The official start to the 2019 MLB season is today, Wednesday, March 20, 2019. The league and the players union have agreed to a few rule changes. Most of the changes are in place to speed up the pace of play. Here are the changes that will go into play this season: The first is that there will be just one trade deadline and it is July 31, 2019. Before now, there was an end of August waiver trade deadline but that one is gone. The next one is on the home run derby that is held at the all-star week. There is now a 2.5 million dollar prize pool. The winner will receive one million. That is to try to get the Harper’s Trout and the other big name players in the competition. The number of mound visits per game has been reduced from six to five. That is to speed up the pace of play. The commercials have also been reduced to two minutes.
There are also some pretty big changes that will start in 2020. The regular roster size was increased from 25 to 26 players. Only 13 of the players can be pitchers. A bigger change is on the September 1 increase that will drop from 40 to just 28. Once again only half of those can be pitchers. Another big change in 2020 will be that pitchers must face at least three batters. That hurts the “lefty specialist” a bunch, but it will speed up the pace of play. I do expect the designated hitter to go into effect in a couple of years. It will certainly add offense to the National League games. That will also speed up play, as there won’t be as many pitching changes due to pinch hitters. In the independent league games, MLB has some pretty radical changes that will go into play this year. The home plate umpire will be assisted by a radar system. I do not like the possibility of that at all. There needs to be some human error in the game. Another big one is no mound visits unless there is a pitching change each time. That would not go into effect in an injury situation. I am fine with that one. The sizes of all three bases will go from 15 to 18 inches square. That one is no big deal to me. Another big one is no infield shift. There must be two infielders one each side of second base. That one would really help most lefty hitters that are really played to pull. Some of these independent league experiments are pretty big. Some will probably make it to the big leagues and others won’t.
Now for the Braves, nothing has happened. No trade rumors at all. Folty, Soroka, Minter and O’Day are all expected to start the season on the disabled list. I don’t have high hopes for this team at all. The starters and bullpen both need help. The organization doesn’t seem interested in making this team any better. I will keep my predictions low as I think the Mets, Phillies and Nationals are all better right now. That is subject to change of course with injuries and trades. The organization made great strides last season but they are giving a bunch of them back this year. Let’s hope things change but I hope they don’t make money this year so they will sell this team to a person. I know Mark Cuban has wanted a team for years.
Nothing changed for the Falcons as the league’s “new year” started last week. As expected, the love affair with Coach Quinn and Vic Beasley continues. He will count 12.8 million against the cap this year.
Matt Ryan did defer some of his contract so the team did grab a couple of okay guards that the team needs badly. The move to keep Beasley is a huge risk and he is not worth the gamble
I don’t have high hopes for this team right now. Nice to know you Dan Quinn.
Sports
Sports 03-13-2019
By Joey Marchant
Dodge County began their 3AA Region schedule by hosting the Dublin Irish on March 5th. This is a baseball rivalry that dates back over one hundred twenty years long before the establishment of the two high schools. Old newspaper accounts from the Eastman Times reveal that Eastman’s first baseball club was formed in 1879. The first games were played on the courthouse grounds. By 1898, the towns of Eastman and Dublin had developed quite a rivalry. To put that in perspective, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox did not play their first game until 1901.
In 1948, the Georgia State Baseball League was formed with the Eastman Dodgers being one of six initial teams. In 1949, the Dublin Green Sox (later renamed the Dublin Irish) joined the league, and the rivalry continued. This was a Class D Minor League Baseball League. The league’s most famous former player is Hall of Famer Willie McCovey who played for the Sandersville Giants in 1955 batting .305 and hitting 19 homers at the tender age of 17. Former major leaguer Johnny Vander Meer, most famous for being the only player to throw consecutive no hitters in the majors, managed the Douglas Reds.
In 1950, Dublin finished first in the regular season five games ahead of Eastman, but Eastman took the championship 4 games to 3. Eastman was led at the plate by Ed Hartness who batted .400 and drove in 137 runs that year and on the mound by James Harden who went 22-12 with an ERA of 2.93. However, the most celebrated Dodger through the years has been Jim Harp, who played five seasons with the Dodgers posting a record of 90-50 with an ERA of 2.89. Harp, a native of Thomaston, remained in Eastman after his playing days where he raised his family before passing away in 2016 at the age of 92.
Like a lot of great things from the 1950s, minor league baseball fizzled out in rural Georgia. The Eastman Dodgers folded after the 1953 season. Legion Field grew up with vegetation, and is unrecognizable today. Dublin held on a bit longer. The Georgia State League folded in 1956. Dublin played in the Georgia-Florida League as an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles in 1958. That year, the team was managed by a young Earl Weaver who would go on to become a Hall of Fame Manager with the big league Orioles. Dublin’s final stab at minor league baseball was as an affiliate of the Milwaukee Braves in 1962. Lovett Park fell into disrepair and was torn down in the late 1980s.
But high school baseball lives on in both Eastman and Dublin, and so does the rivalry. Dodge has had the upper hand in recent years as Dublin High’s enrollment has dwindled. This week would be no different. Landin Crummey took the mound for Dodge where he almost went the distance pitching six and two-thirds innings, striking out twelve, while allowing only three hits, issuing two walks and surrendering one unearned run. Dodge defeated the Irish 10-1.
Dublin actually took a 1-0 lead in the first thanks to a two out Dodge error followed by an RBI double. It would remain that way until the bottom of the third. Parker Hardin reached on an error. Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin and promptly stole second. Seth Cossett walked. Brendan O’Connor singled in Johnson tying the game at 1-1.
Dodge broke it open in the fourth. Andrew Lowery walked. Kaden Burse doubled to left giving the Indians runners on second and third with no outs. DJ Bursch reached on an error allowing Lowery to score and Burse to advance to third. Noah Mincey ripped a single to left driving in Burse and moving Bursch to second. Hardin flied out to centerfield. Cossett grounded out to short driving Bursch in. O’Connor singled Mincey home for the 5-1 lead.
Brodie Woodard led off the bottom of the fifth by reaching on an error. The hit and run worked to perfection as Woodard broke for second allowing Lowery to single to center. Woodard was held at second. Burse attempted to move the runners to second and third and was awarded a hit when no one covered first base on his bunt. With the bases loaded, everyone advanced on a wild pitch scoring Woodard. Bursch then hit a sacrifice fly to left scoring Lowery and advancing Burse to third. Mincey then hit a sacrifice fly to center scoring Burse and making it 8-1 Dodge.
O’Connor reached on an error with one out in the sixth. Garrett Durden drove O’Connor in with a triple. Brodie Woodard grounded out driving in Durden making it 10-1 Dodge.
Crummey struck out the first two batters he faced in the top of the seventh before walking the third batter. Garrett Durden came in to record the final out. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows:
Brendan O’Connor was 2 for 4 with two RBI and one run scored. Garrett Durden was 1 for 4 with a triple, one RBI and one run scored. Andrew Lowery was 1 for 4 with one walk and two runs scored. Kaden Burse was 2 for 3 with a double and two runs scored. Noah Mincey was 1 for 2 with two RBI and one run scored.
