Greatest Show On Dirt! 2010 CWS

Congratulations South Carolina Gamecocks on your 2010 Baseball National Championship.

What an amazing game, as the last to be played at Historic Rosenblatt Stadium it truly was awesome.  What better way to send the old stadium out than with an 11th inning walk of hit for a 2-1 victory.  In an era of aluminum bats and homeruns this was perfect.  South Carolina battled back after losing their first game in Omaha to bring their school its first NCAA National Championship.  It lived up to its name of the "Greatest Show On Dirt", and while we look forward to next year it will never be the same without Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium.  South Carolina's pitching was great and Jackie Bradley Jr was awesome as usual and deserved player of the tournament.  I saw this team play this year here in Arkansas and now proudly can say I saw the 2010 College World Series Champs play ball.  I still long for the day when the College World Series gets the coverage it deserves because it is always a great show.  We here at the Four6Three will be sad to see the old stadium go but at least the games will still be played in Omaha.

Congrats, Congrats, Congrats, and goodbye Rosenblatt!

Christmas in June/July!

I tried thinking of the many sports stories that deserved some coverage today.  One of those being the South Carolina win last night leaving them one win away from an NCAA National Baseball Championship.  Let me be the first to say Congrats Gamecocks if you finish off the Bruins tonight.  The other stories of considerable worth in the sports world are the oft covered Lebron saga, Wimbledon, and the World Cup.

Non of these stories really got me excited today or could distract me from whats been one my mind all day.  Today being the 29th of June has the possibility to be my Christmas.  Allow me to explain for a brief moment.  Since 2006 the New York Mets have been anything but a joy to be a loyal fan of.  This year however they are enjoyable once again.  Early this morning I heard the news Chase Utley and Placido Polanco were going to be placed on the DL.  That did bring a smile to my face I must admit but was nothing compared to the sure joy that filled my soul when I heard the Mets could be adding Cliff Lee very soon.  Its a win win for me as a Arkansas Razorbacks fan it would be awesome to cheer the alum on to victory for the Metropolitans.  Please Santa I have been very good this year and will for go the gifts on December 25th if you could just bring Mr Lee to Queens ASAP.

Now I will return to being a generalized non biased blogger.

Strasburg Debate Tomorrow...

Tomorrow we will be looking in depth as to whether or not Stephen Strasburg deserves an All Star team position.  Get us your ideas of why and why not between now and then and we will try to cover every angle presented to us.  If you would like to go more in depth on this or other matters at the Four6Three please let us know.

Goodbye Rosenblatt... Hello National Champs

VS

 VS

As the College World Series winds down so does the short time Rosenblatt Stadium has to host the great event. The 62 year old stadium is set to be demolished and used for additions to the nearby Zoo.  What kind of "Animals" would destroy a beautiful piece of baseball for a few additional parking spots?  The fact that this is College Baseball we are talking about makes the story of the demolition make sense.  Of all the three major mens college sports baseball gets the least media coverage.  Even the CWS which is an awesome event is vastly underrated in terms of media coverage.  The point of this article is to look forward however with joy for one of this years final 2 teams.  Either the South Carolina Gamecocks or the UCLA Bruins will be winning their schools first  National Championship in baseball.  That is something to be celebrated and we wish both teams the best of luck.  Goodbye Blatt!

On a side note if you caught last weeks piece on "Bat Wars 2010" then you have the upper hand in picking the series winner before the first pitch is even thrown.

Lebron Updates....

We have been searching the web non stop to keep you up to date on the King James rumors...

As of  9:15  American Idol has announced that in a partnership with the LA Clippers Lebron would be replacing Simon Cowell.......

At 11:30  Miami Heat released information through an official fan source that part of the teams plans of obtaining Lebron involve a marketing ploy with the Marlins to rename the team The Lebrons...

At 12:00 in the most shocking part of the development President Obama has got involved in the Lebron drama and revealed that if he comes to the Bulls he can not only have a key to the city but the Governors Mansion.


We will late you know as soon as Lebron and any of these teams become Facebook Official.

Chicago Cents of Mind (Prince James)

Recent NBA Trade Rumors have Lebron on the move to Chicago.  It looks like the Bulls are pursuing not only King James but Chris Bosh also.  This would become a very deep team with definite title winning ability.  The only question is what exactly does Lebron want to be remembered as?  Lets say you find him in Chicago in the upcoming season, all of a sudden he is not the greatest player to play for this franchise.  Not only will he be switching uniform colors but numbers as the MJ 23 has been retired long ago in Chicago.  Understandably Lebron wants a title but at what cost?  If he goes to Chicago, he will forever be the second greatest player to don the colors.  Is that what he really wants?  All of a sudden he will go from a town that has his image running down the side of buildings, to playing in a arena with someone else's statue out front.

Legacy is what players are remembered for.  Consider a move to Chicago a money move with complete title implications, but one that lacks the echoing power of a legacy builder.  Yes Chicago will love Lebron, yes they will embrace him, yes the Bulls will be a great team again.  However at the end of the day he will still be the 2nd best player to lead the team to a title, the 2nd best player to rule in Chicago, & the 2nd best player is not something Lebron is used to being.  Choose wisely Lebron your legacy/ego  is at stake!

Friday Farewells for June 25, 2010

This weeks Friday Farewells is brought to you by the Utah Jazz and BP because they are both desperate for some positive PR right about now and we will do anything to make some coin.


Farewell:

Draft Dreams.  After I got word that Gordon Hayward got drafted 9th to the Jazz I had visions of glory.  Described by some "EXPERTS" as a kid who can't jump, shoot, or run.  This lead me to think...THIS IS MY YEAR, I can't do any of those things either.  I went out and bought 30 hats and waited by my webcam for my big debut.  I made sure my phone, my wife's phone, and the house phone were all on chargers within a two foot radius of me and listed my status on Skype as available, very available.  Unfortunately the phones never rang although my Skype instant messenger was ringing off the hook, but a lot of wrong numbers.  Oh well there is always next year.  Tears yeah my hopes were pretty high.  In fairness to Gordon aren't those the same things said about Larry Bird?  


