Free Keon

New SI Golf Rankings

2011-02-02T10:10:00.002-06:00

Sports Illustrated has released a new rankings system for the top ten professional golfers in the world. The new ratings are determined by votes from golf writers similar to the AP college football poll. SI's poll will be more contemporary than the current Official World Golf Rankings that Lee Westwood is sitting atop of. However, Westwood has failed to convert a victory worldwide since winning in Memphis last June. He has performed very well in nearly every event he has entered for the past two years, but he has only one win to show for it. Martin Kaymer, on the other hand, is ranked first in SI's poll, and I could not agree more with their opinion. He holds four victories in his last eight appearances, including the PGA Championship. Those numbers do not even include a Kaymer win last January and top ten finishes at the U.S. and British Opens. Westwood is a very strong player currently, but he has as many wins since 2003 as Kaymer has in the past year. Like the BCS computer rankings, few people understand the OWGR formula. Hence SI's new poll gives a more accurate up-to-date and accurate feel of who the hottest golfer is today. Check out the top ten at http://blogs.golf.com/presstent/2011/02/sigolf-ranking-martin-kaymer-no-1.html .

Kaymer could overtake Westwood in the OWGR during this week's Qatar Masters. The impressive field includes both Kaymer and Westwood along with Steve Stricker, John Daly, Retief Goosen, Darren Clarke, Ian Poulter, Paul Casey, Miguel Angel Jimenez, and Alvaro Quiros. Tune into the Golf Channel to follow the drama.

State-side, the Waste Management Phoenix Open will be staged starring Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, Jhonny Vegas, Nick Watney, Anthony Kim, Hunter Mahan, Fred Couples, and Tom Lehman. Last year's finish thrilled the Bird's Nest at 16, and this year's competition looks to be just as exciting. Catch all the weekend action on CBS.

Deron Please Teach Us

2011-01-29T12:52:00.004-06:00

Is Illinois the same school that produced the Utah Jazz's Deron Williams. Especially early on in the season, the Jazz were becoming known for their astonishing second half double-digit comebacks to win games against quality teams like the Magic and Heat, even on the road. D-Will leads that kind of winning team. The curious part about this situation is, though, that Deron's alma mater, the University of Illinois, is becoming known for not being able to finish ball games. This year's Illini have quite a bit of talent and a healthy mix of young and experienced players. However, the immaturity is all that is shining through, and brightly. Of their seven losses, six could have been W's had the game ended about midway through the second half. In other words, Illinois held the lead during the 2nd half in every game except at Wisconsin. These guys fold when ahead more often than most teams. They are about as reliable as Demetri McCamey. Take a look at each loss.

Texas - Illinois held a two point lead with 2:27 left on the clock. The Illini scored two points for the rest of the game, and it went to overtime. In OT, we surrendered 15 while scoring 9. Granted, Texas is a talented team, but our guys had their opportunities late in the game.

UIC - The Illini were up by six with five minutes to go and looked as if they would blow open a big lead like they should against the Flames. Instead, they were outscored 13-3 for the rest of the way. Included in that stretch were a couple blown chances within the final minute to at least send the game to overtime.

Mizzou - Against another high-quality opponent, Illinois led by three points with 4:05 to play. The Tigers scored 20 in those last four minutes while we garnered seven.

Penn St - Illinois scored two points in the final four minutes of regulation.

Wisconsin - The Badgers hit us up for 49 points in the second half!

Ohio State - Myers Leonard and the gang were looking confident starting off the final twenty minutes. They even held an eight point lead with less than thirteen minutes to play. However, they could not make any type of basket again for five more minutes as they watched the number one team in the land take over the game in Champaign.

Indiana - Bruce Weber's team was up by three with 2:46 remaining, but they did not score the rest of the game.

So taking out the Missouri, Wisconsin, and Buckeyes losses, Illinois scored a combined total of 7 points in 14 minutes of play to close out four different games. Wow! Deron please get to Champaign ASAP and teach your boys how to finish like you did in the Elite Eight.

Great Weekend for Golf

2011-01-29T11:14:00.005-06:00

What a spectacular weekend to kickoff the 2011 professional golf season. Believe it or not this is actually the fourth week of the PGA Tour season, and the competition thus far has been extremely entertaining. From Jonathan Byrd edging out Graeme McDowell to get into a playoff where he defeated Robert Garrigus to Mark Wilson's 36-hole Sunday marathon victory in Hawaii to big Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas's playoff win over defending champ Bill Haas in the California desert, many sports fans have missed out on some exciting finishes the past few weekends in golf. The European Tour has produced some fireworks too in this young year. Last week, now world number two (number one in my book) Martin Kaymer lapped a field that included Rory McIlroy, Retief Goosen, Lee Westwood, Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington, Paul Casey, Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell, the Molinari brothers, and Charl Schwartzel in Abu Dhabi. All of this thrilling golf went under the radar of most sports fans because Tiger Woods had not ventured onto any of the tracks the pros played. However, Tiger is playing in California this week, and the sports world is now watching.

The Farmers Insurance Open is hosted at Torrey Pines, the site of Woods's 2008 U.S. Open triumph. Tiger has won an unprecedented eight titles at Torry Pines, and he has put himself in position to win a ninth this weekend. Bill Haas currently holds the 36-hole lead at eleven under par, but a whole slew of big name contenders is right behind him. A more mature Anthony Kim is the closest competitor to Haas at nine under, but three back of the leader sit Phil Mickelson, Hunter Mahan, John Daly, Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson, and Ben Crane. At six under par, CBS will be highlighting Tiger Woods, Jhonny Vegas, and Dustin Johnson. Five strokes back with 36 holes to play is easy ground to cover for Woods. Sports fans and true golf fans alike are anxiously awaiting the outcome of golf's first big week. The scenery from the southern California coast has already been breathtaking during the early rounds. If you do not watch for the incredible golf, you have to check out the amazing views of the cliffs holding up the golf course diving into the Pacific.

The European Tour also has more excitement lined up for golf fans around the globe. Colin Montgomerie is showing off one of his designs in the oil-rich Middle Eastern island nation of Bahrain. With only one round to play, Paul Casey is tied for the lead at sixteen under par with both Molinari brothers, Darren Clarke, Matteo Manessero, and Miguel Angel Jimenez all in striking distance. The Volvo Golf Champions was being billed as Sergio Garcia's first start of 2011. He started off with an impressive 67 on Thursday, but his third round of 73 has put El Niño nine strokes back heading into Sunday. The Golf Channel will have delayed morning coverage of this event.

The final big event of the weekend has yet to start actually. The Champions Skins Game will be played out in Maui on Saturday and Sunday. The defending champs for this team event are none other than Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson. The duo is teaming up again this weekend, and anyone who has not seen the great Golden Bear play before better be watching Golf Channel because Jack very rarely plays anymore. Arnold Palmer is easier to catch on the course than Nicklaus. As the greatest player of all time, Jack is a joy to see and learn about. Going up against this formidable pairing are the teams of Fuzzy Zoeller-Ben Crenshaw, Nick Price-Fred Couples, and Bernhard Langer-Mark O'Meara. The players are miked and are a blast to watch play and interact with each other.

Oldest Pro Football Series

2011-01-22T11:10:00.003-06:00

I am currently enjoying Joe Ziemba's When Football was Football: The Chicago Cardinals and the Birth of the NFL during my lunch breaks. I have yet to finish, but all the attention the much-anticipated Bears-Packers NFC Championship game is getting has highlighted one little piece of NFL history I learned from this book.

Chicago's and, arguably, the world's first professional team is the Cardinals, now rooted in Arizona. The Morgan Athletic Association played its first official game on October 15, 1899 in a win over the Shermans on Chicago's south side. The club eventually became known as the Chicago Cardinals franchise when the NFL organized in 1920. The Cardinals continued to play, oftentimes lousy, football as apart of the NFL in Chicago until the move to St. Louis in 1960.

While grocery shopping at Wal-Mart and Kroger today, I noticed an alarming number of people proudly sporting every piece of Bears or Packers clothing they have. The build up for this exciting bout is huge. Most of the cashiers at Kroger were wearing Bears jerseys and t-shirts. The TV section at Wal-Mart was broadcasting a December 2007 Bear-Pack game. The local Christian radio station was telling cheesehead jokes on their morning show. I even glanced at the front page of the Chicago Sun-Times only to discover the lions guarding the front doors of the Art Institute on Michigan Avenue donning Bears scarves and earmuffs. I did not even witness this much to do while teaching at a school on the Illinois-Indiana border during the Chicago-Indy Super Bowl. Now, don't get me wrong. I love all the attention the Bears are getting. However, much of the acclaim is touting the showdown as the biggest game in the oldest rivalry of pro football. Mr. Ziemba, the author of the Cardinals history book, has something to say about that assertion, though.

Many Bears fans know "Papa Bear" George Halas got his pro football start in 1920 as the player/coach of the Decatur Staleys and that the Staleys had become the Chicago Bears by 1922. Many Bears fans, inluding myself, also know the NFL's longest running rivalry is between Green Bay and our beloved. The history books say otherwise, though. The Chicago Cardinals, who were a legitimate annual contender for the title in the early '20's, first battled and defeated the Decatur Staleys by a score of 7-6 on November 28, 1920. Therefore, the series between the Bears and the Cardinals is the NFL's oldest because neither the Cards nor the Staleys played against the Packers until November of 1921. The Cards and Pack fought to a draw on the 20th, and the first staging of the "oldest rivalry" was on November 28, 1921 when the Chicago Staleys (Halas agreed to keep the Staley moniker for the '21 season and changed to the Bears in 1922) beat Green Bay 20-0.

Now, the argument becomes that of the definition of "rivalry." I would assert that the Cardinals do not have a rivalry with either the Bears or the Packers. The Cards moved farther from Chicago than Green Bay over fifty years ago, and they are not even in the same division anymore. Chicago has played Arizona only twice since 2003. How can that be termed a rivalry? To me, a rival is not just any team you may play against at some point in time. A rival must be a team you play regularly, a team within reasonable geographic distance, a team in your division, a team you have a long history with, and a team whose fans interact negatively with one another. Hence, the Bears and the Packers do have the NFL's oldest rivalry in my opinion even if the Cardinals played both teams first. Had Chicago retained their south side gridders, we may have an argument. So enjoy Sunday afternoon's game all the more now that you have a little extra background knowledge of the rivalry.

Good to be back: Louisville Slugger

2010-11-11T23:36:00.001-06:00

"Nowadays, it’s difficult to think of baseball players without talk of steroids, performance enhancers, or at least strength training. More than a century ago, however, raw skill and equipment formed a power-packed duo that dictated a player’s success.

'Sweet Spot: 125 Years of Baseball and the Louisville Slugger' by David Magee and Philip Shirley is as much about the bat and the company as it is about the rise of the National Pastime and our great nation."

Read the rest of Slammin' Sam's return on Seamheads!

Thanks for stopping by Free Keon, and special thanks to Steve for keeping you company while I was away. See you next Thursday.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

World Number One

2010-10-11T17:56:00.003-05:00

The World Golf Rankings were a great idea with the game continuing to break international boundaries and players schedules including stops in East Asia, Australia, the Middle East, South Africa, Europe, and the US. However, the extremely complex rankings system can prove to out think itself at times. Experts predict that this Fall will serve as an excellent example of one of those times. With Lee Westwood's announcement yesterday that he plans to not play until late November, experts predict he will overtake Tiger Woods, who is not playing until early next month, as the world number one on October 31. How can Westwood improve in the rankings by not playing? And how can a player with merely one mediocre win worldwide in the past year suddenly be called the best? There is no arguing that Westwood has played magnificent, outstanding golf in the past two years. He has four top three finishes in his last five major championships, and he won the European Tour's Race to Dubai in 2009. However, do these fine accomplishments make him the hottest, most dominating player in the world? I would say if anyone is to push Woods off his perch in the next month it would have to be Martin Kaymer. Now, I believe the current rankings system takes into account players' performances worldwide over the past two years. Germany's Kaymer has six victories since October 2008 including the most recent major and three events (four if you count his solid showing on the winning European Ryder Cup team) in a row since mid-August. Some of those trophies on his mantle are from European Tour events, but most of those tournaments boasted strong fields even with Tiger and Phil. Considering Westwood's strong showing in major championships, Kaymer has not been as consistent on the biggest stages. However, Martin has proven he has what it takes to hoist the Wannamaker Trophy, and he has multiple top five finishes in majors over the past three years as well. Tiger did not win in 2010. Lee Westwood won one time, back in June. Martin Kaymer won the PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, and two other events in the past two months to top off his solid play over the last two years. If I had to pick a winner of a golf tournament right now, I would choose Kaymer over Woods or Westwood.

Ugly Win

2010-09-12T18:14:00.002-05:00

I do not understand how the Chicago Bears pulled that win out against the Detroit Lions today, but I guess the most important thing is that they did get the W. The Bears offense certainly did not appear to want this game at all. The way the Lions stripped the ball and the way our boys dropped the ball made this game extremely frustrating to watch. Especially towards the end of the second quarter, I got sick the two times we turned the ball over as we were getting into the red zone with some momentum. I also disagreed with Martz's decision to go for it on 4th and goal in the fourth quarter after Lance Briggs took the ball from Shaun Hill inside the Lions' one yard line. How embarrassing was that series! The Bears could not move the ball two feet in four tries against Detroit's defense. That is pathetic, but I would take the much higher percentage play of a field goal attempt in order to take the lead during the final quarter of the game. Instead we were stuffed again and remained down by one point with six minutes left on the clock. We will get stomped next week in Dallas if we put on that level of poor quality performance again. Lovie's staff have a lot to work on in the next seven days, and I hope they can get it together.

American Team

2010-09-09T06:52:00.004-05:00

Earlier this week American Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin selected his four Ryder Cup captain’s picks. The wild cards for this edition’s team from the U.S. are Tiger Woods, Zach Johnson, Stewart Cink, and Rickie Fowler. These men will join the eight who qualified by points following the PGA Championship who are Phil Mickelson, Hunter Mahan, Bubba Watson, Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker, Dustin Johnson, Jeff Overton, and Matt Kuchar.

Woods is an obvious selection. How could Pavin not pick possibly the best player in history? Even though 2010 has been a year Tiger would like to forget, he has two top five finishes in major championships this season. He has revealed glimpses of his old form in the past two weeks. His worst tournament in the Playoffs is tied for 12th, and his only missed cut this season came in his second event following an eight month hiatus. If his 2010 record had any other potential captain’s pick name attached to it, he would have been chosen. However, we are talking about a fourteen-time major champion who excels in match play and possesses experience in five Ryder Cups and six Presidents Cups. His name brings star power to a supposedly underdog team, and I believe his work ethic and raw talent must motivate his teammates to step up their games. To me, Woods is a no-brainer.

Zach Johnson is a lovable Midwest character who clearly desires to represent his country once again in team competition. His record this year is rather unsensational. He did get a win back in May at the Colonial, and he played very well at Whistling Straits, where he just missed a playoff. Outside of those two excellent performances, Johnson has not had any other incredible accomplishments lately. Even still, I agree with Captain Pavin’s pick here. Zach brings fire to the American side that lacks last Cup’s stars of Anthony Kim and Boo Weekley. He can also add in team play. His personality will fit with just about any other team member, and his game could help in foursomes and fourball. Johnson hits a lot of fairways, and he is an outstanding putter. In fact, he ranks 2nd on Tour in putts from 5-10 feet, making over 63%. If paired with a great ballstriker like Woods, Johnson very well could be a huge contributor.

