore shoulder. Team officials checked out the shoulder earlier this week and determined it was structurally sound but suggested the MRI. GM Frank Wren said the MRI was strictly precautionary and the team is hoping that the situation is just a case of tendonitis.
Last week we took at look at the bullpen situation for the Braves. With pitchers and catchers reporting today, let’s examine who will come off of the bench this season for the Braves. If Jason Heyward does make the club, he should start 120+ games in the outfield, leaving a platoon in left of Cabrera and Diaz. Whoever doesn’t get the start that day clearly would be ready as a pinch hitter and Diaz has shown that he can be dangerous against lefties. Omar Infante can play multiple positions on the infield and can play a little outfield as well. Throw in the fact that Infante started off incredibly hot last season and he is a serious weapon off of the bench. Eric Hinske was signed to provide depth at the corner infield spots and has appeared on each of the last three American League World Series rosters, winning two rings with Boston in 2007 and New York in 2009. Finally David Ross comes back to back up all-star catcher Brian McCann but Ross could get pushed by Clint Sammons, a former University of Georgia standout that grew up in the Atlanta area and played well in spot duty the last two years.
In Braves broadcasting news, FOX Sports South announced that Tom Glavine will be involved in 13 Sunday broadcasts this season after Glavine was officially brought back to the organization as a special assistant to Braves president John Schuerholz. Glavine will also help out manager Bobby Cox and GM Frank Wren if necessary. Glavine officially retired last week, before accepting the position with the franchise. It was also announced by 680 The Fan that Buck Belue of Buck & Kincade fame will participate in the Braves pregame show on the station along with Glavine and two others, Mark Lemke and Leo Mazzone.
Big B's WAY TOO EARLY look at the GAHSFB '11
Score Atlanta's Brian Jones is at it again. He's busted out another top ten list, this time it is his idea of the top ten rising seniors in Georgia high school football. He unveiled this list last night on Score Atlanta's Official Visit on Sports Radio 790 The Zone. For more of Big B, check out www.scoreatl.com or tune in this Sunday to 790 The Zone.
With no further ado
10) Quan Bray: 5-11, 178-pound back out of Callaway. Offers from Bama, Florida, Clemson, both Georgia teams, Tennessee. Slight, but good agility and speed. Not sure what position he will play.
9) Brian Randolph: 6-0, 180-pound db out of Kell. Offers from South Carolina, both Georgia schools, South Carolina, Stanford and Tennessee. Lacks ideal explosion, but is very productive at safety and running back.
8) A.J. Johnson: 6-3, 226-pound linebacker out of Gainesville. Big, fast, instinctive, a big hitter. Great prospect in the middle.
7) Gabe Wright: 6-3, 273-pound defensive tackle out of Carver. Offers from everyone and big interest in Auburn. Great motor, quick, agile, hard worker. Needs to improve, size and strength.
6) Jay Rome: 6-6, 240-pound tight end out of Valdosta. Big physical blocker, good athlete, catches with his hands, good route runner.
5) Watts Dantzler: 6-7, 315-pound offensive tackle out of Dalton. Looking heavily at Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt. Great size, good feet, agility and athleticism. Dominant once he’s locked on.
4) Isaiah Crowell: 5-11, 190 out of Carver. Great size, speed and agility, cutting ability, good hands and toughness.
3) James Vaughters: 6-2, 233 out of Tucker. Smart, instinctive, fast, big hitter with great size.
2) C.J. Uzomah: 6-5, 230 out of North Gwinnett. Good accuracy, not horribly elusive, great size. Capable runner. Offers from Bama, Clemson, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Miami, Tennessee.
1) Ray Drew: 6-5, 236 out of Thomas County Central. Just got a USC offer. Big physical, great skill, equally tough against the run and pass.
The only disagreement I have is I have Drew, Vaughters, Crowell in my top three with Wright and Johnson rounding out my top five. I like CJ in the top ten as well. But where is Shaq O'Neal?
With no further ado
10) Quan Bray: 5-11, 178-pound back out of Callaway. Offers from Bama, Florida, Clemson, both Georgia teams, Tennessee. Slight, but good agility and speed. Not sure what position he will play.
9) Brian Randolph: 6-0, 180-pound db out of Kell. Offers from South Carolina, both Georgia schools, South Carolina, Stanford and Tennessee. Lacks ideal explosion, but is very productive at safety and running back.
8) A.J. Johnson: 6-3, 226-pound linebacker out of Gainesville. Big, fast, instinctive, a big hitter. Great prospect in the middle.
7) Gabe Wright: 6-3, 273-pound defensive tackle out of Carver. Offers from everyone and big interest in Auburn. Great motor, quick, agile, hard worker. Needs to improve, size and strength.
6) Jay Rome: 6-6, 240-pound tight end out of Valdosta. Big physical blocker, good athlete, catches with his hands, good route runner.
5) Watts Dantzler: 6-7, 315-pound offensive tackle out of Dalton. Looking heavily at Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt. Great size, good feet, agility and athleticism. Dominant once he’s locked on.
4) Isaiah Crowell: 5-11, 190 out of Carver. Great size, speed and agility, cutting ability, good hands and toughness.
3) James Vaughters: 6-2, 233 out of Tucker. Smart, instinctive, fast, big hitter with great size.
2) C.J. Uzomah: 6-5, 230 out of North Gwinnett. Good accuracy, not horribly elusive, great size. Capable runner. Offers from Bama, Clemson, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Miami, Tennessee.
1) Ray Drew: 6-5, 236 out of Thomas County Central. Just got a USC offer. Big physical, great skill, equally tough against the run and pass.
The only disagreement I have is I have Drew, Vaughters, Crowell in my top three with Wright and Johnson rounding out my top five. I like CJ in the top ten as well. But where is Shaq O'Neal?
Monday, February 15, 2010
a first EVER for SBF....a NASCAR blog. WHAT?
Yep, groundbreaking stuff here today on SportsbyFletch. I'm about to spend a few words talking about NASCAR. I know. I cannot believe it either.
So Danica Patrick was in Daytona last weekend, participating in some of the races leading up to The Great American Race. Don't know if you caught that or not. I think ESPN gave it slightly less attention than Tebow's concussion but more than Urban's retirement. Anyways Patrick finished in the top ten of the ARCA race before deciding to enter into the Nationwide race.
Sports Radio 790 The Zone’s Pollack and Bell were in Daytona for the Super Bowl of NASCAR weekend and both predicted doom and gloom for Patrick; both proved to be right. Patrick avoided the first major crash in the Nationwide event but could not avoid the second big crash and was knocked out of the event on lap 69 of the 120 lap race. Was I surprised? Nope. Trust me. I drive on I-85 at least 6 days a week. Whenever I see an accident, who is usually the party involved? Which gender? Exactly. Or when I'm driving and I have to pass the mini-van in the far left lane, who is typically the culprit behind the wheel either gabbing on her cell or TEXTING? Well, I'll let you try and figure out which gender it is....
Despite the fact that she didn’t finish the race, everyone on ESPN and the other racing outlets were giving her props. I’m not certain why this is happening because she was near the back of the pack the entire time before she crashed. How was that a good finish? She competed against the “big boys,” yet didn’t show well before crashing out. I’m not a gearhead but I’m pretty sure I can surmise that this was NOT a good start for her.
Finally, the Daytona 500 had a great finish but I’m not certain many people not in the crowd actually watched it. The race was stopped for over two hours after a pothole erupted on the track, forcing the drivers into the pits. I’m pretty sure this is not how NASCAR officials wanted their “Super Bowl” to play out. Dale Earnhardt Jr., finished second, capping what likely was a huge ratings weekend with all of the Danica-mania.
I still say that the whole “largest spectator sport in the world,” shtick is a load of bull. Just because 145,000+ people crammed in to watch the race and maybe 2M more tuned in at home, that doesn’t make it the largest in the world. I guarantee that on ANY Saturday in the fall, more fans watch College Football than watch the cars making left turns. The Big 10 alone likely draws more fans than NASCAR. Throw in the football-crazy SEC...NASCAR is lying.
So Danica Patrick was in Daytona last weekend, participating in some of the races leading up to The Great American Race. Don't know if you caught that or not. I think ESPN gave it slightly less attention than Tebow's concussion but more than Urban's retirement. Anyways Patrick finished in the top ten of the ARCA race before deciding to enter into the Nationwide race.
Sports Radio 790 The Zone’s Pollack and Bell were in Daytona for the Super Bowl of NASCAR weekend and both predicted doom and gloom for Patrick; both proved to be right. Patrick avoided the first major crash in the Nationwide event but could not avoid the second big crash and was knocked out of the event on lap 69 of the 120 lap race. Was I surprised? Nope. Trust me. I drive on I-85 at least 6 days a week. Whenever I see an accident, who is usually the party involved? Which gender? Exactly. Or when I'm driving and I have to pass the mini-van in the far left lane, who is typically the culprit behind the wheel either gabbing on her cell or TEXTING? Well, I'll let you try and figure out which gender it is....
Despite the fact that she didn’t finish the race, everyone on ESPN and the other racing outlets were giving her props. I’m not certain why this is happening because she was near the back of the pack the entire time before she crashed. How was that a good finish? She competed against the “big boys,” yet didn’t show well before crashing out. I’m not a gearhead but I’m pretty sure I can surmise that this was NOT a good start for her.
Finally, the Daytona 500 had a great finish but I’m not certain many people not in the crowd actually watched it. The race was stopped for over two hours after a pothole erupted on the track, forcing the drivers into the pits. I’m pretty sure this is not how NASCAR officials wanted their “Super Bowl” to play out. Dale Earnhardt Jr., finished second, capping what likely was a huge ratings weekend with all of the Danica-mania.
I still say that the whole “largest spectator sport in the world,” shtick is a load of bull. Just because 145,000+ people crammed in to watch the race and maybe 2M more tuned in at home, that doesn’t make it the largest in the world. I guarantee that on ANY Saturday in the fall, more fans watch College Football than watch the cars making left turns. The Big 10 alone likely draws more fans than NASCAR. Throw in the football-crazy SEC...NASCAR is lying.
Friday, February 12, 2010
One thing Dagmar forgot....
as well as Delta, Air Tran and the Pike and Heard County Board of Education Superintendants.....
THIS IS FREAKING ATLANTA, GEORGIA!
Snow? Really? You guys REALLY think so?
Way to cancel school. I could barely make it out of my driveway this morning. Wait, that's not true. THERE WAS NOTHING ON THE GROUND!
