Yaz and team get ready for the Aggies today

Game time is 5:30 PM ET/4:30 CT on CSS.

VU: Frosh RHP Walker Buehler ( 6’1″, 160, 4-1, 2.25 ERA, seven starts, 51 innings, 47 hits, 13 earned runs, 24 BB’s, 45 K’s) vs. A&M junior RHP Parker Ray (6’1″, 185, 0-1, 2.12 ERA, four starts, 51 innings, 43 hits, 12 earned runs, 15 BB’s, 33 Ks.)

Walker’s most impressive outing was against then No.12 ranked Louisville at Louisville in which he went 5.1 innings, gave up four hits, one run, with two walks and no K’s. We won the game 10-2.

Here’s more on today’s starter for A &M:

Related posts:

1. Game two at Carolina Stadium
2. Alabama 7, Auburn 1
3. Baseball pulls out the brooms; football looking more and more primed for Aug. 29th

Sergio just can’t seem to get out of his own way

Sergio Garcia now needs to keep his mouth shut and try to do something he hasn’t done so well lately: win a golf tournament. At the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club in Surrey, England, Garcia made a comment yesterday about serving Tiger “fried chicken” when he jokingly said he’ll have him over for at night during the U.S. Open. It was clearly made in jest, but you just can’t say that. I’m not a big fan of Tiger; to me he’s pretty arrogant and he bends the rules as closely as you can without cheating, and even that’s debatable. But that comment is unacceptablt anywhere. It’s the same thing Fuzzy Zoeller said before the Masters dinner a while back. Sergio needs to stop talking. Tiger just keeps pulverizing him on the golf course and Sergio looks really stupid. He needs to apologize again if asked about it, and just focus on golf. He has a lot of work to do if he wants to ever contend for a major or even win a PGA tour stop. I was kind of on Sergio’s side a little bit during the earlier controversy. Tiger’s drop during the Players when his ball went into the water on 14 off his tee shot was very questionable. There has been talk that the drop was not legal. Still, Sergio is out of line and needs to shut up. It’s got to be embarrassing to mouth off like he does and then look at his results head to head with Tiger. Tiger just destroys the guy on the golf course. It’s no contest. Time for Garcia to be quiet and play golf, though this controversy might not go away for a little while.

Rule 14-1B implemented by the USGA and the R&A yesterday will make it illegal to anchor a putter beginning January 1, 2016. It’s in place now and the PGA and the players just need  to comply with it. I don’t totally agree with the decision, but we don’t need a split by the PGA from the USGA or lawsuits by players. That would be overboard. It’s done. Time to accept it and adjust if you anchor. There are other methods for using the long putter or the belly which are legal. You can still use them if you don’t attach the putter to your body or the long one to your chin. You can put your right hand on your left arm if you’re a right handed putter. That’s a pretty good compromise. It’s not hard to not anchor a long putter. I use a belly and I don’t anchor it. I like my putter and it works fine. The adjustment can be made. It’s time to just suck it up and abide by the ruling.

This week:

The Crowne Plaza Invitational

Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

Defending Champion: Zach Johnson

Purse: $6,400,000; Winner’s share: $1,152,000

TV:

Thursday: Golf Channel: 3-6 PM ET/ 2-5 CT; Friday: Golf Channel: 3-6 PM ET/ 2-5 CT: Saturday: Golf: 1-2:30 PM ET/12-1:3o CT; CBS: 3-6 PM ET/2-5 CT; Sunday: Golf: 1-2:30 PM ET/12-1:30 CT; CBS 3-6 PM ET/2-5  CT.

Weather: 

Sunny, mid-to high 80′s Thursday and all weekend. Friday has 18 MPH winds so that could be interesting.

Key holes on Colonial:

7,204 yards, Par 70

No.3 

A 483-yard, par four, this is the beginning of the three-hole stretch called the “Horrible Horseshoe,” the three most difficult holes on the course. The long dogleg left requires a perfectly placed tee shot around a large tree and bunkers. A long approach shot makes birdies rare. This ranks as the second most difficult hole on the course. Par is a good score here; birdie is a bonus.

No.4

A 241-yard, par three has an elevated green that is difficult to hold. This hole is the only par three that has not yielded a hole in one in the 62 year history of the tournament. Birdies are rare as well.

No.5

A 481- yard, par-4, this is the hardest and most famous hole at Colonial and the last hole of the “Horrible Horseshoe.” The tee shot must be precise as there is a ditch to the left and a river to the right. Even a good tee shot leaves a long, narrow approach. Par is very acceptable here.

N0.9

A 407 yard, par four. An attractive, difficult hole that can lead to some big numbers. You must hit it straight off the tee and avoid a pond that is guarding the front of the green.

No.12

A 440 yard, par 4, this is the hardest hole on the back nine. The fairway is a dogleg left and requires accuracy and length. The approach must negotiate a tightly bunkered green and usually a head wind.

N0.16

A, 192 yard, par 3,. The par threes on the last three holes of the tournament are usually key scoring or survival holes,. A good tee shot is required to stay below the hole. Could lead to some dramatics here.

