ABC26 Sportstag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/sports/neworleans/1672008-07-01T17:15:56ZYour opinion on what's happening in local sports this week, provided by ABC 26.Movable Type 3.36July 1st, 2008 Chris Paul updatetag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/sports/neworleans//167.1113692008-07-01T17:04:52Z2008-07-01T17:15:56ZChris Paul will be a Hornet for at least four more years. The Agent for the Hornets all star guard said he will be in New Orleans tomorrow to finalize Paul's new "max" deal with the team. Paul could have...Ed Daniels
Chris Paul will be a Hornet for at least four more years. The Agent for the Hornets all star guard said he will be in New Orleans tomorrow to finalize Paul's new "max" deal with the team. Paul could have opted for a 3 year deal , but agent Lance Young said Paul will sign a 4 or 5 year deal.
The NBA salary cap could be at least 60 million dollars per team. In a max deal , Paul could earn 25 percent of the cap. That is $15 million for the first year, with 10 percent raises to follow. If Paul signs a five year deal it would be worth more than $90 million dollars.
Ed Daniels
12:12 pm
Friday June 20th 7:00 pmtag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/sports/neworleans//167.1095232008-06-20T23:57:56Z2008-06-21T00:02:48ZLSU and North Carolina are once again delayed by rain. North Carolina bats in the top of the third leading 2-1. Carolina had the bases loaded in the first with two runs already in and one out.LSU pitcher Jared Bradford...Ed Daniels
LSU and North Carolina are once again delayed by rain. North Carolina bats in the top of the third leading 2-1. Carolina had the bases loaded in the first with two runs already in and one out.LSU pitcher Jared Bradford started today's suspended and promptly got Garrett Gore to ground into a 5-4-3 double play to end the first.
LSU got a run in the second on an RBI single by shortstop DJ LeMahieu. Bradford has been brilliant in relief of Blake Martin. Bradford has struck out three of the six Carolina hitters he has faced. He has only one hit.
The rain has stopped here at Rosenblatt , but another lightning strike has delayed the game till at least 7:30 pm
Ed Daniels
Omaha, NE
June 20th 7:03 pm
Tuesday June 17thtag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/sports/neworleans//167.1087992008-06-18T02:56:49Z2008-06-18T03:05:33ZFor the third time in less than a month, LSU pulled off a miracle rally. Today, the Tigers get 4 in the ninth to beat Rice 6-5 in Omaha. Rice goes home. In the SEC tournament LSU was down 4-0...Ed Daniels
For the third time in less than a month, LSU pulled off a miracle rally. Today, the Tigers get 4 in the ninth to beat Rice 6-5 in Omaha. Rice goes home. In the SEC tournament LSU was down 4-0 to South Carolina. The Tigers got 4 in the 9th then won in 10 innings. LSU got 7 in the last two innings, including five in the 9th, to beat Cal Irvine in game 2 of the Super Regionals. LSU plays #2 national seed North Carolina Thursday night in an elimination game at 6 pm Central. The winner must beat Fresno State twice to reach the championship series.
In the 9th inning today, Rice head coach Wayne Graham had Bobby Bell warm in the bullpen but stayed with reliever Cole St Clair. It is a non move that Graham will regret.
Can LSU go all the way? Love to hear your thoughts.
Ed Daniels
Omaha
6 17 08
Tuesday June 10thtag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/sports/neworleans//167.1071492008-06-10T21:19:59Z2008-06-10T21:32:41ZESPN has apologized for cutting away from last night's LSU UC Irvine game to show the Arizona State Fresno State super regional game. If you were watching the game on high definition ESPN 2 last night in the state of...Ed Daniels
ESPN has apologized for cutting away from last night's LSU UC Irvine game to show the Arizona State Fresno State super regional game. If you were watching the game on high definition ESPN 2 last night in the state of Louisiana, you may have been affected. ESPN says the switch was not made on standard definition TV in the State.
LSU will practice in Omaha at Rosenblatt at 4 pm Friday. #7 LSU plays #2 national seed North Carolina at 6 pm Sunday.
Great story from head coach Paul Mainieri . He said before the season he told his team this: "10 years, 20 years later, this is to be the team remembered as the team that will turn the program in the right direction."
