The Atlanta Braves Playing The Roster Shell Game

 Who’s on first? What’s on second? Braves fans all wish they could say I know who is at third but will have to wait for Chipper Jones to return from the DL.  Some questions are already answered, but others – such as shortstop and pitching assignments – are up in the air.  It’s the end of May, and Atlanta Braves GM Frank Wren has had enough time to do some talent evaluation and decide what changes need to be made to help the Braves win more ball games.

(Read More)

Prediction: The Atlanta Falcons – New Orleans Saints Rivalry Will Hit New Heights in 2012

There are a lot of rivalries in professional and college sports that are well known.  Some of them, as in the case of the Georgia-Auburn football rivalry, date back over 100 years.  Some of them, like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, are a traditional rivalry that have been cultivated out of the close proximity of two cities.  Some of them, like the Dallas Cowboys – Washington Redskins hate-fest, are very well known and publicized.  But I don’t know that there is a rivalry any more vicious and full of rancor as the one between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints.  And in 2012, my prediction is it’s only going to get nastier...

(Read More)

Craig Stanke was a Mentor to Me: I Only Wish I'd Met Him

I never got to meet Craig Stanke in person.  I never even got to talk with him on the phone.  Yet when I was informed of his passing, I felt as moved as I ever had when receiving such terrible news.  Craig Stanke, who was the deputy sports editor at CBSSports.com, died in his sleep Monday night.  He was 56 years old.

Craig Stanke: 1955 - 2012

It's not often that someone who you have such limited contact with can have such a profound effect on your life, and Craig Stanke definitely had a lasting one one mine.

Last fall when I began my perilous journey into the world of sports journalism, I started following certain writers and broadcasters on Twitter.  These were people who I had seen on T.V., or were local writers.  I knew who they were and was more than familiar with their work.  Then, one of those people - Lisa Horne from Fox Sports - started making suggestions of folks that I should follow who I might not be so familiar with.  One of the people she suggested was Craig Stanke.

One of the things that struck me about Stanke's Twitter profile was this phrase: "Craig Stanke is deputy managing editor at CBSSports.com and pays close attention to the writing staff".  And brother, that was no lie.  Every morning Craig would tweet the whereabouts of every single one of this writers, and what they were going to be reporting on that day.  And I would watch (or troll, as it's called in the twitterverse) as those writers responded back to him with updates, or just friendly greetings.

It was apparent even from an outside point of view that Stanke had a relationship with those in his charge that you seldom see.  It was witnessing that type of relationship that made me want to press on in what I was doing.

I started corresponding with Craig via Twitter in a casual way.  Asking questions about certain stories, and often responding to his frequently tweeted "Real time song stuck in my head" updates.  He was always kind enough to respond, and always with more than the typical two-word "who the heck are you" type response that you can sometimes get from a person in his position.  He happily read and critiqued a couple of my stories, and was never taken aback by my enthusiasm.

His sense of humor was always present, and he was happy to give advice and mentor me, even though he barely knew who I was.  I began looking forward to our brief but entertaining exchanges in the mornings.

I don't know when or if I'll get my first assignment at an established media outlet like CBS, but if that day ever happens, I only hope I'll have an editor as good, as kind, and as passionate as Craig Stanke. 

(A tribute to Craig Stanke by one of his writers, Gregg Doyel)

VIDEO: The Umpiring Welke Brothers Have Blown a Pair of Big Calls

Umpiring in MLB can be a touchy thing.  Everyone wants to keep the "human element" in the game, but when calls like these two are made, it makes replay look like a much better option.

Video one show where first base umpire Tim Welke clearly misses a call.  Colorado first baseman Todd Helton's foot is at least 2 feet off the bag as the Dodgers Jerry Hairston runs to first. 

Video two is about a little trickier call, but still a pretty bad one.  Boston's Mike Aviles swung at what would have been strike three. It was ruled a foul tip by plate umpire Jeff Nelson, and on appeal to first base ump Bill Welke (Tim's brother) the ball was determined to hit the dirt before catcher Gerald Laird could glove it.  Jim Leyland lets the umpires know his feelings.

