Thursday, December 31, 2009
NFL
The great Ike Bruce to retire. Why the Rams didn't keep him around to work with the youngsters still puzzles me. Donnie Avery couldn't learn anything from one of the great receivers in league history? Rams fans will give him a great sendoff.
Dawgs
Drew Allen on the road with the Bulldogs. Former Northwest Whitfield Bruin (and my nephew) is featured here in the Summerville News.
Rasslin'
Steve Williams, RIP. I saw Dr. Death team with Bam Bam Gordy against the Steiners in Mobile in 1992. It was the first Bash at the Beach event and the card also featured an epic Sting versus Cactus Jack match.
This card took place days after Bill Watts took over WCW and the new "tough guy" attitude was clearly evident. (For one thing, the protective padding on the floor was removed.)
Doc and Bam Bam and the Steiners delivered a 30-minute time limit draw which had to thrill old school Watts. It was physical, "logical" and had excellent psychology.
At one point it looked to me like an amateur style shoot between Williams and the Steiners. All three had great amateur backgrounds. They went at hard in an amateur style and it didn't look like any one was playacting. It also looked like Williams kicked their asses. The Steiners were good though.
The crowd didn't know exactly how to react to what they saw. It wasn't what they had become used to in recent years but the fans were definitely into the match.
Next to Sting and Cactus, it was easily the best match on the card, primarily due to the steady psychological buildup and sheer physicality.
This card took place days after Bill Watts took over WCW and the new "tough guy" attitude was clearly evident. (For one thing, the protective padding on the floor was removed.)
Doc and Bam Bam and the Steiners delivered a 30-minute time limit draw which had to thrill old school Watts. It was physical, "logical" and had excellent psychology.
At one point it looked to me like an amateur style shoot between Williams and the Steiners. All three had great amateur backgrounds. They went at hard in an amateur style and it didn't look like any one was playacting. It also looked like Williams kicked their asses. The Steiners were good though.
The crowd didn't know exactly how to react to what they saw. It wasn't what they had become used to in recent years but the fans were definitely into the match.
Next to Sting and Cactus, it was easily the best match on the card, primarily due to the steady psychological buildup and sheer physicality.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
NFL draft
Kiffin expects Berry to leave. Tennessee coach agrees its the best decision but Berry remains quiet. He's likely a Top 5 pick at this point.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Rasslin
In a Jamie "Paperboy" Jones Memorial match, Luscious Luke and a surly midget go at it. Young Luke took home a concussion from that steel chair shot at about the 6:40 mark. Human chess at its finest, as the great Gordon Solie used to say. By the way, that's the midget's mom in the foreground.
More Dawgs
Atkins, White receive MVP recognition. Let's hear it for a defensive lineman getting his due.
Here's a column from the College Station daily. Turns out special teams haven't been so special all year for the Aggies.
Here's a column from the College Station daily. Turns out special teams haven't been so special all year for the Aggies.
MLB
Jason Bay signs with Mets. ESPN's Jeremy Crasnick refers to Bay and Holliday as the "most hotly pursued players on the free agent market." I am curious as to his definition of "hotly pursued." It seems to me that two teams showed a serious interest in Bay, the Red Sox and the Mets. Hardly a hot pursuit. The same with HOlliday. Other than the Cardinals, exactly who is in hot pursuit? They may be the best position players in this free agent crop, but I'd say Mark DeRosa was more "hotly pursued."
Dawgs deliver
Texas A&M isn't a very good football team and that's the biggest reason Georgia was able to hammer them in the Independence Bowl.Yet there were a lot of things Georgia fans should be pleased with after the 44-20 win in Shreveport.
First, of course, was the play of the special teams. Georgia got 24 points primarily due to special teams excellence, including the 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that finally put the team on the scoreboard in the second quarter.
Boykin was one of the most dangeorus kick returners in the country alo season and it is fitting thathe got to show off one last time on national TV. A&M Coach Mike Sherman commented before the game on Boykin's explosiveness and surely had his special teams keyed to stop the Dawg returner, but that extra attention wasn't enough.
The Georgia defense made a lot of good plays and housl have made even more. They dropped at least interceptions, as the Aggies' overrated quarterback Jerrod Johnson did a pretty convincing imitation of scatter-armed Michael Vick. How this guy wore out Texas is beyond me, but you have to think the Alabama coaching staff and players took notice.
Georgia's three stud defensive tackles were very effective. Did anybody run inside consistently on these guys this season. The defense could be had on the corner and off tackle, but between the tackles Georgia was rock solid all year. Texas A&M repeatedly put themselves in long yardage situations by running for nothing behind their guards and then having to pass. Thank you, Mike Sherman. That's exactly what the Georgia defense wanted you to do.
The pass rush was lively all night, both from the inside and the outside. It was a little like the Hawaii game a few years ago except the A&M quarterback could move around and avoided some sacks. The Aggies were overmatched across the front.
Offensively Georgia does not have much to brag about.
Joe Cox gave us another Joe Cox game -- good enough to beat a mediocre opponent but nothing very impressive. Early on he gave the offense nothing, but played better as Georgia's defense and special teams paved the way. His TD connections with Aron White were impressive.
A.J. Green played and he helped, but clearly wasn't 100 percent.
