From: Benjamin
Overall, the NCAA Baseball Selection Committee did a decent job in creating its bracket. I never quite understand how in some instances geography plays a major role in who goes where and sometimes it does not. Yes, limiting travel costs is a good idea. A closer location also allows more fans to travel. Yet in some instances this places teams in slots they do not deserve, either too high or too low. Look at Baylor. The Bears finished 29-26 and are slotted #2 in the Rice Regional (the overall 8 seed). Texas, the overall #7 seed gets Texas State as its 2 seed. I don't care if they won 40 games, Texas State is no #2 seed and neither is Baylor. NC State wins 34 games in the second best conference and gets stuck as a 3 seed in the South Carolina regional. Not only are they sent to the defending National Champs, but they get to open with Stetson and their 41 wins. Stetson was in line to host until a week or two ago and now is sent to the overall #4 seed? So the 8 seed gets a team with 29 wins and the 4 gets one with 41 and a second with 34. Makes sense right?
Braves
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Clary 2011 ALL-SEC Baseball Squad
From: Everyone
The SEC proved again this year that it is a dominating conference. Our preseason picks were pretty on par with the results, so lets look at how we did.
Catcher:
Preseason Actual
1: Tony Caldwell-Auburn 1: Mike Zunino-Florida
2: Mike Zunino-Florida 2: James McCann-Arkansas
Zunino was lights out for the Gators, leading the conference in total bases and placing 2nd in hitting with a .383 avg. The sophomore led the league with 15 home runs and added 7 SBs in 9 attempts for good measure. The was a large group vying for the second position, but catcher is more than what you do with the bat. No one was better defensively than Arkansas's McCann. He kept would be base stealers anchored to first base while hitting .309 with 6 HR.
First Base:
Preseason Actual
1: Preston Tucker- Florida 1: Christian Walker-USC
2: Christian Walker- USC 2: Aaron Westlake-Vandy
OK, we did not envision Preston Tucker moving to RF for Florida, but regardless, he was outplayed by both of these guys. Walker and Westlake should almost be 1 and 1A with Westlake hitting .360 and 127 total bases while Walker hit .358 on 125 total bases. Westlake won the home run battle 14 to 9 thanks to a late season power outage by the Gamecock, but Walker takes RBI 57 to 43 and struck out 21 less times at 25 to Westlake's 46. Arkansas's Dominic Ficociello comes in a close 3rd.
Second Base:
Preseason Actual
1: Anthony Gomez-Vandy 1: Scott Wingo-USC
2: Tyler Hanover-LSU 2: Alex Yarbrough-Miss
Make no mistake about it, Vanderbilt sophomore Anthony Gomez is the best pro prospect at second in the league. We are as surprised as anyone that Wingo hit .340, just one point shy of Gomez's .341. Plus, Wingo knocked 4 home runs, including a walk off in the Saturday game against Arkansas to quiet a thunderous Hog comeback. Gomez did not homer all season. Scott Wingo's defense single handedly kept the conference champions in over a dozen games this year and deserves to be praised. Gomez committed 15 errors. Yarbrough hit .350 with 6 home runs to lead the Rebels, while Hanover moved to third base. Khayyan Norfolk for Tennessee also deserves mention with a .332 avg and 29 SBs, as does Georgia's Levi Hyams who finished at .333, LSU's Jacoby Jones at .338, and Florida's Josh Adams at .340. You would be hard pressed to find a better group anywhere in the country.
Third Base:
Preseason Actual
1: Jason Esposito-Vandy 1: Jason Esposito-Vandy
2: Austin Maddox-Florida 2: Jarrod Parks-Miss St
We did not foresee Maddox's move to first or his power outage (dropping from 17-6). Esposito's defense was even more impressive than his bat, and that is saying a lot, especially when he committed 13 errors. He made some spectacular plays while hitting .341 with 6 home runs and 20 doubles (second in the conference). Wildcat fans will wonder why Thomas McCarthy's .371 avg was overlooked when it placed 4th in the league, but Jarrod Parks hit over .400 most of the season and he led the league at .385.
