Yes, it's Wednesday, and my favorite inspirations and imaginary sponsors are back again.
1) How close are Houston’s top 2018 recruits? In their own words…
The more I talk to the 2018 football class in the Lone Star State, the more one thing becomes more apparent: Houston’s prospects are tight. Very tight. Tighter than traffic at the intersection of Westheimer and Post Oak during a weekday rush hour.
They’re at the same camps together. They go to the same recruiting events. Obviously, they play high school football – some of them on the same team – and compete in the same area. And they… FaceTime together?
“One night, we all got on, we all got on FaceTime and were just laughing the whole night,” said four-star Manvel receiver Jalen Preston. “Funny guys. Some characters.”
Some ballers too.
Based on interviews following Texas’ Junior Day and most recently from Houston at the Under Armour camp, the following players stay in contact daily: Preston, Al’vonte Woodard, Mustapaha Muhhamad, Anthony Cook, Brennan Eagles, B.J. Foster, Leon O’Neal, Jaylen Waddle, Keondre Coburn, D’Shawn Jamison, Malcolm Epps, and more.
In case you’re wondering, that’s 11 of the top 20 in the 2018 LSR 100; one five-star prospect; five Rivals100 members, and nine Rivals250 prospects. Not to mention, guys like Trent Gordon (Manvel), Ta’Zhwan Henry (Lamar), and Chad Bailey (Ridge Point) are probably in the group too in addition to others. Basically, nearly 10 percent of the entire Rivals250 is made up of Houston-area prospects.
“Mustapha, Kenodre, Cook, Jamison, Woodard, Eagles… it’s a lot more. Basically, all of the Houston talent, we’re all in one message,” said Preston.
This doesn’t seem like just talk either, which often resonates at the end of the cycle when guys are trying to add juice and drama to the recruiting process, or when the phrase “package deal” gets thrown around. Genuinely, these prospects seem very close.
“Man, real, real close. We are real, real close,” responded Preston when asked if the bond between Houston prospects is legit or just talk. “We talk about everything. Everything that happens in Houston, basically. Talk about recruiting, what camps we’re going to, what visits we’re taking… everything.”
“Our relationship is like we’re brothers,” Woodard said. “We have a whole group text we talk in every day about anything.”
They’re also comparing notes, and doing homework on coaching staffs to make sure what one school is telling a prospect in Houston is the same as what he’s telling another.
“Oh, yeah. Yes, we are,” said Preston with a laugh when asked if he and the Houston-area prospects compare notes from coaching conversations and visits.
The Houston-area prospects decided a while back they wanted to get to know each other, interact on a daily basis, and build relationships.
“Were close. We’re almost like a family. We stay in contact,” Muhammad said. “It’s really important to have a good relationship with guys you might play in college with, and maybe even the NFL. We’re young, but we’re looking ahead too.”
Plus, they’ve definitely discussed the idea of playing together at the next level.
“Maybe somehow all ending up at the same school,” responded Woodard when asked about one of the main topics of the constant texting among the group. "Maybe it could happen.”
Muhammad, a 6-5 tight end, echoed Woodard, but also added he knows that each guy has to do what is best for him.
“It’s like working out, hanging out, being friends,” he said about the topics of conversation. “But definitely we’d like to play together in college and build relationships. That’s the thing… it’s hard. It’s what’s best for you, but it would be awesome to play with those guys and have fun.”
Obviously, it’s unrealistic to expect 20 players from one area to end up at the same school. But five? Ten? Maybe not. Considering the wide-ranging talent, and the relationships that are building through group-texting, it might not be unrealistic to project a group of Houston-area prospects to end up at the same school. And we know they talk about that and more daily.
2) The key for Texas recruiting in 2018 – win Houston
I know. Captain Obvious. However, it bears repeating: If Texas is going to sign an elite recruiting class in 2018, it needs to plant a Longhorn flag in Houston and build its base from there.
Not only does Houston have five-star Anthony Cook, but it also has high-level talent at need positions for the Longhorns, like tight end (Muhammad and Epps), receiver (take your pick of 10-plus big names), defensive tackle (Coburn), and safety (Foster and O’Neal).
What needs to happen in order for Texas to win Houston? Well, it must win football games, but a goal for Texas should be getting one of those big Houston names to pop before the end of the summer. Think of a commitment from a big name as a way to infiltrate all that group text-messaging and attempt to infect the rest with the Longhornitis.
