This Week in Golf

PGA Tour - With the strongest field this season outside of the Masters, the Wachovia Championship at Quail Hollow promises to be an exciting one. Both Tiger and Phil will be teeing it up in Charlotte along with three others inside the top ten in the world rankings. Fred Couples, Lee Westwood, Jim Furyk, Anthony Kim, Rory McIlroy, Angela Cabrera, Camilo Villegas, Padraig Harrington, Rickie Fowler, Stewart Cink, Geoff Ogilvy, and Hunter Mahan are just a few of the fan favorites playing. Woods is always the hungriest competitor in any field he enters, but I suspect he is even more so this week after his long hiatus prior to a top five at Augusta. Woods is my obvious pick to win this week at an excellent venue where he has hoisted a trophy before. My sleeper pick will be awarded to Sean O'Hair. The young American is not afraid to go head-to-head against Tiger or anybody. He has not had a stellar year thus far, but I predict he will have a breakout tournament at Quail Hollow. CBS covers the Wachovia all weekend.

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

Howdy there, Free Keon and Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media Readers,

I may be wrong, but I have a feeling that you are one side or the other as far as the NFL Draft bonanza. For those who can’t get enough and love the extra day, let’s get right to that portion of links. For those who are asking themselves if the spectacle will ever end, let’s get that out of the way. Whatever your thoughts, here we go.

Naturally, we start with reports from St. Louis and Detroit.

Another football story that has dominated the headlines for weeks is, of course, Big Ben. Here’s the latest from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Shifting to baseball, the hometown pundits are clearly against Carlos Zambrano’s move to the bullpen, but there he sits.

While one hurler has fallen upon hard times, Ubaldo Jiminez’s life could not be much better after twirling a no-hitter. Read Jim Armstrong’s interesting story from The Denver Post.

Finally, back to football for a look at Illini draft prospect Jon Asamoah.

Thanks for reading. Please note that I will be away next week. Slammin’ Sam will return Tue., May 4.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

PGA Tour - This week's edition of the best golf in the world takes place in the Big Easy. New Orleans, Louisiana attracts players with their unique bayou hospitality. Jerry Kelly is the defending champion, but I expect David Toms to take the trophy in his home state.

Psst – Wanna know a secret?

Hello Free Keon and Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Readers!
I have an exciting announcement. Thanks to Mike Lynch at Seamheads.com, I've joined forces with the baseball enthusiasts there, starting today. In addition to Seamheads blogging, I will continue my contributions to Free Keon. Keep clicking here for Slammin' Sam's Links and non-baseball coverage. Thanks for your support!

Here's a preview of my Seamheads debut:

Psst – Wanna know a secret? A lot of your heroes weren’t the men you thought they were. The reality of the game they played differs from your ideal picture too. OK, I guess that’s not really a surprise. But more often than not, histories paint romantic pictures of yesterday’s stars. Perhaps some childhood mischief or an 0-4 day snuck into the story. Rarely is there reason to worry about anything that would besmirch your favorite hitter or pitcher in most retrospectives. Zev Chafets’ “Cooperstown Confidential” is a delightful dastardly exception.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

Good day, Free Keon and Slammin’ Sam readers!

Plenty of news to keep us chatting today. Let’s start with arguably the No. 1 story in sports right now. The Bulls are once again near the forefront of the sports nation’s consciousness. While the team sewed up the eighth seed last night in Charlotte, the down-to-the-wired drama is only one part of an equation that has Bulls fans seeing red.

Brandon Marshall expressed his irritation about the situation in Denver. Now (finally) he moves on to Miami.

Who knows what got Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stirred up. Maybe that’s his business, not ours.

Tim Tebow’s draft stock may be in question. But for another pro prospect, Butler basketball’s Gordon Hayward, his stock appears to be rising after the Bulldogs star introduced himself in grand fashion.

Finally, we come full circle. Jordan’s Bobcats may have lost last night, but the owner and the city of Charlotte have plenty of reasons to keep an eye on the promising squad.

Thanks for reading today's links!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

PGA Tour - The Verizon Heritage Classic is being held this week at beautiful Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island. Harbour Town's relaxing atmosphere and convenient proximity to Augusta make it the perfect location for the week following the Masters. Many of the pros who struggled their way around the rolling hills of Augusta unwind here with some refreshing rounds by the sea. Luke Donald is my pick to win. This Big Ten alum is a steady bloke who has been having a solid season. My sleeper, Davis Love III, has an unprecedented five victories at the Heritage Classic. After a great event at Bay Hill and missing the Masters, I see Love making his comeback in Hilton Head. CBS covers this event.

Check It "Outta Here"

Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media
Exactly one year ago today, Philadelphia Phillies Hall of Fame broadcaster and the voice of NFL Films Harry Kalas died of heart disease. Here’s why you should read “Harry the K” by Randy Miller.

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

Hello Free Keon Fans,

As I write this, play is already underway at The Masters, and Tiger’s tee time is not far off. But in the meantime, check out Slammin’ Sam’s Links.

Speaking of the world’s most famous golfer, you knew Nike would unveil a Tiger ad sometime soon. The question was when. Here’s the answer that debuted last night. After you watch the ad, read Richard Sandomir’s column.

While the world calls on Tiger for accountability, Stephen A. Smith (as only he can) charges the Eagles brass with responsibility. No longer can fans point the finger at Donovan McNabb.

Nor can blame be leveled Evan Turner for his actions.

Last, a week remains in the NBA regular season. The Mavs are jockeying for playoff position, and Tyreke Evans eyes the Rookie of the Year award.

As always, thanks for spending part of your day at Free Keon!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

PGA Tour – The azaleas will be in full bloom as always on Amen Corner as Masters Tournament is beheld at Augusta National Golf Club this week. Dozens of headlines are coming out of Augusta early on this week. Not the least of which is the long-awaited return of the world’s number one golfer, Tiger Woods.

Back in Radbourn's Day, Backing Down was Out of the Question

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media
Now batting for Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media, “Fifty-Nine in ’84.”

Here’s why you should read Edward Achorn’s book at the dawn of the baseball season:

The Final Slammin' Sam Final Four Post

Judging by America’s sports sections, fans aren’t quite ready to switch from college hoops to baseball. We understand. Only three college basketball games remain. Beginning Sunday, there will be beaucoup baseball. Our advice at Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media and Free Keon is to enjoy the Final Four while it lasts. With that in mind, here we go!

First, Indy Star writer Matthew Tully gives readers perspective about Butler’s drive to the Final Four.

Butler’s opponent, Michigan State, features a coach who somehow gets it done again and again, writes Drew Sharp.

While Butler plays for its city, and Izzo represents his home state of Michigan, Duke is in it for each other.

Bob Huggins and West Virginia? They can’t stop thinking about the great party they are going to have after work.

How can you think about March Madness without thinking about Billy Packer? Whether you like him or not, he’s still got plenty to say off the main stage.

Thanks for visiting Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links and Free Keon today!

Sam Miller/Free Keon