Shortstop:
Preseason Actual
1: Austin Nola-LSU 1: Nolan Fontana-Florida
2: Nolan Fontana- Florida 2: Casey McElroy-Auburn
Nola was serviceable hitting just below .300. McElory on the other hand logged a .370 avg with 8 home runs and 51 RBI. Alabama's Jarrod Reaves out hit Fontana .341 to .318, but Fontana's glove is what sets him apart. That is especially important at the shortstop position. He added 5 triples for good measure. McElroy had the higher average, but his 13 errors carry more weight at this position.
Outfield:
Preseason Actual
1: Jackie Bradley Jr-USC 1: Mikie Mahtook-LSU
1: Mikie Mahtook-LSU 1: Taylor Dugas-Bama
1: Taylor Dugas-Bama 1: Chad Wright-Kentucky
2: Colin Kuhn-Arkansas 2: Tony Kemp-Vandy
2: Zach Cone-UGA 2: Mason Katz-LSU
2: Justin Fradejas-Auburn 2: Mike Yastrzemski-Vandy
Jackie Bradley requiring mid-season wrist surgery was a punch in the gut for the Gamecocks. We envisioned Gamecock RF Adam Matthews playing his way to post-season honors before his hamstring caused him to spend more time in the training room than the field. Mahtook and Dugas were off the charts. Mahtook hit .383, blasted 14 home runs (second in the SEC), and swiped 29 bases. Can you say 1st round pick? Kuhn, Cone, and Fradejas all had good, but not ALL-SEC seasons. We admit we knew very little about Kentucky's Chad Wright before the season, but a .359 avg and 16 SBs are hard to miss. Kemp is a freshman, so we get a pass on not foreseeing his .342 avg and 11 SBs. Katz hit .337 with 51 RBI, while Yaz was .309 while going 20 of 23 in the stolen base department.
DH:
Preseason Actual
1: Brian Johnson-Florida 1: Raph Rhymes-LSU
2: Brady Thomas-USC 2: Brian Johnson-Florida
Johnson had a good sophomore season at .324, 10 HR, and only 24 strikeouts, but Rhymes hit .360. Thomas was primarily a catcher due to teammates' injuries.
Starting Pitcher
Preseason Actual
1: Sonny Gray-Vandy 1: Sonny Gray-Vandy
1: Nathan Kilcrease-Bama 1: Michael Roth-USC
1: Hudson Randall-Florida 1: D.J. Baxendale-Arkansas
2: Alex Panteliodis-Florida 2: Hudson Randall-Florida
2: Alex Meyer-Kentucky 2: Alex Meyer-Kentucky
2: Chris Stratton-Miss St 2: Grayson Garvin-Vandy
Gray performed like the first round pick he will be with 9 wins (3rd), 105 K (2nd), a .193 opponents avg, and a 2.17 era (3rd). Nobody could predict the stats Roth and Baxendale would put up after coming out of the bullpen last year. Roth was 1st in era at 1.28. We cannot believe we just wrote that. 1.28! Baxendale wasn't too shabby either at 1.62. He did allow one less earned run at 13 than Roth's 14. Roth was 2nd with 10 wins. Baxendale had 8. Randall was as good as advertised with 8 wins, a 2.45 era and count em-7 walks. Some guys walk 7 in a single game. Meyer led the conference with 100 Ks, 48 of which were looking. The next guy had 29. Garvin was just as good as his teammate Gray with a conference leading 11 wins, a 2.32 era, and a .216 opponent's avg. We were suspicious about Panteliodis in the preseason and noted it, but couldn't ignore his 2010 campaign. He proved us right as a average at best weekday starter. Kilcrease finished 6-4.
Relief Pitcher:
Preseason: Actual
1: Matt Price-USC 1: Matt Price-USC
1: Brett Huber-Miss 1: Tyler Maloof-UGA
2: Steven Rodriguez-Florida 2: Navory Morre-Vandy
2: Matty Ott-LSU 2: John Taylor-USC
Maloof led the league in saves with 16 to Price's 15. That was the majority of UGA's wins on the year. Price is simply intimidating and has ice water in his veins. Moore's stuff is better than everyone else's in the league. A 98 mph fastball. Are you kidding? Taylor led the SEC in appearances with 38 (2nd was 28). His era was in the low ones for most of the year.