ATLANTA FRIGGIN' GEORGIA!
THIS IS FREAKING ATLANTA, GEORGIA!
Snow? Really? You guys REALLY think so?
Way to cancel school. I could barely make it out of my driveway this morning. Wait, that's not true. THERE WAS NOTHING ON THE GROUND!
ATLANTA FRIGGIN' GEORGIA!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Some quickie Braves thoughts before P&C report
Pitchers and Catchers report to the Braves spring training camp on February 19th, but I thought I'd weigh in with some thoughts on the team before they head on down...
To borrow an idea from Notre Dame Football, the motto of the 2010 Braves may just be “win one for the skipper.” As the Atlanta Braves franchise enters the 2010 season, manager Bobby Cox enters his final season as Braves manager. The Braves management therefore elected to forego a rebuilding effort and instead has cobbled together a squad capable of giving its long-time manager one last shot at a second World Series title with Atlanta. Unlike the last few seasons though, this team should make the playoffs though in a Wild Card role.
Any discussion of the Braves must start with the rotation, just as the discussion always did during the Braves magical run in the early 1990s. The team moved out last season’s best pitcher Javier Vazquez but did so because some of the young guns proved they could more than handle the load. Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens form the best under 25 one-two punch this side of Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, and Tim Hudson and Derek Lowe both bring experience to the park every time they pitch. Hudson pitched well enough after coming back from Tommy John surgery that the team decided to resign him for a home team discount. Derek Lowe struggled his first season in Atlanta but still posted 15 wins and was strong to start the 2009 season.
This year’s bullpen has been totally renovated with Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez out and Billy Wagner and Takashi Saito in. Both Wagner and Saito are former all-stars that should be able to close out games if need be. Wagner is sixth all-time in saves and the lefty can still deal.
On the offensive side of things, the team may have solved its two year question of a cleanup hitter after the team dealt Mark Teixeira. Newcomer Troy Glaus will be asked to play first base, a position he’s only played in a handful of games, as well as protect Chipper Jones by batting fourth in the lineup. Glaus hit 27 home runs in 2008 but missed most of last year with a shoulder injury. If Glaus can rediscover his form of just two years ago, the Braves lineup will feature some sorely needed pop. Glaus’s acquisition will also enable all-star catcher Brian McCann to slide down to the five-hole, a spot he is more suited for. McCann has some power and hits for a high average, and if he isn’t asked to do so much in terms of home run power, he can relax and stroke doubles as he did early in his career.
McCann’s defense has also improved over the last two years. Early in his career he was well known for calling a superb game but now he can gun down potential base runners. The Braves defense overall is a question mark however as several new additions prevent a grade from being given. Melky Cabrera is penciled in to start right now and he would be an upgrade over the lead-footed Garrett Anderson of one year ago, but if youngster Jason Heyward makes the club, Cabrera is pushed into a platoon with Matt Diaz. Heyward’s arm has been awing minor league scouts though his bat has them simply drooling. Nate McLouth in centerfield could very well bring the Gold Glove back to Atlanta and his speed on the basepaths is a weapon that Cox can use to put pressure on the Phillies in the division.
As far as making the playoffs, the schedule sets up well for Atlanta with no Boston or New York Yankees on the slate. The Braves should be in contention for the wild card throughout the season and if the team can benefit from the schedule, perhaps one final run at a division title could send Bobby Cox out on top. I predict the Braves sneak into the postseason via the Wild Card and from there, it is a crapshoot. Hanson, Jurrjens and Hudson would be a nice postseason rotation and if the Braves do make the postseason, it likely means another all-star year from McCann plus likely valuable contributions from the rookie Heyward and newcomer Glaus. This team from all reports loves its manager and wants to send him out the right way. What better way than a playoff run with perhaps a trophy presentation at the end?
To borrow an idea from Notre Dame Football, the motto of the 2010 Braves may just be “win one for the skipper.” As the Atlanta Braves franchise enters the 2010 season, manager Bobby Cox enters his final season as Braves manager. The Braves management therefore elected to forego a rebuilding effort and instead has cobbled together a squad capable of giving its long-time manager one last shot at a second World Series title with Atlanta. Unlike the last few seasons though, this team should make the playoffs though in a Wild Card role.
Any discussion of the Braves must start with the rotation, just as the discussion always did during the Braves magical run in the early 1990s. The team moved out last season’s best pitcher Javier Vazquez but did so because some of the young guns proved they could more than handle the load. Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens form the best under 25 one-two punch this side of Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, and Tim Hudson and Derek Lowe both bring experience to the park every time they pitch. Hudson pitched well enough after coming back from Tommy John surgery that the team decided to resign him for a home team discount. Derek Lowe struggled his first season in Atlanta but still posted 15 wins and was strong to start the 2009 season.
This year’s bullpen has been totally renovated with Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez out and Billy Wagner and Takashi Saito in. Both Wagner and Saito are former all-stars that should be able to close out games if need be. Wagner is sixth all-time in saves and the lefty can still deal.
On the offensive side of things, the team may have solved its two year question of a cleanup hitter after the team dealt Mark Teixeira. Newcomer Troy Glaus will be asked to play first base, a position he’s only played in a handful of games, as well as protect Chipper Jones by batting fourth in the lineup. Glaus hit 27 home runs in 2008 but missed most of last year with a shoulder injury. If Glaus can rediscover his form of just two years ago, the Braves lineup will feature some sorely needed pop. Glaus’s acquisition will also enable all-star catcher Brian McCann to slide down to the five-hole, a spot he is more suited for. McCann has some power and hits for a high average, and if he isn’t asked to do so much in terms of home run power, he can relax and stroke doubles as he did early in his career.
McCann’s defense has also improved over the last two years. Early in his career he was well known for calling a superb game but now he can gun down potential base runners. The Braves defense overall is a question mark however as several new additions prevent a grade from being given. Melky Cabrera is penciled in to start right now and he would be an upgrade over the lead-footed Garrett Anderson of one year ago, but if youngster Jason Heyward makes the club, Cabrera is pushed into a platoon with Matt Diaz. Heyward’s arm has been awing minor league scouts though his bat has them simply drooling. Nate McLouth in centerfield could very well bring the Gold Glove back to Atlanta and his speed on the basepaths is a weapon that Cox can use to put pressure on the Phillies in the division.
As far as making the playoffs, the schedule sets up well for Atlanta with no Boston or New York Yankees on the slate. The Braves should be in contention for the wild card throughout the season and if the team can benefit from the schedule, perhaps one final run at a division title could send Bobby Cox out on top. I predict the Braves sneak into the postseason via the Wild Card and from there, it is a crapshoot. Hanson, Jurrjens and Hudson would be a nice postseason rotation and if the Braves do make the postseason, it likely means another all-star year from McCann plus likely valuable contributions from the rookie Heyward and newcomer Glaus. This team from all reports loves its manager and wants to send him out the right way. What better way than a playoff run with perhaps a trophy presentation at the end?
Midweek entertainment report 2/10/10
Ellen settles in on Idol, It really IS the Deadliest catch, get ready for letters to the editor and what is UP with the legal system in America?
Ladies and gentlemen, the midweek entertainment report!
Smattering of applause.
I missed it last night, but Ellen made her debut as a new judge on Idol. I'll watch tonight. I am just waiting for some one to get mad at her judgment and say, "yeah, but you're gay!" I'll have more to say tomorrow after I've seen her in action.
SBF apologizes in advance for the jokes we are about to unload on this topic. Phil Harris of Discovery Channel fame passed away yesterday. I guess it really WAS the Deadliest catch! So a bunch of crabs didn't kill him, but a stroke did? rename the show to NOT QUITE the deadliest catch, unless STROKE is what he is catching. Will the show continue? Does anyone watch? Do we even get The Discovery Channel?
Brooklyn Decker is going to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. I saw the cover. Pretty neat that they are going 80s style with flirty instead of raw seduction. I like it. Playful it you will. But unfortunately we will have to hear ALL ABOUT how people are going to cancel their subscription because this isn't sports, blah blah blah. They've only been doing the swimsuit issue for 40 years (give or take). Did you JUST NOW figure it out? And PS for as each person that CANCELS her subscription, SI probably gets 12 dudes to sign up. Just saying. SI could TOTALLY get the letters to stop as well if they just stopped printing them in the Letters to the Editor section. Seriously. Stop giving the lunatic fringe the attention that they are seeking. They'll go away. Oh, maybe the same people that yelled about SI's putting a skier in her skiing position on the cover will yell about this too. Hey N.O.W., we aren't listening! Just so you guys know.
Finally, what is up with the American Legal system? First Tiger Woods delays talking to the Florida State Highway Patrol investigators for 4 days and now Lil Wayne has his New York sentencing put off until March because he wants to get some dental work done before he goes to prison. (insert Prison dental work joke here. Wait, perhaps that WAS the joke!) Really? His excuse: his dentist was out of the country doing charity work and Lil Wayne wants this work done before he goes to prison for one year. REALLY? No offense to DDSes out there, but couldn't Lil Wayne have just gone to ANY OTHER DENTIST to have a cavity filled or whatever needs to be done? SERIOUSLY. Honestly. Come on. If I was a judge, I'd have said, "um No. You are getting sentenced RIGHT NOW. Dental work is NOT a good enough excuse. Go to jail NOW. Do not pass GO. Do not collect $200. Do not get a tooth capped."
Thanks and have a great rest of the week!
Ladies and gentlemen, the midweek entertainment report!
Smattering of applause.
I missed it last night, but Ellen made her debut as a new judge on Idol. I'll watch tonight. I am just waiting for some one to get mad at her judgment and say, "yeah, but you're gay!" I'll have more to say tomorrow after I've seen her in action.
SBF apologizes in advance for the jokes we are about to unload on this topic. Phil Harris of Discovery Channel fame passed away yesterday. I guess it really WAS the Deadliest catch! So a bunch of crabs didn't kill him, but a stroke did? rename the show to NOT QUITE the deadliest catch, unless STROKE is what he is catching. Will the show continue? Does anyone watch? Do we even get The Discovery Channel?
Brooklyn Decker is going to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. I saw the cover. Pretty neat that they are going 80s style with flirty instead of raw seduction. I like it. Playful it you will. But unfortunately we will have to hear ALL ABOUT how people are going to cancel their subscription because this isn't sports, blah blah blah. They've only been doing the swimsuit issue for 40 years (give or take). Did you JUST NOW figure it out? And PS for as each person that CANCELS her subscription, SI probably gets 12 dudes to sign up. Just saying. SI could TOTALLY get the letters to stop as well if they just stopped printing them in the Letters to the Editor section. Seriously. Stop giving the lunatic fringe the attention that they are seeking. They'll go away. Oh, maybe the same people that yelled about SI's putting a skier in her skiing position on the cover will yell about this too. Hey N.O.W., we aren't listening! Just so you guys know.
