Here's an interesting - and potentially dangerous - story.
A sports writer from the Louisville Courier-Journal was removed from the pressbox for blogging during Louisville's Super Regional game against Oklahoma State.
Brian Bennett blogged from the game, providing instant analysis, opinion and facts while there with an official credential as a working member of the media.
Everybody knows that newspapers have struggled to compete with the Internet and other various forms of 24/7 news. Blogging from games is just one avenue reporters must do to maintain readers and compete in this new technological age.
Who is the NCAA to ban a blogger - from an accredited newspaper - from a pressbox?
This isn't about copyrights or broadcasting rights, it's about the NCAA attempting to rule with an iron fist over an area where it does not have authority.
I hope the Courier-Journal's attorney does follow up on this and take the matter to the courts, if need be.
The NCAA has far greater power in its minds than in reality.
Showing posts with label Baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baseball. Show all posts
Monday, June 11, 2007
Monday, May 7, 2007
South baseball bounced
There will be no postseason for the South Iredell baseball squad.
North Lincoln made sure of that with a three-run first inning that put the Vikings behind the eight ball for the rest of Monday's game.
Although a tough loss, very few expected South to even force such a contest, a play-in game for the Southern Piedmont's fourth and final playoff spot.
South started the season 0-9 and lost to every county team it played.
But the Vikings really got a boost from a 25-0, five-inning win over Highland Tech. South won four of its last five conference games to force the play-in.
Credit coach Bobby Deal for righting the ship.
The Vikings have a chance - a pretty good one, I think - to make the playoffs for the first time since 1995 next season.
The biggest reason is pitcher Lane Marlowe. Marlowe came on strong at the end of the year, and he's that true ace every high school team needs.
If the Vikings can find a steady No. 2 starter, they'll win enough to make the postseason.
North Lincoln made sure of that with a three-run first inning that put the Vikings behind the eight ball for the rest of Monday's game.
Although a tough loss, very few expected South to even force such a contest, a play-in game for the Southern Piedmont's fourth and final playoff spot.
South started the season 0-9 and lost to every county team it played.
But the Vikings really got a boost from a 25-0, five-inning win over Highland Tech. South won four of its last five conference games to force the play-in.
Credit coach Bobby Deal for righting the ship.
The Vikings have a chance - a pretty good one, I think - to make the playoffs for the first time since 1995 next season.
The biggest reason is pitcher Lane Marlowe. Marlowe came on strong at the end of the year, and he's that true ace every high school team needs.
If the Vikings can find a steady No. 2 starter, they'll win enough to make the postseason.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Mooresville/Statesville baseball thoughts
Tuesday night's game between Mooresville and Statesville was a wild one, and not just because I almost caught a foul ball.
North Piedmont Conference leader Mooresville scrapped together a come-from-behind 11-10 win over the Greyhounds. Mooresville is undefeated in conference play, and the Greyhounds remained winless. You can read my story by clicking here.
The Blue Devils are the best hitting team in the county. No question. They have a ton of power and know how to get on base.
The defense was a problem, though I think that had a lot to do with Statesville's field. It was Statesville's first home game of the season, and there were some issues.
A few bald spots stood out in the outfield, and the infield was almost like a slab of concrete. One batter chopped a pitch on the dirt in front of the plate, and the ball bounced about 15 feet in the air and traveled to the shortstop. That goes right back to the pitcher in most other parks.
As for the foul ball, Statesville's Jimmy Jordan hit a screaming line drive right at me (I like to sit in the stands).
I calmly went for the smooth underhand catch, and the ball thwacked off my hand (leaving a decent-sized welt) and fell into the bleachers. I may have to break my own rule and start bringing a baseball glove to games.
Also, I'd like to comment on a situation that a few of you asked me about after the game. Unfortunately, I was up against our deadline and couldn't respond. The situation in question occurred in the second inning with Mooresville winning 4-0.