The Hornets worked out five prospects today in the club's first pre draft workouts. Among the five Bonnabel High and Vanderbilt's Shan Foster , and Jeremy Pargo of Gonzaga. He's the younger brother of Hornets guard Jannero Pargo.
Wednesday June 4thtag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/sports/neworleans//167.1060012008-06-05T00:28:01Z2008-06-05T00:45:55ZThe Saints announced a restructuring of their front off-season, and in the process fired Vice President of player personnel Rick Mueller. The Saints would never say it, but someone has to pay the price for a disastrous off season in...Ed Daniels
The Saints announced a restructuring of their front off-season, and in the process fired Vice President of player personnel Rick Mueller.
The Saints would never say it, but someone has to pay the price for a disastrous off season in 2007. No draft choice made an impact on the club. First round pick Robert Meachem didn't play a down.
In my opinion the draft room now belongs to head coach Sean Payton , who clearly swings a big stick in the acquisition of personnel. I don't know if this is a good thing. Frankly I think it is good to have a voice in the room who will disagree.
I don't understand how Rick Mueller gets the blame when Mickey Loomis has been the GM since May of 2002. Your thoughts?
Head coach Byron Scott made a very smart business decision in agreeing to a 2 year contract extension. If the Hornets win a championship, Scott will again break the bank with a deal in the $10 million dollar range.
Scott isn't going anywhere. He said today, "I hope to be here when Chris (Paul) retires. That's how much I care about the young man. That's how much I think about this young man as a basketball player and a person..."
Ed Daniels
New Orleans, LA
Wednesday
June 5th, 2008
Tuesday June 3rdtag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/sports/neworleans//167.1055832008-06-03T19:09:21Z2008-06-03T19:47:55ZSaints quarterback Mark Brunell continues to impress in off season workouts. Head coach Sean Payton said Brunell has picked up the offensive system quickly. But the most impressive part of Brunell's off season work has been his arm strength. Brunell,...Ed Daniels
Saints quarterback Mark Brunell continues to impress in off season workouts. Head coach Sean Payton said Brunell has picked up the offensive system quickly. But the most impressive part of Brunell's off season work has been his arm strength. Brunell, who turns 38 in September, has shown plenty of zip on some deep slants and out routes. Brunell's two most impressive throws today were both dropped in the endzone. Robert Meachem dropped one, Lance Moore the other.
Best play of practice: Cornerback Jason Craft breaking up a pass over the middle intended for rookie wide out Adrian Arrington.
The Saints also had a host of candidates returning punts. Among those vying for the job is former LSU Tiger and Higgins High product Skyler Green. I asked Saints head coach Sean Payton if a player was a good punt returner, would that justify a roster spot? Said Payton, "I think you always have to consider that, yes. If a guy brought something to the table more than what you felt you had. You see teams do that every year."
The Saints special teams were lacking in '07 , something that Payton is determined to fix this season.
Will Smith didn't practice with a toe injury, but the Saints defensive end stayed to work out in OTA's , which are voluntary workouts. Payton was asked if this was a sign something had been worked out contract wise with Smith? Said Payton, "Mickey (GM Loomis) and his agent are working through the contract and trying to sort things out. There's nothing really new to announce."
Games times for LSU's super regional in Baton Rouge against UC Irvine are: Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 3 pm, and if necessary Monday at 6 pm.
LSU's football season opener against Appalachian State August 30th at Tiger Stadium will kickoff at 4 pm. Game time was moved to accomodate ESPN. The game will mark the first time the defending 1A champ has met the defending 1AA champ in the season opener the following year.
Ed Daniels
Updated 2:47 pm
Tuesday June 3rd
Monday June 2ndtag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/sports/neworleans//167.1054192008-06-03T02:56:07Z2008-06-03T03:02:12ZTulane has acquitted itself well in the Tallahassee regional. But , Florida State is just too good. The Seminoles hit up and down the line up. I am shocked that Bucknell shutout Florida State 7-0 in the first round Friday....Ed Daniels
Tulane has acquitted itself well in the Tallahassee regional. But , Florida State is just too good. The Seminoles hit up and down the line up. I am shocked that Bucknell shutout Florida State 7-0 in the first round Friday. To beat Florida State, you have to score along with them. They have too much pop up and down the line up.
