Sports Guy for Hire

Guess Who's Back? Back Again?

2008-09-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

Annnnnnnnnd, I'm back!

I apologize for the long absence, but I've been starting a new job, and moving, and all sorts of fun things. But, I'll be getting back into the blogosphere much more often now, hopefully.

WHILE I WAS OUT...
College football season's now in full swing, and I'll be writing plenty about it. For one thing, my Georgia Bulldogs are finally hitting their stride, ranked #3 in the nation (after slipping two spots without losing a game... thanks, national pollsters!). Last night, the 'Dawgs put a hurting on Arizona State out in the desert, and Knowshon Moreno once again proved that he can fly.

I BELIEVE 'SHON CAN FLY...
Atlanta Journal Constitution

The Bulldogs still haven't put together an error free game. They're averaging something like a zillion penalties a game, and they're still allowing too many easy pass plays on defense. But, they're 4-0, 1-0 in the SEC, and this week they'll be entertaining the ESPN College Gameday crew for the Georgia-Bama showdown. More on that coming up this week.

ROCKY FLOP
I'll spare all the jokes about our good buddy Phil Fulmer and the Tennessee Vols. I don't like to kick a man when he's down. And, man, are they ever down. After Florida jumped out to a huge first half lead over the Vols on Saturday, CBS showed a blimb shot of Neyland Stadium's exit ramps, which were crammed full of the orange-clad "faithful". It looked like rats deserting a sinking ship, only rats typically stick around for the second half, just to make sure the thing's really going down. This picture says more than I ever could:

IF ONLY WE DIDN'T HAVE TO PLAY FLORIDA (OR GEORGIA, OR UCLA, OR ALABAMA...)

CBS

MORE FUN TO COME
ESPN College Gameday is coming to Athens this Saturday for the Georgia-Alabama game. Tennessee's taking on Auburn. There's a lot more fun to come... and I can't wait for Saturday!

The softening of Ohio's (and America's?) children

2008-07-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

Good news, SEC fans! Ohio State should be even EASIER to humiliate in the BCS National Championship in about... oh, I dunno... 10 more years or so.

That's because Beachwood, Ohio has decided to cancel all of it's Little League All-Star games. Of course, that's baseball and not football, and it's not the entire state of Ohio... but it's a disturbing development nonetheless if you're hoping (like I think we all are) that our children are going to be prepared for the real world someday (the one outside your doors, not the reality show on MTV).

Beachwood's Little Leagues are doing away with postseason All-Star games in order to protect their players' self-esteem. According to FOX 8 Cleveland (and if you can't trust them, who CAN you trust?) the city's mayor cancelled the games back in March based in part on a letter from the founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Youth Sports, Fred Engh. It's a fantastic read, you can check it out by clicking here.

Mr. Engh makes a series of points about All-Star competition, and they seem pretty weak to me. Let's use some simple tools of logic and reason to see if we can't debunk it all.

POINT ONE: IT BRUISES LITTLE JOHNNY'S EGO IF HE'S NOT PICKED Engh writes: There’s nothing like sticking a dagger into a youngster’s self-esteem the first season he plays the sport by letting him know that he’s not good enough or considered worthy to be part of this elite group of teammates. That’s not the message we want to send to children who are already less active and more obese than any previous generation in history.

Um, OK. So, after playing a full season of games, Johnny's had a good experience and gotten along with his teammates and gotten a nice participation trophy. Heck, maybe his team even made a playoff run if they managed to come together as a group. Everything's going fine, and Johnny's got a lifelong love of baseball and physical activity all bubbling up inside his chest. And then... BAM! They pick an All-Star team to compete with other leagues, and suddenly Johnny finds out that he's NOT the best shortstop in the league. Or the second-best. Looks like no more baseball for Johnny, it's a bag of Doritos and juvenile diabetes from here on out!! Nevermind the fact that he had a full season of games and is only missing out on a couple more weeks of play. And the fact is that kids are smart, they know who's the best anyway, so Johnny finding out that he's not the league's best shortstop probably doesn't come as much of a shock. None of that matters... the All-Star Game has ruined Johnny's entire universe.

Engh goes on to write: In kindergarten classrooms across the country, do we take the kids who are learning letters and numbers quicker than their classmates and announce that these kids are special and give them extra attention and cool extracurricular activities to participate in? Of course not! That would destroy the others’ confidence and make them feel insignificant.

Um, actually, we do. There are gifted/talented programs in schools all across the country, and there are advanced curriculums all across America as well. The kids who are advanced in school get advanced instruction so they can continue to develop and not sit around bored in school. The kids who aren't part of these programs don't feel insignificant. They get the same instruction as always, and if they don't sit around feeling sorry for themselves, they get the chance to succeed just the same as kids who may have a head start. Besides, Engh fails to note that "less advanced" players are already separated in youth leagues across the country... if a kid's a better player, he's in "A" ball, even if he's a little younger than the rest of his team. Even if a touch older, a less advanced player may end up in "B" or "C" ball (with respect to age guidelines). I certainly hope those kids don't feel "insignificant" in the regular season, too!

WORLD CHAMPS! BOY, THEIR FRIENDS MUST FEEL AWFUL...AP Photo

POINT TWO: THE ALL-STARS ARE ONLY ALL-STARS THANKS TO THE HORMONES Engh writes: It doesn’t take much to figure out that kids who mature quicker than others are going to be stronger, faster and probably more productive on the field. So, we’re simply recognizing players whose bodies have developed faster in many cases.

Well, first of all, I'm going to have to call BS on that one. In the past few years of my journalism career, I've covered a lot of Little League baseball, both in the regular season District Tournaments and also in the All-Star Tournaments. While there are some "early bloomers" on the field come All-Star time, you're also going to see some little guys and gals out there as well. Off the top of my head, I can think of three or four kids who probably had no business being out there with the bigger kids, but they were the same age and they were filthy good baseball/softball players.

But, let's say that Engh's point is true overall. Well, so what? First off, no kid is going to make the All-Star team if he can't play ball. So what if his skills are helped along by the fact that his body has already been through a growth spurt or two? It's not a bad idea to get used to the fact that in athletics, you may lose out to a bigger kid. I don't know if Mr. Engh has noticed, but our bodies are at different levels of maturity in high school and college, too. Should we stop picking players for high school football teams just because everyone's not big enough to play linebacker? The development of an athlete's body is what makes him or her an athlete. Plus, if a kid misses out on All-Stars this year, they'll be back next year when their bodies catch up.

POINT THREE: IT'S PLAYING FAVORITES! Engh writes: The entire process is twisted. I’d love to know the percentage of kids who are chosen for these All-Star teams who have a parent involved in coaching. Mom or Dad justify choosing their own child--even if he’s clearly not one of the better players--because they’ve surrendered a lot of their free time to volunteer to coach.

Well, again... so what? Your average Little League All-Star team has two coaches, a manager and a coach. Maybe there's one other guy who is there enough to justify having some pull with the process, maybe not. Unless said coaches have twins, they're going to have one kid in any given age group. So, that's... what... two, three kids tops who may be getting a nepotism boost in their All-Star candidacy? Maybe we'll throw in the fact that the League president's kid is in an age group. Three? Four? The rest of the kids are there because they're legit... and, let's face it, coach's kid is probably fairly legit, too, if he's getting all that backyard instruction from dear ol' dad. You know, it's useful to learn early on that you're not always going to get by on your skills alone. After school is over, you're going to occasionally lose out to the well-connected, the sons and daughters of power, those who simply know the right people. Get used to it. Besides, maybe this will help Johnny get over the soul-crushing defeat in Point One... he WAS the best shortstop in the league, his dad just wasn't coaching the team. There... the ol' self-esteem is patched right back up!

POINT FOUR: EXTRA GAMES MEAN EXTRA OWIES Engh writes: Stress fractures, trips to specialists and surgeries come into play when these seasons are extended with extra games and practices. They take a toll on young bodies and lead to an avalanche of overuse injuries.

Let's see some documentation. If you've got a doctor who wants to tell me that All-Star competition causes injuries, I'd be happy to read it. The fact is, unless your All-Star team ends up going to Williamsport for the Little League World Series, we're talking about an average of two or three weeks tops for an All-Star team. Is that REALLY going to cause that many more injuries than we might see in the last week of the regular season? No. What causes stress fractures and the injuries associated with over-use of players is playing in multiple leagues, travel ball, AAU teams, and year-round baseball.

POINT FIVE: IT'S AGAINST THE SPIRIT OF YOUTH SPORTS! Mr. Engh writes: Singling out players for these teams smothers the purpose of recreational youth sports leagues, where the emphasis should be on participation and learning.

Yup. In fact, why are we even keeping score? After all, we're just supposed to be learning here, and participating. Little League's rules state that every player must have at least one at-bat and one turn in the field per game. But, if a team is concerned with winning, most of the starts and playing time will go to the best players, regular season or All-Stars. So, let's just eliminate the scoreboard. And, let's get rid of those three outs in every inning. We're going to stay here until every kid gets a hit! Or until it gets dark. Look, it is ABSOLUTELY true that the main mission of youth sports should be focused on teaching the kids to be responsible, to be good teammates, and how to work together. An 11-year-old's baseball exploits aren't going to matter in ten years when he or she is trying to get a job and be a good citizen. But, what that kid LEARNS on the field is what will be carried forward. So let's be careful what we're teaching them. Maybe we should teach them that, while everyone gets a fair chance to achieve, some will achieve more. But, everyone has their own special set of talents that they'll carry into the world.

POINT SIX: THE KIDS DON'T CARE Mr. Engh writes: Many parents nationwide will no doubt cringe at this stance because All-Star games are a great source of pride when a child earns that distinction, but the kids could care less. What 5 year old, who can’t even tie his shoes yet, gains any extra satisfaction from being chosen for these teams?

OK, you know what? I'll concede the point on the 5-year-olds. Or the 7-year olds. Maybe it's not important to have All-Star teams for them. The best 5-year-old player probably isn't THAT much better than the middle-of-the-road kids. But be careful about basing your arguments on broad (and false) generalizations. The 10-year olds, the 11-and-12's (that's the age level where winning All-Star teams end up in Williamsport at the LLWS) absolutely DO care. Very much. If you don't believe it, come out to a game here in Georgia's District 8 and wait until a team loses. Watch the reactions. Yes, there are overbearing Little League parents just like there are overbearing stage moms and overbearing science fair moms. But that doesn't change the fact that the achievement MATTERS to the players. This isn't just for mom and dad. Perhaps not among the kids who don't prize their time on a baseball field. But, ask a Major League Baseball player sometime about his Little League experience. Some, like Orel Hershiser, weren't All-Stars. Many were. But I bet they can each tell you about their experiences and the pride they felt today just as they could many years ago. If you're good at something, you care.

Engh's letter on his organization's website closes by saying: If you’re feeling reluctant to do something, consider all the children who feel hurt, left out and embarrassed by being passed over every season. Fair enough. As a kid who didn't have any natural athletic gifts growing up, I am keenly aware of what being picked last feels like. Yet somehow, I still managed to have a dynamite, fun, and amazing childhood. Perhaps a child passed over for selection this summer will work hard all fall and winter to become a better player. And, perhaps it will pay off in a selection next year. Or, maybe it won't. But, that player will still have learned many, many useful lessons from the experience.

Are you trying to tell me that the kids in Beachwood, Ohio don't know who the talented baseball players are and don't have self-esteem problems based on their development just because the jocks aren't taking the field for an All-Star game?

Deadspin.com: Beachwood, Ohio Cancels Little League All-Star Game to Boost Self-Esteem of Players, Retroactively Surrender to Germans
MyFox Cleveland: Beachwood cancels All-Star game to raise players' self-esteem
Park and Rec Business Magazine: Bench All-Star Games by Fred Engh

A death in the family

2008-06-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

On Friday night, Uga VI, the University of Georgia's bulldog mascot died in Savannah of heart failure. When the news broke on Saturday, it was eventually linked on the front page of national sports websites such as ESPN.com, CBSSportsline.com, CNNSI.com, and many others. I'm told it was even mentioned on FOX News Channel (I'm not sure if they blamed the Democrats or not). When the death of a dog makes national news, you know that he was a pretty special creature.

UGA VI: 1998-2008

Uga has always held a special place in the hearts of anybody who has ever attended UGA, or just simply cheered for the Bulldogs in football, baseball, or any other sport. But, in the last fifteen years or so, he's come to be recognized and loved nationwide. Uga V had a cameo in the movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". He also was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, named the "Nation's Best Mascot" (the only mascot to ever earn that honor).

UGA V, READY FOR HIS CLOSEUPSports Illustrated

Uga VI took that fame to a whole new level. If the Georgia football team played on TV, you could be assured that you'd see him on the sidelines at least ten times. Everyone, from Georgia fans to fans of the opposing team would always make it a point to say hello and pose for a picture on the sidelines. In 2004, I covered the Bulldogs in Knoxville, Tennessee when they took on the Volunteers. During a timeout, the entire Tennessee cheerleading squad came over to the UGA sideline to pose for a photo with Uga.

If the opposition loved him, Georgia fans simply adored him. Before every football season, UGA holds a Photo Day for fans. No matter who the biggest star of the Georgia football team is, he'll never have a longer line of fans waiting for a snapshot than Uga.

WHICH ONE DROOLS MORE?TribuneIndia.com

During my time as a reporter, I had a chance to interview many famous athletes. They're all just regular people, and the novelty wears off pretty quickly after the first "big league" player. The only sports figure that I still get "star-struck" around is Uga. I had the chance to pat him on the head many times when I had sideline credentials to games, and it always gave me a big smile.

He was the mascot to the Bulldogs. He was a beloved family pet to the Seiler family of Savannah which has owned all of the six Uga mascots. But to me, he was the family pet of the University of Georgia's family. So, just like losing your own family pet, it's a sad day. But, we'll soon get to meet Uga VII, and hopefully he'll get broken in as mascot on a long winning streak.

ALL DOGS GO TO HEAVEN, AND YOU CAN STILL SEE THE GAMES UP THERERedandBlack.com

REST IN PEACE.YouTube.com (Posted by g1gemags)

FOR MORE: Check out the Georgia Sports Blog. They've done a great job putting together tributes to a "Damn Good Dawg" (Scroll down, there's a lot there!)

Atlanta Journal Constitution: Popular mascot Uga VI dies of heart failure

UPDATE: Atlanta Journal Constitution: Georgia officials pay final tribute to Uga VI

Going to the 'ship!

2008-06-21T15:17:00.000-07:00

(UPDATED below)
The Georgia Diamond Dawgs will play for the National Championship.

The Bulldogs advanced to the College World Series finals with a 10-8 win Saturday over Stanford.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a 4-0 lead over Stanford in the 3rd inning Saturday in Omaha, eventually stretching the lead to a 10-4 advantage before the Cardinal rallied against Georgia's All-American closer Josh Fields in the 9th inning. Stanford's Ben Clowe clubbed a three run homer off of Fields, pulling Stanford within two runs, but Georgia held on from there to eliminate the Cardinal.