On March 6th, Dodge traveled to Fitzgerald to face the Purple Hurricanes in a non region contest. Parker Gay took the mound for Dodge. Due to the schedule and a couple of rain outs, Gay was pitching on eleven days rest. While this was good from the standpoint of getting Gay some rest before a crucial stretch of region games, it is not ideal to have such a long layoff between appearances and often can affect a pitcher’s control. As expected, Gay did not have his best stuff. His strikeouts were down, and his walks were up by Gay’s standards. However, he still went the distance and pitched well enough for Dodge to have a shot at winning the game. Gay went six innings striking out two and issuing six bases on balls while hitting one batter. However, Gay only allowed three hits. He surrendered five runs in a 5-4 loss to the Canes. At times, the Dodge defense was brilliant. However, there was one costly error.
Dodge took an early 1-0 lead when Brodie Woodard reached on an error with two outs and Andrew Lowery singled putting runners at first and third. With Kaden Burse at the plate, Coach Herring signaled for Lowery to break for second before the pitch and intentionally get caught in a rundown hoping to score Woodard from third. The Canes could not resist going after Lowery who was obstructed by the first baseman who did not have the ball. By rule, Lowery was called safe at first, and Woodard scored on the play. Dodge then had some bad luck trying to hit and run. Kaden Burse hit what would have been a base hit up the middle, but with Lowery running, the second baseman headed toward the bag and was in perfect position to field the ground ball and step on second for the force.
Fitzgerald went in order in the first, which was highlighted by a diving stop by Noah Mincey at first base who got up to throw to Gay covering first base for the out.
Dodge went in order in the second. Gay walked two batters in the bottom of the second, but he worked around those. The key to the inning was Woodard fielding a one out ground ball in the hole at short. There was a runner on second, and Woodard had almost no chance to get the batter at first. Instead, he threw behind the runner at second to Garrett Durden. The runner had no choice but to head for third where he was tagged by Burse for the easy out.
Brendan O’Connor walked and stole second in the third. Woodard singled, but O’Connor was thrown out at the plate for the third out. Fitzgerald got to Gay in the bottom of the third. A leadoff walk, a sacrifice bunt, and an infield hit gave the Canes runners at second and third with one out. A Dodge fielding error allowed a run to score. Another walk loaded the bases. Gay then issued a third walk in the inning forcing a run home. With the bases still loaded, Gay induced a ground ball to Burse who stepped on third base for the force, but another run scored. Gay got the next batter to fly out to center to end the inning. Fitzgerald led 3-1.
Dodge battled back in the fourth. Burse reached on an error. DJ Bursch singled giving Dodge runners at first and second. Both advanced on a wild pitch. Another wild pitch scored Burse cutting the lead to 4-3 Canes. Fitzgerald went in order in the bottom of the fourth.
Neither team scored in the fifth. Dodge went quietly in the sixth. Fitzgerald tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth on a hit batsman, a sacrifice bunt, and a base hit making it 5-3 Canes. O’Connor, an infielder his whole life, made a diving catch to end the inning in left field where the coaching staff is looking for solid defense. Durden who has been the designated hitter during the early part of the season was flawless at second in place of O’Connor.
Dodge was down to their last out in the seventh when Hardin walked. Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. Johnson moved to second on a wild pitch. Then O’Connor doubled down the right field line scoring Johnson to cut the deficit to 5-4. Dodge had the tying run at second, but could not drive him in dropping this one to Fitzgerald. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was 1 for 3 with a double, one RBI, and one stolen base. Brodie Woodard was 1 for 3 with one run scored. Andrew Lowery was 1 for 3. DJ Bursch was 2 for 3.
On March 8th, Dodge visited Dublin to face the Irish. Brodie Woodard started on the mound for Dodge. He went the distance scattering three hits over five innings striking out six and walking two to earn his first win of the season in a 13-0 Dodge victory.
Dodge wasted no time getting on the board in the first. Brendan O’Connor and Garrett Durden each walked. Woodard singled to left scoring O’Connor. Noah Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Woodard. DJ Bursch walked to load the bases. Andrew Lowery doubled driving in Durden and Cummings. Kaden Burse hit a sacrifice fly to left scoring Bursch. Noah Mincey singled scoring Lowery. Parker Harden singled scoring Mincey. Landin Crummey entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. Seth Cossett doubled home Crummey. When the dust settled, Dodge led 7-0 after one.
Timmy Johnson made a diving catch in left to end the bottom of the first with Dodge still leading 7-0.
Dodge tacked on a run in the second when Bursch walked, went to second on a balk, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly by Lowery making it 8-0 Dodge.
Dodge tacked on another run in the third when Hardin was hit by a pitch, moved to second on a passed ball and advanced to third on a wild pitch. O’Connor grounded out, but drove in Hardin making it 9-0 Dodge.
Dodge added three more runs in the fourth. Lowery had a base hit, but he was erased when Burse hit into a fielder’s choice. Mincey had a base hit advancing Burse to third. Hardin was again hit by a pitch to load the bases. Crummey entered for Hardin as a courtesy runner. Cossett was hit by a pitch plating Burse. O’Connor was then hit by a pitch plating Mincey. Durden was walked plating Crummey. Dodge led 12-0.
Dodge would add a final run in the fifth when Roper Weathersbee walked and stole second. Weathersbee went to third on a wild pitch. After a fly out by Dodge, Cummings walked. Macky Rowland then doubled to left scoring Weathersbee to cap the scoring.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brodie Woodard was 1 for 4 with one RBI and one run scored. Andrew Lowery was 2 for 2 with a double, three RBI and one run scored. Noah Mincey was 2 for 3 with two runs scored. Parker Hardin was 1 for 1 reaching twice on a hit batsman with an RBI and a run scored. Seth Cossett was 1 for 1 with a double, a walk and reached on a hit batsman with two RBI and a stolen base.
Dodge (5-2) was to host West Laurens (9-3) on March 11th for a non region game and travel to Bleckley (6-6) on March 12th for a region game, but no results were available at press time. This will be a huge week in region play as Dodge will also host Bleckley on the March 15th. Both teams are thought to be among the best in the region, and both enter the week 2-0 in region play.
By Mary Beth Dopson
Continuing a strong season, the Dodge County High School tennis teams defeated their sixth opponent, Dublin City, on March 5th. Both the boy’s and the girl’s teams were victorious in their region match.
The girl’s team won 4-1 against the Dublin Irish. No.1 singles for the girls, Mary Beth Dopson, won a great match with a score of 6-1, 6-4. No. 3 singles, Mattie Grace Hutcheson, conquered her opponent in a quick match winning 6-2, 6-0. No.1 doubles team, Abby Christian Manning and Abbey Manning, won with ease at 6-1, 6-0. No.2 doubles team, Olivia Cranford and Precious Coleman, also pulled out a great win.
The boy’s team reigned victorious with a 4-1 win over the Dublin Irish. No.1 singles, Jaret Underwood, dominated the court with a 6-1, 6-0 win. No.2 singles, Nathan Newman, won with an awesome score of 6-3, 6-4. No.3 singles, Dane Hardin, also defeated his opponent. No.1 doubles team, Jason Peterson and Orlanda Brown, had a strong match win of 6-1, 6-4.
The Indians will compete against Bleckley on Tuesday, March 12th and Telfair on Wednesday, March 13th at home.
By Joey Marchant
Dodge’s junior varsity team continued its season last week losing to West Laurens and defeating Rutland High of Macon to even their season record at 2 wins, 2 loses and 1 tie. Dodge hosted West Laurens on February 26th in another junior varsity game that would be decided by a single run. Dodge had previously lost one run games to Irwin and Fitzgerald.
Austin Cannon started on the mound for Dodge holding West Laurens scoreless through five innings. Dodge built a 2-0 lead going to the sixth, but West Laurens took a 3-2 lead in the sixth. West Laurens added two more runs in the top of the seventh to lead 5-2.
