Its About Time, Tech Upsets Wake For First ACC Win

Georgia Tech just one-upped the Bulldogs again, by winning their first conference game before the Bulldogs. Not only did they win, but they beat the #4 ranked Demon Deacons with a game-winning jumpshot by Iman Shumpert with one second remaining. Wake Forest had just beaten top-ranked Duke on Wednesday night, two days after the latest polls dropped them from #1 to #4 because of an upset loss to Virginia Tech. While Tech's current 1-6 ACC record may still not bode well for postseason glory, they can always look back and be proud that they knocked off a top-5 team. The real question right now should be, how real is this Wake Forest team? Maybe the ACC is much more balanced than we thought..
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Dirty South Pride

Its been quite a year for Atlanta fans... the Braves' demise, the Falcons' rise and the Hawks' surprise (and at least the Thrashers try). But another year come and gone without bringing home a major championship. Sure it'd be fun to live in Boston with the Patriots, Celtics and Red Sox, but we can't all enjoy that kind of well-rounded success. The rest of us have to find other reasons to have pride in our teams. Things like damn good hot dogs or kiss cams or Marta access. But seriously Atlanta fans, when some joker from Boston or Florida starts giving you the business about how irrelevant our teams are... here's six good reasons to laugh in their face:

• Michael Turner
• Roddy White
• Joe Johnson
• Ilya Kovalchuk
• Chipper Jones
• Brian McCann

These are your Atlanta All-Stars. These six players were named the best of the best this year. No Bostonian can come into the dirty south and claim we have no good players or we have no good teams. With two playoff teams and six all-stars, I'd say we're sitting pretty. There's 30+ teams in these leagues, and only one can win the championship each year. And its been a long time since that team was the Yankees, Cowboys, or Lakers. Sports isn't all about the championships. Sure it'd be nice to have a couple more World Series titles and a Super Bowl win, but its hard not to feel proud about our boys when you go into the stadium and see those banners hanging: division champions, conference champions, league champions... or when you turn on the All-Star game or Pro Bowl and see your boys taking the field alongside the game's best players... or when you read preseason discussions about which of your guys could win the Heisman, league MVP, or Rookie of the Year.

We may have down years, but our teams - our players - are never out of the discussion. Matt Ryan was the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year, Michael Turner was the league MVP's runner-up, Jonathan Dwyer ACC Player of the Year, Matt Stafford could be the top pick in the draft, Chipper Jones won the NL batting title... times are good in the Dirty South boys and girls, even if we're not hoisting championship trophies like they are in the northeast, that doesn't mean we aren't proud of our players' accomplishments year in and year out. If you keep putting talent on the field, the titles will come.
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Joe Johnson Named to All Star Team

Hawks F/G Joe Johnson ("JJ") was named to his third-straight All-Star team, again as a reserve. He'll back up little-known guys like LeBron James and Allen Iverson. This ain't like baseball or hockey where each team automatically gets an All-Star representative, so this is a big deal that the Hawks' best player has been given the honor three straight years. Be proud, Hawks fans! Now let's we can win a game before All-Star weekend.... eek.
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New Braves Radio Team Sounds Familiar

Former Braves broadcaster will rejoin the radio team this season alongside Jim Powell, taking over for the great Skip Caray and Pete Van Wieren. Sutton was part of the Braves broadcast team for 18 years before moving on to the Washington Nationals. He was released from his current contracts so that he could rejoin Atlanta. After the sudden loss of Skip and the ensuing retirement of Pete, the Braves fanbase took a major hit. Its been hard to imagine listening to Braves radio again without the two of them, but the club did a good job by returning a familiar voice to the booth. Having Sutton call the games will help bring back some of that nostalgia from the 90's dynasty, and its good to have him back.
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Felton Out at Georgia

Looks like Damon Evans is a fan of me and Dirty South Sports. He must have taken what I said to heart. Just kidding.

Evans did, however, fire Dennis Felton after a brutal 83-57 loss to Florida. Look two posts down and I'll say I told you so. This decision came after the fifth consecutive conference loss. The team is now 9 - 11, winless in the SEC, and the only coachless team. Georgia will have to pay Felton 1.5 million to say goodbye, but that clearly had no bearing on the athletic association's decision to fire him. My opinion, Felton conceded when he went to the inauguration with his team riding a four game losing streak. He tapped out and he should be fired.
Coach Pete Herrman will coach the team for the remainder of the season, then a new coach will be named. Barring a miracle season and trip to the postseason, Herrman will leave at the end of the season. Let's hope the next coach is better. I think UGA is ready to spend a ton of money on the upcoming basketball coach. We will see.
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All Hail Yoculan

UGA Gymnastics will have one final year under the tutelage of Suzanne Yoculan (807-116-7). After this season, she plans to hang up her dress, high-heels and retire on top. She will be canonized as perhaps the greatest college gymnastics coach of all time - not to mention one of the best in collegiate history regardless of sport.

Yoculan includes on her resume 9 National Championship titles, 16 SEC titles, 38 Individual NCAA titles, 20 Regional Championships, 5-time Coach of the Year, and 68 All-Americans in her 25-year tenure at UGA. Let's not forget these girls are pound-for-pound stronger than the football team - yes, they do this test every year - and are quite smart.