Greyhound catcher Josh Booher was on first base with no outs and Malcolm Robinson had a 3-1 count. Robinson tried to catch his swing on a breaking ball that hit the dirt. Booher thought the home umpire signaled ball four and began to trot to second base. Mooresville whipped the ball to the first baseman, who tagged out Booher.
The field umpire called him out. When Robinson and the Statesville coaches argued it was ball four, the field umpire said "No, he went around."
After a two or three minute conference, the ruling stood and Robinson struck out on the next pitch. Statesville scored one run, but could have potentially had more.
The questions posed to me were: What did you think of the call? Did that cause Statesville to lose?
I don't know if Robinson went around on his swing or not. You'd have to ask him. But, I do think the field umpire was out of line.
The home umpire called ball four and did not ask the field ump. if Robinson went around on his swing. It wasn't his call to make.
That certainly wasn't the reason for Statesville's loss, though. I would look more at the 10 runners stranded in scoring position throughout the game as a big reason.
North Piedmont Conference leader Mooresville scrapped together a come-from-behind 11-10 win over the Greyhounds. Mooresville is undefeated in conference play, and the Greyhounds remained winless. You can read my story by clicking here.
The Blue Devils are the best hitting team in the county. No question. They have a ton of power and know how to get on base.
The defense was a problem, though I think that had a lot to do with Statesville's field. It was Statesville's first home game of the season, and there were some issues.
A few bald spots stood out in the outfield, and the infield was almost like a slab of concrete. One batter chopped a pitch on the dirt in front of the plate, and the ball bounced about 15 feet in the air and traveled to the shortstop. That goes right back to the pitcher in most other parks.
As for the foul ball, Statesville's Jimmy Jordan hit a screaming line drive right at me (I like to sit in the stands).
I calmly went for the smooth underhand catch, and the ball thwacked off my hand (leaving a decent-sized welt) and fell into the bleachers. I may have to break my own rule and start bringing a baseball glove to games.
Also, I'd like to comment on a situation that a few of you asked me about after the game. Unfortunately, I was up against our deadline and couldn't respond. The situation in question occurred in the second inning with Mooresville winning 4-0.
Greyhound catcher Josh Booher was on first base with no outs and Malcolm Robinson had a 3-1 count. Robinson tried to catch his swing on a breaking ball that hit the dirt. Booher thought the home umpire signaled ball four and began to trot to second base. Mooresville whipped the ball to the first baseman, who tagged out Booher.
The field umpire called him out. When Robinson and the Statesville coaches argued it was ball four, the field umpire said "No, he went around."
After a two or three minute conference, the ruling stood and Robinson struck out on the next pitch. Statesville scored one run, but could have potentially had more.
The questions posed to me were: What did you think of the call? Did that cause Statesville to lose?
I don't know if Robinson went around on his swing or not. You'd have to ask him. But, I do think the field umpire was out of line.
The home umpire called ball four and did not ask the field ump. if Robinson went around on his swing. It wasn't his call to make.
That certainly wasn't the reason for Statesville's loss, though. I would look more at the 10 runners stranded in scoring position throughout the game as a big reason.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Time for baseball season
I always get incredibly excited for baseball season. I'm more pumped for Opening Day than the World Series, and the first few games of the season are more enjoyable than the final few weeks. I'm not sure why.
Probably because I'm a Cubs fan.
And on Opening Day, Chicago is atop the National League Central standings.
I understand that technically it's a tie for first place, and the only reason Chicago is listed first is due to alphabetical reasons.
But they're still in first place. Cubs fans take what they can get.
But it's not just Cubs fans - everybody can dream on Opening Day.
Yes, it is time for baseball season. And with baseball season comes a load of predictions.
A.L. East: This division is Boston's to lose. Toronto and New York will certainly compete for the division crowd, but neither team can match Boston's balance. The Red Sox have a dangerous offense that can mix the mashers (David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez) with players like Kevin Youkilis, who gets on base and keeps innings alive. Curt Schilling is still in shape and motivated, and Daisuke Matsuzaka in the No. 3 spot could win 18 games.