Dodge loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Kade Harpe drilled one to deep leftfield on what appeared to be a game tying double. However, the runner representing the game tying run fell rounding third base and had to retreat. Dodge could not get the tying run in and lost this one 5-4.
Dodge looked to bounce back at home on March 7th against the Rutland Hurricanes. Tyler Shields started on the mound for Dodge and went the distance scattering five hits over five innings with one walk and one hit batsman. He gave up three runs and struck out nine batters.
Shields was strong through the first four innings holding Rutland scoreless.
Dodge got on the scoreboard in the second. Macky Rowland reached on an error. Brady Moore singled advancing Rowland to third. Aren Barden entered as a courtesy runner for Moore. Griffin Durden singled scoring Rowland and advancing Barden to second. Barden stole third base and later scored on a wild pitch.
Trase Moore hit an absolute rocket which deflected off the pitcher’s glove. Moore was safe at first as Durden scored from third giving Dodge a 3-0 lead after two.
Dodge continued to score in the third. Kade Harpe reached on an error. Noah Cummings singled to left advancing Harpe to second. Rowland singled driving in Harpe and advancing Cummings to third. Rowland took second on the throw home. Brady Moore reached on an error allowing Cummings to score. Barden entered as a courtesy runner for Moore and stole second. Gage Pitman singled scoring Rowland and Barden to make it 7-0 Dodge.
Dodge added to the lead in the fourth. Davis Marchant hit a bloop single. Harpe grounded out to short while Marchant alertly took second and third as the first baseman held the ball. Cummings walked. Rowland singled to left to score Marchant. Brady Moore singled to left to score Cummings and advance Rowland to second. Barden entered as a courtesy runner for Moore. Durden doubled scoring Rowland and advancing Barden to third. Gage Pittman reached on an error by the shortstop, which also allowed Barden and Durden to score. Marchant singled in Pittman making it 13-0 Dodge.
Rutland would score three runs of their own in the seventh, but Dodge won by a final score of 13-3. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Trase Moore was 1 for 3 with one RBI and one stolen base. Davis Marchant was 3 for 4 with one RBI, one run scored and one stolen base. Noah Cummings was 1 for 2 with two runs scored and one walk. Macky Rowland was 2 for 3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Brady Moore was 2 for 3 with one RBI. Griffin Durden was 2 for 3 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored. Gage Pittman was 1 for 3 with two RBI and one run scored. Aren Barden stole two bases and scored three runs.
Dodge JV was scheduled to travel to Bleckley County to face the Royals on March 12th, but no results were available at press time. Dodge JV will be at West Laurens on March 13th at 5:30 pm. Dodge will host Vidalia on March 18th in a double header consisting of two five inning games scheduled to start at 4:00 pm.
Dodge County began their 3AA Region schedule by hosting the Dublin Irish on March 5th. This is a baseball rivalry that dates back over one hundred twenty years long before the establishment of the two high schools. Old newspaper accounts from the Eastman Times reveal that Eastman’s first baseball club was formed in 1879. The first games were played on the courthouse grounds. By 1898, the towns of Eastman and Dublin had developed quite a rivalry. To put that in perspective, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox did not play their first game until 1901.
In 1948, the Georgia State Baseball League was formed with the Eastman Dodgers being one of six initial teams. In 1949, the Dublin Green Sox (later renamed the Dublin Irish) joined the league, and the rivalry continued. This was a Class D Minor League Baseball League. The league’s most famous former player is Hall of Famer Willie McCovey who played for the Sandersville Giants in 1955 batting .305 and hitting 19 homers at the tender age of 17. Former major leaguer Johnny Vander Meer, most famous for being the only player to throw consecutive no hitters in the majors, managed the Douglas Reds.
In 1950, Dublin finished first in the regular season five games ahead of Eastman, but Eastman took the championship 4 games to 3. Eastman was led at the plate by Ed Hartness who batted .400 and drove in 137 runs that year and on the mound by James Harden who went 22-12 with an ERA of 2.93. However, the most celebrated Dodger through the years has been Jim Harp, who played five seasons with the Dodgers posting a record of 90-50 with an ERA of 2.89. Harp, a native of Thomaston, remained in Eastman after his playing days where he raised his family before passing away in 2016 at the age of 92.
Like a lot of great things from the 1950s, minor league baseball fizzled out in rural Georgia. The Eastman Dodgers folded after the 1953 season. Legion Field grew up with vegetation, and is unrecognizable today. Dublin held on a bit longer. The Georgia State League folded in 1956. Dublin played in the Georgia-Florida League as an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles in 1958. That year, the team was managed by a young Earl Weaver who would go on to become a Hall of Fame Manager with the big league Orioles. Dublin’s final stab at minor league baseball was as an affiliate of the Milwaukee Braves in 1962. Lovett Park fell into disrepair and was torn down in the late 1980s.
But high school baseball lives on in both Eastman and Dublin, and so does the rivalry. Dodge has had the upper hand in recent years as Dublin High’s enrollment has dwindled. This week would be no different. Landin Crummey took the mound for Dodge where he almost went the distance pitching six and two-thirds innings, striking out twelve, while allowing only three hits, issuing two walks and surrendering one unearned run. Dodge defeated the Irish 10-1.
Dublin actually took a 1-0 lead in the first thanks to a two out Dodge error followed by an RBI double. It would remain that way until the bottom of the third. Parker Hardin reached on an error. Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin and promptly stole second. Seth Cossett walked. Brendan O’Connor singled in Johnson tying the game at 1-1.
Dodge broke it open in the fourth. Andrew Lowery walked. Kaden Burse doubled to left giving the Indians runners on second and third with no outs. DJ Bursch reached on an error allowing Lowery to score and Burse to advance to third. Noah Mincey ripped a single to left driving in Burse and moving Bursch to second. Hardin flied out to centerfield. Cossett grounded out to short driving Bursch in. O’Connor singled Mincey home for the 5-1 lead.
Brodie Woodard led off the bottom of the fifth by reaching on an error. The hit and run worked to perfection as Woodard broke for second allowing Lowery to single to center. Woodard was held at second. Burse attempted to move the runners to second and third and was awarded a hit when no one covered first base on his bunt. With the bases loaded, everyone advanced on a wild pitch scoring Woodard. Bursch then hit a sacrifice fly to left scoring Lowery and advancing Burse to third. Mincey then hit a sacrifice fly to center scoring Burse and making it 8-1 Dodge.
O’Connor reached on an error with one out in the sixth. Garrett Durden drove O’Connor in with a triple. Brodie Woodard grounded out driving in Durden making it 10-1 Dodge.
Crummey struck out the first two batters he faced in the top of the seventh before walking the third batter. Garrett Durden came in to record the final out. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows:
Brendan O’Connor was 2 for 4 with two RBI and one run scored. Garrett Durden was 1 for 4 with a triple, one RBI and one run scored. Andrew Lowery was 1 for 4 with one walk and two runs scored. Kaden Burse was 2 for 3 with a double and two runs scored. Noah Mincey was 1 for 2 with two RBI and one run scored.