John Isner. Thank you for playing in the longest match in TENNIS HISTORY...now leave.  Really what did we think would happen after playing his first round match for over 11 hours divided over 3 days then make him play the next day in his second round match.  WOW, shocking he lost in straight sets.  I am sure it isn't because he WAS TIRED.  Seriously, Wimbledon is so much based on tradition, schedule, and structure that the guy cannot get the day off.  No hospitality like the British.  Thanks for captivating us for the last three days and give somebody a reason to talk about the first round of Wimbledon even with the World Cup going on here is some crappy food, a nice white sweater, and your ticket back to the States.  Hope you enjoyed your stay.  Tears of PURE ANGER... I mean really delay his match give the guy a day off.


Rasheed Wallace.  The Sheed is no more an NBA star or even player for that matter.  This leaves us wondering where will referees go to fill their technical foul quota for the season.  The NBA is thrilled as it will save a bundle on bleep sound effects and referee technical bonuses.  We will miss Sheed as we do all Tar Heels when they give up the game.  Two T's and then we got ejected.  


Bad Luck & Bad Calls.  These two often go hand in hand so we were glad they left together in the 91st minute of Team USA's game against Algeria.  After two goals called back in two different games and 79 chances that just didn't find the back of the net it finally ended when Landon Donovan's rebound shot found the back of the old onion bag.  Even more miraculously than the goal in stoppage time was the fact that the referee did not call it back.  HALLELUJAH! We are glad this depression duo left or it would have been the US that we bid farewell to today.  Let's hope they stay away as we enter the knockout stage Saturday @ 2:00 PM ET against Ghana on ABC.  It is like voting you must watch.  TEARS OF JOY! USA USA USA! 


16 Teams. The world cup has advanced to the knock-out stage which is interesting since more teams are actually knocked-out during the group stage.  Sixteen teams have headed home and sixteen are left one of which will be left standing as World Cup Champion.  This is one of many phrases I don't understand in soccer, like stoppage time.  Stoppage time is done after the clock should have stopped and no one is quite sure when it ever will stop except the head referee.  Someone please STOP the madness.  Anyway sixteen countries including France & Italy can pick up their teams and souvenirs at baggage claim.  Bon voyage. Chow. Tears only for the South Africans who were so close and it would have meant so much.  


Multiple Run Leads.  The College World Series has been overshadowed by the World Cup, but it has not been outscored.  We like scoring and comebacks in America ask the US soccer team.  The CWS has been filling Rosenblatt Stadium with great games and memories in its last year.  Huge comebacks, late inning heroics and then there were four: TCU, UCLA, Clemson, & South Carolina.  Check them out today and remember in college baseball no lead is safe, just ask Florida State & Oklahoma.  Tears, only because this is the last year in Rosenblatt, what a great place.

If you have the fever and the only cure is Friday Farewells here you go.

College "Bat"Ball CWS 2010

Mars said to MJ "Its gotta be the Shoes", now with the TCU win in the College World Series the last 5 teams in a row sponsored by Easton have won so... "Its gotta be the Bats".


This strikes the debate as to whether or not one bat vs another is going to provide a competitive edge in College Baseball.  No other single piece of equipment in sports can be chosen specifically by the teams.  You have Easton, Louisville Slugger, Nike, DeMarini as the main players in the College Baseball Bat provider battle.  Personally I have used each brand and the main noted difference to me is how the weight is distributed: some are top heavy, while others more balanced.  The weights and barrel size all have to fit the uniform standard as do the composites of materials used in the bat construction.  We here at the Four6Three will keep a close eye on this matter to hopefully let you know what company you want if you are planning on winning next year!


(As a side not when teams decide to go with Nike, and Easton they usually are then provided with gloves by the companies but that is a matter to be investigated another day.)

Preseason All-American Teams

The Four6Three gives you a sneak peak of what the college football insiders are saying for this coming year.  Our latest sneak peak is for Sporting News and Blue Ribbon Yearbook.  

Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook announced its preseason top-25 rankings this week, which features Boise State as the No. 3 overall team heading into the fall. The only teams earning higher rankings than the Broncos were Ohio State (No. 1) and Alabama (No. 2). Blue Ribbon also honored Boise State junior quarterback Kellen Moore by selecting him as one of five players to be featured on the publication cover. Moore was joined by Mark Ingram (Alabama, RB), Ryan Mallett (Arkansas, QB), Case Keenum (Houston, QB) and Terrelle Pryor (Ohio State, QB).

Ryan Mallett was also voted as Blue Ribbon College Football Offensive Player of the year.  

Sporting News released their preseason All-Americans as well.  They are listed below.