Newcomer of the year: Karsten Whitson-Florida. We missed on Stanek as he spent the majority of the year in the bullpen, but he has electric stuff if he can find his control. Whitson was 7-0 with a 2.47 era as the Gator Sunday starter. At least we had him at #2.
Player of the year: Michael Roth-USC You can't go wrong with our pre-season pick of Gray here, but Roth's minuscule era has to be recognized. He simply made hitters from both sides of the plate look silly all year, which was surprising for someone who spent 2010 as a lefty specialist. If it were not for some shotty defense and complete lack of run support in a few contests, he would have 13 wins.
Catcher:
Preseason Actual
1: Tony Caldwell-Auburn 1: Mike Zunino-Florida
2: Mike Zunino-Florida 2: James McCann-Arkansas
Zunino was lights out for the Gators, leading the conference in total bases and placing 2nd in hitting with a .383 avg. The sophomore led the league with 15 home runs and added 7 SBs in 9 attempts for good measure. The was a large group vying for the second position, but catcher is more than what you do with the bat. No one was better defensively than Arkansas's McCann. He kept would be base stealers anchored to first base while hitting .309 with 6 HR.
First Base:
Preseason Actual
1: Preston Tucker- Florida 1: Christian Walker-USC
2: Christian Walker- USC 2: Aaron Westlake-Vandy
OK, we did not envision Preston Tucker moving to RF for Florida, but regardless, he was outplayed by both of these guys. Walker and Westlake should almost be 1 and 1A with Westlake hitting .360 and 127 total bases while Walker hit .358 on 125 total bases. Westlake won the home run battle 14 to 9 thanks to a late season power outage by the Gamecock, but Walker takes RBI 57 to 43 and struck out 21 less times at 25 to Westlake's 46. Arkansas's Dominic Ficociello comes in a close 3rd.
Second Base:
Preseason Actual
1: Anthony Gomez-Vandy 1: Scott Wingo-USC
2: Tyler Hanover-LSU 2: Alex Yarbrough-Miss
Make no mistake about it, Vanderbilt sophomore Anthony Gomez is the best pro prospect at second in the league. We are as surprised as anyone that Wingo hit .340, just one point shy of Gomez's .341. Plus, Wingo knocked 4 home runs, including a walk off in the Saturday game against Arkansas to quiet a thunderous Hog comeback. Gomez did not homer all season. Scott Wingo's defense single handedly kept the conference champions in over a dozen games this year and deserves to be praised. Gomez committed 15 errors. Yarbrough hit .350 with 6 home runs to lead the Rebels, while Hanover moved to third base. Khayyan Norfolk for Tennessee also deserves mention with a .332 avg and 29 SBs, as does Georgia's Levi Hyams who finished at .333, LSU's Jacoby Jones at .338, and Florida's Josh Adams at .340. You would be hard pressed to find a better group anywhere in the country.
Third Base:
Preseason Actual
1: Jason Esposito-Vandy 1: Jason Esposito-Vandy
2: Austin Maddox-Florida 2: Jarrod Parks-Miss St
We did not foresee Maddox's move to first or his power outage (dropping from 17-6). Esposito's defense was even more impressive than his bat, and that is saying a lot, especially when he committed 13 errors. He made some spectacular plays while hitting .341 with 6 home runs and 20 doubles (second in the conference). Wildcat fans will wonder why Thomas McCarthy's .371 avg was overlooked when it placed 4th in the league, but Jarrod Parks hit over .400 most of the season and he led the league at .385.
Shortstop:
Preseason Actual
1: Austin Nola-LSU 1: Nolan Fontana-Florida
2: Nolan Fontana- Florida 2: Casey McElroy-Auburn
Nola was serviceable hitting just below .300. McElory on the other hand logged a .370 avg with 8 home runs and 51 RBI. Alabama's Jarrod Reaves out hit Fontana .341 to .318, but Fontana's glove is what sets him apart. That is especially important at the shortstop position. He added 5 triples for good measure. McElroy had the higher average, but his 13 errors carry more weight at this position.