This year Yoculan does not feel the spark the team usually posses. After a relatively weak win over West Virginia, Yoculan warns, “We are in big trouble unless some things change —- and things will change.”

Indeed, The #1 Gym Dawgs return to the floor this year as the team to beat behind the master ringleader. Let's get the irreplacable Yoculan one more.

[I digress. I once saw Coach Yoculan walk on a bed of rocks in the tallest, skinniest high-heels ever. Her balance was unnerved as she gracefully passed through the rough terrain. To this day, i have never seen such skill in walking.]
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Georgia vs Florida

The biannual basketball version of the "Worlds Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" is set for Wednesday night. I fear that UGA is going to get beat by a larger margin than in football. This year, along with most of Felton's tenure have been a relative disappointment, but losing to Florida two times (which I'm assuming will happen this year) is not cool. I would honestly be suprised if the Bulldogs were within 10 at the start of the second half. Florida has owned Georgia as of late in the major sports -- football and basketball (at least we have gymnastics, baseball, and swimming). Wednesday night should have no suprises becuase, well Felton sucks. I said it, he's a good person and very likable, but he is a terrible coach. You can turn a team around in one year in basketball, he's had over five. Time to give him the boot. Here are the stats on the UGA team. Note the home and away for UGA and UF as well as the streak each team is on. Nevertheless, I will cheer for my beloved Bulldogs to win, although I will not be watching.

	W-L	PF	PA	HOME	ROAD	STK
GA	9-10	65.7	65.1	8-5	0-4	L6
FLA	17-3	79.2	64.8	12-0	3-2	W1

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A Dog Eat Dog Super Bowl

What does the Super Bowl mean to you? Is it about the game? The teams? Perhaps you watch it for the half-time show or the commercials? Do you gather each year for the food or because it is another reason to drink and be with friends? Maybe you watch the Super Bowl each year just because everyone else does?

As we gather to celebrate, yet mourn, the passing of the football season, we do so with the most American of pomp and grandiosity. As expected, fans will see two-day long pre-game shows, overly expensive advertising spots, obnoxiously attractive cheerleaders, major displays of fireworks, and premier concert performances. I usually enjoy the half-time shows and always look forward to the commercials. The games, however, are less memorable (with the exception of last year’s amazing catch by Tyree).

While most networks will concede the night to NBC’s coverage of the Super Bowl, many will embrace the idea of cheap programming to attract a different breed of viewers. Allow me to introduce you to the annual airing of the Puppy Bowl on Animal Planet.

The concept is simple: Pull together the cutest puppies into a small room with a football field carpet and stadium painted walls, add one crazy referee, and throw in some balls. What you end up with is one of the growing cult programs that air opposite the Super Bowl. Scoff all you want, but this concept is brilliant, funny, and satisfies the need of a niche audience in need of the Super Bowl ritual without the actual football. And it’s adorable.

While the Falcons are disappointingly not on the bill in Tampa, the commercials, the Boss, Hines Ward, and Leonard Pope will supply quality entertainment. Will it be better than Puppy Bowl V? Tough to say, but the game itself will be more hype than delivery.

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Arizona Cardinals Win First Ever Superbowl!

Well...not yet at least...

I am in no way an Arizona Cardinals fan...at all. However, this Superbowl Sunday I will stand firmly behind the underdogs from the desert. I am backing the Cards for three primary reasons.

• Make the Falcons look better for their Wildcard loss
• Keep the NFC Superbowl win streak moving
• The cartoon character that is...Larry Fitzgerald

One of the most exciting offenses versus the leagues best defense...this game is shaping up to be very interesting. Before the NFC championship I made a prediction that Fitz would be able to run around at will in the Philly secondary...which was pretty bold considering who is back there. Either the Eagles defense fell asleep or Fitz is just that good. I am leaning towards the fact that Fitz is just that good...and he is going to do it again this weekend on the Steelers secondary. Now that being said I don't think it will be nearly as easy. Any team worth its salt would be preapring like crazy after seeing his post season performances thus far. I predict Fitz will still get loose, but take away one of those TDs (hell...I would take 2 Touchdowns vs the Steelers Defense). Check out the rest of my Superbowl predictions below. 100 points to me for each one I get correct.

• The Arizona Cardinals will win the Superbowl
• Larry Fitzgerald will have 2 touchdowns
• Kurt Warner will win the MVP
• Kurt Warner will throw for 300+ yards
• Big Ben will throw at least 1 interception
• Willie Parker will gain over 100 yards
• Edge will run for less than 80 yards
• Polamalu will have 1 interception
• James Harrison will sack warner twice
• Final score will be 35-24

Let me know YOUR predictions.