No.18

A 441 yard, par 4. You need a draw off the tee here on this dogleg left with trees capturing wayward shots. A lake protects the left side of the green. Great drama here on Sundays usually.

Contenders:

Boo Weekley:

Boo’s been playing well all season and has been very close to breaking through. He’s 17th on the tour in driving accuracy and 10th in greens in regulation. He hits it a long way. If his putter is clicking, he’ll be right there on Sunday.

Ben Kohles:

Young guy who is a fantastic player. He dominated the Web.com Tour last year winning twice and moving up to the regular tour. He’s done pretty well this year and is 21st in driving accuracy on the tour. This course really requires accuracy to win the tournament. A player who can draw the ball well has a good shot. Like this young player.

Justin Leonard:

A native Texan, Justin has won three times in Texas on the PGA tour, all three times at San Antonio. As a matter of fact, he’s a native of Dallas and knows the course very well. Like his chances to capture the title.

Kevin Streelman:

This guys tour stats are off the charts; 22nd in driving accuracy, 23rd in greens in regulation, 28th in scrambling and 19th in strokes gained putting. Won at Tampa. I’ve been struggling with Kevin and this other guy on who’ll win this week. Really had to flip a coin, I like both of them a lot at Colonial, but I’m going with a Georgia Bulldog.

The Winner:

Harris English:

Finished tied for fifth last year and shot a 67 on Sunday. He’s been playing well all year. Like the fact that he did so well last year in his rookie season. The statistics point to Streelman, but I’m going with the guy who has a good resume’ on this course.

Like Rocco Mediate to win the 74th Senior PGA Championship this week at the 6,959, par-71 Bellerive Country Club course in St. Louis. Golf Channel carries it 12-3 PM ET/ 11 AM-2 PM CT Thursday and Friday and NBC has coverage on Saturday and Sunday from 3-6 PM ET/2-5 CT. Fred Couples, John Cook and Tom Lehman are not playing this week due to other conflicts, but Schwab Cup leader Bernhard Langer is in the field and he’ll be a factor. He’s so consistent.

Like Nicolas Colsaerts to win the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club in Surrey, England. Colsearts is a bomber–he leads thr PGA Tour in driving distance averaging 304.7 off the tee– and has all the talent to win big in Europe and maybe the U.S.. Star-studded field with Rory, Greame McDowell, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Ernie competing.

The Crimson Tide plays LSU @ 2 PM ET/1 CT on CSS. Should be a good baseball game. Alabama playing very well right now and defeated Auburn yesterday, 6-3. LSU is an excellent team. ‘Bama gave No.1 Vandy all they wanted up in Nashville last weekend. Vandy took two of three, but the games were wars.

Harris English

Rocco

Nicholas Colsearts

Related posts:

1. Big event that has just started on PGA Tour today
2. Zurich Classic of New Orleans
3. Brandt Snedeker captures Tour Championship for close friend

Walker Buehler most likely on the hill tomorrow vs. A&M

Tomorrow @5:30 PM ET/ 4:30 CT on CSS. A&M upset Florida just a minute ago, 6-3, and they look pretty good. Their starter tonight was a good pitcher. Don’t know a lot about them but will have more tomorrow. They’ve got a good defensive shortstop and a power hitter who hit a three-run shot against the Gators. Will fill you in more tomorrow morning. I’m assuming Corbs is going to go with Walker Buehler on the mound because Zo and Tyler just pitched over the weekend and both probably need another day off. But I trust Walker completely. He can get the job done. Alabama plays LSU at 2 PM ET/ 1 CT on CSS in what should be a very good game. Alabama playing very well right now and LSU is a very good team as we know.

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1. VU basketball unplugged; update on Brandt
2. Jay getting this out of the way; Brandt, Luke, bball, baseball
3. Brandt, etc.

Johnny Football primed for huge ’13 season

Wow, Johnny Heisman looked better than ever in the spring game. Coming off a season in which he led his team to an 11-2 overall mark and 6-2 in the SEC, Manziel  was 24-of-30 for 3o3 yards and three TDs in the spring game. Of course, the Aggies had some injuries on defense, so it was mostly against the second team defense and Manziel could have taken 20 minute siestas in the pocket. But he looked fantastic and will be highly formidable for opponents this year. How do you improve on a year in which you accounted for 47 touchdowns on the ground and through the air, completing 295-of-434 passes (68%) for 3,706 yards, 26 touchdowns and nine ints, while running for 1,410 yards and 21 TDs? Well, Manziel has worked with famed quarterback instructor George Whitfield to increase his accuracy. He’s stepping into his throws better and his arm strength looks better. He can really run, that we know. But his passing game looks better than ever.

A&M opens with Rice and Sam Houston State at home and then the Tide comes in for a showdown on Sept. 14 at Kyle Field. Wow, that will be awesome. S and the Tide are still pretty sore about last year’s 29-24 loss and will be out for major payback. Should be terrific. A&M then hosts SMU, a dynamic offensive group and A&M looks a little thin on defense, then the Aggies go to Arkansas and Ole Miss, play Auburn, Vandy, UTEP and State at home, go to Baton Rouge and then to Missouri. It’s tough, like all of the SEC schedules are. ‘Bama, LSU and Ole Miss look to be A&M most challenging foes, but there are some other games; AU, Vandy and State which will be tests.