A.L. Central: In the most loaded division in baseball - you could make a solid argument that four teams have a chance to win it - I like Detroit. An excellent rotation was dealt a blow when it was announced that Kenny Rogers has a blood clot and will miss extended time. But the Tigers have a deep staff, and the addition of Gary Sheffield puts the lineup over the top.
A.L. West: In what should be a tight race most of the season, I'm going to take Oakland. The A's somehow patch together a 90-win team every season. They'll beat out Los Angeles for the division crown, but the Angels will earn the wildcard berth, mainly because Chicago, Minnesota and Cleveland will beat up on each other in the rugged A.L. Central.
N.L. East: The Braves should have a nice bounce-back year, but New York is the most talented team in the division. The Mets will win it if their aging rotation holds up. Atlanta will earn the wildcard, though.
N.L. Central: St. Louis. A part of me really wants to pick the chic team - Milwaukee - but St. Louis' offense is just too good. It will have to be to carry the bottom half of that pitching rotation, though.
N.L. West: Arizona. Kind of a surprising selection, but they have a nice rotation and tons of young talent. The Diamondbacks' closest competition, the L.A. Dodgers, are relying on a lot of iffy players - Juan Pierre (doesn't take nearly enough pitches), Nomar Garciapara, Jeff Kent, Luis Gonzalez. Too many question marks in L.A.
As for the World Series, let's go with Detroit over New York. The Kenny Rogers situation is worth watching, but a lineup loaded 1-9, a great rotation, superb bullpen and veteran manager should help navigate the Tigers through the A.L. playoffs and to a 4-2 series win.
Probably because I'm a Cubs fan.
And on Opening Day, Chicago is atop the National League Central standings.
I understand that technically it's a tie for first place, and the only reason Chicago is listed first is due to alphabetical reasons.
But they're still in first place. Cubs fans take what they can get.
But it's not just Cubs fans - everybody can dream on Opening Day.
Yes, it is time for baseball season. And with baseball season comes a load of predictions.
A.L. East: This division is Boston's to lose. Toronto and New York will certainly compete for the division crowd, but neither team can match Boston's balance. The Red Sox have a dangerous offense that can mix the mashers (David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez) with players like Kevin Youkilis, who gets on base and keeps innings alive. Curt Schilling is still in shape and motivated, and Daisuke Matsuzaka in the No. 3 spot could win 18 games.
A.L. Central: In the most loaded division in baseball - you could make a solid argument that four teams have a chance to win it - I like Detroit. An excellent rotation was dealt a blow when it was announced that Kenny Rogers has a blood clot and will miss extended time. But the Tigers have a deep staff, and the addition of Gary Sheffield puts the lineup over the top.
A.L. West: In what should be a tight race most of the season, I'm going to take Oakland. The A's somehow patch together a 90-win team every season. They'll beat out Los Angeles for the division crown, but the Angels will earn the wildcard berth, mainly because Chicago, Minnesota and Cleveland will beat up on each other in the rugged A.L. Central.
N.L. East: The Braves should have a nice bounce-back year, but New York is the most talented team in the division. The Mets will win it if their aging rotation holds up. Atlanta will earn the wildcard, though.
N.L. Central: St. Louis. A part of me really wants to pick the chic team - Milwaukee - but St. Louis' offense is just too good. It will have to be to carry the bottom half of that pitching rotation, though.
N.L. West: Arizona. Kind of a surprising selection, but they have a nice rotation and tons of young talent. The Diamondbacks' closest competition, the L.A. Dodgers, are relying on a lot of iffy players - Juan Pierre (doesn't take nearly enough pitches), Nomar Garciapara, Jeff Kent, Luis Gonzalez. Too many question marks in L.A.
As for the World Series, let's go with Detroit over New York. The Kenny Rogers situation is worth watching, but a lineup loaded 1-9, a great rotation, superb bullpen and veteran manager should help navigate the Tigers through the A.L. playoffs and to a 4-2 series win.
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