Stewart Cink is an overall good player. However, I do not feel he was the strongest pick Pavin and the American co-captains could have made. Since winning the ’09 British Open at Turnberry and spoiling Watson’s opportunity to shine once again, Cink has not had a real good chance to win anything. He played well in this season’s Match Play Championship back in February, which I guess is a plus. But I do not think this is the ideal hot player Paul Azinger designed the new wild card selection rules to get. Cink has experience in team play, but his record is not exactly stellar at 4 wins, 7 losses, and 4 ties. The American list outside the top eight was not nearly as impressive as the European list, but I believe Nick Watney could have contributed to the U.S. team more than Stewart Cink. Watney did choke on Sunday at the PGA, but he also was able to get himself in that position during the first three rounds. He finished in 7th place at both the British and the Masters to go along with six top tens for the year with only one missed cut back before the Saints won the Super Bowl.

Rickie Fowler, the dubbed “surprise pick,” is a great idea. He infuses the U.S. team with youth and energy unlike any other teammate. He also increases fan interest. The stylish (I guess in some corners of creation) golfer out of Oklahoma State is extremely popular, and his usually aggressive style of play will hopefully work well with his pairings. Rickie has had success in the amateur version of the Ryder Cup, and I believe that success will translate to professional wins in Wales.

Golf in Illinois: PrairieView Golf Club

2010-08-15T16:07:00.005-05:00

Byron, Illinois will not register in the minds of many golfers. However, once you play PrairieView, Byron becomes a place you want to visit often. Situated about 20 minutes southwest of Rockford, the course meanders through both its namesake as well as a forest preserve on the bluffs overlooking the Rock River. I have wanted to play PrairieView since I first read about them ten years ago. I had yet to meet anyone who had played there, but the website and course reviews attracted me. I finally took the opportunity to play two weeks ago, and I do not regret it. When first arriving, the club seems to be virtually in the middle of nowhere, and I was skeptical as to how a public course in this vicinity could afford to keep their course in as nice of shape as I had seen in the pictures. However, the final comments of the starter in the pro shop rang true throughout my round, “This is the best kept secret in the state.”

The front nine plays beneath the back nine, which is pointedly built on higher elevation. The lower nine is the also the prairie nine. The first hole may be the least memorable on the course, yet it still provides an excellent introduction to the round. The strait forward opener has little trouble, but allows you to warm-up and see the beautifully manicured condition that this track is kept in. The second hole is where PrairieView’s bite first comes into play. I found the tee shot to be crucial on nearly every hole, and the second proves my opinion. Two is a short par 5, but drive your ball too far or anywhere right or left of the fairway and bogey quickly comes into the picture. My playing partner and I also found the hazards to be very cleverly hidden. Because of the deceptive appearance of many hazards around the course, the very detailed scorecard is essential, especially when playing for the first time. Tight fairways, large fairway bunkers, and sneaky water hazards characterize the front. My favorite hole on this half, though, was number seven. The seventh is a par 4 of 431 yards from the men’s tees. However, the dogleg left hole is guarded by a large bunker long and right off the tee and large, mature trees to the left. The fairway is also interrupted by a patch of thick rough about 240 yards from the blue tees, where the dogleg turns. It is, to my surprise actually, the number one handicap.

The back nine immediately climbs the wooded hills to the south of the clubhouse. The tenth hole is nothing spectacular, but the vista from the eleventh tee is the most beautiful on the property. The tee is near the highest point of elevation, and it looks out over the front nine with the Rock River beyond and the city of Byron nestled on the opposing bluffs. And for your tee shot, you begin to venture into the forest preserve. The eleventh was my favorite hole on the course, and in my opinion, the toughest as well. A large fairway bunker loomed large in the landing area of this par 5 dogleg left. Trees guarded players from driving the ball long to get a good angle on the approach. A group of three tall, strategically placed trees prevent nearly anyone from going at the green in two shots, and they make it difficult to put your layup at an easy angle for the pin. It was a challenging hole, but the setting was very rewarding. The other par 5 of the back nine also demands strategy and accuracy. Once again, trees surround the green including an intentionally kept wood that overhangs the front of this heavily mounded putting surface. The finale was nothing too special heading back downhill to the clubhouse, but the rest of the experience was so interesting that I did not care. Despite what the group in front of us thought, this course is not for beginners. I was hitting the ball very well, and even though my putting was atrocious (43 putts I believe), I still only shot 91.

To top things off at PrairieView, the staff was friendly. The website is excellent. Tee times were readily available even on a beautiful Friday morning. Pace of play is emphasized at the clubhouse and around the course. And the practice facilities are expansive. The cost was not too impressive, but for the quality of the grounds, it is worth playing. Regular weekday greens fees are $27. Twilight is a much better deal at $17, and the times change with the sunset. To learn more about this delightful golf experience, go to www.prairieviewgolf.com

This Week in Golf

2010-08-09T15:46:00.006-05:00

Front Nine

Hole #1 – Hunter Mahan come roaring to the front of the pack last weekend to take the WGC Bridgestone Invitational by two strokes over Ryan Palmer. He shot 64 on Sunday and 66 on Saturday at Firestone Country Club to shoot twelve under par for the week. Many big names including Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson were near the top of the leaderboard heading into the final round. However, no one could keep pace with Hunter’s outstanding putting.

Hole #2 – Tiger Woods set his some personal records at Firestone. He nearly shot his worst ever score at Firestone everyday of the week. He went 74-72-75-77 to finish lower than any other American in the eighty man field that did not have a cut. He looked emotionless and very unTiger-like.

Hole #3 – Phil was tied for the lead for a time on Saturday. He could have usurped Woods as the world number one last week. However, he shot six over par on the front during Sunday’s 78, and he fell T46 by the end.

Hole #4 – Ernie made a similar move shooting 76 in the final round. He finished at one under par.

Hole #5 – Bill Lunde became a first-time PGA Tour winner at the Turning Stone Championship. His seventeen under par total at the resort in New York earned him a trip to Whistling Straits as he beat J.J. Henry by one.

Hole #6 – David Frost shot light out Sunday to lap the field at TPC Twin Cities. This year’s 3M Championship winner shot 61 in the final round to beat Mark Calcavecchia by five to take his first Champions Tour trophy.

Hole #7 – Lee Westwood withdrew Friday night from the Bridgestone and this week’s PGA Championship with a swollen ankle that has been bothering him for some time now. Rest is the only therapy, and he will take about six weeks off to hopefully recover before the Ryder Cup.

Hole #8 – Anthony Kim’s comeback was not as successful as he hoped. He shot sixteen over par. He expected to struggle coming back on such a difficult track, but he wants to earn an automatic spot on the Ryder Cup team.

Hole #9 – Monty is thinking about taking 53-year-old Bernhard Langer as one of his three captain’s picks for the European Ryder Cup team. Langer won back-to-back senior majors last month, and he has led the Champions Tour money list the last three seasons. Some say the experienced Ryder Cup veteran and former victorious captain is playing better than he ever has.

Back Nine

Hole #10 – The PGA Championship returns to Whistling Straits along the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. The first major championship to be held at this unique and breathtaking venue was the 2004 PGA won by Vijay Singh. The course sits on the bumpy sand dunes that border the lake to the east. Thousands of natural-looking bunkers creep their way up and down both sides of every tight fairway. Very few trees root in this shifty soil, so steep drop-offs and sharp mounds along with lots of sand protect the players from shooting low here by providing plenty of awkward lies for those who venture off course. The greens are large and swirly, and the wind off the water can play a huge factor as well. Accuracy is key at Herb Kohler’s dream come true. It is not a short course at over 7,500 yards, but one does not need to be a bomber of the golf ball in order to score well. Justin Leonard led most of Sunday in the 2004 edition.

Hole #11 – The world’s number three player, Lee Westwood, will not be playing the PGA because of a swollen ankle.

Hole #12 – Sergio Garcia will play Whistling Straits. However, he announced that he will take two months off from the game following glory’s last shot. He figures he will not make the European Ryder Cup team, and he is not enjoying golf anymore. He hopes time off will make him miss the game. However, he is missing the lucrative PGA Tour Playoffs.

Hole #13 – Tiger Woods is in the field, but many doubt his appearance will yield much fruit this week. After his most lackluster tournament to date, he seems to need to take a break along with Sergio. However, the Tour and his sponsors would never allow from that to happen.

Hole #14 – Many analysts are predicting Tiger will not play his way onto the Ryder Cup team. Therefore, Captain Corey Pavin will be forced to pick him. I would pick him if I were captain. Two months is enough time for him to turn his game around, but many people are speculating Woods has no real desire to go to Wales for the team event that he never has seemed to enjoy nearly as much as his individual successes. Some are predicting Tiger will fake an injury to get Pavin and himself off the hook. If Pavin does not pick Woods, the PGA of America and NBC will not be happy.

Hole #15 – The finishing stretch of holes at Whistling Straits is a knockout, both in difficulty of play and looks along the water. The 15th and 18th holes are par 4’s reaching over 500 yards apiece. The 16th is a long, extremely narrow par 5 that is no birdie hole. 17 plays over 220 yards with the wind howling off the lake. And the 18th does not allow players to drive the ball any farther than about 250 yards off the tee. None of the greens are give-me’s either. Vijay did not make a birdie on Sunday, yet he came from behind to win in a three-way playoff featuring Leonard and Chris DiMarco.

Hole #16 – Since anyone can win at Whistling Straits, look for a crowded leaderboard, hopefully chalk full of big names. In 2004, Singh, Leonard, DiMarco, Chris Riley, Ernie Els, and Phil Mickelson were all in contention to the end.

Hole #17 – PGA Club Professional Champion and U of I golf coach Mike Small will be hack around the course this week with the big boys. They’ll be cheering for him in Champaign and Danville.

Hole #18 – Jim Nantz, Nick Faldo, Peter Oosterhois, David Feherty, Gary McCord, Ian Baker-Finch, and Peter Kostis will be bringing the action from Wisconsin to us this week on CBS. Vern Lundquist and Bill MaCatee also join the team for the PGA.

This Week in Golf

2010-08-05T18:39:00.011-05:00

Front Nine
Hole #1 – Stuart Appleby won the inaugural Greenbrier Classic with a sensational final round score of 59! The golfer from Down Under is only the fifth professional in PGA Tour history to record a sub-60 score in regulation play. The first was shot in 1979, and the most recent was three weeks ago by Paul Goydos in the John Deere Classic. However, the first ever known 59 was also scored at the Greenbrier by Sam Snead in 1959, but it was during an unofficial event. Appleby’s 59 comes on the Great White Course at the Greenbrier, which played as a par 70 last week. His final round 59 is only the second final round 59 in history. The first was recorded in Las Vegas in 1999 by David Duval, who also won.

Hole #2 – Appleby needed to shoot 59 in order to win. He only took the cake by one stroke over American Jeff Overton. Overton led after 36 and 54 holes. Stuart posted twenty-two under par for the week a few groups ahead of Overton’s. Jeff made birdie 3 on the 16 hole to get to twenty-one under par and only one stroke behind Appleby in the clubhouse. To get one or two more birdies, Overton faced a relatively benign par-5 on 17 and a short par-3 finishing hole. He had about 52 feet for eagle on 17. His first putt came up about four feet short. He went on to lip out his birdie try. Angrily and rather immaturely, he tapped in for his par. His ball appeared to hit a pebble about a foot from the hole on his second putt, and he was exasperated by his misfortune. Nantz and Faldo kept emphasizing that he had to overcome the unlucky break and focus on getting his birdie on the 18th. Overton, however, could not stop sulking. His tee shot was short of the eagle’s ridge running through the middle of the green with the pin beyond. He had another 52-footer for birdie, and he gave it an impressive run. But it was not to be. No playoff was needed, and Appleby stole the show with his calm, steady play.

Hole #3 – Pekin-native and former Illini golfer D.A. Points flirted with another 59 on Saturday. He needed to play the final two holes in one under par to etch his place in history. He made bogey on the 17th and par on 18. The pressure was clearly present during the final few holes. He did not get the score, but I thought he handled himself very well. Stuart Appleby was his playing partner Saturday. Maybe D.A. gave some inspiration for his performance Sunday.

Hole #4 – Bernhard Langer won two senior majors in two weeks eight time zones apart. Langer took the Francis Ouimet trophy Sunday at Sahalee after winning the U.S. Senior Open over Washington-native Fred Couples. The two upper-echelon seniors were tied heading into the final round, but Freddy’s triple-bogey on the par-5 2nd hole set the stage for the chase the rest of the day. The crowds were clearly rooting for their hometown boy, and Couples did make a slight charge on 16. However, Langer’s steady play was too much to overcome. Langer’s 67 on Sunday was his best score during a week in which he shot eight under par.

Hole #5 – Yani Tseng won the Women’s British Open at the age of 21. Her victory at Royal Birkdale was the third of her young career. Tseng came into the final round with a four stroke lead over Katherine Hull. However as the final pair stepped onto the 18th tee, Hull was only one shot back of Tseng. Tseng ended up with par for a 73 while Hull missed a 20-foot birdie putt that would have forced a playoff.

Hole #6 – Ross Fisher of England took his fourth European Tour win at the Irish Open over three-time major winner and Irishman Padraig Harrington. Fisher entered Sunday with a one stroke lead, but his 6-under par 65 final round increased his margin of victory to two over Harrington. The victory vaults Fisher to sixth place on Europe’s Ryder Cup standings. The top nine on the European list automatically qualify for the team.

Hole #7 – K.J. Choi decided to leave the side-saddle putting style to Sam Snead and company a couple weeks ago. Choi employed the interesting technique for the John Deere Classic and Open Championship. However, it was not producing the results he desired apparently. Most instructors I have heard say the whichever grip or approach to putting gives you the most confidence is the best one to use. It is mostly psychological.

Hole #8 – Arnold Palmer was in the gallery at the Greenbrier last week to watch his grandson, Sam Saunders. Sam missed the cut by a few strokes, but the West Virginia course is not far from Arnie’s beloved Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Palmer won his first professional title at the Greenbrier in 1955. Sam Saunders did win the Sam Snead Outdoorsman Challenge prior to the golf tournament. The Challenge featured skeet shooting, fishing, off-road racing, and more.

Hole #9 – Marin Piller shot a final round seven under to take the Cox Classic of the Nationwide Tour in Omaga.

Back Nine
Hole #10 – The WGC Bridgestone Invitational will be competed for at Firestone Country Club in Ohio this week. Only eighty-two players were invited to play the week prior to the season’s final major in Wisconsin. This event traditionally is played the week after the PGA Championship, but it will be interesting to see players fight for a prestigious title and enormous winner’s check instead of just preparing for the next week.

Hole #11 – The Turning Stone Championship is the opposite field event during this WGC week. The Turning Stone Resort of Verona, New York hosts the tournament. It is a full field event.

Hole #12 – The Champions Tour takes on the TPC Twin Cities in Minnesota this week. This tournament typically draws a stronger field. However following back-to-back major on different continents, the 3M Championship did not attract every big name on Tour.