Finally, what is up with the American Legal system? First Tiger Woods delays talking to the Florida State Highway Patrol investigators for 4 days and now Lil Wayne has his New York sentencing put off until March because he wants to get some dental work done before he goes to prison. (insert Prison dental work joke here. Wait, perhaps that WAS the joke!) Really? His excuse: his dentist was out of the country doing charity work and Lil Wayne wants this work done before he goes to prison for one year. REALLY? No offense to DDSes out there, but couldn't Lil Wayne have just gone to ANY OTHER DENTIST to have a cavity filled or whatever needs to be done? SERIOUSLY. Honestly. Come on. If I was a judge, I'd have said, "um No. You are getting sentenced RIGHT NOW. Dental work is NOT a good enough excuse. Go to jail NOW. Do not pass GO. Do not collect $200. Do not get a tooth capped."
Thanks and have a great rest of the week!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
are the Braves trying to sign Jesus?
This is this week's Braves Be-at for Score Atlanta. Enjoy.
The Johnny Damon watch is still on in Bravesland and it appears that the Braves may in fact be finalists for the former Yankee outfielder. Several teams including the Kansas City Royals, Oakland A’s and the Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly dropped out of the running for the former Red Sox, Royal, Athletic and Yankee outfielder, leaving just Detroit and Atlanta as potential landing areas, according to Yahoo sports. The 36-year-old free agent hit .282 with 24 home runs and 82 RBI as the New York Yankees won the franchise’s 27th World Series title. For Damon, it was his second championship after he won one previously with Boston in 2004. According to Yahoo!’s Mark Miller, Detroit, per the Detroit Free Press, would only be interested in adding Damon if Tigers management decides to up its projected 2010 payroll. The Braves meanwhile may be content to just enter spring training with Matt Diaz, Nate McLouth and Melky Cabrera as the starting outfielders with youngsters Jordan Schafer and Jason Heyward competing to make the team. The Sporting News projects that Heyward will be given ample opportunity to win the starting job in spring training and Schafer won the centerfielder spot last year in spring training, only to be sent back down to Class AAA-Gwinnett before an injury was discovered. With both young outfielders perhaps just one season away, a long-term contract would not be expected to be offered to Damon from Atlanta. Damon reportedly turned down a two-year deal from New York earlier this off-season, believing he could get more years and money from another team.
After examining the team defense last week, this week the middle relief gets a look. While free agents Takashi Saito and Billy Wagner were brought in to handle the eighth and ninth innings, respectively, GM Frank Wren and manager Bobby Cox may use plenty of familiar faces as the bridge to those two newcomers. Last season righty Peter Moylan set the new franchise record with 87 appearances. He will likely be relied upon again this season as the seventh inning stopper. Eric O’Flaherty will have some competition, at least in spring training from hard-throwing Michael Dunn, who was acquired with Cabrera in the Javier Vazquez trade. Dunn can touch close 98+ on the radar gun but O’Flaherty earned Cox’s trust last season with 78 appearances. Luis Valdez will likely get a shot at a bullpen spot after a successful run as Gwinnett’s closer last season. Valdez appeared in a handful of games with Atlanta late in the season. Finally, expect Stephen Marek to finally get a look. Marek was acquired as part of the Mark Teixeira/Casey Kotchman deal two years ago and is the only player involved in that trade to still be with either club. If the right-hander Marek doesn’t make the club out of spring training, he will likely be one of the first arms called up from Gwinnett this summer. Finally, Jesse Chavez will get a long look for the bullpen as the righty can reach into the 90s with a fastball. Chavez was acquired from Tampa Bay in exchange for Rafael Soriano earlier this off-season after Soriano surprisingly accept arbitration and forced Atlanta’s hand in a trade.
The Johnny Damon watch is still on in Bravesland and it appears that the Braves may in fact be finalists for the former Yankee outfielder. Several teams including the Kansas City Royals, Oakland A’s and the Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly dropped out of the running for the former Red Sox, Royal, Athletic and Yankee outfielder, leaving just Detroit and Atlanta as potential landing areas, according to Yahoo sports. The 36-year-old free agent hit .282 with 24 home runs and 82 RBI as the New York Yankees won the franchise’s 27th World Series title. For Damon, it was his second championship after he won one previously with Boston in 2004. According to Yahoo!’s Mark Miller, Detroit, per the Detroit Free Press, would only be interested in adding Damon if Tigers management decides to up its projected 2010 payroll. The Braves meanwhile may be content to just enter spring training with Matt Diaz, Nate McLouth and Melky Cabrera as the starting outfielders with youngsters Jordan Schafer and Jason Heyward competing to make the team. The Sporting News projects that Heyward will be given ample opportunity to win the starting job in spring training and Schafer won the centerfielder spot last year in spring training, only to be sent back down to Class AAA-Gwinnett before an injury was discovered. With both young outfielders perhaps just one season away, a long-term contract would not be expected to be offered to Damon from Atlanta. Damon reportedly turned down a two-year deal from New York earlier this off-season, believing he could get more years and money from another team.
After examining the team defense last week, this week the middle relief gets a look. While free agents Takashi Saito and Billy Wagner were brought in to handle the eighth and ninth innings, respectively, GM Frank Wren and manager Bobby Cox may use plenty of familiar faces as the bridge to those two newcomers. Last season righty Peter Moylan set the new franchise record with 87 appearances. He will likely be relied upon again this season as the seventh inning stopper. Eric O’Flaherty will have some competition, at least in spring training from hard-throwing Michael Dunn, who was acquired with Cabrera in the Javier Vazquez trade. Dunn can touch close 98+ on the radar gun but O’Flaherty earned Cox’s trust last season with 78 appearances. Luis Valdez will likely get a shot at a bullpen spot after a successful run as Gwinnett’s closer last season. Valdez appeared in a handful of games with Atlanta late in the season. Finally, expect Stephen Marek to finally get a look. Marek was acquired as part of the Mark Teixeira/Casey Kotchman deal two years ago and is the only player involved in that trade to still be with either club. If the right-hander Marek doesn’t make the club out of spring training, he will likely be one of the first arms called up from Gwinnett this summer. Finally, Jesse Chavez will get a long look for the bullpen as the righty can reach into the 90s with a fastball. Chavez was acquired from Tampa Bay in exchange for Rafael Soriano earlier this off-season after Soriano surprisingly accept arbitration and forced Atlanta’s hand in a trade.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Hey the Saints won the Super Bowl!
Maybe now the city of New Orleans will be inspired enough to rebuild the city and shut up about the Hurricane that happened five years ago.
Just hoping........
Actually, I heard that Peyton Manning was blaming W Bush for the pick-six, taking a page out of the citizens of New Orleans book of blaming others for their own lack of action. You know, the whole failure to take personal responsibility thing.
Kudos to the Saints though. They won a tough game with a LAME halftime show and no commercials that really have me talking this morning. Good for them. Between the win and Mardi Gras next week, do we think anyone will be working until next Thursday? Wait, that is assuming they have rebuilt the businesses down there. We know that didn't happen. That is asking WAY too much to have done that five years after a hurricane.
Just hoping........
Actually, I heard that Peyton Manning was blaming W Bush for the pick-six, taking a page out of the citizens of New Orleans book of blaming others for their own lack of action. You know, the whole failure to take personal responsibility thing.
Kudos to the Saints though. They won a tough game with a LAME halftime show and no commercials that really have me talking this morning. Good for them. Between the win and Mardi Gras next week, do we think anyone will be working until next Thursday? Wait, that is assuming they have rebuilt the businesses down there. We know that didn't happen. That is asking WAY too much to have done that five years after a hurricane.
Friday, February 5, 2010
End of week entertaiment report
Harry Potter theme park?, a panda leaves the ATL, Heinz changes its ketchup packs, monopoly changes its look and HEY, it is FRIDAY!
Ladies and gentlemen, the MIDWEEK ENTERTAINMENT REPORT....ON A FRIDAY!
confused applause. (A shot of Marissa is shown and then we see BFraz bailing her out. She starts clapping but is still confused. )
A Harry Potter Theme park will open in Orlando, Florida this spring, which is weird because this isn't England. But moving past that, really? A Harry Potter theme park? do we need one of those? We cannot simply add a "Harry Potter land" section to Universal Studios? He needs his OWN theme park? The worst part is that JK Rowling is probably making a boatload off of this thing. Honestly though, how many rides can you come up with for Harry Potter? Won't the rides be a little thin in terms of relating to the books? Maybe not. I don't know. I've never read the things because I'm over the age of 7 and the bookstore in Clayton, GA turned me off on EVERYTHING Potter!
Mei Lan left her native Zoo Atlanta and is headed, along with her cousin back to China to try and get some baby pandas rocking over in Communist Asia. She left in a FedEx plane called the Panda Express and can you imagine a FedEx dude coming to your door, "Umm, I've got one piece for you to sign for. Here you go...a PANDA."
Heinz changes it ketchup packets. Cool, I guess. Wait, will I stop for even half a second before ripping into one that has .006 oz of ketchup in it, so I need 87 packs just to have enough for a small order of fries. Actually the new "pack" is more of a cup and you have the option to dip or squeeze it out. They say it holds 3X more ketchup too, but I'll still need 49 then instead of 87
Hey Monopoly changed its look for the 75th anniversary and now it is round with music and debit cards with an ATM and you get 2M for passing GO. Here is my question though, does the game still take 8 hours to play, because if so, these ADD kids still won't play.
HEY EVERYBODY, it is Friday. National Signing Day threw everything off, but enjoy the weekend! And be safe driving home from the Super Bowl parties. And WHO are The Who again?
Ladies and gentlemen, the MIDWEEK ENTERTAINMENT REPORT....ON A FRIDAY!
confused applause. (A shot of Marissa is shown and then we see BFraz bailing her out. She starts clapping but is still confused. )
A Harry Potter Theme park will open in Orlando, Florida this spring, which is weird because this isn't England. But moving past that, really? A Harry Potter theme park? do we need one of those? We cannot simply add a "Harry Potter land" section to Universal Studios? He needs his OWN theme park? The worst part is that JK Rowling is probably making a boatload off of this thing. Honestly though, how many rides can you come up with for Harry Potter? Won't the rides be a little thin in terms of relating to the books? Maybe not. I don't know. I've never read the things because I'm over the age of 7 and the bookstore in Clayton, GA turned me off on EVERYTHING Potter!