Outfield:
Preseason Actual
1: Jackie Bradley Jr-USC 1: Mikie Mahtook-LSU
1: Mikie Mahtook-LSU 1: Taylor Dugas-Bama
1: Taylor Dugas-Bama 1: Chad Wright-Kentucky
2: Colin Kuhn-Arkansas 2: Tony Kemp-Vandy
2: Zach Cone-UGA 2: Mason Katz-LSU
2: Justin Fradejas-Auburn 2: Mike Yastrzemski-Vandy
Jackie Bradley requiring mid-season wrist surgery was a punch in the gut for the Gamecocks. We envisioned Gamecock RF Adam Matthews playing his way to post-season honors before his hamstring caused him to spend more time in the training room than the field. Mahtook and Dugas were off the charts. Mahtook hit .383, blasted 14 home runs (second in the SEC), and swiped 29 bases. Can you say 1st round pick? Kuhn, Cone, and Fradejas all had good, but not ALL-SEC seasons. We admit we knew very little about Kentucky's Chad Wright before the season, but a .359 avg and 16 SBs are hard to miss. Kemp is a freshman, so we get a pass on not foreseeing his .342 avg and 11 SBs. Katz hit .337 with 51 RBI, while Yaz was .309 while going 20 of 23 in the stolen base department.
DH:
Preseason Actual
1: Brian Johnson-Florida 1: Raph Rhymes-LSU
2: Brady Thomas-USC 2: Brian Johnson-Florida
Johnson had a good sophomore season at .324, 10 HR, and only 24 strikeouts, but Rhymes hit .360. Thomas was primarily a catcher due to teammates' injuries.
Starting Pitcher
Preseason Actual
1: Sonny Gray-Vandy 1: Sonny Gray-Vandy
1: Nathan Kilcrease-Bama 1: Michael Roth-USC
1: Hudson Randall-Florida 1: D.J. Baxendale-Arkansas
2: Alex Panteliodis-Florida 2: Hudson Randall-Florida
2: Alex Meyer-Kentucky 2: Alex Meyer-Kentucky
2: Chris Stratton-Miss St 2: Grayson Garvin-Vandy
Gray performed like the first round pick he will be with 9 wins (3rd), 105 K (2nd), a .193 opponents avg, and a 2.17 era (3rd). Nobody could predict the stats Roth and Baxendale would put up after coming out of the bullpen last year. Roth was 1st in era at 1.28. We cannot believe we just wrote that. 1.28! Baxendale wasn't too shabby either at 1.62. He did allow one less earned run at 13 than Roth's 14. Roth was 2nd with 10 wins. Baxendale had 8. Randall was as good as advertised with 8 wins, a 2.45 era and count em-7 walks. Some guys walk 7 in a single game. Meyer led the conference with 100 Ks, 48 of which were looking. The next guy had 29. Garvin was just as good as his teammate Gray with a conference leading 11 wins, a 2.32 era, and a .216 opponent's avg. We were suspicious about Panteliodis in the preseason and noted it, but couldn't ignore his 2010 campaign. He proved us right as a average at best weekday starter. Kilcrease finished 6-4.
Relief Pitcher:
Preseason: Actual
1: Matt Price-USC 1: Matt Price-USC
1: Brett Huber-Miss 1: Tyler Maloof-UGA
2: Steven Rodriguez-Florida 2: Navory Morre-Vandy
2: Matty Ott-LSU 2: John Taylor-USC
Maloof led the league in saves with 16 to Price's 15. That was the majority of UGA's wins on the year. Price is simply intimidating and has ice water in his veins. Moore's stuff is better than everyone else's in the league. A 98 mph fastball. Are you kidding? Taylor led the SEC in appearances with 38 (2nd was 28). His era was in the low ones for most of the year.
Newcomer of the year: Karsten Whitson-Florida. We missed on Stanek as he spent the majority of the year in the bullpen, but he has electric stuff if he can find his control. Whitson was 7-0 with a 2.47 era as the Gator Sunday starter. At least we had him at #2.
