Tuesday Scenic City Sports Update

21 out of 22 for the Rockies - are they now the favorite to win the Series? A National League team?

UPDATE!!!

Baseball

I watched the Indians beat the Sox last night behind Jake Westbrook and a stellar bullpen. Dice-K did not look confident at all on the mound, though the goofy strike zone might have played a part in that. The Fox announcers were absolutely correct when they pointed out the impact of the AWFUL strike call against Manny Ramirez that should have loaded the bases. There were several pitches that were not even close on that side of the plate that were called strikes.

I never got a good answer on my Kenny Lofton question. Why does no team want this guy? He comes up clutch every October.

I did not watch any of the Rockies clincher last night, but I am excited about it. Todd Helton, Matt Holliday, Clint Hurdle - these guys are awfully likable. Are the Rockies still doing the whole Christian franchise thing? That weirded me out at the time, but they really have built a team of character and class.

Tennessee Vols

Basketball first - Jay Bilas has Tennessee ranked #7 in his pre-season poll. I don't even know how to comprehend this. Isn't this the same program that Buzz Peterson was running into the ground just a few years ago? Other news in this article - Chris Lofton is becoming a leader (um, two arrests in the last month - sounds like we could use a little more leadership) and Duke Crews is "making progress" in trying to getting reinstated.

Also, Bruce Pearl is featured in Sports Illustrated this week with a full article about his rise in basketball and clownish antics. I have not seen it yet.

Yesterday I bragged on the Vols offensive line and now Josh McNeil wins Offensive Lineman of the Week. Did anyone else know this award existed?

Tennessee Titans

Injuries, injuries, injuries. Vince Young is day-to-day with a thigh sprain. Chris Brown tweaked an ankle (who didn't see this injury coming - this guy is the Mike Hampton of the Titans), Albert Haynesworth has a groin injury and Brandon Jones is out for a while after undergoing surgery on his knee. That is an impressive list of talent that is hurting as the Titans head to Houston for a big divisional game. There is also talk that Chris Henry will be active for this week's game.

Next game - at Houston 1:00 pm

Atlanta Braves

Braves Mailbag! This week's mailbag lists the Braves free agents (Andruw Jones, Octavio Dotel & Julio Franco are the notable ones) & suggests none will return. There is also little chance we'll see a return of Leo Mazzone after he was fired by the Orioles.

Speaking of getting fired, I am going to be if I don't get back to work. There will be an article up later today inspired by Dice-K. Stay tuned.