The Baseball playoffs start in about 13 minutes so I thought it'd be a good time to see how the picks I made for Hooters Magazine have panned out. (PS, if you like my picks, and why shouldn't you? I am a baseball soothsayin' genius, be sure and check out next month's Hooters Magazine to see my College Basketball Conference PREVIEWS!)
In 2010, expect the small market teams to return to the forefront for a big-time battle with the larger markets this postseason. Player movement has made the big fish even bigger but several of the “small market” teams have the resources to make a serious run at a title. While Philadelphia traded one former Cy Young award winner (Cliff Lee) for another Cy Young award winner (Roy Halladay), the San Francisco Giants still boast a two-time winner themselves in Tim Lincecum and another potential winner in Matt Cain. Oh and Barry Zito once won one himself. The National League will be won by one of those two squads with the Dodgers, Cardinals and Mets, despite the huge payrolls, watching the pennant play out with all of the other small market clubs.
In the American League, Boston reloaded to take another run at the Yankees but Seattle seemingly had the best off-season, picking up Cliff Lee. The Yankees picked up Javy Vazquez from Atlanta to fortify its already strong pitching staff and if the offense keeps raking, I’m not certain anyone can catch the Bombers. Out west, the Angels lost too much to continue its run of dominance, so Seattle should take the division and Boston will take the Wild Card. In the Central, expect reigning MVP Joe Mauer to continue to impressing the heck out of everyone and lead the Twins right to the World Series. Does Minnesota have enough to knock off Philadelphia? I doubt it. That’s why the Phillies take their second World Series title in three years.
In the American League…
AL East
New York Yankees
In the dugout: Joe Girardi, 3rd year with team. The Yankees skipper may not be as loved as Joe Torre, but he won a title in his second season.
Analysis: The Bombers are called that for a reason: Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira can crush with the best of them and the rest of the lineup isn’t too shabby itself. Derek Jeter always shows up when the game is on the line and Jorge Posada, whose numbers might be declining, can still call an impressive game. New addition Curtis Granderson improves the outfield defense and is a threat on the base paths. The pitching staff is the most impressive part of the team though as CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett are both joined by Javier Vazquez, Atlanta’s best pitcher last season. Oh, and Mariano Rivera is still closing games. If you didn’t know, he’s GOOD.
Boston Red Sox
In the dugout: Terry Francona, 7th year with team. After winning two World Series titles, this guy owns Boston.
Analysis: Red Sox Nation could not have been happy watching the hated rival Yankees celebrate yet another title last Fall. That is probably why GM Theo Epstein was all over the trade market and free agent market, attempting to get back to postseason play. Boston signed pitcher John Lackey from the Angels and plucked Adrian Beltre from Seattle, improving itself and weakening two Wild Card rivals. Victor Martinez returns to a DH role and will give Jason Varitek an occasional breather behind the plate and Kevin Youkilis a rest at first. And if something isn’t working come July, these guys have the ability to add payroll via a trade. OOPS
Tampa Bay Rays
In the dugout: Joe Maddon, 5th year with the team. Maddon is well respected around the league and the players seem to like him too.
Analysis: Tampa finished above .500 again last season for the second straight year but it was a big drop off from reaching the World Series. The pieces are still in place for a run towards the postseason…in any division except the AL East. Unless stud third baseman Evan Longoria can reach his potential now and Carl Crawford can steal 200 bases this season so that Carlos Pena can drive him in every time up to bat, this team won’t challenge the Yankees for the division. The pitching staff has two young guns headlining in James Shields and David Price, but those two aren’t quite at the level of Beckett and Lester/Lackey or Sabathia and Burnett/Vazquez/Pettitte. Double Oops
Baltimore Orioles
In the dugout: Dave Trembley, 4th year with the team. Trembley had better hope the Baby Birds grow this season, otherwise he’s likely out. I was spot on!
AL Central
Minnesota Twins
Dugout: Ron Gardenhire, 12th year with Minnesota. Why does it take a while to come to Gardenhire’s name when naming the game’s best managers?
Analysis: Any discussion about the Twins must start with 2009 MVP Joe Mauer. The catcher-extraordinaire has the potential to crank 30 home runs and flirt with .400, all while calling one of the best games in baseball. This kid can do it all and was once recruited by Bobby Bowden to play QB for the Seminoles. The Paul to Mauer’s John has to be Justin Morneau, the 2006 MVP. Morneau has a pair of Silver Slugger awards on his resume and would be a superstar in a bigger market. While the starting pitching isn’t what it once was, the bullpen is headed up by closer Joe Nathan, one of the game’s best. I was right, but too bad Nathan got hurt
Kansas City Royals
Dugout: Trey Hillman, 3rd season with Kansas City. The Royals won 75 games under Hillman in his first season, though that number dropped to just 65 last year. If it drops by 10 more in 2010, look for a new manager in 2011. I was right AGAIN!
AL West
Seattle Mariners
Dugout: Don Wakamatsu, 2nd season with Seattle. In just his first season on the bench, Wakamatsu led the M’s to an 85-77 record. Now that his team is loaded, look out win total.