Player of the year: Michael Roth-USC You can't go wrong with our pre-season pick of Gray here, but Roth's minuscule era has to be recognized. He simply made hitters from both sides of the plate look silly all year, which was surprising for someone who spent 2010 as a lefty specialist. If it were not for some shotty defense and complete lack of run support in a few contests, he would have 13 wins.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
South Carolina Alabama Preview
From: Cole
The Gamecocks travel to Tuscaloosa this weekend to try and wrap up the overall SEC title. Opposing ace Michael Roth on Thursday for the Crimson Tide will be former closer Nathan Kilcrease. Kilcrease, who is listed at 5'5", was the team's closer for most of the year in 2010 before moving into the starting role. He was almost unhitable early in the 2010 campaign until the Gamecocks finally got to him in extra innings. One important note is that while all pitchers are going a day early this week due to the Thursday start, Kilcrease is getting only 5 days rest due to last week's rainout. He is 5-4 on the year with a 3.74 era. On Friday, the Tide will send Jr. lefty Adam Morgan to the hill with his 3.89 era. Saturday is TBA. As a team they are 10th in strikeouts at 330. In contrast the Gamecocks are 2nd with 420.
Alabama is 9th in the league in runs scored, hitting at .279 and last in home runs with 19. USC is 3rd in runs scored, 5th in hitting at .298 and 3rd in home runs with 40. The Tide's leading hitter is catcher Brock Bennett. Bennett is the league's 4th leading hitter at .366, but has yet to hit a homer. Bama's two greatest offensive threats are ss Jarod Reaves, a junior college transfer, and CF Taylor Dugas. Both are hitting north of .330 and provide some of the only power in the Bama lineup. Dugas is 8/12 in stolen bases this year. Bennett is 8/10, which is very odd for a catcher. Basically, the Tide don't do a lot of things great, but do everything well. Tuscaloosa is a tough place to play and Tanner's crew must bring their A game to capture the league crown.
The Gamecocks travel to Tuscaloosa this weekend to try and wrap up the overall SEC title. Opposing ace Michael Roth on Thursday for the Crimson Tide will be former closer Nathan Kilcrease. Kilcrease, who is listed at 5'5", was the team's closer for most of the year in 2010 before moving into the starting role. He was almost unhitable early in the 2010 campaign until the Gamecocks finally got to him in extra innings. One important note is that while all pitchers are going a day early this week due to the Thursday start, Kilcrease is getting only 5 days rest due to last week's rainout. He is 5-4 on the year with a 3.74 era. On Friday, the Tide will send Jr. lefty Adam Morgan to the hill with his 3.89 era. Saturday is TBA. As a team they are 10th in strikeouts at 330. In contrast the Gamecocks are 2nd with 420.
Alabama is 9th in the league in runs scored, hitting at .279 and last in home runs with 19. USC is 3rd in runs scored, 5th in hitting at .298 and 3rd in home runs with 40. The Tide's leading hitter is catcher Brock Bennett. Bennett is the league's 4th leading hitter at .366, but has yet to hit a homer. Bama's two greatest offensive threats are ss Jarod Reaves, a junior college transfer, and CF Taylor Dugas. Both are hitting north of .330 and provide some of the only power in the Bama lineup. Dugas is 8/12 in stolen bases this year. Bennett is 8/10, which is very odd for a catcher. Basically, the Tide don't do a lot of things great, but do everything well. Tuscaloosa is a tough place to play and Tanner's crew must bring their A game to capture the league crown.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Best News of the day
From: Benjamin
No it is not Florida getting drubbed by Jacksonville last night. Although, we cannot figure out what has happened to Alex Pantaliodis this year. Brian McCann knocking a 2 strike pitch over the wall to tie the Astros with 2 down in the bottom of the ninth and again in extras to give the Braves a 3 run lead? Close, but not quite. Chipper and Jason Heyward returning to the lineup is a big deal, but for the Fighting Gamecock fan it has to be that John Taylor and/or Matt Price not pitching in a ballgame that their team won last night.
Jerry Meyers had some electric staffs throughout his first tenure as pitching coach for the Gamecocks. Most of those teams relied heavily on a handful of relievers that often tired by the close of the season. Don't take this the wrong way. Meyers can develop a pitcher like few others, but he tends to resort to those few arms that he completely trust. Can you blame him with how well Taylor and Price have thrown this season. Coach Calvi took a lot of heat over the last few years for a variety of issues, but he did convince Coach Tanner to use a plethora of arms last year and what did it get them, a National Championship. True, this year Jose Mata is wild, Bryan Harper is wilder, Tyler Webb is inconsistent, Logan Munson can't miss a bat, and Forest Koumas was forced into the starting rotation. Understood, and when they were given opportunities they underperformed. You just wish that some of these midweek games were used to develop reliability so that Taylor and Price were more rested because they both appeared tired last weekend. They will need to be sharp for a repeat title.