Mei Lan left her native Zoo Atlanta and is headed, along with her cousin back to China to try and get some baby pandas rocking over in Communist Asia. She left in a FedEx plane called the Panda Express and can you imagine a FedEx dude coming to your door, "Umm, I've got one piece for you to sign for. Here you go...a PANDA."
Heinz changes it ketchup packets. Cool, I guess. Wait, will I stop for even half a second before ripping into one that has .006 oz of ketchup in it, so I need 87 packs just to have enough for a small order of fries. Actually the new "pack" is more of a cup and you have the option to dip or squeeze it out. They say it holds 3X more ketchup too, but I'll still need 49 then instead of 87
Hey Monopoly changed its look for the 75th anniversary and now it is round with music and debit cards with an ATM and you get 2M for passing GO. Here is my question though, does the game still take 8 hours to play, because if so, these ADD kids still won't play.
HEY EVERYBODY, it is Friday. National Signing Day threw everything off, but enjoy the weekend! And be safe driving home from the Super Bowl parties. And WHO are The Who again?
Piecing together another state title run...
Note: this article appears in the GHSA state wrestling program that people can read next week at the championships.
Win after win, state title after state title, the Collins Hill wrestling team continues to climb the national rankings week after week, but for the Eagles, everything is just another piece to the puzzle. According to Eagles wrestling Coach Cliff Ramos, there really is no secret to Collins Hill's wrestling success. There are "a lot of pieces to the puzzle," according to Ramos. "Great coaches, supportive parents and a youth program," all have helped the Collins Hill Eagles win the 2008 and 2009 state dual championships as well as the 2008 and 2009 state traditional titles. After claiming the 2009 title, the Eagles climbed to No.22 in the national top 40 prep poll released by Amateur Wrestling News. Before this season, AWN placed Collins Hill at No.21 and the Eagles have steadily climbed to No.9, where the team currently sits.
Is it as simple as a puzzle though to find the secret to Collins Hill's success? Perhaps the parents and the coaches and the youth programs help but scheduling may also be a large piece to the success. The Eagles have crushed all state competition and one way Coach Ramos keeps his team motivated is scheduling big-time national opponents. Coach Ramos admits that sometimes it is "pretty tough" keeping his team motivated to take on local competition especially after the team has wrestled all over the county. When his team does go up against the national competition though, the Eagles fare quite well. Before the season started, the Eagles placed third in the Disney Duals, losing only to the top two teams who both used players that had graduated just weeks before the event. The Eagles showed well at the Super 32 featuring teams from all across the southeast and then stepped back into the state to dominate the Walton Duals, featuring the top teams from across the state. After claiming the dual championship, the team ventured up to Pennsylvania to participate in the Final Four event, featuring several teams ranked in the top eight in the country. Though the Eagles fell to the nation's No.1 team, the Blair Academy (NJ), the Eagles did knock off three other Pennsylvania powerhouses. Collins Hill also won tournaments in Kansas City, MO and Cleveland, TN.
The national competition only sharpens the skills of the wrestlers in preparation for state tournaments and helps its wrestlers earn national attention. Joel Smith and TJ Mitchell were two of the many standouts in Kansas City and both will wrestle in college. Smith has accepted a scholarship to Arizona State while Mitchell will wrestle at Virginia Tech. Mitchell will actually team up on the Hokies with former Eagle teammate Taylor Knapp. Typically wrestlers in the southeast don't get as much attention as high school grapplers do in the Northeast and Midwest. Perhaps without the school's success and the travel, Ramos' Eagle wrestlers don't go on to become Sun Devils and Hokies.
Ramos noted that his six assistant coaches are all outstanding. Coaches Jim Tiller, Josh Stephen Justin Meyer and Mike Ciciarelli all deserve credit for their work with the Eagles as Coach Ramos realizes that this team really improves and gets a lot done in practice. Ramos last season relied on his seniors in practice and the underclassmen simply "watch[ed] them practice," and that helped the team capture the 2009 traditional title. Those juniors learned from not only the seniors but also the assistant coaches.
Tradition is yet another piece to the puzzle for Collins Hill. The team has won four state traditional titles since 2002 and has claimed three dual titles since 2005. The team has also finished in the top three every year since 2000. Excellence breeds excellence and Collins Hill certainly sets high standards for its program. No team wants to be the team that breaks the chain and fails to live up to expectations, no matter how high they might be set. This year's team has steadily climbed in the polls from No.21 to No.9.
The final piece is Coach Ramos himself. Ramos was inducted in 2008 to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and has been named Regional Head Coach of the year 24 times. Ramos knows wrestling in and out, having lettered in the sport four years in college and he is quick to share his knowledge with his charges. Coach Ramos does have excellent talent but he has molded every one of these wrestlers into what they are. If you want the real secret to Collins Hill's success, Coach Ramos is the largest piece to the puzzle.
The Eagles may win yet another state title and if they do, the run might not stop for a while. Expect next year's seniors Nick Holbert and Bazell Partridge to pick up the slack that TJ Mitchell and Joel Smith carried this season after Taylor Knapp and Gary Tiller graduated. The recipe for next season probably involves some national tournaments, some local duals and more Eagle domination. As long as Coach Ramos is in charge, the climb in the National Polls will continue and Amateur Wrestling News' Top 40 Prep Poll might soon have a little southern flair at the top.
Win after win, state title after state title, the Collins Hill wrestling team continues to climb the national rankings week after week, but for the Eagles, everything is just another piece to the puzzle. According to Eagles wrestling Coach Cliff Ramos, there really is no secret to Collins Hill's wrestling success. There are "a lot of pieces to the puzzle," according to Ramos. "Great coaches, supportive parents and a youth program," all have helped the Collins Hill Eagles win the 2008 and 2009 state dual championships as well as the 2008 and 2009 state traditional titles. After claiming the 2009 title, the Eagles climbed to No.22 in the national top 40 prep poll released by Amateur Wrestling News. Before this season, AWN placed Collins Hill at No.21 and the Eagles have steadily climbed to No.9, where the team currently sits.
Is it as simple as a puzzle though to find the secret to Collins Hill's success? Perhaps the parents and the coaches and the youth programs help but scheduling may also be a large piece to the success. The Eagles have crushed all state competition and one way Coach Ramos keeps his team motivated is scheduling big-time national opponents. Coach Ramos admits that sometimes it is "pretty tough" keeping his team motivated to take on local competition especially after the team has wrestled all over the county. When his team does go up against the national competition though, the Eagles fare quite well. Before the season started, the Eagles placed third in the Disney Duals, losing only to the top two teams who both used players that had graduated just weeks before the event. The Eagles showed well at the Super 32 featuring teams from all across the southeast and then stepped back into the state to dominate the Walton Duals, featuring the top teams from across the state. After claiming the dual championship, the team ventured up to Pennsylvania to participate in the Final Four event, featuring several teams ranked in the top eight in the country. Though the Eagles fell to the nation's No.1 team, the Blair Academy (NJ), the Eagles did knock off three other Pennsylvania powerhouses. Collins Hill also won tournaments in Kansas City, MO and Cleveland, TN.
The national competition only sharpens the skills of the wrestlers in preparation for state tournaments and helps its wrestlers earn national attention. Joel Smith and TJ Mitchell were two of the many standouts in Kansas City and both will wrestle in college. Smith has accepted a scholarship to Arizona State while Mitchell will wrestle at Virginia Tech. Mitchell will actually team up on the Hokies with former Eagle teammate Taylor Knapp. Typically wrestlers in the southeast don't get as much attention as high school grapplers do in the Northeast and Midwest. Perhaps without the school's success and the travel, Ramos' Eagle wrestlers don't go on to become Sun Devils and Hokies.
Ramos noted that his six assistant coaches are all outstanding. Coaches Jim Tiller, Josh Stephen Justin Meyer and Mike Ciciarelli all deserve credit for their work with the Eagles as Coach Ramos realizes that this team really improves and gets a lot done in practice. Ramos last season relied on his seniors in practice and the underclassmen simply "watch[ed] them practice," and that helped the team capture the 2009 traditional title. Those juniors learned from not only the seniors but also the assistant coaches.
Tradition is yet another piece to the puzzle for Collins Hill. The team has won four state traditional titles since 2002 and has claimed three dual titles since 2005. The team has also finished in the top three every year since 2000. Excellence breeds excellence and Collins Hill certainly sets high standards for its program. No team wants to be the team that breaks the chain and fails to live up to expectations, no matter how high they might be set. This year's team has steadily climbed in the polls from No.21 to No.9.
The final piece is Coach Ramos himself. Ramos was inducted in 2008 to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and has been named Regional Head Coach of the year 24 times. Ramos knows wrestling in and out, having lettered in the sport four years in college and he is quick to share his knowledge with his charges. Coach Ramos does have excellent talent but he has molded every one of these wrestlers into what they are. If you want the real secret to Collins Hill's success, Coach Ramos is the largest piece to the puzzle.
The Eagles may win yet another state title and if they do, the run might not stop for a while. Expect next year's seniors Nick Holbert and Bazell Partridge to pick up the slack that TJ Mitchell and Joel Smith carried this season after Taylor Knapp and Gary Tiller graduated. The recipe for next season probably involves some national tournaments, some local duals and more Eagle domination. As long as Coach Ramos is in charge, the climb in the National Polls will continue and Amateur Wrestling News' Top 40 Prep Poll might soon have a little southern flair at the top.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
I am rooting for the Colts this Sunday for 3 Reasons...
#1 it will give my argument that Peyton Manning is the best QB of our generation some serious traction over Tom Brady if Manning has TWO Super Bowl titles (with accompanying SB MVPs. TB only has two of those with his 3 rings. Deion Branch won the third MVP v Philly) and 4 MVPs vs TB's 3 and 1.
#2 I want Tom Brady to get fired up over talk about Peyton's passing him and come out fired up and we get that rivalry back, opposed to what we have now which is Tom Brady more concerned with having babies with Victoria's Secret models than winning rings.
