tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88714553625816471302024-03-13T12:08:39.888-05:00merlin's random thoughtsThis has generally been about Missouri Tigers athletics. I'll still talk about that mostly, but there's just so much more.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-39652422761870271952011-07-03T11:37:00.005-05:002011-07-04T14:58:16.515-05:00Well, it's time to move on.It's over, like the ending of a long term marriage. You knew it was done. You were both ready for it to be done. There are exciting new possibilities for both parties yet you feel a little bit sad, or at least nostalgic. I'll be moving my blog to my regular website. I enjoyed blogger, but maintaining both is just keeping me a little too busy. I'll be leaving an address to get to it here in a few days. Just not enough Tiger news to talk about, but this week I hope to add some thoughts on how the summer is going around the new Big XII. To find my blog, please visit it's <a href="http://www.merlinsedge.com/merlins-random-thoughts.html">new address.</a> While you're there, stop by my current events page or one of my stores. Hope to see you guys down the road.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pieFlUvaO18JnSxlbkTyiIriHpIKK4QWqgnk_7SmORLQrqXjU9qRb9Y_3AMIFhyphenhypheneV8GD7gtAE9yCUA8If3QgBkq_baxzVIWq2RnKzrn8Y5PDK3vOzHoIglFKgThXZ3zcKVp7RN3V48Ic/s1600/parties+over.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="348" width="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pieFlUvaO18JnSxlbkTyiIriHpIKK4QWqgnk_7SmORLQrqXjU9qRb9Y_3AMIFhyphenhypheneV8GD7gtAE9yCUA8If3QgBkq_baxzVIWq2RnKzrn8Y5PDK3vOzHoIglFKgThXZ3zcKVp7RN3V48Ic/s1600/parties+over.jpg" /></a></div>merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-4362663686633933632011-06-16T06:07:00.002-05:002011-06-16T06:36:04.647-05:00Around the Big XII, part 10. Missouri.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/65/653134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/65/653134.jpg" width="172" /></a></div>You might think that I'm predicting Missouri to win the conference by being the last team I talk about. That's not really correct. I just like to save my favorite for last. But on the other hand, the Tigers are one of really 6 teams that could win this conference if a few things went right for them. As a matter of fact, had Blaine Gabbert and Aldon Smith returned, Mizzou could well have been the co-favorite along with Oklahoma. However, with the emergence of Brad Madison last year and with kids like Kony Ealy, Michael Sam, Marcus Malbrough and Brayden Burnett waiting in the wings, defensive end looks like it should continue to be a strength. And yes, it would have been nice to return Blaine's experience, but I'm not at all convinced that James Franklin may well be a better fit for the spread offense. It seems that it appeared that way to Blaine's younger brother, Tyler who transferred out last month despite being 2nd on the depth chart following a red shirt freshman season, and who was ranked at the top until the final week of spring practice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/fan_shot_images/145993/091810_130b_pe_mu_fb_vs_san_diego_st_t620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/fan_shot_images/145993/091810_130b_pe_mu_fb_vs_san_diego_st_t620.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The Tigers return 9 starters, including 4 linemen from an offense that took a small step back last year. The deep ball was absent compared to previous seasons, which could be the QB's or the receivers fault. What they really lacked was a Jeremy Maclin/Danario Alexander type receiver that was a danger to take any catch to the house at any time. All 3 starters return, as well as last years freshman class that was considered one of the best groups in the nation the year they were recruited. You can put TJ Moe in as a starter in ink pen but I think Wes Kemp and Jerrell Jackson are going to have to work hard to keep their spots away from guys like Bud Sasser, Jimmie Hunt, Marcus Lucas, Gahn McGaffie and a host of others. The top 4 rushers return with an experienced line in front of them and we've read reports that those line splits were shrinking and the Tigers were showing signs of adding more of a power running game to their offense.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfOYISRUbsPUgxHg9GvT_iQG4MYCbgVG3rDh7IcFQSu5RkRE9VftLKfBSlsaWLZJbPCGBhO_7T6lGieq7D1aL4I7vJnnxtTvtnobWb26nZNVMGCQFblRd4FN33reIzNFhxryiRn5CC_iB/s1600/_DSC0011a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfOYISRUbsPUgxHg9GvT_iQG4MYCbgVG3rDh7IcFQSu5RkRE9VftLKfBSlsaWLZJbPCGBhO_7T6lGieq7D1aL4I7vJnnxtTvtnobWb26nZNVMGCQFblRd4FN33reIzNFhxryiRn5CC_iB/s200/_DSC0011a.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Defensively the Tigers return 7 starts but a shitload of talent that saw action last year. The key here, in my opinion will be the return of a healthy Dominique Hamilton to the nose tackle position. The Tigers were incredibly difficult to run on when he and Terrell Resonno manned the tackle positions, and not quite as good following his injury against Oklahoma. Adding a year to guys like Lucas Vincent and Marvin Foster can only help and Jimmy Burge is a solid back up. Gerrand Johnson will probably red shirt but there's plenty of talent there also. The linebacking crew should be solid and although Mizzou lost 3 starters in the defensive backfield, Kip Edwards saw a lot of action as nickel cornerback and the coaches are raving about sophomore E.J. Gaines. Trey Hobson, Robert Steeples and Tristen Holt will be providing pressure for starting roles also. Lots of competition for the starting safety position opposite Kenji Jackson also.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2008/0813/ncf_u_pinkel1_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2008/0813/ncf_u_pinkel1_300.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>As with everyone else, the new Big XII schedule is going to be brutal for all concerned. Toss in a Friday night game in Tempe against Arizona State there are probably 7 games the Tigers could legitimately lose even if they played well. The conference opener against Oklahoma will probably label contender or pretender for Mizzou. Win, or at least play well and we'll be looking at 9 or 10 wins. Get blown out and there's a chance, albeit a small one that the season could unravel. But what Gary Pinkel has built in Columbia is truly remarkable and I'm going to predict a 9-3 season and a nice bowl game. Tiger nation now begins to view 8 wins as the floor. It's going to be tougher to sustain the type of success they've enjoyed the last 4 years, but I believe we have the players and coaching staff to do just that. Not sure what we'll talk about next time but I'll think of something.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-73448956451445223762011-06-10T08:58:00.000-05:002011-06-10T08:58:23.247-05:00Around the Big XII, part 9. Oklahoma<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.coacheshotseat.com/BobStoopsCHS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.coacheshotseat.com/BobStoopsCHS.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>Well, this is when we discuss the 800 lb gorilla portion of the outlooks for 2011. Once again the Oklahoma Sooners look to be the favorite to win the conference and one of the prohibitive favorites to appear in the national championship game next January. Last year the Sooners went 12-2, beating hick nation in the final conference championship game, at least for now in the Big XII, and a 48-20 win over an overmatched 8-5 Connecticut team in the Fiesta Bowl that adds more fuel to the fire over automatic berths in the BCS series. But the 2 losses the Sooners suffered in weeks 7 and 9 at Columbia and College Station derailed their early season # 1 ranking and kept them from any consideration for a spot in the title game. Both Mizzou and the Aggies of A&M beat OU because they were tougher up front and wanted it more in the 4th quarter. This was the secret of both OU and Texas. Yep, they had generally better skill players, but where they overwhelmed teams was on the offensive and defensive lines. With the new round robin schedule the jury is still out on whether OU and Coach Stoops have the horses to dominate up front like they did just a few years ago.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/OklahomaSooners-TulsaGoldenHurricane-2009-LandryJones-Throw.jpg/200px-OklahomaSooners-TulsaGoldenHurricane-2009-LandryJones-Throw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/OklahomaSooners-TulsaGoldenHurricane-2009-LandryJones-Throw.jpg/200px-OklahomaSooners-TulsaGoldenHurricane-2009-LandryJones-Throw.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>On offense, Landry Jones returns as the trigger man on the Oklahoma offense. Last season Jones completed over 65% of his passes for over 4,700 yards and 38 touchdowns, but what I remember from him was the 4th quarter in CoMO when he was held to 0 completions in the 4th quarter as the Tigers pulled away from OU. Ok, what I remember even more was the look of disbelief in the arrogant OU fans as we walked out of the stadium. Pure Gold!!! The Sooners also return such offensive stars as running back Jonathan Miller and wide receiver Kenny Stills and most of a young offensive line that need to play better this year if the Sooners are to reach their goals. So far, this just can't be considered a given. Oklahoma really lacked some defensive fire power last year but returns some solid starters like Austin Box at middle linebacker and Javon Harris at free safety. But when you look at the front 7 they appear to be a bit undersized with 284 pound Stacy McGee at defensive tackle, 238 pound defensive end Ronnell Lewis and 199 pound outside linebacker Tony Jefferson. Talented or not, these guys need to have spent a lot of time with their strength and conditioning coach before the season starts or they're going to loose battles simply by size differential in this conference. Speed is great but you have to have some muscle to go with it up front.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://operatorchan.org/n/arch/src/n7998_oklahoma-girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://operatorchan.org/n/arch/src/n7998_oklahoma-girl.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Oklahoma has no cake walk this year as they travel to Tallahassee to face Florida State in week 2, followed by their conference opener as they host my Missouri Tigers in a game that will go a long way toward determining the pecking order in the conference. The road will be tough as they travel to Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Baylor. Only a trip to lawrence to face the beaks offers significant relief. There is also a date at the Fairgrounds of Dallas when they meet what should be an improved Texas team that has no problem getting up for the Red River Shootout.In addition to the Tigers OU plays host to Texas Tech and A&M. Neither of those figures to be cake walks although Iowa State should be. In the new Big XII it's going to be almost impossible to finish the season unbeaten, especially when a team has as many questions as the Sooners do right now in my opinion. I think OU is going to be very good, but I believe they're going to stumble at least twice and possibly as many as 3 times this year. In addition, don't be surprised if they stumble at home to either the Tigers or the Aggies.<br />