A lot of those prospects will probably take their commitment decision deep into the process, but there are a few that could pull the trigger early too. If Texas was able to get a commitment from someone like Foster, O’Neal, or the biggest domino, Cook, that would be a huge first step in Texas’ quest to win Houston, which would spark an ability to land one of the nation’s best classes.
3) Brandon Harris and Texas… is there a clear risk?
Tom Herman’s pursuit of LSU graduate transfer quarterback Brandon Harris put some Texas fans’ “he gets it” view of Herman to the test.
However, some have forgotten that Charlie Strong’s lack of urgency to address the quarterback position played a role in the Longhorns’ futile previous three seasons.
If you think Shane Buechele is going to build off a solid freshman campaign and do the job for Texas, that’s fair. Frankly, he remains undervalued by Texas fans following a solid true freshman season. Or, if you are Team Ehlinger - because that’s the way the conversation among Texas fans has trended in a Mean Girls fashion – and think he’s the guy, that’s fair too.
But if you think Texas doesn’t need a third scholarship quarterback that could realistically compete for the job, you’re crazy.
Both Ehlinger, in high school, and Buechele battled injuries throughout last season, and both are still very young. What happens if both get hurt? Sure, some Texas fans might point to Jerrod Heard, but Heard is over a full season removed from QB, and continues to work with the receivers.
Why did Brandon Harris struggle at LSU? I don’t know. Maybe he is what he was at LSU, which was a very talented QB with a huge arm and athleticism that was very up-and-down as a decision-maker and in his performances. Maybe a dual-threat quarterback wasn’t a good fit for a very complex, pro-style offense that wasn’t built to his strengths (sound familiar?).
Harris’ 2015 season wasn’t bad. Sure, the Alabama buzzsaw demolished him, but it also ended Les Miles’ LSU career. Alabama does those sorts of things. His Arkansas and Ole Miss performances weren’t good, but Harris was solid in wins over a top 10 Florida, top 25 Auburn, and on the road at South Carolina. In 2016, a Wisconsin defense that turned out to be one of the best in the nation gave Harris problems, and that was the end of his stint as a starter.
But what we all know is that Herman is interested in him, and recruited him heavily out of high school. Keep in mind that Greg Ward, Jr. rushed 197, and 197 times under Herman in Houston. At Ohio State, Herman proved he could adapt to any quarterback, but we know deep down he wants to possess the running element at that position.
What’s the risk in bringing in Harris, an athletic, 6-3 dual-threat quarterback that presents a running ability Texas currently doesn’t have? Ruffling the feathers of Texas’ other quarterbacks? He’d be gone in a year. The only risk is if he pulls an Everett Golson and pouts if he’s beaten out for the starting position.
Texas simply can’t afford to enter the season with two scholarship quarterbacks, especially two young ones that haven’t proven able to go through an entire season fully healthy. Herman likes Harris. Herman knows quarterbacks. Harris can provide a true running threat at QB, and has never been in a system that’s game-planned around his legs (just 67 rushing attempts in 2015 season, 12 starts).
4) Something about quarterback play that caught my eye at Tuesday’s practice
Texas opened its practice to the media Tuesday for a very brief window. To be honest, there wasn’t much to take away from the few minutes at the field, but one aspect of the quarterback position caught my eye.
No, this isn’t a Buechele versus Ehlinger hot take. Sorry to disappoint.
Rather, Herman and his staff again showed attention to detail. In order for quarterbacks to work on ball-placement and to give reps versus air a more simulated, game-like feel that allows receivers to work on releases and catches too, Texas used assistant coaches, student volunteers, and other staff members as targets to avoid. They created windows to throw into and spots on the field to deliver the football, and also served as an after-the-catch reminder for receivers about could be waiting.
For example, when receivers released from the line of scrimmage to run a vertical route, they did so by beating a press (dummy) at the line of scrimmage, and then after the catch were met by a pad or two to simulate a safety. Quarterbacks, obviously, needed to fit the ball into a spot after the release. There was a conscious effort to design, as best they could, a practice setting that forced quarterbacks to throw into certain spaces at certain times and reminded receivers of what needs to be done at the snap, in the route, and after the catch.
