BY RUSS REGAN
Well, it was mostly a great week as Major League Baseball got underway, all be it without fans in the stands. The Braves’ start was good as they won two of the three in New York. Then came Monday morning and the news wasn’t as good. A total of 13 Miami Marlins players and the coaches tested positive for the virus. Let’s hope this doesn’t become a pattern for the short season. Also at anytime we should hear from the SEC and the ACC about the non-conference football games from this fall.
The Braves didn’t get off to the best of starts with the bats anyway against the Mets. They lost the opener on Friday 1-0 despite six shutout innings from Mike Soreka.
The news of Friday started rough as catchers Tyler Flowers and Travis D’ Armand were both not feeling well and were left home despite testing negative for the virus.
Saturday wasn’t looking any better as they trailed 2-1 with two outs in the ninth. Newcomer Marcell Ozuna hit an opposite field homer that tied the game at 2-2 and forced the new extra innings, better known as the “International Tie Breaker”, from the softball people. Dansby Swanson got a lead off RBI single to give the Braves the lead and an eventual 5-3 win.
Finally, the bats came alive on Sunday night. They got homers from Swanson, Albreas, Ozuna and a monster 458 shot from Riley in the 14-1 win. Freeman and Acuna still aren’t hitting just yet but it’s early, sort of. An interesting note, all 30 major league teams have a win and a loss after just three games for many teams.
The last time this happened was 1953, Let’s hope things stay on the field and there is very little talk about off the field. Let’s change things a little and talk football. This week the SEC and the ACC are support to make their decisions about the non-conference football schedule. A possibility that there will be a ten game conference schedule and a plus one. That probably means a rival game like Georgia-Georgia Tech or Florida-Florida State. We should hear something no later than Friday.
Finally, there is NFL news. It is now official that there will be no pre-season games this year. Pre-season camp started yesterday (Tuesday) and will be extended. As was the case with baseball, opting out of contracts this year. One rumor says that it is certainly possible that new Falcons running back Todd Gurley could opt out if the NFL policy doesn’t change. We should hear more soon.
Sports - Topics from July, 2020
SPORTS
BY RUSS REGAN
It’s finally here! Major League Baseball will get things underway Thursday with the Nationals and Yankees. The Braves and the Mets start off things Friday in the big apple. It was a good and bad week for the Braves and both had to do with the virus. It was a wild week on the pro golf tour. So let’s start with baseball.
It looks like the long awaited start to major league baseball is going to happen. There was only one major league player that tested positive for the Covid virus and that a great sign but the one was almost officially a Brave. The deal died on the table as the 29 year old outfielder tested positive. Due to top prospect Christian Pache begin out with an ankle injury, the Braves are short on outfielders. One food bat available is former Brave and Cardinal Matt Adams. He would make a real good d.h. and he could play a little first base. The good news for the Braves is that Freddie Freeman looks to be ready to start the season. The All-star first baseman tested positive on July 4 and really had a rough time. His temperature shot over 104 and things looked rough for a few days. He started practicing last Friday so hopefully he will be ready to go.
There was other injury news from the Braves camp and it has to do with two off-season pick-ups. Projected closer Will Smith and return starter Cole Hamills will start the season on the injured list. So that means that rookies Kyle Wright or Ian Anderson could have some early season roles. Mike Soroka has been named opening day starter. Max Fried will go in game two. Sean Newsome and Mile Foltmedicz will be in the rotation as well, but who knows after that. I am sure that Melancon will be the closer for a little while until Will Smith is ready to come back.
Don’t forget that there are two other significant rule changes other that the designated hitter. Extra innings will start with a runner on second, just like softball “International Tie Braker”.
Also, all relief pitchers must face at least three batters each. So no more situational lefties. That’s one rule I really like. The 2020 season should be very interesting!
The pro golf tour had its sixth event with the Memorial tournament at Meerfield Village, better know as “Jack’s Place” right outside of Dubler, Ohio. Pro golf is another that is real odd for me to watch with empty stands. The tournament seemed normal until the weekend and then the course got tough.