Atlanta Braves Losing Streak at Eight Games: Is There Any Fire In This Team?

The Atlanta Braves clubhouse has long had a reputation as being a very laid back, even-keeled, business as usual kind of place.  Never too far up or down, just taking things as they come day by day (except for when Deion Sanders was present).  It was this kind of mature, no-nonsense attitude that carried the Braves through some rough times during their dominance of the 1990′s and early 2000′s.  But those were different Braves.

This is the second time during the management tenure of Fredi Gonzalez that the Braves have had an extended losing streak, the first being September 2011′s mighty collapse...

(Read More)

Jason Heyward Needs to Become What the Atlanta Braves Expected

Jason Heyward is an extremely well liked Atlanta Braves player.  I can’t think of any fans or teammates who don’t want him to succeed.  He came into the league (as many do) like wildfire.  A power left-handed bat who also had the ball-strike eye of a hawk, a speedster on the bases,  and a cannon-like arm and ability to track balls anywhere in right field.  He was supposed to be the consummate five-tool player, and a prospect who nobody had seen the likes of since Ken Griffey, Jr

(Read More)

Florida HS Student Punished for “Tebowing” at Gradution

I can’t believe that NFL training camps haven’t even opened, Tim Tebow hasn’t even thrown a pass for the New York Jets, and already I find myself immersed in a story about “Tebowing“.   This time it’s a Florida high school student who took the all too familiar kneeling stance prior to receiving his diploma.

Graduating senior Chuck Shriner – on a five-dollar bet – knelt on stage as he was about to receive his diploma, and was promptly punished by his school.

(Read More)

Superstars Running the Team are Ruining Teams

Stan Van Gundy: Five seasons as Orlando Magic head coach.  A .653 winning percentage.  Five playoff appearances.  Three division championships.  One trip to the NBA Finals.  Normally after a tenure like that - even with two straight first round playoff exits - teams are talking about contract extensions with a coach.  Stan Van Gundy was fired. 

Stan Van Gundy wasn't fired because he was a bad coach, or because he never won an NBA championship.  He was fired because he had a rocky relationship with one of the biggest superstars in the NBA, Dwight Howard.  And when you're a coach, and you get yourself into a tenuous relationship with one of the NBA's elite players...don't renew the lease on that condo.

(Read More)

Roddy White Lets Former Players Know How He Feels

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White has been up to his old Twitter antics again.  This time he’s taking aim at former NFL players who are suing the league.  Roddy is apparently upset and feels like these former players are “killing our game” by taking legal action against the league.  As with anything there are two sides to any given argument.

(Read More)

MLB Power Rankings: Sopranos Version

Yes, I know HBO’s “The Sopranos” has been off the air for a number of years.  That’s why I wanted to do this column.  We are fast approaching the five-year anniversary of the fateful camera blackout in Holsten’s diner, and so I dedicate this set of MLB power rankings to the hope that David Chase will not let himself be out-done by not one, but TWO “Sex in the City” feature films.   So, Without further adieu, I give you the Sopranos MLB Power Rankings.

(Read More)

Running Back Not Only Position Where Georgia has Depth

A funny thing happened on the way to the University of Georgia stockpiling some of the best running backs in college football...they found themselves almost as equally stacked at the quarterback position. 

The quarterback position is crucial in coach Mark Richt's pro-style offense, and he's seen his offenses live and die based on what that quarterback can do.  Everyone knows about red=shirt junior Aaron Murray, arguably the best quarterback in the Southeastern Conference, but what of the other guys that Georgia has ready to stand behind center?

(Read More)

VIDEO: John Tortorella's Post Game Monosyllabic Presser

New York Rangers coach John Tortorella is renowned for his in-game tirades at officials, opposing players, and even his own team.