Next time we'll take our final outlook for the coming season as I talk about my guys, the Missouri Tigers.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-56078290208071908982011-06-05T13:01:00.000-05:002011-06-05T13:01:24.259-05:00Around the Big XII, part 8. Texas A&M<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper657/stills/9l1l3tub.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://media.collegepublisher.com/media/paper657/stills/9l1l3tub.gif" width="200" /></a></div>On October 16th of last year I had officially written Texas A&M off as well as their head coach, Mike Sherman. The Aggies, after starting 3-0 had just lost their 3rd game in a row, a 30-9 dismantling by my Missouri Tigers in College Station. If you know much about football in the state of Texas, then you know they have very little patience when it comes to losing. Especially when you're the Longwhorns little brother. It seemed inevitable that Sherman would be fired following the season if not before. But then something unexpected happened as A&M went on a 6 game winning streak, including victories over Texas Tech, Oklahoma, Baylor, Texas and Nebraska. They wound up 9-3 on the season and 6-2 in conference, finishing up in the 5 way tie at the top. The move that enabled them to make this turnaround was when they replaced the pre-season favorite of 1st team Big XII QB Jerrod Johnson with Ryan Tannehill.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2V0COpZhL373faN6Fet2j983wGgrlMj4IlnLrKOtJEm4oBtCgSfdg3DI3wIXETnW02XFG-fgzoVZJ8cHHwrnZkgswRNW1OgYw9Z323apLYAZVH87ygBdDjRoKfoFbbLHrHq6bLb9BjFT/s400/YellLeader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2V0COpZhL373faN6Fet2j983wGgrlMj4IlnLrKOtJEm4oBtCgSfdg3DI3wIXETnW02XFG-fgzoVZJ8cHHwrnZkgswRNW1OgYw9Z323apLYAZVH87ygBdDjRoKfoFbbLHrHq6bLb9BjFT/s200/YellLeader.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>But one thing you can count on is that what happened last year doesn't really matter this year. A&M is absolutely loaded, losing 1 starter from their offense and 3 from the defense. Their fan base is going to be expecting a BCS appearance and league championship and anything less will be considered a failure. And if you're familiar with their fan base, then you know they lean to the weird side, from the habit of squeezing their own testicles and from there, it just gets worse.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/tenn/sports/m-footbl/images/stadium2000%28450%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/tenn/sports/m-footbl/images/stadium2000%28450%29.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Once again the non conference schedule starts out easy enough with home games against SMU and Idaho, before Oklahoma State comes to town, and then a contest against Arkansas at Jerry World. If they manage to lose only one of those, they have a good chance to match last years record. A trip to Norman will certainly be a huge challenge, but otherwise they trip to Texas Tech, Kansas State and Iowa State. At home, contests against Baylor and kansas should be wins, but Mizzou comes to town on October 29th which should make their already weird fan base even weirder. They also close the season at home against cross state big brother Texas. I'm predicting a final record of 8-4 for A&M and 6-3 in conference. In the new Big XII that will be more than respectable, but I imagine the Sherman hot seat will be warming up again.<br />
<br />
Next time we'll talk about the big dogs in the conference, the Oklahoma Sooners. If you'd like to look at some new Tiger gear, please stop by my <a href="http://www.merlinsedge.com/missouri-tigers-shop.html">store</a> or if you'd just like to catch up on the latest news, stop by <a href="http://www.merlinsedge.com/current-events.html">current events</a> for Tigers, NCAA and professional sports news as well as odd shit of the day.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-66479606983209622962011-06-02T17:05:00.000-05:002011-06-02T17:05:18.231-05:00Around the Big XII, part 7. Texas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eUTQBjETwBirct6bl3_9TBKXDhqtFMZozaEZOM3yJW8TcKaFurHdpzexMiqD4fv4qNzqH9e1TQmLOQH4Oyj9EslPVu47FZBZ2JesFJUzuU2nEDo7XrcxnlpQrVrA-Ir7F8Yz-930cK8/s400/longhorn-hood-ornament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3eUTQBjETwBirct6bl3_9TBKXDhqtFMZozaEZOM3yJW8TcKaFurHdpzexMiqD4fv4qNzqH9e1TQmLOQH4Oyj9EslPVu47FZBZ2JesFJUzuU2nEDo7XrcxnlpQrVrA-Ir7F8Yz-930cK8/s200/longhorn-hood-ornament.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Everyone knows one. He's the richest guy on the block, in the company or even in your own family. He drives a car that was built in Germany, wears a diamond pinkie ring and Armani suits. It wouldn't be a problem at all, except the guy is nothing but a monumental prick and always reminds you just how well off he is and how your life pales in comparison. That, in a nutshell is Texas fan. The richest program in the NCAA, Big XII titles galore, and an athletic director that not only can go out and hire any coach for any sport that he desires but had the balls and the power to play both Larry Scott and Jim Delaney, commissioners of the Pac 10 and Big Ten respectively last year when they thought they were going to break up the Big XII and become the new power brokers in college athletics. What they got for their efforts was Utah, Colorado and Nebraska. Tough to be considered much of a mover and shaker when you're hanging out with Orrin Hatch and Larry the cable guy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/Mack_Brown_Texas_Horns_up2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/Mack_Brown_Texas_Horns_up2.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>But all that power and all that success was what made last year so enjoyable watching Texas stumble to a 5-7 record and 2-6 in conference play. Particularly when they went on a 4 game skid, including losses to Iowa State, Baylor and Kansas State after beating the hicks in Lincoln. Well, things like that just don't happen to Texas without someone getting whacked. In this case it was both coordinators and both line coaches. After all, it had to be the coaching right? After all, Texas doesn't recruit players, they select them. Of course, this was the same staff that had the whorns in the national championship game just a year earlier. The important thing is that Mack Brown keeps making his 5 million dollar plus annual salary and nothing like standing up for men that he'd hired and trusted. The simple fact was, Texas discovered they were mortal and sometimes shit just happens to mortals.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hottestgirlsofcheerleading.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/texas_cheerleaders_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.hottestgirlsofcheerleading.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/texas_cheerleaders_4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>At first glance, it looks like Texas will find out a lot about themselves early as their non conference schedule features home games against Rice and BYU before traveling to Los Angeles to face UCLA. I'm not that sold on either the Bruins or Cougars being all that tough and Rice perennially blows so we really may not know much about them until October 8th when they meet Oklahoma in the annual Red River Shootout, which for some reason is still being played at the Cotton Bowl. I'm predicting that to be their first loss of the season, but I think it's going to be followed by at least 3 others. Oklahoma State travels to Austin the following week and that's an extremely losable game for them. Road trips to Texas A&M, Baylor and Missouri are going to be really tough also. Texas will be back in a bowl game this year, and probably contending for conference and national titles again soon, as long as the impatience of their fans and athletic director cause them to make a series of rash decisions. It's the only problem I can see with having a lot of money. You always think you can just buy your way out of any problems.<br />
Next time we'll talk about the little brother of Texas, the A&M Aggies. merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-52281131427404479562011-05-29T09:53:00.000-05:002011-05-29T09:53:58.393-05:00Around the Big XII, part 6. kansas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlfrnM0vQuS89IfWRKZxN9wdcgkjUgP4-IoY5lYxnnfOyZ6QNee9Xhxg53gSczAXw7ephZSsqvwPLelMJx8lgewh4wG0Z8SBTCXZFYemINpq3Qr_6EwLV5MdEP3rHZRooqHYxFetmYaff/s1600/caveman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlfrnM0vQuS89IfWRKZxN9wdcgkjUgP4-IoY5lYxnnfOyZ6QNee9Xhxg53gSczAXw7ephZSsqvwPLelMJx8lgewh4wG0Z8SBTCXZFYemINpq3Qr_6EwLV5MdEP3rHZRooqHYxFetmYaff/s200/caveman.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>I'm not going to lie. I've been looking forward to this. There are very few constants in live, but along with death and taxes, Missouri fans detest kansas and ku fans revel in misfortune that happens to Missouri. I'm cool with that. Basketball is king in larry, and they absolutely have a program to be envied, and they have no problem reminding you of that. In other sports, football included, it's a different story, as was pointed out in this opinion piece that appeared in <a href="http://www2.kusports.com/news/2011/may/23/kus-year-bad-it-gets/">kusports.com.</a> The beaks were 3-9 last year and 1-7 in conference play. Among those losses was the season opener at home where they were dropped 6-3 to FCS North Dakota, who finished a respectable 9-5 but lost to such teams as Northern Iowa, Western Illinois and Missouri State. Only a huge comeback against Colorado prevented the beaks from an 0-8 conference record and the memories of 2007 are further and further in the rear view mirror.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtEk6vyMfg2t_qyS9mh02QYNJoEulRGckEWMXh-87OQ6d4RPSy_zIUr8QeiLFqa-mnmxz_B9OfiP7VAnWeAB_hF_vWJd7q-zs3Kc5u8_R9J-N7sgeO_femWT65LtKb3F4ql1F_Nk_SLXr/s1600/ku+colorado.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVtEk6vyMfg2t_qyS9mh02QYNJoEulRGckEWMXh-87OQ6d4RPSy_zIUr8QeiLFqa-mnmxz_B9OfiP7VAnWeAB_hF_vWJd7q-zs3Kc5u8_R9J-N7sgeO_femWT65LtKb3F4ql1F_Nk_SLXr/s200/ku+colorado.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Last year the crimson and blue replaced Mark Mangino with a former Cornhusker quarterback, head coach and aspiring deity, Turner Gill. Gill had been passed over by his former coach director and best friend, Tom Osbourne when he was in charge of replacing the train wreck that was Bill Callahan. While he wasn't quite good enough to make the cut at the university he played for, former beak athletic director Lew Perkins decided to drop a 5 year, 10 million dollar contract complete with no buy out clause to obtain his services. For Tiger fans, it was a blessing and an absolute joy to watch. The beaks have little idea which quarterback will be on the field for them this fall, but the smart money's on Jordan Webb, a St Louis product that snapped up his only D1 offer and moved west to kansas. A freshman, also from Missouri is Darrian Miller, who enrolled early and now sits # 2 on the depth chart at running back. He at one time held offers from Iowa and Minnesota but rumors said both of those were retracted, leaving him no where to head but larry.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQtY-WYEwmonqrsP9E___PuZvHxUOvmBWybLFZO_og8rkPpiDEkaaQntDb3yJx5NlkTBrLL6PmDXxxVR_VsXBdQ3974LQ-8bHJrOb27eyc-mjDCOUEEWIJDhgt6b5kX6WIOzVo40-Nkv6/s1600/fuku.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQtY-WYEwmonqrsP9E___PuZvHxUOvmBWybLFZO_og8rkPpiDEkaaQntDb3yJx5NlkTBrLL6PmDXxxVR_VsXBdQ3974LQ-8bHJrOb27eyc-mjDCOUEEWIJDhgt6b5kX6WIOzVo40-Nkv6/s200/fuku.jpg" width="162" /></a></div>In 2007 the beaks rode a schedule that didn't include Texas, Oklahoma or Texas A&M from the Big XII south to a 11-1 record, and a chance to be ranked # 1 in the country when they met Missouri in the first Border showdown football game played in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtV867Iefr0">Kansas City.</a> Despite losing that night, the beaks were able to parley that into an Orange Bowl appearance against Virginia Tech, another over rated BCS program. This year the squawks open with 2 cupcakes at home in McNeese State and Northern Illinois before taking their act on the road against Georgia Tech, who will have something to prove after being one of the beaks 3 wins last year. I'm calling for ku to go 2-1 in their non conference schedule, but the over-under for conference wins is 1. In my opinion, the only win they should be expecting, or at least hoping for is against Iowa State, and for ku, it's unfortunate that it's being played in Ames. But somewhere I think they'll win a conference game, and regardless of who it's against it will be something of an upset. <br />