Hole #13 – Tiger, Phil, Ernie, Lee Westwood, Steve Stricker, Padraig Harrington, Jim Furyk, Rory McIlroy, Ryo Ishikawa, and most of the biggest names in the game are battling at Firestone.

Hole #14 – Anthony Kim returns to play this week at Firestone. He has been recovering from thumb surgery the past three months. Earlier this year he won the Shell Houston Open and finished in the top five in the Masters. He is wanting to play his way onto this year’s Ryder Cup team. He is currently in fifth place in the standings.

Hole #15 – Firestone Country Club is an extremely difficult golf course. It has been reported to be in immaculate condition, and I believe it is ideal Midwest golf. Watch for the Monster of a par-5 at 17. Last year, Harrington lost his match with Woods on the 17th.

Hole #16 – Harrington will serve as my favorite for the week. He nearly won last year’s edition, and he came so close to winning his home’s national championship last week.

Hole #17 – Westwood and Mickelson both stand a chance to take over Woods as the official number one player in the world this week.

Hole #18 – CBS televises the Bridgestone Invitational. The Golf Channel will cover everything else.

This Week in Golf

2010-07-31T19:06:00.003-05:00

Front Nine

Hole #1 – Bernhard Langer won the Senior Open Championship at Carnoustie last week by one stroke over Corey Pavin. Those two were the frontrunners most of the tournament. Langer shot a one under par 70 on Sunday finishing with a bogie five. He shot five under par for the week.

Hole #2 – Sweden’s Carl Pettersson took the RBC Canadian Open with a fourteen under par performance at beautiful St. George’s in Toronto. Pettersson also concluded his efforts with a bogie, but it was just enough to outlast Dean Wilson who he was battling all day.

Hole #3 - Pettersson’s fondest memory of his fourth PGA Tour victory will have to be from Saturday, though. The NC State grad made the cut on the mark, but shot up the leaderboard on moving day with a course record breaking round of 60! We nearly witnessed yet another magical 59 only two weeks after Goydos’ at the JDC. Pettersson’s birdie putt on 18 on Saturday burned the cup, but failed to drop in for that golden number.

Hole #4 – Dean Wilson put up a good fight in Canada. The American journeyman, possibly best known for being Annika Sorenstam’s playing partner during her appearance at the 2003 Colonial, held the lead for much of the week. He battled through a rainy Saturday afternoon and actually increased his lead. I am not a big fan of his very deliberate playing style. I prefer the Dan Pohl pace, but slow and steady seems to work for some. Even though, Wilson did not get the W, the runner-up finish will get him into more tournaments this season. He played on a sponsor’s exemption, probably because of his college teammate Mike Weir, but his play at St. George’s bumped him up to 110th on the FedEx Cup points list. Another solid event could lead to getting his Tour card back for 2011.

Hole #5 – St. George’s was a wonderful venue. I am thrilled that they want to host the Canadian Open again in about six years. Paul Casey was right when he described it as “old school.” It is a course of its time, and the wet weather made the rough play as thick and difficult as possible. I enjoy watching players think around traditional North American courses. A premium was placed on driving accuracy and shot making. Hosting their national championship again put St. George’s on the golfing world’s radar as an excellent venue.

Hole #6 – Jiyai Shin vaulted herself back to the world’s number one woman golfer. Shin won the LPGA event last week in France. The Evian Masters is played in the mountains surrounding Lake Geneva, and the beauty of the surroundings and quality of competition forces all the ladies mark off their calendars for this one. Morgan Pressel and 15-year-old Alexis Thompson were in contention on Sunday. In fact, Pressel held the 54-hole lead and even had an eagle on the front nine. However, Shin, Pressel’s playing partner, made a charge with birdies on four, five, and eight. The final group came to 18 in a four-way tie for the lead. Both women had good birdie looks. Shin’s dropped, and Pressel’s just missed.

Hole #7 – Pressel demonstrated her French vocabulary on the 14th hole on Sunday. The European galleries behave slightly different than here in the U.S. Pressel backed off her fairway bunker shot twice as cell phones rang and cameras clicked. After backing away for the second time, the Golf Channel picked up her commentary on the “f*@#ing circus.” The color commentator quickly quipped, “We need a little translation, I think.”

Hole #8 – Richard S. Johnson won the Scandinavian Masters on Sunday. The Swede was overshadowed heading into the final round by better known professionals, K.J. Choi and Louis Oosthuizen. The Open champ looked as if he may become the first to win the European Tour event following the Open. Choi and Oosthuizen did not play like champions on Sunday, though, and the homeland favorite took the cake.

Hole #9 – 17-year-old Bobby Wyatt shot a 14-under par score of 57 over 18 holes on Wednesday at the 6,600 yard Country Club of Mobile in the Alabama Boys Junior State Amateur Championship. What a round! The young man has qualified for the US Amateur later in August. He is an incoming freshman on the Crimson Tide golf team.

Back Nine
Hole #10 – The PGA Tour is playing The Greenbriar in West Virginia for the first time this week. The C.B. MacDonald design was constructed in the Allegheny Mountains over 80 years ago. It is a beautiful resort that was popularized by head pro for almost 50 years, Sam Snead.

Hole #11 – The women are flying from France to Royal Birkdale for the Ricoh Women’s Open Championship this week.

Hole #12 – While the women come into Great Britain, the seniors are heading from Scotland all the way to Seattle, Washington to play spectacular Sahalee for the U.S. Senior Open.

Hole #13 – CBS will broadcast the PGA Tour event. NBC will cover the U.S. Senior, and the women will air on ESPN2.

Hole #14 – A strong field has gathered at Killarney for the 3 Irish Open. U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell will be playing for his home crowd.

Hole #15 – The Greenbriar does not boast a stellar field this week with the PGA Tour heading into a busy time for its top players during the months of August and September. Jim Furyk is the top name in the field.

Hole #16 – It has been a long time since the Americans won three of the women’s majors in one year. After claiming the two most recent ones, we have a chance. Morgan Pressel played well last week. Cristie Kerr won the LPGA, and Paula Creamer won at Oakmont. We will see what happens.

Hole #17 – Fred Couples is returning to his home state for the U.S. Senior Open. Many of the players are experiencing jetlag after back-to-back weeks eight time zones apart. Paul Azinger, Nick Price, and Tom Pernice Jr. have all withdrawn from the field.

Hole #18 – Sorry about the late post. It has been a busy week.

Thank you

2010-07-29T13:25:00.002-05:00

Hello Free Keon and Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Readers,

I have not written in a little while because I have been in transition to a new job. From time to time, I will continue to post on Free Keon. However, at this point, I cannot continue my Tuesday-Thursday blogging. So for now, I just want to say thanks for reading my posts. I am grateful! Until next time, I will officially turn over the Free Keon blogging to Steve and friends. I am eager to continue to follow the posts here, and I encourage you to do the same!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

2010-07-21T17:04:00.012-05:00

Front Nine

Hole #1 – Louis Oosthuizen won the 150th Open Championship at the Old Course on Sunday by a whopping seven shots! The 27-year-old South African held the lead alone from Friday afternoon all the way to Sunday evening. He was a long shot to win from the beginning. Even going into the final round holding a substantial lead, many experts and gamblers alike predicted a colossal collapse. But the wee little golfer stood up under the pressure with a swing that produced impeccable consistency and incessant praise from past major champions (Watson, Weiskopf, Strange, Azinger, Goosen). Oosthuizen played an extremely impressive round with what appeared to be nerves of steel. He finished the 72nd hole at sixteen under par for his first major victory.

Hole #2 – Oosthuizen’s impressive performance at St. Andrews concluded on Nelson Mandela’s 92nd birthday. The South African golfer won the Open Championship with a black caddie. Zack Resego, also of South Africa, calls he and his boss the “Rainbow Team.” What a wonderful tribute to Mandela and his efforts to unite all peoples of South Africa. Oosthuizen had other connections to his homeland this week. He played a practice round with Ernie Els the Sunday prior. Louis is a benefactor of the Ernie Els Foundation, which is a charity set up to introduce the game of golf to South Africans in need. Gary Player, the greatest South African golfer, also gave Oosthuizen a pep talk the morning of the biggest round in Louis’ life. Their homeland has now won 20 major championships post-WWII. That is more major victories than any other country outside the United States.

Hole #3 – Rory McIlroy started the week tying the major championship record for lowest number of strokes in a single round, 63. The next day yielded a round of 80 for the young Northern Irishman. The winds on Friday afternoon were devastatingly strong. The R&A even postponed the second round for over an hour because the ball would not stay still on the greens. The 21-year-old McIlroy did not let his unfortunate second round tee time determine his fate. Despite that embarrassing score, Rory roared back over the weekend to finish in the top five. Imagine what a duel Oosthuizen and McIlroy would have had if Rory received an early tee time Friday.

Hole #4 – Paul Casey served as sidekick to Oosthuizen on Sunday. Many, including me, thought Casey would make an early charge that would intimidate the leader into a freefall. However, the Englishman made an early bogey instead. He went on to completely unwind his chances after driving into the gorse on the par-4 12th hole and going on to make a triple bogey. Paul has not been in contention in too many majors, but I expect to see him on the leaderboard in many more majors to come.

Hole #5 – Matt Bettencourt is also a first-time PGA Tour winner from last week. The Reno-Tahoe Open was contested last week opposite the Open Championship. Bettencourt, a relatively new Tour member, won in his 53rd attempt by one stroke over Bob Heintz. Bettencourt made bogey on the 72nd hole, and Heintz missed a final birdie try. 54-hole leader and tournament host Scott McCarron shot 81 on Sunday to finish tied for 35th place. John Mallinger was also in the final pairing Sunday. He fired a 77.

Hole #6 – John Daly made yet another fashion statement while wearing his LoudMouth Pants products. Check out the pic above of JD posing for the official photo at the past champions’ dinner on Tuesday at St. Andrews, site of his 1995 Open victory. Lee Trevino looks as if he wants to throw up. I don’t think even Ron Santo’s Canadian dog would appreciate the design of that sport coat.

Hole #7 – Tiger Woods finished tied for 23rd. He was never much of a treat to the lead even though he grinded out a respectable round in the brutal Friday afternoon wind.

Hole #8 – Phil Mickelson continues to look for a major victory overseas. He tied for 48th after four rather unspectacular rounds around the old lady.

Hole #9 – Tom Watson led the latest sentimental farewell last week. He said goodbye to competition at the Old Course. Late Friday as the sun was setting, he kissed the Swilcan Bridge crossing the 18th fairway and gave the swelling gallery an appreciative wave. Watson nearly won the Open last year at Turnberry for a second time.

Back Nine

Hole #10 – The RBC Canadian Open will be played this week at St. George’s for the first time since 1968. For a couple decades this national championship was hosted by Glen Abbey, but now, they rotate to traditional Canadian sites, which I think is a wonderful idea. Built in the 1920’s, St. George’s is “old school” as Paul Casey tweeted earlier this week. It has mature trees lining each fairway with thick rough that will demand accuracy off the tee. Long par-3’s are also a distinguishing feature of the course with five par-3’s ranging in distance from 210-225 yards.

Hole #11 – The Senior Open Championship is being contested at Carnoustie in Scotland this week. Tom Lehman is my favorite to win. The reigning Senior PGA champion tied for 14th at St. Andrews last week after nearly holing his drive on the last for double-eagle. Instead he tapped in for an eagle 2 to finish off the championship. Lehman receives mixed reviews in Great Britain. He won the hearts of many Brits during his dominating performance at Royal Lytham in 1996 and his Scottish Open victory at Loch Lomond the following season. However, many Europeans were completely turned off to Lehman following his stern defense of the American celebration on the 17th hole at Brookline in the '99 Ryder Cup. Lehman has played well since his PGA win in Colorado. He missed the cut at the U.S. Open, but tied for 10th at the senior event in Montreal three weeks ago before making the cut at Loch Lomond and St. Andrews.

Hole #12 – Carnoustie is known as the most difficult championship test in Scotland. It demands a lot from every part of a player’s game. Expect to see scores over par on the leaderboard, especially if the wind picks up. Under par even in perfect conditions may be too much to ask. The finishing hole at Carnoustie is the most fun. The Berry Burn broke the heart of Jean Van de Velde in 1999 and created the exciting playoff between Padraig and Sergio in 2007.

Hole #13 – Fred Couples decided to skip the British Opens all together this year. He is in the field at the regular tour event in Canada instead of playing with boys his age in Scotland. As always, I hope Freddy plays great.

Hole #14 – Four of the top twenty players in the world are in Toronto for the Canadian Open. Paul Casey, Luke Donald, Retief Goosen, and Sean O’Hair will all tee it up north of the border. Casey was quite disappointed in his performance last Sunday, but he is playing well. I am going to pick him to win. I think it would be a nice bounceback.

Hole #15 – The Evian Masters is where you will find all the best women golfers this week. The Golf Channel will bring live action from France. Ai Miyazato is the defending champion. I’ll take Natalie Gulbis to nab her first LPGA victory this week.

Hole #16 – Many ex- and future PGA Tour players are teeing it up at tOSU’s Scarlet Course this week in Columbus.

Hole #17 – ESPN will carry the Senior British action while CBS takes care of the young guns in Canada.

Hole #18 – The countdown to the Ryder Cup and PGA Tour Playoffs is on. Tour members will have six more chances to garner points to get into the Playoffs starting at the end of August. Ryder Cup hopefuls have five more weeks to prove to Captains Pavin and Montgomerie that they belong on their respective teams.

This Week in Golf

2010-07-12T21:50:00.011-05:00

While scoping out other sports and golf blogs online, I discovered a format I would like to steal. It is called Front Nine-Back Nine. I will try it out beginning this week for the Open Championship. So basically, each week I will select eighteen different topics and write a few sentences about each. The Front Nine will only deal with topics from the previous week’s golf happenings. The Back Nine will look ahead to the coming golf events of the current week. Hopefully, readers will enjoy the shake-up of “This Week in Golf.”

Front Nine
Hole #1 – Paula Creamer won the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open at Oakmont shooting three under par for 72 holes. She was the only competitor under par for the week. Creamer is having some major wrist and thumb issues, and I did not expect her to be the American to step up to the plate for our second women’s major victory in a row. Congrats to Paula on her first major!

Hole #2 – Paul Goydos took aim at Deere Run and bagged a twelve pointer. That is he shot twelve under par during his first round for golf’s golden number, 59! Goydos did not have a bogey on the card. He simply made twelve beautiful birdies for a round he will never forget. Paul became the fourth player in history to shoot the lowest ever score in an official PGA Tour tournament with his feat last Thursday. Goydos went on to finish in second place for the week.

Hole #3 – University of Illinois grad Steve Stricker won his second tournament of the 2010 season at the John Deere Classic. Stricker was the defending champion last week, but he did not let the extra responsibilities and pressure get to him. He followed Goydos’ 59 in the morning with a 60 for himself in the afternoon on Thursday. He finished at twenty-six under par, and he was only one birdie away from tying the Tour record for number of birdies over 72 holes.

Hole #4 – Phil Mickelson took a quintuple bogey, 9, on the 18th hole at Loch Lomond during his second round of the Barclay’s Scottish Open. He drove it in the water twice. Phil missed the cut by one as did another former Scottish Open champion, Ernie Els.

Hole #5 – Michelle Wie missed the cut at Oakmont after a first round of 82. No rules debacles this week, though.