TWO WINS AWAY FROM THE TITLEAssociated Press

Now, the Diamond Dawgs wait to find out who they will play in the best two-out-of-three championship series which will start Monday night. North Carolina and Fresno State are still standing in the other bracket, but the Tar Heels must beat Fresno twice to advance. Fresno State only needs to win once to meet Georgia.

Rich Poythress is your hitting hero of the day for UGA, hitting three doubles (tying a CWS record) and driving in four runs. Joey Lewis anchored the bottom half of the Georgia lineup, driving in three runs of his own.

So, it's Championship Time in Omaha, and the Bulldogs are ready to go. History might just be on their side, as well. When Georgia won the 1990 National Championship in Omaha, they beat Stanford twice along the way. Now, that the Dawgs have twice knocked out the Cardinal again in 2008, they're hoping history keeps on repeating itself.

ESPN.com: NCAA Recap: Georgia Bulldogs at Stanford Cardinal
UGASports.com: The DawgChat

UPDATE: The Diamond Dawgs rallied to take the first game of the finals from Fresno State, but lost the next two. Congratulations to Fresno State for winning the National Championship, and congratulations to UGA for an SEC Championship season and a magical run to Omaha.

Tiger Woods is apparently some sort of golf super-robot

2008-06-19T14:43:00.001-07:00

At least, that's all I can figure when I hear that not only was he recovering from a knee surgery while winning the US Open, he was actually walking on a torn ACL and a double stress fracture of his left leg.

In other news, I usually grab a bag of ice and elevate my leg when I get a cramp.

Tiger tore the ACL 10 months ago while jogging (a great argument against jogging, if you ask me). All he's done since is win 10 events, including the Open on Monday, and also finish second in The Masters. We didn't have any clue, of course, because he never mentioned any of it. Me? If I managed to make contact with the ball, I would have immediately turned to the gallery and shouted "ya know, I've got the torn ACL... clap louder!"

How much of a beast is Tiger Woods? He played the US Open against the advice of his doctors, who performed surgery after the Masters to clean up cartilage in his damaged knee. While preparing for the US Open, he actually trained so hard that he caused the stress fractures in his leg.

CELEBRATING? OR CRYING OUT IN PAIN?Image found at wisconsinwx.com

I don't know what the future will hold for Tiger, if he'll be able to return in a year's time as the same dominant player that he's been. But, if he can play 91 holes of major championship golf on one leg, I don't think I'll be betting against him when he comes back.

ESPN: Woods set to have season-ending surgery

Tiger Woods Roars Again

2008-06-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a while since I've posted anything here. Sorry about that, I've been ducking and dodging while life throws everything it has at me.

But, there's been plenty of fun going on in the wide world of sports. For example, the Atlanta Braves' entire 25-man roster was sent to the disabled list. The good news for the team's corporate owner Liberty Media is that they're getting a nice group rate discount at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta. In all seriousness, the Braves are in trouble with John Smoltz out for the year, Tom Glavine out for the month, Chipper Jones working with one leg, and a laundry list of other injuries.

HOUSE OF PAINAtlanta's Turner Field/M*A*S*H unit (Photo: Bruce Frazier)

In other news, the Georgia Bulldog baseball team is on a serious roll. At the Athens NCAA Regional the Dawgs went down in their first game, losing to Lipscomb before rallying past Louisville and beating Georgia Tech twice to advance. The back-to-back wins give UGA the season series victory over the Yellow Jackets. From there, the Diamond Dawgs won the Athens Super Regional two games to one over NC State. On Saturday night, the Dawgs rallied past top-ranked Miami to win their first game at the College World Series. They face Stanford tonight in the winners' bracket.

BENDING IT LIKE (GORDON) BECKHAMESPN.com

But, the biggest news I can think of today has nothing to do with our little corner of the world here in the (dirty) south. Today, I got caught up watching the 18-hole US Open playoff between Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate. The battle went back and forth, with Mediate missing on a birdie putt on the 18th that would have given him the champioship. Tiger roared back on the suddden-death hole, sinking a par putt for the title.

Tiger's 14th major championship was perhaps his most stirring, because he had to play through excruciating physical pain to get it. Woods had surgery on his left knee the day after the Masters, and the Open was his first tournament back. On Saturday and Sunday, the pain was at times easily visible on Woods' face. After hitting his driver or iron, his legs even came close to buckling under the pain. Sunday, he had to sink a birdie on 18 just to force the extra day's work. But an extra 18 holes meant walking 6 more miles on his surgically repaired knee. Then, when 18 more holes weren't enough, Tiger soldiered on to the 19th of the day, the 91st of the weekend.

We've seen Tiger dominate major tournaments in Augusta and elsewhere. We've seen him weather deep emotional pain, winning after the death of his father and mentor. And now, we've seen him overcome the shortcomings of his body. Golf may not be the most athletic of sports. But, Tiger Woods is the most impressive and compelling athlete I've seen. For my money, this latest chapter in his book was also most compelling.

ONE KNEE'S ALL YOU NEEDAssociated Press

Foul is fair?

2008-05-24T15:12:00.000-07:00

So I was watching the NCAA Men's Lacrosse Final Four this afternoon... seriously. The Syracuse-Virginia game turned out to be very exciting, with the Orange(men) winning in double overtime after rallying from a large 4th quarter deficit just to force extra time. This was only the third or fourth time I've ever sat down to really closely watch a lacrosse game (it's something that just isn't played many places around the south). I found it entertaining, but the game also got me thinking about one of those "unwritten rules" deals in sports.

As time ran down in a tied game, a Virginia player was trying to haul in a pass after a turnover. He got leveled by a Syracuse player instead. I'm not really familiar with the rules of lacrosse, so I can't tell you if it was a foul or not. But, it wascalled a foul. While showing the replay, in which the Syracuse defender did body check UVA's man (but not viciously), the ESPN announcer said something like, "Is it a foul? Maybe, but not this late in a tied game for a trip to the National Championship."

Excuse me?

This is something you always hear, whether it's football, or basketball, or hockey. If it's late in the game, especially a big game, and a whistle blows then someone always calls out the official. "You can't make that call at this stage of a game this big," a player, coach, or announcer will invariably say.

Don't get me wrong, I hate ticky-tack foul calls in any sport. I'm a huge fan of officials who "let 'em play." BUT, there are fouls that need to be called. If there's pass interference in football, or a push-off in basketball, call it. The rules don't change in the final minute of the game. If a play is a foul at the 11:00 mark, it's a foul at the 1:00 mark. I don't want an official deciding the outcome of a game, but I also don't want a guy pushing off on my defender to hit the game-winner just because he knows nobody's got the guts to call it.

A scoring play means just as much at the start of a game as the end of it. I say, call the ticky-tack stuff the same for the entire game (as in, don't call it at all) and maybe we won't have this problem. Just don't tell me that an official can't enforce the rules of the game just because the game's on the line.

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

It's Memorial Day weekend, but several high-profile college football coaches will be barbecuing a lot further away from home than normal. Georgia's Mark Richt, Auburn's Tommy Tuberville, Miami's Randy Shannon, Notre Dame's Charlie Weis, and Yale's Jack Seidleicki (?!) are all touring American bases in the Middle East, visiting American troops.

Obviously, this is one of the few times of year that football coaches can kick up their heels and relax... if you call pouring over game film and already coming up with fall practice schedules relaxing, that is. Coaches, particularly head coaches, get precious little time to themselves, even in the summer. So, it's commendable that these coaches take the time to travel to the other side of the globe to visit with troops and try to bring a little bit of home to the Iraqi desert.

MEETING THE TROOPSImage found at AJC.com/Todd J. Van Emst

Personally, I'd love to be a fly on the wall while these guys are on a plane heading to their next destination. I imagine Richt and Tuberville waiting for the other to fall asleep so they can rummage through duffle bags to find playbooks. Weis probably tries to convince any large soldier he comes across to head back to South Bend with him to block for Jimmy Clausen. And, Jack Seidleicki probably just hopes that somebody at one of the bases has actually seen his team play.

There's a great running blog about the trip on ESPN.com, with updates posted by Ivan Meisel who is traveling with the coaches. It's linked below, along with an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about some of Richt's experiences on the trip. This isn't the first year that coaches have taken a trip like this one, but I thank them for going. Here's to hoping that the troops will stay safe, and that someday soon they can come back home.

ESPN.com: Tour offers lessons in leadership, true heroics
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Richt finds fans in Middle East

Only 2262 short...

2008-05-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

Breathe easy, Cal Ripken, Jr. It seems that your Iron Man record for playing in 2,632 consecutive games is safe after all.

Tonight, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that Jeff Francoeur is not in the lineup for tonight's game against the New York Mets. Unless Francoeur can get into the game as a pinch-hitter or runner (heck, he could even serve as a relief pitcher if we want to get all crazy and such) then his streak of 370 consecutive games played will come to an end. It's the longest active streak in the big leagues.

It's the second game of a double-header, and Frenchy's been bothered a bit with some nagging injuries. He was 0-3 in the first game of the double-dip, which Atlanta won 6-1. Francoeur is hitting .258 so far this season, but he's been in a bit of a slump lately, only averaging .200 in the last seven days. Perhaps a day off will help.

IT'S "NATURAL" TO WANT A DAY OFF EVERY NOW AND AGAINSports Illustrated

So, enjoy the night off, Jeff. Somebody in the dugout will direct you to the sunflower seeds and bubble gum. And, if you get into the game tonight we'll keep right on adding to your total.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Francoeur's consecutive start streak to end

Attention, Congress: There is still a war on.

2008-05-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

A quick glance at CNN.com this afternoon turns up all sorts of unrest and unhappiness in the world: the war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, the earthquake in China, the cyclone in Myanmar, rising gas prices, and the health care crisis just to name a few.

Certainly, it's a time when you expect the most influential and powerful people in America to be busy, and Senator Arlen Specter is just that.

He's busy trying to get harsher penalties levied against the New England Patriots.

That's right, a ranking member of Congress and a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee thinks an investigation of cheating in the NFL is important enough to gobble up some of his time.

Earlier this spring, Specter met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to express his concerns about the league's investigation of "Spygate", the cheating scandal surrounding the Patriots' videotaping of opposing coaches' hand signals during games (which is against the rules). Last September, the Pats were busted for taping New York Jets' coaches in the first game of the 2007 season. Then, rumors swirled that the Patriots' cheating habits went even further back, and had even videotaped a St. Louis Rams pre-game walkthrough before Super Bowl 36.

Earlier this week, the NFL met with Matt Walsh (the former Patriots staffer who had more incriminating tapes) and apparently put the issue to bed. Goodell told the media that Walsh did NOT have a walk-through tape from the Super Bowl, but that he did SEE the walk-through and reported some details to his coaching staff. Apparently, the videos broke no new ground and the NFL considers the matter closed.

But, not Specter.

Perhaps Specter, a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles (another of New England's Super Bowl victims), was concerned that the scandal was even more far-reaching, maybe even robbing his Pennsylvania constituents of their own Super Bowl title. Whatever the reason, he's keeping up the attack on the Patriots.

Today, he held a press conference to call for an independent investigation into the Patriots' video-taping practices. This comes a day after his OWN meeting with Walsh.

Look, if the Patriots cheated further than what's already been reported, then let's drum them out of the league or something. If it really is over, then let's just move on. Either way, let's keep Congress out of it.

Some good DID come from the first round of Congressional hearings on steroids. Baseball and other leagues did re-evaluate their policies and clean up their acts. But, as near as I can tell, NO good came out from the subsequent grandstanding on the issue. And, as expected, those hearings appear to have opened the door for further meddling.

Attention, Senator Specter: Balance the budget. Do something about Social Security and health care. Work on keeping our troops in the Middle East safe, and maybe bringing them home someday. Work to help other nations in need.

When you get ALL of that accomplished, then you can use your position of power to right the heinous wrong of your favorite football team's defeat at the hands (lens?) of Bill Belicheck and the Patriots.

Wikipedia: Spygate
Newsday.com: What's all the fuss about Spygate tapes?
ESPN.com: Specter criticizes NFL, wants independent Spygate investigation

Los Angeles isn't kind to Andruw Jones

2008-05-14T11:57:00.001-07:00

As a Braves fan, I was sad to see Andruw Jones leave Atlanta to sign with the Dodgers. He'd been a fixture in Atlanta's lineup since my junior year in high school. Even when he wasn't hitting, he still had "RBI's in his glove" as Bobby Cox liked to say of his defense in center field. Plus, I've had a chance to interview him several times and he's always been very friendly, even to reporters from out of town whom he'd never met.

Of course, Andruw's last season in Atlanta wasn't spectacular. He slumped his way to a .222 average, while still driving in nearly 100 runs and hitting 26 homers. Whispers were spreading that years of diving to the outfield grass were taking a toll on his body. ESPN's Jayson Stark said as much publicly when he listed Jones as the third most overrated player in baseball last May. While outlining some of Jones' recent struggles, he had this to add:

For the record, I like Andruw. He could play for my team any time. And he's one of the best center fielders I've ever laid eyeballs on. But the idea behind this project is to point out the difference between how we perceive a player and how he's actually playing. And Andruw is not the same player he used to be. - Jayson Stark

At the time, several other members of the media rushed to Andruw's defense, and I figured that in time he'd regain his old form. And, while I realized that Atlanta couldn't afford his salary, I figured I'd miss him just the same.

Not exactly. Mark Kotsay has been a decent replacement in center field, making his share of defensive highlights while batting .302 at the plate. Jones, meanwhile, is having his worst season in the big leagues, hitting .107 as we speak with just one lousy home run (which he hit against the Braves at Turner Field, oddly enough).

HE DOESN'T LOOK RIGHT IN A DODGER UNIFORMAP Photo - Kevork Djansezian/mlb.com

The people of Los Angeles have taken note. They've been booing him at Dodger Stadium, while being urged on a bit by LA Times columnist T.J. Simers. Apparently, Simers has taken to referring to Jones as "The Tubbo", in reference to Jones showing up for the season overweight. In fact, Simers apparently offered to go on a diet with Jones, an offer Andruw refused. Not surprisingly, Andruw isn't really responding well to Simers these days, mostly just saying "I don't care" over and over as Simers questioned him again on his weight and his batting average and the boos from the Dodger Stadium faithful.

Really? He wasn't excited to give you an interview after you called him "Tubbo" in print? Stop the presses. Unfortunately, Andruw apparently also hit Simers back with a comment about the columnist's own tubby tummy, thus surrendering the high ground.

Well, Andruw clearly does care. T.J. Simers notwithstanding, the fans who watched Jones in Atlanta for 11 years got a distinct impression that he cares about his teammates and playing well. He says as much in an Associated Press article that was re-printed in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

"People think I'm relaxed and laid back. It's eating me up inside," Jones said, the sadness evident in his eyes. "I'm upset. I'm embarrassed."

Here's hoping that Andruw Jones can become his old self again at the plate. He's on the short list of the most exciting athletes I've ever been privileged enough to see in person. Even if he doesn't rise to the challenge of a sports columnist diet-off, I still have to think he'll give Los Angeles a few reasons to smile before it's over.