On March 6th, Dodge traveled to Fitzgerald to face the Purple Hurricanes in a non region contest. Parker Gay took the mound for Dodge. Due to the schedule and a couple of rain outs, Gay was pitching on eleven days rest. While this was good from the standpoint of getting Gay some rest before a crucial stretch of region games, it is not ideal to have such a long layoff between appearances and often can affect a pitcher’s control. As expected, Gay did not have his best stuff. His strikeouts were down, and his walks were up by Gay’s standards. However, he still went the distance and pitched well enough for Dodge to have a shot at winning the game. Gay went six innings striking out two and issuing six bases on balls while hitting one batter. However, Gay only allowed three hits. He surrendered five runs in a 5-4 loss to the Canes. At times, the Dodge defense was brilliant. However, there was one costly error.
Dodge took an early 1-0 lead when Brodie Woodard reached on an error with two outs and Andrew Lowery singled putting runners at first and third. With Kaden Burse at the plate, Coach Herring signaled for Lowery to break for second before the pitch and intentionally get caught in a rundown hoping to score Woodard from third. The Canes could not resist going after Lowery who was obstructed by the first baseman who did not have the ball. By rule, Lowery was called safe at first, and Woodard scored on the play. Dodge then had some bad luck trying to hit and run. Kaden Burse hit what would have been a base hit up the middle, but with Lowery running, the second baseman headed toward the bag and was in perfect position to field the ground ball and step on second for the force.
Fitzgerald went in order in the first, which was highlighted by a diving stop by Noah Mincey at first base who got up to throw to Gay covering first base for the out.
Dodge went in order in the second. Gay walked two batters in the bottom of the second, but he worked around those. The key to the inning was Woodard fielding a one out ground ball in the hole at short. There was a runner on second, and Woodard had almost no chance to get the batter at first. Instead, he threw behind the runner at second to Garrett Durden. The runner had no choice but to head for third where he was tagged by Burse for the easy out.
Brendan O’Connor walked and stole second in the third. Woodard singled, but O’Connor was thrown out at the plate for the third out. Fitzgerald got to Gay in the bottom of the third. A leadoff walk, a sacrifice bunt, and an infield hit gave the Canes runners at second and third with one out. A Dodge fielding error allowed a run to score. Another walk loaded the bases. Gay then issued a third walk in the inning forcing a run home. With the bases still loaded, Gay induced a ground ball to Burse who stepped on third base for the force, but another run scored. Gay got the next batter to fly out to center to end the inning. Fitzgerald led 3-1.
Dodge battled back in the fourth. Burse reached on an error. DJ Bursch singled giving Dodge runners at first and second. Both advanced on a wild pitch. Another wild pitch scored Burse cutting the lead to 4-3 Canes. Fitzgerald went in order in the bottom of the fourth.
Neither team scored in the fifth. Dodge went quietly in the sixth. Fitzgerald tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth on a hit batsman, a sacrifice bunt, and a base hit making it 5-3 Canes. O’Connor, an infielder his whole life, made a diving catch to end the inning in left field where the coaching staff is looking for solid defense. Durden who has been the designated hitter during the early part of the season was flawless at second in place of O’Connor.
Dodge was down to their last out in the seventh when Hardin walked. Timmy Johnson entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. Johnson moved to second on a wild pitch. Then O’Connor doubled down the right field line scoring Johnson to cut the deficit to 5-4. Dodge had the tying run at second, but could not drive him in dropping this one to Fitzgerald. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was 1 for 3 with a double, one RBI, and one stolen base. Brodie Woodard was 1 for 3 with one run scored. Andrew Lowery was 1 for 3. DJ Bursch was 2 for 3.
On March 8th, Dodge visited Dublin to face the Irish. Brodie Woodard started on the mound for Dodge. He went the distance scattering three hits over five innings striking out six and walking two to earn his first win of the season in a 13-0 Dodge victory.
Dodge wasted no time getting on the board in the first. Brendan O’Connor and Garrett Durden each walked. Woodard singled to left scoring O’Connor. Noah Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Woodard. DJ Bursch walked to load the bases. Andrew Lowery doubled driving in Durden and Cummings. Kaden Burse hit a sacrifice fly to left scoring Bursch. Noah Mincey singled scoring Lowery. Parker Harden singled scoring Mincey. Landin Crummey entered as a courtesy runner for Hardin. Seth Cossett doubled home Crummey. When the dust settled, Dodge led 7-0 after one.
Timmy Johnson made a diving catch in left to end the bottom of the first with Dodge still leading 7-0.
Dodge tacked on a run in the second when Bursch walked, went to second on a balk, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly by Lowery making it 8-0 Dodge.
Dodge tacked on another run in the third when Hardin was hit by a pitch, moved to second on a passed ball and advanced to third on a wild pitch. O’Connor grounded out, but drove in Hardin making it 9-0 Dodge.
Dodge added three more runs in the fourth. Lowery had a base hit, but he was erased when Burse hit into a fielder’s choice. Mincey had a base hit advancing Burse to third. Hardin was again hit by a pitch to load the bases. Crummey entered for Hardin as a courtesy runner. Cossett was hit by a pitch plating Burse. O’Connor was then hit by a pitch plating Mincey. Durden was walked plating Crummey. Dodge led 12-0.
Dodge would add a final run in the fifth when Roper Weathersbee walked and stole second. Weathersbee went to third on a wild pitch. After a fly out by Dodge, Cummings walked. Macky Rowland then doubled to left scoring Weathersbee to cap the scoring.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brodie Woodard was 1 for 4 with one RBI and one run scored. Andrew Lowery was 2 for 2 with a double, three RBI and one run scored. Noah Mincey was 2 for 3 with two runs scored. Parker Hardin was 1 for 1 reaching twice on a hit batsman with an RBI and a run scored. Seth Cossett was 1 for 1 with a double, a walk and reached on a hit batsman with two RBI and a stolen base.
Dodge (5-2) was to host West Laurens (9-3) on March 11th for a non region game and travel to Bleckley (6-6) on March 12th for a region game, but no results were available at press time. This will be a huge week in region play as Dodge will also host Bleckley on the March 15th. Both teams are thought to be among the best in the region, and both enter the week 2-0 in region play.
By Mary Beth Dopson
Continuing a strong season, the Dodge County High School tennis teams defeated their sixth opponent, Dublin City, on March 5th. Both the boy’s and the girl’s teams were victorious in their region match.
The girl’s team won 4-1 against the Dublin Irish. No.1 singles for the girls, Mary Beth Dopson, won a great match with a score of 6-1, 6-4. No. 3 singles, Mattie Grace Hutcheson, conquered her opponent in a quick match winning 6-2, 6-0. No.1 doubles team, Abby Christian Manning and Abbey Manning, won with ease at 6-1, 6-0. No.2 doubles team, Olivia Cranford and Precious Coleman, also pulled out a great win.
The boy’s team reigned victorious with a 4-1 win over the Dublin Irish. No.1 singles, Jaret Underwood, dominated the court with a 6-1, 6-0 win. No.2 singles, Nathan Newman, won with an awesome score of 6-3, 6-4. No.3 singles, Dane Hardin, also defeated his opponent. No.1 doubles team, Jason Peterson and Orlanda Brown, had a strong match win of 6-1, 6-4.
The Indians will compete against Bleckley on Tuesday, March 12th and Telfair on Wednesday, March 13th at home.
By Joey Marchant
Dodge’s junior varsity team continued its season last week losing to West Laurens and defeating Rutland High of Macon to even their season record at 2 wins, 2 loses and 1 tie. Dodge hosted West Laurens on February 26th in another junior varsity game that would be decided by a single run. Dodge had previously lost one run games to Irwin and Fitzgerald.