He's also well known for giving brief, even terse answers to reporters questions in post-game interviews and press conferences.  Usually this is a plus to correspondents and stringers who are rushing to file a column or story by a deadline, but in his post-game presser after the loss to the hated New Jersey Devils, he reached new heights of succinctness.

Was it poor questions from the reporters? Or was this just another version of Tortorella's "Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions"? (with apologies to Al Jaffee and MAD Magazine).  You be the judge.

The Atlanta Braves Face Some Big Questions About Mike Minor

During spring training this year, Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Minor basically gave the Braves an ultimatum. “I’ve been in Triple-A all last year pretty much,” Minor said in March, “and the year before I had some time [in the majors]. I’m getting older every year, so there’s no reason for me to be sitting in Triple-A.”  He stated plainly that if the Braves didn’t have room for him in their starting rotation this season, they might as well trade him.  As they say Mr. Minor, be careful what you wish for…you just might get it.

(Read More)

Derek Lowe is Dealing in Cleveland: Atlanta Braves Coaching Lacking?

Atlanta Braves cast-off Derek Lowe is, to date, leading the American League in ERA (2.05), and wins (6-1).  Could this mean that the problem here in Atlanta wasn’t with Lowe, but lay with the Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell?  Yes,  it’s very early in the season, but baseball is a numbers driven and performance driven sport more than any other, and as they say…sometimes the numbers don’t lie.

Roger McDowell had a very unenviable job in 2006.  He had to come take over the pitching coach duties from arguably one of the most successful pitching coaches in the game, Leo Mazzone.

(Read More)

Atlanta Falcon Great Steve Bartkowski Honored

He's been inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor, and now former Falcon great and number one overall pick Steve Bartkowski can add one more item to his already impressive resume...member of the College Football Hall of Fame, representing the California Golden Bears

Bartkowski joins 16 other players and coaches in the 2012 class. The National Football Foundation announced the newest inductees to the College Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday.

(Read More)

Tackling Some Chat with Atlanta Falcons DT Corey Peters

Recently I had the opportunity to talk with Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Corey Peters.  He was featured in an NFL documentary film titled “Late Rounders”, that focused on some of the players in the 2010 draft who were not considered to be in the elite first or second round category.  Corey and I talked about the Falcons 2012 off-season, his experience coming through the draft process, and about the movie.

(Read More)

Florida State University to Big 12 Rumors Beginning to Gain Credence

We’ve been hearing the rumors and whispers for months…Florida State University is thinking of abandoning the ACC for a move to the Big 12.  Until recently, these rumors were quickly dismissed by most in the know, but now a statement from Florida State Board of Trustees chairman Andy Haggard has given these tales a little bit of credence.  ”On behalf of the Board of Trustees I can say that unanimously we would be in favor of seeing what the Big 12 might have to offer” said Haggard. “We have to do what is in Florida State’s best interest.”

The ACC’s new deal with ABC/ESPN, which is expected to bring less revenue than the Big 12′s new pending deal, is at the forefront of this situation. Reports were that Haggard was unhappy that the ACC controlled third-tier TV rights for football...

(Read More)

Road Warrior Atlanta Braves Sweep World Champs; Chipper Jones Honored

On paper, past history and the pitching match-ups didn’t favor the Atlanta Braves (22-13) in their three-game series with the St. Louis Cardinals (20-14) this past weekend, but as they say,  that’s why they play the games.  The Braves won three straight games against the Cardinals, sweeping a series in St. Louis for the first time since 2009.  The sweep also helped move the Braves into sole possession of first place in the National League East.

The Braves have become the consummate road warriors this season with a 14-8 record away from Turner Field – including 7-2 on the most recent road trip – tops in the National League.

(Read More)

The NFL Isn’t Going Anywhere, Despite What Tony Kornheiser Says

Tony Kornheiser says some crazy things.  Sometimes he says them just to get attention.  He makes outlandish and brash predictions.  He waves a Canadian flag at the close of one of his shows from time to time.  His short-lived stint on Monday Night Football was so painful it had viewers wishing for a return of Dennis Miller to the broadcast booth.  That said, I’m not sure if Kornheiser has once again flipped his lid, or if he’s actually hit a raw nerve with his latest statements.

