NO END IN SIGHT FOR JEFF CLEMENT

"Amid the thriving careers and fulfilled potential, it’s important to remember that not every fresh-faced 21-year-old turns into a franchise player. Sometimes the scouts were wrong. Sometimes the scouts were right — but it looks like they were wrong. Sometimes the players don’t develop the way they should. Sometimes the players just can’t stay healthy.  A combination of that, so far, has been the story of Jeff Clement."

I've seen Clement play baseball since his Little League days in Marshalltown, Iowa.  He was head and shoulders above most other youngsters his age.  His 11 and 12-year old team advanced to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.  They lost, but the sweet left-handed swing was apparent.  It was the beginning of some great achievements.  Years later I interviewed him after breaking the National High School Homerun record.  I've pulled for him for years, hoping that he'd have a successful professional career.  For now, it's on wait.  Jon Paul Morosi from Fox Sports caught up with Jeff the other day and filed this report.  He did a fine job in reporting....but Jeff did an even better job in answering.  Enjoy the read.    

"He is 27 years old. He has a .223 batting average in fewer than 400 major-league plate appearances. On Thursday, when the Milwaukee Brewers announced Ryan Braun’s new deal, Clement endured another five-hour day in his rehabilitation program following microfracture surgery on his left knee last September.  Clement likely won’t appear in a game at any level until July at the earliest.  And you would not believe how gracious he is about it all.

“I don’t spend time thinking, what-if this? What-if that?” Clement said over the phone from Bradenton, Fla., where he’s locked into a rehab/cardio program seven days a week. “I’ve moved forward. Everything happened the way it did. I’m where I’m at today, looking ahead to the future.  “I’ve got a great family — great parents, great siblings and a great wife and kids that are a joy to be around. So many things are so great in my life that I’ve got no time to sit around and think about what might have been.”

Clement was the No. 3 overall pick that year — right after B.J. Upton  and Alex Gordon, right before Ryan Zimmerman, Braun, Romero and Tulowitzki. The  Seattle Mariners took him.  There was a lot to like: He was a handsome, hardworking kid who set the national high school home run record while starring for the Marshalltown (Iowa) Bobcats. He won the Johnny Bench Award as the nation’s top collegiate catcher during his final season at USC.

Clement checked three boxes where the Mariners were deficient: catcher, power, left-handed hitter. The Seattle scouts were smitten by Tulowitzki, too. Tulowitzki told FOXSports.com contributor Tracy Ringolsby that Seattle had planned to take him until the night before the draft.  What changed?

“They said they had a shortstop in the organization, but no catchers, and therefore that made the pick easy,” Tulowitzki said.  Naturally, it all goes back to Yuniesky Betancourt.  So, in the end, the Mariners drafted for need, and Clement received a $3.4 million signing bonus.

“Catching being what it is, we gambled,” Bill Bavasi, then the Mariners’ general manager, recalled over the weekend. “Thought if we hit on a left-handed-hitting catcher with power, we’d really have something.”
For a while, it looked like they would. Clement reached the majors in 2007 — an on-time arrival, near the end of his second full season as a professional. There was a game-tying, ninth-inning home run off Cleveland closer Joe Borowski.  There was a walk-off homer — to center field, no less — against the Texas Rangers.   He batted .375 that September.  But in retrospect, the harbingers existed even then. Clement suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee during the previous season, requiring surgery. He’s had a total of three operations on the knee, including the microfracture.

Catching is not in Clement's future

Clement acknowledged during our lengthy telephone interview that his knee won’t allow him to be a major-league catcher anymore. His future is likely at first base. “As much as I’d like to tell you that catching would be the thing, because that’s what I love doing the most,” Clement said, “they’ve made it pretty clear that’s out the window.”

Meanwhile, questions about the Mariners’ long-term commitment to Clement began not long after the happy news conference at Safeco Field. Kenji Johjima signed a three-year, $16.5 million contract with the team roughly four months after Clement joined the organization. Longtime Mariners owner Hiroshi Yamauchi played an influential role in the acquisition of Johjima, his Japanese countryman.  Johjima remained with the Mariners throughout Clement’s final 3 1/2 years with the organization.

“Jeff’s minor-league performance was similar to his peers from the ’05 draft, (but his) opportunity to earn a full-time starting job was drastically different after the Johjima signing,” said Brodie Van Wagenen, who also represents Zimmerman and Braun. “He was not given a legitimate opportunity to win a starting job in spring training until 2010 with the Pirates."

