Very little going on to update, so this will be brief. The McCallie/Baylor article will be up later today.
Nashville Predators
Leading off with southern hockey? I told you - it is a slow morning. The Predators open their season against the Colorado Avalance, but the real story is that the Predators future in Nashville does not look good. Tonight's season opener is not sold out. I cannot imagine hockey in Nashville is going to last much longer, especially if the team doesn't improve. It is hard to support a niche sport when the team is not especially good.
Next game - tonight vs. Colorado Avalance 7:00 p.m.
Tennessee Vols
Not much news going into the UT/Georgia game. Mark Richt has seemingly had Fulmer's number for the last few years, becoming the new Spurrier in many Vols' minds. I like Richt as a coach, but I am not sold on Matthew Stafford yet. If the Vols can get some heat on Stafford, I think he will make some big mistakes on Saturday. The problem I see for the Vols defense (beside the inability to tackle and occasional blown coverage...) is going to be the Bulldog running game. It will be tough to get heat on Stafford if the Dawgs are getting 4-5 yards a carry on the ground. If the Vols can stuff the run, I think they win on Saturday.
Disney Princesses on Ice
This is where I will be tonight with Martha, Abby and my three nieces and nephews. As a man, I ought to be dreading every moment of this, but I'm actually really excited to see Abby's face through the whole thing. Plus, I'm a sucker for triple axles.
The weekend is near - McCallie/Baylor, Vols/Dawgs, Falcons/Titans, MLB playoffs, Superdrag reunion in Nashville - can't wait.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Baseball Blogging
The playoffs are here, so we're starting a new feature on the Scenic City Sportblog for the next month+ to discuss baseball's post-season. Here are my thoughts - please share your own in the comments section:
Rockies 4 Phillies 2
The Phillies hit their way to the playoffs, but got nothing from Rollins, Utley and Howard yesterday afternoon. I have not seen Jeff Francis throw a ball since he led the Vols to a Peach Bowl victory over Indiana. The guy has aged well.
Seriously, Francis looked great yesterday and really only gave up the one homerun to Roward. Pat Burrell's homerun was a fly ball in most parks. The Rockies are going to be tough to beat because they don't beat themselves. I don't know if they have the pitching to win it all, but their bullpen is solid and their defense helps the pitching. Matt Holliday is a stud, Todd Helton is a leader and Clint Hurdle looks like a great skipper. I voted for the Phillies as my National League representative, but I am not feeling so good about the pick right now.
Boston Red Sox 4 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 0
My other pick for the World Series was the Angels. Yikes. Josh Beckett looked like the 2003 stud that carried the Marlins over the Yankees. I have carried a grudge against Beckett for three years since he killed my fantasy team with his inconsistent starts. Last night, I forgave him. He looked fantastic against the Angels. I watched the beginning and end of this game, but there isn't much more to write about it other than Beckett's dominance.
Arizona Diamondbacks 3 Chicago Cubs 1
The talk of the morning is whether or not Lou Pinella should have pulled Carlos Zambrano after the 6th inning and only 85 pitches. The answer, of course, is no. It is not because the bullpen blew the game - that bullpen has been good this year. The answer is because Pinella should not have been looking ahead in the short 5 game series. Pinella had a chance to ride his stud to a road win (though, the game was tied when Zambrano was pulled) against the unhittable Brandon Webb. He should not have even considered saving Zambrano for a game on Sunday THAT MIGHT NOT EVEN HAPPEN! If the Cubs cannot win one of the next two games, Pinella saved Zambrano for nothing. The thought should not have crossed his mind.
Quick aside - the prospect of a Cubs/Phillies championship series looks great, but are we heading for a Rockies/Diamondbacks series?
Rockies 4 Phillies 2
The Phillies hit their way to the playoffs, but got nothing from Rollins, Utley and Howard yesterday afternoon. I have not seen Jeff Francis throw a ball since he led the Vols to a Peach Bowl victory over Indiana. The guy has aged well.