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Kovalchuk in Montreal for All Star Game

Tonight Ilya Kovalchuk will represent the Atlanta Thrashers in the NHL All-Star Game in Montreal, appearing in the game for the third time in his career. The Thrashers all-time leader in points was recently named the team's captain, likely putting to bed any fears that the team would not commit to the superstar for the long-term.
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Powerhouse Conferences Make SEC Look Like a One-Hit Wonder

Ahh the SEC, the powerhouse of college football. The last three national champions, five BCS titles, perennial forces like Florida, LSU, Georgia, Auburn, Tennessee, the biggest names in coaching with Meyer, Spurrier, Miles and Richt. Its a proud tradition of winning. So how come it doesn't translate over to basketball? Sure Billy Donovan led Florida to back-to-back national championships with a stellar cast led by the Hawks' current center, Al Hoford... but shouldn't that have helped make the SEC more competitive? Kentucky has fallen off the map.. Tennessee has never lived up to the hype.. Florida still hasn't reloaded... Alabama showed a glimpse of potential before disappearing... so what happened? The ACC and Big East are running circles around the SEC, pumping out half a dozen top-tier teams every year. Its absurd. Let's check the current rankings:

1. Wake Forest (ACC)
2. Duke (ACC)
3. UCONN (Big East)
4. Pittsurgh (Big East)
5. UNC (ACC)
8. Syracuse (Big East)
9. Louisville (Big East)
10. Clemson (ACC)
11. Marquette (Big East)
12. Georgetown (Big East)

This is unbelievable folks. Yes I know the Big East has about twenty teams, but to have half of the top 12 in one conference is silly. Yes I also know that basketball rankings don't mean a whole lot (can you say playoff system?), but for two conferences to absolutely dominate the rankings is just wrong. Florida sits at 24, the sole ranked SEC team. The Big East has 8. ACC has 4 (all in the top 10), as does the Big 10. The Big 12? 3 teams. Pac 10? 2. And then there's the SEC with one - and they aren't even ranked by both polls!

So what did Billy Donovan do to the conference with those two championships? Did he make the SEC look like a breeding ground for NBA-caliber, Final Four talent? Did he show the country that the SEC can dominate football AND basketball for years to come? Did he show the coaches in his own conference that, yes, even they can recruit a championship team? It doesn't look like it. It looks like all he did was show coaches in the Big East and the ACC that if they let any more top-shelf recruits slip through, it could come back to haunt them (and Donovan's leaving for Orlando before reconsidering and returning to Gainesville sure didn't help).

Here's to hoping that the SEC can provide some kind of competitive team in the tournament this March (for crying out loud, the SEC champion was Georgia last year!!).. or its going to be another long offseason for SEC fans, players and coaches.
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Give The Hawks Credit

With two starters out again, the Hawks were able to pull off their third straight win last night and climb back to ten games over .500. F Marvin Williams and C Al Horford continue to ride the bench with injuries, wreaking havoc on the depth of this team. But Josh Smith has been on a tear the last two weeks, JJ is always solid, and Mike Bibby has taken over when they need him. This is the second stretch this season that Horford has missed multiple games, and clearly Zaza and Solo have filled in wonderfully. If we can keep this intensity up when Al and Marvin return - watch out East.

*Fun fact, let it be known that the Cleveland Cavaliers (fresh off a buzzer beater from LeBron at Golden State) continue to be unbeaten at home: 20-0. Incredible. The Hawks and their 17-4 home record are two games up on the Pistons for the 4th seed in the East.
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Chipper: As Productive at 40 As Right Now

We have more words from Chipper courtesy of beat writer Mark Bowman over at atlantabraves.com.

"I lump myself into the category of being the John Smoltz-type of athlete," Jones said. "When I'm done playing, I'm not going to bulk up to 250 pounds. I work out and do stuff to keep myself in shape year round. I think I'm going to be as productive at 40 as I am now. You're not going to be as spry in the legs as you were when you were 25, but you can still be productive."

This is why Chipper, and Smoltz, are so important to the Braves. They believe in themselves and how they can contribute. I really hope Chip can be that productive at 40 (75 RBI, 22 HR, .364 AVG while hurt most of the year). It may be, as sad as it is, at one point Chipper will have to move on. It will be sad, and a little wierd. Sure was wierd with Smoltz, but let it be known, Chipper "wants to be Brave."

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Basketball teams are supposed to win right?

Georgia has a basketball tradition. Georgia had Dominique Wilkins and well, that’s about it. UGA has made mistakes with their past two coaches (Herrick and Felton) and now it’s time to get rid of Felton.

Felton got his start coaching high school in 1984. The following year, he coached community college, and then served as an assistant coach until 1998. At Clemson during the six years he was there, the team averaged 19 wins. In 1999, Felton took over at Western Kentucky. As the head coach, the Hill toppers went won the Sun Belt Conference tournament from 2001-2003, when Felton was offered the head coaching position at UGA. In his first four seasons in Athens Felton has a losing record at 58 – 63. While Felton had to deal with the mess Herrick left, there’s a limit on time. He would have been fired last year had it not been for an unprecedented 4 wins in 3 days to win the SEC Tournament. Now, the Bulldogs are 9 – 9 overall and 0-3 in the SEC. I’ll be surprised if they win 4 games in a down SEC this year. I think Georgia got a great person in Felton, but it’s clear, he’s not the coach Georgia needs. Felton came in under terrible circumstances and it looked at first as if he would be successful. The crowds were bigger and everyone was starting to get excited about Georgia basketball. Unfortunately, he never made it over the top. Maybe he needs pointers from Sylvester Stallone about getting “Over the Top,” maybe he needs to learn to recruit, maybe he needs to wear Dominique's short shorts. He has failed over his tenure at Georgia and he needs to move on.