In four years in the Mariners organization, Clement made 35 starts as a big-league catcher. We can debate which factor — his knee, his lack of production in the majors, the presence of Johjima — had the most to do with that. Clement, though, isn’t interested in rehashing the past. Sure, he said, the Johjima signing surprised him. But he doesn’t see it as an excuse.  “My career, up to this point, has not gone the way I expected of myself,” Clement said. “There were flashes where I did show what I was capable of. But I’m not where I thought I would be right now. I would like to be an established major-league All-Star. I’m not. I’m sure a lot of people (in Seattle) are disappointed.  “But as far as being done, or considering myself a bust, no way would I say that. I feel like my career is far from over. There’s still a lot of time. Until that day comes when I have to do something else, I’m going to pour everything I have into becoming a better baseball player.”

Clement said he can’t remember the last time he felt “really healthy” on a baseball field. That could change later this summer. He’s heard positive feedback about his prognosis. Dr. Richard Steadman, the noted orthopedist who performed the surgery, has told Clement that he should be able to move better than before. “I’m looking forward to that,” Clement said.

The rehab may be grueling, but Clement can spend time at home with sons Jake and Benjamin after each daily session. “Kids have completely changed my perspective on a number of different things,” he said. “It’s been a blast. I look forward to every new stage. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”  Mariners fans won’t soon forget what the ’05 draft has meant to so many other franchises.  Tulowitzki is one of the best four or five players in the game, while Clement’s bio can be found in the minor league section of the Pirates’ press guide. Page 282. In Seattle, at least, it’s a contrast that may never go away. 

But there’s at least one person who still believes in Jeff Clement. And that is Jeff Clement. In a story like this, that’s an essential place to start.  “You can’t live your life based on everybody else’s expectations,” he said. “My expectation for myself, first, is to get healthy, then to play hard every single night and be productive on a winning team. I expect to get the most out of my abilities. I haven’t done that, but I don’t feel like my career is over. There’s still time for me.”

We're still pulling for you Jeff.  Patience is a virtue.  You are a living testament to that...and God will reward you for your faithfulness. 

Thanks for reading,

John




CHICAGO FACING "UNBEARABLE" TIMES

If you're a Chicago Bears fan, you'd better brace yourself for some tough times in the 2011-12 season (last regular season game is on January 1st).  From all appearances today, it could be an ugly year and one that will be tough for the "hard-core"  Chicago fan to embrace.   Call it what you will, but last season's 11 wins came as much from the easy schedule than how good they were.

Let's talk about the concerns. First off, let's assume the lockout is settled.  We are one week away from the NFL Entry Draft.  The Bears draft 29th in the 1st round and that's part of the problem.   Had the Bears finished with a less successful campaign, they would have earned the right to pick earlier. That might sound ridiculous, but last year's record was not a true reflection of the quality of the roster.  It was an easy schedule.  Let's face it, they need this draft to be a success, flat out.

 Now, the dilemma the team has is, do they stay at 29 or move up or down?  It will be an interesting April 28th night to see if anyone "falls' to them.  I was listening to WSCR Radio this morning where General Manager, Jerry Angelo, discussed  the upcoming draft.  He mentioned if the player they wanted was off the board when it came turn for them to pick, they'd take the "best player available".  He also suggested the Bears would be looking to draft a quarterback sometime in the six selections they have.  Now, I ask you Bear fans, how comfortable are you with that draft strategy?

Angelo has proven to be a less than proficient evaluator of talent.  Over the last five years, the Bears have had 43 draft picks.  Of those, three became Pro Bowlers, 7 starters, 17 are backups, 9 are with other teams and 10 are out of the league.  Far below other NFL teams.  During that same period, the World Champion Green Bay Packers put up these numbers:  47 picks, 2 Pro Bowlers, 11 starters, 20 backups, 13 with other teams and only 3 out of the league.  Knowing that the Bears and Bear fans will be comparing themselves to the Packers there will be little room for error. Clearly, the Bears have needs in many, many areas. 