The running game was lousy in the first half. The line got whipped and the backs rolled over. That changed in the second half. Georgia kept pounding away and eventually Ealey and King made their mark. One of the highlights of the night was the play of Shaun Chapas. The veteran fullback delivered some crunching blocks and had his best rushing game ever. Near the end, he teamed with Munzenmaier to give Georgia a 500-plus pound backfield that mauled the reeling Aggie defense.
Overall Geoirgia has to be pleased. The win sends them into the offseason on a high note, which can be added to with a good hire at defensive coordinator.
A talented team will return next season, but one with a major question mark ... My kingdom for a quarterback!
First, of course, was the play of the special teams. Georgia got 24 points primarily due to special teams excellence, including the 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that finally put the team on the scoreboard in the second quarter.
Boykin was one of the most dangeorus kick returners in the country alo season and it is fitting thathe got to show off one last time on national TV. A&M Coach Mike Sherman commented before the game on Boykin's explosiveness and surely had his special teams keyed to stop the Dawg returner, but that extra attention wasn't enough.
The Georgia defense made a lot of good plays and housl have made even more. They dropped at least interceptions, as the Aggies' overrated quarterback Jerrod Johnson did a pretty convincing imitation of scatter-armed Michael Vick. How this guy wore out Texas is beyond me, but you have to think the Alabama coaching staff and players took notice.
Georgia's three stud defensive tackles were very effective. Did anybody run inside consistently on these guys this season. The defense could be had on the corner and off tackle, but between the tackles Georgia was rock solid all year. Texas A&M repeatedly put themselves in long yardage situations by running for nothing behind their guards and then having to pass. Thank you, Mike Sherman. That's exactly what the Georgia defense wanted you to do.
The pass rush was lively all night, both from the inside and the outside. It was a little like the Hawaii game a few years ago except the A&M quarterback could move around and avoided some sacks. The Aggies were overmatched across the front.
Offensively Georgia does not have much to brag about.
Joe Cox gave us another Joe Cox game -- good enough to beat a mediocre opponent but nothing very impressive. Early on he gave the offense nothing, but played better as Georgia's defense and special teams paved the way. His TD connections with Aron White were impressive.
A.J. Green played and he helped, but clearly wasn't 100 percent.
The running game was lousy in the first half. The line got whipped and the backs rolled over. That changed in the second half. Georgia kept pounding away and eventually Ealey and King made their mark. One of the highlights of the night was the play of Shaun Chapas. The veteran fullback delivered some crunching blocks and had his best rushing game ever. Near the end, he teamed with Munzenmaier to give Georgia a 500-plus pound backfield that mauled the reeling Aggie defense.
Overall Geoirgia has to be pleased. The win sends them into the offseason on a high note, which can be added to with a good hire at defensive coordinator.
A talented team will return next season, but one with a major question mark ... My kingdom for a quarterback!
Monday, December 28, 2009
The real story on Urban Meyer
My sources tell me that the Florida coach is highly upset after Tim Tebow told him this weekend that he "thought it was time for me to see other coaches." I'll let you know if I hear anymore on this (heart)breaking story.
MLB
Baseball America's John Manuel offers his Top 20 prospects. Heyward trails only Strasburg. The Rangers have three prospects on the list, including the fireballer Atlanta sent to them in the Texeria hosing. Mike Stanton of the Marlins is No. 3.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Falcon fans can't help but look ahead
It's no time to panic in Atlanta. Sure the Birds are going to miss the playoffs, a major disappointment after last year's surprising success, but the future still looks pretty good.
So what does Atlanta need to do in the offseason?
Free agency shouldn't hit too hard. Linemen Tyson Clabo and Harvey Dahl will be looking for big raises, but most of the team's key players are tied up for at least another year. That means Atlanta can concentrate on filling established needs instead of putting out fresh fires.
Right now the Falcons have five of their seven draft picks. They traded a two for Tony Gonzalez and a seven for Tye Hill. They should add at least three compensatory picks, based on the players they lost last year. One of those could be as high as a three since Dominique Foxworth got the big bucks to go to Baltimore.
The extra choices should pay off as much needed depth. Right now the Falcons are very thin at some positions and need reinforcement. For instance, a young TE who can run would be nice.
The Falcons first pick should fall somewhere in the middle of round one. It's supposed to be a deep draft, so adding a starter is very possible. Everybody seems to be talking DL and OL, but don't be surprised if a run at those positions have the Falcons looking at some very alluring possibilities at other positions.
The Birds should also get a boost from the return to health of 2009 top picks Peria Jerry and William Moore. Jerry was starting at DT when he got hurt. He showed some good things and could make an interesting duo with Babineaux. (Using a high pick on another DT would be smart as well.) Moore was on the field less before getting hurt. But he should get a chance to show off what he can do at safety. (I thought the Falcons should have taken Louis Delmas in the first round last year, but liked Moore as well.)
If I was calling the shots on draft day, I'd look at cornerback, DE and wide receiver.
The secondary is clearly overmatched right now, a situation made worse by the struggling pass rush. Drafting the corner or DE whould could make the biggest impact here right away makes the most sesnse.
If the top pick goes for offense -- unlikely -- the Falcons should go after a wide receiver. A speedy target teamed with Roddy WHite would give the offense a much bigger boost than what Michael Jenkins provides.