What is also impressive about this team is the running back stable they have. They have two transfers, Tre Carson (Oregon) and Brandon Williams (Oklahoma), who look dynamic. Carson is 6’0″, 227, and more of a bruiser, in between the tackles runner, while Williams is 6’0″, 192 and a speedster. They join the talented Ben Malena (5’8″, 185) and Trey Williams (5’8″, 185) in what could be one of  the top backfields not only in the conference, but also in the country.

The line lost a couple of guys including the second pick in the draft, Luke Joeckel, who was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they look like they have some pretty good replacements. Left tackle Jake Matthews (6’5″, 305) has 33 career starts, left guard Jarvis Harrison (6’4″, 320) has 18 career starts, center Mike Matthews, Jake’s brother, is 6’3″,280, and hasn’t had a start but looks pretty powerful. Right guard Germain Ifedi (6″5″, 320) has zero starts, but his size is fantastic. Right tackle Cedric Ogbuehi (6’5″, 300) has 19 career starts. They should be an effective unit.

Wide receiver will be led by MIke Evans, who caught 82 passes for 1,105 yards and five TDs last year. LeKendrick Williams had a good spring and caught five passes for 116 yards and two TDs last year. Derel Walker is another who can be a big impact player on the perimeter. Didn’t see much of their tight ends.

Defense has a lot of good athletes, but not sure if there is a lot of depth. A&M had an excellent recruiting class in 2013, so that should help immediately in the fall, particularly on defense, where they recruited very well. Kirk Herbstreit called Floyd Raven Sr., the Aggies’ free safety, their leader on defense. Linebacker Donnie Baggs (6’1″, 230) will play a major role as well. They’re not huge on the defensive line, actually small, averaging 270 across the front. But they have couple of d tackles coming in, Isaiah Golden (6’2″, 295), a four-star, and Hardreck Walker (6’2″, 280), another four star, who need to bring immediate help. They lost Demontre Moore to the New York Giants, but they have some athletes on the d ends. A&M also has five linebackers,  three defensive backs and some athletes coming in this year as well. They recruited heavily on defense in 2013. Defensive back De’Vante Harris and linebacker Nate Askew will also play key roles on the defense. They will need immediate help from these freshmen coming in and that’s always difficult in the SEC. A&M already has 10 commits for 2014 and six of  them are four-stars and seven of the 10 are on defense. At this point they have the third ranked class in the country according to Rivals.

Didn’t see much of their kicking game, but it’s fine. It didn’t stick out as a major asset or a liability, so it looks fine.

Should be a very interesting season in College Station. Johnny Football looks better than ever, and there is some explosiveness on offense with those backs and some good receivers and a pretty powerful starting O line. Tight end looks like Cameron Clear, who played at Hoover, may be a guy to look for. He’s 6’6″, 270. He’s had some off field issues, so we’ll see what develops there.

There are some new coaches. Clarence McKinney and Jake Spavital will take over the offense with McKinney calling plays. It’ll be interesting to see how Manziel adjusts to a new play-caller after Kliff Kingsbury did a masterful job last year. Kingsbury took over as head coach at Texas Tech, his alma mater, and will be in his first year at the helm there. Head coach Kevin Sumlin will also have an impact on offense and Mark Snyder will once again run the defense. Marcel Yates will co-coordinate the defense with Snyder. Snyder looks like a pretty good coach to me. He will have to develop his starters and depth.

Manziel and his teammates will have to get by the Tide if they want to be in the hunt to win it all. That’s a tall order. They could still get there with one loss, but would need some help. But they should be a good football team, and Sept 14 will be a spectacle when the Tide comes into Kyle Field.

Thursday: South Carolina

Related posts:

1. Inside A&M and a look at national numbers
2. ‘Bama will be tested this week; AU tries to pull off the upset
3. Trent

Aaron Murray will try to get the Dawgs to the national championship game his senior year

Georgia has 10 of 11 starters returning from last year’s offense. Aaron Murray, of course, returns for his senior season at quarterback. Murray completed 249–of-386 passes last year (64.5%) for 3,893 yards and 36 TDs against 10 interceptions. He’s got a chance to have a special year. He’ll be tested early as Georgia goes to Clemson to open the season (Aug. 31, 8 PM ET/7 CT on ABC), plays South Carolina at home the next week, then gets a break against North Texas at home, before LSU comes to Athens on Sept. 28. Murray looked like he might have the Alabama game won in the SEC championship game when he led a late drive with the Dawgs needing a touchdown to win it. The Dawgs were on the ‘Bama eight yard line with no timeouts and the Tide leading 32-28. Murray motioned to the sideline to spike the ball after a completed pass to the eight, but amazingly Mark Richt and oc Mike Bobo told him to run a play. Murray attempted a pass that was tipped at the line of scrimmage. A Georgia player caught it was tackled and the game was over. The Dawgs took care of business in the Capital One bowl with a 45-31 victory over Nebraska. The ‘Dawgs finished the season 12-2 overall and 7-1 in the conference regular season with their only regular season conference loss coming to South Carolina, a stunning 35-7 defeat.