Austin Cannon started on the mound for Dodge holding West Laurens scoreless through five innings. Dodge built a 2-0 lead going to the sixth, but West Laurens took a 3-2 lead in the sixth. West Laurens added two more runs in the top of the seventh to lead 5-2.
Dodge loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Kade Harpe drilled one to deep leftfield on what appeared to be a game tying double. However, the runner representing the game tying run fell rounding third base and had to retreat. Dodge could not get the tying run in and lost this one 5-4.
Dodge looked to bounce back at home on March 7th against the Rutland Hurricanes. Tyler Shields started on the mound for Dodge and went the distance scattering five hits over five innings with one walk and one hit batsman. He gave up three runs and struck out nine batters.
Shields was strong through the first four innings holding Rutland scoreless.
Dodge got on the scoreboard in the second. Macky Rowland reached on an error. Brady Moore singled advancing Rowland to third. Aren Barden entered as a courtesy runner for Moore. Griffin Durden singled scoring Rowland and advancing Barden to second. Barden stole third base and later scored on a wild pitch.
Trase Moore hit an absolute rocket which deflected off the pitcher’s glove. Moore was safe at first as Durden scored from third giving Dodge a 3-0 lead after two.
Dodge continued to score in the third. Kade Harpe reached on an error. Noah Cummings singled to left advancing Harpe to second. Rowland singled driving in Harpe and advancing Cummings to third. Rowland took second on the throw home. Brady Moore reached on an error allowing Cummings to score. Barden entered as a courtesy runner for Moore and stole second. Gage Pitman singled scoring Rowland and Barden to make it 7-0 Dodge.
Dodge added to the lead in the fourth. Davis Marchant hit a bloop single. Harpe grounded out to short while Marchant alertly took second and third as the first baseman held the ball. Cummings walked. Rowland singled to left to score Marchant. Brady Moore singled to left to score Cummings and advance Rowland to second. Barden entered as a courtesy runner for Moore. Durden doubled scoring Rowland and advancing Barden to third. Gage Pittman reached on an error by the shortstop, which also allowed Barden and Durden to score. Marchant singled in Pittman making it 13-0 Dodge.
Rutland would score three runs of their own in the seventh, but Dodge won by a final score of 13-3. Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Trase Moore was 1 for 3 with one RBI and one stolen base. Davis Marchant was 3 for 4 with one RBI, one run scored and one stolen base. Noah Cummings was 1 for 2 with two runs scored and one walk. Macky Rowland was 2 for 3 with two RBI and two runs scored. Brady Moore was 2 for 3 with one RBI. Griffin Durden was 2 for 3 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored. Gage Pittman was 1 for 3 with two RBI and one run scored. Aren Barden stole two bases and scored three runs.
Dodge JV was scheduled to travel to Bleckley County to face the Royals on March 12th, but no results were available at press time. Dodge JV will be at West Laurens on March 13th at 5:30 pm. Dodge will host Vidalia on March 18th in a double header consisting of two five inning games scheduled to start at 4:00 pm.
Russ's Sports Review
Many years ago, Sports Illustrated did a story called “Loserville”. All the Atlanta teams were not good. The Braves were still in the young days of the Ted Turner ownership. The Falcons were owned by Rankin Smith and family and were going nowhere. The Hawks were honestly boring and were a .500 team. The Atlanta hockey team, the Flames, were not bad but they did not have a championship until they moved to Calgary.
Now what does that have to do with today’s teams? Unfortunately, more than you can imagine. Let’s start with the Braves. They caught lightning in a bottle in 2018. They won better than 90 games as they shocked the world, myself included, as they won the East with ease. Then ownership made the biggest mistake possible; they talked about their off season plans in public. They told the world they made a 97 million dollar profit. They also said they would be in on any free agent and that included Harper and Machado. Things started pretty good as Josh Donaldson was picked to a one year deal. Okay. A good start. On the very next day, they brought home Brian McCann. The move was fine but I really don’t think he has a bunch left in the tank. Then everything went silent. This was a team that didn’t have a right fielder, the starting pitcher needed an ace and the bullpen needed some help as well. That’s fine. There was plenty of money to spend, right? Suddenly, they said the money was not available. Did Liberty bet against Brady in the Super Bowl? Man that would be stupid. Surely the franchise wouldn’t go after Nick Markakis, would they? These owners would and eventually did so. As things stand now, the payroll is actually LOWER than last year. Granted things could change as Kimbrel and Kuechel are still on the market, but there has been little talk.
Okay, did the rest of the National League East get better? Let’s go team by team. First the Nationals. They did lose Harper but they got Patrick Corbin to go in the rotation to go along with Scherzer and Strausberg The offense may be not as good but the pitching is better. A lot rides on the Mets’ pitcher’s health. If DeGrom and Wheeler are healthy, they will be pretty good. They added Edwin Diaz as the closer. If Robinson Cano comes back to his old form, they can challenge for the wild card. Then there’s the Phillies. They said they would spend “stupid money”. They added Segura to play short, McCutchen in left and J.T. Realmuto at catcher. Then they broke the bank by getting Bryce Harper. If they have a weakness, it’s that they have little depth in the rotation and bullpen. They are looking into Kuechel and Kimbrel on short term deals. Anything can happen but I think the Braves are the number four team in the division. Thank you Marlins. My fellow Braves fans, we have been stabbed in the back by ownership. I will be the first to admit if I am proven wrong. The season starts in Philly against Harper and the Phillies.
Good news Falcon fans. They aren’t afraid to spend money. They just don’t know how to do it. Last Wednesday, the team answered that they will keep defensive end Vic Beasley, even if it means keeping him at his 12.8 million dollar option. That will prove to be a disaster. The problem is defense tackle Grady Jarrett is a free agent, if Beasley is kept and they have until March 13th to undo it. On Monday, the franchise tag was put on Jarrett. That means Jarrett will sign a 15.2 million dollar deal. He can’t sign a long term deal until July 15th. That pretty much takes care of the salary cap for the 2019 season. Things can change in the blink of an eye and for the Bird’s sake, I hope so. Dan Quinn’s job will be on the line this year.
There is one pro team that I have confidence in for the future in Atlanta and that is the Hawks. I know they stunk this year but they are doing things the right way. The draft night trade that brought Trae Young to the Hawks didn’t look very good for a while. I know that Doncic is very good but he isn’t that much better than Young. The Hawks are 22-43 and going nowhere this year but if they draft well over the next couple of years, they will be okay.
Have the Falcons peaked under Quinn and company? Was last year’s Braves season a fluke? Can the Hawks recover? I hope things stop short of Loserville again.
On a happy note, it was a really good weekend for the UGA football program. They got four star quarterback Carson Beck out of the blue, as many say, he was a lock to join Florida. They also grabbed wide receiver Justin Robinson. Their 2020 class just got a lot better in a hurry!
Now what does that have to do with today’s teams? Unfortunately, more than you can imagine. Let’s start with the Braves. They caught lightning in a bottle in 2018. They won better than 90 games as they shocked the world, myself included, as they won the East with ease. Then ownership made the biggest mistake possible; they talked about their off season plans in public. They told the world they made a 97 million dollar profit. They also said they would be in on any free agent and that included Harper and Machado. Things started pretty good as Josh Donaldson was picked to a one year deal. Okay. A good start. On the very next day, they brought home Brian McCann. The move was fine but I really don’t think he has a bunch left in the tank. Then everything went silent. This was a team that didn’t have a right fielder, the starting pitcher needed an ace and the bullpen needed some help as well. That’s fine. There was plenty of money to spend, right? Suddenly, they said the money was not available. Did Liberty bet against Brady in the Super Bowl? Man that would be stupid. Surely the franchise wouldn’t go after Nick Markakis, would they? These owners would and eventually did so. As things stand now, the payroll is actually LOWER than last year. Granted things could change as Kimbrel and Kuechel are still on the market, but there has been little talk.