After round one Dimitroff needs to add depth just about everywhere. A young TE, as I mentioned before, could learn from Gonzalez. A young center is needed. The DL is thin at tackle and the OL would get a boost from better competition.
Come the postseason, Atlanta should have the pieces it needs to get substantially better. That's how well run teams do it.
So what does Atlanta need to do in the offseason?
Free agency shouldn't hit too hard. Linemen Tyson Clabo and Harvey Dahl will be looking for big raises, but most of the team's key players are tied up for at least another year. That means Atlanta can concentrate on filling established needs instead of putting out fresh fires.
Right now the Falcons have five of their seven draft picks. They traded a two for Tony Gonzalez and a seven for Tye Hill. They should add at least three compensatory picks, based on the players they lost last year. One of those could be as high as a three since Dominique Foxworth got the big bucks to go to Baltimore.
The extra choices should pay off as much needed depth. Right now the Falcons are very thin at some positions and need reinforcement. For instance, a young TE who can run would be nice.
The Falcons first pick should fall somewhere in the middle of round one. It's supposed to be a deep draft, so adding a starter is very possible. Everybody seems to be talking DL and OL, but don't be surprised if a run at those positions have the Falcons looking at some very alluring possibilities at other positions.
The Birds should also get a boost from the return to health of 2009 top picks Peria Jerry and William Moore. Jerry was starting at DT when he got hurt. He showed some good things and could make an interesting duo with Babineaux. (Using a high pick on another DT would be smart as well.) Moore was on the field less before getting hurt. But he should get a chance to show off what he can do at safety. (I thought the Falcons should have taken Louis Delmas in the first round last year, but liked Moore as well.)
If I was calling the shots on draft day, I'd look at cornerback, DE and wide receiver.
The secondary is clearly overmatched right now, a situation made worse by the struggling pass rush. Drafting the corner or DE whould could make the biggest impact here right away makes the most sesnse.
If the top pick goes for offense -- unlikely -- the Falcons should go after a wide receiver. A speedy target teamed with Roddy WHite would give the offense a much bigger boost than what Michael Jenkins provides.
After round one Dimitroff needs to add depth just about everywhere. A young TE, as I mentioned before, could learn from Gonzalez. A young center is needed. The DL is thin at tackle and the OL would get a boost from better competition.
Come the postseason, Atlanta should have the pieces it needs to get substantially better. That's how well run teams do it.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Braves ship Vasquez to the damn Yankees
Braves trade Vasquez. I don't blame fans for howling. Atlanta deals its best starter in 2009 while keeping a pissed off Derek Lowe and his $15 per on the roster? Well, the harsh reality is you have to have two teams to make a deal and no one is lining up to add Lowe's salary to their debt load. Give Atlanta credit for making a decisive move, but it sure seems like a top notch starter should bring more than a middling outfielder and a minor league pitcher. No fantasy owner would roll over so quickly!
Cabrera really doesn't fit with the Braves where McLouth gives them a quality CF, but he could be a good piece to trade, based on his solid production and reasonable paycheck. (The Yankees pedigree seems to matter to some teams as well.)
This article mentions Dan Uggla and he's exactly the kind of higher priced player Atlanta could get for Cabrera, particularly if they deal with a team with limited cash.
Boone Logan was fairly effective against lefties last year and he was a good addition for New York. Who knows about the minor leaguers Atlanta added? The pitcher has some pretty good numbers and should be in the mix. He looks about ready to show if he is or isn't a MLB pitcher.
From a value for value standpoint, the Braves clearly lost ground on this trade. But it's hard to judge it until you see what they do with the payroll flexibility they gained and how they use the Cabrera chip.
All that said, I'll miss Vasquez. He was a pleasure to see pitch last season.
Cabrera really doesn't fit with the Braves where McLouth gives them a quality CF, but he could be a good piece to trade, based on his solid production and reasonable paycheck. (The Yankees pedigree seems to matter to some teams as well.)
This article mentions Dan Uggla and he's exactly the kind of higher priced player Atlanta could get for Cabrera, particularly if they deal with a team with limited cash.
Boone Logan was fairly effective against lefties last year and he was a good addition for New York. Who knows about the minor leaguers Atlanta added? The pitcher has some pretty good numbers and should be in the mix. He looks about ready to show if he is or isn't a MLB pitcher.
From a value for value standpoint, the Braves clearly lost ground on this trade. But it's hard to judge it until you see what they do with the payroll flexibility they gained and how they use the Cabrera chip.
All that said, I'll miss Vasquez. He was a pleasure to see pitch last season.
Georgia Southern football
Former Chattooga Indian Ronnie Wiggins wants a shot at pro ball after a versatile career at Georgia Southern. MY story from the Summerville News.
College football
Coordinator Joe Kines will lead the Aggies defense against Georgia. Veteran coach once walked the sidelines at Chattooga County. From the Athens Banner Herald.
Monday, December 21, 2009
College football
Hatcher emerges at Murray State. Chris Hatcher, the most recent head coach swallowed by the Erk Russell shadow at Georgia Southern, didn' take long to get hired. Story by Daniel "Melon" Shirley of the Macon Telegraph.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Gaming
Strat-o-matic includes Negro League players I was an APBA junkie for years. Do kids still play these games?