Hole #6 – PGA Tour rookie Matt Every was arrested in Bettendorf, Iowa prior to the start of the John Deere Classic and charged with possession of marijuana. He was released after posting bond and went on to make the cut.

Hole #7 – Tiger Woods shot a 79 in the first round of the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am last Monday. He went to the press room afterwards only to get asked pointed questions about his personal life to which he of course did not respond.

Hole #8 – U of I golf coach Mike Small missed the cut at the John Deere Classic following his PGA Professional’s Championship victory.

Hole #9 – Rocco Mediate scored a hole-in-one on the 7th hole at Deere Run. He used a 4-iron on the 226-yard par 3. It was his second eagle in a round of 64 on Saturday.

Back Nine

Hole #10 – The Old Course at St. Andrews hosts this week’s Open Championship in Scotland. Widely renowned as the “home of golf,” St. Andrews has been hosting majors since 1873. It serves as headquarters for the governing body of the game throughout most of the world, the Royal & Ancient Golf Club. Earliest verified evidence of the course stems from 1574. However, King James IV was rumored to have brought clubs to St. Andrews back seventy years prior. The last Open to be played on the Old Course was in 2005.

Hole #11 – Stewart Cink is the defending champion of the Open Championship after defeating Tom Watson in a four-hole playoff at Turnberry in 2009.

Hole #12 – Tiger Woods has been victorious the last two Opens staged at St. Andrews (2005, 2000). Prior to him John Daly won in dramatic fashion during the ’95 edition, and Englishman Nick Faldo was crowned in 1990. The list of victors at the Old Course gets more impressive the farther back you go in history. Seve Ballesteros won in ’84. Jack Nicklaus took the Claret Jug in 1978 and ’70. Bobby Locke, the South African, won in ’57. Peter Thompson, a five-time Open winner, was champ in ’55. Slammin’ Sam Snead won the first championship after WWII. Bobby Jones won in 1927. James Braid took it twice in the early 1900’s, and J.H. Taylor also won back-to-back at St. Andrews at the turn of the century. As the saying goes, to be great, you must win at the Old Course. Lorena Ochoa is the only Women’s British Open champion to be donned on the majestic bay.

Hole #13 – The Old Course has been fairly benign the last few appearances. However, the winds this past Sunday reached gusts of over 50 mph. The forecast as of now for the four days of play there is “inclement.” They are expecting a little rain, and the Royal & Ancient Golf Club officials are hoping for more strong winds.

Hole #14 – The 14th hole at St. Andrews is nicknamed “Long.” The 618 yard par-5 is home to the “Hell Bunker,” which awaits the players’ second shots into the wind on this challenging hole. When the wind blows, this is a three-shot par-5.

Hole #15 – My pick to win this week is Englishman Lee Westwood. He does not own a major…yet. He has come very close numerous occasions over the past three years including missing last season’s Open playoff by one stroke. He was in contention again this April at Augusta, but he could not pull out a W. He did earn a recent victory State-side in Memphis, and I expect Westwood to be playing on all cylinders come Thursday.

Hole #16 – ESPN will broadcast the Open from St. Andrews on ABC during the weekend coverage. Tune in early as Scotland is six hours ahead of Illinois time. The final round typically concludes around 1:00 PM CST. It will be nice to hear Nick Faldo, Paul Azinger, Peter Alliss, and Judy Rankin broadcasting golf again.

Hole #17 – The Road Hole at the Old Course is an extremely difficult par-4 at 495 yards. The drive must carry 260 yards to clear some replica railway sheds on the right side. There is a deep, tricky pot bunker guarding approach shots short. David Duval took four shots to escape this bunker in 2000. A road borders the green long, hence the nickname. The green itself is a challenge as well. Players who escape the 17th with a par will count their blessings.

Hole #18 – The 357 yard par-4 closer is a relatively short and simple hole for most pros. Jack drove the green in his playoff with Doug Sanders here in ’78. Many others have driven the green as well. Long is not always best, but some would rather be over than just short of the green on 18. The “Valley of Sin” protects the green in front. It is a large swale that swallows shots that do not quite make it to the green. It is a tough up-and-down from this spot. The R&A clubhouse is the famous backdrop to the 18th green, and the view is especially historic and spectacular from the famous Swilcan Bridge that crosses the Swilcan Burn not too far down the fairway from the tee box. Look for players toward the beginning of the week to pause here for photo opps. Watch the gallery instead choose to jump the burn as the masses walk/run with the final pairing toward the green on Sunday. The Open Championship is always fun, but St. Andrews adds a little extra excitement to the mix.

Hammering Away with Henry

2010-07-08T11:07:00.002-05:00

"For much of his life, Henry Aaron has felt marginalized. Hank Aaron arguably sits atop the baseball pyramid as its home run king. But what about Henry? Blessed with baseball talent that landed him among the best all-around players ever, Hank Aaron assumed a public persona. Meanwhile, “The Hammer” effectively subjugated his private side, Henry."

Read the rest of the Slammin' Sam take on "The Last Hero: A Life of Henry Aaron" on Seamheads!

Thanks for stopping by Free Keon.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

2010-07-07T19:36:00.004-05:00

PGA Tour – The Quad Cities is home to this week’s Tour stop at the TPC Deere Run. The John Deere Classic is a fun-filled week for both the players and fans. It is also the pros’ last opportunity to get into the field at St. Andrews. Because the JDC takes place the week prior to the British Open, many of the top names are left off its list. However, Deere Run still attracts some crowd favorites to an exciting venue. Steve Stricker, Kenny Perry, Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Ryan Palmer, K.J. Choi, Davis Love III, David Duval, and Iowa-native Zach Johnson headline the field. I like a recent champion in Bubba Watson to win. Bubba won a three-way playoff for the Travelers title two weeks ago. He leads the Tour in birdie average at 4.22 birds per round, which are in high supply at Deere Run. Watson is known for his monstrous drives, but he also ranks in the top 20 in GIR and putting average. I expect the annual shootout in the Quad Cities. So the winner will have to go low quickly. U of I men’s golf coach Mike Small will serve as my darkhorse this week. After his third victory in the PGA Professional’s Championship last week, his confidence must be riding high. Small has seen a lot of success lately both as a player and coach. His record at Deere Run is far from stellar, but he stands a chance if he believes in himself. I hope this Danville Viking is in contention come Sunday. CBS airs the action from the JDC.

LPGA Tour – The ladies will be competing for a third major title this week in Pittsburgh at famed Oakmont Country Club. The forecast is hot and humid, which will only make one of the most challenging courses in the world even more formidable. The country celebrated a few weeks ago when one of our own, Cristie Kerr, finally broke through with a major victory. At this week’s U.S. Women’s Open, I am hoping for another American champion. Kerr is the frontrunner by a longshot. She is having a terrific year, and she has two majors under her belt. Paula Creamer is coming off of recent wrist surgery. Michelle Wie has won on the LPGA Tour now, but she has not seemed extremely focused on her game as of late. Natalie Gulbis, Morgan Pressel, Brittany Ward and Brittany Lincicome have not lived up to their hype either. So I believe it is up to Kerr to regain control of our pride in women’s golf. Of the last six U.S. Open’s, two have been won by Americans. Hopefully, Oakmont will improve upon that statistic. The course is set up similar to the men’s Open here three years ago. Oakmont is not extremely long, but it is demanding and has plenty of sand. Jiyai Shin and Ai Miyazato are the big names to watch for. NBC carries USGA events.

European Tour – The prelude to the Open Championship in Europe is the Loch Lomond of Scotland. Phil Mickelson is in the field along with Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Retief Goosen, Ryo Ishikawa, Robert Allenby, Camilo Villegas, the Molinari brothers, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, Tom Lehman, John Daly, JB Holmes, Fred Funk, Alvaro Quiros, and Colin Montgomerie. The course is beautifully set right on the loch in the Scottish highlands. It is a wonderful tournament that can be seen State-side on the Golf Channel.

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

2010-07-01T09:46:00.003-05:00

Hello Free Keon and Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media Readers!

Similar to last week, plenty of hoops news to read on day one of free agency.

We start at the current center of the basketball universe in Cleveland where Brian Windhorst writes that the first domino to fall is the Cavs hiring of coach Byron Scott. What bearing will that have on LeBron?

What about the man executing the moves in Chicago?

The New York Times, meanwhile features a piece about interesting efforts to lure King James.

On that note, you have to check out Kenny Mayne’s latest video.

New to the fray is the possibility of the Nuggets trading Carmelo Anthony?? Anything’s possible these days, and it looks like Denver is in disarray.

Rumor has it LeBron is shooting to make a decision as soon as Monday. Now those would be some fireworks! Have a great holiday weekend.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

2010-06-29T16:38:00.004-05:00

PGA Tour – Tiger Woods’ event takes place this week in Philadelphia at Aronimink Golf Club. The AT&T National moves for one year from its traditional site at Congressional, which is under renovations for the 2011 US Open. The tournament that honors military servicemen and veterans fittingly concludes on Independence Day. Tiger is the defending champion following last year’s incredible performance. However, his play has not been as stellar this season. Woods and Furyk are the only players in the field ranking in the top ten in the world, but both of them are favorites to win this week. Woods is my pick to win. Even though he has disappointing results in 2010 by his standards, by most pros’ standards he is playing fairly well. He had a top ten at the US Open two weeks ago, and he is the host of the AT&T National this week. Ricky Barnes is the player to watch that many won’t be talking about. He won Brad Faxon and Billy Andrade’s annual charity event on Tuesday while paired with J.B. Holmes. But Barnes has played exceptionally well the last month turning in three top seven finishes in his last four tournaments including a tie for fifth last week. I look for Barnes hot play to continue in Philadelphia. CBS will be covering the festivities at Aronimink.

PGA of America – The Club Pros Championship is being played early this week in French Lick, Indiana. As I write this article, University of Illinois Mens Golf Coach and the defending champion Mike Small holds a two stroke lead with a little more than one round left to play. Small has a strong history in this event, where a victory earns the winner a pass into the PGA Championship in August. I am pulling for Mike as I am sure his high school golf coach from Danville is and more than likely Larry Bird. Bird is from French Lick, and we know he plays golf from his performance in Space Jam.

It’s All Here in “The Only Game”

2010-06-29T15:35:00.001-05:00

You can't beat the ageless sports writing of The New Yorker. Read the Slammin' Sam on Sports Media take courtesy of Seamheads.com. Thanks for reading, and we'll see you Thursday for Links!

“An afternoon in mid-May, and we are waiting for the game to begin. We are in the shadow, and the sunlit field before us is a thick, springy green—an old diamond, beautifully kept up,” Roger Angell pens in the opening to his essay “The Web of the Game.” (3, Only)

Angell’s piece sets the tone for “The Only Game in Town,” a nostalgic collection of The New Yorker writings, which includes several baseball reflections. But before you settle into your easy chair, be warned that the book is not a pitch out around the game’s improprieties. Oh no, writes Ring Lardner in “Br’er Rabbit Ball.”

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

2010-06-24T12:56:00.003-05:00

PGA Tour – The Tour travels to Connecticut this week for the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands. Most every PGA Tour event deserves a good spot on the schedule, and the Travelers is one of them. Unfortunately, they have been stuck with the week following a U.S. Open on the other coast. Therefore, the field is not particularly stellar despite a golf course with a fabulous finishing stretch of holes. The Travelers Championship has provided exciting drama on Sunday from Kenny Perry’s final 63 to win last year to Hunter Mahan and Jay Williamson’s dual three years ago. The big names that showed up in Hartford this week include Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen, Adam Scott, Perry, Hunter Mahan, Rickie Fowler, John Daly, Justin Rose, and Vijay Singh. Stewart Cink is my pick to win this week. As a two-time champion (1997, 2008) in Connecticut, I don’t think I can go wrong with Cink, who also got into a playoff here in ‘98. He obviously likes the course, and he had a recent top ten finish at the Memorial. Hunter Mahan is another horse for this course, and he will serve as my sleeper pick. He has not played extremely well since his victory at the Phoenix Open in February, but he finished in first or second at River Highlands each year from 2006-2008. So watch for him too. The boys at CBS will deliver the coverage from Hartford over the weekend.

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

2010-06-24T11:20:00.004-05:00

Hello Free Keon and Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media Readers!

You can tell my leanings when I have today marked with a big red circle on my calendar. OK, not really, but I do love the fact that the NBA Draft has arrived. I’ll try to make sure that does not dominate today’s links.

With disclosure out of the way, I have to start with the point guard at least one expert says could be the best ever, John Wall. Wall is expected to be the No. 1 pick by the Washington Wizards tonight.

Moving on to a story about arguably the best point guard right now, Chris Paul. Is it true he’s headed out of New Orleans?

One last basketball story to get out of the way. If John Wall and Evan Turner are already gone, Derrick Favors might be the next best choice.

For those of you who can’t get enough of the World Cup, don’t miss this story.

Before we reach the end, some baseball fans might say I missed the big story of the day. With a tiff between Hanley Ramirez and manager Fredi Gonzalez still hanging over the Marlins, Gonzalez was fired Wednesday.

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

Sam Miller/Free Keon

All in the Cards

2010-06-22T17:08:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Steve for keeping you company while I was gone. Here's my latest post. Thanks for reading!

Ozzie Smith, Lou Brock, Bob Gibson. Three names Cardinals fans and baseball enthusiasts know well. But those are just three of the Redbirds 42 Hall of Famers. What about Rabbit Maranville, Chick Hafey or Pud Galvin? Authors Greg Marecek and Myron Holtzman engage readers with story after story in “The Cardinals of Cooperstown.”

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

2010-06-17T15:02:00.003-05:00

PGA Tour – Pebble Beach Golf Links is hosting the 110th United States Open Championship this week, and the golf world is a buzz with all the possibilities of what may play out with beautiful weather forecast along the Pacific Ocean. All the world’s very best players are in the field even if this major has a shallower overall contingent than others.

However even with the likes of Woods, Mickelson, Els, Harrington, Ishikawa, and McIlroy, the star of this week is, no doubt, the golf course. The USGA has made Pebble extremely difficult as they do every host course they award a championship to, but the beauty and majesty of this place on Carmel Bay must still distract many of the players. The holes that will make or break players down the stretch on Sunday are 14, 17, and 18.The 14th hole is a long, uphill, dogleg right par 5 that players will feel fortunate to par. No one can reach this green in two shots, and the approach is a blind third shot that must hit the proper section of the green if the ball is to stay on the green. The same hole took Paul Goydos out of contention at the AT&T Pro-Am in February after he made 8 on Sunday. Two scary facts to add to that are Goydos was not the only triple bogey on the 14th and the greens much more quicker and less receptive this week than they were in February. The 17th is the classic US Open at Pebble hole. Nicklaus hit a clutch tee shot on this 220 yard par 3 in 1972 to cinch his victory. Then in 1982, Tom Watson chipped in from the deep stuff on 17 to stop Jack from winning another at Pebble. The green is an hourglass shape positioned at a 45 degree angle from the tee with a bunker guarding the green in front and nasty rough surrounding the putting surface long. Lots of drama has occurred here in the past, and patrons will be staking spots at 17 early in the morning to witness some history. The 18th is a long par 5 that traditionally is a birdie hole, but the analysts are predicting many golfers will lay back off the tee this week. The 18th fairway used to house two trees at the landing area for professional tee shots. The trees came down after a storm a few years ago, but they were recently replaced by two more trees that very likely could cause problems for players using driver.