SPORTING NEWS PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN TEAMS

FIRST TEAM OFFENSE

QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas

RB Mark Ingram, Alabama

RB Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh

OL Mike Pouncey, Florida

OL Jason Pinkston, Pittsburgh

OL Rodney Hudson, Florida State

OL Stefan Wisniewski, Penn State

OL Jake Kirkpatrick, TCU

TE Kyle Rudolph, Notre Dame

WR Ryan Broyles, Oklahoma

WR A.J. Green, Georgia

K Kai Forbath, UCLA

KR D.J. Monroe, Texas

 

FIRST TEAM DEFENSE

DL Jared Crick, Nebraska

DL Robert Quinn, North Carolina

DL Von Miller, Texas A&M

DL Adrian Clayborn, Iowa

LB Greg Jones, Michigan State

LB Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

LB Luke Kuechly, Boston College

CB Patrick Peterson, LSU

CB Brandon Harris, Miami

S Rahim Moore, UCLA

S DeAndre McDaniel, Clemson

P Drew Butler, Georgia

PR Greg Reid, Florida State

 

SECOND TEAM OFFENSE

QB Kellen Moore, Boise State

RB LaMichael James, Oregon

RB Jacquizz Rodgers, Oregon State

OL Matt Reynolds, BYU

OL Chase Beeler, Stanford

OL Kyle Hix, Texas

OL Dan Hoch, Missouri

OL Butch Lewis, USC

TE Ben Guidugli, Cincinnati

WR Julio Jones, Alabama

WR Michael Floyd, Notre Dame

K Grant Ressel, Missouri

KR Chris Owusu, Stanford

 

SECOND TEAM DEFENSE

DL Marcell Dareus, Alabama

DL Sam Acho, Texas

DL Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh

DL Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue

LB Akeem Ayers, UCLA

LB Travis Lewis, Oklahoma

LB Don't'a Hightower, Alabama

CB Kendric Burney, North Carolina

CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska

S Mark Barron, Alabama

S Tyler Sash, Iowa

P Tress Way, Oklahoma

PR Jeremy Kerley, TCU

 

THIRD TEAM OFFENSE

QB Case Keenum, Houston

RB Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech

RB John Clay, Wisconsin

OL Caleb Schlauderaff, Utah

OL Anthony Castonzo, Boston College

OL Barrett Jones, Alabama

OL Zach Hurd, Connecticut

OL Clint Boling, Georgia

TE D.J. Williams, Arkansas

WR James Cleveland, Houston

WR Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh

K Alex Henery, Nebraska

KR Tyron Carrier, Houston

 

THIRD TEAM DEFENSE

DL Allen Bailey, Miami

DL Jurrell Casey, USC

DL Cameron Heyward, Ohio State

DL Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma

LB Tank Carder, TCU

LB Lawrence Wilson, Connecticut

LB Kelvin Sheppard, LSU

CB Trevin Wade, Arizona

CB Curtis Brown, Texas

S Jeron Johnson, Boise State

S Deunta Wiliams, North Carolina

P Derek Epperson, Baylor

PR LaVon Brazill, Ohio

Let us know what you think....Tweet us @ Four6Three or leave us a comment.  

Musical Chairs in the NL East

I love the hidden story lines in baseball and the NL East could be shaping out to have some humdingers.  As my grandma has often said its not the music that makes the dance interesting but your square dance partner.

When the Marlins fired manager Fredi Gonzalez today it put into motion another round of musical chairs in the National League East.  Most chair swapping in the past few years has been pretty minor: Billy Wagner goes from the Mets to the Braves, Brian Schnieder goes from Mets to Phillies, Jeff Francoeur goes from Atlanta to New York in exchange for Mets Ryan Church, Manny Acta goes from Mets to Nationals and so on.  However things set in motion could start making this a musical chairs that might actually be interesting: for example Bobby Valentine (beloved former Met skipper) is being interviewed by the Marlins.  Newly fired Fredi Gonzalez is liked by the folks in Atlanta and could be the predecessor to Bobby Cox.  On a more impractical front Cliff Lee who's pitching propelled the Phillies to a World Series could be returning before the trade deadline to possibly the Mets.

Only time will tell if any of these situations will actually pan out but that doesn't stop us from thinking of some awesome situations and rivalries for the future.

IMPLOS`ER?

How do you say Implosion in French? I may not know how to say it, but I sure know what it looks like. It looks like the self destruction of the French national soccer team. This team's World Cup has more drama than the Miss America pageant and even more cat fights.   Some of what they have done is worth noting: fight...check, quit...check, blame others...check, point fingers...check. In fact,  the only things they haven't done since arriving in South Africa is win & practice. Yet despite all of this they still had a chance to make it to the next round. Pardon? Yes it's true the French going in to yesterday could have advanced all they had to do was beat South Africa. LOSE TO HOST NATION... CHECK... KA BOOM! 

Have a nice flight.

Thank You Notes



Thank you South Africa for providing the United States with something to remember the World Cup, the vuvuzela!  (This also lead my wife to ask if they were mowing the lawn during the match.  Priceless!)


Thank you North Korea for the World Cup performance which best illustrates your countries leader (Kim Jun IL) .  Need less to say you came up a bit short.


Thank you Ron Artest for inspiring Mental Hospital patients every where to seek a future in the NBA.  Seriously your post game rant / marketing pitch was the best part of the Finals.


Thank you World Cup referee Koman Coulibaly  for becoming the first World Cup official to be known by name to more than 153 Americans (after costing the USA a win by dismissing the goal).  You deserved your vacation, enjoy your dismissal from the World Cup.


Thank you Pac-10 and Big-12 for overshadowing the NCAA World Series with talks of college football when its not even your season yet.  Seriously its too bad baseball gets the short end of the stick again.


Thank you Lady Gaga for finally giving me something I (Mets Fan) can agree on with a Yankees Fan! "Your Gross" and belong no where near either stadium.


Thank you Stephen Strasburg for proving Public Enemy wrong and letting people actually "Believe the Hype"!


And last but not least Thank you France for being the biggest joke of the World Cup and taking the focus off of England's Goalie.  So nice of you to think of others.

Graeme McDowell, The Nicest Jerk I Never Met

I have become a big fan of the second greatest holiday, Father's Day.  The best is obviously Ground Hog's Day a.k.a. the day of my birth.  This is a recent development due to my child's birth in 2007.  Since then I have had a new appreciation for my own father and have tried to make that day extra special for the both of us.  