Seriously, Francis looked great yesterday and really only gave up the one homerun to Roward. Pat Burrell's homerun was a fly ball in most parks. The Rockies are going to be tough to beat because they don't beat themselves. I don't know if they have the pitching to win it all, but their bullpen is solid and their defense helps the pitching. Matt Holliday is a stud, Todd Helton is a leader and Clint Hurdle looks like a great skipper. I voted for the Phillies as my National League representative, but I am not feeling so good about the pick right now.
Boston Red Sox 4 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 0
My other pick for the World Series was the Angels. Yikes. Josh Beckett looked like the 2003 stud that carried the Marlins over the Yankees. I have carried a grudge against Beckett for three years since he killed my fantasy team with his inconsistent starts. Last night, I forgave him. He looked fantastic against the Angels. I watched the beginning and end of this game, but there isn't much more to write about it other than Beckett's dominance.
Arizona Diamondbacks 3 Chicago Cubs 1
The talk of the morning is whether or not Lou Pinella should have pulled Carlos Zambrano after the 6th inning and only 85 pitches. The answer, of course, is no. It is not because the bullpen blew the game - that bullpen has been good this year. The answer is because Pinella should not have been looking ahead in the short 5 game series. Pinella had a chance to ride his stud to a road win (though, the game was tied when Zambrano was pulled) against the unhittable Brandon Webb. He should not have even considered saving Zambrano for a game on Sunday THAT MIGHT NOT EVEN HAPPEN! If the Cubs cannot win one of the next two games, Pinella saved Zambrano for nothing. The thought should not have crossed his mind.
Quick aside - the prospect of a Cubs/Phillies championship series looks great, but are we heading for a Rockies/Diamondbacks series?
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Wednesday Scenic City Sports Update
Slow sports day yesterday, but things heat up with the baseball playoffs starting this afternoon. Be sure to vote (look left) on who you think will be in the World Series.
UPDATE!!!
Atlanta Braves
John Schuerholz reads my blog. Okay, maybe not, but he has decided to end the Andruw Jones drama and wish him well in his free agency. I guess his .220 season long hitting and inability to swing without immediately opening his left shoulder toward the on-deck circle behind him did not endure the Braves to pay his Boras-inspired demands. Speaking on behalf of Braves fans, oh well. I don't hate the guy, but I don't expect to miss him either.
Tennessee Vols
More off-season basketball fun - Ramar Smith stole/borrowed Wayne Chism's car and wrecked it. According to Coach Pearl, the guys borrow each other's cars all the time, but Chism didn't know it at the time. Hopefully he wasn't driving to score some pot for Duke Crews. Here is what I know about the basketball Vols right now - this crap wouldn't be happening if Dane Bradshaw was still around.
Enjoy your Wednesday. Tomorrow I will have some thoughts on the McCallie/Baylor game this Friday. See you then.
UPDATE!!!
Atlanta Braves
John Schuerholz reads my blog. Okay, maybe not, but he has decided to end the Andruw Jones drama and wish him well in his free agency. I guess his .220 season long hitting and inability to swing without immediately opening his left shoulder toward the on-deck circle behind him did not endure the Braves to pay his Boras-inspired demands. Speaking on behalf of Braves fans, oh well. I don't hate the guy, but I don't expect to miss him either.
Tennessee Vols
More off-season basketball fun - Ramar Smith stole/borrowed Wayne Chism's car and wrecked it. According to Coach Pearl, the guys borrow each other's cars all the time, but Chism didn't know it at the time. Hopefully he wasn't driving to score some pot for Duke Crews. Here is what I know about the basketball Vols right now - this crap wouldn't be happening if Dane Bradshaw was still around.
Enjoy your Wednesday. Tomorrow I will have some thoughts on the McCallie/Baylor game this Friday. See you then.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Tuesday Scenic City Sports Update
A little late this morning - I spent my evening watching the Padres/Rockies game instead of preparing for class, so my morning was spent scrambling to come up with something about European exploration in the 15th & 16th centuries. Cause & effect, baby - the bread & butter of any good history teacher.
