Sunday, August 29, 2010

New Look Dawgs

I was looking at an SEC Preview Magazine published by Sports Illustrated, when I noticed something subtle. My copy is a regional cover that features WaShaun Ealey. He's wearing the number 24. He'll wear #3 next season. But, that's not the issue. The issue is less than newsworthy. But, being a Bulldogs fan, it interests me. So, here it is...

Ealey ain't wearin' silver britches with his traditional Red jersey. His pants are white with the same design. When it comes to uniforms, fans either love changes or hate 'em. So, I pose this question to the Georgia faithful. Do you care about uniform variations or just wins and losses?

Either way, you can expect to see the Dawgs shelve their silver britches for a home game or two. They'll be wearing the white britches SI features on their magazine. But, that won't matter one bit, if Georgia doesn't win.

Click on the title of this post for a reminder.

Friday, August 27, 2010

RB Busted

Georgia's leading rusher allegedly had some issues with the law this morning. I've read some opinions and heard the "news" on local sports radio. I even saw the "headline" on the ESPN ticker.

But, I still don't have all the facts regarding the situation. So, I'll refrain from making any more comments about a certain UGA tailback being arrested.

Ya'll can get more details (via Tim Tucker of the AJC) by clicking on the title of this post.

Go Dawgs!

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Ay Dios Mio

Don't worry. Ya'll ain't on the wrong site. Truth be told, I couldn't find an appropriate phrase in the english language for the title of this post. So, I found some espanol on the Internet. Ay Dios dang Mio... Or something like that. I think it means, "Oh my God."

Now, let's get to the point. The Atlanta Braves just got swept in Colorado. The Braves led 10-1 today, before the Rockies got up off the deck and punched Atlanta in the face. Just like Frazier, the Braves had no defense for the blows thrown against them. This was an outcome unfitting a champion. Truly, it wasn't right. At one point, I thought my mind was playin' tricks on me. Ay Dios dang Mios. The Braves got KO'd today.

Don't get me wrong. The Braves have a chance to rebound from this defeat. Not against Foreman/Colorado. That match is done and over with. But, the former division champs must get their swagger back! Atlanta will try to catch something decent, when they host the Marlins on Friday night at Turner Field.

Until then, click on the title of this post. Foreman vs Frazier. That's all you need to know.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Make Success Your Destiny

I know this is a sports blog, so I apologize for takin' ya'll off topic. But, I feel the need to express these thoughts. Hope you don't mind.

The Good Lord didn't place us upon this earth to fail. He put us here to prosper. So, make success your destiny. Believe in yourself, regardless of what you're going through. Chase your dreams and achieve your heart's desires. That's what God wants us to do.

Sometimes, we lose faith in ourselves. But, that doesn't mean He does. He created our talents, our skills, and ordained our dreams. The Lord wants us to succeed. But, it's up to us to make success our destiny.

Some of our paths may have been preconceived. But, the roads we travel upon are decisions left to you and me. However you refer to Him, God created us from love. He gave us free will. And, He gave us all the ability to succeed.

Blessed is he, who pursues his desires and makes his goals unfold. Please believe in Him and believe in yourself. Chase your dreams and make success become your destiny. You are worthy and prosperity belongs to you. Go get it.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Thanks Chipper

Ya'll ever wanted to punch your radio in the mouth? Well, that's how I felt today, as 790 the Zone told me something I didn't wanna hear. Chris Dimino was the first to break the sobering news, that Chipper Jones has torn his ACL and will miss the rest of the MLB season. Sadly, #10 is 38 years old and this injury could bring an unceremonious end to his Hall of Fame career. As a Braves fan, that profoundly sucks.

How can you write a tribute to someone, whose actions outshine the use of literature? You can't. But, I'll type a few thoughts, anyway. Whether or not we've seen the last of Chipper Jones in an Atlanta Braves uniform, you can't argue the fact that he's one of the greatest men to ever play the game.

Atlanta was blessed with legendary pitchers, during their 14 year reign as division champs. But, that feat would not have occurred without the heroics of Chipper Jones at the plate. In his prime, #10 had such a pension for destroying Braves' opposition, that he named his son Shea. As New Yorkers annoyingly chanted, "Larry, Larry," Chipper gave 'em even more reason to despise him. But, he did it the right way. He didn't defame them or their team with his words. Jones stood in there and used his bat to crush their dreams.