I am checking the stats on LSU baseball. Comparing the numbers from 2007 to 2008 tells the story. Just a couple: last year LSU hit 40 homers. This year 88 and counting. The Tigers deep batting order and terrific bullpen are reflected in this stat: Last year in the 8th and 9th innings, the opposition outscored LSU 72 runs to 41. In 2008, in the 8th and 9th innings LSU has outscored opponents 79-41. LSU's club is talented and young. The Tigers will once again be an NCAA fixture, and perhaps a fixture once again in Omaha.
Ed Daniels
10:00 pm
Monday June 2nd, 2008
Update Sunday night/Monday morning June 1 and 2tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/sports/neworleans//167.1051462008-06-02T05:31:35Z2008-06-02T05:41:55ZLSU will open Super Regional play at Alex Box Stadium Friday June 6th or Saturday June 7th against Cal Irvine. The Anteaters won the Lincoln Nebraska regional with a 8-0 over Oral Roberts. Cal Irvine is a quality club with...Ed Daniels
LSU will open Super Regional play at Alex Box Stadium Friday June 6th or Saturday June 7th against Cal Irvine. The Anteaters won the Lincoln Nebraska regional with a 8-0 over Oral Roberts.
Cal Irvine is a quality club with a winning tradition. Anteaters have won 6 straight NCAA regional games, and have won an NCAA regional in back to back years. At the Lincoln Regional, Irvine pitchers struckout 34 hitters in 3 games.
LSU third baseman Michael Hollander was outstanding in an 11-4 win over Southern Miss that clinched the Baton Rouge regional. Hollander was 4 for 5 with 4 RBI. He also made a diving stop and throw em out on a hard ground ball up the line. That play saved a run for LSU.
Tigers have now won 23 consecutive games and by the time they play Cal Irvine, it will be seven weeks since LSU last suffered a defeat.
Ed Daniels
Baton Rouge, LA
Monday June 2nd
12:41 AM
Sunday June 1sttag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/sports/neworleans//167.1051012008-06-01T22:41:35Z2008-06-01T22:51:52ZUNO head coach Tom Walter said he plans to return to the school next season. Walter said he has not been contacted by another other school. Walter made the comments after 8-2 loss to Southern Miss in an elimination game...Ed Daniels
UNO head coach Tom Walter said he plans to return to the school next season. Walter said he has not been contacted by another other school. Walter made the comments after 8-2 loss to Southern Miss in an elimination game in the Baton Rouge regional. Second baseman Johnny Giavotella, a junior says he plans to turn pro.
In the second inning of today's game, a long fly ball to left off the bat of Keith Winstead was ruled foul by the third base umpire. But, then the entire crew huddled and change the call to fair. Winstead was credited with a three run homer off UNO ace Bryan Cryer. In the subsequent rhubarb, UNO pitching coach Kirk Bullinger was ejected for arguing. The umpires released a statement after the game .. Crew chief Joe Burleson , the umpire at first , said .."There's certain play where we are going to get together and get the call right. That was one of them. Burlerson added, "The calling official called it first but did not have definite knowledge that it was fair.."
Southern Miss advances to tonight's 6 pm game against LSU . If LSU wins, the Tigers win the Baton Rouge regional. If Southern Miss wins, the two teams play again Monday at 1 pm at the Box.
In a statement, LSU says athletic director Skip Bertman is sitting up and reading and could go home as early as Monday or Tuesday. Bertman was apparently experiencing the early stages of a heart attack when he was taken to a local hospital Saturday. A procedure was done to clear a blocked artery. Bertman turned 70 May 23rd. He will assume his new role as athletic director "emeritus" July 1.
We'll update later tonight.