TUESDAY UPDATE!!!
UT Vols
Nothing like a stupid team distraction the week of the Georgia game. Reserve linebacker Dorian Davis was arrested after a fight in his hometown of Iowa City, Iowa. Davis already missed this year's Orange & White game for violating team rules, so either he gets his act together or he will soon be back in the cornfields of Iowa.
Next game - vs. Georgia 3:30 p.m.
Atlanta Braves
Bobby Cox hints that next year may not be his last. He also touts Jo-Jo Reyes as a potential #2 starter, though I don't see it happening for a few more years. Speaking of lefties, Cox addresses Tom Glavine's future as well, saying he has something left and never misses a turn. He did not mention Mike Hampton, presumably so that Hampton might not attempt to read the quotation and strain a pupil muscle.
Tennessee Titans
Vince Young appeared on 60 Minutes Sunday night to talk about football and his father. I caught a little bit of the interview & came away liking V.Y. more than before (and I have been a fan since his days in Austin). He spoke about losing the Heisman to Reggie Bush as well as his relationship with his estranged father. When told that his father was proud of him, Young questioned whether he was proud of Young the player or Young the person. Solid guy - charismatic, funny and confident. Young reminds me of Muhammad Ali. In fact, if Ali were around today, I imagine he would be a quarterback instead of a heavyweight boxer. Quick, strong, a great leader - all the things that make V.Y. so successful. I'm cynical enough to be wary of jumping on the Vince Young bandwagon, but I have one foot on-board and the other is itching to make the leap.
Next game - vs. Atlanta 1:00 p.m.
Enjoy your Tuesday - another beautiful Chattanooga autumn day.
TUESDAY UPDATE!!!
UT Vols
Nothing like a stupid team distraction the week of the Georgia game. Reserve linebacker Dorian Davis was arrested after a fight in his hometown of Iowa City, Iowa. Davis already missed this year's Orange & White game for violating team rules, so either he gets his act together or he will soon be back in the cornfields of Iowa.
Next game - vs. Georgia 3:30 p.m.
Atlanta Braves
Bobby Cox hints that next year may not be his last. He also touts Jo-Jo Reyes as a potential #2 starter, though I don't see it happening for a few more years. Speaking of lefties, Cox addresses Tom Glavine's future as well, saying he has something left and never misses a turn. He did not mention Mike Hampton, presumably so that Hampton might not attempt to read the quotation and strain a pupil muscle.
Tennessee Titans
Vince Young appeared on 60 Minutes Sunday night to talk about football and his father. I caught a little bit of the interview & came away liking V.Y. more than before (and I have been a fan since his days in Austin). He spoke about losing the Heisman to Reggie Bush as well as his relationship with his estranged father. When told that his father was proud of him, Young questioned whether he was proud of Young the player or Young the person. Solid guy - charismatic, funny and confident. Young reminds me of Muhammad Ali. In fact, if Ali were around today, I imagine he would be a quarterback instead of a heavyweight boxer. Quick, strong, a great leader - all the things that make V.Y. so successful. I'm cynical enough to be wary of jumping on the Vince Young bandwagon, but I have one foot on-board and the other is itching to make the leap.
Next game - vs. Atlanta 1:00 p.m.
Enjoy your Tuesday - another beautiful Chattanooga autumn day.
Monday, October 1, 2007
The Braves Have Questions - I Have Answers
The 2007 season was a disappointing one for the Atlanta Braves. For a short time in August, they were considered the team to beat in the National League. Now, in October, they are at home watching the post-season. There are lots of questions for the Bravos to answer this off-season, and, luckily for Cox, Schuerholz and Co., I have answers.
Should the Braves re-sign Andruw Jones?