Los Angeles Times: Dodgers didn't get a care package with Andruw Jones
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Andruw Jones 'embarrassed' by poor play
ESPN.com: Most overrated - from Zito to Suppan

Georgia wins SEC Baseball Championship

2008-05-11T14:49:00.000-07:00

The Braves didn't lose this afternoon... thanks to heavy rains in Pittsburgh, they didn't have to. Instead, they'll have the opportunity to lose twice Monday. (In case you haven't heard, the Braves didn't do much on Friday or Saturday night to end their run of futility in road games)

But, there is cause for celebration in Georgia tonight. The University of Georgia's baseball team locked up the SEC's regular season baseball championship Sunday afternoon with a 12-10 win over Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs took two out of the three games against Vandy this weekend, which was all they needed to lock up the conference crown.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring with a six-run second inning. Vanderbilt countered with four runs in the bottom half of the inning, but Georgia starter Nathan Moreau settled down to keep the Commodores off of the scoreboard for the rest of his six innings of work. Trailing 12-5 in the eighth inning, however, Vandy staged a four-run outburst and followed up with another run in the ninth. Then, Bulldog closer Josh Fields slammed the door, striking out Brad French.

Vanderbilt won the SEC regular season and tournament titles last season.

Braves play it safe, wrap pitchers in bubblewrap

2008-05-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

The Atlanta Braves are no longer taking any chances with their pitching staff. From now on, every Atlanta hurler will be wrapped in a protective layer of bubble wrap in between mound appearances.

Braves general manager Frank Wren has even been in contact with Major League Baseball to find out if he can leave the pitchers in their "poppable" plastic shells during game action.

OK, I made all that up. But, seriously, it's starting to get a little ridiculous with the Atlanta pitchers. In yesterday's game, the Braves had not one, but TWO pitchers leave early. Starter Jo-Jo Reyes had to leave as a blister was developing on his pitching hand. His replacement, Buddy Carlyle, almost got his head taken off while attempting to field a ground ball. Both players are apparently OK. Carlyle says he'll be ready to go tonight, and Reyes expects to make his next start.

But, they join the ranks of other injured pitchers, including John Smoltz (serving his second stint on the Disabled List), Tom Glavine (back from DL), Pete Moylan (done for the season), Rafael Soriano (still on the DL), Mike Gonzalez (still on the DL), and Mike Hampton (STILL on the DL for the third year in a row). Pitching for the Braves is becoming one of the most dangerous jobs in America.

Fortunately for Atlanta, the Braves' bats came alive late in yesterday's game, powering Atlanta to a (gasp) come-from-behind win in a (GASP!) one-run game. It's Atlanta's first one-run victory this year after losing the first nine one-run affairs. Matt Diaz did the heavy lifting in the ninth inning with a bases-loaded single.

A CLUTCH HIT IN THE NINTH!AP Photo/John Bazemore

In other news, this is the spot where I would give an official blog pat-on-the-back to newly aquired hitter Greg Norton. He's come through with HUGE RBI-pinch hits in the last two games. Unfortunately, reliever Jorge Campillo still hasn't recovered from the jinx that came with the last official blog-pat-on-the-back I gave out. So, I'll hold off on that for now.

Atlanta opens a road-trip tonight against Pittsburgh on a six-game winning streak, their first since July 2006. Yup, that's right... Atlanta didn't win six games in a row all of last season. Things are looking up if you're a Braves fan... or if you've got a piece of the Bubble Wrap concession in Georgia.

AtlantaBraves.com: Braves wrap up perfect homestand
AtlantaBraves.com: Reyes, Carlyle leave early

An ugly rite of succession at UNC Chapel Hill

2008-05-06T14:28:00.001-07:00

Apparently, the desire to be North Carolina's mascot is even stronger than the bond between father and son.

Rameses XVII, the Tar Heels' goat mascot, died on April 24th of complications from injuries suffered after being headbutted by his son, Pablo.

Apparently, Rameses got into a bit of a head-butting fight with his son (he probably caught him hanging out with some nannies from Duke... nanny is the term for a female goat, I looked it up). Anyhoo, as conflicts between father and son so often do, this one got a little out of hand:

"Rameses and Pablo shared a field at Hogan's farm outside Carrboro. On April 13, they butted heads, as rams are occasionally wont. This particular collision was so jarring that it snapped off one of the older ram's horns." - The News and Observer

According to the article, Rameses developed an infection and died April 24th.

Of course, the Tar Heels need a ram to follow onto the field of battle this season, so who gets the nod? Why, Pablo, of course. He's been installed as the new Rameses, Rameses XVIII.

WANT A PIECE OF ME, DAD?ViewImages.com

The best part of the article is the conclusion: "The mascot is dead. Long live the mascot!!!" You don't get a lot of references in sports to the British monarchy. Then again, you don't get a lot of patricide in the ACC, either.

The News and Observer: UNC mascot dies of blow from son, Rameses XVIII
AOL Fanhouse: North Carolina mascot killed by heir

Sweep!

2008-05-04T14:04:00.001-07:00

Tom Glavine still hasn't won a game in a Braves uniform since the 2002 season. But, the Braves still managed to pick up a win in his Sunday afternoon start, capping off a sweep of the Cincinatti Reds. A quick recap on my thoughts of the weekend's action:

The Good: Jo-Jo Reyes! Last year, we read and heard a lot about Reyes' potential, but he had a tough season after being thrust into a starting job by injuries. Reyes ironed out some problems in Class AAA this season, posting an ERA under 0.50 with Richmond before returning to the big leagues Saturday. He was brilliant through five innings, scattering four hits and allowing just one run in the sixth inning before leaving. He was pitching in place of John Smoltz, who expects to return from the disabled list as a reliever. If Reyes can keep this up, it should be a great arrangement.

YOU GO, JO-JOAP Photo/John Bazemore

The Bad: Tom Glavine was given a 7-0 lead in the second inning this afternoon, but he couldn't manage to get out of the fifth inning and qualify for a win. Instead, he left after 4 2/3 innings after giving up six runs. Glavine is still pitching fairly well, but some tough luck leaves him still 0-1 for the season.

The Ugly: Royce Ring got the win, after throwing just one pitch. Ring's now 1-0 on the season, getting the last out in the fifth inning. Baseball statistics are just weird.

Chipper Jones watch: Chipper went 3-6 with a homer and five RBI. It boosts his Major League leading batting average to .425. For a great read on Chipper's career, check out Thomas Stinson's article on the Atlanta Journal Constitution's website.

Atlanta Journal Constitution: Sharp Reyes earns another look
Atlanta Journal Constitution: Jones ranks among Braves' greats

Roadkill. Or, the Hawks lose in 7

2008-05-04T13:49:00.001-07:00

Well, at least the Boston Celtics didn't poke the Hawks in the eye on their way off the court.

It was the only indignity spared the Hawks this afternoon in their 99-65 Game 7 loss to the Celtics. The game was not nearly as close as the score indicates.

It doesn't take a genius to figure out that home court advantage played a big role in this playoff series. In fact, I feel a little silly even typing that sentence. The closest Atlanta came to a road win was a 96-77 loss in Game 2. It's strange that the Hawks could play such tenacious defense and gutsy offense at home and then come up empty on the road. The same goes for Boston, although they didn't appear inept at Phillips Arena... just not quite as strong as Atlanta.

Memo to Mike Bibby: Don't call out the other team's fans if you're not planning to back it up. The Hawks' new addition at point guard angered the Boston faithful before Game 2 of the series, accusing them of being bandwagon jumpers now that the Celtics are good again. First off, good call, Mike. It's not like all those fans packing Phillips Arena in Games 3,4, and 6 weren't attending their first Hawks game of the year in brand-new Hawks gear. Second, you made the point after going 2-for-10 in Game 1. And, you didn't do much more in any of the rest of the games in Boston, including your stellar 2-point, 2-assist scoring performance in Game 7. Next time, make sure that you're planning to play before giving the opposing fans more reason to make life miserable for you and your team.

All in all, though, the Hawks did "Shock the World" as their hastily printed t-shirts and signs predicted. They took the mighty Celtics to seven games, and they looked the part of a playoff contender when they played on their home floor. The future certainly looks brighter than the last nine years, so hats off! Good luck next year.

A horse with no name

2008-05-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

Here it is, Kentucky Derby Day, and here I am with no gigantic hat.

I was watching some of the pre-race coverage this afternoon on ESPN (seriously, there's like six hours of pre-race for a two-minute event... brilliant). As always, I took great pleasure in the ridiculous names that people give to race horses. This year's field is actually rather tame compared to some of the horse names I've seen in the past, but there are still a few winners.

For example, there's "Cool Coal Man". I'm not sure, but it's not a great idea to feed coal to a horse.

"Tale of Etaki"... sure, but make sure that you do a good job brushing the tail of "Tale of Etaki".

There's "Court Vision" in post position #4. Maybe that's what the Hawks need in Game 7 tomorrow against the Celtics: a horse. "Rajon Rondo's got such great court vision, he sees Kevin Garnett streaking to the bucket and... OH NO!!! He just slipped in a big pile of 'Court Vision's' Etaki and tore his ACL!!!"

And there are plenty of others. There's a "Z Fortune" and "Z Humor"... seriously, two "Z's" in one race. They're owned by two separate men.

And, of course, there's "Recapturetheglory", who got his very own profile this morning on ESPN. It seems his owners are trying to recapture the glory of "Risen Star" who won the Preakness and Belmont Stakes in 1988, and also the glory of New Orleans, their home town. Apparently, they're also trying to "Recapture the glory" of "run-on sentences".

It all got me thinking... if only the super-rich out there had fantasy football teams, we could spare these majestic animals the indignity of these strange names. Seriously. Think of any fantasy football league you've ever been a part of. Most of the teams had names worthy of a champion horse. Sure, some guys just went with some catchy name based off of their name or their city (Dalton Disaster, Ryan's Renegades, etc.) But, there are plenty of other team names based off of inside jokes, random turns of phrase, and much more.

Now, most of the fantasy team names I've been exposed to have actually been pretty vulgar, so they might not be suitable for a nice, family website like this one. So, I did some Googling, and found a website with a random team name generator for fantasy football. One mode basically goes with football-themed wacky names, but Generator #2 goes a little more "out there". Some of my favorites: "Tequila Party Gnomes", "Shakespearean Beer Helmet", "Cantankerous Sea Hags"... and... "BUCKET OF TRUTH"!!

That is a great racing horse name.

"AND, DOWN THE STRETCH THEY COME... it's Cantankerous Sea Hag moving to the outside, he's making a run for it, but Drunk Muppet is holding him off. Nobody's going to catch Bucket of Truth! To the post... and Bucket of Truth is the first Triple Crown winner in more than 20 years!!!!"

BUCKET OF TRUTH, BY A NOSE!k9gifts.com

Seriously, check out Junkyard Jake's for the fantasy name generator. It's literally minutes of fun.

JunkyardJake's.com: Fantasy Team Name Generator #2

Tim Hudson, you "complete" me.

2008-05-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

One sure way to avoid losing a game in your bullpen is to never hand that game to the bullpen. Tim Hudson proved it last night, hurling a complete-game shutout at the Cincinatti Reds. Atlanta won 2-0 behind a two-run Brian McCann homer, and voila!! Goodbye, four-game losing streak.

It's Hudson's 11th career shutout, and the first complete-game shutout for Atlanta this season. But, it's also a milestone in Atlanta's baseball history. It's the start of Tim Hudson's time as the undisputed ace of the Braves' pitching staff.

Since Hudson came to the Braves in 2005, he's been sort of a "co-ace" with John Smoltz, the Braves' veteran of each of the Braves' 14 consecutive playoff runs that ended after the '05 season. But, Smoltz is once again sidelined with injury, and now he says that when he returns, it will be to the bullpen and not the starting rotation. So, last night Hudson stepped up and took over as "the guy" at the front of Atlanta's rotation.

Of course, even that was in doubt before he took the mound last night. In his previous three starts, he twice failed to escape the 4th inning, going 1-2 in the span while allowing nine runs on 21 hits. His velocity suffered during those outings, but he was right back in his old form last night. Hudson allowed just three hits with no walks, striking out 10 Reds batters. With one sparkling outing, Hudson wiped out those memories and gave fans reason to believe they can expect more where that came from.

HE'S #1AtlantaBraves.com/AP Photo (John Amis)

And, it couldn't have come at a better time for the Braves. With Hudson asserting himself, they've still got a solid #1 starter. Tom Glavine and rookie Jair Jurrjens are both reliable options, and they'll take their next turn Sunday and Monday respectively. Smoltz's turn comes up tonight, and will be filled with (gulp) Jo-Jo Reyes. For now, the fifth starter's role will probably be filled with reliever Jeff Bennett, but Chuck James is also available in AAA Richmond.

As for Reyes, the Braves are crossing their fingers that he's got something special in store for his return to the big leagues tonight. Last year, he was forced into the Atlanta rotation by injuries. He pitching in 11 games, starting 10, with a 2-2 record and an ERA over 6. But, after returning to Class AAA Richmond he's apparently made some adjustments and he's sporting a 0.43 ERA. We'll see tonight if Atlanta can count on him.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Hampton not facing surgery/Smoltz Addresses Future
AtlantaBraves.com: Braves' bullpen to slowly take shape
AtlantaBraves.com: Reyes rocking in Richmond

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hawk

2008-05-01T16:20:00.001-07:00

The more familiar version of the Atlanta Hawks returned last night in Boston. Gone was the heroic bunch who shocked the NBA with a pair of home wins in Games 3 and 4 to tie the Celtics. In their place, a young team that couldn't handle the pressure of playing one of the league's best teams in front of a hostile crowd. The more familiar version of the Celtics also returned last night, as the mean green bludgeoned the upstarts from Atlanta again, 110-85. With the win, Boston took a 3-2 lead in the first-round playoff series.

Atlanta must win tomorrow night at home to extend the series to a 7th and deciding game, but unfortunately, that game would be played in Boston. While the Atlanta youngsters played out of their minds at Phillips Arena, they've simply been a different team on the road. They don't play the same kind of tenacious defense, and they can't get their own attack going. Mike Bibby's been awful on the road in this series, which hasn't helped matters.

So, Atlanta will try to go for the win tomorrow night to force a Game 7. Perhaps they've got one more upset left in them, but as far as the series itself goes, last night probably tells the tale. And that tale is, wait til next year.

John Smoltz ponders the future

2008-04-30T11:18:00.001-07:00

John Smoltz is back on the disabled list for the second time this season. He's been there many times over the course of his career, but let no one accuse him of being soft or unwilling to play through pain. In fact, it's really quite the opposite. Smoltz has played through so much pain, that when he takes a seat, you have to figure that it's simply impossible to play.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution beat writer Dave O'Brien has a great blog post about Smoltz today, outlining the medical stuff behind Smoltz's latest trip to the DL, and also a possible change in his role once he comes back. Smoltz is apparently open to the idea of going back into the role of bullpen closer:

“Yes,” he said when I asked him about the possibility. “Right now I’m sitting at ground zero, taking it day by day, looking at every option to help this team get to the playoffs and end my career the way I’d like to end it.”

