Don't upset Marlin's pitcher Chris Volstad or throw gas at National's outfielder Nyjer Morgan. With the Marlins up on the reeling Nationals 15-5 in the 5th inning, Volstad, who hit Morgan in the back earlier this week, threw a 91 mph fastball completely behind Morgan. Morgan immediately flung his bat and charged the mound with reckless abandon. He delivered a wild hay-maker with his left but only managed to scrape Volstad's shoulder. Before Volstad could return the blow, Marlin's first baseman, Gaby Sanchez, came out of nowhere to clothesline Morgan. A dog pile ensued and after the may lay, Volstad and Morgan were ejected. The Marlins went onto win the game 16-10.
This is the second time in recent weeks that Nyjer Morgan has had issues with an opposing team. Last week, Morgan threw a ball from the outfield and hit a Phillies fan in the side of the head. Morgan was handed a suspension which he subsequently appealed, but was held out of the following game by manager Jim Riggleman to avoid any potential retaliation against him.
Now onto football...
The sun is rising on the college football season. With play beginning tomorrow, this is one of the more anticipated seasons in recent memory. Here are some top story-lines to watch for during the season:
- D-I Coaches on the hot seat:
Les Miles (LSU)- After another successful recruiting season last year, Miles and the LSU Tigers disappointed the Tiger faithful. The Tiger finished the regular season 9-3, but had one of the worst offensive attacks in the nation with a national ranking below 100 in rushing YPG, passing YPG, total offense and scoring, leading to speculation that Gary Crowton and Les Miles would need a stellar 2010 season to keep their jobs. Look for the Tigers' offensive attack to challenge down field and run more aggressively, as this is essentially a make or break year for LSU's coaching staff. If LSU doesn't to crack the top 20 in the rankings or fails to win a bowl game at year's end, The Hat and Gary Crowton will be cleaning out their desks.
Rich Rodriguez (Michigan)- My how the mighty have fallen. Rich Rod went from being a highly touted coaching genius after many successful seasons at West Virginia with the pistol offense and Pat White, to booed, and shunned in Ann Arbor after failing to notch a winning season at Michigan after he took over from Lloyd Carr. With an offensive scheme that doesn't work in the Big Ten, musical chairs at the quarterback position, fund spending that would make W.'s bailouts look fickle, and not to mention possible sanctions for violating practice time, Rodriguez is on the verge of being booted out of The Big House with nothing to show but bumps, bruises, and a shattered reputation. Rodriguez has yet to name a starting quarterback for the first game of the season against UCONN, whether it is sophomore Tate Forcier, freshman Devin Gardner, red shirt sophomore Jack Kennedy, or fan favorite and ESPN college football analyst, Kirk Herbstreit's, pick to start the season Denard Robinson, it is safe to say the Rich's season hinges on the first half of the season opener.....or if they beat Ohio State.
Lane Kiffin (USC)- Where do I begin with this guy. It seems that wherever he goes, he leaves a program smoldering. While he was unfairly relieved of his coaching duties in Oakland, he left the University of Tennessee waiting at the alter. In what could have been a promising tenure as the Vol's head coach, he bolted for the newly vacated, heavily scrutinized job at USC. After Pete Carroll avoided sanctions from the NCAA for recruiting violations by leaving to coach the Seattle Seahawks, Kiffin brought along his father, Monte Kiffin, and Ed Orgeron to clean house at USC. Kiffin is now being accused of major recruiting violations at Tennessee, adding to the drama being attached to one of the nations most storied programs.
Dan Hawkins (Colorado)- After three straight atrocious seasons for Colorado, Hawkins finally demoted his son, Cody, to second string quarterback in a much anticipated and hoped for move. Colorado showed some promise after Hawkins was benched during the fourth game of last season, the Buffs still finished 3-9. Not much more needed here, but if Coach Hawkins can figure out a way to win eight games this year, he might be packing up and going elsewhere.
Heisman watch-
Jake Locker (Washington)- Two words, "man child." At 6'3", 226 pounds, and a rifle for a right arm, Jake Locker is pure talent. Despite finishing 5-7, Locker led the Huskies to upsets against USC and then ranked #19 Cal at the end of the season. Look for Locker to be in New York at the Heisman trophy presentation come early 2011.
Jacquizz Rodgers (Oregon State)- Some teammates call him "flash." If you've ever seen this guy tear up a football field, you know why. Boasting sub 4.3 speed and the ability to change direction with such profound ease, Ferrari is now considering employing him as an engineer (kidding), he is the pride of Corvallis and Beaver fans are confident he can lead the to a Rose Bowl berth after OSU was denied by Oregon last season in the "Civil War."
Terelle Pryor (Ohio State)- I think everyone in the country is waiting for this guy to break out. Last season showed my promise for the upcoming season as he and the rest of the Ohio State Buckeyes demolished the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl. Keep in mind Pryor played with a partially torn knee ligament. He is a virtual lock to be in New York as a nominee to win the Heisman.
Case Keenum (Houston)- No one is more deserving of the title of "gunslinger" than this guy. 2009 National Quarterback Trophy recipient, Keenum finished the season with 48 touchdowns and 5800 total yards. He led the Cougars to an upset win over then #5 Oklahoma State, he and the Cougars faltered in the final two games of the season, losing 38-32 to C-USA rival, ECU, and being romped by Air Force 47-20 in the Armed Forces Bowl. Keenum returns with many key components to a potent offense this year, so look for it to be business as usual for Keenum as he begins his ascent into college football's elite.
Mark Ingram (Alabama)- What happens when a freight train meets an frightened opposing free safety? Just watch Mark Ingram's game film from his Heisman Trophy winning season last year and you'll know. Ingram doesn't posses the shiftiness of other running backs in college football, but he can hit a defense in the mouth better than anyone else. Ingram's return will be delayed this season as he had an arthroscopic procedure done on his knee earlier this week. ESPN's Chris Low reports that Nick Saban believes that this will not hurt Ingram's season and will take his recovery one week at a time. This might damage his ability to repeat as Heisman Trophy winner, but if the SEC defensive coordinators haven't found a way to stop this guy, then he might run over everyone en route to another Heisman Trophy. (See Chris Low's report here: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5519681)
Noel Devine (West Virginia)- Quite possibly the one thing that Rich Rodriguez didn't ruin when he left West Virginia is Noel Devine. This guy has flown under the radar most of his career and has never gotten much love from the Heisman voters, but in his three seasons at WVU he has rushed for over 3000 yards and 23 scores with career highs in rushing and scoring last year (1465 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. This guy will get his due this season as he will be sitting in between Jake Locker and Terrelle Pryor in Noe York come 2011.
Who Dat
-Kenny "Mo"
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