Next time we'll talk about someone else that had a disappointing season last year, but who's hopes should be considerably brighter, the Texas Longhorns.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-53427716976817212102011-05-23T15:59:00.000-05:002011-05-23T15:59:11.358-05:00Around the Big XII, Part 5. Oklahoma State<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/262008/2242581637_3f2b4bc950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/262008/2242581637_3f2b4bc950.jpg" width="126" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okie State cutie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Last time I talked about a team that suffers from the inferiority complex of playing 2nd fiddle in their own state, the Kansas State Wildcats. For this discussion multiply that by about 10 and you might begin to have an understanding of what it's like to be Oklahoma State. They've had some fabulous football seasons lately and been in a position to claim some Big XII titles, but cross state rival Oklahoma always seems to muck it up for them. Despite that success and more in basketball as well as wrestling, baseball and other minor sports, the Cowboys are more known for T. Boone Pickens spending habits and Mike Gundy's meltdown when he announced to the world that "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoMmbUmKN0E">I'm 40, I'm a man</a>". And to make it even more K State similar, they can't even call themselves the rival of their in state competitor.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/1011/cfb-heisman-watch-week-12/images/justin-blackmon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/multimedia/photo_gallery/1011/cfb-heisman-watch-week-12/images/justin-blackmon.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">another receiver torches the beaks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Offensively it's entirely possible that the Cowboys could be even better than their sometime eye popping numbers from last season. They do lose star running back Kendall Hunter, and his 1548 rushing yards aren't going to be easy to replace, but freshman Joseph Randle put up over 400 yards in a backup role and who knows if they miss a beat. But the main thing is the Brandon Weeden to Justin Blackmon connection will continue for one more year. Last season Weeden threw for almost 4,300 yards and 34 touchdowns and Blackmon was the recipient of 1782 of those yards while collecting 20 touchdown passes. Okie State put up 575 points last year and while it's hard to comprehend them being better, it's just not out of the realm of possible. Defensively it's going to be a different story however as the Cowboys lose 6 starters and 5 of their front 7 from a somewhat pedestrian bunch once conference play started. It looks like it will be another year of play station ball games in Stillwater.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/okst/graphics/drop/bps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/okst/graphics/drop/bps.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boone Pickens Stadium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Schedule wise, the Cowboys should have little problems making another bowl game this year. They open at home against Louisiana Lafayette and Arizona before traveling to Tulsa. The home schedule includes laughers against kansas and Kansas State but a tougher contest against Baylor before closing their season against Bedlam rival Oklahoma. Their final road game of the year is against hapless Iowa State, but they also make road trips to College Station, Austin and CoMO. The critical stretch for Okie Lite will be in mid October when they travel to Texas and Missouri on back to back weeks. Right now, I'm picking them to start the season 3-0 and then go before going 6-3 in conference to finish 9-3. That's going to be good enough to catch them a trip to San Antonio for the Alamo Bowl. <br />
I've kind of been saving my next preview because I think it's going to be a lot of fun to write. We'll travel back up north to take a look at the Tigers most hated rival, the kansas jayhawks.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-65174863055237372272011-05-18T19:15:00.000-05:002011-05-18T19:15:58.524-05:00Around the Big XII, Part 4. Kansas State<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/71953/billsnyder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/71953/billsnyder.jpg" width="128" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head man Bill Snyder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Never has a fan base or a school had a bigger inferiority complex than Kansas State. And that even includes my team and fellow fans, the Missouri Tigers. K State was horrible for so many years, say about 100 or so, that when he arrived in 1989, they'd been pretty much beaten to a pulp. However, he quickly began a turnaround that led to a Big XII title, several north division titles and a semi domination of the Nebraska Cornhuskers for a few seasons. During the last of his time there they began to fall off, due to higher standards in the Big XII as far as who you could accept. He rode off at the end of the 2005 season and the Ron Prince era began. When "Scary Smart" flamed out 3 years later, Snyder rode back in on his mule and attempted another resuscitation that so far has been only moderately successful.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/multimedia/photo_gallery/0801/cfb.top.ten.recruits/images/brown.a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/multimedia/photo_gallery/0801/cfb.top.ten.recruits/images/brown.a.jpg" width="165" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arthur Brown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Gone will be Daniel Thomas, the Wildcats All Big XII running back who will likely be replaced by transfer Bryce Brown who left Tennessee to join his brother Arthur, a linebacker who transferred from the University of Miami after being buried on the Hurricane depth chart, but won the defensive player of spring football earlier this year. Quarterback Carson Coffman is gone and should be replaced by Collin Klein, a junior to be who is an amazing rusher but has yet to show any sign of being a capable passer. He did put on a nice show in the spring game, but that was also against the K State defense who stopped almost no one last year. Both starting offensive tackles return, but the interior of the line will have to be rebuilt. 6 starters on defense, mostly unknowns will return, which might or might not be good considering they gave up numbers like 47 points to Baylor, 36 to Colorado and 41 to mighty North Texas. If K State is to have a winning season and a 2nd consecutive bowl trip, the defense must improve.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.llstudents.org/corth/willie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.llstudents.org/corth/willie.jpg" width="85" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Willie the Wildcat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The schedule opens easily enough with home games against Eastern Kentucky and Kent State before a trip to Miami of Ohio. During the conference season the Cats will travel to Texas, Texas Tech and Oklahoma State. The only easy trip for them will be to cross state rival kansas who the Cats beat 59-7 last season. Home games against Oklahoma, Missouri, Baylor and Texas A&M will be no walk in the park They'll also meet Iowa State on December 3rd in Arrowhead in the 3rd edition of Farmageddon. I expect the Wildcats to open 2-0 with a decent opportunity to make it 3-0 facing a Hurricane team that will still be breaking in a new coaching staff. To reach a bowl game however, they'll have to pull an upset or two to go with what should be wins against the beaks and Cyclones. I will never discount a Bill Snyder coached team, but he still has to prove he can win without using partial qualifiers. My gut feeling is the year ends with a record of 5-7 and questions about whether Snyder can summon up the energy to once again bring Wildcats to the upper half of the conference.<br />
That's all for this week. Next time we'll take a look at another school that plays 2nd fiddle in their own state, the Oklahoma State Cowboys.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-31226500253180293792011-05-11T08:53:00.001-05:002011-05-15T10:20:36.175-05:00Around the Big XII. Part 2, Texas Tech<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mediaconvergence.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/mike-leach-pirate1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://mediaconvergence.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/mike-leach-pirate1.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>We've talked about a couple of the less successful programs in the conference so far, with Baylor and Iowa State. Today, I'd like to take a look at a team that while not being a power, does sport the longest bowl streak in the conference with 11 straight appearances. In his first season as head coach, Tommy Tuberville started slow, but closed out with 3 straight wins, admittedly over inferior competition Weber State, Houston and Northwestern to close out with an 8-5 record, so the jury may well still be out on him. The Red Raiders biggest win of the year had to be the 24-17 win over Missouri when inexplicably, MU offensive coordinator David Yost went away from the run after the Tigers opened up with a 14-0 lead. Tuberville is never going to be mistaken for former coach Mike Leach but he's a damn fine coach and for the sake of the conference, I hope Tech is able to keep him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.holyturf.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/seth-doege.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.holyturf.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/seth-doege.jpg" width="111" /></a></div>The big question for Tech this year is who replaces Taylor Potts at quarterback. Despite his reputation as a defensive guru the Red Raiders still ranked 7th nationally last season in passing. The early favorite would probably be Seth Doege, a 22 year old junior that only had 4 passing attempts last season. They return 3 offensive linemen but also have questions at running back. Defensively, they return only 5 starters so it's going to be tough to repeat last years record. However, I expect Tech's defense to still be stout. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.big12journal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Tommy-Tuberville1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://www.big12journal.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Tommy-Tuberville1.png" width="200" /></a></div>Tech's non conference schedule remains weak this year, opening with Texas State and a trip to New Mexico before returning home to play a rebuilding Nevada squad. The confernce schedule is another matter however with trips to Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri and Baylor. Their only break there is an early trip to lawrence to face a kansas team that may well be the worst in the conference. Kansas State and Iowa State are home games that should be very winnable but Texas A&M and Oklahoma State will be rough contests. If I'm guessing right now, and I am, I expect Tech to open 3-0 before going either 4-5 or 5-4 in conference. A big swing game for them will be the finale at Waco in late November. Either way, I expect this to make an even dozen consecutive bowl games for the Red Raiders.<br />