After returning from church yesterday we had a nice dinner of fajitas with my father.  Afterwards we opened gifts and then dozed off for our holiday nap in our new snazzy polos.  Everything seemed so perfect.  I woke up to the U.S. Open and thought could this day get any better.  That is when Mr. Graeme McDowell had to go and ruin everything.  


My day was perfectly great and so was my father's until this Irish man decided to fly his dad out to Pebble Beach for Father's Day.  Then as if that wasn't enough he ruined the story of a Cinderella Frenchman winning a qualifier just to get into the tournament and then almost winning except for McDowell.  No, Graeme had to beat the Frenchman along with Tiger, Phil, and Ernie to win the U.S. Open, thus not only giving his dad a vacation, but then winning the United States Open.  Suddenly my dad's new Tom Petty compact disc did not look so hip.  In fact all the presents I have given him for the last 28 years looked ...well LAME!  


Graeme McDowell was funny, well spoken, and an all around nice guy in the interviews thus making me look worse and worse.  Congratulations Graeme on the Open and on RUINING my relationship with my father.  I hope your happy.  Now my dad wants me to win a major not a stupid CD.  Thanks a million, which is probably what you are thinking about trying to spend on your dad's gift for next year.  I knew I should have bought dad socks.

Gaga Boycott!

Help Mike Greenberg from Mike & Mike in the Morning on ESPN Radio to boycott Lady Gaga music because she dresses inappropriately at Mets & Yankees baseball games and makes crude jesters.  If she was anybody else she would have been thrown out of the ball park for her actions.  Since Yankee & Mets brass won't throw her out help Mike Greenberg & the Four6Three throw her off our radios, ipods, and internet.  Just say no to Gaga.

John Wooden Quote of the Day

The John Wooden Quote of the Day for Monday.

"Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do."

Click for more words from the Wizard of Westwood.

Friday Farewells for June 18, 2010

This edition of the Four6Three's Friday Farewells is brought to you by your local World Cup Soccer team, here to help you tie up the competition.  


Farewell:

NBA Season. The Season is over, but it went as long as it possibly could and we are not talking about only game 7 but the six months that are the NBA playoffs.  Seriously the playoffs started April 17th and finished on June 17th.  TWO MONTHS.  Four tears for each year of my life the NBA has taken with its extraordinarily long playoffs. No wonder I don't watch the regular season.

Restraint. Laker fans we get it you hate the Celtics, but booing a 200 year old legend while he is awarding your star the Finals MVP is a little much. I don't care if Bill Russell is your worst enemy you don't boo one of the greatest players ever while he is handing your best player a trophy.  Two tears for the over-exuberance of an entire arena.

Mountain West. University of Utah has left the best Non-BCS conference for the PAC10. The original BCS busters have either Really busted the BCS for good or simply sold out. It makes one wonder if Utah Senator Orin Hatch will continue his crusade against the BCS. Only time will tell. Two sentimental tears for the Utes two BCS victories.

Conference Expansion Rumors. The hottest water cooler or sports radio show topic has been college expansion, but with Itah getting in the Pac-10 all that is behind us right?!? Sure it is unless you are listening to Jerry Jones and the rumors concerning Arkansas & Notre Dame to the Big 12.  So maybe the summer of fun isn't over yet, Arkansas A.D. has said Arkansas is not interested.  Lots of tears. What else am I going to do all summer if the rumors stop, WORK?

Field Goals. In one of the best defensive displays in NBA history or one of the most pathetic offensive performances the Lakers scored 12 out of their last 19 points form the free throw line where even there it looked as though there was a lid on the basket. The Lakers shot 32.5% while the Celtics were on fire shooting 40.8%. Kobe & Ray Allen combined for a 9 for 38 shooting night, which happens to be exactly what I shot at the rec center last week so next week I will be announcing to whoever decides to guard me that I am as good as Allen and Bryant combined. Don't worry I know how peposterous that statement is, my crossover and post game are way better.  Tears YES! I don't mind watching defensive basketball that was fantastic, but somebody mix in a make.  Maybe I am still bitter about the missing years of my life.  


If you can't get enough of Friday Farewells or you need something to cure your depression from the US tie  click here.

John Wooden Quote of the Day

The John Wooden Quote of the Day for Friday.


"Success is never final; failure is never fatal. It's courage that counts."

Click for more words from the Wizard of Westwood.

This week's edition of Friday Farewells coming soon so please fasten your safety restraint and make sure your seatback is in the upright position.

Live Updates: Utes Press Conference

Press Conference has begun and Utah is thanking the MWC for the time they spent in that conference.

They are reviewing the educational and research impacts the new conference change will have.
The last 10 times Utah has played the PAC 10 opponents they are 7-3 and 5-0 at home.
I love the fact they have the PAC 10 microphones on the podium and that it is streaming through the PAC 10 channel.
Governor of Utah is speaking now.  Why I am not exactly sure, but hey everyone loves to celebrate.
Utah just signed and accepted the invitation to join the PAC10!
Commissioner of the PAC 10 is now coming to the podium...
No updates regarding conference alignment from him.  So far just all talk no real information.
A Utah shirt was presented to the PAC 10 from the MUSS ...
Tournament of Roses Parade gave Utah some roses...
Press Conference is now open to questions from the media..
No timetable on when conference alignment will be announced...
BYU will still remain on the schedule is the full intention of Utah...
Utah will be updating sports medicine, training, and other complexes...
Utah will be playing in 2011-2012 academic year!!!!
PAC10 looking at renaming relatively soon.
Over period of three years Utah will become a equal revenue partner...

Utes Are PAC-ing...

       Utah has scheduled a news conference for 1 p.m. MST today in which they will announce their plans to join the PAC 10/12.  Their news conference will shortly be followed by the MWC probably intending to do some damage control.