Bowling in Shreveport
From the Athens Banner Herald. AJ Green says he'll play and Clint Boling says he'll stay. The Georgia notebook
MLB
Padres cut prices to bring back fans. Trying to rebuild the gate will probably mean no Adrian Gonzalez trade until at least the summer if and when the Pads are out of contention.
Oh! It's Joe McKnight's girlfriend's Land Rover
This weasel's comments remind me of the old Martin Short character Nathan Thurm.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Mags
The new Sporting News has some interesting items.
In the baseball section each MLB team's "untouchable" minor league player is listed.
Jason Heyward is there for the Braves of course. The Phillies "untouchable" was Doug Drabek's kid Kyle who the Blue Jays touched in their trade of Halliday.
Another player of interest was Marlins outfielder Mike Stanton, who Jerry Reese, Jim Donovits, Bill Mitchell and I saw obliterate a fast ball or two against Chattanooga this summer. He's a brute, but Uncle Charlie may get the best of him yet. Lots of strikeouts.
Former Brave farmhand Neftali Perez and his 100 mph heater fill the slot for Texas. He was part of that big package which netted us journeyman 1B Mark Texeria. Whatever happened to that guy?
---
TSN also unveils its college football All-American team
Georgia punter Drew Butler is on the squad, but Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan has to settle for "conference best."
The top team is composed of the usual suspects, Berry of Tennessee, McCoy and Suh of the Big 12, McClain, Spiller, McCoy.
DE Von Miller of Texas A&M is listed. He plays against Georgia next week. Let's have that TE do a little chip blocking, please.
In the baseball section each MLB team's "untouchable" minor league player is listed.
Jason Heyward is there for the Braves of course. The Phillies "untouchable" was Doug Drabek's kid Kyle who the Blue Jays touched in their trade of Halliday.
Another player of interest was Marlins outfielder Mike Stanton, who Jerry Reese, Jim Donovits, Bill Mitchell and I saw obliterate a fast ball or two against Chattanooga this summer. He's a brute, but Uncle Charlie may get the best of him yet. Lots of strikeouts.
Former Brave farmhand Neftali Perez and his 100 mph heater fill the slot for Texas. He was part of that big package which netted us journeyman 1B Mark Texeria. Whatever happened to that guy?
---
TSN also unveils its college football All-American team
Georgia punter Drew Butler is on the squad, but Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan has to settle for "conference best."
The top team is composed of the usual suspects, Berry of Tennessee, McCoy and Suh of the Big 12, McClain, Spiller, McCoy.
DE Von Miller of Texas A&M is listed. He plays against Georgia next week. Let's have that TE do a little chip blocking, please.
Friday, December 18, 2009
NFL Draft 2
Todd McShay's mock Top 7. No Dez Bryant and he says Jimmy Clausen may be a second rounder. Kiper loves Clausen so they should get mad about that. Both have Derrick Morgan from Tech in their top 10 and both have Eric Berry in their top 5.
NFL Draft
Gerald McCoy is in. Oklahoma DT to enter draft. Kiper has him just behind Suh at DT, right there at the top of the overall board. Don't know if he can play 3-4 end but the Rams and Detroit could use a couple like him in their 4-3s.
Braves
Some Bravecentric bits ...
Kelly Johnson to the D-backs?
and AJC staffer David O'Brien says Johnny Damon may be interested in playing for the Braves.
Good luck to Kelly J. I hope he bounces back
As for Damon, it looks to me like he wants to stir up interest anywhere he can get it. But could he give a team a boost similar to what Bobby Abreu did for the Angels?
Kelly Johnson to the D-backs?
and AJC staffer David O'Brien says Johnny Damon may be interested in playing for the Braves.
Good luck to Kelly J. I hope he bounces back
As for Damon, it looks to me like he wants to stir up interest anywhere he can get it. But could he give a team a boost similar to what Bobby Abreu did for the Angels?
The Dawgs
Boling has a big task. From the Times Free Press. Hey, let's hear it for a sports writer who knows an offensive lineman's name!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The Braves
Atlanta doesn't have much of an option other than to trade starting pitcher Derek Lowe. The $15 million man was lousy down-the-stretch last season and took the brunt of the criticism for the team's close-but-no-cigar finish.
Of course, the huge salary he was being paid factored in both the fans' reaction and in the decion making of the Atlanta front office.
Now, Lowe is pissed off about how he has been treated and made it clear he is ready to move on. So how much of a market is there for a disgruntled, aging, highly-paid veteran coming off a disappointing second half?
Not much would be the obvious answer except for this remains a league starved for decent starting pitching. Atlanta needs to find only one team that thinks Lowe is still worth the expense.
How about the Anaheim Angels? Why the Halos?
They just lost 3B Chone Figgins and, more importantly, ace pitcher John Lackey in free agency. Their top rival in the AL West, Seattle, added standout Cliff Lee. (Seattle also signed Figgins.) The Angels have a stockpile of talent in the outfield, giving them some flexibility. And speaking of flexibility, Lackey and Figgins's departures should free up even more cash for the Angels to make moves.
Lowe would be a good fit for them. He's not a Lackey, but he's still a capable veteran who can win games.
So, who would the Braves get in return?