The greens were hard, the brush was thick and the wind started to really blow. John Rahn from Spain almost blew an eight shot lead with nine holes to go but he hung on the win by three. He received a two shot penalty when he made his ball move in the rough on the 16th hole. Ironically, he chipped the ball in the hole for what would have been a birdie. He became the new worlds number one player with the win.
During Sundays telecast, tournament host, Jack Nicklaus announced that he and his long time wife Barbara both tested positive for Covid back in March. Fortunately both of them are now healthy and they were at the event this weekend.
It’s finally here! Major League Baseball will get things underway Thursday with the Nationals and Yankees. The Braves and the Mets start off things Friday in the big apple. It was a good and bad week for the Braves and both had to do with the virus. It was a wild week on the pro golf tour. So let’s start with baseball.
It looks like the long awaited start to major league baseball is going to happen. There was only one major league player that tested positive for the Covid virus and that a great sign but the one was almost officially a Brave. The deal died on the table as the 29 year old outfielder tested positive. Due to top prospect Christian Pache begin out with an ankle injury, the Braves are short on outfielders. One food bat available is former Brave and Cardinal Matt Adams. He would make a real good d.h. and he could play a little first base. The good news for the Braves is that Freddie Freeman looks to be ready to start the season. The All-star first baseman tested positive on July 4 and really had a rough time. His temperature shot over 104 and things looked rough for a few days. He started practicing last Friday so hopefully he will be ready to go.
There was other injury news from the Braves camp and it has to do with two off-season pick-ups. Projected closer Will Smith and return starter Cole Hamills will start the season on the injured list. So that means that rookies Kyle Wright or Ian Anderson could have some early season roles. Mike Soroka has been named opening day starter. Max Fried will go in game two. Sean Newsome and Mile Foltmedicz will be in the rotation as well, but who knows after that. I am sure that Melancon will be the closer for a little while until Will Smith is ready to come back.
Don’t forget that there are two other significant rule changes other that the designated hitter. Extra innings will start with a runner on second, just like softball “International Tie Braker”.
Also, all relief pitchers must face at least three batters each. So no more situational lefties. That’s one rule I really like. The 2020 season should be very interesting!
The pro golf tour had its sixth event with the Memorial tournament at Meerfield Village, better know as “Jack’s Place” right outside of Dubler, Ohio. Pro golf is another that is real odd for me to watch with empty stands. The tournament seemed normal until the weekend and then the course got tough.
The greens were hard, the brush was thick and the wind started to really blow. John Rahn from Spain almost blew an eight shot lead with nine holes to go but he hung on the win by three. He received a two shot penalty when he made his ball move in the rough on the 16th hole. Ironically, he chipped the ball in the hole for what would have been a birdie. He became the new worlds number one player with the win.
During Sundays telecast, tournament host, Jack Nicklaus announced that he and his long time wife Barbara both tested positive for Covid back in March. Fortunately both of them are now healthy and they were at the event this weekend.
SPORTS
BY RUSS REGAN
As we near opening day at last, in major league baseball there are still several questions. In Atlanta, the Braves are starting to run a little short on outfielders and then will their first baseman be ready? I think college football will play, but how many games? I feel confident that the NFL will also but how many people will watch it in person?
Let’s start in Atlanta where the Braves are only a week away from starting the sprint that will be the 60 game season.
There has been very little Freddy Freeman talk since he tested positive for Covid-19. I feel pretty certain that he will not be ready for next Friday’s opener against the Mets. I’d still like Adam Duvall to get a chance to start in Freeman’s place. The Braves will be an outfielder short all year and that is for sure. The question is, who will be the fourth outfielder of Ozona, Arena for sure.
The question is who will be the fourth outfielder? I know Pat Riley and Camargo have seen some action out there and Adam Duvall is an established outfielder but keep in mind that there is a designated hitter this season. The one to look out for is top prospect Christian Pace. He is considered one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball period.