Analysis: How do you push Felix Hernandez to become even better after the King wins 19 games, strikes out 217 and posts a 2.49 ERA? Acquire for Cy Young winner Cliff Lee, Philly’s best pitcher in the postseason who’s in a contract year. Then have David Aardsma close out their games, like he did 38 times last year. Behind those two might be one of the better defensive outfields in baseball as Ichiro mans right field and Franklin Gutierrez patrols center. And the Ms will hit the ball too with Jack Wilson, Chone Figgins and Jose Lopez all calling Seattle home now. Seattle looks ready for a run. My Bad
LA Angels
Dugout: Mike Scioscia, 11th season with Los Angeles of Anaheim. Five division titles and a World Series title give Scioscia plenty of leash. Should the Angels win 100 games this year, Scioscia would have 1000 for his career.
Analysis: The Angels lost yet another big-time pitcher this off-season in John Lackey and yet everything seems fine in Disneyland. Joe Saunders and Jered Weaver return and Scott Kazmir will be counted on to pick up the slack in Lackey’s absence. The offense took a few huge hits as well as Chone Figgins went north to division-rival Seattle and Vlad Guerrero signed with Texas. Hideki Matsui was signed to DH and Kendry Morales will need to prove that his 2009 (34 HR) was no fluke. The Angles always seem to lose players (Teixeira, Lackey, K-Rod) yet they keep rolling. That doesn’t happen this year. Well it didn't!
Oakland A’s
Dugout: Bob Geren, 4th season with Oakland. Geren’s win total has been 76, 75, and 75 with a shoestring budget. The skipper will reach 500 career wins with just 15 victories this year.
Analysis: Oakland once again was active in sending out “big” contracts and bringing in prospects under GM Billy Beane’s Moneyball philosophy. The starting rotation though doesn’t seem to have another Mulder/Hudson/Zito/Harden/Haren though on the current roster. Justin Duchscherer was resigned to a one-year deal to get things done in 2010 but the A’s are counting on younger arms in the pipeline to help make noise in 2011 or 2012. On offense, newcomer Coco Crisp and Jack Cust will find help scarcely available. Catcher Kurt Suzuki led the team in RBI last season and that happens again, Oakland may finish below Texas in a suddenly competitive AL West. THEY DID!
Texas Rangers
Dugout: Ron Washington, 4th season with Texas. After nearly being fired before last season, Washington had the Rangers competing well into the summer months. Washington is just 4 games under .500 for his career.
Analysis: The Texas Rangers franchise is on the road back to respectability and potentially the playoffs and the Atlanta Braves are to thank. Atlanta gave Texas six players in exchange for Mark Teixeira several seasons ago and the Rangers are starting to reap the benefits. Elvis Andrus has already established himself as one of the top defensive players in the AL and Neftali Feliz was nearly unhittable last season. The pitching staff will rely on newcomer Rich Harden to replace Kevin Millwood and hope Matt Harrison overcomes injury problems. If Josh Hamilton returns to 2008-form, the Rangers could contend well into the summer and maybe the fall. DID YOU READ THE LAST SENTENCE?
Over on the senior circuit…
NL East
Philadelphia Phillies
Dugout: Charlie Manuel, 6th season with Philadelphia. Manuel is in NO danger of a hotseat and is just a handful of games away from his 700th career victory.
Analysis: Losing Cliff Lee, the team’s best pitcher in the postseason should have been a big blow, but the team voluntarily sent him out of town while importing Roy Halladay. The former Blue Jay pitcher will likely dominate the National League like he did the American League and the Phillies, with all of those bats are near locks to make it back to the World Series. Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins already have MVP awards, could Chase Utley add one this year? He might have some competition with Shane Victorino and Jayson Werth on his own team. Philly is loaded for another run with no visible flaws. Thank you very much
Atlanta Braves
Dugout: Bobby Cox, 21st year with Atlanta. Cox enters his final season with Atlanta and a good year gets him to 2500 wins.
Analysis: Very few teams were as hot as Atlanta was after the All-Star break in 2009. This season Atlanta must start hot if it wants to have any shot at the division or more likely the Wild Card. Newcomer Troy Glaus will play at first base (only 6 career starts there) and hit fourth after missing most of last year with an injury. The rotation is one of the best in baseball, with Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson giving hope for the future. Brian McCann is also the best catcher outside of Minnesota in baseball today. The Wild Card is likely if key guys (Chipper Jones, McCann, and Glaus) can stay healthy. Jones didn't stay healthy, but they won the Wild Card. I love being right!
New York Mets
Dugout: Jerry Manuel, 3rd year with New York. In New York, with this payroll, if Manuel doesn’t challenge for a playoff spot, expect a new manager by 2011.
Analysis: After watching the cross-town Yankees claim yet another World Series title, the Mets brass once again went out and spent big, bringing in OF Jason Bay. Bay should crush National League pitching if he can avoid falling victim to the New York Mets “free agent curse” that always seems to affect any player that takes the Mets big dollars. Bay will flank Carlos Beltran in the New York outfield and provide some cover for third baseman David Wright in the lineup. Jose Reyes can still fly around the base paths when not in the manager’s doghouse. Johan Santana might need some help too in the rotation. And the manager and GM are gone. I called it
Washington Nationals
Dugout: Jim Riggleman, 2nd season with Washington. Riggleman was 33-42 after taking over in midseason. The Nats have lost 100+ two straight seasons, fans expect improvement.