       So what does this change?  Everything!  Money is a large driver in this deal and it would be foolish to ignore its impact.  Money increases facilities, stadium funds, promotion of the team and many others.  Each of these play a part when it comes to recruiting.  Many recruits being noted on early stories have already stated that the move changes so much that was going into their decision.  Among those impacted are a 4 star recruit and a top 10 running back.  Besides money it will also increase exposure and the ability to play in a automatic qualifying BCS conference.

       Like any move there will probably be some bumps in the road but expect Utah to reap the benefits of "Moving" forward.

John Wooden Quote of the Day

The John Wooden Quote of the Day for Thursday.

"You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one."

Click for more Four6Three quotes of the day from the Wizard of Westwood.

UTES GO PAC-10!

Utah has been officially invited to join the PAC-10!  We need not wait their response to begin the coronation.  Acceptance by Utah is guaranteed as they have expressed interest and would be crazy not to accept.  This makes the MWC addition of Boise State proves not to increase the conferences stature, but does help them maintain status as the best Non-BCS Conference.

The Utes will make it a 12 team PAC-10, that will likely be divided into two divisions.  We think the most sensible solution would be to do a North division with Washington, Washington St., Oregon, Oregon St., Colorado, & Utah.  The South would then include the four California schools and the two Arizona schools. This makes sense and would keep all the regional rivalries together on a yearly schedule, which means the division will probably be something else.

John Wooden Quote of the Day

The John Wooden Quote of the Day for Wednesday.

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."

Click for more Four6Three quotes of the day from the Wizard of Westwood.

John Wooden Quote of the Day

The John Wooden Quote of the Day for Tuesday, June 15, 2010.

"If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?"



Click for more Four6Three quotes of the day from the Wizard of Westwood.

The Big 12 Is Wounded, But Alive

It is official the BIG 12 is alive, but 10. Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma St. are staying, why because they found money in Big 12 country.  There was a lot of rain clouds in Big 12 country last week so what did Commissioner Beebe do?  He went out and searched for the end of the rainbow.  Turns out he found a pot of gold in a reportedly $200 million TV deal with Fox & ESPN/ABC.  Unlike previous finds that lead country folks to head west to Beverly Hills, this Texas Gold is enough to keep the Longhorns and the rest of the Big 12 together minus 2.     

Questions still remain will Utah fill the last spot as the PAC-10?
Is the BIG 12 comfortable being 10 and going without a championship game?

Stay tuned as soon as we know you'll know. 

Winds Shift...New NCAA Conference Updates

Last week it looked like we had seen the end of the Big12.  However in changes Monday made to the television contract of the conference by Big12 Commissioner Dan Beebe it looks as if the remaining 10 schools could stay together.  A new deal could be signed by remaining schools as early as late this afternoon.  If in fact they do remain a conference it would leave the PAC10 to pursue Utah from the Mountain West sources are reporting.  So even after the MWC adds Boise State to boost its strength it could lose its team which has the most BCS success.  The Pac10 would then be launching a conference tv network in 2012.  It's the latest twists from the source that broke the story on college realignment Orangebloods.com .  

John Wooden Quote of the Day

The John Wooden Quote of the Day for Monday.

"Be prepared and be honest."

Click for more Four6Three quotes of the day from the Wizard of Westwood.

Formal Apology

The Four6Three would like to issue a formal apology. The Four6Three prides itself in accurate analysis & honesty devoid of emotion to cloud or slant our judgement. This evening my brother made some negative comments on Twitter about the home plate umpire in the Arizona State vs. Arkansas Super Regional. Those comments were not completely true or accurrate. I am afraid my brother let his emotions get the best of him. In order to be a 100% honest & accurrate I will clarify. ESPN announcers did not complain about calls 10 times, it was atleast 18. They also said the umpiring was "shady". My brother was also far too cruel to state the umpire should be sent to little league. The Four6Three believes that children are the world & the future. In order to make it a brighter day for the children we must not expose them to an umpire like this the pain & suffering could require counseling. Again we would like to apologize & hope that our fans will forgive our mistakes concerning this matter.
Sincerely,
your nonbias emotionally controlled friends @ the Four6Three

Friday Farewells for June 11, 2010

This almost tear-less edition of Friday Farewells is brought to you by the World Cup & South Africa, thanks for inviting us to your party.

Farewell:


Boredom. The powers that be in sports have created the PERFECT STORM of SPORTS this week.  The NHL Stanley Cup was decided this week congrats Blackhawks, the NBA Finals has been terrific, College Baseball Super Regionals start today, NASCAR & MLB continue their seasons, and oh there is this little thing going on in South Africa called the World Cup that happens once every four years.  If you are a sports fan and cannot find anything to watch that you like then you might want to talk to your cable company because whatever your paying is too much.  I will watch some World Cup, College Baseball Super Regionals, & NBA Finals all on the same day. Tears of joy, although by the end of the week they may be tears of pain because my thumb hurts from changing channels so much to catch all the action.  

Big Baby. "I felt like a Beast."  Big Baby Glen Davis is no longer hello Big Beast.  Big Beast & his mini-me Nate Robinson carried the Celtics to a game four NBA Finals victory. Boston's bench outplayed the Laker's starters for almost the entire fourth quarter.  They did it with energy, effort, and emotion.  The latter lead to two technicals, but ultimately neither hurt as the Celtics evened the series.  No Tears. Goodbye Baby, Hello Beast!

Big 12. Colorado and apparently Nebraska will both say so long to the Conference with the most (tied with the SEC) appearances in the BCS Championship Games.  Maybe though Texas getting all the money is no longer tasting as good to these two especially with promises of greener & tastier pastures in the PAC-10 & Big Ten.  Is the Big 12 still salvageable? Absolutely.  If Texas stays it still works.  I know Nebraska is a storied program on the rebound, but they are not what they once were and Colorado has not recovered since the scandals.  Nebraska will be hard to replace, but not irreplaceable.  Tears NOTTA. I have no tears for any BCS conference losing teams or imploding only tears for the WAC losing Boise State.