It's one thing for a quarterback to complete a pass to a receiver when he’s the only guy in the area. It’s another thing for a quarterback to see something visually that makes him process where, how, and what time he should deliver the football. Practice like that long enough, and receivers and quarterbacks develop timing and special awareness so receivers are running to spots that quarterbacks are throwing to with anticipation.
5) Jarrett Allen and the NBA
I doubt many missed it yesterday, but if you did, FanRagSports.com’s Jon Rothstein reported that Jarrett Allen will enter the NBA Draft, but won’t hire an agent, which we confirmed and UT made official today.
Is this the end for Allen and Texas? No. If he chooses to participate in the NBA Combine and workout for individual teams, he still can return to school by making that declaration within 10 days of the combine’s conclusions, which runs from May 9-14. From what I’ve heard, it’s fair to consider Allen as someone that’s yet to make an actual decision about whether to turn pro or return to school, and he still has plenty of time before he has to make that decision.
The bad news for Texas? If Allen does participate in the combine and in workouts for teams, his skill, length, and underrated athleticism will likely stick out. He’ll move laterally in an impressive manner, and flash ability to consistently knock down jumpers at or around the perimeter.
The good news for Texas? He’s not going to be the only big that will impress teams, making a lottery guarantee more of a contested three-pointer instead of a layup.
There's still a lot of time between now and the NBA Combine. Allen is a truly unique kid. He’s kept NBA scouts guessing, and is seemingly never in a hurry. Frankly, Allen choosing to test the waters is exactly what he should do. The opportunity is there for him to at least gather information about the next level, and it would be silly not to use it.
For some background, here’s a story from January 24th on Allen and his stay-or-go decision.
6) David Pierce needs a bullpen fix
The Longhorns scored 10 runs on 15 hits, seven walks, and one hit batter at Texas State last night. And lost, thanks in large part to blowing a 10-7 ninth-inning league. Kyle Johnston as a stopper, closer, or whatever you want to call him in the backend of games isn’t working.
Now what? Good question.
In 21.2 innings as a starter this season, Johnston issued just five walks. As a reliever, the junior righthander has walked seven in 5.0 innings with a 12.60 ERA compared to 2.08 in a starting role.
Move him back to a starter? That makes sense, but it still doesn’t solve Texas’ issue in the bullpen. To be honest, David Pierce might not have any true solutions in the bullpen.
Chase Shugart remains inconsistent after showing signs of life. Tyler Schimpf is an enigma, and Kevin Roliard is a freshman that has the stuff but doesn’t yet possess the mental makeup and control (seven walks in 4.2 innings) to handle the backend. Beau O’Hara, thought to be a stopper candidate, has disappeared. Connor Mayes lacks the swing-and-miss stuff for the role, and that also applies to Parker Joe Robinson, Jake McKenzie, and Jon Malmin has already fallen out of favor. Nick Kennedy shouldn’t be disturbed in his current role because it’s working, and his control issues might not play as well in the backend.
Remember when Nolan Kingham came out of the bullpen against Rice and dominated it with a 97 MPH fastball, plus slider, and quality change? Texas might have to go that route. Even if Texas elected to use Beau Ridgeway, the only reliever currently it can depend on, as a stopper, it still would need another dependable bullpen arm. Removing Kingham from the rotation while he’s thriving at a high level is a risk, but so is leaving the end of the game up to chance, especially with an offense that has been inconsistent. Blair Henley’s stuff has been better than his numbers, and Johnston might be able to regain his mojo as a starter. Plus, Kennedy might eventually reach a point where he’s able to be a weekend starter.
We’ll see what happens, and Pierce doesn’t have much to work with. But he has a bullpen problem.
7) Scanning the rest of the sports globe…
--- The World Baseball Classic has been filled with emotion, excitement, quality play, and passion. It’s presented a unique baseball environment, and in doing so given fans an enjoyable, entertaining product. The WBC still has issues to work through, like how to get more players to commit, and the ridiculous extra-innings rule. But it’s tapped into something special, something that’s brought players to tears on the field, and filled the seats with passionate fans.
--- After one weekend of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, what was seen during the regular season permeated through the bracket – there isn’t a great college basketball team this year, and the product itself isn’t as intriguing as it used to be. Arguably the most interesting thing about the tournament is watching Lonzo Ball navigate the floor like Brad Pitt navigates the Bellagio in Ocean’s 11. But he'll soon be gone.