Next time we'll talk about the Baylor Bears.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-55643969909094504782011-05-06T11:29:00.010-05:002011-05-15T10:22:55.992-05:00Around the Big XII. Part 3, Baylor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://futureoffantasy.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/robert-griffin-td.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://futureoffantasy.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/robert-griffin-td.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Last entry I was talking about Iowa State, a team that had a young coach that had broken a bowl drought in '09 only to fall back last season, and not a lot of hope for this year. Today I'd like to talk about the Baylor Bears, a team with a not nearly as young coach that broke a 15 year absence with an appearance in the Texas Bowl. The two schools share a lot in common in that they're both hard to recruit to and don't spend the money on athletics like their competition. However, Baylor is still in Texas and that's going to give them a big leg up with the Texas kids, which is a main component of Big XII football. Their future looks a little brighter right now. Last year the Bears stood at 7-2 with a win over Texas before falling flat to end the year with 4 straight losses, including aa 38-14 trouncing to Missouri's favorite whipping boy, Illinois.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.coacheshotseat.com/ArtBriles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.coacheshotseat.com/ArtBriles.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>Head coach Art Briles is a native Texan who moved from the job at Houston to Baylor in 2008 and began the slow process of trying to make a small, private college competitive with the like of Texas, Oklahoma and the other south powers. Probably nothing he accomplished that first year was bigger than recruiting a kid named Robert Griffin. Griffin was a highly rated, highly sought 4 star recruit who chose the Bears over a host of better known schools. He's turned out to be Coach Briles version of what Brad Smith was for Gary Pinkel. A star on a team full of somewhat average players that gave them some credibility. Frankly, I'm kind of surprised he returned this year, but it's good for Baylor as well as the rest of the Big XII. Recruiting has since picked up and I expect them to remain competitive as long as they can hang on to Briles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sports-odds.com/images/stories/baylor-cheerleaders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="http://sports-odds.com/images/stories/baylor-cheerleaders.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Their schedule this season is still very respectable as it will be with all conference teams with the new round robin format. In addition to the conference games, the Bears open with a biggie, TCU at home before settling down with games against Stephen F. Austin and Rice. Road trips to Oklahoma State and Texas A&M will certainly be tough, but they also travel to kansas and Kansas State which won't be nearly as daunting. Their home schedule is very tough with Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech and Missouri coming to Waco. The only breather there is an Oct. 8th match up with Iowa State. It's not going to be easy for the Bears to make a second straight bowl game without a little help and an upset or two. Right now, I'd pick them to go 2-1 in the non conference schedule, and hope for a 4-5 conference record. The final 2 games of the season, at home against UT and Texas Tech will be critical. They, in my opinion will have to at least win one of those games. But regardless, the Bears are going to be fun to watch and for some reason, those lily white cheerleaders of theirs have always been among my favorites.<br />
Next time, we'll talk about another north team, the Kansas State Wildcats and head coach Bill Snyder.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-9790153426731013812011-05-03T16:19:00.000-05:002011-05-03T16:19:04.722-05:00Around the Big XII part 1. Iowa State<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cyclonefanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Paul-Rhoads-8-5-10-practice-172x104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://www.cyclonefanatic.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Paul-Rhoads-8-5-10-practice-172x104.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Up in Ames, it's hard to build a contending team and even tougher to retain one. Last year the Cyclones fell to 5-7, 3-5 in the conference after going 7-6 including an Insight Bowl win in 2009. If you've followed this blog a little, then you know I'm a huge fan of Paul Rhodes. He's a good man in a tough job. Not only does he have to compete with the University of Iowa in his own home state, but the Big XII where a facilities arms race has been in force for the last decade. It's not just competing with OU and UT anymore. The facilities at A&M, Missouri, Tech and even kansas are leaving ISU far behind. I think Rhodes is an excellent coach and I'm afraid the Cyclones aren't going to be able to keep him for much longer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.winterinkphotography.com/UNIFootball2010/content/images/large/Tiller_JeromeUNI2010FB20506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://www.winterinkphotography.com/UNIFootball2010/content/images/large/Tiller_JeromeUNI2010FB20506.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Making things worse for the clones is that after 10 years former quarterback Austen Arnaud finally graduated. It appears that the early favorite to pick up the nod this year would be Jerome Tiller, who filled in last year after Arnaud was injured. He completed 39 of 82 passes for 363 yards and a touchdown and a quarterback rating of 88.8. That just isn't going to get it done in the Big XII. Toss in losing their leading rusher, a starting wide receiver, tight end and 3 offensive linemen and you better be hoping for a stifling defense. Things look a little better on that side of the ball as only 4 starters depart from last years team that was remarkably average.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://erinhasthoughts.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/uconn.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://erinhasthoughts.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/uconn.gif" width="185" /></a></div>And if all this wasn't bad enough, taking a look at ISU's schedule, we all knew the round robin format was going to make the conference tougher, but their 3 non cons feature Northern Iowa, Iowa and UConn. I don't see any fattening up at the beginning of the season there. Throw in road trips to Baylor, Mizzou, OU, Tech and K State with home games against Texas, A&M, Okie State and the beaks and it's really tough finding 3 wins here. Of course things can change and injuries happen once the season starts, but right now I see the Cyclones going 2-10 and 1-8 in conference. If that happens, you may see Rhodes looking around for another job before his name begins cooling off too much. <br />
We'll move to what used to be the south division whipping boy next time and see what's going on at Baylor. Have a great week and please stop by my website and catch up on some <a href="http://www.merlinsedge.com/current-events.html">current events.</a> merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-54047863558403121162011-05-01T07:15:00.000-05:002011-05-01T07:15:01.078-05:00Rumors and more random thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.baycitizen.org/uploaded/images/2011/4/aldon-smith/lightbox/Aldon%20Smith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://media.baycitizen.org/uploaded/images/2011/4/aldon-smith/lightbox/Aldon%20Smith.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The first day of the draft went well for 2 former Tigers as Aldon Smith was selected by San Francisco with the 7th selection and Blaine Gabbert went 3 picks later to the Jacksonville Jaguars. That makes 5 first round picks in the last 3 years for Mizzou and should end the myth that the Tigers and Coach Gary Pinkel can't get players drafted. Throw in some later round pickups like William Moore and free agents such as Chase Daniel and we're getting a nice representation from the black and gold. Will it help recruiting? I really don't see how it can't help to. All kids want to go to the next level and think that the only thing that would stop them would be poor coaching. That just shouldn't be a problem anymore, and next years draft should just continue the process as I believe we'll see another 4 or 5 players drafted.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/miss/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/3588501.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/miss/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/3588501.jpeg" width="144" /></a></div>As spring camp ended, there were some questions about the post spring depth chart. A lot of fans are disappointed that we didn't see more movement from the kids of the 2010 class that included such highly regarded recruits as Lucas Vincent, Nick Demien and the wide receivers. To me, it just shows that we had some fairly decent athletes to begin with and kids that used to come in and start as freshmen are now having to earn their way to a starting position. Another possibility is also keeping the younger kids hungry. I'm still going to be really surprised if we aren't hearing a lot of Hunt, Sasser and Lucas this fall. James Franklin sits at the top for the starting QB job this fall, but that battle is far from over. If I was going to make a prediction concerning quarterback, it would be to possibly look for Ashton Glaser to seek a transfer if he's buried 3rd on the depth chart. The kid can play, but it just doesn't look like he's ever going to do it in CoMO.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2sdDImttxgzKPojLtvUulut4MYoIyAGwITuvC19t5JOaH0FvWvPr6czoMtj5-pSemgaI6vQTo0XNRaqI6PoRFAwfMZjWn_OuIHYkbjMTLh6RbzJU2I6FHk8c3Sy2LnYR7OhfVrmpNzN7/s400/larry_the_cable_guy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2sdDImttxgzKPojLtvUulut4MYoIyAGwITuvC19t5JOaH0FvWvPr6czoMtj5-pSemgaI6vQTo0XNRaqI6PoRFAwfMZjWn_OuIHYkbjMTLh6RbzJU2I6FHk8c3Sy2LnYR7OhfVrmpNzN7/s200/larry_the_cable_guy.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Something happened this week that was just funny, I don't care who you are. The new pride of the Big Ten, hick nation was booted out of the AAU this week. Apparently, after 102 years of membership, the association of 63 top research universities finally realized what a collection of dumb fucks lived in Lincoln. The Big Ten can no longer say that all their members belong to the AAU and I imagine some academia types aren't really happy with Jim Delaney today. I know it probably seems petty to be getting enjoyment out of this, but I do. I'm just that way.<br />