I foresee Pebble Beach winning this US Open, but as far as the players go, I am watching Jim Furyk. He plays smart golf, which is why he won the ’03 Open in Chicago and has been in contention in others. He tied for 10th at the Memorial with a mediocre weekend, but steady golf wins Opens. Another steady golfer to watch is Luke Donald. He has not been near the top of many major leaderboards in his career, but I believe he has the nerves to handle the pressure. NBC televises the US Open.

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

2010-06-15T10:20:00.005-05:00

How Y’all doin’ out there?

I decided to do a links edition on Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media today.

Leading off, the Texas Longhorns, who may have preserved college football close to as we know it.

We won’t know the outcome for a while, but we’ll know something one way or another after tonight’s game six in Los Angeles. Will the Celtics steal a championship on the road or will the Lakers force game seven?

Meanwhile, another championship is under way with its prelimaries – golf’s US Open at Pebble Beach. What better place for Illini amateur and reigning NCAA champion, Scott Langley to tee off?

Finally, we shift from hard news to the more unique.

The Marlins want aquariums to grace their new ballpark, much to PETA’s chagrin.

Because this space is about sports media, I had to throw in this story about beloved Phillies announcer Harry Kalas.

Thanks for spending part of your day at Free Keon!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

2010-06-10T08:45:00.005-05:00

Good Morning, Hawks Revelers!
Just a short time ago, the team arrived with the Stanley Cup in Chicago. Let’s not waste any time getting to the top story 49 years in the making!

Whether hockey fans are aware or not, there’s still one more championship series up for grabs. Celtics captain Paul Pierce will play a big role in determining the outcome.

The Michigan State Spartans men’s hoops program possesses its own pedigree. How much of that is because of Tom Izzo? How satisfying is Izzo’s legacy at MSU? Those are a couple questions that loom as he mulls over an offer from the Cavs.

Meanwhile, it appears a move, in this case to the Big Ten, is indeed best in the minds of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Finally, a championship program takes a hit.

Thanks for visiting Free Keon!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Stan the Man from Donora

2010-06-08T20:41:00.001-05:00

Here's my latest post from Seamheads. Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links comes at you on Thursday!

Some months ago, I examined a pair of Stan Musial biographies at a friend’s request. Not long afterward, “Stan the Man” hit the shelves. What makes Wayne Stewart’s book different?

Thanks for reading!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

2010-06-08T11:37:00.004-05:00

PGA Tour – This week’s tournament will be shadowed by the following week’s US Open. However, a strong international contingent has entered the field at the St. Jude Classic in Memphis. Three world top ten Europeans will be playing, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and Rory McIlroy. Other notables include John Daly, Zach Johnson, Camilo Villegas, Padriag Harrington, Boo Weekley, Brandt Snedeker, Justin Leonard, and Retief Goosen. My pick to win is Lee Westwood. He finished in the top ten in his two previous Euro Tour starts. He has been in serious contention in quite a few majors the past couple years, and a win at Southwind would only increase his stock. David Toms will be my sleeper pick this week. He is coming off his best finish of the season, and he always performs well at the St. Jude Classic. The action from Memphis will be seen on CBS.

US Open Qualifiers – Our country’s national golf championship is a tournament any pro or amateur can get into. A handful of the world’s best receive exemptions into the field. However, most golfers must survive a few rounds of qualifying to make it to the final 72 holes that we see on television. Over 9,000 golfers entered local qualifying events hosted at over 100 sites across the nation in early May. PGA Tour members teed it up along side club pros, college players, amateurs, Tony Romo, John Smoltz, and others. This past Monday was sectional qualifying day when players dueled it out for a small number of spots at fifteen various locations. Some of the more notable survivors that clinched their places in the final US Open field include Tom Lehman, Davis Love III, Ben Curtis, Ty Tryon, Jason Gore, and Scott Langley. Scott led the University of Illinois men’s team to this season’s Big Ten title. He then went on to be the top individual medalist at the NCAA championship medal play portion. Last week’s Memorial champion, Justin Rose, and Rickie Fowler failed to qualify in Columbus.

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

2010-06-03T09:22:00.005-05:00

What a great day it is! Starting tonight, both hockey and basketball feature championship series underway. (Game 1 of the NBA Finals is in LA, and the Stanley Cup resumes with Game 4 on Friday in Philadelphia.) We’ll have reports from both, but first to Detroit where folks’ cups aren’t just half-empty, they are shattered after yesterday. Ken Griffey Jr.’s retirement was another bittersweet baseball headline, and for our fifth topic, who knows what we’ll come up with! Hop on.

Umpire Jim Joyce may or may not be forgiven after last night’s call cost Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga a perfect game. Joyce certainly will not be forgotten.

Although, in Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s mind, Galarraga’s effort was and will be remembered as perfect.

Blackhawks fans felt a little disillusioned themselves last night after already “committing to the Cup.” The Flyers are still alive.

Conversely, from all appearances, the atmosphere around Boston is one of cautious optimism. Celtics coach Doc Rivers is up to the task and seeks his second ring in three years.

In the other camp, the Lakers look to narrow Boston’s 9-2 all-time advantage over LA in NBA Finals.

Finally, a fond farewell to Junior.

Thanks for reading!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

2010-06-02T13:04:00.002-05:00

PGA Tour – Possibly the best tournament on the PGA Tour schedule that is not considered a major will take place in Ohio this week. The Memorial Tournament, hosted by Jack Nicklaus at his design gem, Muirfield Village, always draws the top names in professional golf, and Jack did it again this year. From a gorgeous, yet challenging course to a stellar field, the Memorial is a fun and exciting event to kick off the summer. Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Rory McIlroy, Jim Furyk, Ernie Els, Steve Stricker, Zach Johnson, Camilo Villegas, Kenny Perry, and other fan favorites will be grinding their way around the green hills of suburban Columbus. Last year, Tiger shot a ferocious 65 on Sunday to come from behind and take a record fourth trophy from Jack’s tournament. This year’s Memorial has many golf fans suspicious of if Woods can win this event again. After missing the cut in Charlotte and withdrawing from the PLAYERS, the state of Tiger’s game remains a mystery. He recently split ways with his swing coach, Hank Haney, and he has yet to get with anyone else. However, Woods rarely enters an event if he suspects he cannot win. I would not be the least bit surprised if his name appears on the leaderboard this weekend. He loves this course. He is always out to impress Jack, and he has to be hungry to get back into that winner’s circle. As a sleeper, I am picking Adam Scott. The Australian did win his last tournament in San Antonio. However, I believe he is still a sleeper. His game has started to come around this season after a couple poor years by his standards. Scott has two top five finishes at Muirfield Village when he was on top of his game. A win here would make a big statement heading into the US Open. The boys at CBS will bring you coverage of the Memorial over the weekend.

Last Week’s Recap – The first senior major of the season outshined all the other golf last week. The 71st Senior PGA Championship was held over Memorial Day weekend at the Colorado Golf Club. A new, exciting course designed by Crenshaw/Coore hosted a thrilling finish with a big-name leaderboard. Tom Lehman and Jay Don Blake were tied for the lead heading into the final round, but David Frost, Mark O’Meara, Nick Price, and Fred Couples quickly joined the fray as Sunday’s golf played out. The finishing holes at Colorado Golf Club start with a drivable par 4, reachable par 5, another reachable 5, ticklish par 3, and uphill par 4. Couples was a few behind the leaders as he made his way to the back-to-back par 5’s. He reached both in two and made eagle 3 twice to catapult himself to the top. Frost birdied holes 15, 16, and 17 in the mean time. Lehman was leading until all this unfolded. As a part of the final group, he made birdie on both par 5’s, and nailed a clutch par putt on 18 to force a three-way playoff with Frost and Couples. The playoff ended on the 18th tee box when Lehman drove in the middle of the fairway and the other two found insurmountable trouble to the left. Par on the first playoff hole defeated two double-bogies, and Lehman won his first senior major.

Baseball’s Craftsmen: "Men at Work"

2010-06-01T18:11:00.000-05:00

Here's my latest post from Seamheads. Look out for Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links on Thursday!

George F. Will’s “Men at Work” is a classic. Twenty years after the book stood at No. 1 on the NYT Bestseller list for 19 straight weeks, it’s back as a re-release. This week, for those of us who were too young to appreciate it the first time around, let me shed light on what you will find in this acclaimed book.

Thanks for reading!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

2010-05-27T13:16:00.008-05:00

In a nod to Carmen DeFalco, Jurko and Harry on Chicago’s ESPN Radio 1000, we’ll call this edition of Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media Links “The Afternoon Saloon.”

First, the continued fallout commentary from yesterday’s ejections of Mark Buehrle and Ozzie Guillen. Everybody likes to hear from the White Sox skipper, right?

Staying in Chicago, Dwyane Wade isn’t so sure that the Bulls organization is one he wants to be associated with, according to this report.

One thing is certain. Wade, LeBron and Joe Johnson are doing a lot of consorting and consulting this summer.

Finally, the two grandest stories of the weekend have to be the Indy 500 and college football’s hall of fame announcements.

Read about Badgers coach Barry Alvarez' election, as well as that of former Wolverine Desmond Howard.

Here is a different angle on the Indy 500 celeb crowd.

Thanks for stopping by! I’ll see you Tuesday.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Dousing the Flames

2010-05-25T20:37:00.001-05:00

Here's my latest post from Seamheads.com... Thanks for reading and watch out for Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links on Thursday!

My, have the one-time accessories known as pitchers evolved. You see, when baseball began, pitchers served as a launching pad for batters’ rockets. Standing 50 feet from their counterpart, only a few moments snuck by before their rockets went up, up and away on contact.

As recently as 1980, relievers milled around in the shadows. “Relievers were like utility players who weren’t good enough to start,” seven-time All-Star and three-time Rolaids Relief Award winner Lee Smith says of his big-league beginnings in 1980 (vii, Fireman). Try to catch up with a 103 m.p.h. Joel Zumaya pitch in the present. The question is, how did we get here? Fran Zimniuch examines in “Fireman.”

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Things People Do in the Name of Competition

2010-05-20T16:53:00.008-05:00

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media
In “Field of Dreams”, Shoeless Joe Jackson comes out of a cornfield and can’t believe where he ended up. “Hey, is this heaven?” he asks in awe and wonder. If a baseball field in Iowa is as close as it gets to the great beyond, what’s the alternative? Leave it to Rick Reilly to answer that question in his new book, “Sports from Hell: My Search for the World’s Dumbest Competition.”

I don’t need to explain why or why not you should read Rick’s latest book. After 11 National Sportswriter of the Year awards, you know what to expect from this chronicler. By now, you’ve made up your mind what you think of him and his work. The only thing that’s left is the subject matter.

Here’s what you should know about this book:
1. The criteria – must be a real sport (Ie. its competitors are no-nonsense about the pursuit); the competition is not about stupidity for its own sake (Shin kicking, which laughs in the face of doping, need not apply for Rick’s quest); Rick determined he had to conduct a thorough observation of the sport in order for it to qualify (Sorry, now-defunct World Housekeeping Championships); Who knows why, but Rick did not want to put his life on the line for the sake of this book. (That meant he had to forgo a sport involving beheaded calves). In all, eight rules served as the guidelines for this journey, but you get the idea.

2. Sports – Thirteen sports made the cut. World Sauna Championships, Ferret Legging and Jarts rank as my favorites.
World Sauna Championships – Relaxing turns painful when competitors in bathing suits see whose skin boils last. You know it’s legit when Australian oddsmakers encourage gambling on the event. The Tiger Woods (best of the best, if that moniker is a little unclear nowadays) of the sport arrived in a mobile home equipped with a sauna. Who can blame Rick for losing his objectivity and giving Timmo the Great a pat on the back after the Chosen One lasted more than 7:30 in the sauna? Five hundred fans watching the event could not have been happier with the show.

Ferret Legging – “Piranhas with feet,” “shark-of-the-land.” Those are descriptors used for the furry creatures. Why in the world, then, would someone stick one or more clawing animals down his pants? For the sake of winning and bragging rights, of course. The world record holder went without underwear for five hours and twenty-six minutes while a ferret partied in his pants. With names like “Peppy” and bios that read, “He is suspected to be deaf, but this doesn’t slow him down,” our guide knew he was in for it (Sports, 25).

Jarts – Described as a “weighted spear for children to play with,” this game is forbidden in America (177). Like darts, jarts with a “j” requires participants to heave projectiles into a narrow circle. Between 1978 and 1986, there were more than 6,100 documented jart injuries. That fact doesn’t stop hearty folks in Piqua, Ohio from keeping the merriment alive. Shane Davis remains undeterred, saying, “I bought this house just for the yard. It’s perfect for the tournament.” (181-82)

3. What’s the dumbest sport on the planet according to Rick? That would be Chess Boxing. Don’t tell the athletes who play it.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

2010-05-20T09:36:00.005-05:00

PGA Tour - The best golfers in the world stay in Texas this week for the HP Byron Nelson Championship. The TPC Las Colinas near Dallas traditionally allows any player in the field a sporting chance at victory. Some of the lesser-known recent victors of the championship include Brett Wetterich, Ted Purdy, Robert Damron, and Neal Lancaster. Expect to learn a few more new names this week as the event was not able to draw any players from the top 15 in the world. I predict the top ranked man in the field will win, though. Hunter Mahan won earlier this season in Phoenix, and we all know he is capable of more victories. Also watch out for young bomber Dustin Johnson, who won at Pebble. CBS carries the Nelson.

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

2010-05-18T11:49:00.005-05:00

Good day, Free Keon and Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media Readers!

I decided to do a switcharoo and give you the links today and Slammin’ Sam’s take on a recent read on Thursday. I hope you won’t mind.

As I mentioned this past Thursday, a whole lot loomed for the Cavs and LeBron. Turns out the Summer of LBJ got started a little bit earlier than most expected. At this point, let’s you and I get something straight. I’ll do my best not to make the links all about LeBron between now and July 8 when the King can make his ruling. But, when most of the news is about LeBron, then we may have a little extra about the Chosen One here. We’ll see how it all unfolds, but enough disclaimers. On with the show!

There’s more to basketball than LeBron, and that’s where we’ll start with the Lakers push for another title.

Tonight is a big night for those teams on the other end of the spectrum as well. It’s the NBA Lottery, aka Who Gets John Wall Night.

Up next, a piece about LeBron and current Kentucky coach John Calipari featured in the Lexington Herald-Leader. Should he stay or should he go now?

For a local twist to the story, let’s bring in a favorite Bull, drum roll please … current New York Knick Eddy Curry. Is this another sabotage attempt by Curry? Working out with none other than LeBron? The plot thickens.

Staying in New York, the Mets are always full of their own drama.

I hope you have a drama-free Tuesday. Check back here Thursday for more of Slammin’ Sam. Thanks for reading!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

2010-05-13T10:05:00.006-05:00

Hello, and welcome to the Thursday Links Edition of Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media!

With game six hours away in Boston, a whole lot is on the line. No wonder LeBron is at the center of the sports universe today.

If that’s not enough, SI.com has a report about a possible successor to Cavs Coach Mike Brown.

Fans forget that Michael Jordan had an occasional poor game himself, writes Dan Le Batard. None, however, had the effect that James’ game five did.

At least the Cavs are still alive. The defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins are out.