Publish Post

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Heyward Named MLB's #3 Prospect, Hanson #9

ESPN's Keith Law has released his list of the top 100 prospects in baseball today. Baltimore C Matt Wieters and Tampa Bay SP David Price top the list (take note, fantasy junkies). Coming in at number three is no less than Atlanta's own slugging RF Jason Heyward. Many of you probably are saying, Jason who? Well its Jason Heyward, fools! The nineteen year old physical specimen of a man patrolling right field (and formerly center field) down in Myrtle Beach. This beast has a great eye, the best contact rate in the league, and the strength to be a 30HR+ a year candidate. Think Andruw or Frenchie but with eyeballs. Sounds like the kind of player we need in the outfield today.. too bad we'll probably have to wait until late 2010 to get a glimpse of him in the majors. Here's what Mr. Law had to say about the Braves' top prospect:

"The first round of the 2007 draft looks like it's going to turn out a half-dozen stars or well above-average big leaguers, if not more, with Heyward at the top of the list of its high school products. Even at age 17, Heyward was a physical specimen, already 6-4 and well-built with room to add muscle as he gets older. He controls the strike zone well, both laying off pitches out of the zone and working himself into hitters' counts; his contact rate was one of the best in the South Atlantic League this year despite his relative youth. He gets his arms extended well, setting up slightly away from his body, so the ball down or over the outer half is well within his reach. Atlanta has moved him from center to right field; he has a plus arm and above-average range now that he's out of the middle of the field. His upside is just a question of power; he's going to hit for average and be an asset in the field. His swing and body point to 30-plus homers a year, which, coupled with a healthy on-base percentage and defensive value, would make him one of the most valuable players in the game."

And more good news, the Braves' top pitching prospect comes in at #9: Tommy Hanson. We should all know Tommy well by now after his incredible run in the Arizona Fall League.

"Hanson projects as a potential No. 1 starter, with a four-pitch arsenal headlined by a 92-95 mph fastball and a plus curveball with great depth. He's 6-6 and gets good angle on his pitches ... his command and control are both below average, although he can just overpower minor league hitters, which keeps him below the top 10. He's probably less than a year from contributing in the majors."

Furthermore, MiLB.com's Top 100 Prospects also ranks Heyward at #3, with Hanson coming in at #24 and 1B Freddie Freeman at #38. All three have been invited to the Braves spring training camp in Feb/March, along with Jordan Schafer and Kris Medlen. Half of the Braves' top 10 prospects will be playing alongside Chipper and McCann this spring, showing the big shots what they've got while giving us fans a chance to see how bright our future really looks. Be sure to check them out during spring training fools! Read Full Article!

Doesn't sit right.

In a story on MLB.com, Alden Gonzalez reports today that the Boston Red Sox may have some real decisions to make regarding the growing size of their pitching staff come mid-season, which could create a very troublesome scenario involving newly acquired ace John Smoltz.

Smoltz' athleticism, competitive drive and dogged determination likely put him in the position to be ready to pitch at full capacity when the All-Star break hits. He's always been a good pitcher in the regular season, and he's arguably the greatest post-season pitcher of all-time. It's why Theo Epstein put his faith in Atlanta's former horse and pinched a guaranteed $5.5 million out of his bottomless pockets for Smoltz, whether he throws a pitch or not. Boston is well-aware that, when it counts, there isn't a more trusted pitcher, young or old, than old number 29. And he is old—in baseball terms. But there's a short list of pitchers you'd want with the ball in October, and there his name is engraved. The legend alone is worth the money.

Having a quality pedigree as a professional athlete extends your career by seasons and lands you on better teams, teams who make lofty trades for one reason: to win. In light of the absence of a salary cap in Major League Baseball, there remain few teams with the resources and willingness to win at all costs. The Boston Red Sox is one. At the same time, we're all too familiar with their foil, their nemesis.

Call it a hunch. Call it a reason for indigestion worthy of medical care. Call it what it would be: typical and disgusting. But in the heat of a pennant race, an eastern division frenzy fueled by the competitive juices that surge through John Smoltz' veins and flow like the ink into the checkbooks of the baseball elite, it would not surprise me to hear the news of a last-minute addition to an already stacked roster wherein the New York Yankees acquire John Smoltz going into the 2009 post-season, likely the last shot our long-time ace-in-the-hole would have at winning the second championship ring he undoubtedly desires. Should Boston fade down the stretch, I wouldn't deny any possibility. I wouldn't blame Johnny for going either, but I'd likely throw up in my mouth a little.
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Lefty's got some left

In an encouraging 30-pitch mound session today, Tom Glavine furthered the hopes for a speedy come-back from the first arm surgery of his Hall-of-Fame-bound career. The veteran ranks fouth all-time in wins among major league southpaws with 305. As seasoned as he is, it seems a little maintenance does wonders.