#3 New Orleans backlash. I am SICK of hearing about the Saints. THEY WERE FRIGGIN' LUCKY to even be in the super bowl, only making it after Brett Favre threw two ints, including the game-costing one and the rest of the Vikings fumbling six times or whatever it was. And I'm sick of hearing about Katrina. That was 5 years ago! It was relevant in 2006 when they went to the NFC title game, but NOW.....now it is just a tired angle. PLEASE move past it. And anyone that thinks that FEMA screwed the city over....how exactly? How have Alabama and Mississippi rebuilt with less money than you got and are up and running, better than before in some cases? NOLA is treating itself like Haiti for pete's sake. OH WHOA IS ME! Get over it already. PLEASE. If New Orleans hasn't rebuilt itself, blame yourself!
Also, NOLA lost most of its homeless population to ATLANTA (sadly!) due to Katrina, so being able to walk around without a bunch of bums in downtown NOLA, boy that must be nice. Can you guys please take them back? As crazy as it sounds, just like that earthquake will secretly be the best thing to happen to Haiti (they get a BOATLOAD of money and help that they never had before), Katrina might have just been a good thing to clear out the city of all of the bad, giving it a clean slate to rebuild with good. But they just haven't done it yet. QUIT BEING LAZY!
#2 I want Tom Brady to get fired up over talk about Peyton's passing him and come out fired up and we get that rivalry back, opposed to what we have now which is Tom Brady more concerned with having babies with Victoria's Secret models than winning rings.
#3 New Orleans backlash. I am SICK of hearing about the Saints. THEY WERE FRIGGIN' LUCKY to even be in the super bowl, only making it after Brett Favre threw two ints, including the game-costing one and the rest of the Vikings fumbling six times or whatever it was. And I'm sick of hearing about Katrina. That was 5 years ago! It was relevant in 2006 when they went to the NFC title game, but NOW.....now it is just a tired angle. PLEASE move past it. And anyone that thinks that FEMA screwed the city over....how exactly? How have Alabama and Mississippi rebuilt with less money than you got and are up and running, better than before in some cases? NOLA is treating itself like Haiti for pete's sake. OH WHOA IS ME! Get over it already. PLEASE. If New Orleans hasn't rebuilt itself, blame yourself!
Also, NOLA lost most of its homeless population to ATLANTA (sadly!) due to Katrina, so being able to walk around without a bunch of bums in downtown NOLA, boy that must be nice. Can you guys please take them back? As crazy as it sounds, just like that earthquake will secretly be the best thing to happen to Haiti (they get a BOATLOAD of money and help that they never had before), Katrina might have just been a good thing to clear out the city of all of the bad, giving it a clean slate to rebuild with good. But they just haven't done it yet. QUIT BEING LAZY!
You want a little Around the Dial?
HERE YOU GO!
Just because the NFL took an off-week last week doesn’t mean it wasn’t an INTENSE week in the sports world. It certainly was. First off, the Pro Bowl was played last week and most people had a problem with the fact that the game was played one week prior to the Super Bowl and it wasn’t in Hawaii. I say poo-poo to that. First off, how many players from the Super Bowl participants ACTUALLY play in the games the week after? The champs usually are making the rounds on Leno and Letterman while the losers don’t usually want to show up to be reminded that they lost. For anyone trying to make the argument that OH Peyton wasn’t allowed to play, he wasn’t going to play the week after anyways. My second point is that no one watches the Pro Bowl after the Super Bowl is over. However, what else are people doing the Sunday before the big game? Watching the Grammys? I didn’t think so. I thought the timing was perfect because everyone is in FOOTBALL MODE and this was the perfect kickoff to the Super Bowl Week activities.
Now did the NFL step on itself by making the Saints and Colts players leave their teams to go be in photos and stand on the sidelines? Yes. Commissioner Roger Goodell should realize this and fix it. Alas, next season, the game is going back to Hawaii, I guess because too many of the players were complaining that they didn’t get their free trip to Hawaii. Umm, how many reserves do we ALWAYS see when the game is in Hawaii? And don’t you guys make enough money to send yourself to Hawaii? All I’m saying is that if I was going to that paradise out there, I wouldn’t want to have to hit people in the process. I’d rather just go for vacation. Note to the NFL: keep the game the week before but don’t make the Super Bowl teams send their players if they don’t want to go.
The Winter X-Games started last week on ESPN. Seems kind of weird doesn’t it, to be having the X-Games the week before the Winter Olympics? Especially since the events that people WATCH the X-games for are now in the Olympics. I wonder if ESPN realizes that people don’t watch the X-Games anymore. The network overkilled it. Do it every other year or so because honestly I don’t care if someone can bike on ice. I just don’t. Do we really need the X-Games every year though? Just wondering.
A new Nike ad came out featuring Kobe Bryant and LeBron James and part of the dialogue has Kobe saying that he plays his heart out and doesn’t leave anything in the chamber. Probably not a good idea right now to have a gun reference right after Agent Zero Gilbert Arenas was suspended for getting into an argument with a teammate that led to an incident involving a gun. I really don’t have a problem with the “leave nothing in the chamber,” quote but I understand that some people in this PC world we now live in will. To those people I say get over it! Come on. Move on. Grow up.
As I was watching the Georgetown/Duke game last weekend, I saw that CBS kept cutting to President Obama sitting in the crowd. Eventually Obama was brought to the broadcast booth and given a headset for a few minutes. Obama was never really seen cheering one way or the other (unlike when Bill Clinton was openly cheering for Arkansas back in the day) but he was seen as Joe Everyman. Hey, he likes basketball too! Actually, Obama seems like a guy you’d invite to your Super Bowl party, but shouldn’t he NOT be that? Shouldn’t he be the guy fixing the economy or solving unemployment? Just wondering. Perhaps those two hours could have been spent following up on some of the things he discussed in the State of the Union. And before you get all bent out of shape, I said the same things when George W Bush was in the ESPN baseball booth with Miller and Morgan.
I read in a recent Sports Illustrated issue where Boston Celtic guard Ray Allen said that the Boston/Atlanta back-and-forth isn’t really a rivalry. He noted that for whatever reason Boston didn’t think of Atlanta as a serious threat to them in the East. Hmm. Interesting there Ray. You are correct when you said it isn’t really a rivalry. Typically for it to be a rivalry, both teams need to win. Atlanta is 4-0 this season and just swept the season series from you. As far as a serious threat, maybe you guys should try and win a first round series in less than seven game when you are overwhelmingly favored. It might help to keep you guys a bit fresher for if you ever meet up with Atlanta in the playoffs. I guess it is going to take Atlanta going 4-0 in the playoffs for Boston to respect the Hawks.
Just because the NFL took an off-week last week doesn’t mean it wasn’t an INTENSE week in the sports world. It certainly was. First off, the Pro Bowl was played last week and most people had a problem with the fact that the game was played one week prior to the Super Bowl and it wasn’t in Hawaii. I say poo-poo to that. First off, how many players from the Super Bowl participants ACTUALLY play in the games the week after? The champs usually are making the rounds on Leno and Letterman while the losers don’t usually want to show up to be reminded that they lost. For anyone trying to make the argument that OH Peyton wasn’t allowed to play, he wasn’t going to play the week after anyways. My second point is that no one watches the Pro Bowl after the Super Bowl is over. However, what else are people doing the Sunday before the big game? Watching the Grammys? I didn’t think so. I thought the timing was perfect because everyone is in FOOTBALL MODE and this was the perfect kickoff to the Super Bowl Week activities.
Now did the NFL step on itself by making the Saints and Colts players leave their teams to go be in photos and stand on the sidelines? Yes. Commissioner Roger Goodell should realize this and fix it. Alas, next season, the game is going back to Hawaii, I guess because too many of the players were complaining that they didn’t get their free trip to Hawaii. Umm, how many reserves do we ALWAYS see when the game is in Hawaii? And don’t you guys make enough money to send yourself to Hawaii? All I’m saying is that if I was going to that paradise out there, I wouldn’t want to have to hit people in the process. I’d rather just go for vacation. Note to the NFL: keep the game the week before but don’t make the Super Bowl teams send their players if they don’t want to go.
The Winter X-Games started last week on ESPN. Seems kind of weird doesn’t it, to be having the X-Games the week before the Winter Olympics? Especially since the events that people WATCH the X-games for are now in the Olympics. I wonder if ESPN realizes that people don’t watch the X-Games anymore. The network overkilled it. Do it every other year or so because honestly I don’t care if someone can bike on ice. I just don’t. Do we really need the X-Games every year though? Just wondering.
A new Nike ad came out featuring Kobe Bryant and LeBron James and part of the dialogue has Kobe saying that he plays his heart out and doesn’t leave anything in the chamber. Probably not a good idea right now to have a gun reference right after Agent Zero Gilbert Arenas was suspended for getting into an argument with a teammate that led to an incident involving a gun. I really don’t have a problem with the “leave nothing in the chamber,” quote but I understand that some people in this PC world we now live in will. To those people I say get over it! Come on. Move on. Grow up.
As I was watching the Georgetown/Duke game last weekend, I saw that CBS kept cutting to President Obama sitting in the crowd. Eventually Obama was brought to the broadcast booth and given a headset for a few minutes. Obama was never really seen cheering one way or the other (unlike when Bill Clinton was openly cheering for Arkansas back in the day) but he was seen as Joe Everyman. Hey, he likes basketball too! Actually, Obama seems like a guy you’d invite to your Super Bowl party, but shouldn’t he NOT be that? Shouldn’t he be the guy fixing the economy or solving unemployment? Just wondering. Perhaps those two hours could have been spent following up on some of the things he discussed in the State of the Union. And before you get all bent out of shape, I said the same things when George W Bush was in the ESPN baseball booth with Miller and Morgan.
I read in a recent Sports Illustrated issue where Boston Celtic guard Ray Allen said that the Boston/Atlanta back-and-forth isn’t really a rivalry. He noted that for whatever reason Boston didn’t think of Atlanta as a serious threat to them in the East. Hmm. Interesting there Ray. You are correct when you said it isn’t really a rivalry. Typically for it to be a rivalry, both teams need to win. Atlanta is 4-0 this season and just swept the season series from you. As far as a serious threat, maybe you guys should try and win a first round series in less than seven game when you are overwhelmingly favored. It might help to keep you guys a bit fresher for if you ever meet up with Atlanta in the playoffs. I guess it is going to take Atlanta going 4-0 in the playoffs for Boston to respect the Hawks.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Gwinnett swims like no other!
Note: this column appears in the GHSA Swimming state championship program. Be sure to stop by Westminster next week and pick up a copy!
College football has the SEC. Major League Baseball has the AL East. NASCAR has Hendrick MotorSports. Swimming has Gwinnett County. Gwinnett County dominates the state of Georgia in sports such as football, basketball and softball so why should swimming be any different? Class AAAAA swimming is littered with top notch Gwinnett County programs and this season several programs should make a huge splash in the state championships. Recently at the Gwinnett County Championships, all of the traditional powers went at it and the results were a potential preview of what might happen at the state championships.
