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I never thought the day would come. Former Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal was heaping praise on Kobe Bryant. The pair won three NBA titles together before their much ballyhooed breakup. The hoops version of divorce was much better than any episode of Jon and Kate plus 8.

But, there was Shaq on a radio show, openly praising Kobe, saying Bryant would rise to the occasion against the Denver Nuggets. Bryant , of course, did.

There's no question that Shaq is lobbying for a return to the Lakers. A healthy and interested O'Neal could be a major upgrade in the post from inconsistent Andrew Bynum.

But, if the Lakers beat the Magic, who needs Shaq? Bryant has achieved his goal.. that is winning a title without O'Neal.

Shaq wants to be traded .. his first option of course is the Lakers ..his second is the New Orleans Hornets. If the Hornets are over the luxury tax this season, a deal to bring O'Neal to New Orleans make sense. He would sell tickets to abate some of the "tax hit". And, at the end of the year, Shaq's $20 million dollar salary comes off the books.

So the result of the NBA finals is key: if the Lakers win, they don't need Shaq and that could make New Orleans more of an option.

Ed Daniels

Tulane University won the rights to host the state 5A tournament for several reasons. And, money wasn't one of them.

Commissioner Kenny Henderson said that most of the six bids were "close" in monetary value. He did say that Tulane enhanced its bid at the last minute before its presentation, but did not know if that figured into Tulane's selection.

Zephyr Field was thought to be the favorite. The Zephyrs had hosted the tournament three previous times. The ballpark and the parking are first rate.

So why did Tulane win? Henderson said several on the committee vouched for Turchin as a first rate ballpark. The field's superb drainage, and sightlines for the fans were key. Henderson said the LHSAA probably wanted to conduct business with a new customer, thus Greer Field at Turchin Stadium is on board for 2010 and 2011.

The biggest minus for Tulane? Parking. But Henderson said Tulane assured him that the high rise near the stadium can be used. And, with exams over in May of 2010, there will be less clutter on campus.

Ed Daniels

It was an ominous start by LSU. The Tigers host of power hitters were flustered by the off speed pitches of Rice starter Mike Ojala. And, the Tigers contributed to their early malaise with three errors. Ironically, the three errors were the most by LSU in a game since an NCAA tournament loss to Rice in 2005.

Before the start of the Super Regional, LSU head coach Paul Mainieri said his team could find many ways to win. He was prophetic in game 1. LSU pieced together a 6 run 5th to finally get the lead.

Mainieri has made many good decisions from the dugout. And, he did again in the 5th. When the Tigers put the first two men on in the 5th, Mainieri chose to let D.J LeMaheiu hit away, passing on a bunt. LeMaheiu delivered, touching off LSU's big inning.

LSU is in perfect spot. With one game in its pocket, and its best and most experienced pitcher Louis Coleman starting game 2 Satuday afternoon.

I am on my way to Omaha, again. Photographer Robert O'Shields and I left early Thursday morning.

It is Thursday night and I write to you on the interstate (70) somewhere between Columbia and Kansas City, Missouri.

This is my 25th year anniversary in Omaha. Back then I didn't know much about the College World Series or Rosenblatt Stadium. Back then in '84, The University of New Orleans surprised and upset Mississippi State in the Starkville Regional. I will never forget that Sunday night in Starkville. The Bulldogs were loaded with future major league stars. Will Clark and Raphael Palmiero were the heart of their lineup. Jeff Brantley was their ace pitcher. Bobby Thigpen, in the outfield then, converted to the mound in the pros and saved a bunch of games for the Chicago White Sox.

In 1984, the CWS was still a cozy event. I watched many of the UNO games in the seats right near the UNO dugout. Never again.

The CWS is big time. But, it is still one of the last great events in American sports not taken over by corporate. The Super Bowl, the Final Four, the NBA finals, they are all mega events.

Not Omaha. The people are great. The steaks are cheap and the weather is usually quite good.

This is Omaha's Mardi Gras. And, for the 9th time, and I glad to be a part of it. I will report from Omaha daily here on ABC26.com. LSU practices at Rosenblatt tomorrow at 10 am.