Analysis: Washington has been a player this off-season, signing Ivan Rodriguez to be the team’s new catcher as well as Matt Capps to serve as its new closer. Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Dunn are still nice pieces at the corner spots of the infield but the middle is lacking. The outfield offers little pop to help out the pitching staff. No.1 overall pick Stephen Strasburg will see the majors sooner rather than later and could team with Jordan Zimmerman to form quite a duo. He did...for a while
NL Central
Cincinnati Reds
Dugout: Dusty Baker, 3rd season with Cincinnati. Baker loves playing vets over rookies; this team is starting to accommodate that.
Analysis: Have the Baby Reds grown up? The Reds seem to have put a team together that is ready to contend for a postseason berth. The infield imported third baseman Scott Rolen to pair up with Joey Votto on the corners. Brandon Phillips, at 28, is a “seasoned veteran” that led the team with 98 RBI last year. Votto and Phillips are strong in the heart of the order as Votto can rake (25 home runs). Edison Volquez and Johnny Cueto are young studs on the pitching staff. Aaron Harang struck out 142 last year and Bronson Arroyo won 15 games. Homer Bailey and Micah Owings add rotation depth, and the Reds also won the Aroldis Chapman sweepstakes, signing the 21-year-old Cuban to a big deal. Yep
Chicago Cubs
Dugout: Lou Piniella, 4th year with Chicago. If Piniella misses the playoffs yet again, expect Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg to get a shot at manager. Is this scaring anyone else?
NL West
San Francisco Giants
Dugout: Bruce Bochy, 4th season with San Francisco. Bochy will pass 1200 career victories early in the season and could move to over .500 for his career with a good finish.
Analysis: Last season the Giants had the pitching to make a postseason play but the offense was lacking. The Giants brass remedied that need this off-season by signing Mark DeRosa and Aubrey Huff to team with Pablo Sandoval. Last season “Kung-Fu Panda,” stroked 25 home runs with a .330 average to lead the team in both categories. The pitching staff should love the new run support but it barely needed any. Tim Lincecum won another Cy Young award and Matt Cain showed that he might bring one home down the road. Barry Zito gives the Giants another former winner though he hasn’t been in that form since signing with the Giants. Brian Wilson was lights out in the closer role last season. SPOT ON SBF!
LA Dodgers
Dugout: Joe Torre, 3rd season with LA. The Dodgers have reached the postseason with Torre but haven’t had Yankee-like success. This might be Torre’s last try. My goodness I am good at this...
So with the playoffs underway in 8 minutes, I will stick with my predictions: Philly over Cincy, ATL over SanFran, Minny over NYY and I'll say Tampa over Texas.
In the ALCS and NLCS, Minny over Tampa and Philly over ATL (sadly ending Bobby Cox's career)
In the World Series, I'll stick with the Phillies over the Twins in 6 games. I called the Phils before the season started, I cannot veer away now! They clinch in Philly (Brian McCann says You're Welcome!) and all of the fat ugly Philly folks have Cheez Whiz running down their slovenly bellies
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Could Cox go out in a blaze of glory?
For years one man has sat in the Atlanta dugout through all of the pennant chases and division races, even as the faces all around him have changed. Braves manager Bobby Cox was a stalwart in the Braves organization, serving two tours of duty as Atlanta’s manager (and one stint as its GM) and he oversaw the team’s only World Series title in the city of Atlanta. Cox is simply known as the Skipper to his players and nearly all of them would run through a brick wall to Cox if he asked them to do so.
It has been well documented the Cox was involved in the “recruitment” of closer Billy Wagner, and the longtime Braves legends such as Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and Chipper Jones all have nothing but positive things to say about their manager. In some ways, Cox was the part of the reason that each of those players stayed with the Braves as long as they did/have or the reason he returned to the club.
The current batch of Braves, currently in playoffs after winning Cox’s first and only Wild Card title in his final year on the bench, recognizes the importance of this final playoff appearance for the Skipper. Starter Tommy Hanson says while it isn’t his only focus, he wants to give a good effort for the only manager he’s ever played for in his young major league career. “When you go out there you obviously want to win the game and go out there and do well, especially with it being Bobby’s last year.”
The Braves manager has had an impact on more than just Hanson, Glavine, Smoltz and Jones though over his career. Cox has transformed into an Atlanta icon in his time with the club as everyone can picture No.6 shouting encouragement from the dugout, donning a huge, puffy jacket or probably getting tossed out of a game. Cox has taken the Braves to the playoffs now 15 times since returning to Atlanta’s bench and the Braves have gone to the World Series five times under his hand. Perhaps the most impressive bullet point on Cox’s resume though has to be winning 14 straight division titles.
In 1991, just one season after finishing dead last in the National League, the Braves made the Worst-to-First run to reach Game Seven of the World Series before falling to the Minnesota Twins. At the tail-end of 1990, Cox moved down to the manager’s bench for the last 97 games, going 40-57 before righting the ship to go 94-68 in 1991. The next season the Braves represented the National League yet again in the World Series but again came up just short to the Blue Jays. After claiming a division title in 1993 and missing out on the World Series in 1994 due to the strike, the Braves were right back in the Series in 1995 though this time Cox and company won it all. The team sported a two games to none lead in 1996 but let that one slip away to the New York Yankees. The Braves would lose again to the Yankees in the 1999 World Series but still make the playoffs each year until 2006, when the playoffs were held sans Atlanta for the first time since George HW Bush was president in 1990. After winning 91 games this season, Cox won 90+ games 14 times with the Braves during his tenure and compiled a record of 2149-1709 with Atlanta, 2504-2001 overall. Three times (1991, 2004, 2005) he was crowned National League manager of the year and he skippered the National League All-Star team five times in his career.