Sure, Iowa State versus Purdue, Michigan versus Oklahoma State, and Oregon versus Rhode Island were enthralling games just like West Virginia and Gonzaga and Kentucky against UCLA have a chance to be. However, I find myself less interested in March Madness more than ever, and that’s, at least partially, the result of what college basketball is right now.
--- I know the AL West generates a lot of, um, passionate discussion at Orangebloods.com, and I found this piece both entertaining and insightful.
--- The Rockets are 49-22 and have already clinched a playoff berth. They’re No. 1 in the NBA in adjusted offensive rating, and No. 3 in adjusted net rating, just percentage points behind the Spurs and a sizable gap behind the Warriors.
What needs to happen for Houston now? Avoid the Grizzlies. Memphis, per adjusted net rating, is the No. 9 team in the NBA. It can defend and dictate tempo with a unique roster unlike most NBA teams. Plus, the Grizzlies are tough. Maybe it’s just me, but if I’m the Spurs, Warriors, or Rockets, I’d much rather see the Thunder or Clippers instead of the Grizzlies.
8) Anything and everything
--- I’m now about three weeks into the Keto Diet, and am down 16 pounds. It works, and while it’s difficult at certain times, it’s really not that hard to stick to. By the way, anyone had a jicama “tortilla?” It’s like a combination of a lettuce wrap and corn tortilla, and is high in fiber and low in carbs.
--- Buc-ee’s beef jerky receives an 80 grade from me. It’s the Mike Trout of jerky. Yes, it's taken me this long. Suchomel finally had a good suggestion for a change (I won't tell you where he picked to eat for lunch Sunday when we had a break at the camp).
--- Seeing Third Eye Blind in concert was a personal highlight during SXSW, but the Veep panel was my favorite moment. Now, I’m hooked on the show after just a few episodes.
---
9) The best, non-sports thing I read this week
This is a very long read, but a truly fascinating one. What happens when Queen Elizabeth dies? The background behind the preparations, plan to disperse the news, coverage, and the historical significance are maybe unlike anything the world has felt in decades.
1) How close are Houston’s top 2018 recruits? In their own words…
The more I talk to the 2018 football class in the Lone Star State, the more one thing becomes more apparent: Houston’s prospects are tight. Very tight. Tighter than traffic at the intersection of Westheimer and Post Oak during a weekday rush hour.
They’re at the same camps together. They go to the same recruiting events. Obviously, they play high school football – some of them on the same team – and compete in the same area. And they… FaceTime together?
“One night, we all got on, we all got on FaceTime and were just laughing the whole night,” said four-star Manvel receiver Jalen Preston. “Funny guys. Some characters.”
Some ballers too.
Based on interviews following Texas’ Junior Day and most recently from Houston at the Under Armour camp, the following players stay in contact daily: Preston, Al’vonte Woodard, Mustapaha Muhhamad, Anthony Cook, Brennan Eagles, B.J. Foster, Leon O’Neal, Jaylen Waddle, Keondre Coburn, D’Shawn Jamison, Malcolm Epps, and more.
In case you’re wondering, that’s 11 of the top 20 in the 2018 LSR 100; one five-star prospect; five Rivals100 members, and nine Rivals250 prospects. Not to mention, guys like Trent Gordon (Manvel), Ta’Zhwan Henry (Lamar), and Chad Bailey (Ridge Point) are probably in the group too in addition to others. Basically, nearly 10 percent of the entire Rivals250 is made up of Houston-area prospects.
“Mustapha, Kenodre, Cook, Jamison, Woodard, Eagles… it’s a lot more. Basically, all of the Houston talent, we’re all in one message,” said Preston.
This doesn’t seem like just talk either, which often resonates at the end of the cycle when guys are trying to add juice and drama to the recruiting process, or when the phrase “package deal” gets thrown around. Genuinely, these prospects seem very close.
“Man, real, real close. We are real, real close,” responded Preston when asked if the bond between Houston prospects is legit or just talk. “We talk about everything. Everything that happens in Houston, basically. Talk about recruiting, what camps we’re going to, what visits we’re taking… everything.”
“Our relationship is like we’re brothers,” Woodard said. “We have a whole group text we talk in every day about anything.”