The Bears offensive line needs to be upgraded immediately 

NFL analysts are all over the board as to who the Bears might take with their first choice, but most feel it should be a lineman.  The question is, an offensive or defensive lineman?  The offensive line performed putrid at the start of the year and got a little better at the end.  Quarterback Jay Cutler was sacked a league-leading 56 times.  Way, way to many.  Offensive line coach Mike Tice performed some sort of miracles in the patchwork line be put together. but a revamping is needed.  They need at least one and perhaps two starters to emerge through the draft, free agency or from the developmental roster.  A mauler like OL Gabe Carimi from Wisconsin would be a huge get.  Defensively, DE Julius Peppers brought a much needed pass rush to Chicago, but he needs support too, perhaps a defensive tackle that could control the line of scrimmage.  Best guess here is a free agent....someone that plugs the hole, but doesn't provide an answer long-term.    

There are other position issues namely at wide receiver, linebacker, safety and running back.  Critics have been all over the Bear receivers and their lack of a true number one receiver. While I'm in agreement with that assertion, a line capable of giving Cutler some time to throw the ball would make a big difference.  Maybe, wide receiver is not the concern many think it is.  Or, they could delay in addressing the receiver position for one more year. 

The linebackers are beginning to show their age.  Pro Bowlers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs have given yeoman effort, but they are the only two linebackers listed on the roster.  The Bears need to add a quality pass rushing LB to the unit and develop some backups that can contribute immediately.  Then there's the back end of any great defense, a tough, hard-nose safety.  Can you recall the last time the Bears had an All-Pro at that position?   Maybe the name Mike Brown rings a bell.  The year was 2005.  Chicago has been looking for someone to lead the defensive back group since Brown's release in 2007.  If you look at the strength of most NFL champions, there is always a big hitter at the back end.  While Chris Harris has provided some strength at the position, more help is needed .

 And running back.  While many Chicago fans proclaim Matt Forte's success in the running game, there is  little help available as a third down back or a backup.  The Bears have relied upon Forte for a big share of their offense since he came into the league 3 years ago. Chicago needs to find a late round running back capable of giving the defense a different look rather than Forte, Forte, Forte.  Should Forte be injured......well.  The NFL game has shown recently the NEED for two good backs.  And then Angelo suggests a quarterback.  So, not only do the Bears need replacements, they need quality replacements.

 And that's why things will be unbearable.  Chicago might find some help in the draft and free agency, but there is clearly a need of 6-7 positions that need to be addressed right now.  And due to the NFL lockout, the ability to add some free agent talent and fill in with the draft is not possible.  It will have to done the other way around, if at all.....and I have my reservations.

Now that we've addressed the talent aspect of the season, let's move onto the brutal schedule handed to Chicago this week.  Take a look:

Week One:  Sunday, September 11-Falcons
Week Two: Sunday September 18 - @ New Orleans

Week Three: Sunday September 25 - Packers

Week Four: Sunday October 2 - Panthers

Week Five: Monday October 10 - @ Detroit

Week Six: Sunday October 16 - Vikings (primetime)

Week Seven: Sunday October 23 -  @ Tampa Bay (in London, England)

Week Eight: Sunday October 30 - BYE

Week Nine: Monday November 7 - @ Philadelphia

Week Ten: Sunday November 13 - Lions

Week Eleven: Sunday November 20 - Chargers

Week Twelve: Sunday November 27 - @ Raiders

Week Thirteen: Sunday December 4 - Chiefs

Week Fourteen: Sunday December 11 - @ Broncos

Week Fifteen: Sunday December 18 - Seahawks

Week Sixteen: Sunday December 25 - at Green Bay (primetime)

Week Seventeen: Sunday January 1 - at Minnesota

How many wins you see there, Bear fans?  Last year, Chicago beat Detroit and Minnesota twice.  That's not going to happen again this year.  The Lions will probably finish ahead of the Bears in the division race.  Detroit is a fast improving team that simply needs to know "how to win" and Minnesota is always a pain in the Bear's behind.  Chicago won 5 games in the division last year, this year they'll be fortunate to win 3.  In looking at the remainder of the schedule, I can see 4 more wins, realistically.  So, that would equate to a 7-9 season.

That sound unbearable enough?  Because if it's not, I'll remind you that Lovie Smith is the head coach.  He with the new extension through 2013.  All of this could be BAD NEWS BEARS.....but let's hope not.

Thanks for reading,

HARRISON BARNES SAYS "NO"

I had been searching the internet and checking newspapers for days.  Last week reports began to circulate regarding Harrison Barnes, the star forward for North Carolina, deciding to stay for his sophomore season.  Yet, there still had been no confirmation from the young man from Ames, Iowa.  Until today.  It's official....he said "NO" to the National Basketball Association and millions of dollars.  For now....  

