South Carolina and Vanderbilt to open 2012 season

From: Benjamin

With the news the the Gamecocks will possibly open the 2012 season on ESPN's Thursday night kickoff at Vanderbilt, the pack of "woe is me" Gamecock fans have come forth from hibernation. Radio stations are flooded with calls detailing the poor record of Thursday night road teams. Why open with a conference game on the road? It is an eastern division rival, they say! Well whoopdedo. It is Vanderbilt. Yes, they have played you tough recently. Yes, they may be better under Coach Franklin. It is still Vanderbilt. The Thursday night game to open the season gets you in front of every college football fan who has been salivating for any game, not to mention all the voters. What a excellent opportunity to drive home your position as a 2012 team to reckon with by drubbing Vandy on national TV. Remember Gamecock fans, you did beat NC State in Raleigh a few years back to open the year. It can be done. The national exposure the program has received from opening the year in the season's first game so many times recently cannot be understated. Take the game, and go whip em. Fill the other half of the "glass is half empty' Gamecock contingent.

Beware SEC: Alshon is coming

From: Cole
SEC defenses are put on notice: Alshon Jeffery is coming.

Atlanta Braves Prospect Update

From: Austin

The Braves carry an elite farm system, ranking in the top three in the Baseball America rankings. The prize of the organization, 20 year old righty Julio Teheran, is blowing up AAA ball. Teheran sports a 12-1 record with a 1.90 era, 99 Ks and only 32 walks. Not too shabby. Arodys Vizcaino, acquired from the Yankees in the Javier Vasquez deal, was promoted to AAA and has a 2.25 era in 4 starts. A .303 batting average got the top catching prospect, 19 year old Christian Bethancout, promoted to high A Lynchburg. The system is loaded with shortstop prospects, and no one is having a better 2011 than Tyler Pastornicky. The 21 year old, who was acquired from the Blue Jays in the Yunel Escobar deal, has enjoyed his promotion to AAA. In his 12 games for Gwinnett, Pastornicky is stroking the ball with a .423 average in 51 at bats.

In a Rookie League update, second round pick Nick Ahmed, is hitting .263 in 33 games for Danville. Ahmed, a SS out of UCONN, was the second round selection. 3rd round pick, Kyle Kubitza, a 3B from Texas State, is hitting .290 in 30 games. Mark Lamm, the 6th round pick from Vanderbilt, had a 0.00 era in 2 appearances for Danville. This earned him a promotion to High A Lynchburg where he is 1-0 with a 1.53 era in 5 games.

South Carolina Virginia Game Winning Play

From: Matthew

For the Back to Back National Championship reminder of the week we have Robert Beary's bunt to beat the Virginia Cavaliers and advance to the championship round of the College World Series. It is embarrassing to note that yes, I did get angry in the top of the inning when we blew two infield defensive assignments and I went to sleep. Quite a surprise awaited me the next morning when my phone had 14 new text messages of folks ribbing me for calling it a night. Great win!

Atlanta Braves 2011 Draft Signings

From: Elliott

The Braves are moving quickly to sign their top picks this year, one of 6 teams to have signed their first round selection (FSU left hander Sean Gilmartin). With the August 15 deadline still weeks away, the Braves have inked their top 9 picks, 12 of the top 14, 17 of the top 20, and 26 of the top 30. South Carolina fans would appreciate if they would lock down Vanderbilt's flame throwing closer Navory Moore, who was their 14th round selection. Moore was unhittable in Columbia this past season. The percentage of draftees signed is much higher than most other franchises and eliminates the team from the high priced "above slot" deals that get done close to the deadline. Here's to hoping 32nd round pick, Matt Kimbrel, is half as good as his big brother.

Marcus Lattimore at Real Men on July 28

From: Benjamin

South Carolina's Freshman All-American running back, Marcus Lattimore, will headline a group of players who will be speaking at First Baptist Church in Columbia on Thursday, July 28 at 6 pm. Over 1000 men are already registered for the Real Men event and over 4000 are expected. Doors will open at 5 pm, so arrive early to ensure a seat.
http://www.realmencolumbia.org/

Freddie Freeman Exceeding Expectations

From: Benjamin

Braves rookie first baseman, Freddie Freeman, is tearing the cover off of the ball, and you can bet the Rockies are ecstatic to see him leave town. Freeman knocked long ball number 15 yesterday and upped his average to .279 on the year. The power numbers are what stands out. The 21 year old never hit more than 18 home runs in the minors (Rome 2008 and Gwinnett 2010) and was projected by most to end up around 15 in his first big league season. Power numbers come later in the career for most players, the fact that Freeman, who will turn 22 on September 12, has squared up this many so early is extremely promising. Add to it 24 walks and the high average and you get a rookie of the year candidate. Jason Heyward received all of the hype, but is still hovering around the .220s. Freeman is blowing past expectations and is giving the Bravos a big time bat in the middle of the line up.