Over the last few seasons, Brookwood has made its case for top billing in Gwinnett County. On the girls side of the pool, the Lady Broncos had won six straight county titles and ten of the last eleven before Mill Creek “pulled the upset” last week, edging Brookwood 1,037-1,033. Brookwood’s success isn’t just tied to the county titles though as the Broncos took the state’s highest classification title from 2001 through 2004. The Broncos are led by Kelsey Gouge, the county 50 freestyle champion. Gouge also won the event last year. She is joined by an impressive 200 freestyle relay team. Finally the Broncos typically count on Meghan Faulkner, though she suffered an injury at the county championships. What could be the secret to Brookwood’s success? Brookwood’s head coach Greg Puckett says tradition and hard work. “When a team is used to being successful they usually are not willing to accept anything lower than the standard set by previous teams.” Former Olympian Amada Weir was a member of those four straight state championships squads and she was twice named Georgia Swimmer of the year in 2001 and 2003. Puckett says that his teams “know what it takes to be successful and the athletes are willing to work hard and push each other to continue that success.”
The boys swim team at Brookwood certainly has a championship pedigree. Despite losing in the county championships to Parkview, the Broncos are the two-time defending champions heading into the state meet. The Broncos claimed the 2008 and 2009 titles and are seeking a three-peat and to avoid the fate of Collins Hill and Parkview, who both lost their strongholds on the state title after two-year runs. Conor Sweeney is a fine individual swimmer, having claimed now two straight 500 freestyle county titles, including this year’s over his younger brother. Michael Trice can call himself the fastest swimmer in the county after claiming the 50 freestyle and Robbie Swan joins the two Sweeneys and Trice to form a nearly unbeatable 200 freestyle relay squad. Brookwood’s motto is “good is not good enough…when better is expected,” and the teams certainly seem to live up to that creed.
The recently crowned county champions will certainly have the bull’s-eye on their backs at the state championships as Mill Creek and Parkview will hit the pool with county momentum. For Parkview, depth will be the key to getting back on top of the mountain. Parkview claimed the 2006 and 2007 titles and was the program to beat from 2000-2003. If Parkview is to get its seventh state crown in the last eleven years, that “superior depth,” as the media has dubbed the team will be tested. The boys coach Jack Gayle is a former Parkview swimmer himself so he understands the dedication and sacrifice needed to be a successful program. During the county championships just one Panther claimed an individual event (Ricky Lehner in the 100 breaststroke) but consistent top five finishes by nearly all of the swimmers got the Panthers enough points to run away with the title.
For Mill Creek’s girls, the county title was a first, but not necessarily for its coach. Rick Creed won sixteen county championships while serving at Parkview but this was his first with Mill Creek. The team itself was led by another Creed, Sommers Creed who won her third straight 500 freestyle Gwinnett county title. Creed was also a part of the 400 freestyle relay team and the 200 medley relay teams that were victorious. Rachael Dudley claimed her second straight 100 butterfly county title as well as a 100 backstroke county title. Frederique Lefebvre was also outstanding in the 200IM and in various relay races. Now that Mill Creek has tasted success on the county level and with a loaded lineup of All-Americans such as Cree, Lefebvre, Dudley and Katie Evans, expect the Hawks to be major players.
Gwinnett County isn’t just big-time programs though. Major swimmers at other schools will be big threats at the state championships even though their schools might not be. North Gwinnett’s Caroline Kenney is a force in 100 and 200 freestyle and fellow Bulldog Allison Carr can turn it on in the 100 breaststroke. For the boys, Peachtree Ridge has the ability to challenge for a state title with Luke Upchurch and Bryce Be Vier both very versatile and capable of winning multiple events.
So what is the secret though to Gwinnett’s success? Puckett believes it starts with the swimmers and their support systems. The coaches all seem to get together according to Puckett and the county’s Swim & Dive Booster club has helped out swimmers for over twenty years. When swimmers are set up for success like in Gwinnett it should be no surprise that the championships flow into the county like water.
College football has the SEC. Major League Baseball has the AL East. NASCAR has Hendrick MotorSports. Swimming has Gwinnett County. Gwinnett County dominates the state of Georgia in sports such as football, basketball and softball so why should swimming be any different? Class AAAAA swimming is littered with top notch Gwinnett County programs and this season several programs should make a huge splash in the state championships. Recently at the Gwinnett County Championships, all of the traditional powers went at it and the results were a potential preview of what might happen at the state championships.
Over the last few seasons, Brookwood has made its case for top billing in Gwinnett County. On the girls side of the pool, the Lady Broncos had won six straight county titles and ten of the last eleven before Mill Creek “pulled the upset” last week, edging Brookwood 1,037-1,033. Brookwood’s success isn’t just tied to the county titles though as the Broncos took the state’s highest classification title from 2001 through 2004. The Broncos are led by Kelsey Gouge, the county 50 freestyle champion. Gouge also won the event last year. She is joined by an impressive 200 freestyle relay team. Finally the Broncos typically count on Meghan Faulkner, though she suffered an injury at the county championships. What could be the secret to Brookwood’s success? Brookwood’s head coach Greg Puckett says tradition and hard work. “When a team is used to being successful they usually are not willing to accept anything lower than the standard set by previous teams.” Former Olympian Amada Weir was a member of those four straight state championships squads and she was twice named Georgia Swimmer of the year in 2001 and 2003. Puckett says that his teams “know what it takes to be successful and the athletes are willing to work hard and push each other to continue that success.”
The boys swim team at Brookwood certainly has a championship pedigree. Despite losing in the county championships to Parkview, the Broncos are the two-time defending champions heading into the state meet. The Broncos claimed the 2008 and 2009 titles and are seeking a three-peat and to avoid the fate of Collins Hill and Parkview, who both lost their strongholds on the state title after two-year runs. Conor Sweeney is a fine individual swimmer, having claimed now two straight 500 freestyle county titles, including this year’s over his younger brother. Michael Trice can call himself the fastest swimmer in the county after claiming the 50 freestyle and Robbie Swan joins the two Sweeneys and Trice to form a nearly unbeatable 200 freestyle relay squad. Brookwood’s motto is “good is not good enough…when better is expected,” and the teams certainly seem to live up to that creed.
The recently crowned county champions will certainly have the bull’s-eye on their backs at the state championships as Mill Creek and Parkview will hit the pool with county momentum. For Parkview, depth will be the key to getting back on top of the mountain. Parkview claimed the 2006 and 2007 titles and was the program to beat from 2000-2003. If Parkview is to get its seventh state crown in the last eleven years, that “superior depth,” as the media has dubbed the team will be tested. The boys coach Jack Gayle is a former Parkview swimmer himself so he understands the dedication and sacrifice needed to be a successful program. During the county championships just one Panther claimed an individual event (Ricky Lehner in the 100 breaststroke) but consistent top five finishes by nearly all of the swimmers got the Panthers enough points to run away with the title.
For Mill Creek’s girls, the county title was a first, but not necessarily for its coach. Rick Creed won sixteen county championships while serving at Parkview but this was his first with Mill Creek. The team itself was led by another Creed, Sommers Creed who won her third straight 500 freestyle Gwinnett county title. Creed was also a part of the 400 freestyle relay team and the 200 medley relay teams that were victorious. Rachael Dudley claimed her second straight 100 butterfly county title as well as a 100 backstroke county title. Frederique Lefebvre was also outstanding in the 200IM and in various relay races. Now that Mill Creek has tasted success on the county level and with a loaded lineup of All-Americans such as Cree, Lefebvre, Dudley and Katie Evans, expect the Hawks to be major players.
Gwinnett County isn’t just big-time programs though. Major swimmers at other schools will be big threats at the state championships even though their schools might not be. North Gwinnett’s Caroline Kenney is a force in 100 and 200 freestyle and fellow Bulldog Allison Carr can turn it on in the 100 breaststroke. For the boys, Peachtree Ridge has the ability to challenge for a state title with Luke Upchurch and Bryce Be Vier both very versatile and capable of winning multiple events.
So what is the secret though to Gwinnett’s success? Puckett believes it starts with the swimmers and their support systems. The coaches all seem to get together according to Puckett and the county’s Swim & Dive Booster club has helped out swimmers for over twenty years. When swimmers are set up for success like in Gwinnett it should be no surprise that the championships flow into the county like water.
It's National Signing Day or as Georgia fans know it...
yet ANOTHER day of the year that Florida kicks our tail.
I'll be checking back throughout the day as the Letters of Intent get sent in to Georgia as well as other schools across the country. I am also scheduled to appear on 790 The Zone later today to discuss Georgia's class. I feel I have a tad bit of credibility as I called games all season long for Georgia Public Broadcasting and I co-host a little show called Score Atlanta's Official Visit on Sports Radio 790 The Zone.
Let's take a quick look at the future Dawgs that have already sent in a fax.
PS this list reportedly will NOT include Da'Rick Rogers and I must say that I was wrong this past Monday. I thought the kid would honor his commitment to the University of Georgia, but he is going to follow his buddy and Seth Cohen-y half-brother to Tennessee. Hey, Kudos to new Vols head coach Derek Dooley. It took him two scholarships, but he got Rogers, the No.9 overall player in the country according to Scout.com and MaxPreps Small School player of the year. A Parade All-American as well. A good get for Tennessee. He will officially commit at 9:45 this morning.
Back to the players that WIL be coming to Georgia...
Alec and Zander Ogletree of Newnan. Alec is perhaps the top player from the state of Georgia and he is a physical safety with incredible athletic ability. I saw him play Northside and he was actually more impressive as a wide receiver. He can cover though I wonder if he has too much Thomas Davis in him in that his coverage needs to improve a bit, but BOY can he hit. If he turns out to be Thomas Davis part two, I'll be fine with that, aka a top 15 pick in the NFL draft in four years.
As for Zander, I like the idea of this guy coming to Georgia. Instead of one of the highly sought out players that rests on laurels, this guy will be in the shadow of his brother and the undersized LB will likely play his butt off to get people to talk about him on his own and not just as Alec's brother. If he's the second coming of Rennie or Tony Taylor, I'd be happy with that. I like the "Chip on my shoulder" players that have something to prove. Oh, and this guy hits too.