Tar Heel head coach Roy Williams  had to be elated.  "He had a difficult decision to make," Williams said. "He really had no wrong decision to choose, but I believe he is coming back to school because he enjoys college basketball, he enjoys the University of North Carolina and he enjoys his teammates.  If he had decided to leave for the NBA, that would have been OK, too, because he will always be a Tar Heel.  But it will certainly be a lot of fun to coach him again."  The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft is April 24.

Get Ready Duke, He's Coming Back

"As an 18-year-old, I'm in the early stages of my life journey," Barnes said in a statement. "I'm honored and blessed for the chance to play in the NBA.  And because of my family, teachers, passion, and work, I have the ultimate dream of one day playing and experiencing a fulfilling career in the NBA." 

If you ever met the young man, this is not totally unexpected.  He's been doing the unordinary for years.  I first saw him as a freshman for the Ames High Little Cyclones.  He was inserted into the lineup early in a game against Indianola.  As I watched him approach the scorers table, I was struck by his gait.  He was patient, assured and confident.  And that has been his modus operandi ever since.

During the next few years of high school Barnes led the Little Cyclones to two state championships.  He could have averaged 30 points a game, but that wasn't Harrison.  He made those around him better and he got everyone involved.  A true team player.  Last May, I heard him speak at the Iowa Fellowship of Christian Athletes Annual Banquet.  Again, he was patient, assured and confident.  He spoke of the road ahead and the expectations that were being placed on him.  Yet undaunted, he spoke of God's control in his life.  He knew a plan was in place.  Weeks before, Barnes had jilted many in the state of Iowa with his decision to attend North Carolina rather than stay at home and play for the hometown Iowa State Cyclones. While many scoffed at the decision, it became apparent the right one was made.   The packed FCA banquet saw the presence of a young man headed for great things....and they knew it.

Last fall, Barnes was named a pre-season All-American.  The hype had begun.  Never before had an incoming freshman had such an honor dating back to when the team was announced before the 1986-87 season. 

The 2010-11 basketball season started slowly for the freshman star.  Barnes struggled in the early part, but he remained patient, assured and confident.  By mid-season, he was "settling in" to his role and feeling more comfortable.  He was making those around him better....and so was the team.   By regular season's end, North Carolina was riding his heroics.  Then came the NCAA's.

An Elite Eight match-up with Kentucky mirrored much of the talented freshman's season.  He struggled early then caught fire late, scoring eight straight at one point as the Tar Heels clawed back into it.  Yet he faltered in the final minute, missing two key 3-point shots down the stretch.  Kentucky advanced to the Final Four with a 76-69 win.  Barnes offered a determined response.  "All I know is the last two years I played basketball it ended with a championship, not a loss," he said. "I never felt like this before."

I'd think that bitter pill loss had much to do with Barnes ultimate decision to stay with the Tar Heels.  I know many are thinking he should taken the millions and head to the NBA.  But not this young man.  He knows God has a plan for him.  And he's sticking to it.

Thanks for reading,

John

TERRELLE PRYOR OFF TO THE NFL?

Enough is enough.  And I mean that on a couple of fronts.  First, people need to back off on the criticism aimed at fan websites and bloggers who are supposedly fueling the fire in Columbus, Ohio regarding Terrelle Pryor leaving the Big Ten school and entering the NFL Supplemental Draft.  Secondly, the fact is, we're probably closer to seeing Pryor in the NFL than in scarlet and grey next year.   

What I find hard to comprehend, where's the mainstream press regarding this issue?  It's no secret these are unsettling times at The Ohio State University.  If you look at the course of events that led to the 5-game suspensions of five Buckeyes....the admitted lack of sharing information with the Ohio State compliance department by head coach Jim Tressel....the self-imposed 2-game slap of Tressel....then the additional 3 games Tressel has requested from the NCAA, it's pretty certain that there is more.  Where there's smoke, there's usually fire.  And I smell a smoke screen.