No it is not Florida getting drubbed by Jacksonville last night. Although, we cannot figure out what has happened to Alex Pantaliodis this year. Brian McCann knocking a 2 strike pitch over the wall to tie the Astros with 2 down in the bottom of the ninth and again in extras to give the Braves a 3 run lead? Close, but not quite. Chipper and Jason Heyward returning to the lineup is a big deal, but for the Fighting Gamecock fan it has to be that John Taylor and/or Matt Price not pitching in a ballgame that their team won last night.
Jerry Meyers had some electric staffs throughout his first tenure as pitching coach for the Gamecocks. Most of those teams relied heavily on a handful of relievers that often tired by the close of the season. Don't take this the wrong way. Meyers can develop a pitcher like few others, but he tends to resort to those few arms that he completely trust. Can you blame him with how well Taylor and Price have thrown this season. Coach Calvi took a lot of heat over the last few years for a variety of issues, but he did convince Coach Tanner to use a plethora of arms last year and what did it get them, a National Championship. True, this year Jose Mata is wild, Bryan Harper is wilder, Tyler Webb is inconsistent, Logan Munson can't miss a bat, and Forest Koumas was forced into the starting rotation. Understood, and when they were given opportunities they underperformed. You just wish that some of these midweek games were used to develop reliability so that Taylor and Price were more rested because they both appeared tired last weekend. They will need to be sharp for a repeat title.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Rain Delay Joust
From: Leon
In case you missed it, here is the link to the video of the rain delay involving High Point and Radford where the two guys joust. Awesome! Wish I had thought of that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LElXeMS3EGk
In case you missed it, here is the link to the video of the rain delay involving High Point and Radford where the two guys joust. Awesome! Wish I had thought of that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LElXeMS3EGk
How many wins equals a national seed?
From: Austin
Let us lead off with the following: the conference tournament means much much more to clemmons than South Carolina this year. The tigers are still in the hosting debate, in spite of a subpar season by their standards. A series win at FSU this weekend, whether it leads to an Atlantic division title or not, could be a momentum builder that when added to 2 or 3 tourney victories pushes the tigers into the top 16. As one of the lower seeds, they would likely have a super regional pairing with the highest seed from a non-ACC school is in reasonable geographic range. Presto! South Carolina. A rematch from the CWS would be a compelling match-up.
The Yardcocks are pretty much assured at top 8 seed as long as they do not get swept at Bama and go 2 and out in the SEC tourney. The only remaining factor is which seed? If they take 2/3, then they would be wise to rest their main arms and get some other guys some work. Sullivan and Neff could start the first two games and Price and Taylor could be in street clothes to remove the temptation for Coach Meyers to throw them. Even with a below .500 record, Bama could win the West and the 2 seed in the conference tourney with by sweeping the National Champs. Look for them to come out inspired. Kentucky is playing much better of late and will be half of the best pitching match-up of the week when they send future first rounder and resident giant, Alex Meyer, to the hill to battle the Gators and their ace, Hudson Randall. Meyer is tough when he is not issuing free passes.
Let us lead off with the following: the conference tournament means much much more to clemmons than South Carolina this year. The tigers are still in the hosting debate, in spite of a subpar season by their standards. A series win at FSU this weekend, whether it leads to an Atlantic division title or not, could be a momentum builder that when added to 2 or 3 tourney victories pushes the tigers into the top 16. As one of the lower seeds, they would likely have a super regional pairing with the highest seed from a non-ACC school is in reasonable geographic range. Presto! South Carolina. A rematch from the CWS would be a compelling match-up.