But will just numbers define Bobby Cox’s impact? I don’t believe it will. Cox should be remembered, interestingly enough, for his ejection record. Cox was tossed 158 times as of the end of the regular season, but the particular number isn’t important; the reason he was ejected was he was always sticking up for his players. He respects his players and would rather sacrifice his presence in the game to keep his star pitcher or stud third baseman in the lineup. “I treat them like I’d want to be treated. I’d want my boss to stand up for me,” said Cox recently about why he takes the bullet so often for one of his charges. “We’re very fortunate to have found good players and to have good players,” Cox says, giving his players all of the credit after a win while he takes all of the blame after a loss.
With Cox retiring from his role as manager, he should have plenty of time over the next few years to visit Cooperstown, New York, for Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies. Three of his former pitchers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz are locks for entry and Chipper Jones, once he retires, should be up for a bronze bust. “Hopefully I live long enough to see them in the Hall of Fame,” Cox blushed about his former charges before adding simply a “we’ll see,” in regards to his own bronze bust appearing in Cooperstown.
As much as his players love giving it their all for him, his coaches may respect him even more. Pitching coach Roger McDowell has been very glowing when discussing his boss with the Braves. “I’m very lucky to have gotten the opportunity to be on the staff with Bobby Cox as manager and everybody knows how great a manager Bobby Cox is but he’s an even better person,” says McDowell, who has served as Braves pitching coach for the last five seasons after Cox helped the team go after him hard to replace former pitching coach Leo Mazzone. “I’ve formed a tremendous relationship and good friendship (with Cox) and hopefully we’ll continue that as the years go on.”
Cox’s coaching tree has yielding several offshoots, as his influence has spread all over Major League Baseball. Jimy Williams left Atlanta after a successful run for a turn as Boston’s manager in the mid-90s then a stint as manager of the Houston Astros. Fredi Gonzalez was a former third base coach for Cox before becoming the Marlins bench boss a few seasons ago. Ned Yost was also a loyal Bobby Cox lieutenant for years before going on to win over 450 games for the Milwaukee Brewers. Yost returned to Turner Field this past season as manager of the Kansas City Royals, and the student and teacher embraced in the Braves clubhouse tunnel before game one of the series. A few of Cox’s former players have also used some of the knowledge gained from playing for the Braves skipper in coaching/managing careers. Ozzie Guillen won a World Series title with the Chicago White Sox in 2005 after spending a few season starring at shortstop in Atlanta under Cox. Terry Pendleton is currently the Braves hitting coach after serving two tours of duty under Cox in Atlanta as a player. Randy St. Claire has also been a pitching coach for both Washington and Florida after pitching for the Braves during his career.
Cox is a lock to get in to the Hall of Fame once he is eligible and Atlanta fans should puff out their chest when he does get inducted. He has earned his spot by putting Atlanta on the map in the 1990s and the 2000s and Braves fans should be thankful for his time here. Now he will try and make one last run to the World Series to boost his resume and ride out with a blaze of glory.
It has been well documented the Cox was involved in the “recruitment” of closer Billy Wagner, and the longtime Braves legends such as Tom Glavine, John Smoltz and Chipper Jones all have nothing but positive things to say about their manager. In some ways, Cox was the part of the reason that each of those players stayed with the Braves as long as they did/have or the reason he returned to the club.
The current batch of Braves, currently in playoffs after winning Cox’s first and only Wild Card title in his final year on the bench, recognizes the importance of this final playoff appearance for the Skipper. Starter Tommy Hanson says while it isn’t his only focus, he wants to give a good effort for the only manager he’s ever played for in his young major league career. “When you go out there you obviously want to win the game and go out there and do well, especially with it being Bobby’s last year.”
The Braves manager has had an impact on more than just Hanson, Glavine, Smoltz and Jones though over his career. Cox has transformed into an Atlanta icon in his time with the club as everyone can picture No.6 shouting encouragement from the dugout, donning a huge, puffy jacket or probably getting tossed out of a game. Cox has taken the Braves to the playoffs now 15 times since returning to Atlanta’s bench and the Braves have gone to the World Series five times under his hand. Perhaps the most impressive bullet point on Cox’s resume though has to be winning 14 straight division titles.
In 1991, just one season after finishing dead last in the National League, the Braves made the Worst-to-First run to reach Game Seven of the World Series before falling to the Minnesota Twins. At the tail-end of 1990, Cox moved down to the manager’s bench for the last 97 games, going 40-57 before righting the ship to go 94-68 in 1991. The next season the Braves represented the National League yet again in the World Series but again came up just short to the Blue Jays. After claiming a division title in 1993 and missing out on the World Series in 1994 due to the strike, the Braves were right back in the Series in 1995 though this time Cox and company won it all. The team sported a two games to none lead in 1996 but let that one slip away to the New York Yankees. The Braves would lose again to the Yankees in the 1999 World Series but still make the playoffs each year until 2006, when the playoffs were held sans Atlanta for the first time since George HW Bush was president in 1990. After winning 91 games this season, Cox won 90+ games 14 times with the Braves during his tenure and compiled a record of 2149-1709 with Atlanta, 2504-2001 overall. Three times (1991, 2004, 2005) he was crowned National League manager of the year and he skippered the National League All-Star team five times in his career.