Indifference.  I have never disliked MLS, but sort of been indifferent to it.  I would watch the occasional game or MLS Cup if nothing else was on.  I attended my first game Wednesday, between Real Salt Lake vs. L.A. Galaxy.  Galaxy were undefeated, notice I said undefeated past tense, thanks to a goal in the 81st minute by Real's Javier Morrales.  The game was about as much fun as a pair of crabs in a bucket (which is a good time trust me).  It was very exciting and the crowd was awesome, not even a 30 minute lightning delay could lower my impression of the what a first rate event the game was.  No tears here only good times and lots of new chants.  

Boise State.  A breaking event the WAC bids farewell to Boise State, which leaves the conference well empty.  The WAC has to be devastated.  It will be interesting to see if Boise State can be as dominant in a far stronger conference.  Tears only a few, because I will have to deal with BYU fans on a consistent basis now, that includes Mark & Martin the Fayetteville Cougars.      

If you can't get enough of Friday Farewells or you need something to do in between innings of the Super Regional action & halves of World Cup Soccer click here.

Boise State On the Move

Boise State will be announced as the next member of the Mountain West Conference on Friday, a source with direct knowledge of the pending move told ESPN's Joe Schad.

MWC commissioner Craig Thompson hinted at an expansion announcement on Thursday amid news of Colorado's move from the Big 12 to the Pac-10.

Obviously this is in response of other conferences gaining teams.  This may also be an effort to try and stop a Utah or BYU from jumping ship and moving to another conference.

For the linked story at ESPN http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/news/story?id=5276064

Also for more College Football News check we will be tweeting as soon as we hear anything further http://twitter.com/TheFour6Three

John Wooden Quote of the Day

The John Wooden Quote of the Day for Friday.

"Never mistake activity for achievement."

Click for more words from the Wizard of Westwood.

This week's edition of Friday Farewells coming soon so please fasten your safety restraint.

John Wooden Quote of the Day

The John Wooden Quote of the Day for Wednesday.

"Adversity is the state in which man mostly easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then."

Click for more words from the Wizard of Westwood.

PAC-10 EXPULSION!

Is the PAC-10 growing in competitiveness or shrinking. Don't get me wrong the conference will grow leaps & bounds if the expansion rumors ultimately are true, but for now the PAC-10 might as well be the Whack-10, no dis on the WAC who at least has a reliable powerhouse team in Boise State. What about USC you say... well thanks to a compliance director's worst nightmare come to life USC will be receiving a post season ban. According to ESPN The USC football program will receive a two-year postseason ban, a reduction in scholarships with reports indicating possibly more than twenty, and a forfeiture of wins from at least the 2004 season. There are also rumors of television bans. It looks like Pete Carroll had John Calipari like timing in leaving town.
To say this hurts the PAC-10 is like saying getting hit with a cannon ball might leave a mark. Anyone have any cannon ball ointment for the PAC-10? Well in fact the Big 12 or what is now the Big 11, 10, 9 .... Let's call it the countdown conference for now. The Countdown Conference has the secret ointment in the form of Texas & four of its closest friends & its step sister (Colorado). This could be just what the Dr. Ordered. In fact speaking of Drs. maybe Pepper will move his sponsorship west as well.

BIG 12 is DEAD!

The Big 12 is no more.  Nebraska has already accepted a deal to go to the Big Ten according to sources.  This means that Missouri is likely to follow.  Texas & Texas A&M are meeting tomorrow to reportedly contemplate a move to the PAC-10 along with Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Colorado & Texas Tech.  What will happen to the rest is left to be seen.

More to come as soon as we have it.

The John Wooden Quote of the Day

The John Wooden Quote of the Day for Wednesday.


"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."


Click for more words from the Wizard of Westwood.

StePhenom

StePhenom Strasburg was well... Phenomenal in his debut.

Sure it is tough to upset a huge favorite, comeback from a big deficit in a game or series, and overcome insurmountable odds and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.  What Stephen Strasburg did Tuesday night may very well be more difficult.  Pitching 7 innings giving up only 4 hits, 2 earned runs, and striking out 14 all while getting the win in his Major League debut? No, although all that was incredibly impressive.  The most difficult thing the young 21 year old did last night was not to throw the ball 100 mph, but to meet the expectations.

Exceeding expectations that is easy.  Now meeting the astronomical expectations when the weight of an entire franchise is on your shoulders and the eyes of a nation are watching, that is truly something special.  And maybe just maybe this young man of Herculean hype can consistently do what few have done before him and what he managed to do tonight and that is the expected.    

Sweet 16 Baseball Style

The Road to Omaha now has just 16 as finally we know the Super Regional Matchups thanks to a little bit of sunshine finally coming out in the Sunshie State.  Miami defeated Texas A&M to claim the last spot today inspite of a rainout yesterday and more rain delays today.  The Super Regional Matchups are as follows:

Friday/Saturday/Sunday Super Regionals (home team listed last):
Miami vs. Florida
Cal St. Fullerton vs. UCLA
Vanderbilt vs. Florida State
TCU vs. Texas

Saturday/Sunday/Monday Super Regionals (home team listed last):

Arkansas vs. Arizona St.
Alabama vs. Clemson
Oklahoma vs. Virginia
South Carolina vs. Coastal Carolina

The stage is set after Monday, hopefully barring a rainout, we will have the CWS lineup.
For more information, start times, and interactive stats etc. go here.

John Wooden Quote of the Day

The John Wooden Quote of the Day... a great way to get your day started.
"Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out."


For a great article by Bill Plaschke from the LA Times on Wooden go here.