"My arm hasn't felt this good in years," Glavine told Mark Bowman, Braves beat writer for MLB.com. He felt so good that, in addition to throwing fastballs, #47 mixed in a few signature change-ups with both improved velocity and arm strength.

Glavine plans to throw again on Friday before heading back to Birmingham, AL, to meet with Dr. James Andrews in what he hopes to be just a check-up on the way to a full recovery, readying him for the start of the 2009 regular season.

With the Braves' signing of ace Derek Lowe, Japanese hurler Kenshin Kawakami and the veteran Javier Vazquez, with Jair Jurrjens ready to go, it seems the only question left in the pitching rotation is the 5-spot. Whether it's Campillo or Glavine, one thing is certain: Glavine can offer the Braves far more than just innings. Moreso than his arm, his experience and leadership would be a priceless asset to Atlanta and the rest of the rotation. (Let's go, Frank Wren!) Read Full Article!

44

On this day traces of patriotism reverberate throughout the land as Americans celebrate a peaceful transition of power. While the focus of ‘change’ lies mostly in the realm of politics, the implications of ‘change’ will be felt throughout culture and society and indeed sports. Sports hold a special place in our world, as what happens in sports reflects and influences the greater on American culture. Look no further than the devotion we have to sports channels and programming.

As our nation swears in President Obama, I cannot help but remember the role sports played (pun intended) in influencing the dreams and hopes realized today. Where would we be if Atlanta Braves’ outfielder Hank Aaron (the original #44) never persevered through death threats and racial hatred in the southern city, “the city too busy to hate,” Atlanta? It may have just been a home run, but it brought people of different strokes closer to a common goal.

I think of Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama in 1966, which had arguably the biggest, fastest, strongest, most talented team in the country but failed to make it to the National Championship despite a perfect record. Many people felt since Alabama did not have black players, they were not worthy. Bear stood against the school’s president and Alabama’s Governor. Angry fans had to accept black players if they wanted to return to the championship caliber team they were accustom. In 1970, Sam Cunningham, a fullback, became the first black player at the University of Alabama.

I think of the University of Maryland and Lee Corso who helped bring in Darryl Hill, the South’s first black football player in 1962. Hill broke tackles and the color barrier wherever he went.

The seeds of what have come before echo in the hopes of Barack Obama.

I also think of the future of sports, as ‘change’ will trickle down to the sports realm. Perhaps the BCS will turn into a NCAA National Football Championship preceded by a small tournament? Perhaps we will see a boom in basketball popularity as people follow the lead of the President’s favorite sport? Perhaps retired football players will receive the proper healthcare coverage they need? Perhaps price gauging at sporting events will disappear? My wishes and hopes go on…

The American experience is not about one race of people but a mixture of states, teams, races, cultures, faiths, etc. All sports fans have their dedicated affiliations, but we all come together to celebrate the dream realized today: Buckeyes mixed with Wolverines; Cowboys mixed with Redskins; Red Sox mixed with Yankees. Today we are not just Bulldogs or Braves, but Americans ready for renewal and rebirth.

A change has gonna come, yes it has. God Bless the Bulldogs and God Bless These United States of America

*Views and opinions stated herein do not necessarily reflect those of DSS and it's writers even though no one on this staff dare disagree with me or the wrath of Obama will reign down on their souls. Read Full Article!

Ginepri Loses in Australia

Atlanta and Wheeler High School's own, Robby Ginepri, suffered a defeat in the opening round of the Australian open. Tomas Berdych (21st in the world) took Ginepri (47th in the world) out in straight sets on Monday morning winning 4-6, 4-6, 3-6. Ginepri would have been a long shot to win this match, but is one set too much to ask? Unfortunately, for Americans, there has not been a lot to cheer about in male's tennis. After much promise, Roddick has been a continual dissapointment and James Blake, well, he's just not consistantly good. In the time of the superstar who seems to be falling (Federer) we need an American who is not a loser. Unfortunately, it looks as if the Spaniard Nadal will fit that bill. We may have a while before any American male wins a major. I'll be watching Roddick in the US open, and I'm sure I'll see him lose.
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Super Bowl Matchup Set: Cardinals Shock the World, Steelers Take Care of Business

The Arizona Cardinals are headed to their first Super Bowl. That's right, Arizona. Led by two-time league MVP Kurt Warner. But let's not kid ourselves, Larry Fitzgerald is the star here. He's proven on the biggest stage what a stud receiver is supposed to do: make ridiculous catches and keep your mouth shut. Anyone else see Anquan Boldin mouthing off to the OC on the sideline? How many yards did he have today? Exactly. Congrats Cardinals. I guess we were beaten by the best after all!

Fun fact, the Arizona Cardinals franchise (Chicago/St. Louis/Arizona) has gone the second-longest between championships in professional sports at 61 years... only behind the Chicago Cubs' century mark.

In the AFC, the Steelers' defense held off the Ravens, clinching their second Super Bowl birth in four years. Ben Roethlisberger will be going for his second championship - as will Kurt Warner.