Tressel continues to offer some lip service.  "Throughout this entire situation my players and I have committed ourselves to facing our mistakes and growing from them; we can only successfully do that together," Tressel said in a statement. "I spoke with athletics director (Gene) Smith, and our student‐athletes involved, and told them that my mistakes need to share the same game sanctions. Like my players, I am very sorry for the mistakes I made. I request of the university that my sanctions now include five games so that the players and I can handle this adversity together."  Pryor, running back Dan Herron, wide receiver DeVier Posey, offensive lineman Mike Adams and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas will miss games against Akron, Toledo, Miami (Fla.), Colorado and Michigan State.

Pryor Doing What He Does Best....Run

You'd have to think the controversy would be wearing thin with Pryor.  A source told a National Football Post writer the odds were about 60 percent that Pryor would run to the NFL.  Those odds could rise in the coming weeks.  It should be noted, there will be no supplemental draft until the locked out NFL resumes business operations. 

College Football fans have been opportunistic in expressing their reaction and thoughts on OSU and or Pryor leaving:

"To think that OSU fans were getting upset when people said the whole 'play the bowl game and serve the suspension in the 2011 regular season' thing was a joke because the OSU players agreed to the stipulation they would come back for another year.  What a joke OSU is, from their coach, to their players, to their AD, to their fans.  Yes, the fans".

"If he never wants to play a down as QB in the NFL, sure he should come on out.  As an OSU fan, I personally don't think he'll ever be an NFL caliber QB.  But he does have one last year to try and hone his craft and convince us otherwise.  But if he's desperate to reincarnate Maurice Clarett's success, go ahead and pop his name in the Supplemental".

"I would hate to see him go but who could blame him if he were to leave and cash in.  These players can make millions by leaving after three years, they can't even sell their own things for a small amount cash let alone a tattoo.  The Buckeyes will be fine if he goes.  Braxton Miller is just waiting for his chance.  Whatever Pryor decides I wish him well and thank him for some fantastic plays he made for my beloved Buckeyes".

Spring football is winding down on college campuses.  In the coming days when the pads are put away, there will be some additional fact finding done by the NCAA and some continued soul searching by Terrelle Pryor.  Both have alot at stake.  The question is, who'll decide first?

Thanks for reading,

John   

BASEBALL'S BAD BOYS WITHOUT A HALL

This summer, Major League Baseball will add infielder Roberto Alomar and pitcher Bert Blyleven to the Hall of Fame.  Both are deserving of their induction into the Hall.  For Blyleven, the road has been a long one.  Year after year he had waited for the call that never came.   Alomar was considered one of the best second baseman of all-time.  It's a wonder he had to wait until his second year of eligibility before he got the nod.  As of January 2011, 295 individuals have been elected to the Hall of Fame, including 205 former Major League players, 35 Negro Leaguers, 19 managers, 9 umpires, and 27 pioneers, executives, and organizers.  To say this is a select group, is an understatement. 

You're Telling Me I Should Have Said "NO"?

With the recent drug suspension/retirement of Manny Ramirez it beckons taking a look at a lineup of stars......actually, I mean superstars, that will have very little chance of adding their name to that hallowed HOF list.  Of the ten men I've listed, only one was guilty of something other than steroids....Pete Rose, who has banned for life for his gambling on baseball.  It's really sad when you think about these players not receiving  recognition for their superior talent.  It's one thing to be excluded from the Hall because people felt you didn't measure up to an athletic standard.  Not so in these cases.  Here is the bad-boy lineup with some of their credentials.......    

OF-Raphael Palmeiro (569 Home Runs (ranks 12th); 3,020 Hits, only 5 major leaguers have 500 HR's and 3,000 hits)
OF-Barry Bonds (All-Time Home Run Leader (762); 14-time All-Star)
OF-Sammy Sosa (609 Home Runs (ranks 7th); 7-time All-Star)
3RD-Gary Sheffield ( 509 Home Runs (ranks 24th); 9-time All-Star)
SS-Alex Rodrniquez  (616 Home Runs (ranks 6th); 13-time All-Star)
2ND-Pete Rose (All-Time Hit Leader (3,256); 17-time All-Star)
1ST-Mark McGwire (583 Career Home Runs (ranks 10th); 12-time All-Star)
C- Ivan Rodriquez (309 Career Home Runs; 14-time All-Star)
DH-Manny Ramirez (555 Career Home Runs (ranks 14th); 12-time All-Star)
P-Roger Clemens (354 Career Wins (ranks 9th); 7-time Cy Young Award Winner)