So much drama, let’s end with a light update. Pardon the pun.

As always, thanks for spending part of your Thursday with Free Keon!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

2010-05-13T09:21:00.003-05:00

PGA Tour - The Valero Texas Open tries out a new course this year at the TPC San Antonio. The track is a collaborative effort between Pete Dye and Greg Norman. Players and fans alike are excited to see what they have come up with. The course just opened in February of this year. The field following THE PLAYERS and preceding three more prestigious events is not stellar. Ernie Els was a late entry, but he is the only top ten player competing here. Justin Leonard, who always plays well in his home state, is my pick to win. The two-time Texas Open champion has not had a spectacular season in 2010, but he did make last year's President's Cup team and fought his way into a playoff in November at the Las Vegas tournament. He had a string of top 20 finishes leading up to the Masters, but since then, he has only one round in the sixties. He tied for 5th the last time the Tour visited San Antonio, and I foresee another strong showing from Leonard this week. Another fellow to keep an eye on is big bomber J.B. Holmes. J.B. has played solid golf this season. He is 17th in the FedEx Cup standings, and his opening round of 66 at Sawgrass last Thursday vaulted him to a T13 at THE PLAYERS. CBS will televise the Valero Texas Open.

Illinois Interest Item - Olympia High School graduate Randy Kindred writes about a debate that is brewing over an attempt at sportsmanship on the golf course near Chicago that involved a Bloomington native who attends Olivet Nazarene University. I say good sportsmanship. As a coach, I would be proud if one of my athletes made a similar decision. As a player, I probably would have ended up birdieing the hole if I was intentionally trying to play poorly. What is your take?

Once Considered Jewels, Baseball Cards Have Lost Luster

2010-05-11T19:07:00.003-05:00

Hey Free Keon and Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Readers!
Allow me to preview my latest Seamheads.com post. This book made me put off Rick Reilly's sure-fire hit, "Sports from Hell" off till next week if that tells you anything. Enjoy!

Remember the days when “gem” referred to the rock on a lady’s finger or to a pitcher’s performance? Remember the days when you’d scrounge up three or four dollars for a pack of cards, hoping that you’d find that 1:150 insert? Today we journey back to yesteryear with Dave Jamieson’s “Mint Condition: How Baseball Cards Became an American Obsession.”

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links returns on Thursday.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

2010-05-06T09:30:00.003-05:00

PGA Tour - THE PLAYERS Championship will be contested at the challenging TPC Sawgrass this week. The annual favorite of many fans moved from March to May a few years ago to give the Tour a big-time event in each month from April to August. The TPC Sawgrass is more than likely the most recognizable golf course because of the immense amount of TV coverage the famous 17th hole island green receives. The last stretch of 16-18 at Sawgrass is my personal favorite of any finish on Tour. It always provides drama. This week, the field has lost some lovable characters due to injury. Anthony Kim, Fred Couples, and Steve Stricker all had to withdraw from THE PLAYERS with nagging injuries. However, the top two names in golf will be teeing it up in Florida. Tiger and Phil will have to share the spotlight, though, with the Wachoiva Championship winner, Rory McIlroy. The now 21-year-old Northern Irishman won in dramatic fashion with a course record 62 at Quail Hollow last week to defeat Mickelson and Angel Cabrera for his first PGA Tour victory. My pick to win this week is Ernie Els. I just have a feeling. But watch out for another young European in Alvaro Quiros. The Spanish bomber won his national open last week, and he has been knocking on the door of victory more often than not. Johnny Miller and his crew over at NBC always take on THE PLAYERS and do a very nice job.

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

2010-05-06T08:51:00.006-05:00

Hello Free Keon and Slammin’ Sam Readers,

Looks to be a great sports day from all the stories that are circulating fairly early in the day. Let’s get started right away.

First, a story that made me go “Oh, my.” Butler guard Gordon Hayward is staying in the draft. I almost feel apologetic, but I guess I still thought of Butler and Hayward were a Cinderella story and not much more. Now reality sets in. I hope he has a solid NBA career. Bob Kravitz of the Indy Star has the details.

On to somebody I wish I could be surprised about, Milton Bradley. Jerry Brewer shares his opinions in Seattle.

Another guy I am rooting for to overcome his struggles is David Ortiz. Big Papi took another step last night.

Giants hurler Barry Zito is in the midst of his own comeback, Gwen Knapp writes.

Last, in case you didn’t get a chance to read it in your paper this morning, here’s a story on Wednesday night’s Blackhawks hero.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Out of left field

2010-05-05T03:48:00.003-05:00

I don't go to many Cubs games, basically one a year, but I did go last Sunday. And I witnessed the greatest individual hitting performance I've seen since Michael Brenly lit up the Quad City River Bandits last July in Peoria. Really, it was an electrifying afternoon at Wrigley Field.

I was telling my dad about Tyler Colvin. About how the kid is a late-game defensive replacement for Alfonso Soriano. About how he hit over .400 in spring training to secure his spot on the team. About how he might be a late-year replacement at left field. Soriano, he's awful, I said. That's when he hit his first two-run home run.

He added a double in the third. That's when the lady behind us yelled “CYCLE!” I think she'd been drinking. In the fifth he clubbed his second two-run home run against the second pitcher he faced, giving the Cubs a 10-3 lead. Three-for-3 with two homers, I said, I'm impressed.

In the seventh inning Soriano stepped into the box against Kevin Mulvey with the bases loaded and one out. Everyone stood, clapping, eyes fixed on home plate. Fans took their cameras out to take a picture. They chanted his name. There was actual hope invested in Soriano. People thought he was going to do something great. It was a strange feeling. (He lined out to the third baseman, but that's beside the point.)

Yes, Soriano was a bad signing. Eight years and $136 million. (That's more than Albert Pujols makes … for now.) He's not worth it. We can agree on that. But I don't want to talk about money. I want to talk about expectations. Specifically, expectations for this year.

There weren't any. None at all. Unless you're a strong believer in Rudy Jamarillo. Most of us would have been okay if the Cubs would have cut him and taken the hit to the checkbook.

On Sunday, Soriano gave fans a glimpse of how valuable he can be. When he gets hot he can carry the offense for up to a month. He showed these spurts this first two years in Chicago. He showed nothing of the kind last year. Our expectations have been lowered. But if he can find his form at the plate on a consistent basis, he might prove some of his worth. It's the least he can do.

On Tuesday against the Pirates, Soriano went 1-for-4 with a solo home run, his fourth game in a row with a homer. He's hitting .321 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs in 25 games. (He finished .241, 20 and 55 in 2009.) I'm not saying he'll maintain this pace. I'm just saying this is unexpected. And its fun to watch.

I wonder if Aramis Ramirez has met Mr. Jamarillo.

A Shocking Return ….. (Sorry)

2010-05-04T20:32:00.004-05:00

Let me first start by thanking Sam and Steve for holding down the fort for the last month while all the other bloggers took some time off to concentrate on work and spend some quality time with friends, family, and pets. Their consistent posting kept the site alive for many weeks and is much appreciated.

With that being said, this is a call out to all other writers and fans affiliated with this site who have been slacking of late. It’s time to get off your bean bags and add some unresearched, illogical, and misguided opinions to the web. Baseball season has started, the NBA playoffs are afoot, and the World Cup is just over a month away, so come on and let out some hot air.

For my first contribution since the April sabbatical I would quickly like to discuss the young boy who got tased last night at a Philadelphia Phillies game for running onto the field before the eighth inning. There has been quite a bit of critical discussion concerning the severity of the security guard’s response and use of a taser on a 17 year old kid who, by all accounts, probably meant no harm.

Though I can understand how someone could interpret tasing as an overly harsh response in this situation, … wait… no, no I can’t. In fact, I would argue that the single tasing episode was not enough of a punishment. If I had my druthers, I would have liked it if he were chained up in the bullpen and tased each inning by a random fan… for the rest of the series.

Now I know people are going to accuse me of being barbaric and twisted, but seriously the kid is 17, going to a Big Ten university next year (I bet Penn State is proud), and was not intoxicated in any way (not that I would be against tasing a drunk person… I would just wait until they sober up). In other words he should know better than to do something illegal, waste everyone’s time, and be completely unoriginal and pointless.

From my point of view he got what was coming to him and hopefully it will encourage other pricks to think twice about having that “once in a lifetime experience”, so the rest of us don’t have to indulge every jackal who thinks the world is their oyster.

Anyway, that’s all I’ve got.

I’ll hang up and listen.

Sounding Off on Mike and Mike

2010-05-04T19:28:00.005-05:00

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media
Ahh… Nothing like a cup of coffee, the newspaper, and perhaps a morning show to start the day. In college, I used Mike and Mike in the Morning to jumpstart my day. I love the fact that the two of them come off average enough to be your buddy down the street.

At the same time, you know the two everymen have a firm grasp on what they’re talking about. The question is, does what you hear on the radio/TV carry over into print form? Today, we’re talking about Mike and Mike’s Rules for Sports and Life.

Here’s what you should know about the book:
1. True or false: One reason we enjoy broadcasts is that they are a break from reading.

I vote true. I’m not suggesting that we should be lazy and not read. After all, that’s one of the foundations of this blog. What I am saying is a good broadcast should put you in the middle of the action. When I watch Mike and Mike, it’s as if I were nodding or arguing with them. That’s not how I felt when I read the book. It was a lifeless script with no one to give it breath. The book is divided into four “hours” plus overtime, but it could take days to plow through.

2. Greeny and Golic do offer some interesting perspectives, as always.
For instance: Rule 1.26 states “Get rid of the Fourth of July.” Golic wastes no time stating, “I can tell you already that I’m going to veto this one.” Greeny’s defense – “I’ve looked into this, and in 1776, the Fourth of July – the actual date – fell on a Thursday.” Celebrating Independence Day, as opposed to July 4 would simplify the calendar and the holiday work week, the hosts decide (Mike, 26).

How about Rule 3.49? “Fans are crazy because people are crazy.”
Golic introduces this one with a story about attending a Holy War football game. Recall, Golic played eight years in the NFL. Clearly, he earned the right to cheer however he wanted to cheer. Or maybe not. “I was sitting on the very end of a row, and the disruptions were constant,” Golic says. “With the BC quarterback calling the signals on a key third-and-short play, I heard, Dude, get up. You’ve got to be kidding me. At one point, I looked around, stunned by what was going on. Everybody just glared back at me like I was the problem. Then a guy who had gotten up at least eight times already starts walking down the row again. I don’t say a word to him. I just give him the death stare.” (98-101)

Check out Rule 4.71 – Elect current players into the Hall.
Greeny starts, “Each sport’s Hall of Fame is nothing more than a museum. Do you think the Louvre and the Met had to wait five years after Picasso died before they could hang his stuff? Was Joe Montana a tough call in 1989? Or Magic Johnson? Why the holdup, exactly?” (171)

3. Getting back to those guys that I previously mentioned, Rule 3.50 reads, “Never forget where you came from.”

Greeny and Golic project themselves to be the same guys they were when they started the show 10 years ago: The “On Air” light flashed, and I just felt like making fun of this [Golic.] I’m thinking that if I do it, one of two things will happen. Either he’ll laugh and the next two days will be fun, or he’ll rear back and punch me in the face, Greeny shares. (150) Maintaining long-term relationships is something we should all strive for, even as we reach for success.

Before you go thinking these guys are all laughs and giggles, realize in 2002, Major League Baseball took Greeny seriously. Despite Golic’s overwhelming doubts, the powers that be took Greeny’s suggestion and made the All-Star Game determine home-field advantage in the World Series (7). Who’s laughing now?

In closing, Mike and Mike have their moments in this brand new book. But if you want to see a better example of a media crossover, check out Bill Simmons’ Book of Basketball instead. Leave Mike and Mike to the airwaves.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

2010-04-28T09:24:00.004-05:00

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

2010-04-22T11:02:00.006-05:00

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

2010-04-21T20:21:00.005-05:00

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. This LSU Tiger has the rowdiest followings when the Zurich Classic comes to town. He has been battling an injured shoulder all season, but a T14 at Augusta two weeks ago shows that he can still play. This tournament is his fifth major, and as a past champion already, Toms has the confidence and desire to win here again. Boo Weekley will serve as my sleeper pick this week. Boo had a great first three rounds at Harbour Town, and I predict his fair play will continue in culturally familiar surroundings to his home in the Florida panhandle. CBS will air the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Last Week's Recap - Jim Furyk came away with another victory in 2010 as he won on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff over Brian Davis at the Verizon Heritage Classic. Davis made clutch plays on 18 to get into overtime. However, the event, I believe, was marred by Davis's self-imposed rules violation on his third shot of the first playoff hole. Davis hit a 7-iron on his approach to the 18th green that bounded off the putting surface into a waste bunker along Calibogue Sound to the left of the green. Rule 13.4 states that a player may not move a loose impediment during the takeaway while in a hazard. Davis just brushed a loose stalk sticking out from a nearby pile of reeds on the beach during his backswing. Davis immediately called over the rules official and told him of the incident. Only slow motion instant replay could prove his error, and a two stroke penalty was assessed for his transgression. Here, I would like to invite Josh's Dad, our resident rules official and high school golf coach to weigh in. As a rules official, does your heart break or smile to see a winless journeyman like Brian Davis call this kind of unintentional and virtually meaningless (in this specific case) penalty on himself in such a situation? As a coach (try to separate yourself from your rules official role), did you instruct your players to call these kinds of violations on themselves? Obviously, Brian Davis did the right and honorable thing. Professionals must play by the rules, especially during televised events when rules experts do call in to report violations. Golf purists and myself would have it no other way. The only issue that really gets me in this case is that coming into contact with that reed on his backswing had no impact whatsoever on his shot. Furyk most likely would have won anyway, but it does bring up an interesting debate.

Psst – Wanna know a secret?

2010-04-20T19:45:00.005-05:00

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

2010-04-15T11:52:00.006-05:00

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

2010-04-15T09:24:00.003-05:00

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"

2010-04-13T15:52:00.003-05:00

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.

1. Growing up in the shadow of Wrigley Field, Harry Kalas developed a lifelong zest and loyalty for his two loves, baseball and people.

The prospect of a 1980 World Series left Kalas brimming. “Raymond, do you believe they pay us to do this?” Harry asked Philadelphia Daily News sportswriter Ray Didinger (Harry, 171). The one-of-a-kind Kalas overflowed with confidence, former Phils manager Dallas Green said. “The signature white shoes and the off-color jackets … not many of us had the guts to wear all that stuff, but they looked good on Harry.” (106)

In 2008, reigning MVP Jimmy Rollins disappointed the man who gave his life to the franchise. Rollins called Philly fans “front-runners,” a comment he soon regretted not because of fans’ boos but because of the way it struck Kalas. “J-Roll, why did you say that?” Kalas asked the Phillies star before the team’s next game. Rollins answered, but Kalas didn’t want to hear any more (211).

After the Phillies captured the 2008 World Series, the fans and their beloved broadcaster celebrated with no intention of stopping. Chanting his name, the revelers had a request – sing Frank Sinatra’s “High Hopes.” Kalas obliged, complete with improvisation. “I like it my way,” he told his wife who responded, “That was Harry. He had to put his mark on it.” (20)

2. Especially in today’s America, Kalas is a rare example of someone who loved his work and is admired for the job that he did.