Georgia also plays @ UT, @ Vandy (not a cakewalk anymore), vs. Florida in Jacksonville, @ Auburn, vs. Kentucky and @ Tech. There’s another non-conferece game against App State, which I don’t know, may be an interesting game. Don’t know a lot about App State, but they’ve taken down a giant before when they beat Michigan at the Big House three or four years ago.

I see the ‘Dawgs in the thick of the SEC title hunt and consequentially in the national title hunt. They’ll have to survive those first three of four games gauntlet, but if they do and come out 4-0, they could be right in the title hunt both in the conference and nationally. Clemson will have quarterback Tajh Boyd and all world wide out Sammie Watkins back, and Dabo has recruited well, so that could be a pretty good tussle for the Dawgs. South Carolina should be very good and LSU will be loaded with the only problem being Les Miles making decisions on the sidelines. But they’ll be covered with talent and could overcome Miles’ questionable decision-makingc during games. But a 4-0 mark is a possibility with SC and LSU at home, and the Dawgs should be better than Clemson. Will know more about SC and Clemson when I watch their spring games. LSU doesn’t televise their spring game, but will get stats from it. Like SC and Georgia to battle it out for the east crown, with Florida in the hunt ,but behind Ga and SC. Will have my predictions this summer during media days.

Todd Gurley will return for his sophomore campaign at running back and he should have a phenomenal season. Gurley ran for 1,385 yards last year, averaging 6.2 yards per carry and scored 17 touchdowns. He’ll be a force in the conference. Keith Marshall ran for 759 yardsand eight touchdowns last year. He was as highly regarded as Gurley coming out of high school, and even more so, so he’ll be a major factor in the offense. Malcolm Mithcell returns at wide receiver as does Michael Bennett, who is returning from a season ending knee injury last year. Mitchell is a game changer who can go the distance any time he catches the ball. He made the play of the season for the Dawgs when he caught a short out pass from Murray late in the Florida game and took it to the house 51 yards for the game clinching TD. He’s fantastic. Bennett is an excellent possession receiver. There are others and tight ends Arthur Lynch and Jay Rome should give Murray some big time targets in the passing game as well. The offensive line returns in tact. The offense is in very good shape.

Defense lost some very key players to t he NFL in linebacker Alex Ogletree (St. Louis Rams), linebacker Jarvis Jones (Pittsburgh Steelers), nose tackle John Jenkins (Saints),  safety Bacarri Rambo (Washington Redskins)  and safety Shawn Williams (Cincinnati Bengals). Those are some key losses, but there is a ton of young talent. Cornerback Damian Swann should be the leader. Swann, a junior,  led the ‘Dawgs with four ints last year. He also had two fumble recoveries. He’s a player. There were 11 early enrollees at spring practice, so that was good for the offense and defense. True freshman safety Tray Mattews is a headhunter. True freshman linebacker Reggie Carter and true frosh cornerback Reggie Wilkerson are other guys to watch. Redshirt freshman nose tackle John Taylor is 6″4″, 335. Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham will have to get the group playing hard and cohesively this summer in preparation for Clemson.

It’s going to be an awesome race in the SEC East and Georgia is once again going to be a major player. If Richt loses a couple of the first four games, he will once again be on the hot seat. Coaches just have to survive in the SEC, and while Richt has done a good job, fans have short fuses on their patience meters, so he’ll need to at leastwin three of the four (North Texas for sure, and he really needs to beat South Carolina after last year’s debacle) to be in good shape vocationally.

But Georgia should be a factor in this conference title race, which, if you win the conference title, almost automatically puts you in the national championship game. They will be loaded on offense and defense should be pretty stout with a lot of young, stellar players.

Tomorrow: A&M

Related posts:

1. Dawgs
2. Georgia should have a good year, barring suspensions
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Steven Rice with an excellent job out of the bullpen yesterday

Won 10-5 yesterday, but a little concerned about two things: T.J. as our third starter, and the status of Brian Miller. In 4.1 innings, Pecoraro allowed eight hits, five earned runs, giving up two homers, walking none and K’ing two. He’s throwing strikes, but he’s having trouble getting guys out. Steven Rice did a nice job out of the ‘pen though, going 4.2 and allowing no runs on two hits with one walk and five K’s.

Conrad Gregor with a huge two-run shot to break a 5-5 tie in the top of the sixth. Didn’t get to watch the whole game, but will watch tonight. I have emailed Jeff Lockridge of the Tennessean to see if he has any information on closer Brian Miller. Brian was shaking his arm out in the Presbyterian game last week, so I’m a little worried he’s been overworked and has a sore arm. Hope it’s not a problem. As I wrote last week, he threw 70 pitches against Florida earlier this season and that concerned me very much at the time. Hope it’s no big deal. But a closer throwing 70 pitches is almost unheard of. I know he doesn’t throw that hard and he’s a workhorse, but it is concerning. I’ll let you know when I find out something. Corbin may say something about it tonight on his radio show. Tony was two-for-four yesterday and is now hitting .404. Made some incredible defensive plays Saturday Night.