But will just numbers define Bobby Cox’s impact? I don’t believe it will. Cox should be remembered, interestingly enough, for his ejection record. Cox was tossed 158 times as of the end of the regular season, but the particular number isn’t important; the reason he was ejected was he was always sticking up for his players. He respects his players and would rather sacrifice his presence in the game to keep his star pitcher or stud third baseman in the lineup. “I treat them like I’d want to be treated. I’d want my boss to stand up for me,” said Cox recently about why he takes the bullet so often for one of his charges. “We’re very fortunate to have found good players and to have good players,” Cox says, giving his players all of the credit after a win while he takes all of the blame after a loss.
With Cox retiring from his role as manager, he should have plenty of time over the next few years to visit Cooperstown, New York, for Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremonies. Three of his former pitchers Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz are locks for entry and Chipper Jones, once he retires, should be up for a bronze bust. “Hopefully I live long enough to see them in the Hall of Fame,” Cox blushed about his former charges before adding simply a “we’ll see,” in regards to his own bronze bust appearing in Cooperstown.
As much as his players love giving it their all for him, his coaches may respect him even more. Pitching coach Roger McDowell has been very glowing when discussing his boss with the Braves. “I’m very lucky to have gotten the opportunity to be on the staff with Bobby Cox as manager and everybody knows how great a manager Bobby Cox is but he’s an even better person,” says McDowell, who has served as Braves pitching coach for the last five seasons after Cox helped the team go after him hard to replace former pitching coach Leo Mazzone. “I’ve formed a tremendous relationship and good friendship (with Cox) and hopefully we’ll continue that as the years go on.”
Cox’s coaching tree has yielding several offshoots, as his influence has spread all over Major League Baseball. Jimy Williams left Atlanta after a successful run for a turn as Boston’s manager in the mid-90s then a stint as manager of the Houston Astros. Fredi Gonzalez was a former third base coach for Cox before becoming the Marlins bench boss a few seasons ago. Ned Yost was also a loyal Bobby Cox lieutenant for years before going on to win over 450 games for the Milwaukee Brewers. Yost returned to Turner Field this past season as manager of the Kansas City Royals, and the student and teacher embraced in the Braves clubhouse tunnel before game one of the series. A few of Cox’s former players have also used some of the knowledge gained from playing for the Braves skipper in coaching/managing careers. Ozzie Guillen won a World Series title with the Chicago White Sox in 2005 after spending a few season starring at shortstop in Atlanta under Cox. Terry Pendleton is currently the Braves hitting coach after serving two tours of duty under Cox in Atlanta as a player. Randy St. Claire has also been a pitching coach for both Washington and Florida after pitching for the Braves during his career.
Cox is a lock to get in to the Hall of Fame once he is eligible and Atlanta fans should puff out their chest when he does get inducted. He has earned his spot by putting Atlanta on the map in the 1990s and the 2000s and Braves fans should be thankful for his time here. Now he will try and make one last run to the World Series to boost his resume and ride out with a blaze of glory.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Valdosta could be No.1 by Saturday morning
The Valdosta Wildcats program is in its first year under the direction of Coach Rance Gillespie and to date the Wildcats are perfect. The future of the Wildcats may end up being perfect too. The Wildcats boarded the buses and traveled four hours to face ML King in Hallford Stadium and won a back-and-forth score-fest before the defense stepped up in the fourth quarter to shut the Lions down in a 43-28 victory. Tight End Jay Rome proved why every major SEC and ACC program wants him on their squad next season with two huge TD catches and the recognition of a breakdown in the defensive coverage to score the backbreaker against ML King. Throw in Malcolm Mitchell’s shiftiness at wideout (though he’ll likely play corner at the next level), and this offense really clicks with Ryan Whilden at QB. Whilden is an interesting story in that he was fourth-string two seasons ago and didn’t play football last season to concentrate on his baseball career. He is back this season and leading the potent offense that tossed up 64 points a few weeks back.
With the win over ML King now the stage is set for the Winnersville Classic and the Wildcats get Lowndes at home. If the No.8 Wildcats can best the No.5 Vikings the same night that No.7 Norcross faces No.2 North Gwinnett, the door should be open for Valdosta to leap into the top four if not the top three.
Consider this: with No.1 Camden losing to St. Thomas Aquinas to go 1-1 against out-of-state opponents, wouldn’t an undefeated Valdosta squad, who boasts a 2-0 out-of-state record after beating Lee of Alabama and Lincoln of Florida be moved ahead of Camden, perhaps still living off of the last two years’ state titles? No. 7 Norcross plays No.2 North Gwinnett this week before hosting No.3 Peachtree Ridge next week, at least one team ahead of Valdosta will lose, possibly two teams, thus the Wildcats move up at least one more spot after a win over Lowndes. At this point Valdosta would be No.6 but I’d have a hard time keeping the Wildcats before McEachern, who could also claim a win over Lowndes but the Vikings traveled nearly five hours for that game opposed to across town for the Winnersville Classic, advantage: Valdosta. Also, the Wildcats would be undefeated with a harder schedule than the Indians. If you wanted to keep Stephenson ahead of Valdosta, that is your choice but I would think that the Wildcats, based on strength of schedule would be placed ahead of the Jaguars as well as perhaps Peachtree Ridge, whose big win over Newnan doesn’t look as impressive now that Newnan has fallen to 2-3.