Regional Update Part II -- Coastal Moves On

One more moves on to the Super Regional as Coastal Carolina wins a seesaw back and forth affair over College of Charleston.  The Chanticleers took extra innings to pull it off, but they did it and will now host in the state rival, South Carolina Gamecocks, at Myrtle Beach this weekend.  One more down and one more moves on.  We hope that Super Regional is as good as the Regionals.  For complete Regional coverage go to NCAA.com or stay tune to the Four6Three.blogspot.com & our twitter feed.

College Baseball Regional Update

After three days of regional action 8 teams have claimed Super Regional births and 8 spots remain to be decided today.  Those who advanced: Oklahoma, Arizona State, South Carolina, TCU, Texas,  Florida St, UCLA, Florida.
The matchups today for those still fighting for spots include: Arkansas vs. Washington St., Clemson vs. Auburn,
Georgia Tech vs. Alabama, Virginia vs. St. John's, Coastal Carolina vs. College of Charelston, Louisville vs. Vanderbilt, Cal St. Fullerton vs. Minnesota, & Miami vs. Texas A&M.

Eight will advance and eight will go home today.  It is compelling action.  To tune in click here and then click on progress then on the video of the game of your choice.

The Four6Three loves college baseball and loves the Regional & Super Regional action on the way to Omaha.  We also attempt to not have favorites, but just to root on great college baseball action.
GO HOGS! I guess we failed, but it was worth a shot.

John Wooden Quote of the Day

The Four6Three is going to honor John Wooden this month by doing a quote of the day.  This one is one of my favorites because it was said by my coach quite frequently. Rather than let you know what I think it means I will leave it to you.  

"Be quick, but don't hurry."

We Will Miss You Coach

Few people deserve the title of Coach, but Coach John Wooden was certainly deserving.  Coach Wooden passed away this evening and the world is a little dimmer place without him.  Coach was 99 years old and he made the most of them.  As the coach for the UCLA Bruins he won 10 NCAA Championships and at one point won 7 consecutive titles.  Coach Wooden is not only one of the best coaches to ever walk up and down a court he is one of the greatest human beings to walk up and down the street.  Coach we know you were successful and we strive to be also.  Thanks Coach for the things you taught us and the way you lived.     

         

          "Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." John Wooden

Friday Farewells for June 4, 2010

This somber edition of Friday Farewells is brought to you by your local rain cloud.

Farewell:

Ken Griffey Jr.  The most talented player of my generation was also the best player I ever saw in person.  He was largely overshadowed by people like Mark McGwire, Barry Bonds, and others.  Griffey, however, is one of the only superstars not to have the cloud of steroid suspicion.  His retirement was once again overshadowed by a scandal, as the Almost Perfect Game was the same night.  Griffey and his 630 career homeruns is now 40 years old.  It is hard to believe that Junior is no longer the Kid running around with his hat on backwards during batting practice.  His career was slowed by injuries, yet he is still a first-ballot Hall of Famer thanks to the sweetest swing I have ever seen.  Tears...of course! Junior was every young player's idol.


Big 12.  The Pac 10 has supposedly interest in 6 members of the Big 12 Conference including: Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Oklahoma, & Colorado.  Missouri is as good as gone to the Big Ten and Nebraska is supposedly interested.  Texas A&M is rumored to be interested in the SEC.  What does these all mean?  Well it seems no team, except Missouri, wants to be the first to break the ice, but no one wants to be left should someone break that ice.  The rumors will fly and the schools and conference will deny them, but where there is smoke there is fire and the Big 12 is burning, so it is up to the schools whether they will escape the smoke or wait for the flames.  A single sentimental tear drop and a boat load of excitement because the college conference landscape is about to change.

Solid NBA Announcers.  We thought that ABC/ESPN would learn from other networks mistake and not employ obnoxious announcers.  The Four6Three and basketball fans everywhere rejoiced in the streets when Bill Walton called his last game.  Little did we know Walton would be reincarnated to form two small twins.  Mark Hand Down Man Down Jackson, and Jeff Pogo-Stick VanGundy single handily ruined game one of the NBA Finals and I had to retreat to the confines of the car to listen on ESPN Radio, which was great by the way.  I thought, why would you not take the talent on radio and put it on TV and put the morons on radio.  I came up with one solid reason, car wrecks and possible lawsuits resulting from those wrecks.  Tears yes because my ears hurt, but not as bad as my brain.  


If you can't get enough of Friday Farewells or you need something to do in between innings of the Razorback game today click here.

Not So Perfect, But Aren't We All!

Last night, in case you are living in a cave or avoid radios, televisions, and the internet for fear that the government will track you, there was a perfect game...almost.  In the last inning with two outs an innocent ground   to the right side was scooped up by the first baseman who threw the ball to the pitcher covering first.  The runner was out, but Jim Joyce called him safe.  Joyce obviously made a mistake, but it had to stand.  A perfect game was suddenly with one sudden swing of two arms all that was changed.

This game will be remembered for the almost 21st perfect game in major league history lost to a blown call.  However, what it should be remembered for is the game that revealed the true characters of two remarkable individuals.  Jim Joyce has been a major league umpire since 1987 and is highly regarded as one of the best in the game.  Armando Galarraga a young pitcher for the Tigers with his first & likely only shot of his career at a perfect game.  What is remarkable about these two is not who they were or what they did, but how they handled  the imperfection of the almost perfect game.  Jim Joyce owned his mistake something very rare in today's society.  He admitted the wrong.  He apologized. He took responsibility.  Armando Galarraga did something even more rare he forgave.

Joyce cost Galarraga a perfect game because he is human, but because he is better than most he admitted he was wrong and took responsibility.
Galarraga lost something that would have made him live forever in the record books something only a few humans have ever done, but he did something that is against human nature he forgave.

Two individuals that were almost perfect revealed just how close they both might be after all.