In a recent interview, Kornheiser compared the current state of the National Football League to the atate of boxing not too long ago, saying “this could be that moment, that dividing line, where from now on – and not quickly, but by fits and starts – that football begins to disappear.” 

(Read More)

Atlanta Hawks Season May Be Done, But Many Questions Remain

The Atlanta Hawks bowed out of their first round playoff match-up against the Boston Celtics, albeit not without a fight, and brought their season to a close.  As is usually the case between these two teams, it was a closely contested and physical series. The Celtics won the series 4-2, but only one of their victories was by more than seven points, and the Hawks held Boston to 90 points or less in five of the six games.  With a few breaks for the Hawks (and changed calls that were blown by the officials) the series very well could have gone 4-2 the other way.

But now that the season is over, a myriad of questions are left for Atlanta, from personnel issues all the way up to the owner’s box.  Fans are concerned, and rightfully so, that the team has taken a step back, or has plateaued and gone as far as they can with the current mix of coaching and personnel.  During the off-season, a number of these questions will have to be addressed for this team to move forward.

(Read More)

The Five Worst Franchises in Pro Sports

Many teams see a lot of this during a season

When one of my editors came to me and asked me to do a piece on the five worst franchises in professional sports, my first reaction was, "Easy!! Love to spread the haterade!"  Then when I started to sit down and think about it, I realized how difficult it was going to be to remain somewhat objective on this.  Yes, a certain amount of opinion, both mine and the public at large, will enter into the equation, but so many other factors have to be taken into consideration.

I decided the best thing to do would be to make it somewhat formulaic, and to lay down some hard criteria.  Give points for certain achievements, and take away points for certain negative items.  So here is what I came up with.

(Read More)

The Atlanta Hawks are Down, But Far From Out

After the embarrassing game four blowout in Boston, the feeling was that the Boston Celtics would easily close out the Atlanta Hawks in game five of their first round playoff series.  But the Hawks had other plans, and got back up off the mat and punched the swagger right out of the Celtics legs.  This might sound crazy coming from someone who predicted the Hawks would lose to the Celtics in six games, but after the game five victory by Atlanta,  I’m not counting the Hawks out of winning this thing

(Read More)

TNT Needs to Beat Charles Barkley Like a Drum

Make no mistake, I don't take my political or social cues from people like former NBA star and current TNT broadcaster Charles Barkley.  What I do expect to take from "Sir Charles" is some insightful basketball analysis, and a few good belly laughs.

But on Sunday night, when Barkley expressed his political views in a most blatant and unprofessional manner, I lost a lot of respect for him, and for the network that employs him.

(Read More)

NHL Announces Phoenix Coyotes Will Stay in Arizona: An Atlanta Perspective

Today it was reported that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was in Arizona to announce that the Phoenix Coyotes have (tentatively) been sold, and will remain in Arizona.  The new ownership group, who’s members have not yet been confirmed, is said to be led by former San Jose Sharks CEO Greg Jamison.  For those of you who have read my columns for any amount of time,  you know what’s about to follow.  The Coyotes – previously the Winnipeg Jets, who moved to Phoenix in 1996 – get to stay in their cozy southwestern home, meanwhile Bettman and the NHL left Atlanta hockey fans’ cheese hanging in the cold wind

(Read More)

Comebacks are Becoming the Theme of the 2012 Atlanta Braves

While low scoring pitching duels have been the trademark of the Atlanta Braves for a couple of decades, this year’s club is showing how much fun comebacks can be.  But while the dramatic flair in winning games from behind is great for television ratings and fan excitement, the Braves have to be concerned over the recent failures of their starting pitching.

Of the Braves’ 17 wins this season, nine have come when the opposition scores first, and Atlanta has also come back from deficits of four runs or more four times (twice in one game against the Philadelphia Phillies).

(Read More)

Why the Big Push for Change at Augusta National?