It ought to be an interesting matchup: a dominant defense facing an exciting offensive attack. Larry Fitzgerald against Troy Polamalu. James Harrison chasing down Kurt Warner. Ought to be great, and the Steelers ought to be the favorite.. but at this point, can we really count out the Cardinals anymore? Super Bowl XLIII goes down in Tampa on February 1st.
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Andruw Jones: Fat, Sassy, and Jobless

Two days ago, 790 The Zone's morning show had John Smoltz in studio for over an hour. He eloquently talked about switching teams, his career with the Braves, his future living in Atlanta, and how many teams he'd hit Chipper Jones should they have a showdown (2). After he left and did his rounds with the press, the show expected to bring on former Braves center fielder Andruw Jones. He never called in. The crew actually explained that it was typical Andruw, forgeting about the interview. So yesterday comes around and once again they have Andruw lined up, ready to answer questions about his impending release from the Dodgers (which happened last night) and whether he'd be excited to come back to the Braves. What happened next may have still been typical Andruw.

Listening to the interview, I was forced to imagine a very particular setting in which Andruw was talking. Its midtown Atlanta. Andruw, shirtless and on his back, had passed out on the floor of his favorite gentleman's club. The dancers, ready to head home to their children at 4am, left their used towels piled on Andruw's gelatinous belly. You know, for warmth. As the juices and diseases began to form wonderful new viruses and bacteria that won't be uncovered for decades, 10am rolls around and his phone rings, across the room, still in his coat pocket. Crawling to the VIP booth in the corner, Andruw leaves a trail of diseased towels in his wake. He answers the phone, and its the producer for 790's Mayhem in the AM. "Time for that interview, Andruw!" Interview? Me? Okay sure, he thinks. Clearly not remembering his commitment. Once on air... Andruw seems to go in and out, vaguely remembering not only that he's being interviewed, but that he can speak the English language.

Listen for yourself. HERE.
And ask yourself, is this mess of a player really worth bringing back? Even for the bare minimum salary? You tell me.


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A Win and a Loss for the Georgia Tech Men

The Georgia Tech men's basketball team was beat up by #2 Duke last night, losing by fourteen. But before the game even started, things began looking up for the program. South Atlanta High School power forward (6'8") Derrick Favors announced his verbal commitment to the Yellow Jackets, choosing the school over NC State and UGA. ESPN ranks Favors as the #2 prospect in America. He joins an already highly-ranked recruiting class that ought to help return the program to prominence in a very tough conference.

More information on Favors and the new GT class HERE.
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Hawks Snap Skid, Clippers Still Awful

Before the season, the Los Angeles Clippers went out and signed Baron Davis and Marcus Camby, drafted Eric Gordon, and bring back first-year badass Al Thornton. But they're still awful. Luckily for Atlanta (without Al Horford), riding a three-game losing streak. Atlanta beat them up and down the floor and ran away with this one, maintaining a double-digit lead for the majority of the second half. Despite having trouble containing Camby (12pts, 18reb), Josh Smith and Joe Johnson went for over 20 and helped fend off the otherwise hapless Clippers. Well that is except Al Thornton. The second-year, 6'8" forward from FSU took over late in the game both inside and outside. I knew this guy was good, but watching him last night (even with modest stats) I could see this guy is going to be something special. But still, not a good basketball team. Hawks win, meanwhile Detroit lost, so guess who's got back the fourth seed? Can you say homecourt advantage?
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With a New Rotation, Smoltz's Departure All the More Puzzling

Last week John Smoltz signed with the Boston Red Sox. He held a press conference yesterday, where he was introduced to the Red Sox Nation. He donned a Red Sox cap and jersey. He also attended a Celtics game, where he was announced as the newest Red Sox pitcher.

John Smoltz. Red Sox. Sounds verrrrry strange. Seeing him in that cap. Horribly strange. Horrific even. Drives a man to do strange things, seeing that image. Thinking about it. About him taking the mound in Boston, mowing down A-Rod and Tex in the heat of a playoff race. Something just.. gut-wrenching about it. Imagine its the last day of the season, and a Red Sox win means a playoff berth. Better yet it knocks the Yankees out of contention. Smoltz takes the hill, shuts down the opposition. Blows them away. The everlasting image of the Red Sox' season is Smoltz burying a slider low and in on Jeter to put the Yankees away. Say he wins a playoff game or two, maybe even throws a complete game and gives the catcher a bear hug at the end. How does that make you feel? That John Smoltz's image could be a part of Red Sox history. That's our man, our leader becoming an integral part of some other club's history! Think about Dave Roberts, who spent part of one season in Boston, but stole the base that led to the greatest comeback in baseball history. What if its the same for Smoltz? Can you live with that? I don't think I can. But I can tell you who has no problem with that - John Smoltz.


John Smoltz is the most competitive player in baseball. Maybe in all of sports (save for his buddy Tiger Woods). This offseason the Braves basically showed that they thought Smoltz couldn't get hitters out anymore. He's going to be 42 and he's finished. Many players might agree and say something like "well its been a great run, and its time I stepped away." Not Smoltzie. Never him. He hears "it can't be done" and all he thinks is "I'll show you it can." All Smoltz asked for was a chance to prove himself. For coaches and trainers to watch him throw, watch his movements, his range of motion, and judge right there how well his recovery his going. Judge whether he can get hitters out this season. The Braves appear to have not given him that chance. Their position during the end of the season did not change in the offseason. Smoltz was not going to become that ace starter they needed him to be. The Red Sox just need a veteran arm, a competitor and a performer down the stretch - and they signed the best one in baseball history.