Regards, Ed

The LSU Tigers have already had their first bit of good baseball fortune. Rain came to Rosenblatt Stadium about 11:45 am.
The tarp was pulled on the field and practice was halted. The ever prepared Mainieri knew the rain was coming. At 11 am he gathered his team on the field and told them to move quickly through their first workout.
The most touching moment of the day was Mainieri's hug with his former Notre Dame pitching coach Brian O'Connor. O'Connor has taken Virginia to their first ever College World Series.
Said Mainieri, “I told Brian, I taught you everything you know, but not everything I know.”
Good line.
Another good omen for LSU. Blake Dean stepped in the cage and ripped a drive to left off the wall. Said Dean, “it is deja vu all over again.”
Dean's hit off the wall last year gave LSU's its lone 2008 CWS win over Rice.
Some notes about Virginia: The Cavaliers lead the ACC in batting, earned run average, and stolen bases.
How far has the Virginia program come: in 2000, LSU beat Virginia three games. LSU won each game by at least 8 runs.
Virginia is expected to start freshman lefthander Danny Hultzen against LSU. Hultzen has been outstanding in the NCAA tournament. On May 30th, he pitched 7.1 innings of shutout ball against UC-Irvine. June 5th, he allowed 2 runs in 5.1 innings against Ole Miss. Hultzen is 9-1 with a 2.09 earned run average.
Texas coach Augie Garrido, who made his first CWS trip with Cal Fullerton in 1975, said one of the eight teams will get hot. Said Garrido, “a team will gain confidence and momentum.” Added Garrido, “the unexpected will decide the championship.”

For the first time since 2000, LSU is in the winner's bracket in Omaha. The Tigers 9-5 win over Virginia sends them to a Monday night meeting against Arkansas. LSU had lost both games in Omaha in 2003 and 2004, and last year claimed a lone victory against Rice.

LSU ace Louis Coleman, who will start against Arkansas threw 17 pitches in the 8th inning. He retired Arkansas in order, recording 1 strikeout. Head coach Paul Mainieri said the length of Coleman's start Monday night won't be hampered by his work Saturday night against Virginia.
Said Mainieri, "it was (his amount of work) the equal of a glorified bullpen session."

Mainieri said he can never remember using three starters: Anthony Ranaudo, Austin Ross, and Louis Coleman in the same game. LSU used six pitchers in all.

Mainieri said all of the throwing to first base to hold Virginia runners may have thrown off Ranaudo, who last only 3.1 innings. Ranaudo's 80 pitch outing was his shortest of the season.

The attendance tonight was 24,904. That ties a CWS record for session two, which was tonight's game.

Pre game notes: How much does Northshore pitcher Ryan Eades love the Tigers? Eades, his mom Marian, his brother Chris, and his uncle Mike waited in line since 12:45 pm to get the best seats in the bleachers for the LSU- Arkansas game. Eades had surgery May 2st on his right shoulder. Ryan and his mom said that the surgery was far more extensive than first thought. The labrum was completey torn from the bone. Ryan's rehab will be six to nine months. His mom says Ryan will not throw until he gets the all clear from his surgeon, Dr. James Andrews. Ryan's mom said her son's injury was a blessing in disguise. She always wanted her son to go to college, and he will. Look for more on Ryan Eades on ABC 26 news Tuesday.

A very nice moment at Mike Serio's annual tailgate party. Former Texas pitcher Gregg Swindell caught up wtih former UNO player Scott Schwaner. The pair faced each other in the 1984 College World Series. Mike had a huge gathering at his party this afternoon. Among those attending were Paul Mainieri's dad and Paul's wife Karen. Shrimp and Ribeyes were on the menu. Great stuff.

The weather men were wrong again (it appears). Rain passed thru Omaha overnight. But the weather this afternoon has been almost perfect. Temps in the high 70's and a light breeze.

Ed Daniels Omaha 5:35 pm

Head coach Paul Mainieri summed up tonight's offense. Said Mainieri, "when we are clicking, we are pretty good on offense."

The only thing missing from the LSU puzzle of late was a dominate offensive performances and the Tigers produced that tonight in a 9-1 over Arkansas.

The Tigers got homers from two freshman Austin Nola and Mikie Mahtook. And, Blake Dean finished off Arkansas with a two run homer as part of a 5 run 6th.

Head coach Paul Mainieri said ace Louis Coleman, who pitched six innings of one run ball, was pulled after 106 pitches because "he might pitch on short rest." Ccleman said he was looking forward to an LSU win so the Tigers could "go to the zoo, that is a lot of fun."

Mainieri said his pitching plans are not final , but: he;s leaning to starting Anthony Ranaudo Friday afternoon. If LSU wins, Coleman would start the first game of the CWS championship series. If LSU loses Friday, Louis Coleman will start the if necessary game on Saturday.

