This is how dedicated I am to my blogging promise, which I consider a New Year’s resolution. I am at Side Pockets, where I spend quite a bit of time, and remembered I had not blogged today. So, my good friend Tyler Gordon, one of the owners, allowed me to use his office and his computer to do so.
What a guy, huh? I think he believes I’m nuts.
Anyway, returned from Miami on Friday afternoon and was happy to be home. Although I have to tell you, being in Florida was a lot of fun. And covering Kansas in its win over Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl was a memorable moment for me in my career, too. I compared it to what Kansas State accomplished under Bill Snyder with the understanding that KU will have to sustain its success for a few years to make that a valid comparison. I think the Jayhawks have a chance to be good for years to come and am highly impressed by Mark Mangino, who was on the verge of losing his job after the 2006 season. At least, a lot of KU fans hoped he was headed out the door. Those fans won’t admit it now, though.
Went out to Koch Arena today to watch some high school basketball. Was going to the East-Southeast game tonight, but things were running behind so I decided to come to Side Pockets, instead. I did see the Northwest girls upset Kapaun Mount Carmel. The daughter of one of our assistant managing editors at The Eagle, Tom Shine, had a big game. Alaina Shine is a 5-foot-11 freshman at Northwest and she scored 23 points, I believe. I was happy for Tom and his wife, Sharon. That’s the kind of guy I am; happy for the success of others and their offspring.
This is the blog to read if you’re a St. Louis Cardinals fan, because I’m one, too. So, here’s my analysis of the Cardinals’ move to sign right-handed pitcher Matt Clement to a one-year deal. It can’t hurt. When he’s right, Clement is a ground-ball machine because of his heavy sinker. There are questions about his arm as he missed last season after surgery. But signing Clement was a low-risk move and he helps a depleted starting rotation. I still would like to see St. Louis sign another starter. That, or I would like to see Anthony Reyes come into his own. I know it hasn’t worked out so far for Reyes, but I’m scared that if he’s traded he’ll come back to haunt the Cardinals.
I hear a lot of pool being played just outside the office, in case you’re wondering.
The highlight of Miami, besides the game, was walking along the shore and looking at yachts. I saw some really amazing yachts including my favorite, My Marilyn. I’m estimating it cost about $4 million, give or take a million. Being a sports writer, I have accepted that I’ll never be able to afford a yacht. A pontoon boat, maybe, but not a yacht. I think I could live in Ft. Lauderdale, though. Maybe I’ll retire there. Or to Augusta, I haven’t decided yet.
The Shockers really need to steal a victory somewhere along the line to regain some confidence. I really thought they were on the right track after being LSU and UAB at home. I was shocked they lost their first two Missouri Valley Conference games at home, to Drake and Illinois State. We have to give Gregg Marshall a pass on this season, although I think the Shockers will have some moments. They just don’t score enough to have too many of them.
Time for a Top 10 list. My 10 favorite people who I have met through Side Pockets seems appropriate: Tyler Gordon, Matthew Robinson, Andrea Gordon, Shari Laurent, Rex Befort, Karen Befort, Ron Gordon, Big Will, C.Y., Kim West, Trish, Jennifer Coleman. That’s 12, I know. Shoot me.
How good was Kansas today in its blowout win over Boston College? Has any player come as far in a season as Darnell Jackson? I’m telling you, the Jayhawks are going to have a long unbeaten run this season. It’s conceivable to me they could go to Texas A&M, for their regular-season finale, with an unbeaten season on the line. That game is March 8, by the way. It will be the first time Mark Turgeon has coached against his alma mater. There could be a lot of good story lines for that one.
Read a good piece in ESPN The Magazine on Kansas State’s Bill Walker. Give it a look if you can.
That’s all for now. I am borrowing an office, you know. And a computer. I think I have over-stayed my welcome.
More to come Wednesday.