They’re also comparing notes, and doing homework on coaching staffs to make sure what one school is telling a prospect in Houston is the same as what he’s telling another.
“Oh, yeah. Yes, we are,” said Preston with a laugh when asked if he and the Houston-area prospects compare notes from coaching conversations and visits.
The Houston-area prospects decided a while back they wanted to get to know each other, interact on a daily basis, and build relationships.
“Were close. We’re almost like a family. We stay in contact,” Muhammad said. “It’s really important to have a good relationship with guys you might play in college with, and maybe even the NFL. We’re young, but we’re looking ahead too.”
Plus, they’ve definitely discussed the idea of playing together at the next level.
“Maybe somehow all ending up at the same school,” responded Woodard when asked about one of the main topics of the constant texting among the group. "Maybe it could happen.”
Muhammad, a 6-5 tight end, echoed Woodard, but also added he knows that each guy has to do what is best for him.
“It’s like working out, hanging out, being friends,” he said about the topics of conversation. “But definitely we’d like to play together in college and build relationships. That’s the thing… it’s hard. It’s what’s best for you, but it would be awesome to play with those guys and have fun.”
Obviously, it’s unrealistic to expect 20 players from one area to end up at the same school. But five? Ten? Maybe not. Considering the wide-ranging talent, and the relationships that are building through group-texting, it might not be unrealistic to project a group of Houston-area prospects to end up at the same school. And we know they talk about that and more daily.
2) The key for Texas recruiting in 2018 – win Houston
I know. Captain Obvious. However, it bears repeating: If Texas is going to sign an elite recruiting class in 2018, it needs to plant a Longhorn flag in Houston and build its base from there.
Not only does Houston have five-star Anthony Cook, but it also has high-level talent at need positions for the Longhorns, like tight end (Muhammad and Epps), receiver (take your pick of 10-plus big names), defensive tackle (Coburn), and safety (Foster and O’Neal).
What needs to happen in order for Texas to win Houston? Well, it must win football games, but a goal for Texas should be getting one of those big Houston names to pop before the end of the summer. Think of a commitment from a big name as a way to infiltrate all that group text-messaging and attempt to infect the rest with the Longhornitis.
A lot of those prospects will probably take their commitment decision deep into the process, but there are a few that could pull the trigger early too. If Texas was able to get a commitment from someone like Foster, O’Neal, or the biggest domino, Cook, that would be a huge first step in Texas’ quest to win Houston, which would spark an ability to land one of the nation’s best classes.
3) Brandon Harris and Texas… is there a clear risk?
Tom Herman’s pursuit of LSU graduate transfer quarterback Brandon Harris put some Texas fans’ “he gets it” view of Herman to the test.
However, some have forgotten that Charlie Strong’s lack of urgency to address the quarterback position played a role in the Longhorns’ futile previous three seasons.
If you think Shane Buechele is going to build off a solid freshman campaign and do the job for Texas, that’s fair. Frankly, he remains undervalued by Texas fans following a solid true freshman season. Or, if you are Team Ehlinger - because that’s the way the conversation among Texas fans has trended in a Mean Girls fashion – and think he’s the guy, that’s fair too.
But if you think Texas doesn’t need a third scholarship quarterback that could realistically compete for the job, you’re crazy.
Both Ehlinger, in high school, and Buechele battled injuries throughout last season, and both are still very young. What happens if both get hurt? Sure, some Texas fans might point to Jerrod Heard, but Heard is over a full season removed from QB, and continues to work with the receivers.
Why did Brandon Harris struggle at LSU? I don’t know. Maybe he is what he was at LSU, which was a very talented QB with a huge arm and athleticism that was very up-and-down as a decision-maker and in his performances. Maybe a dual-threat quarterback wasn’t a good fit for a very complex, pro-style offense that wasn’t built to his strengths (sound familiar?).
Harris’ 2015 season wasn’t bad. Sure, the Alabama buzzsaw demolished him, but it also ended Les Miles’ LSU career. Alabama does those sorts of things. His Arkansas and Ole Miss performances weren’t good, but Harris was solid in wins over a top 10 Florida, top 25 Auburn, and on the road at South Carolina. In 2016, a Wisconsin defense that turned out to be one of the best in the nation gave Harris problems, and that was the end of his stint as a starter.