The name that has been bandied about the Internet is left fielder Juan Rivera. He's due a big raise after hitting .287 with 25 homers and 88 RBI last year. He was paid only $3.25 million for his fine season's work. If they move Lowe in the deal, Atlanta would easily be able to absorb Rivera's raise.
The 31-year-old would start in lefty field and provide excellent right handed power for a team that needs it. With Rivera in left, Nate McLouth in center and rookie Jason Heyward in right, if he's ready, the Braves would sport a formidible outfield.
Providing solid depth and stepping in to start if need be would be some combination of veterans Gregor Blanco and Matt Diaz or youngsters Jordan Schafer and Brandon Jones.
Scenarios like this one are why the bhaseball offseason is cool. Unfortunately, the best laid plans of amateur GM like myself rarely work out.
That's a good group, good enough to provide some additional trade flexibility.
However, no one is going to want to pay all of Lowe's contract for the next three years. That will handicap efforts to move him.
In the real world, that could mean Atlanta deals the veteran for a couple of minor leaguers and also has to send cash in the deal to help pay Lowe's salary.
Atlanta used to come out ahead on trades like this.
Remember those days?
Of course, the huge salary he was being paid factored in both the fans' reaction and in the decion making of the Atlanta front office.
Now, Lowe is pissed off about how he has been treated and made it clear he is ready to move on. So how much of a market is there for a disgruntled, aging, highly-paid veteran coming off a disappointing second half?
Not much would be the obvious answer except for this remains a league starved for decent starting pitching. Atlanta needs to find only one team that thinks Lowe is still worth the expense.
How about the Anaheim Angels? Why the Halos?
They just lost 3B Chone Figgins and, more importantly, ace pitcher John Lackey in free agency. Their top rival in the AL West, Seattle, added standout Cliff Lee. (Seattle also signed Figgins.) The Angels have a stockpile of talent in the outfield, giving them some flexibility. And speaking of flexibility, Lackey and Figgins's departures should free up even more cash for the Angels to make moves.
Lowe would be a good fit for them. He's not a Lackey, but he's still a capable veteran who can win games.
So, who would the Braves get in return?
The name that has been bandied about the Internet is left fielder Juan Rivera. He's due a big raise after hitting .287 with 25 homers and 88 RBI last year. He was paid only $3.25 million for his fine season's work. If they move Lowe in the deal, Atlanta would easily be able to absorb Rivera's raise.
The 31-year-old would start in lefty field and provide excellent right handed power for a team that needs it. With Rivera in left, Nate McLouth in center and rookie Jason Heyward in right, if he's ready, the Braves would sport a formidible outfield.
Providing solid depth and stepping in to start if need be would be some combination of veterans Gregor Blanco and Matt Diaz or youngsters Jordan Schafer and Brandon Jones.
Scenarios like this one are why the bhaseball offseason is cool. Unfortunately, the best laid plans of amateur GM like myself rarely work out.
That's a good group, good enough to provide some additional trade flexibility.
However, no one is going to want to pay all of Lowe's contract for the next three years. That will handicap efforts to move him.
In the real world, that could mean Atlanta deals the veteran for a couple of minor leaguers and also has to send cash in the deal to help pay Lowe's salary.
Atlanta used to come out ahead on trades like this.
Remember those days?
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Mountain biking
The Snake Creek Gap Time Trials start in January. My article from the Times Free Press.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
MLB
Red Sox can't close with Jason Bay. It looks like the contender list for the left fielder is down to 3-4 teams. I still think he will re-up with the Sox. He played well in Boston and it doesn't look like any other team is willing to go way out of their way to get him.
Seattle might add the 5th contract year or push up the cash value of a 4-year deal, particularly if they make no headway with Angels' starter John Lackey. They seem determined to follow up the Chone Figgins signing with another major deal. But selling Bay, who labored in the hell that is Pittsburgh, on Seattle won't be easy.
Are Boston fans wondering how come their hated rivals the Yankees were able to add Curtis Granderson to their championship roster so smoothly while Boston management stumbles around? They should be.
The Mets, as always, are also mentioned in the Bay derby and God knows they could use an outfield upgrade. Left field is a hole right now and right features Braves castoff Jeff Francouer, who looked good for the Mets but has a history of inconsistency.
New York is also in need of a catcher, pitching and maybe a first baseman.
Bay would be a good fit in Atlanta, but the cash-conscious Braves have shown no interest. Ideally they would move Derek Lowe's contract and give that $ to Bay, who could be tremendously productive in lineup with maybe Escobar, Prado and McLouth hitting ahead of him.
The Cards could also figurein if they throw walk away from Matt Holliday. The Boras-client will cost more than Bay but he seems to be the man the Cards want in their lineup.
Right now I say Boston is the likely destination for Bay, with St. Louis being the darkhorse possibility.
Seattle might add the 5th contract year or push up the cash value of a 4-year deal, particularly if they make no headway with Angels' starter John Lackey. They seem determined to follow up the Chone Figgins signing with another major deal. But selling Bay, who labored in the hell that is Pittsburgh, on Seattle won't be easy.
Are Boston fans wondering how come their hated rivals the Yankees were able to add Curtis Granderson to their championship roster so smoothly while Boston management stumbles around? They should be.
The Mets, as always, are also mentioned in the Bay derby and God knows they could use an outfield upgrade. Left field is a hole right now and right features Braves castoff Jeff Francouer, who looked good for the Mets but has a history of inconsistency.