College Baseball Home away from Home

The 64 teams have been selected (no crazy 65 like basketball) for this years Road to Omaha. 
The Top 8 National Seeds are:
1: Arizona State
2: Texas
3: Florida
4: Coastal Carolina
5: Virginia
6: UClA
7: Louisville
8: Georgia Tech
All of which are hosting.  The other hosts include Oklahoma, Arkansas, TCU, Miami, South Carolina, Fullerton, Auburn, UConn. 

The controversy surrounds UConn since Florida State is actually the #1 Seed in that bracket and yet UConn gets to host in order to "help grow college baseball."  I understand wanting to help grow college baseball, but Florida State cannot be happy about going all the way to Connecticut to play the lower seeded Huskies.  I think this is a great plan that can be executed when the hosting school does not have an adequate site/facility i.e. Coastal Carolina.  FSU's stadium is great so that is not the case here and as far as growing college baseball, I think the people in Tallahassee would beg to differ.

For the full interactive bracket complete with game times click here.
If you are looking for a printable version to take with you, fill out, and tuck under your pillow at night click here.

SportsLife-- Perspective: A Baseball Story

The crisp cool air refreshed me with every breath. I was trying to control my anxious excitement. I was nervous and if I had doubts, my stomach confirmed it as it churned. I did not mind though, I knew it would not last. It was often curious to me that I could still be anxious about something I had done so many times before. The game was still three hours away yet the nervousness had begun as I jogged across the grass in preparation of my efforts to stretch every muscle. I knew the nervousness would gradually grow from now until it peaked with the crack of the bats in batting practice. It would stay constant from there until it would suddenly evaporate as I dug in for the first pitch. After playing for years in little league and high school still in my sophomore year of collegiate baseball- I was nervous. That nervousness was a constant until over two years later.

The first game of a series seemed always to be the worst. It may have been the different colored uniforms or playing again after two days off. Maybe it was simply the newness of each series, each three or four game set being its own mini season in a way. The series is a true test of who, at any given time, is playing better baseball. Any team can out execute for nine innings but to do it over a series of games truly means something.

Today was like opening day anxiety levels as we started a tournament. A series of sorts- with a different opponent each time out. As I warmed up in batting practice, so did the bright Florida sun. After taking my hacks in the cage, I shed my hitting jacket. I would take another round from the other side of the plate. One of the bonuses and chores of being a switch hitter was you had to hit twice as much. A blessing when things were going well at the plate, a curse when they were going badly. Fortunately, I normally had one swing right most of the time; unfortunately, it seemed seldom that I had them both.

After the cage, I loosened my arm and took some reps of fly balls- not normal for me but today I was out of my normal position of second base. I was playing centerfield due to a teammate’s injury, but it was fine with me. I was comfortable in center field; I played it in summer ball and always enjoyed the chance to switch positions. Fly balls never worried me- they were far easier than groundballs and I could cover ground quickly to get them. The throws, however, did worry me as I was blessed with a second base man’s arm. At the appointed time, a half hour before the first pitch, we took our official infield outfield. After coming in we each prepared in our own way some grabbing some Gatorade, others talking in groups, some silent in the corner of the dugout. Each had his own routine and routine must be kept.

The game began uneventfully with a one, two, three inning. Both teams traded blows and the scoreboard reflected it. Each team threatened and each strived to prevent the game from getting away. Our team pulled away early with a three to nothing lead, but the opponent would fight back. I was playing well in the field with a diving catch and a few other good plays. It was soon the last inning with the score tied at five. After regulation, it was all tied and we went to extras.

The top half of the last inning went without a score. Our leadoff hitter was retired, but with one out my teammate, and friend of mine from my hometown, doubled. Baseball is a game where every advantage must be sought. As I approached the plate, I knew I had to drive in this run. After a pitch high, a strike, and a curveball that I just missed by fouling it over the backstop, I looked out to see my teammate stood on second base with both feet. A small thing- both feet standing on the bag as he checked the outfielders positioning- but it was the key. Both feet on the bag told me that he had the catcher’s signs to the pitcher. The great DaVinci-like code of baseball was cracked. As the code cracker took his lead, he rested his hands on his knees and his index finger slid slightly onto his kneecap. As I stared out at the pitcher in his stretch, I noticed the finger of my teammate on his kneecap. This was my cue- a curve ball was on its way.

As the ball left the lefthanders hand, I focused in on watching its speed and rotation. I was in exact rhythm, thanks to my teammates tip. I waited on the off speed pitch and then exploded. I began to drive my hands forward as I took a stride with my left foot- my eyes still focused on the ball. The contact came- it was solid. I hit the ball squarely on the sweet spot of the bat. As the ball jumped off my bat and headed toward left field I knew if it was not caught, it would score my teammate. As I ran towards first I looked on as the left fielder ran back towards the scoreboard in left center. As he approached the fence, he simply looked up.

I was mobbed at home plate after my quick home run trot. I never could make myself run quite slow enough to seem proper. The only thing I really remember about my quick trip around the bases was a five to my coach at third base and immediately after that looking just behind him to see my family in the stands ecstatic. My parents attended along with my grandparents, my brother, and my sister. That night a big supporter of the team took us all to steak dinner. To hit a walk-off homer was a dream that was finally realized.

Unfortunately, my history with the Bluffton University baseball team did not end here. Three years later in 2007, I would stare at my television with tears in my eyes. Friday March 2, a bus heading south to play in Sarasota once again, was carrying 35 members of the Bluffton baseball team when it tragically took an exit and ran off the overpass. Six were killed including four players. I now prayed for the team I had once fought so fiercely to defeat. A great moment in my life and a dream of mine was now perfectly in perspective. Events and accomplishments are worthwhile, but the things that really matter are people and the relationships we share with them.