But what we all know is that Herman is interested in him, and recruited him heavily out of high school. Keep in mind that Greg Ward, Jr. rushed 197, and 197 times under Herman in Houston. At Ohio State, Herman proved he could adapt to any quarterback, but we know deep down he wants to possess the running element at that position.
What’s the risk in bringing in Harris, an athletic, 6-3 dual-threat quarterback that presents a running ability Texas currently doesn’t have? Ruffling the feathers of Texas’ other quarterbacks? He’d be gone in a year. The only risk is if he pulls an Everett Golson and pouts if he’s beaten out for the starting position.
Texas simply can’t afford to enter the season with two scholarship quarterbacks, especially two young ones that haven’t proven able to go through an entire season fully healthy. Herman likes Harris. Herman knows quarterbacks. Harris can provide a true running threat at QB, and has never been in a system that’s game-planned around his legs (just 67 rushing attempts in 2015 season, 12 starts).
4) Something about quarterback play that caught my eye at Tuesday’s practice
Texas opened its practice to the media Tuesday for a very brief window. To be honest, there wasn’t much to take away from the few minutes at the field, but one aspect of the quarterback position caught my eye.
No, this isn’t a Buechele versus Ehlinger hot take. Sorry to disappoint.
Rather, Herman and his staff again showed attention to detail. In order for quarterbacks to work on ball-placement and to give reps versus air a more simulated, game-like feel that allows receivers to work on releases and catches too, Texas used assistant coaches, student volunteers, and other staff members as targets to avoid. They created windows to throw into and spots on the field to deliver the football, and also served as an after-the-catch reminder for receivers about could be waiting.
For example, when receivers released from the line of scrimmage to run a vertical route, they did so by beating a press (dummy) at the line of scrimmage, and then after the catch were met by a pad or two to simulate a safety. Quarterbacks, obviously, needed to fit the ball into a spot after the release. There was a conscious effort to design, as best they could, a practice setting that forced quarterbacks to throw into certain spaces at certain times and reminded receivers of what needs to be done at the snap, in the route, and after the catch.
It's one thing for a quarterback to complete a pass to a receiver when he’s the only guy in the area. It’s another thing for a quarterback to see something visually that makes him process where, how, and what time he should deliver the football. Practice like that long enough, and receivers and quarterbacks develop timing and special awareness so receivers are running to spots that quarterbacks are throwing to with anticipation.
5) Jarrett Allen and the NBA
I doubt many missed it yesterday, but if you did, FanRagSports.com’s Jon Rothstein reported that Jarrett Allen will enter the NBA Draft, but won’t hire an agent, which we confirmed and UT made official today.
Is this the end for Allen and Texas? No. If he chooses to participate in the NBA Combine and workout for individual teams, he still can return to school by making that declaration within 10 days of the combine’s conclusions, which runs from May 9-14. From what I’ve heard, it’s fair to consider Allen as someone that’s yet to make an actual decision about whether to turn pro or return to school, and he still has plenty of time before he has to make that decision.
The bad news for Texas? If Allen does participate in the combine and in workouts for teams, his skill, length, and underrated athleticism will likely stick out. He’ll move laterally in an impressive manner, and flash ability to consistently knock down jumpers at or around the perimeter.
The good news for Texas? He’s not going to be the only big that will impress teams, making a lottery guarantee more of a contested three-pointer instead of a layup.
There's still a lot of time between now and the NBA Combine. Allen is a truly unique kid. He’s kept NBA scouts guessing, and is seemingly never in a hurry. Frankly, Allen choosing to test the waters is exactly what he should do. The opportunity is there for him to at least gather information about the next level, and it would be silly not to use it.
For some background, here’s a story from January 24th on Allen and his stay-or-go decision.
6) David Pierce needs a bullpen fix
The Longhorns scored 10 runs on 15 hits, seven walks, and one hit batter at Texas State last night. And lost, thanks in large part to blowing a 10-7 ninth-inning league. Kyle Johnston as a stopper, closer, or whatever you want to call him in the backend of games isn’t working.
Now what? Good question.
In 21.2 innings as a starter this season, Johnston issued just five walks. As a reliever, the junior righthander has walked seven in 5.0 innings with a 12.60 ERA compared to 2.08 in a starting role.