New York is also in need of a catcher, pitching and maybe a first baseman.
Bay would be a good fit in Atlanta, but the cash-conscious Braves have shown no interest. Ideally they would move Derek Lowe's contract and give that $ to Bay, who could be tremendously productive in lineup with maybe Escobar, Prado and McLouth hitting ahead of him.
The Cards could also figurein if they throw walk away from Matt Holliday. The Boras-client will cost more than Bay but he seems to be the man the Cards want in their lineup.
Right now I say Boston is the likely destination for Bay, with St. Louis being the darkhorse possibility.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Calhoun beaten
Yellowjackets edged by Buford in the state title game. Georgia signee Rogers catches 10 passes but held to 75 yards. From the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
A Tide of misinformation
Austin Murphy has a solid story in SI this week about Alabama's demolition of Florida in the SEC title game. Of course, he opens it up with the baloney about Alabama winning 12 national titles. C'mon Austin, do a little research outside the Alabama media guide. The 12 titles thing is crap.
Alabama may well win the national title this year, and they probably are the best team in the nation now, but that 12 championships stuff should not be repeated by serious journalists.
Alabama may well win the national title this year, and they probably are the best team in the nation now, but that 12 championships stuff should not be repeated by serious journalists.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Sports movies
Invictus hits the big screen. Forget soccer. Rugby is the sport Americans need to bring in from the cold. Maybe this film will help.
Braves II
Soriano update. AJC says Atlanta talking the most to Devil Rays about moving Soriano. Here's where we all start dreaming about Carl Crawford playing left at Turner Field (for Soriano and prospects). Of course, that's highly unlikely but it's always good to dream big. As long as we're at it, what about a deal for slugging first baseman Carlos Pena?
More likely Soriano will be shipped out for prospects. Keep in mind the name Tim Beckham. He is a shortstop and a former No. 1 pick. Also, lefty pitcher Matthew Moore might be in the deal if the Devil Rays REALLY want to get something done.
More likely Soriano will be shipped out for prospects. Keep in mind the name Tim Beckham. He is a shortstop and a former No. 1 pick. Also, lefty pitcher Matthew Moore might be in the deal if the Devil Rays REALLY want to get something done.
Prep/college football
Northwest's Delic switches from Maryland to Kentucky.
Last year Delic was clearly the best defensive player in the area. He may not have been as dominant this year but was still a standout. Northwest wasted him to some extent on offense, failing to utilize him as a receiver. That left more than a few Bruin fans shaking their heads.
He's smart, aggressive and a real high-energy type. He'll get a lot stronger in a good college weight program and it'll be fun to see him develop at Kentucky.
Last year Delic was clearly the best defensive player in the area. He may not have been as dominant this year but was still a standout. Northwest wasted him to some extent on offense, failing to utilize him as a receiver. That left more than a few Bruin fans shaking their heads.
He's smart, aggressive and a real high-energy type. He'll get a lot stronger in a good college weight program and it'll be fun to see him develop at Kentucky.
Braves
Rafael Soriano's decision to come back to the Braves obviously surprised the team, which had moved forward and closed one-year deals with Billy Wagner and Takashi Saito. Shouldn't Soriano's thinking have been clear to the team BEFORE they made the deal with Wagner, who Bobby Cox has already proclaimed The Closer? And if it was Soriano who got last minute cold feet about hitting the market, did it really make sense to come back AFTER the team inked a new ninth-inning specialist? Joining a crowded bullpen hardly seems the way to enhance market value.
Still, the amateur manager in me loves having three potential bullpen stoppers, particularly with Wagner and Saito's age/injury status.
But will the Braves stand pat with their sudden abundance of riches? Or will they look to move Soriano in a deal for more offense. A package including him and one of the Braves starters could be pretty appetizing to a team struggling to build a pitching staff.
Soriano is known as a power pitcher, but he certainly threw the Braves a heck of a curve this week. Ya gotta love the offseason.
Still, the amateur manager in me loves having three potential bullpen stoppers, particularly with Wagner and Saito's age/injury status.
But will the Braves stand pat with their sudden abundance of riches? Or will they look to move Soriano in a deal for more offense. A package including him and one of the Braves starters could be pretty appetizing to a team struggling to build a pitching staff.
Soriano is known as a power pitcher, but he certainly threw the Braves a heck of a curve this week. Ya gotta love the offseason.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
It's that time again
Congressional blowhards once again threaten to "fix" problem of college football ... you know like they have fixed the economy and the war in Afghanistan.
UGA football
Georgia football recruiting news. Chip Tower reports Dawgs have added the younger Ogletree to its 2010 class.
Calhoun survives
Lindsey Young of the Chattanooga Times Free Press writes about the Yellowjackets' hard-fought win in the playoffs on Friday.
A man named Suh
A running back or quarterback will win the Heisman Trophy, which is supposed to go to the best college football player in the country. With great fanfare it will be awarded to a running back or a quarterback because it's almost always awarded to a running back or quarterback. You know, "the skilled positions."
But make no mistake. The best college football player in the nation is neither a quarterback nor running back, or even a wide receiver who returns a lot of punts and kicks.
The best player in the good old US of A is ... heck, I can't spell it. Give me a second to check Google.