As a fan, what can you say to an athlete who left his heart and soul on the field? Maybe the words I'm searching for, are sentiments I should have expressed years ago. Thank you, Chipper Jones. There will never be another Atlanta Brave worthy of wearing #10.

Found a tribute to Chipper Jones on Youtube. You can click on the title of this post to view it.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Brooks "Freakin" Conrad

I know what you're thinking. Who in the -censored text- is Brooks Conrad? Well, he's an infielder for the Atlanta Braves and you better know that. This dude just momentarily saved the Braves from a likely loss by blasting a 2 run HR far above the Houston skies.

Troy Glaus has also gone deep after an ineffective at bat by Brian McCann in the 9th inning. And, all of a sudden, the Braves are in position to steal a victory from Houston. With a scrawny azz 1.5 game lead on Philadelphia, Atlanta needs all the wins they can get. The Phillies ain't goin' away, ya'll.

Let's just hope the Braves bullpen can lock this one down. "Wild Bill" Wagner can be erratic. So can Atlanta's defense (3 errors tonight).

I didn't get this posted in time to provide any further theatrics. Wagner just recorded the save. Guess I gotta work on my typing speed.

Go Braves!

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Sports Talk Featuring Durty Bo Dean

Earlier today, I got to talk sports with one of the rising stars in Hip Hop and Rap. And I thought, "Who better to shed some light on Crimson Tide football, than the Alabama Outlaw...Durty Bo Dean?" Here's a brief Q & A session.

Rob: Durty, the Crimson Tide appear headed toward another run at the BCS Championship. But, can Alabama roll through the SEC again? And, who will be the Tide's toughest contenders in the conference?

Durty Bo Dean: Oh yeah, I feel even though Florida lost alot of their top players to the draft, that they are still our toughest challenge in the SEC.

Rob: I agree. The Tide will probably face 'em twice. Once on October 2nd in Tuscaloosa and again in December for the SEC title. Your squad looks strong, as Heisman trophy winner, Mark Ingram returns to the Alabama backfield. So does the talented Trent Richardson. This tandem combined to rush for over 2,400 yards and 25 tds in 2009. Does Alabama have the nation's best running back combination?

Durty Bo Dean: I feel with the combination of speed and power that we do have the best RB combination in the SEC, if not the NCAA. I think Richardson will have a breakout season this year.

Rob: That's a good point. The Tide's opposition will be fired up to shut Ingram down. But, Pensacola's Trent Richardson will be a change of pace back, that causes all kinds of issues for opposing defenses. Let's talk about Julio Jones for a minute. In 2009, he only caught 43 passes for 596 yards and 4 scrawny tds. But, senior QB Greg McElroy "Put on a Show" in the SEC Championship Game against Florida. As a result of his maturation, will offensive coordinator, Jim McElwain take more shots to #8 down field in 2010?

Durty Bo Dean: Yeah, alot of people don't know that Jones was injured through half of the season. I think he will come back with something to prove. McElroy definitely proved himself during that Florida game. I think Jim McElwain will definitely open up the offense in 2010.

Rob: That could be scary for Alabama's opponents. Entering his 4th season in Tuscaloosa, Nick Saban has posted a 33-8 record, including a BCS title. And, that's after inheriting a program that nearly passed out under Mike Shula. Is it too early to compare his legacy to that of the legendary coach, Bear Bryant?

Durty Bo Dean: I feel it's a lil' too early. I respect Saban for bringing that power football and defensive intensity back to Alabama, though. I still wanna be sure he's in it for the long haul.

Rob: Well said. Any detractor of Saban's mentions his history of moving on to "greener pastures." In the interest of the SEC, I hope he remains at Alabama for many more years. Moving on, the Georgia Bulldogs decided to "Black Out" the Crimson Tide in 2008. The plan backfired, as Mark Richt's squad went into the half, stunned by a 30 point deficit. What do you think about coaches employing such tactics to motivate their players and fans?

Durty Bo Dean: LOL. I don't think those type of tricks are gonna work against the Tide. Saban has his players too disciplined to fall for that. The best thing for the competition to do is play hard nosed, straight up football, cause we don't back down!

Rob: Alabama is always strong in the trenches. But, former Tide DT Terence Cody is preparing for his rookie season in the NFL. Will Kirby Smart's defense miss his presence in the middle?