Ladies, do you really want to look like this?

So women are upset because they can't play at Augusta National Golf Club.  I'm as liberated of a conservative moderate as they come.  Seriously.  I'm all for equal rights for women, gays, minorities, and anyone else who isn't getting the same protection of basic human rights as the rest of us. 

But since when is admittance into a private country club considered a basic human right?  Warren Buffet, who is a member of the club, says he'd allow women in if it were up to him.  Hmm..one of the world's richest men wants to have women around while he participates in a game and place that celebrates his massive wealth.  Not surprising. 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: 5/4/12

YOU WOULDN'T LIKE HIM WHEN HE'S ANGRY...

Video: Mariano Rivera Suffers Freak Injury (Courtesy YES Network)

Yankees Closer Mariano Rivera was shagging fly balls during batting practice before Thursday's game in Kansas City.  In a freak accident, preliminary examinations show he suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee.  Speculation was that by mid-season Rivera was going to announce his intentions to retire after the 2012 season.  Rivera will undergo further exams with the team doctors in New York.

Joe Johnson Fails to Show for the Atlanta Hawks Again

When you are an NBA player who’s team awards you with a six-year, $119 million deal, that’s a sign that you are expected to be the go-to guy, and leader of that team, especially come playoff time.  The Atlanta Hawks gave just such a deal to Joe Johnson this year, and once again Joe has failed to show up in the post-season.

Don’t get me wrong, I think Joe Johnson is a fine player, and he brings a lot of good things to the Hawks.   But Johnson has never been that guy to just take the team on his shoulders and get the job done.

(Read More)

Catching Up With University of Georgia Center Ben Jones

Just a few days before this year’s NFL draft, I had the pleasure of speaking with University of Georgia center Ben Jones, and to find out more about how his weeks and days leading up to the NFL draft had been going.

Jones was a four-year starter at Georgia, and ranks third all-time among UGA offensive linemen in starts with 49.   He was named to multiple all-conference teams while at Georgia, and was named to the UGA “Team of the Decade”.   He attended Bibb County High School (Al), and was coached by Darryl Burns. His pre-college honors include being named to the SuperPrep All-Dixie Team, the PrepStar All-Southeast Region, the 2007 Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 5A First Team, and he was the number 7 center in the 2008 Rivals.com ratings.

I got to ask Ben about his pre-draft jitters, and what his hopes were for the future.
(Read More)

Giving Chad Faulcon a Shot in the 2012 NFL Draft

By Dory LeBlanc
NCAA Football & NFL Writer for theXLog.com

When you hear “2012 NFL Draft” the first names that you think of are probably Andrew Luck, RG3, Trent Richardson, Mo Claiborne, or Justin Blackmon. And rightfully so; these five young men played for some of the biggest programs in college football. This time of year when you played for a powerhouse your name becomes a powerhouse.
But hundreds of young men, just as talented, play for much smaller programs in much smaller conferences. You’re about to meet one of them....

(Read More) 

The Worst Moves in Atlanta Sports History

Thankfully, just one game of this

It can be tough being a fan in the city of Atlanta...really tough.  It's been said that Atlanta is "Losersville" (Sports Illustrated),  "The Worst Sports Town in America" (ESPN's Rob Parker) and a "Turrible place for teams" (Charles Barkley).  I will never concede that the fans in Atlanta are bad, but let's face it...there have been a lot of "turrible" moves made by some of the teams in regards to trades, contracts, and draft picks.  Here are the ones that stand out as some of the worst moves in Atlanta Sports History, in chronological order.

1977: "The Ted Manages to Lose One" - Ted Turner was known as one of the most hands-on owners in baseball, and in 1977 he took that to a new level.  He said, "Managing isn't that difficult; you just have to score more runs than the other guy.", so he sent manager Dave Bristol on a "scouting trip", and took over in the dugout for one game (a loss).  He was then told by the league that managers are forbidden to own financial interest in their club.  Atlanta sent praises to the league for that ruling.