It's a bit of a long read, but if you've got a couple of minutes, check it out. I, for one, think it's not a bad idea. After all, Atlanta doesn't have a great deal of stability in the bullpen. Blaine Bowyer and Royce Ring both had a shaky night last night, turning a 2-2 tie into a 6-3 loss to the Nationals. Jorge Campillo, who used to be my boy, was also less than stellar. Rafael Soriano, who entered the season as the closer, is still on the disabled list. Mike Gonzalez is ahead of schedule for his return from the DL, but apparently can't be expected back before the middle of May. Peter Moylan, who took over as closer from Soriano, is on the DL as well, and could be for the rest of the year.

BACK TO THE BULLPEN?Flickr.com

So, if John Smoltz can at least get to the point where he can pitch through the pain again, you have to figure he'd once again be a dominant closer. Even WITH the troubles with his shoulder and neck, he's 3-2 with a 2.00 ERA. He still has one of the big leagues' best sinkers, and he's still got enough heat on the fastball. If you get Gonzalez back at full strength, either he or Soriano can fill set-up roles. If Moylan comes back, he's another bonus. Most nights, you're going to be OK with that lineup in the bullpen.

But, where does that leave Atlanta's starting rotation? Tim Hudson and Jair Jurrjens still appear to be solid. Tom Glavine pitched well enough last night in his return from the disabled list. Still, at 42, he's a bit of a question mark as the season wears on. Jeff Bennett's performed well as a spot-starter, and you can always bring Chuck James back into the fold. Still, Hudson-Jurrjens-Glavine-Bennett-James wasn't the rotation I was excited about back in the winter.

What about Mike Hampton, you ask? Well, he only lasted four innings in a minor-league rehab start today. He left with more discomfort in his injured pectoral muscle. At this point with Hampton, you can't even make fun of him anymore. I just feel genuinely bad for the guy. If he gets back to the big leagues, he'll be a welcome sight. But the Braves can't count on it at this point.

Get well soon, Smoltzy.

Dave O'Brien (AJC): Why Smoltz could be headed to bullpen
AtlantaBraves.com: Hampton's injury woes continue

Amid "Hawks Fever", Braves Get Back to Work

2008-04-29T12:53:00.000-07:00

All of a sudden, the Braves aren't Atlanta's only hope to win a championship this season. OK, OK, I'm being a little silly about this whole Hawks fever thing. But, between Atlanta finally getting an actual NBA franchise AND the Falcons staking their future on top draft pick Matt Ryan, the Braves have been a bit of an afterthought the last few days.

Of course, it didn't help that the Mets ate their lunch over the weekend, taking two out of the three games at Shea Stadium.

After taking Monday night off to lick their wounds, they're back in action tonight, starting yet another two-game series against the Washington Nationals. Seriously, what is the deal with all of these two-game trips this year? I don't know if Major League Baseball's paying much attention, but we've got a bit of a fuel crisis in this country. It seems to me that it might be a good idea to let teams stay in one place for a few days instead of gasing up the charter to jet around the country. One game in Washington to open the series. Then Pittsburgh's in for two games. Last week, it's two against Florida, then two against Washington. Now it's away to Washington for two, then a day off, and then back home again. Let's cut down on the flying, MLB... besides, it takes about one and a half games to build up a healthy dislike for the other team. That always makes the third game more interesting!

But, back to the game! Tom Glavine's making his return from the disabled list tonight, on the same mound where he tweaked his hamstring two weeks ago. We'll cross our fingers that everything's OK, because the Braves are starting to look like an episode of M*A*S*H. Mike Hampton's even wearing a dress in hopes of getting a Section 8 and missing even MORE playing time. Just kidding, just kidding, Hampton fans. If there are any of you left...

But, seriously, the Braves may be in a bit of a jam. While Glavine was sidelined, John Smoltz has also been having difficulty. He went back onto the disabled list this afternoon with more shoulder/arm trouble. He left Sunday's game in New York after just four innings. Mike Hampton is... well, to be fair, he's trying. And, the team says Rafael Soriano had some trouble with his elbow while testing it out in a side session. Jeff Bennett can only pitch so many innings...

Just to make sure the trainers aren't loafing, Chipper Jones and Yunel Escobar both missed time over the weekend. Chipper had back spasms and Escobar was hit by a pitch while trying to bunt. Both are expected back tonight.

So, cross your fingers. And, if you happen to be in the D.C. area tonight for the game, don't loiter by the stadium's ambulance entrance, just in case.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Braves place Smoltz on disabled list
AtlantaBraves.com: Chipper, Escobar look to return
AtlantaBraves.com: Soriano feels some "discomfort" in 'pen session
AtlantaBraves.com: Hampton joins Braves at Shea Stadium

All Tied Up In Beantown

2008-04-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

Alright, false alarm. The Atlanta Hawks beat Boston last night 97-92, locking up their first round playoff series at 2-all. Contrary to my fears, the Hawks win did not bring about the end of the world. No promises, though, if they do the unthinkable and win the series.

Atlanta's been better at home all season, but they've never had this kind of home-court advantage at Phillips Arena. The Hawks only managed 12 wins on the road this season, but boasted were 25-16 in Atlanta. That home record could have been more impressive if the fans in Atlanta showed up with even a fraction of the numbers and the intensity they showed in Games 3 and 4. Phillips Arena was packed, and the vast majority of seats were filled with fans root, root, rooting for the home team (unlike a Braves playoff against the Cubs, for example).

The Hawks came into the 4th quarter last night trailing by 10 points (75-65) after leading for much of the 3rd. Instead of rolling over, they simply doused Joe Johnson in kerosene and lit him on fire (not literally, the floor's made out of wood). Johnson scored 20 of his 35 points in the 4th quarter. Josh Smith was the only other Hawk to score in the final period, totalling 28 points and setting an Atlanta playoff record with 7 blocked shots.

But, back to Joe Johnson. You might remember that former Hawks part-owner Steve Belkin tried to block the trade that brought Johnson to Atlanta. The conflict in the owners' suite made the Hawks even more of a laughing stock in the NBA. And, given the success Johnson's had as a star and a leader for the Hawks since coming to Atlanta, I'd say that Belkin might be better off leaving the basketball decisions to other people.

JOE JOHNSON: WORTH TRADING BORIS DIAW AND TWO FIRST ROUND PICKSAP Photo/John Bazemore

Now the series heads back to Boston for Wednesday night's Game 5. Atlanta still hasn't shown that they can play with the same kind of intensity and focus away from home. But, now they've got confidence on their side, and they've figured out a way to beat Boston's defense. I still wouldn't bet on Atlanta to win in Boston's TD Banknorth Garden, but I wouldn't be shocked, either.

Besides, it's possible that Boston's Kevin Garnett might not be around for the game. Garnett and Atlanta's Zaza Pachulia were involved in this close encounter during Game 4. Garnett appeared to elbow Pachulia, and then had to be restrained by a referee after Pachulia got in his face. Boston's Kendrick Perkins and Atlanta's Marvin Williams also may be in trouble, as both stepped onto the court from the bench area, which is a no-no.

FIGHT!!! FIGHT!!!YouTube/TNT

Still, as much as I'm sure Atlanta would like to have Zaza on the court, and Marvin available to hand out water, I think that they'd be willing to trade them in order to keep KG and Perkins in their street clothes. If Garnett and Perkins aren't there, maybe... just maybe... Atlanta will be coming back home Friday night with a series lead and a chance to do the unthinkable.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: J&J Show Down the Stretch
Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Pachulia gets in Garnett's face
YouTube: Kevin Garnett vs. Zaza Pachulia fight Game 4 Altercation
USA Today: The Joe Johnson Trade Story

Harbinger of Doom, or: The Hawks Can Tie the Series Tonight

2008-04-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

Not to get all Nostradamus on you or anything, but it might be a good idea to stay indoors tonight. Head for the basement if you've got one. Watch for falling meteors, and make sure your affairs are in order.

Tonight, the Atlanta Hawks can tie their first-round playoff series with the Boston Celtics at two wins apiece.

I didn't get a chance to post anything after the Hawks won Game 3 Saturday 102-93. It was the end of a long day in the sun, but I managed to tune in around halftime, and watched the entire second half of the game. As I've mentioned before, I don't really consider myself a Hawks fan, exactly. I can't lay claim to them because like most people in Georgia, I more or less ignored them through the lean years, unless I was covering them. Still, they're the closest thing I've got to an NBA team, and I would really love to see them do well. And, man... did the Hawks ever do well on Saturday night.

FLYING HIGHAP Photo/Stanley Learey

Josh Smith led the Hawks with 27 points and 9 boards. Joe Johnson had 23. Kevin Garnett had 32 points for the Celtics, but the rest of the Boston offense was more or less held in check. For much of the game, Atlanta actually looked like the better team on Saturday night. And, for the first time in memory, Atlanta had an actual home-court advantage. Atlanta fans filled Phillips Arena, and they were LOUD.

I still think that Boston will prevail in the series. But, I've actually got some hope that Atlanta can win again tonight and take the series back to Boston Garden tied 2-2. They're expecting another capacity crowd at Phillips tonight, and one would hope that Atlanta fans will once again make it tough for Boston. It's a quick turnaround for both teams, and Atlanta's starters played a lot of minutes on Saturday. Still, with the exception of Mike Bibby, Atlanta's a young team. Hopefully the young Hawks will have enough power left to shock the world again tonight.

If they do, let's hope that having a good Hawks team doesn't mean the world will end. After all, they said the same thing about the Braves back in 1991, and so far things are still rolling along nicely. But, if the CUBS keep winning, I'm going to get nervous...

Why watch NASCAR? For the commercials!!

2008-04-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

I'm not a NASCAR fan. But, I have covered a few races and the experience changed my view of the sport. Now, if a race is on I usually surf in for at least a few laps. When I started to watch more races on TV, I discovered something that's more or less unknown to anyone who doesn't watch:

NASCAR telecasts have the best commercials on television.

Of course, the Super Bowl is the biggest event of the advertising year. Everyone always makes it a point to re-load their chips and dip on 3rd down just to avoid missing any commercials. But, if you ask me, ever since all the dot-coms stopped airing the weird ads the Super Bowl spots have been a disappointment. You can always count on Bud Light to put together something funny, but other than that, it's hit-or-miss.

Want the funny? Check out a NASCAR race sometime.

COKE ZERO:

Unlike other major league competitors, NASCAR drivers depend a great deal on sponsorship for not only their income, but for the money to operate their teams. So, they're natural pitch-men. They wear the logos on their chests, and their identity becomes synonomous with the brand names.

TAKING A DIVE

Since the different sponsors have the drivers on the hook for money, they have no trouble getting them to appear in spots. So, there are a LOT of NASCAR-specific ads that only run during races. And, since most of the drivers seem to have a sense of humor about themselves, most of them are pretty funny.

SEVERAL NASCAR ADS

It would be great if advertisers would pick this up and start putting together more sport-specific ads to run during baseball, football, or basketball. Because they know the NASCAR audience is knowledgeable about the sport, they can throw in some pretty funny jokes that other viewers might not quite understand.

GIVE ME TWO RIGHT TIRES AND GO, GO, GO!!!

And, I love the fact that they're even willing to make fun of their knack for product placement.

CHUG POINTS

So, if you're bored on a Sunday afternoon, a NASCAR race isn't a bad way to spend a little TV time. Even if you're not a race fan, you can always just do what your buddy's wife does during the Super Bowl: Wait for the commercials.

YouTube: NASCAR Commercials

Poor ol' DJ Shockley

2008-04-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

As I type this, the NFL is about half an hour into their yearly ritual of minting new young millionaires. Already, the Atlanta Falcons have bumped up Boston College's average graduate starting salary by taking Eagle quarterback Matt Ryan with the third overall pick.

Ryan comes to Atlanta already equipped with a lame nickname (called "Matty Ice" for his coolness in the pocket, not his love for cheap beer... we hope). He's also got a strong arm, and he'll soon have a massive contract that will demand that he find his way into the Falcon starting lineup sooner rather than later.

I am not a football coach, and I'm certainly not a draft scout. So, it's probably best to disregard the fact that I wasn't blown away by Ryan the three or four times I was able to watch him play on TV. I have a feeling that Boston College's improbable last-minute comeback against Virginia Tech this season probably made him a bunch of money, catapulting him into the spotlight and up the draft boards. Click play below if you want to check it out... he's got some great skill on the run, but I suspect the game-winning touchdown probably has more to do with the fact that Virginia Tech's defense made an inexcusable mistake to let a receiver get open in the end zone.

"MATTY ICE"... TOO COLD

Anyway, I hope Matt Ryan does well and enjoys Atlanta. But, I'm a little disappointed in the pick because it almost certainly means that D.J. Shockley's chances at becoming the Falcons' quarterback are getting even more slim.

ODD MAN OUT?DJ Shockley.com

Shockley waited four years to get his chance to be the starting quarterback at UGA, taking advantage of his chance as a fifth-year senior by leading the Bulldogs to an 11-3 record and the SEC Championship. The Falcons drafted Shockley in the 6th round in 2006. He made the team as the third quarterback, backing up Michael Vick and Matt Schaub. When the Falcons dealt Schaub to the Texans after the '06 season, Shockley had a shot to move into the primary backup role. Instead, the Falcons' new coaching staff opted for newly signed Joey Harrington. When Vick's legal troubles came to light, Harrington became the starter, but Shockley stayed put at #3 on the depth chart because new coach Bobby Petrino preferred one of his old quarterbacks from the University of Louisville, Chris Redman. When neither Harrington nor Redman nore Byron Leftwich could hold on to the starting job, Shockley could have taken over... but he tore his ACL in the preseason.

Shockley should be ready to compete again once the summer training camp rolls around. But, the Falcons once again have a brand-new coaching staff. So far, Shockley hasn't had a chance to impress since he was sidelined during the team's mini-camp. Joey Harrington and Chris Redman are once again back, and now Matt Ryan is on the team. He'll certainly be getting a roster spot. Both Harrington and Redman have a shot to start. Shockley might be the odd man out.

Professionally, I had the chance to get to know Shockley a little while covering him at UGA. Unprofessionally, I'm a fan as a Georgia graduate. So, it would make me happy to see him have a chance to succeed with his hometown team. Hopefully, if he does end up as the odd man out with the Falcons, he'll have a chance to catch on with another NFL team and finally get back out onto the field.

DJ's official website: DJ Shockley.com
YouTube: Matt Ryan leads BC on their final drive to beat the Hokies

Greatest Little League Game Ever

2008-04-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

This is REALLY cool. I actually found this video while surfing around a couple of Michigan Wolverine blogs. I was looking for reactions about former Wolverine lineman Justin Boren transferring to arch-rival Ohio State. (Hint: They're not in favor of it)

I mean, seriously, who does that? If you're not happy with your new coaching staff, just leave!! Find a school outside the conference and live out the rest of your days silently rooting for your old teammates and hating the coach. Don't go to your fiercest rival. You're not just spitting on the new coaches, but you're also spitting on your old teammates, friends, and all the people who have supported you. Justin, here's a tip: don't take off your helmet when you play Michigan in 2009. I've got a feeling that some fan with a Coke in the stands might use the cup and your noggin for target practice.