No. Like most Braves fans, I have a love/hate relationship with Andruw Jones. At times, he looks like a legitimate clean-up hitter, and his defensive ability in centerfield is Mays-like. At other times, he looks J.D. Drew-esque - unmotivated, lackadaisical and uncaring. With Scott Boras as his agent, Jones is going to demand top money even after he failed to hit his weight during a contract year. The Braves can no longer spend freely like they did a few years ago, and Jones just isn't worth the money. Unfortunately, the best options on the market (Mike Cameron and Torii Hunter) are probably too expensive as well.
I think the answer in centerfield is going to be Willie Harris. Even though he struggled down the stretch of the season, his speed as a lead-off hitter and ability to cover ground in center makes him the best option. There have been suggestions of Jeff Francoeur or Kelly Johnson playing there. I hate the idea of moving Franceour's arm out of right-field and just don't see Kelly Johnson as a major league center-fielder.
What should the Braves do at shortstop?
As much as I hate to type it, the Braves ought to see what they can get for Edgar Renteria and go with Yunel Escobar. Escobar needs to play everyday, not platoon at 2nd base. Renteria showed this year he can still hit and field, so the Braves might be able to get a starting pitcher, some bullpen help or even a center-fielder in exchange for the veteran. There are already rumors of the Detroit Tigers' interest in Renteria, so I imagine it will not be too difficult to move him and his hefty salary. I can guarantee, however, that Boston won't be a suitor.
What should the Braves do about their starting pitching?
#1 - Forget about Mike Hampton. All year long, Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz have complained about not having Mike Hampton. Did they really build their season plans around the broken-down lefty? The Braves owe Hampton a ton of money and have gotten zip for it over the last two years. They ought to expect more of the same next year. If Hampton is able to be a 5th starter next season, great. It will be an upgrade from Jo-Jo Reyes or Mark Redman. Otherwise, the Braves must find a #3 starter behind Tim Hudson and John Smoltz.
#2 - Forget about Tom Glavine. Glavine runs out of gas in September (as evidenced by Sunday's 1/3 inning effort) and has never been a big game pitcher (as evidenced by Sunday's 1/3 inning effort). I would rather see Atlanta go after a younger free agent or discounted veteran than bring Glavine back. Remember - the Braves declined to bring Glavine back this season when he wanted to return for his 300th win and there has been a riff between John Schuerholz and Glavine since Schuerholz's book came out last year. I don't see Glavine as being the best fit for Atlanta next year.
#3 - Forget about Buddy Carlyle, Jo-Jo Reyes and Lance Cormier. If the Braves are serious about making a post-season run next year, it won't be with these guys in the rotation. They must find something via free agency or trade to upgrade the staff.
So that is what not to do. I would love to see the Braves sign someone like Jason Jennings who, after a terrible season in Houston, might come at a bargain. There are some other durable veteran free agents like Livan Hernandez or Kip Wells who would be upgrades. If the Braves are willing to spend money this off-season (there have been disputed rumors that orders from upstairs are to spend less, not more next year), it has to be for a strong #3 starter.
What about the bullpen?
This has been an annual concern for the Braves since the beginning of the early 90s run. The list of closer busts is long - Mark Wohlers, Chris Reitsma, Danny Kolb, Bob Wickman - and painful. Rafael Soriano might be the best answer since John Smoltz. He looked awful during the middle of the year, but did a fine job as a closer after the Braves dumped Wickman. Hopefully the Braves can re-sign Octavio Dotel for less money to be the set-up man for him. Pete Moylan had a great year out of the 'pen. And don't forget Mike Gonzalez, who might emerge as a future closer if he can rebound from Tommy John surgery. Finally, it looks like the Braves have a solid bullpen - hopefully they can upgrade their starting pitching so they won't have to use it so much.
Are the Braves contenders in 2008?
Absolutely. There is no way the Braves won't hit next year, even without Andruw Jones. The big question for Schuerholz and Cox will be the same one they never answered this season - what to do about an inconsistent starting rotation. If Atlanta is willing to splurge on some arms, there is no reason the Braves cannot return to the top of the National League next year.
Should the Braves re-sign Andruw Jones?