The road to the top three is certainly there for the taking if Valdosta keeps winning and a win this weekend could very well shuffle the top ten up in a hurry. But that’s the great thing about Georgia high school football: the rankings don’t matter, just making the playoffs is all you need to do. A win this Friday would be nice but Valdosta needs to just win enough to make the playoffs because No.1 in December means a lot more than No.1 in October.
With the win over ML King now the stage is set for the Winnersville Classic and the Wildcats get Lowndes at home. If the No.8 Wildcats can best the No.5 Vikings the same night that No.7 Norcross faces No.2 North Gwinnett, the door should be open for Valdosta to leap into the top four if not the top three.
Consider this: with No.1 Camden losing to St. Thomas Aquinas to go 1-1 against out-of-state opponents, wouldn’t an undefeated Valdosta squad, who boasts a 2-0 out-of-state record after beating Lee of Alabama and Lincoln of Florida be moved ahead of Camden, perhaps still living off of the last two years’ state titles? No. 7 Norcross plays No.2 North Gwinnett this week before hosting No.3 Peachtree Ridge next week, at least one team ahead of Valdosta will lose, possibly two teams, thus the Wildcats move up at least one more spot after a win over Lowndes. At this point Valdosta would be No.6 but I’d have a hard time keeping the Wildcats before McEachern, who could also claim a win over Lowndes but the Vikings traveled nearly five hours for that game opposed to across town for the Winnersville Classic, advantage: Valdosta. Also, the Wildcats would be undefeated with a harder schedule than the Indians. If you wanted to keep Stephenson ahead of Valdosta, that is your choice but I would think that the Wildcats, based on strength of schedule would be placed ahead of the Jaguars as well as perhaps Peachtree Ridge, whose big win over Newnan doesn’t look as impressive now that Newnan has fallen to 2-3.
The road to the top three is certainly there for the taking if Valdosta keeps winning and a win this weekend could very well shuffle the top ten up in a hurry. But that’s the great thing about Georgia high school football: the rankings don’t matter, just making the playoffs is all you need to do. A win this Friday would be nice but Valdosta needs to just win enough to make the playoffs because No.1 in December means a lot more than No.1 in October.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
BRAVES WIN THE WILDCARD!
After blowing a huge NL East division lead and watching a wild card lead slip away to no existent, the Atlanta Braves officially made the playoffs Sunday after holding on against the Phillies and then watching as the Giants finally squashed the San Diego Padres.
Sunday the Atlanta Braves rallied from a 2-0 hole as starter Tim Hudson plated the go-ahead run as the Braves scored eight straight runs before the bullpen gave nearly all of an 8-2 lead back. Billy Wagner surrendered a two-run double in the eighth before striking out four straight to end the game and putting the Braves up one-half game in the Wild card standings. The Giants then helped out the Braves but shutting out the Padres 3-0 to put the Braves back into the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
Brooks Conrad and Omar Infante, who Braves manager Bobby Cox switched in the infield to second and third, respectively, both knocked in a pair of runs, helping Tim Hudson improve to 17-9 on the season. Hudson was pitching on short rest for the second straight start but was still able to deliver seven innings, allowing just four runs, on two hits, both homers.
Now the Braves will travel to San Francisco to play the Giants on Thursday with game two of the best-of-five on Friday. Game three will be in Atlanta on Sunday with a game four Monday, if necessary. Derek Lowe will likely pitch game one Thursday and Hudson could be available to go Friday on four days of rest from his start today.
Sunday the Atlanta Braves rallied from a 2-0 hole as starter Tim Hudson plated the go-ahead run as the Braves scored eight straight runs before the bullpen gave nearly all of an 8-2 lead back. Billy Wagner surrendered a two-run double in the eighth before striking out four straight to end the game and putting the Braves up one-half game in the Wild card standings. The Giants then helped out the Braves but shutting out the Padres 3-0 to put the Braves back into the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
Brooks Conrad and Omar Infante, who Braves manager Bobby Cox switched in the infield to second and third, respectively, both knocked in a pair of runs, helping Tim Hudson improve to 17-9 on the season. Hudson was pitching on short rest for the second straight start but was still able to deliver seven innings, allowing just four runs, on two hits, both homers.
Now the Braves will travel to San Francisco to play the Giants on Thursday with game two of the best-of-five on Friday. Game three will be in Atlanta on Sunday with a game four Monday, if necessary. Derek Lowe will likely pitch game one Thursday and Hudson could be available to go Friday on four days of rest from his start today.