Anyhoo, while peeking into the heart of man's inhumanity to his fellow man on the Michigan sites, I stumbled across this video at a blog called MichiganZone. It was done by a group called Improv Everywhere. Their website says that they cause "scenes of chaos and joy in public places." Now, that could mean anything, but fortunately for this bunch of Little Leaguers, it turned out to be pretty special.

THE NEXT GAME'S GOING TO SEEM PRETTY BORING...

Back in the summer of 2006, I had the priviledge of covering the Little League World Series for two weeks. The boys from Northern Little League here in Columbus became just the second team from the state of Georgia to reach Williamsport, and they won it all. I still consider those two weeks to be among the most special experiences I've ever had. If you ever have the chance to see Williamsport, Pennsylvania around the time the LLWS is being held, go. Trust me. If you love baseball, you won't be disappointed.

Anyway, this video reminded me of that. Improv Everywhere definitely gave these kids the coolest regular-season Little League game ever played. And, it's probably the next-best thing to Williamsport. It's really cool that they did this for the kids.

People with enough goodness in their hearts to do this for kids would NEVER ditch their school for Ohio State!

ImprovEverywhere: Best Game Ever
MichiganZone.blogspot.com: Boren Bolts for Buckeyes
ESPN.com: Lineman who left Michigan to play for Ohio State in 2009

Colorado Freshman Runs Wild

2008-04-23T14:05:00.001-07:00

OK, so it's a misleading headline. So what?

Apparently, the University of Colorado is breaking in a new buffalo mascot. Her name's Ralphie V, and being that she's a new mascot, I'd call this her freshman season. She had her first experience in front of the fans at CU's spring game. Things did not go according to plan.

CLICK PLAY... THEN WATCH OUT!

Don't worry. According to the Associated Press, everyone's OK.

I first read the story at GeorgiaSports.blogspot.com. In fact, they're apparently Ralphie fans, because they've got an entire archive of buffalo-related articles.

Cover your eyes, this could get ugly... or, Atlanta Hawks Playoffs, Game 2!

2008-04-23T13:44:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned a couple of days ago, the Atlanta Hawks are finally back in the NBA Playoffs after a nine-year wait. Don't blink, though, or you may miss it. After all, the Boston Celtics weren't impressed with Atlanta on Sunday night, blowing the Hawks out 104-81. Game 2 is tonight at 8 o'clock. Hopefully, it will still be a game by the time 8:30 rolls around.

IT LOOKED EASIER IN THE PHOTO STUDIO...Acie-Law.info

How can the Hawks keep things closer in Game 2? Here are some helpful suggestions:
* KEEP HANDFULLS OF SAND IN YOUR POCKETS - At critical moments in the game, just grab a handfull and throw it in Kevin Garnett's eyes. It always worked in 1950's surf movies.
* PAY OFF AN OFFICIAL - That whole Tim Donaghy scandal last year showed it's possible. Instead of making the rookies pick up the tab at dinner, make them pick up the tab for the ref. (yes, Commissioner Stern, we know that all of the NBA's refs are now clean, it's a joke)
* GO AHEAD AND LOSE, THEN GIVE CELTICS BAD DIRECTIONS FOR GAME 3 - Everyone knows it can be hard to get around Atlanta, especially around rush hour. If the Celtics never find Phillips Arena, they can't exactly show up to blow you out in Games 3 and 4. This thing could go 7, baby.
* HMMM... JUST MAKE SURE YOUR MOM ISN'T WATCHING - This could get ugly. But, I'll be watching just the same.

"Mr. 3,000" has an alternate ending

2008-04-23T13:19:00.000-07:00

Veteran Atlanta starter and future hall of famer John Smoltz recorded his 3,000th strikeout last night at Turner Field. But, unlike the movie "Mr. 3,000" which had a happy ending, the Braves decided to go the film noir route and lose the game. In fact, they were so busy patting Smoltz on the back, they forgot to score any runs at all. In the end, the Washington Nationals spoiled the night with a late rally and 6-0 victory.

MR. 3,000AP Photo/atlantabraves.com

Smoltz was brilliant on Monday night, allowing just one run while scattering five hits in seven innings of work. He struck out ten Washington Nationals, including Felipe Lopez in the third inning for #3,000. His infield teammates came to the mound to shake his hand while the home crowd gave him a standing ovation. Smoltz waved to the fans before returning to work to get the third out of the inning.

Unfortunately, the game was put out of reach in the top of the ninth when Jorge Campillo finally allowed a run. He was perfect through his first three appearances (seven innings). But, after allowing two runners to reach base, he fielded a comebacker to the mound that could have started an inning-ending double play. Instead, he bounced his throw to second base into the outfield. Before last night, Campillo was our favorite Atlanta reliever. That was your mulligan, Campillo, let's shape up out there. What followed was a five-run rally that gave the Nats their 6-0 prize.

Smoltz, however, did get to keep the strikeout ball. So, really, everyone wins.

In other news, the Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that Tom Glavine is expected to make his return from the disabled list on Tuesday, and that oft-injured starter Mike Hampton is expected to make a minor league rehab appearance soon. So, things may be looking up. First-place Florida comes to town tonight!

AtlantaBraves.com: John Smoltz 3,000 Strikeout Club
Atlanta Journal Constitution: Hampton, Glavine say they're ready to return

David Pollack hangs them up

2008-04-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

Former University of Georgia All-American David Pollack is retiring from the NFL rather than risk any further injury after breaking his neck in a game two years ago. It's the end of a career for a player who was brilliant and inspirational both on and off the field.

DAVID POLLACK: A BULLDOG LEGENDPhoto Credit: Dale Zanine

Pollack and Herschel Walker share the distinction of being Georgia's only three-time consensus All-Americans, which illustrates the kind of impact Pollack had with the Bulldogs. He burst onto the scene as a true freshman, and then became a Bulldog legend as a sophomore in 2002, intercepting a pass in the end zone against South Carolina to give the Dawgs a hard-fought win in their second game of the season. You really have to see it to believe it:

THE MOST AMAZING FOOTBALL PLAY I'VE EVER SEEN

I'll never forget that moment when Pollack stripped the ball for that interception. I was watching the game with my friend Jamie Jones, a fellow UGA alum. It was a gut-wrenching game, the kind that was going to come down to the last second. For a second, nobody knew what had happened. When CBS finally showed a replay, it was hard to decide if it was the result of a stupid fluke, or the birth of a superstar. In truth, once I took off my red-and-black tinted glasses it was probably a mixture of both. Either way, the Bulldogs locked up a last-second win when South Carolina fumbled away a chance at a game-winning score. AFterwards, CBS reporter Jill Arrington unwittingly sealed the day by making Pollack a household name in the Bulldog nation. She asked head coach Mark Richt afterwards about the play of "Po-lock"... Richt said, "Well, it's David Pollack, and I think people are going to learn what kind of player he is. He's got the heart of a lion."

Pollack followed that moment up with dozens of other memorable plays. The Georgia coaches actually held him out of many inter-squad scrimmages because he was too disruptive to the offense. He was constantly in the backfield. He gained national acclaim after the South Carolina win for having a "high motor", meaning that he was always going full-tilt on every play. Pollack earned All-America honors that season as the Bulldogs won the SEC Title, and he followed up with All-America selections in his junior and senior seasons. During his senior year, he won the Chuck Bednarik Award (nation's top defensive player), the Lombardi Award (top collegiate lineman), the Lott Trophy (best defensive player), and the Ted Hendricks Award (top collegiate defensive end).

Pollack's friendship with Bulldog quarterback David Greene also became the stuff of legend. They were best friends throughout childhood, even playing on the same pee-wee football team (although Pollack was a running back). They were even the subject of a book, The Beloved Dawgs. Fun fact: though you won't be able to see it in the image below, I'm actually on the cover of the book. The photo was taken just after the duo's last home game in Athens. I covered the game for WNEG, and I was walking off the field at the same time as my colleague Noah Pransky. If you look between the players, Noah's wearing a Boston Red Sox hat, and I've got a red hat on backwards (it was raining). We're barely visible, but we're there.

"THE BELOVED DAWGS"

Pollack and Greene became the symbols of one of the most magical periods of UGA's football history. And, while he wasn't always the easiest interview on the team (Pollack sometimes seemed to delight in pointing out a stupid question) he shined off the field as well, giving back to the community through charity work and personal appearances.

DAVID GREENE AND DAVID POLLACKUSA Today

Pollack was the 17th draft pick in 2005, taken by the Cincinatti Bengals with their first pick. He played in 14 games that season, adjusting to the linebacker position in the pros. But, in the second game of his second NFL season he suffered a broken neck while trying to tackle Cleveland's Reuben Droughns. Pollack missed the '06 and '07 seasons while recovering. He was cleared by the team's medical staff to play again this season, but according to Bengal coach Marvin Lewis, he didn't feel comfortable playing again with the injury.

It's disappointing on a personal level to see Pollack's career come to an end. He's on the short list of my favorite athletes, and he's one of the top five players I've been able to watch in person. But, I'm happy to see him step aside rather than risk paralysis or even death just to continue playing. Pollack's got some business interests with David Greene, and he also is considering a career in broadcasting. Heck, maybe he'll coach. Whatever he does in the future, I'll always appreciate and remember the four years I got to watch him Between the Hedges.

CincinattiBengals.com: Pollack to Retire
Amazon.com: The Beloved Dawgs
Wikipedia: David Pollack
Greene and Pollack's Company: GPN Investments, LLC

See? Draft coverage is just silly

2008-04-22T12:04:00.000-07:00

I typed out all my NFL Draft frustrations yesterday, so I won't cover too much old ground this time around. But, just to update the wackiness that is the NFL Draft: the Miami Dolphins have come to a contract agreement with Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long. In fact, in the ultimate display of anticlimax, he's already been introduced to the Miami media as the draft's first pick, despite the fact that he won't be officially "picked" until Saturday.

That means that the little "Freudian slip" by Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland was either just a slip, or a bona fide smokescreen to throw everyone off. Either way, it all feels like a waste of time and energy to me. But, Draft on, my friends. What are the St. Louis Rams going to do with pick #2?!! Let the hand-wringing commence!!!

ESPN.com: Dolphins sign Long, will select OT No.1 overall
NFL Network: Jake Long's a Dolphin

Can we please get the NFL Draft over with?!

2008-04-21T12:09:00.001-07:00

The NFL will (finally!) hold the annual amateur player draft this weekend, putting to rest (literally) months of pre-draft speculation and analysis.

I'm a huge fan of football. While I prefer the college game, I also love watching the pros on Sundays. In fact, after the phenomenal Super Bowl finish between the Giants and Patriots, I gobbled up all the football I could handle in the weeks that followed. Most of that coverage already focused on the draft.

See, the NFL is the hottest sports property around these days. That's why ESPN still runs "NFL Primetime" during the offseason, eight months before the next game will kick off. The NFL is so huge right now that fans will watch anything to do with the league, year-round.

That said, I think we're officially overboard on the coverage of the NFL Draft.

Example: Last week, the Miami Dolphins had a little slip-up. They've got the first pick, so obviously everybody else's strategy depends on what they do. And, they're holding their cards closer to their chest than a gambler who's $5,000 in the red. But, rumors are swirling that they may take offensive tackle Jake Long with the top pick. But, wait!

In a press conference last week, Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland said, "This is the first pick in the draft. This guy is going to be -- you hope that he's a pillar of your defense for a long time."

Ooops!! You just told us that you want to take a defender, not an offensive player!!The room erupted in laughter, and Ireland sheepishly asked what he'd said. Reporters pointed out that he said "defense", and then he corrected himself by saying that he meant "team". Then, he poked a little fun at himself and said that it was a "Freudian slip." Minor thing, right?

Wrong.

The clip has been played and re-played ad nauseum both on TV and radio. People are studying it like the Zapruder film.

BUT IS HE CROSSING HIS FINGERS? PLAY IT AGAIN!!! YouTube

There's even speculation spilling into THIS week that the whole thing wasn't a slip-up at all!! Maybe the Dolphins put that out there ON PURPOSE, to throw the rest of the league off their scent!! Perhaps they really DO want Jake Long and they're just hinting they want to go defense to get him to take a cheaper contract. MAYBE they want other teams to offer them a sweet trade deal to move up and make the first pick themselves.

Maybe we should pay a little attention to baseball, or the other two major pro sports leagues that are actually in the playoffs right now.

I guess it's appropriate to focus on the draft now that it's less than a week away. But, this has been going on since the clock hit triple zeroes at the Super Bowl. The thing about the NFL Draft is that usually, nothing you hear is accurate. Teams put out misinformation in the press all the time, just to throw off the other teams. Would we really tune into the 6:00 news if Brian Williams led off every newscast saying "now, none of what I'm about to tell you is probably actually happening"? That would be pretty rich, right?

So, while I'm looking forward to catching the draft's first round on Saturday, I'm also looking forward to it being OVER with on Sunday night. After all, I'm ready for some endless speculation about ankle injuries heading into summer training camps.

ESPN.com: Ireland's slip may indicate Dolphins are looking to draft defense
YouTube: Miami GM hints Defense with the #1 pick

Back to the ol' drawing board for the Hawks

2008-04-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

Well, it's a good thing that I didn't jump onto the Atlanta Hawks' bandwagon, as it was run off the road once it hit Boston. And apparently, it doesn't have seatbelts. Or wheels. Or a wagon.

NBA regular-season champion Boston beat up the Hawks last night 104-81 last night, and it wasn't as close as it sounds. It was entertaining enough to watch last night in the first half, as the Hawks managed late-quarter runs to cut Boston's lead to 8 and 9 points after the first and second quarters, respectively. Heck, it even started to feel like an NCAA Tournament game, with the upset even seeming like a possibility. After all, the 76ers knocked off Detroit in the lead-in game on TNT, so anything's possible, right?

Wrong.

General Sherman had a tougher time getting through Atlanta than the Celtics did, and he had muskets! And also torches.

WHAT DID WE GET OURSELVES INTO, FELLAS?AP Photo

Of course, the Hawks played well enough in spurts, and they might even have a chance to pull out a win in the series (but don't bet on it). I'll cross my fingers and hope they can make it a little closer in Games 3 and 4 once the series shifts back to Atlanta. Then, I'll see if I can start watching things from the start of next season, since this team might finally be headed in the right direction.

And, I apologize for jinxing you, members of the 2008-09 Atlanta Hawks.

Atlanta Hawks Playoff Basketball, or: Another Sign of the Apocalypse

2008-04-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

Sunday came to Georgia in spectacular fashion today, with clear blue skies, bright yellow sun, and cool green grass for all to enjoy.