Move him back to a starter? That makes sense, but it still doesn’t solve Texas’ issue in the bullpen. To be honest, David Pierce might not have any true solutions in the bullpen.
Chase Shugart remains inconsistent after showing signs of life. Tyler Schimpf is an enigma, and Kevin Roliard is a freshman that has the stuff but doesn’t yet possess the mental makeup and control (seven walks in 4.2 innings) to handle the backend. Beau O’Hara, thought to be a stopper candidate, has disappeared. Connor Mayes lacks the swing-and-miss stuff for the role, and that also applies to Parker Joe Robinson, Jake McKenzie, and Jon Malmin has already fallen out of favor. Nick Kennedy shouldn’t be disturbed in his current role because it’s working, and his control issues might not play as well in the backend.
Remember when Nolan Kingham came out of the bullpen against Rice and dominated it with a 97 MPH fastball, plus slider, and quality change? Texas might have to go that route. Even if Texas elected to use Beau Ridgeway, the only reliever currently it can depend on, as a stopper, it still would need another dependable bullpen arm. Removing Kingham from the rotation while he’s thriving at a high level is a risk, but so is leaving the end of the game up to chance, especially with an offense that has been inconsistent. Blair Henley’s stuff has been better than his numbers, and Johnston might be able to regain his mojo as a starter. Plus, Kennedy might eventually reach a point where he’s able to be a weekend starter.
We’ll see what happens, and Pierce doesn’t have much to work with. But he has a bullpen problem.
7) Scanning the rest of the sports globe…
--- The World Baseball Classic has been filled with emotion, excitement, quality play, and passion. It’s presented a unique baseball environment, and in doing so given fans an enjoyable, entertaining product. The WBC still has issues to work through, like how to get more players to commit, and the ridiculous extra-innings rule. But it’s tapped into something special, something that’s brought players to tears on the field, and filled the seats with passionate fans.
--- After one weekend of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, what was seen during the regular season permeated through the bracket – there isn’t a great college basketball team this year, and the product itself isn’t as intriguing as it used to be. Arguably the most interesting thing about the tournament is watching Lonzo Ball navigate the floor like Brad Pitt navigates the Bellagio in Ocean’s 11. But he'll soon be gone.
Sure, Iowa State versus Purdue, Michigan versus Oklahoma State, and Oregon versus Rhode Island were enthralling games just like West Virginia and Gonzaga and Kentucky against UCLA have a chance to be. However, I find myself less interested in March Madness more than ever, and that’s, at least partially, the result of what college basketball is right now.
--- I know the AL West generates a lot of, um, passionate discussion at Orangebloods.com, and I found this piece both entertaining and insightful.
--- The Rockets are 49-22 and have already clinched a playoff berth. They’re No. 1 in the NBA in adjusted offensive rating, and No. 3 in adjusted net rating, just percentage points behind the Spurs and a sizable gap behind the Warriors.
What needs to happen for Houston now? Avoid the Grizzlies. Memphis, per adjusted net rating, is the No. 9 team in the NBA. It can defend and dictate tempo with a unique roster unlike most NBA teams. Plus, the Grizzlies are tough. Maybe it’s just me, but if I’m the Spurs, Warriors, or Rockets, I’d much rather see the Thunder or Clippers instead of the Grizzlies.
8) Anything and everything
--- I’m now about three weeks into the Keto Diet, and am down 16 pounds. It works, and while it’s difficult at certain times, it’s really not that hard to stick to. By the way, anyone had a jicama “tortilla?” It’s like a combination of a lettuce wrap and corn tortilla, and is high in fiber and low in carbs.
--- Buc-ee’s beef jerky receives an 80 grade from me. It’s the Mike Trout of jerky. Yes, it's taken me this long. Suchomel finally had a good suggestion for a change (I won't tell you where he picked to eat for lunch Sunday when we had a break at the camp).
--- Seeing Third Eye Blind in concert was a personal highlight during SXSW, but the Veep panel was my favorite moment. Now, I’m hooked on the show after just a few episodes.
---
9) The best, non-sports thing I read this week
This is a very long read, but a truly fascinating one. What happens when Queen Elizabeth dies? The background behind the preparations, plan to disperse the news, coverage, and the historical significance are maybe unlike anything the world has felt in decades.