Okay, did the rest of the National League East get better? Let’s go team by team. First the Nationals. They did lose Harper but they got Patrick Corbin to go in the rotation to go along with Scherzer and Strausberg The offense may be not as good but the pitching is better. A lot rides on the Mets’ pitcher’s health. If DeGrom and Wheeler are healthy, they will be pretty good. They added Edwin Diaz as the closer. If Robinson Cano comes back to his old form, they can challenge for the wild card. Then there’s the Phillies. They said they would spend “stupid money”. They added Segura to play short, McCutchen in left and J.T. Realmuto at catcher. Then they broke the bank by getting Bryce Harper. If they have a weakness, it’s that they have little depth in the rotation and bullpen. They are looking into Kuechel and Kimbrel on short term deals. Anything can happen but I think the Braves are the number four team in the division. Thank you Marlins. My fellow Braves fans, we have been stabbed in the back by ownership. I will be the first to admit if I am proven wrong. The season starts in Philly against Harper and the Phillies.
Good news Falcon fans. They aren’t afraid to spend money. They just don’t know how to do it. Last Wednesday, the team answered that they will keep defensive end Vic Beasley, even if it means keeping him at his 12.8 million dollar option. That will prove to be a disaster. The problem is defense tackle Grady Jarrett is a free agent, if Beasley is kept and they have until March 13th to undo it. On Monday, the franchise tag was put on Jarrett. That means Jarrett will sign a 15.2 million dollar deal. He can’t sign a long term deal until July 15th. That pretty much takes care of the salary cap for the 2019 season. Things can change in the blink of an eye and for the Bird’s sake, I hope so. Dan Quinn’s job will be on the line this year.
There is one pro team that I have confidence in for the future in Atlanta and that is the Hawks. I know they stunk this year but they are doing things the right way. The draft night trade that brought Trae Young to the Hawks didn’t look very good for a while. I know that Doncic is very good but he isn’t that much better than Young. The Hawks are 22-43 and going nowhere this year but if they draft well over the next couple of years, they will be okay.
Have the Falcons peaked under Quinn and company? Was last year’s Braves season a fluke? Can the Hawks recover? I hope things stop short of Loserville again.
On a happy note, it was a really good weekend for the UGA football program. They got four star quarterback Carson Beck out of the blue, as many say, he was a lock to join Florida. They also grabbed wide receiver Justin Robinson. Their 2020 class just got a lot better in a hurry!
Dodge Baseball Loses to West Laurens
Dodge Baseball Loses to West Laurens
By Joey Marchant
Dodge County traveled to Dexter to face the AAAA West Laurens Raiders on February 22nd. West Laurens defeated Dodge 7-2 thanks in part to five Dodge errors and ten Dodge runners left on base.
Landin Crummey started on the mound for Dodge. However, in an effort to conserve pitching and get some kids some work in this non-region contest, Coach Herring employed a strategy of rotating pitchers each time through the West Laurens lineup. This strategy seemed to work as a powerful West Laurens lineup only managed one extra base hit.
Dodge started the game by stranding Brendan O’Connor and Andrew Lowery, both of whom walked in the first inning.
West Laurens took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first on two singles and two Dodge errors.
Dodge would load the bases in the top of the second on a single and steal of second base by Noah Mincey followed by walks issued to Seth Cossett and O’Connor. However, O’Connor was picked off at first to end the inning.
Crummey walked the first West Laurens batter in the bottom of the second, but he was able to get the runner out with his pickoff move to first and the ensuing rundown. Crummey got the next batter to fly out. Then Andrew Lowery was brought in to face the top of the West Laurens order. Lowery retired the first batter he faced ending the inning.
Garrett Durden led off the third with an infield hit and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Brodie Woodard laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Durden to third with one out. Lowery hit a grounder to first where Bradley Wilson fielded the ball and fired it home to nail Durden at the plate. Dodge again failed to score.
West Laurens scored two more in the bottom of the third aided by another Dodge error and a two RBI double by Brody Slaughter. West Laurens led 5-0.
Parker Hardin reached in the fourth when he was hit by a pitch, but Dodge could not score.
Lowery walked the first man he faced in the bottom of the fourth, but he got the next batter to fly out. Woodard move to the mound to pitch to the top of the West Laurens order. With the aid of yet another Dodge error, West Laurens scored two runs to take a 7-0 lead.
Dodge finally got on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth. O’Connor led off with a bunt for a hit. Durden moved him to second with a ground ball to short. Woodard singled past the third baseman to drive in O’Connor. Noah Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Woodard. Lowery walked. DJ Bursch singled driving in Cummings. That would end the scoring at 7-2.
Woodard pitched a clean bottom of the fifth and got two outs in the bottom of the sixth. Durden moved to the mound to get the final West Laurens out.
After going in order in the sixth, Dodge got Woodard on base thanks to catcher’s interference. Kaden Burse had an infield hit. However, West Laurens held Dodge scoreless to end the game.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was one for two with two walks and one run scored. Garrett Durden was one for three. Brodie Woodard was one for two with a sacrifice bunt and one run batted in (RBI). Kaden Burse was one for four. DJ Bursch was one for 4 with one RBI. Noah Mincey was one for three with a stolen base.
Landin Crummey (2-1) took the loss. He pitched one and two thirds innings giving up three runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk. Andrew Lowery pitched one and two thirds innings giving up three runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk. He struck out two. Brodie Woodard pitched two and one third innings giving up one unearned run on no hits and one walk. He struck out one. Garrett Durden pitched one third of an inning giving up no runs on no hits and one walk.
Dodge (3-1) had two games scheduled in Adel on March 2nd, but those games were rained out. Dodge was set to begin region play by hosting Dublin on March 5th in an effort to defend its 2018 3AA Region Championship, but results were not available at press time. Dodge is scheduled to travel to Fitzgerald on March 6th and Dublin on March 8th before hosting West Laurens on March 11th at 5:30 pm.
By Joey Marchant
Dodge County traveled to Dexter to face the AAAA West Laurens Raiders on February 22nd. West Laurens defeated Dodge 7-2 thanks in part to five Dodge errors and ten Dodge runners left on base.
Landin Crummey started on the mound for Dodge. However, in an effort to conserve pitching and get some kids some work in this non-region contest, Coach Herring employed a strategy of rotating pitchers each time through the West Laurens lineup. This strategy seemed to work as a powerful West Laurens lineup only managed one extra base hit.
Dodge started the game by stranding Brendan O’Connor and Andrew Lowery, both of whom walked in the first inning.
West Laurens took a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first on two singles and two Dodge errors.
Dodge would load the bases in the top of the second on a single and steal of second base by Noah Mincey followed by walks issued to Seth Cossett and O’Connor. However, O’Connor was picked off at first to end the inning.
Crummey walked the first West Laurens batter in the bottom of the second, but he was able to get the runner out with his pickoff move to first and the ensuing rundown. Crummey got the next batter to fly out. Then Andrew Lowery was brought in to face the top of the West Laurens order. Lowery retired the first batter he faced ending the inning.