There were no plagues of locusts, no fire storms, not even any earth-shaking tremors. You'd never know that tonight, the Atlanta Hawks will be playing in their first playoff game since 1999.

AND BOSTON HAD BETTER HOPE THEY ONLY USE ONE BASKETBALL...Atlanta Hawks

I won't attempt to jump on the bandwagon, I'll just jog along behind it while the Hawks open Game One tonight. I've only been to one Hawks game in my life, and I've only watched them twice on TV this season. The Hawks kinda beat the NBA right out of most of my friends and I. Or, to be more accurate, they lost the NBA right out of us.

I don't have to cheer for a winner, necessarily. But the Hawks had the misfortune of being brutally awful for an extended period of time when the rest of Atlanta's sports teams were soaring. The Braves went to 14 straight postseasons, the Falcons went on a run of success (in comparison to the usual state of things for the Falcons) when Michael Vick arrived, and the Thrashers were usually entertaining despite only making their first playoff appearance last year.

Still, I've been paying attention to what the Hawks have been putting together for the last few seasons. Over the last three years, they've brought in Josh Childress, Josh Smith, and Joe Johnson. They've also whiffed on a couple of draft choices, like passing on Chris Paul. But, Atlanta finally showed they're hungry this season by making a late season trade to bring in Mike Bibby. The Hawks are a young team, and they've got a chance to get better. Making the playoffs, despite having a losing record, is a great place to start.

Sadly, the Hawks probably don't have much of a chance in the playoffs. They're taking on the Boston Celtics in the first round, a team with the NBA's best record in the regular season. Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, et al will most likely sweep Atlanta right back to their usual summer vacation plans.

But, I'll be watching tonight just the same.

Four in a Row... and Uh-oh....

2008-04-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

There's really nothing better than Sunday afternoon baseball on a beautiful day.

The Braves took advantage of the clear skies and sunshine on Sunday, battering the Los Angeles Dodgers for a 6-1 win and a series sweep. The game was a one-run affair until Atlanta plated five runs in the home half of the eighth, an inning highlighted by Mark Teixeira's two-run home run. Teixeira also had an RBI single in the first inning.

Kelly Johnson also starred for Atlanta, hitting the go-ahead home run in the 5th, and scoring the game's first run.

All the offense was more than enough to make a winner of 22-year old starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens, who evened his record at 2-2 by allowing just one run in seven innings of work. The run scored on Russell Martin's homer in the fourth inning, the only damage Jurrjens allowed while scattering three hits.

ROOKIE SENSATIONAP/AtlantaBraves.com

The "uh-oh" came in when Chipper Jones, he of the .458 batting average, had to leave the game after aggravating his strained quadriceps muscle. On SportSouth's "Braves Live" postgame show, manager Bobby Cox said Chipper might have to sit out tomorrow's game against Washington, but that the injury isn't serious. Atlanta fans certainly hope not. Before leaving the game, Chipper was 2-3, giving him 18 hits in his last 30 at-bats. That's a .600 batting average, folks.

So, four wins in a row for Atlanta, and they're back to the .500 mark for the season at 9-9. Here come the Nationals for two and then the Marlins for two more before the Braves hit the road again.

Chipper Jones has no supernatural powers. He's just better than everyone else.

2008-04-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

A .455 batting average, 6 home runs (including 4 in the last 2 games), 18 RBI in just 16 games, and a .486 on-base percentage. And, just to show us that he still retains human characteristics, a .971 fielding percentage at third base, where he has commited one error.

Not bad, Chipper Jones.

Last night, Chipper kept up the attack with a pair of home runs against Los Angeles, powering Atlanta to a 6-1 win over the Dodgers. Chipper was 3-5 at the plate, driving in four runs.

But, I'll stop typing and jinxing the team for now. As I type this, the Saturday afternoon tilt is underway, and former Brave Andruw Jones just broke out of his slump with a home run to left. The homer comes off of Chuck James, who is back from the minors in place of Tom Glavine, and who would be the most dominant pitcher in history if they'd never invented the home run. The only knock against him is that he gives up too many longballs. Unfortunately, that's kinda like saying the only bad thing about a surgeon is that he can't stop his hands from shaking. It's got the potential to be a deal-breaker.

Oh Joyous, Happy Day!! The Braves are Back!!

2008-04-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

Take a bow, Chipper Jones. Chipper Jones, ladies and gentlemen!!

Chipper Jones provided the power, John Smoltz provided the pitching, and Bobby Cox provided the pre-game motivation for Atlanta's 8-0 win over the Marlins tonight, putting a very happy lid on what has been a very UNhappy road trip.

According to the SportSouth play-by-play broadcast, Atlanta manager Bobby Cox called a pre-game team meeting, a very rare occurence. In fact, long-time analyst Joe Simpson said that he couldn't remember the last time Cox called such a meeting.

I don't know what he said, but it worked.

A day after losing their 7th 1-run game of the season, and two days after being shut out by the Marlins, Atlanta responded with five (five!!!)home runs and five brilliant innings from starter John Smoltz, who struck out 10 batters.

Chipper Jones led the assault at the plate, going 4-4 with two home runs and three RBI's. Also going yard today: Mark Teixeira, Brian McCann, and Kelly Johnson. In all, the Braves tallied 15 hits (every starter save for John Smoltz had at least one hit).

DON'T ADJUST YOUR COMPUTER, THERE'S ONLY ONE CHIPPER JONES.homerderby.com

In fact, let's talk about that one Chipper Jones. Over the past few years, Chipper's gotten a bit of a bad rap from a lot of Brave fans. He's been criticized for spending too much time sidelined by injuries. And, I think some fans have placed some blame on his shoulders for the end of Atlanta's run of postseason appearances. In my humble opinion, that criticism is not warranted. Last year, Jones challenged for the National League batting title until the last weekend of the season. He should have won a Gold Glove at third base last year (New York's David Wright won despite recording 21 errors to Chipper's 9... but then again, Wright plays in New York, and is pretty, so there you go).

Whatever, perhaps Brave fans just expect more out of Chipper. He's been the face of the franchise for most of his career, after all. No matter. He's one of the only reasons the Braves have won any games so far this season. So far in 2008, he's batting a positively silly .443, which easily leads the National League. So, for the time being, let's get off his back while he leads the Braves back into Turner Field for this weekend's series against the Dodgers.

Sticking my head in the sand, or: The Braves aren't that bad!

2008-04-17T10:51:00.001-07:00

OK, Braves, knock it off. As much as the 1988 Atlanta Braves appreciate you "turning back the clock" to mark the 20th anniversary of their 54-106 season, we'd all like very much to return to the bright future of 2008 now.

It was another day, another one-run loss for the Braves last night. The normally rock-solid Tim Hudson (my favorite Brave, followed closely by Jeff Francoeur) suddenly proved mortal, giving up four runs in just three innings of work against the first place (huh?) Florida Marlins. Worse, he told the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Dave O'Brien that while he's fine physically, he just couldn't get his normal velocity on his fastball. I guess that's just something that happens... at least, I hope it is. He is, after all, recovering from the flu. Huddy had been virtually unstoppable while wearing the Braves' new blue road jerseys, marking another setback for the new duds that I am trying really hard to like, but still can't quite manage it.

ET TU, TIMMY?AP Photo

I suppose the positive comes from the fact that the Braves' offense battled back from the early deficit, cutting the lead to one run on a Yunel Escobar two-run homer, only to watch Jeff Bennett give the two runs back in the 7th inning. Brian McCann and Matt Diaz both drove home runs in the 8th, but Atlanta couldn't manage to pull even. Florida wins 6-5, dropping Atlanta to 0-7 in one-run games.

Another positive? Mr. Jorge Campillo, who pitched three perfect innings of relief after Hudson's exit in the third. Campillo struck out one while posting zeros along the rest of his line in the box score. That was Campillo's second appearance of the season, and in his 5 innings so far, he's yet to allow a baserunner. As brilliant as Jeff Bennett was in his emergency start in Mike Hampton's place, can we make Campillo our go-to long relief guy from now on? Or, maybe move him into Pete Moylan's set-up role now that Moylan's on the DL? Hopefully, I didn't just jinx the guy.

John Smoltz goes tonight for the Braves. Hopefully we can get this thing turned around!

Orson Charles is my new favorite high school football player

2008-04-16T14:37:00.000-07:00

It turns out that Plant High School junior tight end Orson Charles is the guy who knocked over and broke Florida's BCS national championship trophy.

According to Bill Ward's article on the Tampa Tribune's website, Charles was attending a camp at the University of Florida and touring Florida Field when the glorious accident happened. Apparently, Charles was leaning over to take a picture of Tim Tebow's Heisman Trophy when he knocked over the National Championship Trophy with ... er... his backside.

"If you were outside the stadium, it was so loud, I think you would've heard it shatter," Charles said. "Nobody said anything for 10 minutes, then Florida assistant Coach John Hevesy said, 'What do I do? Who do I call? Did you know that was $35,000!'"

KISS IT GOODBYE, ORSON CHARLES IS COMING TO TOWN!!!AP Photo

According to the Tampa Tribune, Charles' high school coach describes him as a physically gifted athlete, but also as a "bull in a china shop." I think a Bulldog in Florida's china shop would have done much the same thing.

Apparently, Charles is leaning towards the University of Miami, but I'm sure that his newfound talent for breaking Florida's toys would earn him a scholarship offer to any SEC institution of his choosing.

Tampa Tribune: UF Mystery Solved; Plant High Player Admits To Mishap

Braves Offense Struggles, or: Fish Fried

2008-04-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

Is there anything more humiliating than getting shutout by the Florida Marlins?

The Atlanta Braves continue to struggle through the early portion of the schedule, but this time, the hitting is to blame. Last night, the Bravos were shutout in Miami, by the incomparable Scott Olsen.

So far this season, Chipper Jones and Yunel Escobar have been spectacular. Chipper's hitting .415, and Escobar is hitting .333 in his first full season as a starter. Many of the rest of the Braves have been solid, but nobody came through in the clutch last night...

The offense will get turned around, I'm encouraged that leadoff man Kelly Johnson is starting to heat up a little bit, as is Brian McCann. But, you can't keep wasting solid starting pitching, like Jair Jurrjens' six inning, four-hit, two run outing last night against the Marlins. It turned into a 4-0, courtesy of anemic hitting, and a pair of bases-loaded walks courtesy of reliever Will Ohman. Ohman spent the last five years with the Chicago Cubs, and he apparently, he brought the losing over with him. In fairness, he didn't load the bases himself. And, he's only given up one earned run so far this year. He just made me pretty angry with him last night.

Tim Hudson's on the mound tonight, and he's been brilliant so far this season (knocking on wood). I wonder if he'll bring the blue jerseys back out. I'm for it, if it gets the bats going...

Elliot Sadler's NASCAR career will soon be derailed

2008-04-15T15:59:00.000-07:00

NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Elliot Sadler will soon suffer some horrible, unspeakable injury/wreck/cruel twist of fate and be sidelined for the rest of the 2008 NASCAR schedule.

To be clear, I bear no ill will towards the driver of the #19 Best Buy Dodge, and I wish him no harm. No, he's simply been touched by the Curse of Nathan Rouse.

My good friend and aspiring film actor Nathan Rouse (the pride of Columbus High School's illustrious drama program) is soon to star in his second commercial, as Elliot Sadler's stand-in. Now, I don't know many details about the plot of the commercial, but it apparently involves Sadler taking a tumble, and big Nate turns the flip for him.

THE RESEMBLANCE IS UNCANNY
My friend's the guy on the left, the dude on the right is his director.

Now, the only problem with Nathan's appearance in this commercial is that he also appeared with a famous sports figure in his first. He shared the screen with fellow Charlotte luminary Jake Delhomme in his commercial debut, taking a football to the biscuits from the Carolina Panthers' quarterback.

THOSE ARE NOT MADE FROM SCRATCH BISCUITS!!!

Anyway, after appearing with Nathan in the commercial, Delhomme was placed on injured reserve last October, missing the balance of the 2007 season with an elbow injury. The Panthers brought in David Carr, formerly of the Texans, to take over. Delhomme is expected back this year, but we'll see how long it takes an athlete to shake off the Rouse Curse. As for Elliot Sadler... well... he better think about installing an air bag in his car.

Nathan Rouse's blog: Starving Artist
The Delhomme Video: YouTube

Welcome back, Buddy Carlyle...

2008-04-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

The Atlanta Braves didn't even make it two weeks into the season before bringing back "My" Buddy Carlyle to the big leagues.

Last season, injuries forced Carlyle into the Braves' rotation after more than a year in the minor leagues. In fact, his first start of last season was his first Major League appearance since 2005, and his first start since 1999. Now, the Braves are once again calling him up, this time to take Pete Moylan's spot on the roster. Moylan's heading to the DL.

HERE I COME TO... SAVE THE DAY?!MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

All things considered, Carlyle had a decent season, going 8-7 in his 20 starts, with a 5.21 ERA. There were highlights (earning just his second Major League win with a 7-inning, 1-hit victory over the Marlins), and lowlights (allowing not one, but two home runs against Arizona pitcher and Georgia Tech star Micah Owings).

But, certainly the Braves were hoping they wouldn't need his services as a starter THIS season, not with their projected rotation of Tim Hudson-John Smoltz-Tom Glavine-Mike Hampton-Jair Jurrjens. But, now Glavine might be missing time with a strained hamstring and Hampton's already there with a ... well, let's just save time and list "full body" as Hampton's injury at this point. Nah, he just has a little trouble with his left pectoral muscle. Seriously, though, he does get hurt a lot.

Anyhoo, Buddy's back, and he's likely to move into the fifth starter's role. Either way, not sure what to expect out of him... he's sporting a robust 0-0 record in two AAA starts, with a 7.04 ERA.

Get well soon, Tommy!!!

Atlanta Journal Constitution: Braves' call up of Carlyle means someone has to go
Atlanta Journal Constitution: Moylan headed to DL

The Florida Gators drop the (crystal) ball

2008-04-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

The early reports out of Georgia Tech's spring practices say that the Yellow Jackets have some big time fumbling problems.

Well, Georgia Tech's got NOTHING on Florida in the butterfingers department.

According to the Gainesville Sun, Florida's 2006 BCS National Championship Trophy "was nudged off a table in the temporary coaches' offices Friday and broken." I am assuming that means the offices are temporary, and not the coaches. Of course, if they figure out which bonehead broke the trophy, I'm thinking that individual's status with the Gators might become quite temporary, indeed. If Urban will cuss his own players from the sidelines for fumbling a leather football, what sort of tongue-lashing comes from destroying his crowning achievement?

ANYBODY GOT SOME SUPER GLUE?GAINESVILLE SUN

Now, apparently, Florida had a replica of the trophy, and the Sun article isn't clear which was broken, the one the Gators were awarded on the Fiesta Bowl field or the copy they purchased later. And, apparently, Florida's getting the ball rolling to replace the broken trophy.

Who cares? If there's a more deliciously bad omen for Florida's season than this, I don't know what it is.