“My 500th [home run] always has been a benchmark of my career … What Harry meant for my career is something I’ll never forget,” Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt said. (176) Kalas made such an impression on Schmidt that the player provided a testimony at the broadcaster's funeral.

3. Just like Jack Buck, Harry Caray, Ernie Harwell or Vin Scully, Kalas captured both the ears and the hearts of his listeners.

"Baseball announcers have a special bond with their audience, and Harry represented the best of baseball, not only to the fans of the Phillies, but to fans everywhere," Commissioner Bud Selig said shortly after his passing.

Harry Kalas may be “outta here,” but baseball lovers will never forget him.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

2010-04-08T11:01:00.005-05:00

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

2010-04-07T20:19:00.003-05:00

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.

Woods arrived at the course on Sunday, when he played nine holes. Tiger went on to play practices rounds with Fred Couples and Mark O’Meara the following days. For the opening rounds, he will be paired with K.J. Choi and Matt Kuchar. These are two relatively surprising picks for Woods playing partners. Other, more seasoned veterans with experience playing in front of large, possibly hostile galleries had volunteered for the sentence, but the pairings committee at the Club has now spoken. Woods held an anticipated press conference Monday afternoon with select media members, and he opened up a little bit more than he had in his previous television appearances since the Thanksgiving debacle. He directly refuted allegations that he received and/or used human growth hormones or any illegal drugs. Dr. Anthony Galea from Canada treated Woods in Orlando with a platelet-rich plasma for his knee and Achilles tendon. Galea is under federal investigations for possibly treating other athlete patients of his with illegal drugs. Tiger also addressed Tom Watson’s issue with Tiger that he calm his often profanity laced, negative outbursts on the course in order to show more respect for the game and the galleries. Woods appears to have grown in appreciation for his fans through this incident. We will see how long that love affair lasts. The galleries have been very receptive and welcoming to Woods so far this week. However, the patrons of Augusta are required to behave in a gentlemanly manner. Fans at other events are not quite so polite. The players have accepted him back with open arms early this week, and I predict the patrons at Augusta will continue to show forgiveness and appreciation for Woods throughout the rest of the week. But come Quaill Hollow or whatever other events he chooses to play in after the Masters will be a different story, and I think he believes the same thing. As far as his chances, ESPN had a very good roundtable discussion about Tiger’s chances this week with Paul Azinger, Curtis Strange, and Andy North. Surprisingly, not all were in agreement there, and I definitely recommend checking it out. I tend to side with Azinger’s school of thought in this case. He claims that golf will be a much-needed release valve for Woods. He referred to that being the case for him after coming back from cancer in the early ‘90’s. As Strange continually asserts, a player needs to be in top competitive form in order to win the Masters, and I agree for 99% of the PGA Tour. Woods is the exception. Tiger plays his best golf when the spotlight is brightest. He knows that more people will be watching him this week than every before, and he actually has something to prove now. Just like when he returned from his knee injury in 2009, he plays very well with a chip on his shoulder. The tiger does not like monkeys on his back, and he has one now. Most people in the golf world agree with Strange, if they are honest. How can you win at the ultimate thinking man’s course with the most undulated and slippery greens in Georgia when you have not played competitively in six months? This would be Earl’s queue to step in and say something outrageous that Tiger validates on the golf course. He has amazed time and again. John Cook and O’Meara both say he is striking the ball right now with incredible accuracy and precision. He practiced at Augusta a couple weeks ago, and he has been there since Sunday. I think he wins it. I don’t know if it will be in dramatic 16th hole chip-in fashion or 1997 lap the field fashion. But I have an Earl Woods feeling that “this kid is something special.”

As for the rest of the field, Fred Couples has been hotter than practically anyone has ever been after turning 50. If Freddy is in contention down the stretch, look for Jim Nantz (Couples’s college roommate at U of H) to shed more tears than Ken Venturi did in his final tour of events the year he retired. I would love for the 1992 Masters champion to be right there on Sunday, but I doubt it happens. He can win 54-hole events on cakewalk courses against 50-plus pros, but he will struggle to gather the perseverance to play one of the toughest golf courses during his third consecutive week of competition with a back as volatile as his. I look for a nostalgic top 25 finish for Freddy while hoping for more.

I stated last week that Ernie Els was the favorite heading into the Masters, and despite a mediocre tournament in Houston, I still see the South African as a legitimate threat for a green jacket. He is striking the ball wonderfully, and his putting has come around to be much more consistent. The Big Easy desperately wants a win at Augusta. He has come close a couple times, and after winning two of his last three Tour starts, and I believe he has the confidence and drive to pull out a victory here.

Phil Mickelson is another story this week (as if he is ever not a story). The last two weeks, we have seen classic Phil. The up-and-down rollercoaster of good round, bad round. His wife and mom are still battling breast cancer, and it has to be tough for him to be playing golf with all that is going on in his life. However, he seemed in good spirits last Sunday after making six straight birdies on the back nine in Houston while his wife’s caner specialist was on the bag. Many fans and analysts have written Mickelson off for the Masters. I have not, though. Remember 2009 when he played for the first time since announcing Amy’s condition. He played terribly in Memphis. Then he nearly won the U.S. Open at Bethpage the following week. I am expecting Phil to come out firing. He played driver on almost every hole at Redstone last week when he knew it was not the best play. He did it to prepare for Augusta. He fired a 58 during a practice round two weeks ago, and he loves Augusta. As the owner of two green jackets, I think Phil will be in the hunt come Sunday for a third.

One beautiful tradition of the Masters Tournament is the honorary starter. Gene Sarazen, Byron Nelson, and Sam Snead took up the role while I was first falling in love with this event. And for the first time, the Golden Bear Jack Nicklaus (a record six-time Masters champion) will be teeing off in the opening pairing with The King, Arnold Palmer. Palmer has been the honorary starter in Masters past by himself. He plans on playing the first hole then quitting as precedent holds. Jack, though, has been rumored to be contemplating going on after the opener. It would be quite the thrill for the patrons there if he did.

For those interested in watching this weekend, here are some basics to know after the event. Bobby Jones, easily the greatest amateur golfer of all time, started the tournament in 1934 as a gathering of friends at his newly designed golf club in Augusta, Georgia. The following year, Gene Sarazen, a remarkable golfer in his own right, cemented the legend of Jones’ gathering by hitting the “shot heard ‘round the world.” He made double eagle on the par-5 15th hole with a 4-wood during the final round to win in a playoff over Craig Wood. Rae’s Creek flows through Amen Corner, which is the series of holes from 11-13. Amen Corner is also known for the stunning pink azalea flowers that are always in full bloom during the tournament surrounding the par-5 13th green. The course was built on an old nursery (The Fruitlands) with many rare and foreign plant species that delight patrons and television viewers alike as they have been utilized as highlights to the course for decades now. The winner receives the coveted green jacket for his accomplishment. Only members of Augusta National and winner of the Masters Tournament have official green jackets. The green jackets is traditionally first donned in Butler Cabin on the club’s grounds following conclusion of play. And CBS is there to show it.

Last Week’s Recap – The Shell Houston Open was won by Anthony Kim last week after paring the first hole of a sudden death playoff over Vaughn Taylor. Neither golfer played the 18th very well in regulation nor in the playoff. Kim pulled off some impressive greenside bunker and chip shot down the stretch to keep at least a share of the lead. Taylor holed a long, winding par putt on his 72nd hole to get within a stroke of Kim, playing in the final group behind him. Kim’s drive on 18 sailed into the bunker on the opposite side of the fairway from the lake. His approach from the sand rolled into yet another bunker near the green. The young American was forced to play a gutsy, high-flying bunker shot to a cup cut with water in the near background. Kim got it to five feet for a putt to win outright. However, he missed his par attempt, and the playoff ensued. It was an exciting finish, and it was great to see two young American players dueling it out for the victory. Even still, I did not get much of a thrill from this event because Kim and Taylor, playing for a spot at his hometown’s event next week, did not impressively master the final holes like we see the top players of the week doing so often. Instead, the wind and 18th hole pushed around the golfers almost as if they were amateurs. In the end, though, Anthony Kim notched his third PGA Tour victory and a needed shot of confidence.

The LPGA Tour’s first major championship of the 2010 season did not provide the drama it usually enjoys. Yani Tseng only won by one stroke, but the tournament was hers from the time she eagled the second hole. The 21-year-old from Taiwan now has an LPGA Tour victory in each of her three seasons. Suzann Petersen finished runner-up.

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

2010-04-06T20:03:00.001-05:00

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:

1. Old Hoss Radbourn stood up favorably to Wee Willie Keeler, Ty Cobb and Walter Johnson.

In fact, the results of Brown Holmes’ 1916 survey suggest that Radbourn stood peerless. No man endured day after day drudgery like the Rochester native did. No man single-handedly racked up win streaks like the 5-9 “Rad” strung together. Who knew he once stirred up triumph and trouble so close to home in Bloomington, Ill?

As a young man, Radbourn built stamina as a butcher. Nevermind baseball’s unending train trips or the understanding that nothing next to death could stop you from taking the field. In 1884 Radbourn labored through 75 games, winning 59 times. That was nothing, Radbourn would usually say when pressed.

“From four in the morning until eight at night, I knocked down steers with a 25-pound sledge. Tired of playing two hours a day for 10 times the money I got for 16 hours a day?” (Fifty, 22)

2. This yarn has it all – professional rivalry, love triangle jealousy and a gigantic concoction of legend.

A letter dated Jan. 13, 1883 illustrates the outdoorsman he was and the man’s gumption: Believing that I am the best wing shot in the world, I hereby challenge any man to shoot against me in the field, for $1,000. (60)

With more than 1,400 innings under his belt between 1881 and 1883, you’d expect Radbourn to flame out. On the contrary, he had plenty of reasons to spark in 1884.

You see the right-hander had an upstart teammate on his heels, determined to see who indeed was the better hurler. Radbourn was also vying for the affections of one, Carrie Stanhope, who caught the eye of any number of men, and to top it all off, whatever Radbourn did never seemed enough.

For better or worse, the elder pitcher won Stanhope on the baseball diamond in “one of the fiercest [games] ever played.” (116). Radbourn wasn’t quite so lucky in his rivalry with teammate Charlie Sweeney. Days after Radbourn submitted an unflinching 16-inning performance, Sweeney upstaged him in the popularity contest by striking out 19 batters. This bothered Radbourn “exceedingly.” (135)

3. If you enjoyed Frank Deford’s book, “The Old Ballgame,” this book’s for you.

Like Deford’s work, Achorn’s offering tells openly of days when a tough day on a baseball field was the least of a player’s worries. Similar to “The Old Ball Game,” “Fifty-Nine in ‘84” tells of men who routinely settled matters in saloon brawls and garnered reputations by hearsay.

Would you believe that the Bloomington Pantagraph suggested Radbourn was as well-known as the president? Upon his death, “His name was used as frequently as the president’s,” the news read. But Bloomington was far from the only publication that trumpeted Radbourn. The Sporting News declared the 1939 baseball hall of fame inductee to be “the greatest baseball pitcher the world has ever known.” (300)

Sam Miller/Free Keon

The Final Slammin' Sam Final Four Post

2010-04-01T11:58:00.007-05:00

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

This Week in Golf

2010-03-30T21:11:00.007-05:00

PGA Tour – The best golfers in the world visit Texas for the Shell Houston Open this week at Rees Jones’s Redstone Golf Club. Many top international players are in the field as a final tune up for the following week’s Masters Tournament.

Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, and Geoff Ogilvy headline the field in Houston, but I think the best horse for the course is defending champion Paul Casey. I predict the Englishman, who has rarely played the PGA Tour outside of majors, will repeat at Redstone. Last year was his first trip to Houston, and it obviously proved successful. This season, Casey has six top 11 finishes in seven starts. He had a strong outing at the Honda a few weeks ago, and I feel he has a good chance to win again. Another player to watch out for this week is J.B. Holmes. This good ole boy from Kentucky played great at Riviera earlier in the year, and he led at Bay Hill after 18. He is fighting for a spot at Augusta next week. So you can bet he’ll be bombing it off the tee, scratching out any advantage he can to score well and play his way into the Masters. NBC continues its coverage of the PGA Tour this weekend.

LPGA Tour – The women are playing the season’s first major championship this week at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. The Kraft Nabisco Championship is hosted every year at the Dinah Shore Tournament Course with a fun tradition of the champion leaping into the water surrounding the 18th green at the conclusion of play. This major delivers excitement every year. Last season’s edition featured three Americans battling it out to the very end with Brittany Lincicome edging out Kristy McPherson and Cristie Kerr by a stroke. The Kraft Nabisco is analogous to the Masters for the ladies. They seem to want this one more than any other, and they seem to have more fun here than any other individual event outside of the Solhiem Cup team competition. Paula Creamer is the only top player not in the field this week as she nurses an injury, and of those fierce competitors, I will be rooting for Morgan Pressel once again. She played ok last week at La Costa, but she will put everything together and score her major this week. Any player from Asia is automatically in the hunt, but I look for a young, American amateur named Alexis Thompson to also make some waves. She is the youngest player to ever qualify for a U.S. Open, and she has had mild success in her few LPGA Tour appearances thus far. I would not be surprised if this sleeper turned some heads before the week is through. The Golf Channel televises the first three rounds from Mission Hills, and CBS takes over coverage for Sunday.

Last Week’s Recap – It was a wet weekend at Bay Hill, but that did not stop Ernie Els from cruising to his second straight victory. I gushed enough about the Big Easy two weeks ago following his win at Doral. So I will keep this recap to a minimum. Some surprises popped up at Arnie’s place last week. Davis Love III was in the hunt heading into Sunday. Ben Curtis played very well, and Chris Couch was also high on the leaderboard. Aside from Els, no one predicted any of those guys to be near the top. Palmer’s renovations to Bay Hill were well-received by the players. However, he certainly capped the scoring with the new changes even with the 16th being converted back to a par-5. Ernie was the only player to finish in double-digits under par at eleven under. With Els continuing solid play and relaxed, confident attitude, he is the favorite heading into Augusta.

Fred Couples once again tore up the Champions Tour. The Cap Cana Championship was played on the beautiful shores of the Dominican Republic, where birdies were as abundant as the sunshine. Freddy finished the 54-hole event at twenty-one under par for a two stroke advantage over Corey Pavin, the 36-hole leader. Couples, Pavin, and Nick Price rounded out the final group on Sunday. Couples, wearing his strange, new Ecco golf sneakers, shot a final round 62 to overcome Pavin’s two shot lead and final round 66. Rumblings of a Couples run at Augusta abound now that he has won three Champions Tour events and finished runner-up in his only other appearance. He is not missing any shots, and his putting, even from short range, is spot on. Freddy is playing in Houston on the big boys’ tour this week, and many people are questioning if the decision to play three weeks in a row will flare up his back problems. Time will tell, but for now, I am thoroughly enjoying seeing Boom Boom be successful again.

The ladies’ event at La Costa was a disappointment to many American fans wanting to see an American victor as the LPGA Tour kicked off its U.S. swing for 2010. We didn’t get our wish. Another strong, young Asian player had control of the tournament all week. Hee Kyung Seo from South Korea won by six shots over Inbee Park. At 23 years of age, Seo is the Korean ladies tour’s version of Natalie Gulbis. Seo got into the Kia Classic on a sponsor’s exemption because she has no status on the LPGA Tour and rarely plays in America. She now has membership, but she has yet to decide whether she will take advantage of it or not. Michelle Wie was in the top ten most of the week, but she was never really in contention. No other big name Americans played extraordinarily well this week. They will need to step it up for next week's major championship.