After a week of moves rebuilding the broken Braves rotation, can Frank Wren really look back and agree that this was the right choice? Low-balling Smoltz with ridiculous incentives that would never vest? Their original plan was to rebuild first, figure out Smoltz and Glavine second. While they were waiting around for the rebuilding, they ignored Smoltz. He didn't want to wait around on anyone's doorstep hoping it might open come February or March. With all of the work he was putting into his rehab, it was important for him to know whether it was worth it. He's upset. He's upset in the lack of faith. This is John Smoltz. We know him. We know what he's going to do when faced with a challenge. He's publicly stated many times that his shoulder feels better than its ever felt. He can do push ups for the first time in over three years! Its more stable, its more useful, and its going to be ready for a major league workload, whether its in April or in August.

So why the split? Business, right? We offered less money, we require a significant contribution given the state of our roster, and we can't rely on a 42-year old pitcher coming off major surgeries. So we pass. The Red Sox have a loaded roster, a lot of money to spend, and nothing but time to let Smoltz regain his form. They want him ready for September - the playoff race. So they sign him. Ultimately it comes down to what gives Smoltz the best chance to not only recover adequately, but to contribute to a winning ball club, and have one more chance at a title run. The Braves offer none of those things. The front office believes we need him in April, and we have no guarantee that we'll make any kind of a playoff run. Should we be out of it in July or August, we'd probably end up trading him to Boston anyway. So which is better? Letting him go out like this, or by trading him in his final season? Which would make you more upset? Any way you slice it, Smoltz was not ending this season in a Braves uniform. He would not be ending his career as a Brave. End of story.

A lot of Braves fans, myself included, had the immediate reaction to write off Frank Wren, to write off the Braves franchise. "They won't be getting a dime from me until Frank Wren is fired!" Its understandable at first. But now, only a week later, that's become a ridiculous statement. Wren clearly is trying hard to put the best ball club together. Going into this week, who was the best free agent pitcher on the market? Derek Lowe. Now a Brave. Not to mention adding Kenshin Kawakami to go along with Javier Vazquez, acquired earlier this offseason. The Braves rotation has shaped up nicely, easily able to compete with the staffs in Philly and New York. But let's think about this. Were these moves so quickly made because of the reaction to Smoltz's departure? Or were they planned out, and we were going to get Kenshin and Lowe anyway? Well weren't we? Wasn't Wren's plan to get 2-3 pitchers and a power bat? Its hard to say if one influenced the other, but looking back.. with the money we still have, and a complete rotation now in place.. why wouldn't we offer Smoltz whatever it would take? We don't need him to start April 1st in the rotation. We have 5 pitchers already. We don't need him close on day one either, we have Gonzo. The state of the Braves pitching staff today bears great similarity to that of the Red Sox. We don't need Smoltz on day one or day thirty, we just need him in the clubhouse. We need him to rehab that arm and give us whatever production he can possibly give, whenever that may be.

So looking back, Mr. Wren, don't your proposed incentives to Mr. Smoltz seem a bit outrageous? Sure he could make $10M next year under our plan too.. if he throws 200 innings, if he starts 30 games, and if he's a front-line starter the entire season. But if all along you're saying that we need to rebuild our rotation first before worrying about Smoltz.. isn't that just admitting that he was never in the plans to be our #1 starter? Weren't we admitting that should Smoltz be on the roster in 2009, that it would be as a reliever or a midseason back-end of the rotation guy? Wasn't that the assumption all along? Why all of a sudden switch gears and tell John that if he's not ready to give us 200 innings this year, then he's not ready to be a Brave this year. Why low-ball him in guaranteed money and expect him to not be offended? Why all of these shenanigans? Either tell him its time to part ways, or be aggressive and keep him here. That kind of offer says, "We'll take you if no one else will. But we really don't care."

You might argue how that's a significant investment in an older pitcher who might give you nothing this season. And maybe it is. But if you have money to spend (and every team has $5M to spend. every team.), don't you always try to invest it in what gives your team the best chance to win? Does John Smoltz in the clubhouse not give you that? Does John Smoltz mentoring young pitchers like Jurrjens and Hanson not give you that edge? Does the idea of going to the ballpark to see Smoltz one last time not excite the fans? Bottom line - regardless of whether Smoltz throws 200 innings or 2 innings, your team is better with him on the roster. Boston knows that. And we damn well should know that after 21 years.

I wish John all the best, and hope he has a smooth recovery. And I'll say it right now - nothing would give me more pleasure than seeing him pitch again in a big game. That's what he was meant to do, and that's what I'll miss about him as a Brave. So good luck Smoltzie, I know I'll be cheering for ya.