Lots of news from around the new lean Big XII following spring football. We'll start talking about that later this week. First stop, Ames, Iowa and the Cyclones. merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-63236049685138531352011-04-25T10:46:00.002-05:002011-04-25T10:46:53.828-05:00On vacation. See you May 1st<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUuUVcB4-LkOtqH4R99s3i10h48zT6IgOXBcvp7IuemLjPCDuogJqnmiOjAhLzY-cJwYPyfxnrTFS4w9cYNufOeIFNQBNt3lbrL4Z4DhZx4Zokj3OC1FrD5OzsWXofxWdkCgY4FGAA-hK/s1600/condofront1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUuUVcB4-LkOtqH4R99s3i10h48zT6IgOXBcvp7IuemLjPCDuogJqnmiOjAhLzY-cJwYPyfxnrTFS4w9cYNufOeIFNQBNt3lbrL4Z4DhZx4Zokj3OC1FrD5OzsWXofxWdkCgY4FGAA-hK/s320/condofront1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-15069795192744231112011-04-23T06:25:00.002-05:002011-04-23T08:34:10.129-05:00Rumors and more random thoughts....<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.maxpreps.com/site_images/editorial/article/e/4/e/e4e5aed3-e8b3-df11-9889-001cc494a4ac/db031e46-ebb3-df11-9889-001cc494a4ac_original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://images.maxpreps.com/site_images/editorial/article/e/4/e/e4e5aed3-e8b3-df11-9889-001cc494a4ac/db031e46-ebb3-df11-9889-001cc494a4ac_original.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maty Mauk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you don't follow football recruiting, then the name Maty Mauk won't mean a darned thing to you. However, if you're a recruiting junkie it gets your palms just a little sweaty. For those of you that aren't held hostage to this addiction, I'll tell you a little something about Mauk. He's a 6'2", 185 pound quarterback from Ohio who's thrown for about 13,500 yards and 151 touchdowns in his first 3 years of high school. He's one of the top 2 or 3 quarterbacks in the country, has offers from such programs as Michigan and Notre Dame, and there's a fair chance he's going to be giving his commitment to come to CoMO in 2012. The Tigers have landed some pretty highly ranked recruits in Missouri, including guys like Blaine Gabbert, Sheldon Richardson and Jeremy Maclin, and recently starting picking up some 4 star kids out of Texas like Tristan Holt and recent verbal, Jonathan Williams. But Mauk would be an anomoly. He's from Kenyon freaking Ohio, not the normal Tiger recruiting ground. Getting Mauk would signify that the Tigers are prepared to go head to head with anyone anywhere in the country for recruits. The places Gary Pinkel has taken this program since his arrival is truly remarkable, even if there seems to be a head scratching loss every season.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://miamiherald.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b26169e201053702f6ca970c-320wi" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://miamiherald.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b26169e201053702f6ca970c-320wi" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheldon Richardson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And speaking of quarterbacks, we will, for the first time since August 31st when Brad Smith tore up defending Big Ten champion Illinois 33-20 in the first of 6 consecutive ass kickings Pinkel's Tigers have administered to the whining Illini. You'd have to say that although James Franklin ended the spring period strong, that it's still way to early to call him the starter this fall. Tyler Gabbert, and junior to be Ashton Glaser both showed signs this spring that they were more than capable of leading the Tiger offense. While all 3 struggled at times, there's one thing you need to remember, and I'm dead serious about this. The offense won't face many defenses as strong as the one they practice against. If Sheldon Richardson indeed makes it on campus in June to add to a defensive tackle rotation that already includes guys like a hopefully healthy Dominique Hamilton, Terrel Resonno, Lucas Vincent and Marvin Foster to go along with the defensive ends, you are going to be a handful for offensive coordinators. It's the kind of Missouri football I grew up watching and frankly, I can't wait.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/miss/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/5703423.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/miss/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/5703423.jpeg" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Freeman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm also hearing the Tigers will be committing more to rushing the football this year. 4 experienced tailbacks are returning and 4 seniors on the offensive line which was one of the best in the conference last year. And what's even more amazing is the depth behind the starters. Next year we'll be breaking in 4 new starters but will be picking them from kids named Gatti, Freeman, Demien, Meiners, Morse and Britt. The Tigers are red shirting kids that would have come in as starters 5 years ago. I'll be looking at more reports soon and trying to figure out what to look for this fall. Until then, at least there's softball and baseball to talk about. But now, I'm getting out of town for a few days much needed vacation. Talk to you soon. I'll try to keep up my scoreboard and some fun news stories and <a href="http://www.merlinsedge.com/current-events.html">current events</a> on my website. I hope you'll stop by.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-50203780238898253602011-04-21T09:39:00.000-05:002011-04-21T09:39:25.421-05:00Random thoughts....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0c4aaY29A4gRb/x350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0c4aaY29A4gRb/x350.jpg" width="152" /></a></div>The Missouri Tigers softball team pushed their record to 37-5 following a sweep of the double header against SLU on Wednesday night. The Tigers, currently ranked 8th in the nation have now won 10 games in a row as they took down St Louis U. 5-1 and 7-4. Kristin Nottelmann threw a complete game in the nightcap to move her record to 13-1 giving up 1 run and 6 hits, but also issuing 6 walks. That would be troubling if it weren't for the fact that she's going to continue to be the number 2 pitcher behind Chelsea Thomas. The Tigers head to Lincoln this weekend to battle Lady Hick Nation in a conference match up, one of the last meetings between the 2 schools as members of the Big XII as Big Red Fan will soon be driving their combines to such locations as Ann Arbor, Columbus and Happy Valley. Adios hayseeds.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2007/baseball/mlb/03/22/8great.gordon/p1_gordon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2007/baseball/mlb/03/22/8great.gordon/p1_gordon.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>Speaking of Nebraska, former Husker Alex Gordon appears to finally be fulfilling the promise that Royals fans dreamed of when he was picked 2nd overall in the 2005 MLB draft. AG is currently hitting .351 with 27 hits in 77 plate appearances and 14 RBI's and a home run. It appears that moving Gordon from 3rd base to left field helped his concentration at the plate as well as the extra time he put in last winter working with Royals hitting coach Kevin Seitzer. Whatever has changed this year, it's been a welcome sight for the Royals. Yes, they have a lot of high profile rookies sitting in the minors, but Gordon, along with DH Billy Butler are a couple of hold overs that have plenty of upside and hopefully add some stability as guys like Hosmer, Moustakas and Montgomery make their way to the show. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2009/baseball/mlb/10/22/dodgers.mccourts/frank-jamie-mccourt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2009/baseball/mlb/10/22/dodgers.mccourts/frank-jamie-mccourt.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>And continuing with baseball, MLB is taking over the day to day operations of the Los Angeles Dodgers from owner Frank McCourt, currently in financial trouble due to his divorce from hell from soon to be ex-wife Jamie. Not content with the problems with his ex, it appears that McCourt will sue MLB in an effort to regain control of his team. McCourt recently took a 30 million dollar loan from Fox to cover expenses into the next month and also may be having to answer some questions from the IRS about unpaid taxes on 145 million dollars they allegedly took from the team. The attack on the San Francisco fan opening weekend, that left Bryan Stow in a medically induced coma also brings security measures into question. This isn't exactly unprecedented as MLB took over the Montreal Expos from Jeffrey Loria until buyers could be found that moved the team to Washington. However, the Dodgers are one of MLB's crown jewels. It's probably going to get a lot messier before it ends and is an excellent argument for the marital pre-nup.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-32110624004080029422011-04-17T19:24:00.000-05:002011-04-17T19:24:09.437-05:00Spring game weekend. First one I've missed in years.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8zZeijG5h5kcwHFdP042fgY4C8NFKD9NRQwhdrugyooVMK-FHQxYg6yKDadbmtQ-HxmDHVv40wHj-5UArajaREcDTBmOAGIRcrBPDC-xg9u9P5HYsutqzg6mLbNBuS0HZagAz-8nuwaq/s1600/the+zou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8zZeijG5h5kcwHFdP042fgY4C8NFKD9NRQwhdrugyooVMK-FHQxYg6yKDadbmtQ-HxmDHVv40wHj-5UArajaREcDTBmOAGIRcrBPDC-xg9u9P5HYsutqzg6mLbNBuS0HZagAz-8nuwaq/s200/the+zou.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I love the spring football game. I hated missing it this year but sometimes when we grow up things happen, and we have to do things that we don't love because we do things we just have to do. By this time of year I'm pretty much in full withdrawal from football. Basketball is ok, but the end of the season dramatics, courtesy of former coach what's his name, and it really wore me out. I'm going to trust Mike Alden that we've picked the right guy, and I'm going to trust Frank Haith because it appears that he's made at least 2 home run hires for his new staff. Baseball has started out great for us Royals fans, but it's a marathon, not a sprint. I've seen enough quick starts that were followed by mid season collapses that I have no intention of investing too much passion right now. But we've got some history going with the football team now as they've won 48 games over the past 5 season. So excuse me if I get excited reading practice reports and scrimmage statistics.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDSHlmrxEDAeTi3v8p50bD0rjwdTUHE7tR0ecu3vpVypcB2zSK2hdUnauu2OepAiTHmRf0zQr2F-01ws-ZOCLv0zPZPXpoYXsoBhMoL-7epsMFiuabMlvXuuASHi15wlvJ3PU4-s1Ob1k/s1600/williams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDSHlmrxEDAeTi3v8p50bD0rjwdTUHE7tR0ecu3vpVypcB2zSK2hdUnauu2OepAiTHmRf0zQr2F-01ws-ZOCLv0zPZPXpoYXsoBhMoL-7epsMFiuabMlvXuuASHi15wlvJ3PU4-s1Ob1k/s200/williams.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Maybe the biggest news of the day happened off the field as the Tigers obtained a verbal from Texas running back Jonathan Williams. Williams rushed for over 2000 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior and is ranked as the 33rd best player in Texas and the 3rd best running back in the nation. It marks the 2nd year in a row that the Tigers have snagged a recruit rated inside the Texas top 50, (Last year both James Franklin and Tristan Holt were members of this club) and shows that Mizzou is a serious contender for the top Texas talent. Jonathan is the kind of kid that starts a domino effect with other kids and does show why, during the feeding frenzy of conference realignment last summer, he really preferred that Missouri remain in the Big XII where he and his staff had spent years developing relationships. It also shows that hick nation is now going to have to work a little harder if they intend to keep mining Texas for recruits. Williams is exactly the kind of back they're looking for in Lincoln.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.columbiamissourian.com/multimedia/2010/08/06/media/080610MUFootball_04_t_w600_h1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://media.columbiamissourian.com/multimedia/2010/08/06/media/080610MUFootball_04_t_w600_h1200.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>As far as the quarterback battle goes, James Franklin will now officially enter the summer months as # 1 at the position. James had a good day, going 13 of 21 for 116 yards and 2 touchdowns to go with a 139.7 quarterback rating. Tyler Gabbert however was 8 of 22 for 48 yards and a rating of 45.6. This isn't going to end until sometime next August at the earliest, but I fully expect the competition to make both of them better. For complete stats, Dave Matter has an excellent breakdown in his <a href="http://www.columbiatribune.com/weblogs/behind-the-stripes/2011/apr/16/black-and-gold-stat-leaders/">blog.