The only question is can he hit enough? I think he will get his chance this year. He is on the Braves 40 man roster so I do expect him to get a chance. Also, veteran-starting pitcher Cole Hands is iffy to start the season due to injury. Word is it isn’t Covid related. Hopefully we will have some questions answered in the next week.
Now, for college football. It looks more and more like non-conference games will not be played this fall. The Big 10 and the PAC 10 have already gotten rid of all non-conference games. The SEC hasn’t made a decision just yet, but I think it’s more likely that it will be an all conference schedule. One scenario is that the Dogs would add Arkansas and Mississippi State to the schedule and play a ten all conference season. That would likely mean NO Georgia-Georgia Tech game this year. They have played every year since 1925. I think we will know something for sure real soon.
If you wondered about football independent Notre Dame? I guess for one year, they could play in the ACC, like they do for all other sports or they could play NAVY, also an independent and call the season good.
We will stay on the football field with the pros to wrap up this week. The question is, how many, if any, fans will be allowed to watch games in person.
The first team that has announced is Jacksonville. The Jags said they go with 25 percent capacity or roughly 16,000 fans. That will probably be the new normal for the 2020 season.
The Falcons will probably be in front with 18 to 20 thousand fans.
Finally, did you know that Georgia’s new smash ball team won the 2019 national championship/ They beat Texas A&M 2-0 in sets for the crown.
Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 they didn’t have the spring small ball season.
As we near opening day at last, in major league baseball there are still several questions. In Atlanta, the Braves are starting to run a little short on outfielders and then will their first baseman be ready? I think college football will play, but how many games? I feel confident that the NFL will also but how many people will watch it in person?
Let’s start in Atlanta where the Braves are only a week away from starting the sprint that will be the 60 game season.
There has been very little Freddy Freeman talk since he tested positive for Covid-19. I feel pretty certain that he will not be ready for next Friday’s opener against the Mets. I’d still like Adam Duvall to get a chance to start in Freeman’s place. The Braves will be an outfielder short all year and that is for sure. The question is, who will be the fourth outfielder of Ozona, Arena for sure.
The question is who will be the fourth outfielder? I know Pat Riley and Camargo have seen some action out there and Adam Duvall is an established outfielder but keep in mind that there is a designated hitter this season. The one to look out for is top prospect Christian Pace. He is considered one of the best defensive outfielders in baseball period.
The only question is can he hit enough? I think he will get his chance this year. He is on the Braves 40 man roster so I do expect him to get a chance. Also, veteran-starting pitcher Cole Hands is iffy to start the season due to injury. Word is it isn’t Covid related. Hopefully we will have some questions answered in the next week.
Now, for college football. It looks more and more like non-conference games will not be played this fall. The Big 10 and the PAC 10 have already gotten rid of all non-conference games. The SEC hasn’t made a decision just yet, but I think it’s more likely that it will be an all conference schedule. One scenario is that the Dogs would add Arkansas and Mississippi State to the schedule and play a ten all conference season. That would likely mean NO Georgia-Georgia Tech game this year. They have played every year since 1925. I think we will know something for sure real soon.
If you wondered about football independent Notre Dame? I guess for one year, they could play in the ACC, like they do for all other sports or they could play NAVY, also an independent and call the season good.
We will stay on the football field with the pros to wrap up this week. The question is, how many, if any, fans will be allowed to watch games in person.
The first team that has announced is Jacksonville. The Jags said they go with 25 percent capacity or roughly 16,000 fans. That will probably be the new normal for the 2020 season.
The Falcons will probably be in front with 18 to 20 thousand fans.
Finally, did you know that Georgia’s new smash ball team won the 2019 national championship/ They beat Texas A&M 2-0 in sets for the crown.
Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 they didn’t have the spring small ball season.
SPORTS
BY RUSS REGAN
We are now right at the two-week mark of the 2020 baseball season and the Braves potentially got some bad news. The Bulldogs saw a big recruit go another way. We also see the NFL preseason get cut in half, at least. It wasn’t a great week in Georgia sports but hopefully it will get better. Let’s start with the Braves.