So we won the SEC regular season and will play our first game in the SEC tournament at Regions Park in Hoover, Al. on Wed., May 22, versus the winner of the 8-9 game. Right now that would be the Florida-Texas A&M winner, which would be a tough game. Florida gave us trouble at our place earlier this season, though we took two out of three. Sunday’s game was up in the air after we lost Friday and won Saturday, and was called after seven innings because of the travel rule on Sundays. Spence Navin has just worked a walk to give us a 5-4 lead when they called the game. But that game was definitely in the balance and could have gone the other way if it wasn’t called. We always have wars with the Gators. A&M is a pretty good team too.

We’re now 45-6 overall and 24-2 in the SEC. UNC lost two of three to Georgia Tech over the weekend, so we should be No.1 in all polls. A lot of work left to do though. Alabama comes to town Thursday-Saturday, then the SEC tournament next week. Alabama games not televised, but will be on the website: www.vucommodores.com

Pedro went two-for-four yesterday with an RBI against the Mets. He doubled and hit the game winning RBI single for the Bucs. Really like how Pedro’s bat is heating up. Bucs now 21-16 on the season, 2.5 back of the Cards and 1/2 game back of Reds. Play Milwaukee at home for four beginning tonight. Mike Minor goes tonight for the Braves @ the Dbacks. Braves lost three in a row to the Giants after taking the first game Thursday Night. Need to get it back together. The Giants are a very good team and are in the World Series mix as are the Braves, but have to start playing better. Braves at 21-16 and lead the Nationals (20-17) by a game. Mike has been super all year. Will have a report on Mike tomorrow.

Dave goes Wednesday Night in Tampa against the Red Sox and John Lester, who is 5-0 with a 2.73 ERA, so Dave and the Rays will be in another war. I really liked the way DP pitched on Thursday against R.A. Dickey of the Blue Jays. Really pitched well, and as usual, was a warrior on the mound. Rays have now won five in a row and are at 19-18, four and a half back of Yankees (23-13), who are doing a tremendous job this season without the services of Jeter, A-Rod, Tex and Curtis Granderson. Tex and Granderson should be back in the next couple of weeks and A-Rod and Jeter expected back after the All-Star break. Joe Girardi is one of the best managers in baseball.  Orioles at 23-15 are second, and Sox are 22-16 in third. Rays host Sox for three beginning tomorrow night, then go to Baltimore over the weekend.  Doesn’t get any easier,. but that’s the way it is and you have to play the teams on your schedule. Should be an awesome week and hopefully productive.

Mike Baxter got a hit yesterday for the Mets in three plate appearances. Mike playing well when he gets his opportunities. Ryan Flaherty didn’t play yesterday, but does a nice job for O’s. Sonny pitched extremely well Saturday Night for the Sacramento Rivercats against Nashville in a 5-2 victory. Sonny should be in the majors this season at some point; August, maybe sooner.

Brandt played well yesterday shooting a final round 70. He was going along pretty well, but bogeyed 16 and 18. Tiger with the win after Sergio’s meltdown. Brandt not playing the next two weeks. Will play in the Memorial, May 30-June 2; three weeks. I wish he’d play more. Brandt said in SI golf before the Masters that he wants to win majors. Well, if he wants to do that he needs to play. The reason he won the FED Ex Cup last year was because he was playing a lot. The U.S. Open is June 13-16 and he’s playing the week before in Memphis, so that’s good. Maybe he’ll find a consistent game and be ready for the Open at Merion Golf Club, one of America’s most famous courses, June 13-16. Luke playing this week at HP Byron Nelson.

We play Belmont tomorrow night at 6:30 CT at home. Will be televised on the website.

Related posts:

1. Dave, Mike, Pedro, Mike Baxter, with stellar efforts this week; baseball this weekend
2. Dave, Pedro with work to do; Mike Minor still going well, two other guys in the bigs
3. Dave, baseball, ect…

Dave found himself last night

Mike’s been stellar all year

Wow, where to begin. Mike Minor pitched @ Cincy on Wednesday in a matinee and was stellar. Mike moved to 4-2 (2.96 ERA) with a seven inning performance, in which he threw 117 pitches, 74 for strikes (43 balls, that’s fine), and allowed one earned run on four hits with three walks and seven K’s. Pretty amazing thing happened in the bottom of the second to Mike and the Braves. The Reds loaded the bases with no outs. Donald  Lutz hit a fly ball to left fielder Evan Gattis, who was subbing for Justin Upton, who had  the day off. Gattis caught it and threw a strike to catcher Gerald Laird (who was subbing for McCann who had the day off)  to double up Brandon Phillips, a very fast runner, at the plate. Gattis has been outstanding for the Braves in replacing Brian McCann while he was on the disabled list, and is a total winner. Pretty interesting story, too. He was selling pizzas a couple of years ago and struggled with alcohol and drugs not too long ago. But he’s got it together now. He’s been awesome. Mike got the third out on a ground out. Dan Uggla hit a pair of homers as the Braves took two of three from the Reds with a 7-2 victory. Braves beat the Giants last night @ San Francisco, 6-3, to move to 21-13 on the season; two ahead of the Nationals. I forgot to mention the other teams who are in the World Series conversation the other day, and the Braves are certainly one of them. Like the Rangers and Tigers in the AL also, but I’m sticking with Orioles over Nationals in the Series. Hell, that may change as the season progresses. This is a heckuva season in major league baseball. There are so many good teams.