</a> So now we'll be reaching for football news, but it's going to be out there and I'll try to find as much of it as I can. Stop by and see my current event section on my <a href="http://www.merlinsedge.com/current-events.html">web page.</a>merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-69366008754357482202011-04-14T10:43:00.000-05:002011-04-14T10:43:29.879-05:00More random thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfQo3TsTK8ONk5oYQH6FPYOizIxsKH9xOJXtZRIS1yHXs-XOJ1bmY7h82vDaLfzMsnz8sHH22Gqe2NILKuOUAQWaxbNjpCfTL6Skgo8AMhcm5UGrqF8cglpUlVuBh_yAYphcUAS606_u9/s1600/scoreboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfQo3TsTK8ONk5oYQH6FPYOizIxsKH9xOJXtZRIS1yHXs-XOJ1bmY7h82vDaLfzMsnz8sHH22Gqe2NILKuOUAQWaxbNjpCfTL6Skgo8AMhcm5UGrqF8cglpUlVuBh_yAYphcUAS606_u9/s200/scoreboard.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Generally we don't have a lot of Missouri athletics information coming out at this time of year, simply because things are winding down. We're getting a nice run out of the softball team however so we've had that going for us. And basketball have given us news, both good and bad since Mike Anderson flirting with Arkansas became evident to even those of us that were supporting him. It's good if you write a Missouri-centric blog like I do, or if you write for a legitimate site like Dave Matter, Mike DeArmond or Vahe Gregorian, but frankly, I think a lot of our fan base needs a chance to chill. I'm a member of 2 pay sites that are devoted to Missouri athletics and it used to be that you'd see posters less inclined to find fault with the athletic department than the free sites. But now it seems that we're getting as many or more pissing matches on PowerMizzou as we do on Tigerboard. I admit it's worn me down and I try to be selective of who I'm reading.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.midstatetv.com/images/channel_logos/BASIC%20CABLE/15_Basic_Fox%20Sports.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="http://www.midstatetv.com/images/channel_logos/BASIC%20CABLE/15_Basic_Fox%20Sports.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>One thing most all Missouri fans can agree on is the new television deal announced with Fox Sports this week is going to play very nicely for the conference. The new 13 year agreement will pump around 90 million dollars into the league per year and guarantees that a minimum of 40 Big XII football games, plus olympic events will be broadcast, giving the league a ton more exposure. With the ABC/ESPN deal entering stages of renegotiation the conference could well be the largest money maker of the 6 BCS conferences at least until someone else negotiates a new deal. It appears that with Nebraska and Colorado leaving the conference, revenue will increase for the remaining members, and adds a sense of stability to a league that many, including myself left for dead after the realignment talks last summer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.scout.com/media/image/82/823105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media.scout.com/media/image/82/823105.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>Frank Haith has announced 3 hirings for his staff at Missouri this week, and Tiger fan seems to be encouraged for a change. Tim Fuller comes to CoMO from Louisville and has the reputation as a top notch recruiter. He's been a long time friend of Coach Haith and has ties with the AAU circuit as well as Nike. Lord knows with all the scholarships becoming available in the next 13 months, that we can use an aggressive lead recruiter. Joining him on the bench will be Ernie Nestor, formerly the director of basketball operations at Penn State, who achieved a remarkable turnaround this year, qualifying for the NCAA tournament after going 11-20 the year before. He's considered to be a good x's and o's guy and a nice compliment to all the youth on the bench. Tordor Pandov also joins as the new strength and conditioning coach and comes to Mizzou with Haith from Miami. 2 more names will surface as there is still room for a 3rd assistant as well as a director of basketball operations. I'm still holding out hope that we might bring in a guy with some St Louis ties. The complete inability of mike anderson to recruit on the east side of the state was a huge disappointment to me.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-37588612171535141592011-04-10T23:33:00.000-05:002011-04-10T23:33:38.807-05:00So far, it's been a beautiful spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.filetransit.com/images/screen/1b996c0ef38f41214dba32c64781d0f5_Spring_Bloom_Free_Screensaver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.filetransit.com/images/screen/1b996c0ef38f41214dba32c64781d0f5_Spring_Bloom_Free_Screensaver.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I'm not really talking about the weather, although that's picked up nicely also. But Kansas City in the spring isn't usually something you look forward to if you're a sports fan. It's almost the middle of April, about the time when you can realistically count the Royals out of the pennant race. But when the boys in blue won 9-5 over the Detroit Tigers Sunday it moved the Royals record to 6-3. I know there's only about 153 games to go, and more than likely the team will begin to swoon sooner than later, but if you don't mind, I'm going to enjoy this for a bit and do a little day dreaming about baseball in October. After all, it's only been 26 years.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.prorumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/bruce_chen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://blog.prorumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/bruce_chen.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>Outside of Kyle Davies, the starting pitching hasn't been terrible. Hochevar went 7 pretty solid innings today following 6 innings by Bruce Chen yesterday. The bullpen has been solid all season and the hitting has been timely. Wilson Betemit let the charge yesterday, going 4 for 4 with a walk. Cabrera, Francoeur and Escobar added 2 hits each and Luke Hochevar went 7 innings, giving up 4 runs and no walks. He did give up 3 homers but otherwise it was a good effort. The Royals have Monday off before starting a series in the Twin Cities against the slow starting Minnesota Twins. Royals fans are dying for something to get excited about and right now the team is giving them reason to cheer. Now if we'll just fill up the ball park for them.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/miss/sports/w-softbl/auto_action/2694779.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/miss/sports/w-softbl/auto_action/2694779.jpeg" width="120" /></a>Another reason to smile, especially if your a Missouri fan is the performance of the Tigers softball team. The lady Tigers moved to 32-5 with a sweep of the Texa A&M Aggies Sunday by a score of 3-0. Chelsae Thomas moved to 17-3 for the season with a complete game, allowing 4 hits while giving up 1 walk and striking out 9. Rhea Taylor came out of her slump with 2 hits. The Tigers are now 7-1 in conference and are a legitimate threat for a long run in post season play. Yep, if you're living in Western Missouri, it's a good spring indeed. If you'd like to read about these and other stories in depth, by some great journalists stop by my web site and hop over to <a href="http://www.merlinsedge.com/current-events.html">current events</a>, and let me know what you think. </div>merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-85197023691417520412011-04-08T14:05:00.000-05:002011-04-08T14:05:27.861-05:005 biggest moments of MU athletics this year. Well, so far.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://missourisportsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/mu_tigers_m_logo_on_gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://missourisportsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/mu_tigers_m_logo_on_gold.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I'm officially sick of talking about Mike Alden and Frank Haith. Not that both these guys aren't worthy of discussion. It's just that there's nothing to talk about right now. Coach Haith hasn't even hired his first staff member yet, or gotten his first recruit. There may be something if he manages to salvage something from this recruiting session, which suffered from inattention to former coach mike anderson. As for Alden, as I've stated before, he's very unlikely to be fired due to the profitability of the AD, and the fact that most programs are doing as well or better than they ever have during his watch. What I'd like to talk about are what I consider to be the 5 biggest moments for the athletic department for 2010-2011. We may yet see something from the baseball, and even more importantly the softball programs, but those will be topics for another day. So here are my 5 biggest, in no particular order.<br />
<b>1. The Catch</b><br />
No, I'm not talking about Montana to Clark. I'm referring to September 18th of 2010. The Tigers season appears ready to derail before it ever gets out of the station as they trail lightly regarded San Diego State 24-20 with less than a minute to go. Suddenly, out of no where, Blaine Gabbert finds TJ Moe for a 68 yard touchdown to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8XU3dRP0JM">save the season.</a> Without that, who knows where the season might have gone. <br />
<b>2. The Return </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/erin%20andrews%20surprised.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/erin%20andrews%20surprised.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>If TJ saved the season, the return of the opening kickoff from Gahn McGaffie set the stage and made Missouri a contender. ESPN Gameday was in town and Tiger nation had done itself proud, showing up over 18,000 strong to set a new record. But what remained was the game against the # 1 ranked Oklahoma Sooners, a team that head coach Gary Pinkel had never beaten. The game opened with a lot of energy from the crowd, and the Tigers needed a good start to keep them in the game. McGaffie supplied that with an 86 yard return of the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfaDFjS64v4&feature=related">opening kickoff</a> and I've not been in Memorial Stadium where the volume was that loud since the 4th quarter of the 2003 game vs Nebraska where the Tigers ended 24 years of frustration.<br />
<b>3. Robin Pingeton hired </b><br />
I know. Women's basketball isn't a major sport. In the food chain at Mizzou, it ranks about even with golf and cross country. But it was making a statement that the Tigers weren't giving up on any sports, whether it had a following or not. While I'm not sure I always agree with the philosophy, it is pretty much the mission statement of the athletic department, and I expect to see her bring women's basketball to a level of competitiveness that we just haven't see before.<br />
<a href="http://store03.prostores.com/everythingmizzou/media/07/a20791f12a9c1cb42d35d3_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://store03.prostores.com/everythingmizzou/media/07/a20791f12a9c1cb42d35d3_m.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>4 Mike Anderson resigns</b><br />
I probably shouldn't have capitalized his name, and I doubt that he's ever mentioned again, but the cowardly and deceitful way that former coach anderson left is something that I'm going to remember. He did raise the bar of the program after the Quin Snyder debacle, but I hope that at some point he learns to tell the truth. Frankly, I wouldn't believe the man if he said good morning.<br />
<b>5 Gary Pinkel's contract extended</b><br />