Garrett Durden led off the third with an infield hit and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Brodie Woodard laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Durden to third with one out. Lowery hit a grounder to first where Bradley Wilson fielded the ball and fired it home to nail Durden at the plate. Dodge again failed to score.
West Laurens scored two more in the bottom of the third aided by another Dodge error and a two RBI double by Brody Slaughter. West Laurens led 5-0.
Parker Hardin reached in the fourth when he was hit by a pitch, but Dodge could not score.
Lowery walked the first man he faced in the bottom of the fourth, but he got the next batter to fly out. Woodard move to the mound to pitch to the top of the West Laurens order. With the aid of yet another Dodge error, West Laurens scored two runs to take a 7-0 lead.
Dodge finally got on the scoreboard in the top of the fifth. O’Connor led off with a bunt for a hit. Durden moved him to second with a ground ball to short. Woodard singled past the third baseman to drive in O’Connor. Noah Cummings entered as a courtesy runner for Woodard. Lowery walked. DJ Bursch singled driving in Cummings. That would end the scoring at 7-2.
Woodard pitched a clean bottom of the fifth and got two outs in the bottom of the sixth. Durden moved to the mound to get the final West Laurens out.
After going in order in the sixth, Dodge got Woodard on base thanks to catcher’s interference. Kaden Burse had an infield hit. However, West Laurens held Dodge scoreless to end the game.
Leading hitters for Dodge were as follows: Brendan O’Connor was one for two with two walks and one run scored. Garrett Durden was one for three. Brodie Woodard was one for two with a sacrifice bunt and one run batted in (RBI). Kaden Burse was one for four. DJ Bursch was one for 4 with one RBI. Noah Mincey was one for three with a stolen base.
Landin Crummey (2-1) took the loss. He pitched one and two thirds innings giving up three runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk. Andrew Lowery pitched one and two thirds innings giving up three runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk. He struck out two. Brodie Woodard pitched two and one third innings giving up one unearned run on no hits and one walk. He struck out one. Garrett Durden pitched one third of an inning giving up no runs on no hits and one walk.
Dodge (3-1) had two games scheduled in Adel on March 2nd, but those games were rained out. Dodge was set to begin region play by hosting Dublin on March 5th in an effort to defend its 2018 3AA Region Championship, but results were not available at press time. Dodge is scheduled to travel to Fitzgerald on March 6th and Dublin on March 8th before hosting West Laurens on March 11th at 5:30 pm.
Russ's Sports Review
Today (Wednesday) marks a week for the Braves in Spring Training. There has been good news and bad. TO my knowledge, there has been no injuries in camp and unfortunately, that is the good news. As for the bad news, I guess there has still be absolutely no news. The rotation still has a hole in it, and I guess Julio Teheran is still in it. The bullpen is still missing a true closer and yes, Craig Kimbrel is still out here but don’t hold your breath on that one. The biggest thing of the week was the interview with General Manager Alex Anthopolus and Braves Chairman Terry McGuirk. It was a really good interview as the quotes from Anthopolus included “four teams will out spend the Braves in the 2018 off season”. When asked why only the 23-million-dollar deal to Donaldson was the only significant move, Anthopolu said “there was no deal we could make out there”. Granted, I had no interest in Machodo or Harper, but Brantley, Realmuto and Corbin would have been really nice. They could shut all of us up by signing Kimbrel or Keuchel, but I don’t buy it. There were several moves that were setting up this off-season. The complicated Matt Kemp trade was set up to have more money to spend this year. So, guess what? Right now, the payroll is…. lower than what it was last year! What gives? The franchise made a pile of money in 2018. They made nearly $400 million last year. It looks like Liberty is putting a hefty sum in their own pockets. There are reports that Braves fans are putting a go fund me page for the franchise to help the very tight ownership pay for more quality players. Can the team change anything with a couple of pitchers? Sure, and it looks like they are going to have to compete. Sports Illustrated listed the top five teams in the off-season. The Mets, Phillies and Nationals were all listed in the top five. To makes matters worse, the Phillies are favorites to sign Harper. To say our Braves are in real trouble is a huge understatement. Maybe something will happen this week in camp or maybe it won’t.
Let’s swap to the Falcons where there are some nervous coaches. Defensive back Brian Poole became the forth cut joining Alford, Bryant and Reed in the unemployment line. Of course, Alford and Reed have both found jobs with the Cardinals. The team has until March 4 to make the big decision of the off-season and that’s what to do with Vic Beasley. As things stand right now, Beasley is slated to make nearly 13 million this year. I expect the team to attempt a long-term deal with a much smaller per year value or simply release him out right. Of course, the par of deals that need to be done is with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and re-upping Julio Jones. If things fall right, they can play the free agent game and improve on the offensive line especially at guard.
Let’s wrap up things with some University of Georgia news. I don’t’ know if this falls into sports or not but the Dogs finished second in the best party schools in the nation. Tulane was ranked over UGS. I guess its long nights at Bourbon Street and all. Alabama finished at number 8. The poll has only a top 15.
Let’s swap to the Falcons where there are some nervous coaches. Defensive back Brian Poole became the forth cut joining Alford, Bryant and Reed in the unemployment line. Of course, Alford and Reed have both found jobs with the Cardinals. The team has until March 4 to make the big decision of the off-season and that’s what to do with Vic Beasley. As things stand right now, Beasley is slated to make nearly 13 million this year. I expect the team to attempt a long-term deal with a much smaller per year value or simply release him out right. Of course, the par of deals that need to be done is with defensive tackle Grady Jarrett and re-upping Julio Jones. If things fall right, they can play the free agent game and improve on the offensive line especially at guard.
Let’s wrap up things with some University of Georgia news. I don’t’ know if this falls into sports or not but the Dogs finished second in the best party schools in the nation. Tulane was ranked over UGS. I guess its long nights at Bourbon Street and all. Alabama finished at number 8. The poll has only a top 15.
Russ's Sports Review
We are just a day or two prom the pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training. I would really like to be optimistic and say the Braves will make it a four-team battle in the National League East. I just don’t think so. The Braves are taking a gamble on Donaldson. If he is healthy, he will be fine. The pickups of McCann and Markakis just doesn’t excite me at all. Let’s compare to the other contender in the East. The Nationals got Patrick Corbin to have a strong top three in the rotation. They added Brian Dozier and former Braves Kurt Suzuki as well. The Phillies added Andrew McCutcher for the outfield., David Robertson for the bullpen and of course newly acquired J.T. Realmuto at catcher. I guess the Phillies are a little suspect in the starting rotation, maybe. The Mets got better as well. The key for them is the starting rotation if they are all healthy they well compete. They added Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz among others. Needless to say, the Braves did less than the other three, at least so far. They have just enough pay roll for Kimbrel? Just maybe? Thursday would be pretty good timing. I am not getting my hopes up.
The rest of the news was pretty good last week. Remember when I said the Dogs needed a “flip” on signing day last Wednesday? They go a real big one first thing in the morning. Five start wide out George Pickens flipped from Auburn to the Dogs. That was a position that was so much needed in Athens. The 2019 class was ranked second only to Alabama.
Let’s not forget the biggest pick up in Athens didn’t come from the football team; it came from the struggling men’s basketball program. The 10-13 Dogs, who are 1-9 in the conference, have singed the top high school senior Anthony “Ant Man” Edwards from North Georgia. He is a McDonalds All-American and he is a 6’5” guard. He took Georgia over Florida State, Duke and Kentucky and I really have no clue why, but the Dogs basketball team could really use it.