The fourth of July didn’t start well as four players tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. All star first baseman Freddie Freeman and new closer Will Smith were among the four. Touki Touseant and utility infielder Pete Kozma were the other two. The news wasn’t so bad for Smith and Touseant as they were A-symptomatic. The news wasn’t as good for Freeman as he was starting to show symptoms. Let’s hope the all star can make a speedy recovery. If he isn’t ready to start the season, my guess is that Adam Duvall may get his chance to play there for a little while. If he is pressed into action, it will be interesting to see what he can do if he can get some steady bats.
The Braves lost another player that was related to the virus but he wasn’t sick. Starting pitcher Felix Hernandez has opted out of his deal. “The King” has a non-roster invite to spring training and it looked like he was going to make the big league club. It’s too bad because I would have liked to have seen if he had something left in the tank. Braves first base coach Eric Young Sr. also has opted out for the 2020 season. And it’s lead by new Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, David Price. There are a couple of huge names that say they are on the fence. San Francisco catcher, Buster Posey and the game’s best player Mike Trout from the Angels haven’t completely made up their minds.
It was a big day last Tuesday (June 30) for the Bulldogs as the nation remembered one cornerback, Tony Grimes as he was announcing his college decision. The Bulldogs were in his final four with North Carolina, Texas A&M and Ohio State. The consensus had him heading to North Carolina and sure enough he is going to be a Tar Heel. I guess being on a winning team wasn’t his top priority. On a better note, 2021 Bulldog to be Brock Handagriff had a huge pro day at the Elite II quarterback camp. He will be in the mix to have a shot at the starting job in Athens next fall.
There was some NFL news this week. The league has decided to shrink the preseason down to just two games. The players association took things one-step further by rioting to get rid of the preseason games all together. It will be interesting to see where that one winds up.
We are now right at the two-week mark of the 2020 baseball season and the Braves potentially got some bad news. The Bulldogs saw a big recruit go another way. We also see the NFL preseason get cut in half, at least. It wasn’t a great week in Georgia sports but hopefully it will get better. Let’s start with the Braves.
The fourth of July didn’t start well as four players tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. All star first baseman Freddie Freeman and new closer Will Smith were among the four. Touki Touseant and utility infielder Pete Kozma were the other two. The news wasn’t so bad for Smith and Touseant as they were A-symptomatic. The news wasn’t as good for Freeman as he was starting to show symptoms. Let’s hope the all star can make a speedy recovery. If he isn’t ready to start the season, my guess is that Adam Duvall may get his chance to play there for a little while. If he is pressed into action, it will be interesting to see what he can do if he can get some steady bats.
The Braves lost another player that was related to the virus but he wasn’t sick. Starting pitcher Felix Hernandez has opted out of his deal. “The King” has a non-roster invite to spring training and it looked like he was going to make the big league club. It’s too bad because I would have liked to have seen if he had something left in the tank. Braves first base coach Eric Young Sr. also has opted out for the 2020 season. And it’s lead by new Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher, David Price. There are a couple of huge names that say they are on the fence. San Francisco catcher, Buster Posey and the game’s best player Mike Trout from the Angels haven’t completely made up their minds.
It was a big day last Tuesday (June 30) for the Bulldogs as the nation remembered one cornerback, Tony Grimes as he was announcing his college decision. The Bulldogs were in his final four with North Carolina, Texas A&M and Ohio State. The consensus had him heading to North Carolina and sure enough he is going to be a Tar Heel. I guess being on a winning team wasn’t his top priority. On a better note, 2021 Bulldog to be Brock Handagriff had a huge pro day at the Elite II quarterback camp. He will be in the mix to have a shot at the starting job in Athens next fall.
There was some NFL news this week. The league has decided to shrink the preseason down to just two games. The players association took things one-step further by rioting to get rid of the preseason games all together. It will be interesting to see where that one winds up.
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