The Yardcocks are pretty much assured at top 8 seed as long as they do not get swept at Bama and go 2 and out in the SEC tourney. The only remaining factor is which seed? If they take 2/3, then they would be wise to rest their main arms and get some other guys some work. Sullivan and Neff could start the first two games and Price and Taylor could be in street clothes to remove the temptation for Coach Meyers to throw them. Even with a below .500 record, Bama could win the West and the 2 seed in the conference tourney with by sweeping the National Champs. Look for them to come out inspired. Kentucky is playing much better of late and will be half of the best pitching match-up of the week when they send future first rounder and resident giant, Alex Meyer, to the hill to battle the Gators and their ace, Hudson Randall. Meyer is tough when he is not issuing free passes.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Chipper Jones' knee injury
From: Elliott
What kind of impact will Chipper's most recent knee injury have on the Braves' season? Yes it is early, but for the last 3 years the Braves have been in unnecessary close races due to poor early season performances against weaker opponents like the Pirates and Nationals. So any time missed even now is huge. Make no mistake about it, Chipper is the heart and soul of the Braves. The offense was impotent after he went down last year, but the biggest impact will be felt on defense. Brooks Conrad, despite his postseason struggles, is not that bad in the field, but is only a serviceable replacement at best. If Chipper is out for any extended length of time, then Jason Heyward must hit higher than .280 and drive in some runs. Chipper must play at least 140 games for the team to make the playoffs.
The good news is that this is not the same knee that required surgery last season. Early indications are that surgery may not be required, but if it is, then it should be done asap. A quick arthroscopic procedure may only keep Jones out of the lineup for 3-4 weeks. He need to be healthy for the postseason, if they get there.
The good news is that this is not the same knee that required surgery last season. Early indications are that surgery may not be required, but if it is, then it should be done asap. A quick arthroscopic procedure may only keep Jones out of the lineup for 3-4 weeks. He need to be healthy for the postseason, if they get there.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
South Carolina Senior Day 2011
From: Cole
The 7-1 final highlighted a fine ending to the regular season home careers for 6 Gamecock seniors today. After a teamwide defensive hiccup on Friday, senior Scott Wingo once again showed why he means so much to his team by blasting (and I do mean BLASTING) a walk off home run into the bullpen. Sunday was pure domination by the National Champs. Colby Holmes channeled his inner John Smoltz to give 8 2/3 innings of scoreless ball, only to come 1 pitch short of a shutout (of note: Holmes is effective when he keeps the ball down and he did just that against the Hogs). Left handers generally hit Holmes at a good clip, and Coach Van Horn inserted several into the lineup. However, Colby held them at bay by throwing his fastball down and away and his curve down and in. The fastball must have been tailing away based on the awkward swings and looks by the Hog hitters. Jackie Bradley Jr. has come back as a white guy and is now called Steven Neff. There are everyday starters for teh Gamecocks who do not have 3 home runs on the year, and Neff hits 3 in two games. The biggest indicator of his increased plate discipline is not the homers, but the opposite field double he roped on Saturday. Finally, some power in conference play!
Florida State's loss to NC State today gives clemmons the opportunity to win the Atlantic division by sweeping the Seminoles in Tallahassee next weekend. Wow, it could happen. Not likely, but it could.
The 7-1 final highlighted a fine ending to the regular season home careers for 6 Gamecock seniors today. After a teamwide defensive hiccup on Friday, senior Scott Wingo once again showed why he means so much to his team by blasting (and I do mean BLASTING) a walk off home run into the bullpen. Sunday was pure domination by the National Champs. Colby Holmes channeled his inner John Smoltz to give 8 2/3 innings of scoreless ball, only to come 1 pitch short of a shutout (of note: Holmes is effective when he keeps the ball down and he did just that against the Hogs). Left handers generally hit Holmes at a good clip, and Coach Van Horn inserted several into the lineup. However, Colby held them at bay by throwing his fastball down and away and his curve down and in. The fastball must have been tailing away based on the awkward swings and looks by the Hog hitters. Jackie Bradley Jr. has come back as a white guy and is now called Steven Neff. There are everyday starters for teh Gamecocks who do not have 3 home runs on the year, and Neff hits 3 in two games. The biggest indicator of his increased plate discipline is not the homers, but the opposite field double he roped on Saturday. Finally, some power in conference play!