The stars came to PLAY last night at Hallford Stadium
Last night on an evening where college players were dominating on the gridiron, several future college players were excelling on the high school field. Three members of the Score 44 were in action at Hallford Stadium Saturday night as Valdosta traveled up to DeKalb County to square off against ML King. Demarco Robinson of ML King returned the opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown to get the action going early. After Valdosta was held to a three-and-out Robinson was at it again, hauling in an 18-yard diving catch in the endzone for a 14-0 Lions lead.
After a punt pinned King on the three-yard line, two tackles for a loss, including one in the endzone gave Valdosta its first points of the game. Following the free kick, the Wildcats drove down the field thanks to a long pass to Wesley Bee to set up a six-yard one-handed touchdown catch by Jay Rome. The tight end is wanted by every school in the country with Alabama and Georgia leading with Clemson hot on his trail.
One interesting note about Rome, unlike many tight end prospects that stand 6’5 with a great build and tremendous speed, Valdosta uses Rome as a true tight end. Rome blocks with regularity and can often be seen dropping back into the backfield to serve as an extra fullback. So many times physical athletes like Rome are used simply as a huge wide receiver target and they must learn the TE position in college.
After Valdosta intercepted a Jonquel Dawson pass around midfield the Wildcats threw a simple screen pass to Malcolm Mitchell that the future college defensive back juked- jived and spun into a 54-yard touchdown. Mitchell played mostly wide receiver in the game and his great hands and size played well on offense. He showed moves that should benefit him as a cornerback at the next level where his 6’1, 190 frame will be the new prototype for cornerback.
The Wildcats took the 15-14 lead but managed to post one more score before halftime on a fourth down, play-action pass to the tailback.
In the second half, Valdosta took the opening kickoff and drove down before Mitchell once again found the endzone, this time on a 28-yard post pattern where Mitchell cut once and simply outran several potential tacklers, displaying the speed that has most college scouts drooling.
With MLK trailing 29-14, the Lions went to the air on a 68-yard pass and run to one of Dawson’s secondary targets. Robinson was bottled up by the Wildcats defense, leaving Blake Tibbs wide open to split two defenders.
With ML King down by just nine, Jay Rome was at it again, this time splitting the defense on third-and-goal from the 15, hauling in a pass and galloping to the endzone. Rome had been bracketed by the defense with one in front and one behind since his first score, but on third-and-goal, the Lions went with the two on either side of Rome, which he simply just outran for the score.
ML King scored quickly again to make it 36-28 as they went to the air again. This time Kevin Byard hauled in a 75-yard scoring toss just beyond two defenders. Valdosta would tack on a four-yard TD run from Dashay March to up the score to 43-28 before the Lions let two opportunities slip through their fingers.
First Robinson seemingly had a 65-yard catch and score but it was ruled that the quarterback crossed the line of scrimmage before releasing the ball. Then the QB fumbled into the endzone, giving Valdosta the ball back at the twenty. Valdosta nearly ran the clock out before giving the ball back with under one minute to play.
For the Wildcats, it was an impressive victory as the team traveled four hours to play in a hostile environment. Valdosta now must turn its attention to Troy Braswell and the Lowndes Vikings, ranked No. 5 in the state in the Winnersville Classic. Should Valdosta claim that game, coupled with Norcross set to play Peachtree Ridge and North Gwinnett in the next two weeks and Camden losing over the weekend, Valdosta could be looking at a spot in the top three next Monday.
After a punt pinned King on the three-yard line, two tackles for a loss, including one in the endzone gave Valdosta its first points of the game. Following the free kick, the Wildcats drove down the field thanks to a long pass to Wesley Bee to set up a six-yard one-handed touchdown catch by Jay Rome. The tight end is wanted by every school in the country with Alabama and Georgia leading with Clemson hot on his trail.
One interesting note about Rome, unlike many tight end prospects that stand 6’5 with a great build and tremendous speed, Valdosta uses Rome as a true tight end. Rome blocks with regularity and can often be seen dropping back into the backfield to serve as an extra fullback. So many times physical athletes like Rome are used simply as a huge wide receiver target and they must learn the TE position in college.
After Valdosta intercepted a Jonquel Dawson pass around midfield the Wildcats threw a simple screen pass to Malcolm Mitchell that the future college defensive back juked- jived and spun into a 54-yard touchdown. Mitchell played mostly wide receiver in the game and his great hands and size played well on offense. He showed moves that should benefit him as a cornerback at the next level where his 6’1, 190 frame will be the new prototype for cornerback.
The Wildcats took the 15-14 lead but managed to post one more score before halftime on a fourth down, play-action pass to the tailback.
In the second half, Valdosta took the opening kickoff and drove down before Mitchell once again found the endzone, this time on a 28-yard post pattern where Mitchell cut once and simply outran several potential tacklers, displaying the speed that has most college scouts drooling.
With MLK trailing 29-14, the Lions went to the air on a 68-yard pass and run to one of Dawson’s secondary targets. Robinson was bottled up by the Wildcats defense, leaving Blake Tibbs wide open to split two defenders.
With ML King down by just nine, Jay Rome was at it again, this time splitting the defense on third-and-goal from the 15, hauling in a pass and galloping to the endzone. Rome had been bracketed by the defense with one in front and one behind since his first score, but on third-and-goal, the Lions went with the two on either side of Rome, which he simply just outran for the score.