This just happened today and I couldn't be happier. Coach Pinkel signed a 2 year extension which means he remains in CoMO until 2017. Coach signed the extension for the same money he was making, although he does receive an extra 100 k contributed to his annuity per year, and an extra 150,000 to be distributed among his assistants. This may or may not be the last extension the coach signs, but I still expect to see a statue of him outside the stadium after he retires. merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-84820172046101692282011-04-06T09:54:00.000-05:002011-04-06T09:54:25.875-05:00Random thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/e3/fullj.18bf1ae8fec1d24fbcef4d2f9e59435a/ap-81f6771586a345babe87c6b38e2dd3da.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/ap/e3/fullj.18bf1ae8fec1d24fbcef4d2f9e59435a/ap-81f6771586a345babe87c6b38e2dd3da.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Billy Butler hit a 2 run homer in the bottom of the 8th inning last night to tie the game at 6, and the Royals completed the comeback in the 12th inning when Melky Cabrera scored Chris Getz and KC moved to 4-1 with a 7-6 win over the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. It's the 4th win for the Royals in their last at bat also, which is probably as many as they had last season. I still am a long way from saying they'll be a contender. Hell, I'm quite a ways away from saying they won't lose over 90 games this year. But right now they're fun to watch and we're seeing some things from some guys that we need to compliment the young talent that's going to start coming in later this year, or I guess now since we have 5 rookies in the bullpen and one at first base. The starting pitching is suspect, save for Jeff Francis who looked good in his first outing. Alcides Escobar may be the best defensive shortstop we've seen in KC since UL Washington and may allow KC to move Mike Moustakas to 3rd base since I'm fairly certain Mike Aviles isn't going to be starting next year if he's in KC at all. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.californiabeat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/lapdsketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.californiabeat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/lapdsketches.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>If you happen to live or travel to the Los Angeles area and you see these 2 scumbags to the left, don't turn your back on them. These are police sketches of 2 dreamboats that attacked San Francisco Giants fan Bryan Stow in Dodgers Stadium parking lot last Tuesday night. Stow, a 42 year old paramedic was taking a dream road trip to watch his Giants and was beaten by 2 assailants that resemble these drawings so badly that he's in critical condition in a coma with a brain injury. This has nothing to do with the Dodgers or LA residents in general. This was a cowardly attack by 2 guys that need to be caught and put away. My biggest hope is that they haven't already reproduced. The gene pool isn't deep enough for a couple of bottom feeders like this. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jeffcity.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2011/04/05/haithfront_t670.jpg?b3f6a5d7692ccc373d56e40cf708e3fa67d9af9d" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://jeffcity.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2011/04/05/haithfront_t670.jpg?b3f6a5d7692ccc373d56e40cf708e3fa67d9af9d" width="200" /></a></div>New Missouri basketball coach Frank Haith may not have wowed the entire Missouri fan base with his first press conference as the head coach of the basketball Tigers, but he hit a solid triple. I think that MU fan is willing to give him a pass until they at least see if he can recruit some solid players at this late juncture. And for you guys that want to see Mike Alden fired for this. While I've disagreed that he deserves to lose his job, I agree that he's really polarizing an already and always fractured fan base, it's not going to happen most likely. The AD appears to be 14 million dollars in the black this year; one of less than 20 athletic departments in the nation that turned a profit. He may get spanked by the curators sometimes but very few companies fire a manager that turns a large profit. And one thing I'll say to Mike, and by the way I did email this suggestion...Leave Haith alone and let him run his program. The guy graduated players from Miami and kept them out of the headlines off the court. He deserves some latitude until he proves he doesn't.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-1590387058549274502011-04-04T17:07:00.000-05:002011-04-04T17:07:31.458-05:00I'll take coaches you've never heard of for $500.00 Alex...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/1004323/51868_miami_clemson_basketball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/1004323/51868_miami_clemson_basketball.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This wasn't the hire I expected. It wasn't what anyone expected. A week ago we were talking about stealing Matt Painter from Purdue and now we wind up with a guy that many of us never heard of. Now to be fair, I really don't recall hearing much about Painter either, but a lot of people that I respect think this is nothing short of a bad hire. Since being hired as the head man in Miami Haith has compiled a record of 129-101 (43-69 in conference) in the tough ACC. He's taken the Hurricanes to 1 NCAA tournament and frankly, appears to be mediocre at best. The talking heads have been pounding AD Mike Alden over this hire, led by former Tiger great Jon Sunvold who's disliked Alden since Norm Stewart was relieved of his duties in 1999.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/368/251/92585672_display_image.jpg?1283231281" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/slides/photos/000/368/251/92585672_display_image.jpg?1283231281" width="131" /></a></div>Not since the day that Mike Anderson was announced as coach have I felt like Alden's job was in more jeopardy than it is today. I've always defended Alden. I think he's improved the overall athletic department incredibly, but you know, sometimes it's just best to move on. That time may be coming for Mike, and frankly, I don't know if it's a good thing or a bad thing. He's be accused of micro-managing the sports programs and there are indications that has been true, at least as far a men's basketball is concerned. I remember when the youngest Rush brother was deciding on which school to attend and Alden over rode then coach Quin Snyder and forbid him to come to Mizzou. Rush went to ku and played on their last national title team in 2008. The firing of Snyder was handled as badly as it could have been, and even an Alden supporter like myself can't defend that. You never hear any complaints from Alden's cadillac hire, Gary Pinkel, but the fact is that in the AD heirarchy Pinkel is the 600 lb gorilla in the room.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rjionline.org/about/stories/university-of-missouri/jesse-columns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://www.rjionline.org/about/stories/university-of-missouri/jesse-columns.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>As for the Haith hire, there's a BOC teleconference this evening, presumably to discuss the final language on his contract. I expect it to be resolved and we'll hear Haith announced as the 17th head coach of Missouri basketball tomorrow. But, it wouldn't surprise me if we hear later tonight that Alden has been terminated and now we're looking for a new AD as well as restarting the coaching search. I don't really think it is a good idea, but you know, I don't know that it's all bad either.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-79617075588955071282011-04-03T11:51:00.000-05:002011-04-03T11:51:56.750-05:00A little mini run to start the year. A reason to hope?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.kansascity.com/smedia/2011/03/31/19/ROYALS_033111_SP_MLR_2366F.standalone.prod_affiliate.81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://media.kansascity.com/smedia/2011/03/31/19/ROYALS_033111_SP_MLR_2366F.standalone.prod_affiliate.81.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Before the season started, I expected the Royals to lose 94 games this year. I'm not backing down from that but I do like some things I'm seeing from them just 3 games into the season. The Angels aren't world beaters, but they're a semi solid club that certainly seemed the lowly Royals. But the fact that we've only seen 3 errors in 3 games is certainly encouraging. The Royals aren't going to be good enough to give runs away and stay in games. That was their downfall last year. Billy Butler is hitting .300 but still isn't showing a lot of pop. Chris Getz is hitting .429 and we all know that won't last. Alex Gordon is 2 for 13 on the season, a blistering .154. That can't continue if he intends to keep calling Kansas City home. His clock is going to strike midnight pretty soon. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://nbchardballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/joakim_soria_save.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://nbchardballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/joakim_soria_save.jpg" width="171" /></a></div>The starting pitching hasn't been terrible yet but it's been a long way from great. The # 1 starter, Luke Hochevar, looks like a solid # 4 guy and Kyle Davies continues to prove he doesn't belong on a major league roster that intends to go anywhere. The young bullpen looks good so far however, particularly former Tiger Aaron Crow that has thrown 3 innings in 2 games, giving up no runs and 2 hits while striking out 5. Joakim Soria looks as solid as ever, with a 1-0 record to go with 1 save. His strikeout numbers are low, non-existent as a matter of fact, but he's been workmanlike, throwing only 6 pitches in the save Saturday afternoon. Better defense makes better pitchers when they're afraid to let the other team make contact for fear of an error. Small things but something manager Ned Yost can build on while waiting for the hoped for barrage of heralded prospects to hit the major league roster the next 2 years.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wanderingfork.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/royals-stadium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.wanderingfork.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/royals-stadium.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>I'm sticking with my prediction for now, but I reserve the right to up the losses to 100 if we see a return to the Royals baseball we've seen the last few years. The first thing that needs corrected here is the losing mentality. Zack Greinke admitted to it last year when he stated he didn't try his hardest since he knew he'd lose anyway. Of course, Zack wasn't exactly a walking tribute to mental health to begin with. merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-50057376344724397942011-04-01T17:26:00.000-05:002011-04-01T17:26:31.252-05:00Quick hits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.kansascityticketnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Kauffman-stadium-opening-day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://www.kansascityticketnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Kauffman-stadium-opening-day.jpg" width="200" /></a>Lost in the shuffle of the opening day loss, 4-2 to the Los Angeles Angels, something we're probably going to see a lot of this season, was the reopening of the George Brett Bridge in time for the first pitch. It was really remarkable to me that the contractor, Clarkson Construction was able to get this done in the time allotted. The bridge was imploded on January 14th, following the Chiefs final game, which was later than expected following a season that included a home playoff game. Had the bridge, with it's I 70 access not been completed in time, it would have been all that much tougher a sell to get people into Kauffman Stadium. Realistically the Royals could struggle to avoid losing 100 games again this year. But it does make it easier for us to make a snap decision to head out to the park on a warm summer evening.