Florida State's loss to NC State today gives clemmons the opportunity to win the Atlantic division by sweeping the Seminoles in Tallahassee next weekend. Wow, it could happen. Not likely, but it could.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Jason Heyward
From: Austin
Braves' prodigy Jason Heyward will undergo a MRI on his right shoulder tomorrow in an attempt to uncover what is causing the discomfort that was first noticed in spring training. A Medrol dose pack, that's steroids for those of us without a medical degree, provided some temporary relief, but is not something that can be used all season. Heyward is essential for the Braves chances to make the playoffs, so he needs to be in the lineup everyday. A good result would be some minor inflammation, a bad one would be a lack of structural integrity. When he returns to the lineup, Heyward has to provide some power.
Braves' prodigy Jason Heyward will undergo a MRI on his right shoulder tomorrow in an attempt to uncover what is causing the discomfort that was first noticed in spring training. A Medrol dose pack, that's steroids for those of us without a medical degree, provided some temporary relief, but is not something that can be used all season. Heyward is essential for the Braves chances to make the playoffs, so he needs to be in the lineup everyday. A good result would be some minor inflammation, a bad one would be a lack of structural integrity. When he returns to the lineup, Heyward has to provide some power.
Monday, May 2, 2011
NFL Draft 2011
From: Cole
Nothing like a draft where your team just stinks it up! I just recovered from the instantaneous nausea that ensued after the Panthers selected Cam Newton #1 overall. Then they proceded to make subpar selections all the way down. The only pick that we felt really good about was Lee Ziemba in the 7th round. We had Ziemba as a quality 5th round choice because we actually watch college football. NFL scouts, GMs, and coaches do not have enough time to watch a high number of college games. Thus, they put way too much emphasis on combines and pro days. Who cares what Jimbo can do in shorts? We care what he can do in pads on game day! Ziemba is a player. Case in point: Two defensive tackles, one from Bethel and one from Alabama A&M, were selected in the 7th round. You cannot tell me that those guys are better than South Carolina's Ladi Ajiboye, who held his own against Alabama and Auburn. No way! Safeties form Idaho and App State went in the 5th round. Could they possibly be better than clemmon's DeAndre McDaniel? Yea right! Hate it for McDaniel who could have been a 2nd or 3rd round selection last year and was talked into coming back to school. From a 2nd or 3rd rounder to undrafted, good call Dabo! Anyone who chooses UGA's fullback over Pat DiMarco hasn't watched enough film. Jaime Harper a fourth round pick? That caps it right there.
Hate it for Tori Gurley, but are you surprised? I know Ryan thought he'd be a 7th rounder due to size, but most of us didn't. It is Emmanuel Cook all over again. Coach Spurrier actually knows what he is talking about. Wow, what a concept! Who do these guys listen too? Hope the lockout ends soon so Gurley can get a free agent deal. He is a class act.
Nothing like a draft where your team just stinks it up! I just recovered from the instantaneous nausea that ensued after the Panthers selected Cam Newton #1 overall. Then they proceded to make subpar selections all the way down. The only pick that we felt really good about was Lee Ziemba in the 7th round. We had Ziemba as a quality 5th round choice because we actually watch college football. NFL scouts, GMs, and coaches do not have enough time to watch a high number of college games. Thus, they put way too much emphasis on combines and pro days. Who cares what Jimbo can do in shorts? We care what he can do in pads on game day! Ziemba is a player. Case in point: Two defensive tackles, one from Bethel and one from Alabama A&M, were selected in the 7th round. You cannot tell me that those guys are better than South Carolina's Ladi Ajiboye, who held his own against Alabama and Auburn. No way! Safeties form Idaho and App State went in the 5th round. Could they possibly be better than clemmon's DeAndre McDaniel? Yea right! Hate it for McDaniel who could have been a 2nd or 3rd round selection last year and was talked into coming back to school. From a 2nd or 3rd rounder to undrafted, good call Dabo! Anyone who chooses UGA's fullback over Pat DiMarco hasn't watched enough film. Jaime Harper a fourth round pick? That caps it right there.
Hate it for Tori Gurley, but are you surprised? I know Ryan thought he'd be a 7th rounder due to size, but most of us didn't. It is Emmanuel Cook all over again. Coach Spurrier actually knows what he is talking about. Wow, what a concept! Who do these guys listen too? Hope the lockout ends soon so Gurley can get a free agent deal. He is a class act.
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