Ed Daniels
5:50 pm
Sunday June 1st
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Friday May 30th, 2008tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/sports/neworleans//167.1049382008-05-31T01:32:44Z2008-05-31T01:44:21ZAfter last week's poor showing at the Conference USA tournament, Tulane bounced back with a 7-4 win over the Florida Gators in the Tallahassee regional. Tulane fans may not like this, but this is a fact: this team was looking...Ed Daniels
After last week's poor showing at the Conference USA tournament, Tulane bounced back with a 7-4 win over the Florida Gators in the Tallahassee regional. Tulane fans may not like this, but this is a fact: this team was looking forward to going on the road. More than one player complained to me this week about the way they were treated by a handful of their own fans in last weekend's conference tournament. No doubt that a loose, relaxed team played like it today in Tallahassee.
I attended Saints mini camp this morning. Quarterback Mark Brunell threw some really nice passes in the morning workout. Brunell tossed a deep slant to Lance Moore, and a long ball to Adrian Arrington that Arrington could not run down. I know there's been a lot of chatter about how impressive Arrington has been in workouts. But, Arrington does not have closing speed to catch up with the long ball, and we don't know yet if he can defeat bump and run coverage. Arrington may be a very good player, but I would reserve judgment. In round 5 in 2001, the Saints drafted Onome Ojo from Cal Davis. He looked the part of NFL receiver, but could never stick.
I hope the Hornets are super aggressive in the off season. Remember this: the Lakers are in the NBA finals and will likely win it, even without injured starting center Andrew Bynum. The Hornets may need one more outstanding player to compete with the Lakers. Perhaps Julian Wright, last year's first round pick, is that player. If not , the Hornets better find one if they plan on competing with the Lakers, and: the young and talented Portland Trailblazers.
Ed Daniels
Thursday May 29thtag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/sports/neworleans//167.1046762008-05-29T21:07:19Z2008-05-29T21:09:57Z Saints defensive end Will Smith will participate in this weekend's mini-camp at the Saints facility. Smith has skipped the Saints entire off season of workouts as he seeks a new contract. Smith's agent Joel Segal confirmed that his client...Ed Daniels
Saints defensive end Will Smith will participate in this weekend's mini-camp at the Saints facility. Smith has skipped the Saints entire off season of workouts as he seeks a new contract.
Smith's agent Joel Segal confirmed that his client will participate.
In 2007, the Saints franchised tagged fellow defensive end Charles Grant. Grant later signed a $63 million dollar deal that included $20 million in guaranteed money.
In 4 seasons Smith has totaled 33.5 quarterback sacks. He was the team's first round draft choice in 2004.
******
LSU practiced this morning at the Box in preps for Friday afternoon's regional game against Texas Southern. Head coach Paul Mainieri has named Hahnville's Jordan Brown the starter for game one. He said his game two starter will either by Blake Martin or Ryan Verdugo.
Ed Daniels
Wednesday May 28th, 2008tag:blogs.trb.com,2008:/news/local/sports/neworleans//167.1044672008-05-28T23:32:47Z2008-05-29T03:14:20ZAttended Tulane baseball practice this morning. In an interview head coach Rick Jones notes that in 2004, the Wave played poorly in the Conference USA tournament (two lopsided losses) and then went to Ole Miss and won the Oxford Regional....Ed Daniels
Attended Tulane baseball practice this morning. In an interview head coach Rick Jones notes that in 2004, the Wave played poorly in the Conference USA tournament (two lopsided losses) and then went to Ole Miss and won the Oxford Regional.
Jones said, "Every year there's documentation of teams that may not have played great down the stretch and got in the NCAA tournament and turned it on and got it going again. We did it in oh four and Oregon State won a national championship and was very close to not getting in.."
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Tulane announced its 2008 Football schedule today. 5 of 6 home games will kick off at 2 pm. Part of the reason why Tulane moved back to the afternoon is for Cox Sports TV. They will air the UL-Monroe and Army home games live. Also the SMU game September 25th has been moved to Thursday night for CBS' College Sports Network. The homecoming game against Army will be played at Tad Gormley Stadium.
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Send me an e-mail. I will be happy to respond to your questions and comments, good and bad.