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McCann Runs ... very slowly

The new Chop Talk Q&A is out over at atlantabraves.com. This weeks interview is Brian McCann. He is a pretty light tempered guy and it comes across in the interview. You can usually find him on the bench laughing it up with friends Kelly Johnson and Jeff Francouer. I even once got an opportunity to go down to field level for a warm up and meet McCann. He came up to me and said, "Hi. I'm Brian," and smiled something fierce, and you could tell instantly that he was a real nice fella. But, his running speed really leaves something to be desired.

This off season, coming off his second Silver Slugger in three years for catchers, McCann is determined to be healthy, so he can win many more in the future. He told Dave O'Brian about his recent loss of 20 pounds. Good job Mac, I have been battling to do the same myself. It ain't easy. One thing that did strike me was this comment:

McCann: I'm lifting weights like I did last year, with my brother Brad and Mark DeRosa. But I run three days a week on the treadmill. I usually run about 20 to 25 minutes, so it's probably about two miles. It gets my heart rate up and burns a lot of extra calories. I figure it can't hurt, since the more weight I take off, the less stress it puts on my knees. I'm only 24 years old, so I think I'm starting this early enough that it will impact my career.

Huh? He runs 20-25 minutes and goes about 2 miles. That would be 10+ minute miles. That is really, really slow. For example, not to brag, but I average 3 miles in about 25+ minutes, and I don't consider that very fast. Now, I know Mac's a catcher, as was I, and that we are blessed with 'catcher speed,' but come on, if a fat ass like me can run 8 minute miles, then he should be able to as well. Either Mac is not a much of a distance runner, or he isn't very good at math.
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Big Blue's Meeks Drops 54, New School Record

In SEC news, Kentucky F Jodie Meeks scored 54 POINTS on the highly overrated Tennessee Volunteers in a huge road win for the Wildcats. Meeks' 54 is a new school record. Its also the second time he's scored 40+ this season. The Norcross native broke a 39-year-old record for one of the most storied basketball programs in history (definitely top 3), which is kind of a big deal. Kudos sir! But also damn you for leaving town for the Big Blue.
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Hawks Fall in the Valley of the Sun

Marvin Williams had a huge game. But so did Shaq. And that was the difference. When the Hawks traveled to Phoenix last night, they ran into a buzzsaw in the form of a red-hot Shaquille O'Neal. It definitely didn't help things that Al Horford was inactive with an injury. The Suns built a 19-point lead on the Hawks before they battled back, took the lead, and then let it slip after the Suns three-point barrage (from Nash, Barbosa and Richardson) finally put them away. Pachulia fouled out banging against Shaq. Josh Smith was getting hosed by the ref (that was totally a block on Amare, he didn't touch him). Bibby and JJ did their best to try and keep us in the game, but ultimately it wasn't enough. And we lost our fourth straight. Meanwhile Orlando blew out another team.. but at least the Bobcats took down the Pistons. Hawks travel to L.A. and take on the Clippers tonight, hoping to snap this losing streak without Horford. And they better.
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Lowe Agrees to Deal with Braves

Now that Smoltz has left, GM Frank Wren is attempting to be more aggressive in the rebuilding of the Braves roster. Starting with the rotation, Wren has already signed (well agreed to terms with) Japanese veteran Kenshin Kawakami to a three-year deal, and expect more official news on that in the coming week. Today he extended a 4-year/$60M offer to free agent pitcher Derek Lowe, who appears to have agreed to its terms. You know Lowe, the guy who won Game 4 of the 2004 World Series (aka Boston's curse-reverser). Lowe spent he past four season with the Dodgers, winning over 15 games once (16 in 2006) and pitching less than 200 innings only once (199.1 in 2007). The Braves' offer out-bid the Mets' offer of $36M over three years. Lowe and his agent had been hoping for that fourth year, which is a bit iffy given Lowe's age (35), but as a sinker-ball pitcher (and not a power pitcher), Lowe is the kind of guy who may be able to pitch well into his 40s. In any case it seems like the Braves are counting on it. Afraid that Lowe may pull a Furcal on us, they are not reporting anything official until he signs the contract, but all signs show that the Braves have a new ace in town. Time to go update my MLB08 rosters!

Projected starting rotation for 2009:
Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, Jair Jurrjens, Kenshin Kawakami, Jorge Campillo

In other Braves news...

• IF Omar Infante avoided arbitration and signed a two-year deal to stay with the team. Infante played all over the infield and outfield last season, proving to be a great asset off the bench. He was acquired from the Cubs before last season along with RP Will Ohman.
• SP Tom Glavine appears to have pushed back his first mound session to the end of week, choosing to play long toss first to strength that left arm. Glavine has not thrown off a mound since having surgery on his elbow and shoulder, but he assures everyone that there is no reason to be concerned.
• AJC beat writer Dave O'Brien reports that the Braves' interest in free agent LF slugger Adam Dunn has increased over recent weeks. Dunn, probably the best remaining free agent outfielder not named Manny, is a perennial 40HR, 100RBI, 100BB hitter.. who strikes out over 180 times too. And is a terrible fielder. Although being able to pencil in those numbers would be a great relief for an outfield that hit only 28HR last year. A two-year deal would be likely, I should think.
  

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