Ed Daniels
Omaha, Nebraska
10:03

I have watched a lot of College Baseball over the past week. And, it is pretty clear that LSU is the best team in Omaha.

Arkansas can hang with LSU. They are short on pitching, and offensively LSU's lineup is just plain better.

On the other side, Texas pitches very well, but their lineup isn't lights out. If Texas needs a big inning to win the championship, they likely can't produce it.

North Carolina and Arizona State are both good teams, but the survivor of tonight's game will have to come out of the loser's bracket and win four more games to win the title,

LSU will likely have more chances to win a title. And, as coaches in all sports know, the best team doesn't always win. But, the best team in Omaha is clearly LSU. Paul Mainieri is this close to his first national championship.

Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn summed up his team's 14-5 loss to LSU. Said Van Horn, "they have baseball players, they have football players, (media laughs) and they probably have basketball players, too."

Baseball is a game of hitting, pitching, and fielding, but in Omaha the Tigers have used athleticism to dominate opponents.

In eliminating Arkansas, the Tigers did it all. Blake Dean stroked a home run to right, Jared Mitchell homered to the opposite field (left). Austin Nola played shortstop like a major leaguer. And, Ryan Schmipf blasted a home run 20 rows into the seats down the right field line. Meantime, starter Ryan Schmipf was mowing down the Hogs, throwing six scoreless innings.

LSU hitting its stride at the plate is very bad news for either Texas or Arizona State. The Tigers have the best and deepest pitching staff in college baseball, and now they have a hot offensive club, too.

If Texas or Arizona State can beat LSU twice next week, they will have earned their national championship. LSU is that good.

Ed Daniels
Omaha, NE

It was mutual admiration day at the College World Series. LSU head coach Paul Mainieri said when he was a youngster his goal was to be a college baseball coach. Mainieri said he grew up wanting to be like Rod Dedeaux (USC) and Augie Garrido (current Texas coach).

Mainieri got off the best line of the news conference. Garrido reminded everyone that no #1 tournament seed has won the championship since 1999. Said Mainieri, "we see no reason to end that streak."

Interesting stuff from LSU game one starter Louis Coleman. Coleman said he won't do much studying of Texas hitters. He said he leaves that LSU pitching coach David Grewe. He said Grewe calls the pitch and the location and Coleman says he throws with "conviction."

Game 1 is Monday at 6 pm . LSU is the visiting team for game one and game three if necessary Wednesday night.

Ed Daniels
Omaha, NE

LSU head coach Paul Mainieri has juggled his lineup for tonight's game 2 of the College World Series finals against Texas.

Leon Landry will get his first CWS start in leftfield. Ryan Schimpf will play first base. Sean Ochinko, hitting only .214 in four games in Omaha, goes to the bench.

Mainieri will also start Austin Ross on the mound tonight. He said he wanted to give Anthony Ranaudo another days rest because of the intense heat. He said the heat drained starter Louis Coleman last night.

An unapologetic LSU head coach Paul Mainieri met the media after his team's 5-1 loss to Texas in game 2 of the College World Series.

Mainieri started Austin Ross in game 2, resting regular Friday night starter Anthony Ranaudo for a possible game three. Mainieri said he was concerned about the sweltering heat of Omaha taking its toll on Ranaudo. Ranaudo, if he pitched Tuesday night, would pitch on three days rest.

Mainieri had a chance to change his mind. A late afternoon line of thundershowers delayed the start of game two by 1 hour, 33 minutes. But, Mainieri stayed with Ross, who was pulled after trailing 2-0 after two innings.

Said Mainieri, "Once the weather changed, Ross was geared up to pitch. Ranaudo wasn't."

If LSU wins the College World Series, his decision to start Ross in game 2, will be considered at best genius, at worst a footnote. But, if the Tigers lose to Texas Wednesday night, Mainieri will be second guessed profusely.

Such is life as the LSU head baseball coach. For two great programs, LSU and Texas, it is win or bust in game three.

Ed Daniels
Omaha, NE

LSU head coach Paul Mainieri has juggled his lineup for the final game of the College World Series championship series.

He has moved Sean Ochinko to the cleanup spot. Ochinko is hitting only .214 in five games. He did not play last night against Texas.

Mikie Mahtook drops to the sixth hole. Micah Gibbs will hit seventh. Jared Mitchell moves up to fifth.

The top of the lineup is the same: LeMahieu, Schimpf, Dean .. the bottom is the same .. Helenihi .. and Nola

Ed Daniels
Omaha, NE