Ok, here it is ... Ndamukong Suh.
He's a defensive tackle at Nebraska. Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has been raving about him for some time so I've made a point of trying to see Suh play. Thanks to ESPN and ESPN 2 I was able to and danged if ol' Mel wasn't right again. Suh is a monster.
On Saturday, with the Cornhuskers coming within a second of beating Texas, a lot more people should know about Suh. He demolished the stout Texas offensive line and brought havoc to the usually potent Longhorn offense.
Nebraska will probably land in some mediocre bowl game, but as long as Suh is on the field, the Huskers will be worth watching.
John Heisman would love him.
But make no mistake. The best college football player in the nation is neither a quarterback nor running back, or even a wide receiver who returns a lot of punts and kicks.
The best player in the good old US of A is ... heck, I can't spell it. Give me a second to check Google.
Ok, here it is ... Ndamukong Suh.
He's a defensive tackle at Nebraska. Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has been raving about him for some time so I've made a point of trying to see Suh play. Thanks to ESPN and ESPN 2 I was able to and danged if ol' Mel wasn't right again. Suh is a monster.
On Saturday, with the Cornhuskers coming within a second of beating Texas, a lot more people should know about Suh. He demolished the stout Texas offensive line and brought havoc to the usually potent Longhorn offense.
Nebraska will probably land in some mediocre bowl game, but as long as Suh is on the field, the Huskers will be worth watching.
John Heisman would love him.
Gators vs. Tide II (I stand corrected)
Like I said, the young quarterback for Alabama will outplay Tim Tebow and the Tide defense will clamp down on all that Florida speed ... OK, I didn't say that at all.
Alabama not only beat Florida yesterday, they beat up on the Gators. It was an incredibly impressive win by Alabama. They looked better in every phase of the game.
That's not to say that if the two teams played again, Florida might not win. But Alabama backed up their confident talk and absolutely earned a shot at the national title.
A lot of us may have discounted Saban's team, despite the spotless record, after the unimpressive outing against Auburn. But Mark Ingram was healthier this week and the Tide coaching staff repeatedly put their players in the position to succeed.
I can't stand all that old school Crimson Tide hype (12 national titles my ass!) but this is a very talented football team which should -- SHOULD -- knock off a good Texas team come January.
Alabama not only beat Florida yesterday, they beat up on the Gators. It was an incredibly impressive win by Alabama. They looked better in every phase of the game.
That's not to say that if the two teams played again, Florida might not win. But Alabama backed up their confident talk and absolutely earned a shot at the national title.
A lot of us may have discounted Saban's team, despite the spotless record, after the unimpressive outing against Auburn. But Mark Ingram was healthier this week and the Tide coaching staff repeatedly put their players in the position to succeed.
I can't stand all that old school Crimson Tide hype (12 national titles my ass!) but this is a very talented football team which should -- SHOULD -- knock off a good Texas team come January.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Gators vs. Tide
"To be the man," the great Ric Flair used to say on Georgia Championship Wrestling, "you've got to beat the man!"
Slick Rick was right of course and right now "the man" in college football -- certainly in the SEC -- is Florida.
Sure I'm sick of the Tim Tebow story. Sure Urban Meyer has the clear markings of a major jerk. Sure the blue jerseys walk on Georgia every year like a Kmart rug.
But you can't tell me that Tebow doesn't give Florida a big advantage over the Tide and its freshman quarterback.
There's a lot to like about Alabama. They pound the ball on the ground with multiple good backs and the big Jones kid is a terrific wide receiver. On defense they are stout at just about every position, particularly in the gut with Mount Cody at DT and Rolando McClain at MLB.
Florida can lose this game. But I don't see that happening with Tebow in position to close out a glorious career.
It'll be close for awhile but the younger quarterback will screw up at some point and Florida will pounce. If McElroy doesn't respond like a veteran, they'll be blood in the water ... a crimson tide.
I say Florida wins 30-20, but it won't really be that close.
Slick Rick was right of course and right now "the man" in college football -- certainly in the SEC -- is Florida.
Sure I'm sick of the Tim Tebow story. Sure Urban Meyer has the clear markings of a major jerk. Sure the blue jerseys walk on Georgia every year like a Kmart rug.
But you can't tell me that Tebow doesn't give Florida a big advantage over the Tide and its freshman quarterback.
There's a lot to like about Alabama. They pound the ball on the ground with multiple good backs and the big Jones kid is a terrific wide receiver. On defense they are stout at just about every position, particularly in the gut with Mount Cody at DT and Rolando McClain at MLB.
Florida can lose this game. But I don't see that happening with Tebow in position to close out a glorious career.
It'll be close for awhile but the younger quarterback will screw up at some point and Florida will pounce. If McElroy doesn't respond like a veteran, they'll be blood in the water ... a crimson tide.
I say Florida wins 30-20, but it won't really be that close.
Your reading assignment
Sports Illustrated this week (Derek Jeter on the cover) has an interesting article on the amazing success of Texas high schools in producing starting college quarterbacks. Former Valdosta State (and Kentuck) coach Hal Mumme is one of the coaches recognized as architects of the modern pass-happy state of affairs in Texas preps. (It's kind of nice to see Mumme talked about with something other than derision. His offense at VSU was a joy to watch.)