ML King scored quickly again to make it 36-28 as they went to the air again. This time Kevin Byard hauled in a 75-yard scoring toss just beyond two defenders. Valdosta would tack on a four-yard TD run from Dashay March to up the score to 43-28 before the Lions let two opportunities slip through their fingers.
First Robinson seemingly had a 65-yard catch and score but it was ruled that the quarterback crossed the line of scrimmage before releasing the ball. Then the QB fumbled into the endzone, giving Valdosta the ball back at the twenty. Valdosta nearly ran the clock out before giving the ball back with under one minute to play.
For the Wildcats, it was an impressive victory as the team traveled four hours to play in a hostile environment. Valdosta now must turn its attention to Troy Braswell and the Lowndes Vikings, ranked No. 5 in the state in the Winnersville Classic. Should Valdosta claim that game, coupled with Norcross set to play Peachtree Ridge and North Gwinnett in the next two weeks and Camden losing over the weekend, Valdosta could be looking at a spot in the top three next Monday.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Kell proves it is the real deal in 2010
The Kell Longhorns were reclassified down to the Class-AAAA-level before the start of this season and that could be just the edge the Longhorns need to go the farthest the team has ever reached come November and playoff time. The Longhorns, after starting the season 5-0 with four wins over Class-AAAAA competition, faced an unbeaten Pope team Friday night at Kell Stadium and the home team would not disappoint the Homecoming crowd. Brian Randolph capped off two 91-yard drives in the first half and had three total scores in the first 24 minutes of play to help Kell jump out to a 21-0 lead on Pope High School. Junior tailback Chris Gaines was also churning up yardage left and right while quarterback Austin Petrik was able to find receiver Hunter Marshall whenever the situation called for a pass.
Right before halftime Pope notched a 33-yard field goal, its longest of the season to pull to within 18 points at intermission. Pope would take the second-half kickoff and drive for a score after a lengthy halftime while perhaps Kell was still thinking of its Homecoming queen. Pope QB Holland Frost would find his favorite target Garrett Brown on an 18-yard TD toss and then Kyle Falvey snatched a Frost bullet for the two-point conversion to pull to 21-11.
Then Pope forced a three and out to get the ball back and once again drive the field for a score. This time Frost himself kept and carried it in from 10 out on third and two. The extra point made it 18 straight points and trimmed Kell’s lead to just three.
This is where Kell said, “ENOUGH!” The Longhorns drove eighty yards and picked up several third down conversions before Petrik found Hunter Marshall on a four-yard fade route to move ahead 28-18 as the Longhorns finally answered the Pope momentum. A Pope field goal in the fourth quarter pulled the visitors to within seven but once again, like the No.4 heavyweights they are, Kell marched down the field before a four-yard Petrik to Brent Boxberger TD connection ended any threat of a Pope spoiling of Homecoming.
The final score was 35-21 and Kell proved just how good the Longhorns are, to jump out early, take Pope’s best shot and then answer with an authoritative smack of two touchdowns. Brian Randolph was the story early but the hard-running of Chris Gaines late combined with Petrik’s two TD passes and Kell might be an outside shot to end Cobb County’s state title drought.
Right before halftime Pope notched a 33-yard field goal, its longest of the season to pull to within 18 points at intermission. Pope would take the second-half kickoff and drive for a score after a lengthy halftime while perhaps Kell was still thinking of its Homecoming queen. Pope QB Holland Frost would find his favorite target Garrett Brown on an 18-yard TD toss and then Kyle Falvey snatched a Frost bullet for the two-point conversion to pull to 21-11.
Then Pope forced a three and out to get the ball back and once again drive the field for a score. This time Frost himself kept and carried it in from 10 out on third and two. The extra point made it 18 straight points and trimmed Kell’s lead to just three.
This is where Kell said, “ENOUGH!” The Longhorns drove eighty yards and picked up several third down conversions before Petrik found Hunter Marshall on a four-yard fade route to move ahead 28-18 as the Longhorns finally answered the Pope momentum. A Pope field goal in the fourth quarter pulled the visitors to within seven but once again, like the No.4 heavyweights they are, Kell marched down the field before a four-yard Petrik to Brent Boxberger TD connection ended any threat of a Pope spoiling of Homecoming.
The final score was 35-21 and Kell proved just how good the Longhorns are, to jump out early, take Pope’s best shot and then answer with an authoritative smack of two touchdowns. Brian Randolph was the story early but the hard-running of Chris Gaines late combined with Petrik’s two TD passes and Kell might be an outside shot to end Cobb County’s state title drought.
Friday, October 1, 2010
White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel resigned
in case you didn't know, Aaron Sorkin is rumored to have based the West Wing character Josh Lyman on Rahm Emanuel. Let me say ONE thing Mr. Emanuel, JOSHUA LYMAN WOULD NEVER HAVE RESIGNED TO GO RUN FOR MAYOR OF CHICAGO!
You, Sir, have failed. Lyman resigned from Deputy Chief of Staff to go find Santos, but he was staying in the game for some one ELSE's benefit, not for his own.
Shame on you Emanuel. You, Sir, are NO Josh Lyman!
You, Sir, have failed. Lyman resigned from Deputy Chief of Staff to go find Santos, but he was staying in the game for some one ELSE's benefit, not for his own.
Shame on you Emanuel. You, Sir, are NO Josh Lyman!
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