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/weber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/weber.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>To Missouri fan who's self loathing knows no limit seems to be uninformed as to what is what's going on with Oklahoma's search for a basketball coach. Athletic Director Joe Castiglione has now struck out with his first 4 choices after firing Jeff Capel. Local media guy Kevin Harlan said on the Border Patrol said that coaches seemed to be running away from the job and apparently he's correct. At last count Bruce Weber, Dave Rose, Lon Kruger and Buzz Williams have declined offers from the Sooners. Apparently a portion of the OU fan base is worrying that they're about to drop into obscurity in the new Big XII conference and they'll become the new Nebraska, all football. It's odd when so many of our fans wish we had Joe C. back in CoMO instead of Alden. OU makes between 30 and 40 million a year than the Tigers and aren't having much luck showing anymore success. And if you want to mention how far ahead their football program is to ours, may I at least remind you of the <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=302960142">score last season.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/90/909346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/90/909346.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>Speaking of football, there was nothing going on with the students out on spring break, but there's a lot of speculation that James Franklin being the starting quarterback on September 3rd at the opener against Miami of Ohio may be premature. Tyler Gabbert has continued to look good leading the offense and has moved into pretty much a co-number 1 right now. Brad Madison, while not making people forget about Aldon Smith appears to be developing into a dominant pass rusher, and Kony Ealy may well move into the 3rd spot in the rotation. Despite losing 3 starters the defensive backfield looks to have more talent than ever. If Dominique Hamilton comes back from an injury and Sheldon Richardson makes it on campus this could be a very formidable defense. Some questions still on the offensive side of the ball, including the young receivers moving up and threatening for jobs and whether one of the running backs will be able to stake a claim as the premier back. merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-7224538831816595242011-03-31T15:18:00.000-05:002011-03-31T15:18:52.959-05:00Fire Mike Alden?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.columbiatribune.com/img/photos/2010/12/25/su_B04_alden_1226_t620.jpg?fbf2daa044e08a86b24c9c38cd7501865a0e2373" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" r6="true" src="http://media.columbiatribune.com/img/photos/2010/12/25/su_B04_alden_1226_t620.jpg?fbf2daa044e08a86b24c9c38cd7501865a0e2373" width="200" /></a></div>I knew it would happen. After the Lyin' Mike Anderson packed his bags and scurried off to Arkansas and MU swang and missed on Matt Painter, the Mike Alden haters came out in full force. If you read message boards, and I read a lot of them, you'll hear people bitching about how embarrassed they are that Alden is the head of the athletic department at the school they claim to love. Now if you've read this blog often, or much at all for that matter, then you know I'm an Alden fan. I've met him several times and have always been treated very well, and no, I'm not a huge $$$ booster by any means. I just happen to believe that he's done a very good job at a place where it isn't easy to have success considering the financial restraints the university operates under.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.e-rockford.com/applesauce/files/2009/03/mob_pitchforks_big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" r6="true" src="http://blogs.e-rockford.com/applesauce/files/2009/03/mob_pitchforks_big.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Alden took over as athletic director on July 16th, 1998 after Joe Castiglione left for greener pastures in Norman, Oklahoma citing a lack of support from an administration that had deemed that athletics simply weren't important enough compared with the academics the university wanted to be known for. It had been a problem since the 70's when then chancellor Barbara (Babs) Uehling basically ran Dan Devine out of CoMO, giving him zero support. That started a 30 year slide of Missouri football. When he arrived there was sort of a mini revival under then head coach Larry Smith, but that was dying just as he arrived, and some of the worst losses in memory happened during his last 2 years. All Alden did was go out and hire an unknown guy from Toledo named Gary Pinkel to take over and he's going to be the winningest coach in Missouri history by the time he retires. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hulettheating.com/images/MizzouArena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" r6="true" src="http://www.hulettheating.com/images/MizzouArena.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Several things have happened, at least in my opinion that have turned a portion of the fan base against Alden. The first was the firing of Norm Stewart after he spent 32 years coaching the Tigers. Now I loved Norm. He was about all we had during those dark days of the football program, but he'd lost his zest for coaching and it was really time for him to go. It also brought a 25 million dollar donation from Bill Laurie toward the construction of Mizzou Arena, one of the finest basketball venue's in the country. Sadly, it also brough Quin Snyder from Duke, who spent 7 years dragging down the program until, he was fired in a clumsy manner, that, again in my opinion was the lowlight of Alden's career. A segment of the fans also blame him for the Big Ten expansion last summer, but anyone that really follows how these things work should know that was something being decided by people way over Alden's pay grade.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://beta.ioffer.com/img/item/132/508/105/0iaZSx2QWngry4Y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://beta.ioffer.com/img/item/132/508/105/0iaZSx2QWngry4Y.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>Right now, the basketball program is absolutely in a perilous position. No coach and no recruits courtesy of Mike Anderson. But the majority of sports are doing quite well, and Alden has made some good if not great hires in addition to Coach Pinkel. I know it isn't a popular notion right now, but I have faith in Alden to make a good hire. The fact of the matter is, that with the fan support, Missouri just isn't perceived to be as good a job as many of us feel that it is. I hope things are going well, and want to thank you guys for reading. I've been averaging over 2,500 hits a month on this blog and am starting to do better at my website, merlinsedge.com. In addition to the stores, I've added a news and sports page titled <a href="http://www.merlinsedge.com/current-events.html">current events.</a> It's full of articles and columns about Mizzou athletics by real writers like Mike DeArmond and his son Gabe who runs an excellent Missouri site, PowerMizzou, as well as guys like Bryan Burwell and Bernie Miklasz from St Louis today. Please stop by and let me know what you think. It's still a work in progress, but I'm actually pretty happy with how it's turning out.merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871455362581647130.post-40414785656169161752011-03-30T15:31:00.000-05:002011-03-30T15:31:34.631-05:00Opening day and the search continues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.baseballgamepictures.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Luke-Hochevar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://www.baseballgamepictures.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Luke-Hochevar.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
Baseball season in Kansas City begins Thursday at 3:10 as the Royals take on the Los Angeles Angels at Kauffman Stadium. Coming off a 95 loss season in '10, Ned Yost begins the season as manager and mercifully ends the Trey Hillman era. But after you've sat through Bob Boone and Tony Pena, you're used to seeing scratch your head decisions. Yost has experienced some limited success while managing the Milwaukee Brewers, going 512 wins against 574 losses from 2003 to 2008. However, he took over a terrible team and brought them to respectability going with young players. Ironically he was fired late in the season in 2008 with his team playing good ball. I don't think Yost, at 55 is going to suddenly make you a world series contender, but he seems to do well with young players, and that's where the Royals are going to be, starting this season. 4 rookies in the bullpen, including former Missouri Tiger, Aaron Crow. Luke Hochevar draws the opening day start. I had pretty high hopes when he was drafted, but really haven't seen any consistancy from him yet. I'd like to get excited but really can't. Starting pitching is weak, some journeymen guys were acquired. When the season starts to slip away, which could happen in May, I expect to see some young guys start to come up. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.prorumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/alex_gordon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://blog.prorumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/alex_gordon.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Some guys had some nice stats during spring training. Those really don't mean much but this is a big year for some guys that fans and the team had high hopes for when they were signed. One of those is Alex Gordon, drafted in 2007 from hick nation. He was a top 5 pick that has been pretty disappointing so far. But I really like this kid and hope that he breaks open this year. He's playing left field now, which has to be easier than playing 3rd base. I still think this kid has the talent to hit .280 with 15 homers and 70-80 ribbies. Billy Butler turns 25 on April 18th. I expect him to DH more this year. He's another kid that I'm hoping for a big improvement in. But this starting rotation scares me to death, and we're counting on a lot of guys matching their biggest years ever, and that wasn't last year. Mike Aviles is a great guy to have on your team. He's not great when he's your starting 3rd baseman. Early prediction...I go to more games this season than in the past 5. The Royals fade early and we see young talent start to be brought in. Probably looking at a record of 68-94 this year though, and Yost will be on a much shorter leash next year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/165/256/110495501_crop_340x234.jpg?1301325261" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/165/256/110495501_crop_340x234.jpg?1301325261" width="200" /></a></div>And switching gears, it's been a rough week for Missouri basketball fans as their # 1 target, Matt Painter of Purdue decided to remain after the Boilermakers upped his salary close to one million dollars over what he was previously being paid. I assume that a portion of the fan base is going to blame athletic director Mike Alden for failing to land Painter, and for the fact that the news got out that he was attempting to hire him. We'll also have a percentage of fans that will say Painter was doing nothing more than using the Tigers to garner a raise for himself. I don't agree with either sentiment, but we're Tiger fans, so that's how it's going to play out. Now Mizzou has to continue it's search, and I frankly have no idea where it goes, but I do know that regardless it's going to be ugly on the Missouri message boards. merlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17349784834901678508noreply@blogger.com1