A very interesting stat on Mike: left-handed hitters are hitting .100 against him, 4-for-40. That’s astounding. Mike is having an excellent year, and he’s only going to get better and better with continued experience. He’s a warrior.

Dave Price didn’t get the win last night, but the Rays did win over the Blue Jays in 10 innings, 5-4, in a war. I’m telling you, the Blue Jays may be struggling record-wise (13-23), but they have some bats and some pretty good arms. They’ve lost some key players to injuries, but that Jose Bautista is a fantastic player. He gives Dave fits. He’s hitting .355 against DP, but it seems like .500. He has, it seems like, four or five homers against him–I looked it up but couldn’t find anything besides his average against Dave. He doubled and drove in a run against DP last night; but overall, Dave had his best outing of the season. He went eight, gave up seven hits, four runs (only two earned) with one walk, one hit batter and eight K’s. He threw 117 pitches and 81 of them were strikes. That’s an 81-36 ratio. 2:1 is considered very good. That’s exceptional. Dave had thrown 102 pitches going into the top of the eighth and I thought Joe M was going to pull him as he usually does when Dave throws around 100. But Joe  stuck with him recently in another game with Dave throwing close to 115 pitches in that game, and that trend continued last night.. Dave got them out three up three down in the eighth. Two of the runs he gave up were unearned as Even Longoria, who has been awesome this year with the bat and is usually awesome with the glove committed an error that eventually led to a couple of runs scoring. If Longo hadn’t committed that error, Dave would have gotten out of the inning without any runs scoring. Longo committed an error in Dave’s previous outing at Colorado last Saturday night that was costly. That’s OK. Evan has been sensational this year and is usually outstanding with the glove. He went three-for-five last night and is hitting .331 on the season.. The Jays must have gotten at least three bloop singles also. Dave was bringing it in the 93-95 range with his heater. He looks like he’s back to me. His change up worked well and so did his curve ball and cut fastball. He almost got the win in the eighth when, with the score tied 4-4, Luke Scott singled to right field with Longo on second and two outs. Longo raced to the plate, but Bautista executed a perfect, and I mean perfect,  throw from the outfield to his catcher Blanco and Longo got tagged out. I’m telling you, that was a war. Was worn out myself watching the game. R.A. Dickey, last year’s NL Cy Young winner with the Mets and a good friend of Dave’s as both live in Nashville in the offseason, pitched well for the Jays. He’s struggled a little this year, but he is tough and a grinder. Luke Scott said hitting Dickey’s knuckleball is like “eating soup with a fork.” He was quoting Yogi Berra. Yogi was a quote machine.

Anyway, terrific win for the Rays. Host San Diego this weekend. Important series. Need to get back in this AL East race and they just need to get on a consistent winning streak. They’re 4.5 games behind the Yanks. Sox and O’s right there behind Yankees too. Wow, that AL East is spectacular. Best division in baseball without a doubt. The worst team record-wise, the Blue Jays, are a good baseball team in my opinion. So it’s a war in the East. Dave pitches next against John Lester of the Red Sox @ Tampa on Wednesday Night. Lester is 4-0 with a 3.30 ERA, who are having a very good season so far. Lester has 15 walks to 40 K’s. So it looks like another war for Dave. Should be a classic. Mike pitches Monday at Arizona.

Pedro with an excellent night at the Mets last night. Had a single, a sacrifice fly and a game-tying homer in the top of the eighth, his sixth homer of the season and his 15th RBIs. A fellow ‘Dore did him one better in the bottom of the ninth. Mike Baxter, who graduated from our program in ’06, hit the game-winning RBI single in the ninth. Mike has had two walk off game-winning singles this week. He did it Tuesday Night also. Great stuff. Hopefully Pedro will have a big weekend. Both Mike and Pete were born and raised in New York City  and former Vanderbilt Commodores. Pretty cool stuff there.

Ryan Flaherty went one-for-three for the Orioles last night. They lost to the Royals, 6-2. Ryan a very good utility player for Birds.

Sony Gray is pitching for the Triple A Sacramento Rivercats in the Oakland A’s organization. Sonny is 3-1 with a 2.61 ERA and is on a fast track to the majors. Expect to see Sonny in an A’s uniform later this season. Proud of him. Curt Casali is now in the Rays organization after getting traded by the Tigers to the Rays. Curt is playing for Port Charlotte, the advanced single A team of the Rays. He’s hitting .306 with one homer and four RBIs. Curt doing very well in the minors. Aaron Westlake is with the Lakeland Flying Tigers of the Detroit organization. The Lakeland team is advanced single A as well. Westy is hitting .299 with two homers and 23 RBI’s. Expect all three of those guys to be in the bigs. Will have more on our minor leaguers next week. Sonny pitches at Nashville tomorrow night.