Thanks, Ed Daniels
Update for Friday November 9thtag:blogs.trb.com,2007:/news/local/sports/neworleans//167.612462007-11-09T17:15:50Z2007-11-09T17:25:49ZOne of the best playoffs matchups on Friday night is Slidell vs John Ehret. Both teams closed the season "hot" . Slidell rolling with big back Ryan Tott doing most of the damage. Another one is Barbe at East St...Ed Daniels
One of the best playoffs matchups on Friday night is Slidell vs John Ehret. Both teams closed the season "hot" . Slidell rolling with big back Ryan Tott doing most of the damage.
Another one is Barbe at East St John. This is a 12 hosting 21. Should be a great matchup. East St John riding the wave of late season momentum and the running of Alex Singleton. East St John tested after schedule that included, Carencro, Curtis, Bastrop, Hahnville, and Destrehan.
Mandeville quarterback Chad Plaisance back this week from finger. Mandeville (18) seed at Gormley against banged up Jesuit (15 seed).
possible matchups for next week...this is only
possibles include: St Paul at Higgins....East St John at Sulphur, Hahnville at Rummel, Carencro at Destrehan, Vandebilt at Cox, and St Charles at Lutcher.
Regards,
Ed
Update for Thursday November 1sttag:blogs.trb.com,2007:/news/local/sports/neworleans//167.594952007-11-02T02:10:01Z2007-11-02T02:17:04ZHi all. Hope all is well as we tune up for Saban bowl Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Saw Alabama practice Monday in Tuscaloosa. Media allowed in for about 20 minutes. This is not a big Bama football team. LSU will definitely...Ed Daniels
Hi all. Hope all is well as we tune up for Saban bowl Saturday in Tuscaloosa. Saw Alabama practice Monday in Tuscaloosa. Media allowed in for about 20 minutes. This is not a big Bama football team. LSU will definitely have a size advantage over Tide. I think it comes down to this for Alabama. Can their offensive line do the job against LSU's front four? On a radio show this week in Bama, former Auburn coach Pat Dye said lately LSU has had trouble generated pressure without blitzing. He's correct.
On a related note: I guess we know why LSU coach Les Miles used Ryan Perrilloux in a limited role. Perrilloux, cleared of charges in a nightclub brawl in BR, needs to stay away from trouble. It always seems to find him.
Conference USA has made its ruling, saying officials were correct in their handling of final seconds of Memphis Tulane game. Still don't agree. If you watch the line judge, he marks Gabe Radcliff out of bounds and clock should stop until ball is snapped.
Saints have lost five in a row against AFC. This is a big test, even with Jacksonville playing Quinn Gray at quarterback.
I like Colts at home Sunday. They have lots of motivation. They've won 12 games in a row, are reigning Super Bowl champs, beat NE last three, and are still five point underdogs.
Regards,
Ed
Thoughts from this weekend's gamestag:blogs.trb.com,2007:/news/local/fridaynightfootball//167.574602007-10-22T04:03:21Z2007-10-22T04:10:50ZSean Payton called it right saying of the Saints 22-16 win over Atlanta, "it wasn't pretty" . Saints get some big plays from a pair of receivers that have been very quiet. Marques Colston's 33 yard catch and run on...Ed Daniels
Sean Payton called it right saying of the Saints 22-16 win over Atlanta, "it wasn't pretty" . Saints get some big plays from a pair of receivers that have been very quiet. Marques Colston's 33 yard catch and run on 3rd and 5 in the fourth quarter kept alive Saints winning TD drive. And, Devery Henderson scored his first touchdown of the season on a 37 yard catch. Henderson must play. He's one of the few weapons Saints have at the wide receiver post. Next week's game at San Francisco is critical. I don't think the Saints beat Jacksonville at home in 2 weeks. A win over SF gives Saints at least a 3-5 mark at the break.
LSU won in spite of itself Saturday night. The clock management was poor. Les Miles came within a few seconds and an incomplete pass of making the biggest coaching gaffe in the history of Tiger Stadium. But, all is well that ends well. Still: I ask how can (2) future NFL backs, Keiland Williams and Charles Scott carry a combined 6 times in a key SEC game?
Kudos to Matt Forte'. The Tulane senior has a chance to reach 2 thousand yards rushing. Forte' has talent, but he is also an incredible worker. In the off season, he lived in the weight room , rehabbing his scoped knee and getting ready to carry the load for the Tulane offense.
Regards,
Ed