Flash forward to Sunday, November 2nd: Tim Tebow limps into Florida's football offices, following a double-digit to defeat at the hands of the Georgia Bulldogs. The Gators' promising season lies in ruins after losses to LSU and now UGA. As he makes his was over to the couch, Tebow impales his good foot on a shard of crystal, the closest he'll come to a championship trophy this year.

Losers With Socks: Bondo and the BCS Trophy
Gainesville Sun: Fuuuuumble!! BCS Trophy Broken

A Sad Update on the Yankee Curse...

2008-04-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

Next time, just keep your mouth shut, voodoo priest Red Sox fans.

Alas, the New York Yankees seem to have rescued their new stadium from the Curse of the Red Sox by rescuing the David Ortiz Red Sox shirt from it's concrete grave at the new Yankee Stadium site.

NO LONGER SLEEPING WITH THE FISHES
AP PHOTO
As I posted earlier this week, a construction worker at the new Yankee Stadium buried a Red Sox shirt in concrete, in hopes of cursing the Yanks. But, in a classic blunder, he and a friend spilled the beans to the press too early. And, after first denying the incident ever occured, today, the Yankees drilled into two feet of concrete and removed the offending shirt.

Why not wait until Opening Day 2009, construction worker? Or, wait until the first Red Sox game in the new stadium? THEN they'd have no choice but to leave the shirt in it's Bronx tomb. They still haven't found Hoffa at the Meadowlands, you think they can find a t-shirt? Way to go, Red Sox Nation.

Now I'm beginning to wonder if this whole thing is going to backfire, and the evil ju-ju the Sox tried to throw at the Bronx isn't going to be re-directed back their way. Something to think about.

AJC.com: NY Yankees Remove Buried Red Sox Jersey

Trevor Immelman, Masters Champion

2008-04-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Trevor Immelman, who just wrapped up his first major victory with a win at the Masters.

MASTERS CHAMPIONBEN GRAY/AJC.com

I was rooting for Immelman all week, as he's the closest thing that those of us in the Columbus, GA area have to a local boy in the field. Trevor's older brother Mark is the head golf coach at Columbus State University (a fact that CBS announcer Jim Nantz pointed out at least twice during Sunday's final round). I interviewed Mark a bunch of times while his teams vyed for Peach Belt and NCAA Div. II titles, and he's a really, really nice guy. For his part, Trevor has also treated good ol' WRBL kindly, giving our reporters interviews in Augusta. And, now, he's got his very own green jacket.

I'm a sucker for championship moments. I think I might have gotten something in my eye when Trevor met his wife and young son on the 18th green, and then shared a bear hug with brother Mark.

Tom Glavine Heads to the DL

2008-04-13T11:36:00.001-07:00

When the Braves re-aquired Tom Glavine from the Mets in the offseason, I was happy to have him back in an Atlanta uniform, but a little concerned that he might have used up all of his brilliance. After all, Glavine was the man on the mound as the Mets completed one of the most epic collapses in baseball history. Tied for the NL East lead on the final day of the season, Glavine gave up 7 runs in just a third of an inning. New York went on to lose 8-1 to the Marlins, and the Phillies claimed the Eastern Division crown.

Glavine proved me wrong in his first two starts. He posted a slim 0.79 ERA, only to earn no-decisions in his first two starts, thanks in part to the Braves bullpen.

HIS HAIRCUT'S GOTTEN BETTER, HIS HAMSTRING'S GOTTEN WORSE
Well, today we see why a 42-year-old starting pitcher might not be the surest bet in sports. Glavine has left this afternoon's game against the Washington Nationals after throwing just 16 pitches and giving up two runs. The team says he has a strained hamstring, and for now, they're not sure how much time he might have to miss.

The starting pitching is what had me excited about this season, but also had me nervous. John Smoltz, 40 years old, started the year on the disabled list. So far, he's been brilliant since missing the first six games of the year. But, in his first appearance he only managed five innings. 35-year-old Mike Hampton came close to making his first start in nearly two-and-a-half years, but he went down in the bullpen during warm-ups. His return is likely... but really, can you count on the guy? And now Glavine is looking at a possible... possible, we're not sure yet... trip to the disabled list himself. Chuck James wasn't pretty in his return to the rotation, serving up six runs on five hits in three innings of work. He's in Class AAA Richmond right now, but he's the most likely choice to return to Atlanta if Glavine does need to skip starts.

So, goodbye Hudson-Smoltz-Glavine-Hampton-Jurrjens. We may be saying hello to Hudson-Smoltz-Jurrjens-James-???.

Is it a coincidence that Glavine was wearing one of the new blue uniforms when he blew out the hammy??! I knew it!!!!

Suddenly, I'm OK with the Braves' new ugly uniforms

2008-04-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to come around on the Braves' new blue alternate road jerseys. I hated them when they were unveiled on opening night. I didn't like the all-navy blue caps, and I hated the colorless uniforms. But, I'm starting to warm up to them a little. I still hate the outlined numbers on the back, but I am starting to not hate the rest of the look... especially since the Braves have won back-to-back games while wearing the new clothes.

NICE DUDS
AP PHOTO

Jeff Francoeur played particulary well in HIS new blue uniform this afternoon against Washington, going 3-5 with two homers and 7 RBI's (a career-high). He accounted for 70% of Atlanta's offense, as they won 10-2, making it two wins in a row over the Nats.

So, no more complaints from me about the uniforms. No more, "Hey, Chipper, nice jersey. Where'd you get it, the toilet store?"

Sigh... I love "Anchorman". But, I'll put the joke on the shelf for a win!

Gators Call Out Knowshon Moreno

2008-04-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

The University of Florida is holding their spring football scrimmage this afternoon in Gainesville, and ESPN is televising it. They even did a two-hour edition of "College Gameday" beforehand, because the two-hour game itself would not provide enough time for the crew to adequately praise Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer.

An additional benefit of the "Gameday" show inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is that it gave some of UF's future Rhodes Scholars a chance for a little nationwide TV facetime. One young lady in particular, most likely an art major, decided to take advantage of the exposure by designing a little sign for the occasion. It said "KNOWSHON MORENO PLAYS WITH BARBIES". That stings! Apparently, she only had five minutes to come up with a slogan.

Now, I have had the chance to speak with Knowshon on a number of occasions in an interview setting, but I really don't know what he likes to do away from the stadium. But, I do know what he likes to do on the field, and in 2007, it included brow-beating the hapless Florida defense. Knowshon rushed for 193 yards with a net gain of 188 yards on 33 carries, scoring three touchdowns against the defending "national champion" Gators. He also caught a pair of passes for 19 more yards, pushing his all-purpose total north of the 200 yard mark. And, that was when he didn't really have anything against Florida. So, Miss, probably not a great idea to call him out.

But, perhaps they're still hurting from the 42-30 win, and already scared about what Knowshon might be able to do in 2008.

NOW YOU'VE MADE HIM ANGRY...

Apparently, the new Yankee Stadium is cursed.

2008-04-11T12:20:00.001-07:00

I've got no love for the New York Yankees. In fact, in the American League, I've always kinda rooted for the Mariners and the Red Sox... that is, until the Red Sox won a pair of titles and the fans became insufferable. Still, I hate to see the Yankees leave the original Yankee Stadium. That's why I was very happy to read today on ESPN.com that the brand new Yankee Stadium has already been cursed.

FUNNY, DOESN'T LOOK LIKE AN INDIAN BURIAL MOUND...AP Photo

Apparently, a worker helping to build the new Yankee Stadium (which will undoubtedly someday be known as Merrill Lynch Yankee Stadium presented by Tostitos) also happens to be a Boston Red Sox fan. Now, I really have no idea how the Steinbrenners let that happen. Isn't there some sort of a background check or a lie detector test that you've got to take before you can get into the construction zone? It's almost like they WANTED some voodoo priest to come in and wallop the Yanks with a curse. Get on the ball, Yankees!!

Anyway, this worker supposedly buried a Red Sox shirt in the concrete under the visitors' club house in hopes that it will jinx the Yankees somehow. The article fails to mention if the shirt was being worn by Jimmy Hoffa at the time.

Now, I don't know much about curses. I tried to get into "Pagan Studies" during drop/add in college, but I had to settle for "The History of Rock and Roll" (not nearly as cool as it sounds). So, I don't know the best way to apply a curse to a baseball team's new billion-dollar stadium. That said, I've got to think that the better way to go about it would be to bury the shirt under the HOME clubhouse. It seems to me that the BoSox curse is only going to affect the Blue Jays or Orioles, or whoever else is visiting the House That Jeter Built.

For their part, the Yankees are denying that the burial even happened. But, what the heck are they supposed to say? "Yup, we didn't screen our employees, and now fans probably don't need to bother coming by the ballpark for the next 86 years"?!

Yankee fans, better go out and pick up some Mets gear, just in case.

Larry Munson's on your desk!

2008-04-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

Finally, a bobblehead that we can all get behind.

Larry Munson, the famed play-by-play voice of the Georgia Bulldogs, is being immortalized in bobblehead form.

Chip Towers/AJC

According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the bobbleheads will be available through georgiadogs.com, UGA's official athletics site. All proceeds from the bobbleheads will go to a scholarship fund in honor of a former UGA cheerleading captain killed in action in Iraq.

Plus, it doesn't just have a big head. It's got a big voice. You can push a button to hear some of Munson's most famous calls, like the "Hobnailed Boot" victory over Tennessee, the "Run Lindsay Run" victory over Florida, and Munson's order at a Wendy's drive-thru.

OK. I made the last one up. But, admit it. You wanted to hear it!!

From my cold, dead hands....

2008-04-10T15:40:00.000-07:00

So, it turns out that the International Olympic Committee is asking Marion Jones' teammates in the 4 x 1,600 Meter Relay from the 2000 Sydney Olympics to give back their medals.

If I'm one of the three ladies in question, I'm afraid I'd have to tell the IOC, and the US Olympic Committee exactly where to go.

First, some quick background. Jones was once called the "fastest woman on earth" appearing in Nike ads and serving as a role model to little girls everywhere as she burned up the track and field world. Of course, now we know that she was full of enough steroids to turn a horse into... well, a bigger, stronger, faster horse. Sorry, I didn't have a good joke for that one.

So yes!! Let's rip down her posters!! Let's turn her Nike shoes into Field Turf!! Let's take away her medals and throw them at her while everyone laughs in the town square.

But come on now... her poor teammates aren't to blame.

These three women trained for a lifetime to achieve Olympic glory, and frankly, it's not their fault that their teammate was a coward who took a shortcut. Prove to me that these three other women cheated. Prove to me that they even knew that Marion Jones was cheating. Then we'll talk. Otherwise, let them keep their medals.

Of course, the teams that were beaten by the US team while Marion Jones was doing her best Barry Bonds impersonation probably feel differently. Fine. Mint some new gold medals for them. Break Marion's up into four little pieces and send them off. But leave the rest of the team alone. And oh, I dunno... maybe in the future if the USOC does a better job of keeping steroid cheaters off the team, we won't have this problem.

Watch your back, Aaron...

2008-04-10T12:09:00.000-07:00

A word of advice to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers: Don't leave your house.

Don't go outside, don't let anyone inside... really, it's probably a good idea not even to go near any windows.

MARKED MAN
Why? Well, Aaron's finally in a position to start at quarterback after three years of warming the Packers bench, thanks to Green Bay legend Brett Favre's retirement. But, barely more than a month after Favre announced his retirement, there's an article in the Biloxi (MS) Sun-Herald that says he could come back... if Aaron Rodgers were to get injured!

"When I think of now being retired, I think I won't be in the quarterback/receiver meeting on Thursdays joking around and having fun and game plan and all that stuff together. It was a fun year. That was fun throwing the ball around like we did. There's no reason to think that won't happen again. Aaron has fallen into a great situation. And if that opportunity presented itself and they did call, it would be tempting. And I very well could be enticed to do it." - Brett Favre

Now, Favre does say in the article that he could just as easily see himself happy with retirement once the season rolls around, and possibly even turning the Pack down if they were to come calling.

"Yeah, right," Packer fan is probably saying as he dumps industrial lubricant all over Aaron Rodgers' front steps. "Brett wouldn't turn his back on us!"

I can imagine Packer fans waiting by open stairwells, just waiting to give Rodgers a helpful push. A cook wearing a green #4 jersey at Rodgers' neighborhood deli dumps a few dozen Ex-Lax tablets into his ruben sandwich. Maybe his cleaning lady will just set all of his clocks back by three hours so he'll keep missing practice.

I don't know, but I think that Favre might have signed Rodgers' death warrant by saying he'll be back as soon as Rodgers comes up limping.

"IF YOU HURT AARON... HE WILL COME" Jeff Hanisch-US PRESSWIRE

Be Careful What You Wish For...

2008-04-10T11:44:00.000-07:00

In this space yesterday, I wrote a little rant about how the Braves couldn't manage much in the way of offense to support the starting pitchers. And, I've also noted that the bullpen isn't exactly made of teflon. And, I said that I'd rather get blown out than have to agonize over all these one-run losses.

"Will do!" said the Braves, apparently.

Last night, the Braves suffered their first loss of the season by more than one run. And, in keeping with the old slogan "go big or go home", the Bravos went down in dramatic fashion, losing 12-6. Appearing in the place of fragile Mike Hampton, starter Chuck James (an alumnus of CVCC in Phenix City) lasted three innings, allowing five hits, six runs, and hitting three batters. Wow. The good news is that he only gave up one home run.

Want more good news? This afternoon's series finale has been postponed until June by a snowstorm in Denver. Apparently, Old Man Winter is a sympathetic fellow after all.

But the news isn't all good. Atlanta closer Rafael Soriano headed for the disabled list Wednesday with a bad elbow, and top minor league prospect Jordan Schafer was slapped with a 50-game suspension for HGH. Who was the winning pitcher last night in Denver? Why, it's Mark Redman, whom the Braves released last season after he posted a whopping 0-4 record and an 11.63 ERA in 6 games!!! Thank you, sir, may I have another?!!

So yeah, from now on, I'll be happy with a one-run loss, thanks very much. Forget I said anything.

In other baseball news, Georgia Tech struck back last night at Georgia, finally beating the Bulldogs in one of the "Big 3" men's sports, defending their home diamond with a win over UGA 9-4. It's Tech's first win over Georgia in one of the major men's sports since taking one of the three baseball games last season. The two teams will meet twice more this season, once in Athens and once at Turner Field. Plus, Tech swept a doubleheader from the UGA women's softball team.

Take a deep breath. This too shall pass.

PS: Big ups to Josh Rouse for pointing out that I subbed in disappointing Falcon QB Chris Redman's name for that of disappointing former Brave Mark Redman. In keeping with blog policy, he gets a free Hot Pocket for pointing out the error.

Go Ahead, Protesters...

2008-04-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

As you probably know, the Olympic Torch is one nervous little Bic lighter today. After getting doused several times Monday by angry French protesters eager to raise consciousness about the human rights record of the 2008 Olympics' Chinese hosts, security has been high for the torch's trip to San Francisco today. It's the torch's only stop in North America. In fact, according to CNN.com, the torch's route has already been changed today to avoid some of the strife.