I saw a high school game in Holliday, Texas this fall and sure enough both teams ran the spread option and threw the ball well. They piled up a ton of points and moved the ball back and forth with ease.
It definitely looked like a different game than what we see around here most of the time.
---
Also in this issue are some fine classic photos by Walter Iooss Jr. and Neil Leifer. My favorite shot has Arnold Palmer and a very young Jack Nicklaus chatting amiably at a small table, the ash trays crammed with cigs. And take note of Jack's snazzy hat!
Times have changed.
I saw a high school game in Holliday, Texas this fall and sure enough both teams ran the spread option and threw the ball well. They piled up a ton of points and moved the ball back and forth with ease.
It definitely looked like a different game than what we see around here most of the time.
---
Also in this issue are some fine classic photos by Walter Iooss Jr. and Neil Leifer. My favorite shot has Arnold Palmer and a very young Jack Nicklaus chatting amiably at a small table, the ash trays crammed with cigs. And take note of Jack's snazzy hat!
Times have changed.
Braves
Signing Saito and Wagner are good moves. Now if we can just finish the time machine and go back to 2005.
Just kidding. I like each pitcher at those salaries for one year but wouldn't have signed both at the same time, not after their recent injury trouble. Healthy, they should do well. Both have excellent makeups for key bullpen roles.
Let me toss out a wild card here. If they didn't want to spend a lot on a reliever and age and arm problems were not disqualifiers, why not ink a little fellow named John Smoltz? Is that bridge burned, bagged and tossed?
Atlanta could have spent more on the position, either bringing in a free agent or resigning either Soriano or Gonzalez. Trading for a closer was possible, as the Bravos have the depth at starter to land a big gun for the bullpen. Bobby Jenks of the White Sox comes to mind.
More likely they'll use that starter chip to land offense, particularly with Adam LaRoche unlikely to return. How about a little fellow named Adam Dunn? His defense might make Bobby Cox gag but 40 homers is hard to argue with.
Nick Johnson might be a reasonable pickup at first base. He can hit but may not have enough power for the Braves' needs.
Whaddaya think?
Just kidding. I like each pitcher at those salaries for one year but wouldn't have signed both at the same time, not after their recent injury trouble. Healthy, they should do well. Both have excellent makeups for key bullpen roles.
Let me toss out a wild card here. If they didn't want to spend a lot on a reliever and age and arm problems were not disqualifiers, why not ink a little fellow named John Smoltz? Is that bridge burned, bagged and tossed?
Atlanta could have spent more on the position, either bringing in a free agent or resigning either Soriano or Gonzalez. Trading for a closer was possible, as the Bravos have the depth at starter to land a big gun for the bullpen. Bobby Jenks of the White Sox comes to mind.
More likely they'll use that starter chip to land offense, particularly with Adam LaRoche unlikely to return. How about a little fellow named Adam Dunn? His defense might make Bobby Cox gag but 40 homers is hard to argue with.
Nick Johnson might be a reasonable pickup at first base. He can hit but may not have enough power for the Braves' needs.
Whaddaya think?
Out of the gate ...
I have been doing a blog, Espy's Outpost, for more than a year now. Sports has always been a big part of it. But I've decided to start this new site and see if it draws much interest. The sporting world is my oyster, as my pal Adam Krohn of The Daily Citizen, would say (forcing me to deliver my "cliches speech for the umpteenth time).
This site will mostly be my opinion, but I'll link to sports stories from all over the web if I think they are of interest.
Football is my great sporting love, but baseball is important and I've regained a lit of my interest in basketball the past two years. Don't be surprised if there is a little NASCAR, hockey, boxing, mixed martial arts an professional "by God" wrestling in the package as well. Fantasy sports is another subject I'll wade into swinging wildly.
Also, I am a fledgling rugby fan and will post on that as well, especially the All Blacks of New Zealand. Humor me on this one please.
Pro and college sports will be featured, but I'll also be talking about local prep sports as well.
The Dawgs, Braves, Hawks and the whole NFL shooting match provide a target-rich environment. On top of covering the action, I'll wrote about how the media (newspapers, magazines and TV) cover them. That'll give me the excuse I need to cuss those idiots at ESPN.
Letters are welcome and will be published if you keep them reasonably clean.
Anyhow, I hope you are interested enough to check this site out regularly.
Espy
This site will mostly be my opinion, but I'll link to sports stories from all over the web if I think they are of interest.
Football is my great sporting love, but baseball is important and I've regained a lit of my interest in basketball the past two years. Don't be surprised if there is a little NASCAR, hockey, boxing, mixed martial arts an professional "by God" wrestling in the package as well. Fantasy sports is another subject I'll wade into swinging wildly.
Also, I am a fledgling rugby fan and will post on that as well, especially the All Blacks of New Zealand. Humor me on this one please.
Pro and college sports will be featured, but I'll also be talking about local prep sports as well.
The Dawgs, Braves, Hawks and the whole NFL shooting match provide a target-rich environment. On top of covering the action, I'll wrote about how the media (newspapers, magazines and TV) cover them. That'll give me the excuse I need to cuss those idiots at ESPN.
Letters are welcome and will be published if you keep them reasonably clean.
Anyhow, I hope you are interested enough to check this site out regularly.
Espy
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