The 409-page Mitchell Report, released on December 13, 2007, covered the history of the use of illegal performance-enhancing substances by players.  In addition to the names above, it named a whole lot of other players that had dreamed of their Hall acceptance.  Names like Mike Piazza, Matt Williams, Lenny Dykstra, Mo Vaughn, Benito Santiago, Andy Pettite and Jose Canseco.  You can kiss them good-bye too.  There is one other name that should be mentioned along with these cheaters, "Shoeless" Joe Jackson.  Jackson had a lifetime .356 average but was banished for throwing the 1919 World Series.  So, the biggest question is why?  Why did this group risk everything they ever accomplished on the ballfield and off, for that matter?   Did the idea of getting an "advantage" seem like the only thing they could do to continue their play at a certain level?  You'd think the number of times they looked in a mirror, something would have become visible in the reflection they saw.  Like, maybe the severe acne or the testicular atrophy.  And for Rose and Jackson.....greed and  stupidity was certainly present when betting against their own team.

There are going to be plenty of deserving ballplayers for the Hall to consider in the future.  Names like Frank Thomas, Ron Santo, Tommy John, Jim Kaat, Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Larkin, Will Clark, Dale Murphy and Gil Hodges.  Did they ever cheat in any way, shape or  form?  Did they ever throw a spitball or cork a bat?  They could of.    But what ever it might have been, it wasn't a crime.......that's the difference.    

Thanks for reading,

John 

THE "INCURABLE" NICK CHARLES

Nick Charles is delivering a different message these days.  Not one that is life changing, but life ending.  I'm sure you remember the Nick Charles I'm talking about.  The former CNN sports anchor who teamed with Fred Hickman years ago and was twice voted "the Sexiest Sportscaster in America".

We've probably seen the last of Nick Charles when he signed off on television for what is likely the last time after calling a featherweight fight on HBO. "Why am I doing this?" he told viewers. "To inspire others to do what they love."  "I had a smile on my face all night," he says now. "I was on fire!"

Charles Sharing A Special Time With His Daughter, Giovanna

A little over a year and a half ago, Charles was diagnosed with incurable bladder cancer.  Since that time, the once jet black hair announcer has realized that his days are numbered.  He and his wife, Cory, a CNN producer, are now videotaping messages for his youngest daughter Giovanna.   Messages that she'll be able to hear from her father when she reaches certain milestones in her life.

Charles is facing each day now with a determined resolve in that he "finally got his life right".   I've linked the CNN story.  It is a fairly long read, but one that we can all learn something from.  What impacts me most is  I know all of our days are numbered in some way or fashion.....And we will all not be as fortunate as Nick Charles will be in "signing off".  If that's not a good message to leave family and friends with, what is?  God bless you, Nick Charles.       


http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/04/06/nick.charles.facing.death/index.html?hpt=C2


Thanks for reading,

John

WILL UCONN HANG ONTO ITS TITLE?

Okay, UCONN, you won your title.  In what was one of the ugliest NCAA Basketball Title games in recent memories you prevailed 53-41 over a Butler team that couldn't hit the broad side of a barn.  Now, let's see how long you get to keep it.

UCONN head man, Jim Calhoun has been the subject of the NCAA in recent months.  He has been flogged publicly for failing to promote an atmosphere of compliance in his program.   Next season, he will have to miss UConn's first three Big East league games as part of his punishment handed down by the NCAA.  But the scrutiny will not end here.

Will Calhoun Stick Around?

Nate Miles, the player at the center of the NCAA probe, told the New York Times last weekend that Calhoun was well aware of the improper benefits he received from a former manager turned agent.
The NCAA has said it will listen to Miles, who initially declined to speak with the organization, but that does not necessarily mean it will reopen its investigation.

I'm not so sure, I think they'll have too.  Calhoun has not endured himself to critics.  His team's win Monday night put him in an exclusive club of head coaches who have won three titles.  When your name goes alongside John Wooden, Mike Krzyzewski, Adloph Rupp and Bobby Knight more is expected of you.  The NCAA Champion should not be the NCAA Suspended Coach.  More than anything, will it be Calhoun's defiance that is his undoing?  On the eve of the National Championship game, star guard Kemba Walker had this to say about his coach's mindset.  "I think he's handled this whole NCAA thing really well," Walker said. "And I think if we win a national championship, nobody is going to be able to tell him anything."  This could get real interesting unless Calhoun decides to retire.