No. Like most Braves fans, I have a love/hate relationship with Andruw Jones. At times, he looks like a legitimate clean-up hitter, and his defensive ability in centerfield is Mays-like. At other times, he looks J.D. Drew-esque - unmotivated, lackadaisical and uncaring. With Scott Boras as his agent, Jones is going to demand top money even after he failed to hit his weight during a contract year. The Braves can no longer spend freely like they did a few years ago, and Jones just isn't worth the money. Unfortunately, the best options on the market (Mike Cameron and Torii Hunter) are probably too expensive as well.
I think the answer in centerfield is going to be Willie Harris. Even though he struggled down the stretch of the season, his speed as a lead-off hitter and ability to cover ground in center makes him the best option. There have been suggestions of Jeff Francoeur or Kelly Johnson playing there. I hate the idea of moving Franceour's arm out of right-field and just don't see Kelly Johnson as a major league center-fielder.
What should the Braves do at shortstop?
As much as I hate to type it, the Braves ought to see what they can get for Edgar Renteria and go with Yunel Escobar. Escobar needs to play everyday, not platoon at 2nd base. Renteria showed this year he can still hit and field, so the Braves might be able to get a starting pitcher, some bullpen help or even a center-fielder in exchange for the veteran. There are already rumors of the Detroit Tigers' interest in Renteria, so I imagine it will not be too difficult to move him and his hefty salary. I can guarantee, however, that Boston won't be a suitor.
What should the Braves do about their starting pitching?
#1 - Forget about Mike Hampton. All year long, Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz have complained about not having Mike Hampton. Did they really build their season plans around the broken-down lefty? The Braves owe Hampton a ton of money and have gotten zip for it over the last two years. They ought to expect more of the same next year. If Hampton is able to be a 5th starter next season, great. It will be an upgrade from Jo-Jo Reyes or Mark Redman. Otherwise, the Braves must find a #3 starter behind Tim Hudson and John Smoltz.
#2 - Forget about Tom Glavine. Glavine runs out of gas in September (as evidenced by Sunday's 1/3 inning effort) and has never been a big game pitcher (as evidenced by Sunday's 1/3 inning effort). I would rather see Atlanta go after a younger free agent or discounted veteran than bring Glavine back. Remember - the Braves declined to bring Glavine back this season when he wanted to return for his 300th win and there has been a riff between John Schuerholz and Glavine since Schuerholz's book came out last year. I don't see Glavine as being the best fit for Atlanta next year.
#3 - Forget about Buddy Carlyle, Jo-Jo Reyes and Lance Cormier. If the Braves are serious about making a post-season run next year, it won't be with these guys in the rotation. They must find something via free agency or trade to upgrade the staff.
So that is what not to do. I would love to see the Braves sign someone like Jason Jennings who, after a terrible season in Houston, might come at a bargain. There are some other durable veteran free agents like Livan Hernandez or Kip Wells who would be upgrades. If the Braves are willing to spend money this off-season (there have been disputed rumors that orders from upstairs are to spend less, not more next year), it has to be for a strong #3 starter.
What about the bullpen?
This has been an annual concern for the Braves since the beginning of the early 90s run. The list of closer busts is long - Mark Wohlers, Chris Reitsma, Danny Kolb, Bob Wickman - and painful. Rafael Soriano might be the best answer since John Smoltz. He looked awful during the middle of the year, but did a fine job as a closer after the Braves dumped Wickman. Hopefully the Braves can re-sign Octavio Dotel for less money to be the set-up man for him. Pete Moylan had a great year out of the 'pen. And don't forget Mike Gonzalez, who might emerge as a future closer if he can rebound from Tommy John surgery. Finally, it looks like the Braves have a solid bullpen - hopefully they can upgrade their starting pitching so they won't have to use it so much.
Are the Braves contenders in 2008?
Absolutely. There is no way the Braves won't hit next year, even without Andruw Jones. The big question for Schuerholz and Cox will be the same one they never answered this season - what to do about an inconsistent starting rotation. If Atlanta is willing to splurge on some arms, there is no reason the Braves cannot return to the top of the National League next year.
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