Friendly advice to the protesters: Don't mess with THIS guy:
from www.achievement.org

That's right, according to ESPN's "First Take", UGA Heisman Trophy winner and former Olympic bobsledder Herschel Walker is scheduled to carry the torch in today's relay. I support the cause most of the protesters are fighting for. But that doesn't mean I wouldn't like to see one of them try to douse the flame while it's under Mr. Walker's care. Think Bill Bates had it tough? He at least had a helmet on.

College Baseball Tonight!

2008-04-09T14:14:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy or www.floormatshop.com

Georgia Tech gets another chance to get on the scoreboard in the 2007-2008 edition of the "Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate" rivalry tonight when the 11th-ranked Georgia Diamond Dawgs hit Russ Chandler Stadium to take on the 10th-ranked Yellow Jackets.

So far, Georgia can boast a 31-17 win in football to go with a pair of basketball wins (79-72 for the fellas and 71-64 for the ladies, and I apologize deeply if I've missed any match-ups in other sports... I'm only one man).

But, Tech usually brings it in baseball, and tonight's the first of three head-to-head matchups on the schedule (Tech and UGA are also facing off in softball today... so there's plenty of action if you're in the Atlanta area).

Last season, Georgia took the season series 2-1, losing at Russ Chandler, but winning in Athens and at Turner Field.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 PM and the game's being televised on SportSouth. If you're not into college baseball, you really should be. The metal bats usually mean plenty of offense, and nervous pitchers. Plus, the crowds are smaller than major league games, and they've got more passion than you'll find at a typical Braves game.

Sadly, Buzz and Uga don't usually show up for these things.

Horseshoes and Hand Grenades

2008-04-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

Coming close is more frustrating to me than getting bombed back to the Stone Age. It doesn't matter if it's baseball, football, or lawn darts. Actually, I'd rather have the near-miss in lawn darts, but in any other sport it's less fun to think about what might have been rather than what never could have been.

So, it's tough when you consider that the good ol' Atlanta Braves have lost five times so far this season, and each time it's been by one lousy run.

Last night, the Rockies made it two straight over the Braves, winning 4-3 at Coors Field. Come on, people, it's Coors Field!! You're supposed to be able to send a drunk monkey to the plate with a wiffle ball bat and he's supposed to be able to clear the fence. I hate that Stupid Humidor the Rockies use. Sure, it cuts down on the number of home runs... but home runs are what I want to see when my team goes to Denver. Here's a thought: If you didn't want to see your pitchers curled up in a little ball after every game, and if you didn't want to see each game end up 13-10, maybe you shouldn't have bought a baseball team in Denver.

But, I digress. Low-scoring games appear to be here to stay in Denver. And, if Atlanta can't manage more than four runs in two games in the thin air of the Rockies, then once again, they deserve to lose. But come on... I was promised offensive fireworks!!! I was promised a murderer's row lineup that would fill the sky with baseballs and the scoreboard with runs. I was promised that I'd get light-headed every time I looked at a box score!!!

It's only been a week and a half. I'm still giddy and excited about the team this year. I love the lineup. I'm just ready for certain guys to get on a roll, because I worry that at some point, Chipper, Escobar, and Matt Diaz might slow down a little. And, sometimes I give in to the delusional fan that lives in my brain, and I want to see the division title locked up by early May. And, that's OK.

Knowshon Moreno ('Nuff Said)

2008-04-08T16:57:00.001-07:00

This time of year, my hands start to shake and my eyes gloss over as I start to suffer from college football withdrawals. Betty Ford has yet to come up with a program to help. The Georgia football G-Day spring scrimmage was Saturday, and that helped a little, and there's a full schedule of scrimmages ahead this Saturday as well (Clemson, Alabama, and Ole Miss will be televised back-to-back-to-back on CSS).

But, it's all just a cruel tease as the real thing won't come along until late August.

Fortunately, the national media is helping out, with tantalizing glimpses of what might be on the horizon... namely... THIS guy:

(Photo found at www.dawgsports.com)

Knowshon Moreno single-handedly made my fall a happy fall in 2007. What's he got up his sleeves in terms of an encore? Well, CBS Sportsline's Dennis Dodd isn't afraid to jinx him and predict a Heisman Trophy candidacy. Gulp...

Putting the "Bull" in "Bullpen"

2008-04-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

The Atlanta Braves are 3-4, thanks to last night's loss to the National League Champion Colorado Rockies. I threw in that "NL Champion" label just to make myself feel a little better about it. It sounds better than "last night's loss to the Colorado Rockies, losers of five of their first six games."

It also sounds better when you don't mention that the Braves held Colorado scoreless for the first 7 innings, carrying a 1-0 lead into the 8th before Blaine Bowyer served up a 2-run homer to Brave-killer Matt Holliday.

By itself, it's not that big a deal. After all, if the Braves are only going to score one run in hitter-friendly Coors Field, then they probably deserve to be beaten. But, of the Braves' four losses so far this young season, all four came at the hands of the bullpen.

Certainly, it's too early to fret too much about the team. After all, they're not 0-7 like Detroit's Paper Tigers. The bullpen is advertised as one of the strengths of the team, and perhaps it's been a little overworked in the season's first week. But it's so frustrating to look at the season and think that you could be 7-0 if not for meltdowns in the bullpen.

In the season opener, starter Tim Hudson overcame a 2-run first inning, shutting out the Nationals over the next six innings. Atlanta tied the game in the top of the ninth, only to watch Peter Moylan serve up a homer to Ryan Zimmerman.

Game 2 saw the Braves squander a solid start from Tom Glavine, who gave up two runs in five innings of work. Eight pitchers followed from the Atlanta 'pen, most notably Manny Acosta who served up four earned runs in 8th. The Braves staged an improbable 5-run rally in the 9th inning, only to lose in the 12th inning. Blaine Bowyer, who pitched a solid 11th inning, gave up the winning runs to the Pirates.

The Braves beat Pittsburgh in the third game of the season, only to let another one get away in extra innings in the fourth game. You can't fault the 'pen for that one too much, because Jeff Bennett was called on at the last minute to make an emergency start in the place of oft-injured starter Mike Hampton. But, after a 3-run outburst in the 6th gave Atlanta a lead, Will Ohman gave it right back in the 7th. Chris Resop gave up the winning score in the 10th.

It's still early, and I still have confidence in the bullpen. Opening day hiccup aside, Pete Moylan is pretty nasty, and I like Bennett, Resop, and Royce Ring. It's just frustrating to see Tom Glavine with two no-decisions despite a 0.79 ERA. We've got no idea if Mike Hampton's ever going to make another start again, and I'm still a little nervous about John Smoltz's shoulder (he left after pitching just five innings on Sunday). I watched the starting rotation flounder in 2007, and I hate to waste their early success in 2008.

Still, it's a new ballgame tonight, and rookie sensation Jair Jurrjens is on the hill tonight at Coors Field. Who knows... maybe he can go nine and give the 'pen a night off.

Sorry about cursing your name for 18 years....

2008-04-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

I read about this at Deadspin.com, by way of boston.com.

Today, the Boston Red Sox welcomed back Bill Buckner to throw out the first pitch at Fenway Park. I'm tempted to make some sort of joke about him dropping it and having it roll between his legs. But, I can't come up with one funny enough. But, as you can see in the video, Buckner does walk awfully slowly to the mound... probably hoping not to trip over anything and cement his reputation as a clutz in front of the Fenway Faithful.

But, seriously... as much as I've gotten a little tired of Boston fans on the internet (congratulations... you've won two of the last four World Series... it was cute until you won... now just sit down and be quiet about hating the Yankees and still feeling oppressed. We're trying to figure out what time the Cubs game is on) I can't help but like the idea of Boston finally wrapping their arms around this guy. He famously let one get through his legs that blew a chance to win the 1986 World Series. He was a great player before that, and the "Red Sox Nation" made him public enemy #1, even though he returned to the team in '87 and '90. Nearly 20 years of being the butt of every Red Sox joke could make a guy bitter. But, Buckner has apparently been pretty charitable about the whole thing. Now that the Sox have their rings, all is apparently forgiven, and I think it's great that he was welcomed back for his ovation, and I think it's great that he was big enough to actually show up to receive it.

Rock, Chalk... Tar Heel?

2008-04-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

Last night, the Kansas Jayhawks won the NCAA Basketball Championship in thrilling fashion, taking out Memphis in overtime 75-68. Just to make it more exciting, they overcame a 9-point deficit in the game's final 2:12 to force that overtime period, capped by a Mario Chalmers three-pointer with 2 seconds left.

Needless to say, the Kansas fans were thrilled... including UNC head coach Roy Williams. Williams, who left Kansas to take over the Tar Heel program, was in the stands for the game, wearing a large Kansas Jayhawk sticker on his black shirt. Just two nights after watching the Jayhawks dismantle and humiliate his Tar Heels, Williams was caught on TV wearing their logo. And, it's not like he was hiding it. During a halftime interview on CBS, Williams threw on a sportscoat, but left the bird's beak plainly visible.

(photo found on deadspin.com)

Many Tar Heel fans are not amused. I personally follow UNC in basketball for several reasons, not the least of which is the fact that my dad has a Carolina PhD hanging on his wall. I don't have a problem with Roy cheering on his old team... in fact, I thought it was pretty cool that he still honors his ties to the program, seeing as how it would have been easier to just turn his back after the nasty things KU fans said about him after he left for his alma mater. But, come on, Roy... but either put on a UNC lapel pin, or just go neutral.

After all, if you're trying to smooth things over with the KU fans who don't like you anymore, you probably did so by losing to them in the Final Four. If I'm a Kansas fan right now, I'm finally happy with my coaching situation again. If you're trying to make things a little uncomfortable when you get back to Chapel Hill... mission accomplished!

We all know that the coaches or players for our favorite teams have ties to other places, in most cases. UGA head coach Mark Richt won a national title as offensive coordinator at FSU, and he played college ball for Miami. When the Bulldog baseball team played FSU in the NCAA Baseball tournament, he showed up at the stadium, wearing his Bulldog gear, and waved at his old friends. Richt's oldest son will be suiting up for Clemson football next season, and on signing day, Richt wore Georgia red. As a Bulldog fan, I don't want to see Richt wearing a Clemson hat, or an FSU polo shirt. I'm fine with him cheering for those schools. I just don't want to see it, because as a fan, I don't want to log on to a sports message board and see Clemson fans throwing the picture in my face. To me, the same goes for UNC fans... think Duke fans aren't going to throw that picture in their face in the months to come? It's bad enough that they've got that You Tube video of Williams saying he doesn't "give a S*** about Carolina" after his final Kansas team lost in the NCAA Title Game.

Can you go to an ex-girlfriend's wedding? Sure, if you're still friends, why not? But don't show up wearing a photo button on your lapel of the happy couple sharing a smooch. That's just weird. Move on, Roy. You can love Kansas on the inside.

No blood, sweat, or tears required...

2008-04-07T14:36:00.001-07:00

I've always thought that championship rings were the coolest tradition in sports.

If you win the Super Bowl, you get a ring. If you win the World Series (or, even if you just play in it) you get a ring. If your high school golf team wins the state title, you also get a ring... just not one that's heavy enough to affect your golf swing.

But, the key phrase to remember in each of those sentences is... "IF YOU WIN". If you just happen to cheer for a team that wins the Sugar Bowl, you can pick up a nice tee-shirt, a souvenir football, or maybe even Colt Brennan's mouthpiece (which is probably still lodged in the New Orleans Superdome turf). But, you don't get the ring. It's reserved for the players, coaches, and support staff who contributed to the win.

Or is it?

I've never noticed this before, but the University of Georgia is offering replica championship rings on its official athletic website, georgiadogs.com. You have to drop a fairly significant amount of cheddar to walk away with a gold one, but if "celestrium" is good enough for you, your ring's in the mail for $299.

Now you don't have to limp and fake an old football injury to impress the ladies! Now you just flash that championship bling!

First Draft (Welcome to my Blog)

2008-04-07T13:49:00.000-07:00

Hello, all. Welcome to the first post in my blog. My name's Bruce Frazier, and I'm still an aspiring sports reporter. I've had three sports broadcasting jobs in television so far, and I'm looking for my next gig. Most recently, I was a sports anchor at WRBL-TV in Columbus, GA. I had a fantastic time there, and I was able to cover some incredible games, events, and people.

This blog will hopefully satisfy my appetite for talking and writing about sports until I can find my next job. Sport is really something of an obsession for me. Which, is kinda funny, really. When I was little, I wasn't into sports at all. My parents didn't believe in forcing me to do anything I didn't want to, and since neither one of them spent much time watching baseball or football, I didn't really gravitate towards the games.

I remember trying out for T-Ball once, and literally just standing there. I don't know if the people of Columbus thought that they were handing out 20 dollar bills or the antidote or something, but for whatever reason the place was packed full of people. They didn't have enough coaches or stations where kids could play, so I ended up just fielding a couple of balls. I didn't even get a chance to hit!! Lame, right? I think they were going to let those of us who didn't get a chance to swing the lumber a few at-bats the next day, but I didn't see the point. We didn't go back, and ever since I've wondered if I could have ended up playing first base at Turner Field if only the Little League folks in Columbus had a more organized tryout system that day. Well... actually I know I wouldn't have ended up in the big leagues. I can hold my own in neighborhood competition, and usually did, but I am not blessed with much natural athletic talent.

Still, I discovered baseball when I was in the fifth grade, around the time that the Braves were starting their run in the early 90's. I suppose that makes me a bandwagon fan... but come on, I was 11 years old. In my defense, I actually started following games BEFORE the '91 playoffs, not just in the postseason. A family friend turned us on to the team, and I've loved them ever since. I was an "A" student in school, which is something of a small miracle, since I doodled tomahawks and Braves logos all over every notebook I owned back then.

Once I got to college, things really got out of control. My budding love for football had taken off a few years earlier, when I walked into Sanford Stadium for the first win of the Jim Donnan era at UGA, against Texas Tech (let the record show that it was cold, miserable, and my friends and I left Athens early that day because we thought that we had dates waiting on us back home... we didn't). Once I got to school at UGA, things really got out of control. I started out as an English Education major, but I was spending all of my time on sports websites, watching games, and trying to peek over the wall and see football practice. When Quincy Carter and the 1998 Georgia Bulldogs waxed Kent State in the season opener, it was all over. Win or lose, I was officially a sports fanatic.

And, it's evolved well past just football, baseball, basketball, and the like. I'm the guy who watches the fringe sports late at night on ESPN. Canadian football, soccer, World's Strongest Man... there is something about competition that I can't get enough of. I'm typically a bigger fan of college sports than the pros, but I've been watching anything that's on for years. I've finally even started to watch the NBA with more than just a passing interest.

So, that's me. And, that's this blog. I'm hoping that I can make you laugh, and hopefully even get you coming back to check it out. Your comments are always welcome. As long as they're at least somewhat kind.