QB Hutson Mason, Lassiter. The Parade All-American has great height and broke all sorts of Georgia passing records. He'll likely redshirt behind Mett and Murray and while he may be the next Joe Cox, ie, one-year wonder, he is a great kid (we've had him on SA's OV maybe 6 times?) and in the right system he can clearly put up numbers. Both times we called his games, he was a machine, throwing for 4 and 5 TDs in each game. A nice get to keep the in-state kid at home and PS, my mom is a fan of his.
Marc Deas, DB from Florida. I haven't seen him play live but I like the height at 6'0 in the defensive secondary. He is listed as 3-stars in both Rivals and Scout and I cannot wait to see what Lakatos does when he gets his hands on him.
Kenarious Gates, OT, Greenville. I think Mark Richt just wanted to steal someone from somebody else, just like everyone had been doing to him. We stole him last night from Kentucky. They say he's raw but has the skills to be a fine tackle. Hey, I'll never say we cannot use offensive linemen. He can also play a little basketball, so you know the kid is athletic.
TJ Stripling DE/OLB SW-D. I was semi-worried about this guy after the announcement was made that we were switching to a 3-4 defense, even though I thought this guy would be PERFECT as an OLB in the 3-4. This kid has DeMarcus Ware-potential written all over him. I thought it might have been a stretch to make this kid add on enough weight to be a DE in the 4-3 but he's perfect for 3-4. Perfect size, speed, ability. Great signing for Georgia.
Brandon Burrows, DE, Walton. What a nice young man and it was a shame he missed his senior season with an injury. He had 10 sacks as a junior and could play LB in college or jump over and play a little FB at UGA. Look for him to redshirt though in 2010. PS, his mother is a very nice woman too.
Demetre Baker, LB from Florida. He played both RB and LB in high school but expect him to be a playmaking ILB in the 3-4. He can fly all over the field and he's a winner. I look for him to be a real leader on this team in two or three years.
Michael Bennett, WR Alpharetta. Good size (but not much speed) at 6'3, could take Kris Durham's place as token white receiver and personal fave of one Josh Cole. ESPN has his as the No.55 receiver in the country and while he won't make Georgia fans miss Da'Rick Rogers or Chris Green, he can be a program guy like MoMass. Just get open young man and learn what you can from AJ Green.
Jakar Hamilton, Safety from JC. The Hitman is already enrolled and he has openly said he wants to be the next Greg Blue and Thomas Davis. I like the idea of a hard hitter, but let's make certain you can play a little coverage too. He's already on campus though and expect him to make a REAL push for starting time by fall.
Kolton Houston, OG Buford. He's enrolled and while he'll probably redshirt like Dallas Lee did last season, he doesn't try to be anything he isn't. He just opened up holes all season long for Buford en route to yet another state title. Just come in an be a solid guy and Sean will draft you in the GEORGIA BOY DRAFT and promise to hear things from you.
Jalen Fields, DE Dalton. Perhaps the second best Dalton Catamount ever, he was the first to pledge to the Dawgs and now it is official. He has been a DE for just two seasons after moving to the "darkside" from TE. He certainly has a chance to excel at DE, especially in the 3-4. Rodney Gardner will get his hands on him and mold him, perhaps into another QMo. That would be nice. He has that sort of potential, at least on the college level.
Ken Malcome RB Southwest DeKalb. When his teammate TJ Stripling joined The Official Visit, he said that Ken could be better than Herschel Walker, which is a stretch, but from what I've seen, he has surprising speed for being as big as he is. I watched him practice (he was suspended for the game we did at GPB with SWD v Tucker) and he will be an every-down back in college, if he avoids injury. It would make sense to redshirt him with Wayshaun and Caleb there this year and turn him loose with Ealy the following year.
Michael Thornton, DT Stephenson. While not as big as Jeff Whitaker, he will still be the starting DT in the 3-4 by 2012. He has more speed than Whitaker did and this was a MAJOR coupe for Georgia to get this guy, who many had considered an Auburn lean. I saw him go straight at Colquitt's line and have some success stopping the Packers. A great get to "stop the bleeding" for Georgia. What the team needed.
Derek Owens, CB from Florida. Plays with an attitude which is good if he can control it. He set his school's INT record and while he needs a tweak of proper technique from Lakatos, his head is already in being a cornerback. You cannot teach the mental game and he seems like he is ready to play. 5'11 180 is decent size for a corner as well. I like that.
Garrison Smith, DL Douglass. 6'3, 255 means he has good size and he was one of the top players in Georgia coming into his senior season. That said, his team was just 1-9 this year, but really, he cannot score points while playing DLine. I hope he hits the training table and the food line and becomes that NT the Dawgs need up front. If he can bulk up and become a Stroud-like player for the Dawgs (I know, he played in a 4-3, but you get my point) he will be a huge part of the DLine's future. He already has a little edge on Thornton in terms of weight. Hopefully the coaches will keep him focused because when he is, he can do some damage. Just keep him motivated and he's good to go. I'm really excited about this cat coming aboard.
Brent Benedict, OT Boles School in JVille. He comes to Georgia via the same path William Ry Patrick took and if he had not torn his knee up, I'd say he's a threat to play RT this year before moving to LT next season. Oh well. He will probably sit this year out before coming in strong to replace Clint Boling next year. As lame as it sounds, this might be the Dawgs best signing. Pair him with Austin Long and Chris Burnette from last year and the line will be just fine over the next few seasons.
Dexter Morant, DL from South Carolina. Yeah, Spurrier, you got Marcus Lattimore, but you probably needed this guy a little bit more. At 6'6 he'll be one heck of a DE in the 3-4 in about two or three seasons. Just wait for him to put a little muscle on and by the time he's a third year (either Junior or redshirt soph) he'll be a beast out there for Grantham. That has to make you excited, a 6'6 beast coming off of the side. WOW. Hello Seymour!
I'll be checking back throughout the day as the Letters of Intent get sent in to Georgia as well as other schools across the country. I am also scheduled to appear on 790 The Zone later today to discuss Georgia's class. I feel I have a tad bit of credibility as I called games all season long for Georgia Public Broadcasting and I co-host a little show called Score Atlanta's Official Visit on Sports Radio 790 The Zone.
Let's take a quick look at the future Dawgs that have already sent in a fax.
PS this list reportedly will NOT include Da'Rick Rogers and I must say that I was wrong this past Monday. I thought the kid would honor his commitment to the University of Georgia, but he is going to follow his buddy and Seth Cohen-y half-brother to Tennessee. Hey, Kudos to new Vols head coach Derek Dooley. It took him two scholarships, but he got Rogers, the No.9 overall player in the country according to Scout.com and MaxPreps Small School player of the year. A Parade All-American as well. A good get for Tennessee. He will officially commit at 9:45 this morning.
Back to the players that WIL be coming to Georgia...
Alec and Zander Ogletree of Newnan. Alec is perhaps the top player from the state of Georgia and he is a physical safety with incredible athletic ability. I saw him play Northside and he was actually more impressive as a wide receiver. He can cover though I wonder if he has too much Thomas Davis in him in that his coverage needs to improve a bit, but BOY can he hit. If he turns out to be Thomas Davis part two, I'll be fine with that, aka a top 15 pick in the NFL draft in four years.
As for Zander, I like the idea of this guy coming to Georgia. Instead of one of the highly sought out players that rests on laurels, this guy will be in the shadow of his brother and the undersized LB will likely play his butt off to get people to talk about him on his own and not just as Alec's brother. If he's the second coming of Rennie or Tony Taylor, I'd be happy with that. I like the "Chip on my shoulder" players that have something to prove. Oh, and this guy hits too.
QB Hutson Mason, Lassiter. The Parade All-American has great height and broke all sorts of Georgia passing records. He'll likely redshirt behind Mett and Murray and while he may be the next Joe Cox, ie, one-year wonder, he is a great kid (we've had him on SA's OV maybe 6 times?) and in the right system he can clearly put up numbers. Both times we called his games, he was a machine, throwing for 4 and 5 TDs in each game. A nice get to keep the in-state kid at home and PS, my mom is a fan of his.
Marc Deas, DB from Florida. I haven't seen him play live but I like the height at 6'0 in the defensive secondary. He is listed as 3-stars in both Rivals and Scout and I cannot wait to see what Lakatos does when he gets his hands on him.
Kenarious Gates, OT, Greenville. I think Mark Richt just wanted to steal someone from somebody else, just like everyone had been doing to him. We stole him last night from Kentucky. They say he's raw but has the skills to be a fine tackle. Hey, I'll never say we cannot use offensive linemen. He can also play a little basketball, so you know the kid is athletic.
TJ Stripling DE/OLB SW-D. I was semi-worried about this guy after the announcement was made that we were switching to a 3-4 defense, even though I thought this guy would be PERFECT as an OLB in the 3-4. This kid has DeMarcus Ware-potential written all over him. I thought it might have been a stretch to make this kid add on enough weight to be a DE in the 4-3 but he's perfect for 3-4. Perfect size, speed, ability. Great signing for Georgia.
Brandon Burrows, DE, Walton. What a nice young man and it was a shame he missed his senior season with an injury. He had 10 sacks as a junior and could play LB in college or jump over and play a little FB at UGA. Look for him to redshirt though in 2010. PS, his mother is a very nice woman too.
Demetre Baker, LB from Florida. He played both RB and LB in high school but expect him to be a playmaking ILB in the 3-4. He can fly all over the field and he's a winner. I look for him to be a real leader on this team in two or three years.
Michael Bennett, WR Alpharetta. Good size (but not much speed) at 6'3, could take Kris Durham's place as token white receiver and personal fave of one Josh Cole. ESPN has his as the No.55 receiver in the country and while he won't make Georgia fans miss Da'Rick Rogers or Chris Green, he can be a program guy like MoMass. Just get open young man and learn what you can from AJ Green.
Jakar Hamilton, Safety from JC. The Hitman is already enrolled and he has openly said he wants to be the next Greg Blue and Thomas Davis. I like the idea of a hard hitter, but let's make certain you can play a little coverage too. He's already on campus though and expect him to make a REAL push for starting time by fall.
Kolton Houston, OG Buford. He's enrolled and while he'll probably redshirt like Dallas Lee did last season, he doesn't try to be anything he isn't. He just opened up holes all season long for Buford en route to yet another state title. Just come in an be a solid guy and Sean will draft you in the GEORGIA BOY DRAFT and promise to hear things from you.
Jalen Fields, DE Dalton. Perhaps the second best Dalton Catamount ever, he was the first to pledge to the Dawgs and now it is official. He has been a DE for just two seasons after moving to the "darkside" from TE. He certainly has a chance to excel at DE, especially in the 3-4. Rodney Gardner will get his hands on him and mold him, perhaps into another QMo. That would be nice. He has that sort of potential, at least on the college level.