RODMAN TO HALL OF FAME
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame yesterday announced that 10 individuals have been named as the Class of 2011.  The inductees include former NBA star and 1992 Dream Team member Chris Mullin; five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman; ABA/NBA legend Artis Gilmore and four-time NCAA women's coach of the year Tara Van Derveer; in addition to four-time Olympic gold medalist Teresa Edwards, Europen star Arvydas Sabonis' all-time NCAA wins leader Herb Magee; eight-time NBA champion Tom "Satch" Sanders; coaching legend Tex Winter; and former Harlem Globetrotter Reece "Goose" Tatum, who will be honored posthumously.  I really have to question Rodman's selection to this class.  Last year, he didn't even make the cut as a finalist.  Despite being a great rebounder and defender during his carer, it's hard for me to think of him as "Hall" worthy.  What about Reggie Miller?  Probably much more deserving....     

NEW BIRDS TO CONTEND?
It's real early in the baseball season, but the American League East could be in for some real battles this season.  It appears the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays are much improved.  Oriole skipper Buck Showalter has injected new life into his ballclub.  It Baltimore gets any pitching.....  The Blue Jays are another club I like the looks of.  They've added some nice parts to their team in recent years.  Kyle Drabek looks like a bonafide starter in the league and Rajai Davis at the top of the order adds speed to a power hitting lineup. If Tampa Bay gets untracked, the East will be as tough as divison as there is in baseball.  But keep in mind, there are 162 games to be played.  A long way to go......

Thanks for reading,

John  

OREGON STATE PRESIDENT BLASTS TRESSEL

Maybe it's about time to put a name to all the junk that is taking place in Columbus, Ohio these days.   How about "Sweatergate" in honor of Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel?  Each day seems like new charges are surfacing regarding the improper selling of championships jerseys, rings and awards by five Buckeye football players and what was known, and when.  Today, we found out that Ohio State officials knew coach Jim Tressel had forwarded sensitive emails to Quarterback Terrelle Pryor's mentor.  So it appears, everyone knew.  Oh, except us and the NCAA.  The buzzards should be circling the Ohio State football practice field and athletic complex as we speak.  Tressel needs to go.  The lies, the dragging of feet have been too much.   There are others that feel the same way and one in particular was alot closer to the situation of most of us.

Oregon State President Ed Ray is in something of a unique position when it comes to the Jim Tressel brouhaha at Ohio State.  As a former vice president and provost in Columbus, Ray was one of the Buckeye officials who hired Tressel away from Youngstown State and knows Tressel personally. But as the current president of the NCAA's Executive Committee (the committee which oversees changes to NCAA's byzantine rulebook and bylaws), he's also heavily invested in seeing the NCAA's standards and rules upheld.

So it carries more than the usual weight when Ray opens both barrels on Tressel in the "Oregonian".  "I just thought the world of him...." Ray said.  "I would assume he's certainly been a very positive influence on many of the players that he had.  But this whole episode to me is beyond the pale.  It's totally unacceptable..."  Ray emphasized he was speaking for himself only.  But on how NCAA enforcement officials might view Tressel's case, Ray said "If I were in their position, I'd be a hanging judge.........you're either ethical or you're not".

 It's going to be very interesting in the coming days and weeks to see if Tressel can weather the storm.  If he does, we can all look to the NCAA for fault.  Let's see if they battle an institution that appears it wants to work under a different set of rules.

These Referees Would Put Tressel In The Penalty Box

BAAH RAM EWE..........

We are on the eve of the semi-final games of the Final Four.  For most of us, that will mean that we can watch the games with complete assurance that the outcomes will not affect our brackets.  Who could have ever predicted a foursome of the UCONN Huskies, Kentucky Wildcats, Butler Bulldogs and VCU Rams?  If memory serves me right, two entrants into the ESPN Bracket Challenge did.  Wow....

The two semi-finals should be interesting.  The first game of the evening has Butler squaring off with VCU.  I'd like to see the Rams win, but I feel the Bulldogs will be able to defend the 3-point shot of VCU.  So Butler wins.  In the second game, we're going to see two great guards go head-to-head (UCONN's Kemba Walker and Kentucky's Brandon Knight).  In the end, I think Kentucky's front line is too much for the Huskies.  So, come Monday night, it's Butler vs. Kentucky.  A great dog and cat fight, but one where the 'Cat comes out on top!!  Kentucky by 5.

Thanks for reading,

John