The NFL off season has just started but the Falcons are very busy. They have opened right at 15 million in a salary cap. Robert Alford, Brooks Reed and Matt Bryant have all been let go. The toughest move of the three was of course to Bryant. He will be 44 this May and yes, that’s old even for an NFL kicker. The Birds will turn over the job to Giorgio Tavecchio. He got a shot wile Bryant was hurt and did really well. A combination of buy outs, age, injuries and contract did in the best clutch kicker in Falcons history along with hall of famer Morten Andersen. Don’t expect the news to end soon. The team has a big decision with Vic Beasley. The Falcons will probably cut or re-do his contract. There is no way he will count nearly 13 million against the cap. There is no secret that the contracts of Julio Jones and Grady Jarrett are vital to the franchise.
Let’s wrap up things with more football. The AF is underway. The Alliance of American Football started last Saturday, and the Atlanta Legends faced Orlando and former Florida legendary coach Steve Spurrier. Honestly, the Legends were far from it as they were blown out 40-6. Matt Simms, former back up quarterback, is the starter and former Dog signal caller Aaron Murray is the back up. It’s kind of like AAA football. The league has several different rules. There are no kickoffs, you have to go for two or extra points and you can only rush 5 on defense. The Legends play at San Diego this Sunday night at 8:00 on the NFL Network.
The rest of the news was pretty good last week. Remember when I said the Dogs needed a “flip” on signing day last Wednesday? They go a real big one first thing in the morning. Five start wide out George Pickens flipped from Auburn to the Dogs. That was a position that was so much needed in Athens. The 2019 class was ranked second only to Alabama.
Let’s not forget the biggest pick up in Athens didn’t come from the football team; it came from the struggling men’s basketball program. The 10-13 Dogs, who are 1-9 in the conference, have singed the top high school senior Anthony “Ant Man” Edwards from North Georgia. He is a McDonalds All-American and he is a 6’5” guard. He took Georgia over Florida State, Duke and Kentucky and I really have no clue why, but the Dogs basketball team could really use it.
The NFL off season has just started but the Falcons are very busy. They have opened right at 15 million in a salary cap. Robert Alford, Brooks Reed and Matt Bryant have all been let go. The toughest move of the three was of course to Bryant. He will be 44 this May and yes, that’s old even for an NFL kicker. The Birds will turn over the job to Giorgio Tavecchio. He got a shot wile Bryant was hurt and did really well. A combination of buy outs, age, injuries and contract did in the best clutch kicker in Falcons history along with hall of famer Morten Andersen. Don’t expect the news to end soon. The team has a big decision with Vic Beasley. The Falcons will probably cut or re-do his contract. There is no way he will count nearly 13 million against the cap. There is no secret that the contracts of Julio Jones and Grady Jarrett are vital to the franchise.
Let’s wrap up things with more football. The AF is underway. The Alliance of American Football started last Saturday, and the Atlanta Legends faced Orlando and former Florida legendary coach Steve Spurrier. Honestly, the Legends were far from it as they were blown out 40-6. Matt Simms, former back up quarterback, is the starter and former Dog signal caller Aaron Murray is the back up. It’s kind of like AAA football. The league has several different rules. There are no kickoffs, you have to go for two or extra points and you can only rush 5 on defense. The Legends play at San Diego this Sunday night at 8:00 on the NFL Network.
Russ's Sports Review
In a million years I never figured it would happen in Super Bowl 53. I was really looking forward to a shoot out between the Patriots and Rams. They have two of the best offenses in the game and somehow it turned into the most boring game in several years. As I expected, the Patriots won but 13-3 with 10 fourth quarter points not a chance. The game did feature a pair of Georgia’s best running backs of all time Todd Gurley and Sony Michel. I thought Gurley came into the game hurt and I really do now. Gurley had but 35 yards on 10 carries. If he wasn't hurt, as he says the coaching job was Shanahan bad from two years ago. On the other hand, Michel had 94 yards and the only touchdown in the game. He became only the second rookie; Jamal Lewis was the other since 1983 to score a touchdown in his first season. Brady continues to prove he is the greatest of all time as he can win the big game with far from the best staff.
We are just 10 days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training and there are so many things that have to happen. Free agents Harper, Machado, Keuchel and Kimbrel all have yet to sign. There is also the trading of Miami’s J.T. Realmuto. All of these things have to happen and happen soon. All the so-called “experts” say that the Braves are in on Realmuto and Kimbrel. Honestly, I believe it, I guess. The Braves have been trying to deal for the all-star catcher for better than a year. The deal has a couple of problems. The first one is that the Braves and Marlins are in the same division. I don't know why that is a factor because the Marlins wont be a factor for years. The second is the prospect cost. The price is supposed to be at least two top 100 prospects. That shouldn't be a problem because the Braves still have eight of them. I guess the Marlins want their choice and that's probably not going to happen. The later in Spring Training it goes without a deal the better the Braves chances will be. For some reason I like the Braves chances with Kimbrel. His price has to be dropping at least a little. There is no way he gets six years and his chances for five aren’t much better. I would think three or four-year deal is realistic. You know, if you can move at least half of Teheran or O’days contract, why not both? That would make the N.L. East very interesting! Of course that is extremely unlikely.
Don't forget today is National Signing Day for college football. I know that the December early signing day got a pile of attention but this one is pretty important for the Bulldogs. They got cleaned out pretty good by the early NFL speaking of that, it looks like several of the dogs made mistakes. The rule generally is that if you don't go in the first two rounds you don't leave early. The problem is more of them may go in the first two rounds. So with that being said, the Dogs need some “flips”. A quarterback, running back and maybe a wide out wouldn't hurt. It opened up things some with the early departures so I would be surprised if today (Wednesday) wasn't very interesting in Athens.
We are just 10 days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training and there are so many things that have to happen. Free agents Harper, Machado, Keuchel and Kimbrel all have yet to sign. There is also the trading of Miami’s J.T. Realmuto. All of these things have to happen and happen soon. All the so-called “experts” say that the Braves are in on Realmuto and Kimbrel. Honestly, I believe it, I guess. The Braves have been trying to deal for the all-star catcher for better than a year. The deal has a couple of problems. The first one is that the Braves and Marlins are in the same division. I don't know why that is a factor because the Marlins wont be a factor for years. The second is the prospect cost. The price is supposed to be at least two top 100 prospects. That shouldn't be a problem because the Braves still have eight of them. I guess the Marlins want their choice and that's probably not going to happen. The later in Spring Training it goes without a deal the better the Braves chances will be. For some reason I like the Braves chances with Kimbrel. His price has to be dropping at least a little. There is no way he gets six years and his chances for five aren’t much better. I would think three or four-year deal is realistic. You know, if you can move at least half of Teheran or O’days contract, why not both? That would make the N.L. East very interesting! Of course that is extremely unlikely.
Don't forget today is National Signing Day for college football. I know that the December early signing day got a pile of attention but this one is pretty important for the Bulldogs. They got cleaned out pretty good by the early NFL speaking of that, it looks like several of the dogs made mistakes. The rule generally is that if you don't go in the first two rounds you don't leave early. The problem is more of them may go in the first two rounds. So with that being said, the Dogs need some “flips”. A quarterback, running back and maybe a wide out wouldn't hurt. It opened up things some with the early departures so I would be surprised if today (Wednesday) wasn't very interesting in Athens.
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