Baseball at UK this weekend. Zo (9-2, 2.03) vs. LHP A.J. Reed 2-6, 2.84) tonight at 6:30 PM ET/5:30 CT on the website. Tyler Beede (12-0, 1.73) goes against RHP Kyle Cody (3-2, 4.86) tomorrow @ 7 PM ET/6CT on CSS, and T.J. Pecoraro (3-1, 3.38) goes against LHP Corey Littrell (5-4, 3.46) Sunday at 1 PM ET/noon CT on Fox Sportsouth.

Read a great story on MLB.com on one of our incoming players next year, Roynal Coleman. Roynal sounds like the next Tony Kemp. Tony will be a senior next year and he’s an awesome guy, so he may want to finish his education and go for (hopefully) another championship next year. But Tony is a phenomenal player and should get drafted. Want him back, but to me, Tony looks like a major leaguer in the future and he may want to get started. It depends maybe on how this season shakes out.  But Roynal, who is 5″5″, 145, which doesn’t matter if you’re stellar–Tony (5’8″) has proven that–hit .400 as a freshman, .490 as a sophomore, and .400 as a junior. Looks terrific. An interesting part of the piece was a part when one of his coaches picked him up for a big game (Roynal is from Chicago), and Roynal got in the car and started reading a book. The coach was amazed at his discipline. Right before a big game on the way to the park, Roynal is reading a book. That’s awesome. Roynal sounds like an extremely high character kid. Looking forward to seeing him in the black and gold next season. Don’t want Tony to leave though, unless it’s in his best interest. First things first. Want Tony and his teammates to keep winning and be playing in late June.

Brandt shot -3 today and is -4 for the tournament at the Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Sergio Garcia leading at -11 after shooting a 65 today. Tiger one behind at -10 after carding a 67 today. A lot of players in the hunt. Should be stellar this weekend. There are pretty good chances of rain tomorrow afternoon and Sunday; but knowing Florida, the systems should move in and move out pretty quickly. Hopefully, B can get hot this weekend.

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TV Times: Thursday: Golf Channel: 12-6 PM CT; Thursday: Golf: 8PM-!! PM CT; Friday: Golf Channel: 12-6 PM CT; Friday: Golf: 8-11 PM CT; Saturday: NBC: 1-6 PM CT; Sunday: NBC: 1-6 PM CT.

Purse: $9,500,000; Winner’s share: $1,710,000

Fed Ex Points: 600

Defending Champion: Matt Kuchar, -13; 2011: K.J. Choi, -13:

Weather: Thursday: 85 high, sunny, 0 chance of rain, wind 6 MPH; Friday: 89 high, partly cloudy, 10% chance of rain, wind 9 MPH; Saturday: 89 high, 10 % chance of rain, wind 10 MPH; Sunday: 81 high, 40% chance of t-storms, wind 11 MPH.

Key Holes:

No.2: 532 yards, par five:

This course is all about shaping shots and this one requires a right to left draw that puts you on the left side of the fairway with a look at going for it. On the right side of the fairway there is rough and a tremendously tough angle coming into the green The right side is guarded by trees then you have to hit over a pond with a bunker in front of the green. Certainly a scoring hole here, but the drive is critical.

No.4, 384 yard par 4

Driving off this tee is again critical as you need to avoid a fairway bunker and a lateral hazard on the right. A well-struck long iron or fairway wood enables the player to hit a middle to short iron into one of the toughest greens on the course. There are numerous treacherous pin placements on this undulating, two-tiered green which makes this target well protected and a difficult shot. A water hazard protects the front and the left side of the green, while small, but deep bunkers protect the green on the right and on the backside. Mounds on the back. It could be a birdie or double on this baby.

No. 14, 467 yard, par 4

You need to cut it on your drive. Considered the hardest hole on the golf course a majority of the time. There’s a lateral hazard and a fairway bunker down the left side. The right side has grass bunkers and a large mound. Between the driving area and the green is a big bunker. The green is big and has severe undulations and long slopes. A bunker guards the front left side of the green and a few bunkers hide among the large grass bunkers on the right and the back of the green. A driver and a long to middle iron are required on this treacherous hole.

No.15, 449 yard, par 4

Dogleg right begins with a drive through a chute of trees and over water. The fairway bunker extends down  the right side of the fairway to a paved path, then resumes to the left of the path and extends almost to the green. A large bunker  to the left and a small bunker on the right front protect  the green. The hole is typically played with a driver off the tee and a mid to short iron in the fairway.

No.16, 507 yard, par 5

This short par five gives the players an opportunity to reach the green in two. A fairway wood or long iron is required for the second shot, which must carry a lateral water hazard, a bunker and a bulkhead, or wooden wall going up three feet, guarding the green. All of these obstacles are on the right and start 150 yards from the green. To the left is a cluster of oak trees block a clear path to the green. Another cut off the tee is required. Players who do not go for it must direct their second shots to a narrow area protected by a grass bunker, a water hazard and a cluster of oak trees. The green has two tiers sloping left to right towards the water. Many second or third shots to the left side of the green have led to treacherous chips, some of which have gone in the water and led to disaster. Brandt Snedeker did it last year.