Durty Bo Dean: I think we will definitely miss "Mt. Cody." He and Melsin were a very important piece of our championship run. But, Smart and Saban are always prepared and we have alot of talent ready to fill the void.

Rob: I think I know the answer to this question, but I gotta ask it anyway. Will we ever see you rockin' an Auburn Tigers cap in one of your videos? And, what do you dislike most about Alabama's in-state rival?

Durty Bo Dean: Never. I think it's a very good rivalry that does alot for the state of Alabama. No further comment on the Tigers.

Rob: Former Tennessee head coach, Lane Kiffin is facing some serious sanctions at USC. What are your thoughts on the situation?

Durty Bo Dean: Well, I feel that karma is real and he kinda got what he deserved for bailing on Tennessee. Like that, Alabama went through similar sanctions and we bounced back. So, USC just has to build from the situation and take a closer look at their players and staff.

Rob: Well said. Moving on, some of my heroes growing up were Tim Worley, Dominique Wilkins, and Hank Aaron. What athletes did you look up to and who do you admire today?

Durty Bo Dean: Michael Jordan, Emmitt Smith, and Ken Griffey Jr. to name a few. Alot of my heroes were family members who helped raise me. But, sports taught me friendship and teamwork.

Rob: Speaking of MJ, he and I both had alot to say about LeBron's decision to leave Cleveland. We were both critical of his move to South Beach. But, I wonder if we were a bit unfair. What are your thoughts?

Durty Bo Dean: I have mixed feelings. I agree with Jordan and Bird by saying they would never join up, because they wanted to defeat each other. But, it's a different era and I don't think LeBron would have won a ring in Cleveland.

Rob: You're probably right about Cleveland. That city seems to be cursed in the world of sports. Let's get back to football for a minute. What's on your tailgate menu?

Durty Bo Dean: Well, I gotta have some St. Louis style ribs, barbecue shrimp, and a couple of Coronas to wash it all down.

Rob: Sounds good. Whenever you're ready to fire up the grill, let me know. Aside from music and college football, what are some of your other interests?

Durty Bo Dean: Pretty much livin' my life to the fullest, being a good father to my daughter, and trying to see a million dollars before I'm 40 years old.

Rob: Thanks for your time, Durty. I know you're very busy right now. You've got a CD in the works and some promotional opportunities on the horizon. Would you like to share some details with the readers and how can they support Durty Bo Dean?

Durty Bo Dean: Yea I'm wrapping up my album titled "Theme Music" due to release this month. I have a couple of shows booked in Florida to promote the album. For more details, you can go to www.durtybodean.com or just google me.

Rob: Ya'll heard the man. Check him out. You won't regret it.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Fading Braves

It's been a long time, since I've mentioned the Atlanta Braves on this blog. Well, there's a reason. Although I was less than thrilled with the start to their season, I chose to shut up and give 'em some space. Coincidence or not, they caught fire during my self imposed MLB silence and built an 8 game lead in the NL East. But, my Bravos are having issues again. So, maybe it's time to "un-jinx" 'em one more time. Here's the deal...

Atlanta has struggled mightily over the last few weeks. Clutch hits have become non-existent, as the Braves continue to squander away the efforts of a solid pitching staff. First baseman Troy Glaus carried this team, with a Herculean bat in June. Unfortunately, he's starting to portray an image of Superman choking on a kryptonite laced buffet. It's ugly. So dang ugly, that the bat of Glaus has become a .130 (batting average) sized toothpick, with a whittled down slugging percentage of .174 and 3 scrawny hits during his last six games.

Meanwhile, the dastardly Phillies have added ace, Roy Oswalt, to their already solid pitching rotation. After a hard fought victory over the annoying Gnats in Washington, Philadelphia sits just 2.5 games back of Atlanta. It seems like just the other day, the Braves were cruising toward a NL East title. But, it's a long season and a lot has changed, quite rapidly within the division.

Don't get me wrong. It ain't time to panic in Atlanta. But, the recent acquisitions of outfielder Rick Ankiel and RP Kyle Farnsworth will provide little more than a laugh track for Braves opposition. All Star 2B, Martin Prado, is gimpy (day to day) and Atlanta is in dire need of an offensive MVP. Somebody will step up. That's how the script is 'sposed to read, ain't it? I just wonder, who will it be?

Next up for Atlanta is a much needed return to the friendly confines of Turner Field. On Monday night, the Braves will face the meaningless NY Mets at 7:10 ET on ESPN.