Ken Malcome RB Southwest DeKalb. When his teammate TJ Stripling joined The Official Visit, he said that Ken could be better than Herschel Walker, which is a stretch, but from what I've seen, he has surprising speed for being as big as he is. I watched him practice (he was suspended for the game we did at GPB with SWD v Tucker) and he will be an every-down back in college, if he avoids injury. It would make sense to redshirt him with Wayshaun and Caleb there this year and turn him loose with Ealy the following year.
Michael Thornton, DT Stephenson. While not as big as Jeff Whitaker, he will still be the starting DT in the 3-4 by 2012. He has more speed than Whitaker did and this was a MAJOR coupe for Georgia to get this guy, who many had considered an Auburn lean. I saw him go straight at Colquitt's line and have some success stopping the Packers. A great get to "stop the bleeding" for Georgia. What the team needed.
Derek Owens, CB from Florida. Plays with an attitude which is good if he can control it. He set his school's INT record and while he needs a tweak of proper technique from Lakatos, his head is already in being a cornerback. You cannot teach the mental game and he seems like he is ready to play. 5'11 180 is decent size for a corner as well. I like that.
Garrison Smith, DL Douglass. 6'3, 255 means he has good size and he was one of the top players in Georgia coming into his senior season. That said, his team was just 1-9 this year, but really, he cannot score points while playing DLine. I hope he hits the training table and the food line and becomes that NT the Dawgs need up front. If he can bulk up and become a Stroud-like player for the Dawgs (I know, he played in a 4-3, but you get my point) he will be a huge part of the DLine's future. He already has a little edge on Thornton in terms of weight. Hopefully the coaches will keep him focused because when he is, he can do some damage. Just keep him motivated and he's good to go. I'm really excited about this cat coming aboard.
Brent Benedict, OT Boles School in JVille. He comes to Georgia via the same path William Ry Patrick took and if he had not torn his knee up, I'd say he's a threat to play RT this year before moving to LT next season. Oh well. He will probably sit this year out before coming in strong to replace Clint Boling next year. As lame as it sounds, this might be the Dawgs best signing. Pair him with Austin Long and Chris Burnette from last year and the line will be just fine over the next few seasons.
Dexter Morant, DL from South Carolina. Yeah, Spurrier, you got Marcus Lattimore, but you probably needed this guy a little bit more. At 6'6 he'll be one heck of a DE in the 3-4 in about two or three seasons. Just wait for him to put a little muscle on and by the time he's a third year (either Junior or redshirt soph) he'll be a beast out there for Grantham. That has to make you excited, a 6'6 beast coming off of the side. WOW. Hello Seymour!
Monday, February 1, 2010
how the Hawks will win the NBA title
well, maybe not WILL, but certainly how they COULD win the NBA title.
Rick Sund, if you are reading this blog right now, please do what every Hawk fan wants: Trade Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams to Toronto for Chris Bosh.
for those of you still reading, let me explain what I came up with yesterday on Score Atlanta Sports Sunday on Sports Radio 790 The Zone (and 4 callers agreed with before we changed topics. PS I got three texts and two more emails telling me I was a genius. One caller disagreed and nine people agreed with me, along with my two co-hosts and you have 15 people on board with this. For the record...), you call the Raptors brass who are telling EVERYONE that they will NOT trade Chris Bosh and instead will try and build around him for a playoff run this season, only to watch him leave Toronto faster than a fat couple leaves a Golden Corral when the bread runs out. You tell him that he can have Joe Johnson, a FOUR TIME ALL-STAR as well as Marvin Williams, a former No.2 overall pick that is FINALLY starting to show something and is locked up for a few more seasons. Bosh's expiring contract is off-set with Johnson's expiring contract so if you DON'T like JJ, he can be sent packing and you can start over, just like what you were going to do when Bosh left....though you'll still have Marvin. You get something for when Bosh leaves.
As far as the Hawks go, you lose Marvin Williams (and the peasants rejoice!) and you see Joe Johnson leave (kind of sad, I guess?) but you get Chris Bosh in return. Bosh returns to Atlanta (he went to Georgia Tech) and might just stick around but you know Johnson wouldn't stick around because he rejected the extension. If you know he's gone, why not try and get someone who MIGHT?
And as far as replacing JJ's numbers, just turn to 6th man of the year Jamal Crawford. JC was a starter and should be able to slide into the starting role with the Hawks. You're telling me he couldn't do the 20PPG at least in the starting lineup like he does off the bench? Of COURSE he could.
And here is where having Bosh helps you: Matching up with Shaq and Howard in May. In the playoffs you'll beat Wade and the Heat in the first round, no problem. In the second round though, you'll face either Boston or Cleveland. If you go against the Cavs, Josh Smith guards LeBron with some Al Horford help and Bosh guards Shaq. The Hawks are thisclose to beating the Cavs right now (it takes the NBA offices screwing the Hawks to get Cleveland wins) and if Bosh is guarding Shaq, that is ADVANTAGE HAWKS.
On the flip side, with Orlando looming in the ECFinals, who is going to stop Dwight Howard down low? You saw that he shredded five Hawks players the other night to 31 points. The way the roster is currently constructed, the Hawks don't have a shot at taking down Howard and the Magic. There is your roadblock with THIS team. But add Bosh and let Horford drop down to play PF like he should be doing and combat Howard with Chris Bosh, and the Hawks have a chance.
If the Hawks get Bosh, Horford slides down to the 4 and then perhaps you run into trouble with Josh Smith at the 3. He isn't you prototypical 3, but from what I've seen of him this season, if he puts his mind to it, I would imagine that he COULD be a decent 3, at least enough of one to benefit this team. He could turn into a Ron Artest-type shutdown 3. And you're telling me that if Johnson is traded and he's told that this is his team (along with Horford and Bosh's) that he wouldn't embrace that?
Maybe Bosh doesn't resign and he leaves for the Knicks to join Joe Johnson at MSG, oh well. However, you were losing Joe Johnson at the end of the season anyways. Maybe if Bosh comes aboard and you catch lightning in a bottle, perhaps Bosh resigns. Then you have the makings of a squad that could take down Orlando and Cleveland year after year.
Oh, and once you get to the NBA finals, you are going against LA, with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, being guarded by Chris Bosh! I like that a lot more than Zaza guarding them. And then you have Jamal Crawford against Kobe with JSmoove guarding Ron Artest. Horford guards the other Gasol/Bynum or even Lamar Odom. I think that is an OK matchup for the Hawks. It would go to at least 6 games.
With Bosh, it is possible; with Johnson, this team loses in 5 in the second round.
Rick Sund, if you are reading this blog right now, please do what every Hawk fan wants: Trade Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams to Toronto for Chris Bosh.
for those of you still reading, let me explain what I came up with yesterday on Score Atlanta Sports Sunday on Sports Radio 790 The Zone (and 4 callers agreed with before we changed topics. PS I got three texts and two more emails telling me I was a genius. One caller disagreed and nine people agreed with me, along with my two co-hosts and you have 15 people on board with this. For the record...), you call the Raptors brass who are telling EVERYONE that they will NOT trade Chris Bosh and instead will try and build around him for a playoff run this season, only to watch him leave Toronto faster than a fat couple leaves a Golden Corral when the bread runs out. You tell him that he can have Joe Johnson, a FOUR TIME ALL-STAR as well as Marvin Williams, a former No.2 overall pick that is FINALLY starting to show something and is locked up for a few more seasons. Bosh's expiring contract is off-set with Johnson's expiring contract so if you DON'T like JJ, he can be sent packing and you can start over, just like what you were going to do when Bosh left....though you'll still have Marvin. You get something for when Bosh leaves.
As far as the Hawks go, you lose Marvin Williams (and the peasants rejoice!) and you see Joe Johnson leave (kind of sad, I guess?) but you get Chris Bosh in return. Bosh returns to Atlanta (he went to Georgia Tech) and might just stick around but you know Johnson wouldn't stick around because he rejected the extension. If you know he's gone, why not try and get someone who MIGHT?
And as far as replacing JJ's numbers, just turn to 6th man of the year Jamal Crawford. JC was a starter and should be able to slide into the starting role with the Hawks. You're telling me he couldn't do the 20PPG at least in the starting lineup like he does off the bench? Of COURSE he could.
And here is where having Bosh helps you: Matching up with Shaq and Howard in May. In the playoffs you'll beat Wade and the Heat in the first round, no problem. In the second round though, you'll face either Boston or Cleveland. If you go against the Cavs, Josh Smith guards LeBron with some Al Horford help and Bosh guards Shaq. The Hawks are thisclose to beating the Cavs right now (it takes the NBA offices screwing the Hawks to get Cleveland wins) and if Bosh is guarding Shaq, that is ADVANTAGE HAWKS.
On the flip side, with Orlando looming in the ECFinals, who is going to stop Dwight Howard down low? You saw that he shredded five Hawks players the other night to 31 points. The way the roster is currently constructed, the Hawks don't have a shot at taking down Howard and the Magic. There is your roadblock with THIS team. But add Bosh and let Horford drop down to play PF like he should be doing and combat Howard with Chris Bosh, and the Hawks have a chance.
If the Hawks get Bosh, Horford slides down to the 4 and then perhaps you run into trouble with Josh Smith at the 3. He isn't you prototypical 3, but from what I've seen of him this season, if he puts his mind to it, I would imagine that he COULD be a decent 3, at least enough of one to benefit this team. He could turn into a Ron Artest-type shutdown 3. And you're telling me that if Johnson is traded and he's told that this is his team (along with Horford and Bosh's) that he wouldn't embrace that?
Maybe Bosh doesn't resign and he leaves for the Knicks to join Joe Johnson at MSG, oh well. However, you were losing Joe Johnson at the end of the season anyways. Maybe if Bosh comes aboard and you catch lightning in a bottle, perhaps Bosh resigns. Then you have the makings of a squad that could take down Orlando and Cleveland year after year.
Oh, and once you get to the NBA finals, you are going against LA, with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, being guarded by Chris Bosh! I like that a lot more than Zaza guarding them. And then you have Jamal Crawford against Kobe with JSmoove guarding Ron Artest. Horford guards the other Gasol/Bynum or even Lamar Odom. I think that is an OK matchup for the Hawks. It would go to at least 6 games.
With Bosh, it is possible; with Johnson, this team loses in 5 in the second round.
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