No.17, 137 yard, par 3

The island hole leads and has led to some of the greatest drama in golf. It’s the signature hole on the golf course. The right side of the green is protected by a small bunker and you’re carrying water the whole way. There is water behind the green, so club selection is critical. It can be anywhere from an eight iron to a pitching wedge depending on the wind. Tiger Woods’ “better than most” putt was one of the enduring images in all of golf history. Still despite those heroics and plenty of others, there have also been plenty of balls landing short in the water or going long and finding the water over the green on this thrilling, yet perilous, classic hole.

No.18, 447 yard, par 4

For all the excitement of the 17th, the 18th makes for a phenomenal finishing hole. Driving is crucial on this hole. It’s a dogleg left. Water guards the entire length of the hole to the left, while spectator mounds and large trees guard the right side. A collection of grass bunkers guard the front right section of the green, while a long, maintained bunker stops shots hit left and long. One of the premier finishing holes in golf. Maybe the best. Should be classic drama here.

Contenders:

Graeme McDowell:

One of the most accurate drivers on the tour and an excellent putter as well. Won at Hilton Head three weeks ago, so he’s playing well. Could very well be in the winner’s circle on Sunday.

Kevin Streelman:

Won at Tampa Bay. Smart player- Duke graduate. Like his chances.

Jason Day:

Had the lead going into 17 at Augusta and just came up short. Long and accurate off the tee. Very good putter. He can handle the pressure. Confident and energetic.

Russell Henley:

Excellent young player. See him getting in the hunt and possibly pulling this off.

Billy Horschel:

Love this guy’s energy and passion for the game. Won at the Zurich in New Orleans two weeks ago with a clutch 25-footer on 18. He’s a competitor and a grinder, which this course requires.

Ryan Moore:

Excellent player who has been in the hunt throughout this year. Played well last week at Quail Hollow, finishing tied for 6th. Long, accurate, excellent player. Driving accuracy maybe the most important key on this course as well as putting.

The Winner

Ryan Moore

I just like the way he’s playing.

Like Horshel, Ryan,  who’a 30 years old, is ready and  is an intense competitor; a quality that will serve him well this weekend.

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Still believe in DP 100 percent

Dave had a rough night last night against the Colorado Rockies, but a lot of it wasn’t his fault. He gave up nine runs, but only four were earned. The Rockies were up 4-3 with a runner on first with two outs when a ground ball was hit hard to Evan Longoria @ third. Evan fielded the ball cleanly but made a wide throw to first. James Loney, the Rays first baseman who’s been terrific this year, opted to try and stretch for the ball to keep his foot on the bag instead of leaving the bag to catch it. The throw got by him and the runners advanced to second and third. The next Rockies hitter hit a pretty tough grounder to short. Ben Zobrist fielded it while charging in, but had trouble getting the ball out of his glove and the runner beat his one hop throw to first. A Rockies runner scored and the Rockies took a  5-3 lead. Dave then yielded a walk, and at that point, Maddon should have taken him out. Dave was clearly rattled. Maddon didn’t and the next hitter hit a grand slam. The Rockies won 9-3. Dave didn’t pitch as poorly as the score indicated. His fastball is still only clocking 92, not 97 like last year, which is a little odd. Hopefully, when he’s at home Thursday Night at the Trop vs the Jays he can get his fastball clicking again. He didn’t throw many curve balls last night. Friday Night’s starter, Matt Moore, who’s been exceptional this year, struggled throwing a curve too. Apparently some pitchers can’t get their curve to spin in the thin air in Denver. They can’t get a good grip on the ball either because the air is so dry and it’s hard to dig in on it. It’s a tough place to pitch. The Rockies have some tough hitters too. Coors Field is the most hitter-friendly park in baseball. It’s really a pitcher’s worst nightmare to pitch there.The ball just flies out of Coors Field in the mile high altitude. Rays did win two of three and now head into a 10-game homestand. If the team can get hot, Dave will get it going.

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Tyler with another quality start, though he struggled a bit with his control

Freshman Carson Fulmer shuts the door. Very impressive young pitcher

Take this one, 5-2. Tyler Beede moves to 12-0 as he went 6.1 innings and gave up two hits, two earned runs with four walks and seven K’s. He was a little shaky with his control, but the umpire had a tight strike zone and some balls that were called were strikes. Carson Fulmer came in impressively and pitched 2.2 innings pitching out of a jam in the bottom of the sixth, runners on first and second one out, and finished it off. One error for us, which is unusal because Corad Gregor committed it on an easy roller to first base. He got a little anxious to tag out the runner and end the game and dropped the ball. But played excellent defense overall. Yaz, Zander Wiel and Vinnie Conde all had three hits on the day. Zander drove in  two runs. Jack Lupp also drove in a pair with a two-run single.

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