Do You Know the Code?

2010-03-30T17:08:00.007-05:00

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media
Calling all Baseball Fans, calling all Baseball Fans,

With the MLB season less than a week away, it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty at Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media.

Have you ever found yourself watching a baseball game and wondering why a player stole a base during a blowout? Or maybe you watched your favorite hitter at the plate and salivated at his 3-0 count? Those are the kind of questions we ponder this week while reading Jason Turbow and Michael Duca’s new book, “The Baseball Codes.”

As the book’s authors explain, many believe there is a right way and a wrong way to deal with both situations. Matter of fact, there are unspoken but understood rules about much of baseball procedure.

Toward the end of his career, Rickey Henderson swiped a base in a 12-5 contest. The opposing manager became incensed. “I know he’s trying to obtain a record for most runs scored, but do it the right way.” Added Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson, “There is no excuse that can be made up to justify trying to show someone up.”

The code dictates that there was no need to pile on in a game that was all but decided. Then again, who is to say when a game is out of reach, given the game’s power surge in recent years? The Mariners once led the Indians 14-2 in the fifth inning, but lo and behold the unthinkable happened. The Indians came from behind to win 15-14. What’s a baseball player or manager to do (Baseball, 17-21)?

In 2006, Torii Hunter faced a 3-0 count. His team already led 8-1, so according to the code, Hunter’s job was to ignore the temptation to add to the opposing team’s misery, in spite of the hitter’s count. Apparently, however, Hunter had not read up on the code lately.

Hunter chose to swing at the pitch and immediately received correction from his manager. “After he swung, I said to him, ‘Torii, you know, with a seven-run lead like that, we’ve got to be taking 3-0.’” Hunter admitted he forgot but he also disagreed. “I wasn’t thinking,” he said. “I was just playing the game. I got caught up in it… I hate that you don’t keep playing the game like you’re supposed to, but you have these unwritten rules that you don’t run the score up on guys.” (28)

F.P. Santangelo broke another code standard in a 1997 lopsided affair. Standing at second base for the second time in the same inning, Santangelo looked like a Macarena performer. He had his arms going every which way, and opposing manager Dusty Baker saw enough. Santangelo’s teammate got the message loud and painfully clear on the next pitch.

Santangelo retorted after the game, “Hey, if you’re dumb enough to let me see [the catcher’s signals], why shouldn’t I take advantage of it?” Interesting, Baker didn’t disagree with that statement. He took issue with something else. “Stealing signs is part of the game. [But] if you get caught, quit.” (159)

There is one time where it is OK, even expected, for a team to pile on. During a fight, the code says that everyone should be involved as a show of team unity. When Troy Percival plunked David Justice in 1999, it was on. Almost every Angel had Percival’s back. TV cameras caught the one exception, Mo Vaughn.

Both Percival and Vaughn sounded off. “I’ll tell you one thing,” Percival said. “I gained respect for certain people, and there are certain people I have to question. You can watch the video and figure it out.” Vaughn took his turn the next day. “I’ve been getting drilled all year. Anyone protecting me?” he screamed.

Did Vaughn violate an unwritten rule? Did his teammates encroach on the code for not looking out for him? Ernie Banks calls the failure to come to teammates’ aid “the ultimate violation of being a teammate.” (228-30)

All these predicaments make me think back to grade school. If you got punished for something, didn’t you feel better when the whole class got punished too?

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Slammin Sam's Sweet 16 Links

2010-03-25T11:25:00.009-05:00

It’s Thursday, and of course we’re talking Tourney here at Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media and Free Keon. Let’s get right into it with reports from each of the four regions.

Bernie Miklasz extends his best hospitality and good luck to Midwest Regional teams. They’re going to need it.

Gotta plug my friend Kurt Kragthorpe’s story about the Xavier-K-State rematch in Salt Lake City. This game figures to be a gritty battle just like Jazz coach Jerry Sloan appreciates.

In Syracuse we have what is setting up to be a battle of foils – good vs. evil, smart vs. dumb, David vs. Goliath – at least that’s what the hype is about. Dan Shaughnessy represents Cornell and is already caught in crossfire. John Clay speaks for Kentucky.

Baylor needs no welcome in Houston. These Bears are the first Baylor team to score a tournament victory in almost 60 years.

Thanks for reading, and remember, don’t let your bracket get in the way of good basketball.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

2010-03-23T19:27:00.003-05:00

PGA Tour – One of my favorite events of each Tour season is the Bay Hill Invitational. The King, Arnold Palmer, annually hosts a strong field playing a fabulous course with an exciting finish. The new slot on the schedule also makes Bay Hill a popular preparation week for the Masters, being held in only two weeks. Tiger has added to Bay Hill’s allure by holing spectacular tournament-cinching putts each of the last two years to accumulate his record six Invitational crowns. Surprisingly, Woods will not be playing The King’s event in 2010. Despite his absence, though, the field is highly competitive. Robert Allenby, Ernie Els, Rickie Fowler, Jim Furyk, Retief Goosen, Hunter Mahan, Phil Mickelson, Kenny Perry, Steve Stricker, Camilo Villegas, Zach Johnson, and Colin Montgomerie are just a few fan favorites looping the links in Orlando this week. My pick to win is South Korea’s K.J. Choi. The owner of seven PGA Tour titles plays well in the South, and his golf has been consistent, but under the radar so far this season. His strength lies in his ball-striking, but his top ten finish in Tampa last week rested on his improved putting. He nearly led the field in putts per round and putts per GIR at the Transitions. If Choi can continue to roll the ball well at Bay Hill, I believe he will contend. My sleeper pick will be another player who tends to yield his most impressive results in the South. Brandt Snedeker, along with K.J. Choi, has not missed a cut all year. However, he has only one standout top five finish in San Diego. Sneds had a mediocre week in Tampa, but I sense this one could be his breakout for 2010. NBC will carry coverage from Bay Hill during the weekend.

Champions Tour – The old farts are crossing the county again. They went from Florida to California, and next up, they play in the Dominican Republic. The Cap Cana Championship debuted last year with Keith Fergus capturing the title. This week a talented group of seniors has decided to make the trip. Michael Allen, Tommy Armour III, John Cook, Fred Couples, Hale Irwin, Bernhard Langer, Nick Price, and Loren Roberts headline the field. As for the champ, how could I go against Freddy? He has been on fire all year. Couples is easily the favorite. Every aspect of his game is on, and he is bursting with confidence. The senior Tour has been everything he expected it to be for himself six years ago when he proposed a mid-age tour of 45-50 year olds. Joey Sindelar is another player to watch out for, though. He shot sixteen under at the Allianz. The Golf Channel will broadcast the Cap Cana Championship.

LPGA Tour – The Kia Classic restarts the lady professionals as they make their first appearance in the U.S. this year. La Costa in Carlsbad, California is a venue that hosted many PGA Tour events, but will be played by the ladies this time around. As the first LPGA tournament in a month and with the first women’s major the following week, the field includes nearly every player that could get in besides Paula Creamer. My pick to win this week is Morgan Pressel. I must go with an America now that they are playing in the U.S.. It is hard to believe it has been nearly five years since the young amateur Pressel had her hopes deflated at the US Women’s Open at Cherry Hills as Birdie Kim holed her bunker shot on 18 to take the lead for good. Pressel is entering her fifth season as a professional at the age of 21. She has two LPGA titles to her name. However, last season seemed to be a bit of a late sophomore slump. Morgan had two runner-up’s in 2009, but she did not pull off a win. Pressel is not one to give up. She has a strong competitive fire as do many of the American women, but I predict this week will be Pressel’s. For my sleeper, I will stick with my last LPGA darkhorse, Momoko Ueda. This young Japanese star will capture a victory on U.S. soil sooner or later. The Golf Channel will air the event.

Last Week’s Recap – Jim Furyk broke through with a victory for the first time since summer of 2007 last weekend at Tampa’s Transitions Championship. I was a bit surprised to hear of that drought during Saturday’s broadcast since Furyk rarely misses a cut and is consistently near the top of the leaderboard every time he enters an event. I just had not paid close enough attention to realize that he had not won in so long. He typically wins one or two tournaments a year. However, he nearly threw this one away. Furyk held a two stroke lead over playing partner K.J. Choi as they stepped onto the 18th tee. Furyk had made a testy putt for par on the previous green. Choi’s drive was not good, but not in jail either. Furyk, on the other hand, sliced his tee ball right into the forest. He had an ok look to lay-up on the longish uphill par 4 18th, but he shanked the ball with a severe slice that nearly took off NBC’s Roger Maltbie’s head. The ball did not advance but maybe 100 yards into thick rough but out of the trees. His next shot onto the putting surface was fine, and he two putted for bogie and a one shot victory. He was clearly anxious after his second on 18, but he managed to get his 5. Choi and Bubba Watson were in striking distance most of the day, but neither of them put together much of a charge on the back nine. They both showed some teeth on the front side, but not much fell after the turn. Furyk is the deserving champ, though. He putted extraordinarily, and he managed his game around a very tight, hilly golf course.

Golf Bucket List – Slammin’ Sammy’s latest post inspired me to make a golf bucket list. Personally, here is how my list would look in no particular order.

1. Play a course the PGA Tour stops at in addition to Deere Run
2. Break 80
3. Make a hole-in-one
4. Go to the Masters
5. Win a Bloomington-Normal Golf Association two-man scramble flight
6. Play in a four-man scramble event
7. Attend a Ryder Cup

Some of my favorite memories are things that would be on my golf bucket list had I not been fortunate enough to already experience them. Every other golf fan should take the opportunity to go watch Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus in person. One or the other will go down in history as the greatest golfer ever. Jack severely limits his rounds these days. You may have to go to Florida to see him play, but it would be worth the trip. As he has aged, he has become much more cognizant of the fans's desire to not only watch him but interact with him as well. Tiger usually plays the Chicago event in August, and major championships come around the Midwest every few years. It is definitely worth the money and hassle of fighting the Tiger crowds in order to tell your grandkids you saw him play. Pebble Beach is one of the most spectacular places in the world. Golfers need to experience it. Luckily, I won a trip to see the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, and it is incredible. That memory brings me to another must. Golf followers should witness the final round of the U.S. Open. It does not matter which course. The U.S. Open is the most difficult golf course setup anyone ever experiences. Even one of the easiest Open’s in recent history was a blast to watch on Sunday at Olympia Fields near Chicago in 2003. Lastly, I want to plug the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Florida. It is an amazing shrine to golf. It is a very pretty place, and the history that is there is unbelievable. Big golf fans should go.

Make a (Baseball) List and Check it Twice

2010-03-23T16:28:00.000-05:00

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media
Isn’t it a great time of year when exhilaration for two sports nears its simultaneous zenith? Yep, here we are again. The NCAA tourney extended an invitation to several Cinderellas for the Sweet 16, while baseball fans are welcome to delude themselves with fairytale endings for 30 darlings.

Today, Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media stops (or at least puts a pause on) the Madness and shifts to baseball.

In 2008, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman developed an unlikely friendship in “The Bucket List.” As two men stared the end of their lives in the face, they arrived at the same realization. All of us want to look back on our lives with no regrets. Knowing you enjoyed some adventure is important as well.

If you enjoyed the movie, or if those ideas resonate with you, now’s the time to start planning your list. Fortunately “The Baseball Fan’s Bucket List” contains a full season’s worth of suggestions.

Some of my favorites on the book’s list include:
Go to Opening Day
“Opening Day is the grandest day of the Major League Baseball season. Hope fills the air. Everyone at the ballpark feels it-from the food vendors and ticket takers to the fans who sit in the last row of the bleachers to the players warming up on the field.” (Baseball, 18)

See a Triple-A Pacific Coast League Game
I can personally vouch for the authors when they write, “Triple-A Baseball is infectious.” The fact that these players are one step below the Major Leagues means a call up is a possibility at literally any time. That includes in the middle of a contest.

Tour the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory
Did you know that a bat is subject to rigid specifications? If you read the book or make the journey, you’ll find out how far a piece of wood comes so that a player can get “good wood on the ball.”

Learn the Story behind “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”
Who would’ve thunk that a man who didn’t care a lick about America’s pastime before he penned the song would be behind the baseball staple?

Take a Baseball Tour of Japan
“Going to a Japanese baseball game may throw you off at first. Strategies are different. Ballpark food is different. The ballparks themselves look and feel different. And Japanese baseball fans have very different ways of cheering, more like what you’d see and hear from American football fans than our baseball ones.” (258)

What’s on your baseball bucket list?

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Favorite Moments in NCAA

2010-03-21T19:09:00.007-05:00

What was your favorite moment(s) during the first week of action in the NCAA tournament? Biggest upset? Biggest surprise? Biggest disappointment? Feel free to discuss.

I must admit, I have not seen as much basketball as I would have liked to. I missed everything from what looked like must have been an awesome opening day. However, I did see a lot of the next three days. So from what I saw...

Best final minute - Michigan State over Maryland. Both teams made clutch shots and no mistakes in the last sixty seconds. Then Korie Lucious' three at the buzzer was incredible to beat a solid team that owned the momentum in second half.

Biggest surprise - Northern Iowa over Kansas. I am a Missouri Valley fan, and even though I picked Kansas to win the championship, I was rooting for the ugly, white, farm boys and foreigners. I never expected it to happen, though. Even as the Panthers held their lead into the second half, I thought for sure Kansas would made a strong, extended run to win comfortably.

Biggest disappointment - Louisville. After defeating Syracuse twice during the regular season, I really wanted to see Pitino give the Dukies at least a scare in the second round. Instead, Louisville doesn't put up a fight against Cal, and Duke goes on to easily cruise into the Sweet Sixteen.

My current favorite for Cinderella of this year's dance - Northern Iowa. Way to represent the MVC! Cornell's Ivy League snobs (actually, I have never even seen them play, so I don't really know) will take this title if they can get past Kentucky. However, I believe Northern Iowa stands a better chance to beat a Lucas-less Spartan team.

Readers who know more about basketball and/or saw Thursday's action please chime in.

Slammin' Sam's Links Tourney Style

2010-03-18T11:18:00.007-05:00

The time’s finally arrived, and it’s as if everything else slows to pay homage. Yes, the tourney tips off today, and Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media Links has a report from each regional site. The good news is that the links are sound free. No need to listen to commentators jabber 24-7, right?

We start in New Orleans where Notre Dame and senior Luke Harangody picked the right time to pick up steam.

From a traditional power to an upstart in St. Mary’s, we head to Providence.

As far as I can tell, fans are firmly against tourney expansion. Some would argue March Madness is the best thing in sports. Why change it, writes the Mercury News.

Despite back-to-back NCAA titles, consecutive NIT appearances left Billy Donovan and Florida forgotten.

Eric Maynor’s shot to slay Duke, Nelson and West leading St. Joe’s, and Bob Knight’s final game as a Hoosier all took place in Buffalo.

Are you surprised that Jacksonville is still stuck on Tim Tebow? You might not realize the city has NCAA Tournament action this weekend by reading its paper.

Closer to home, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel features an article on the plethora of options to pursue between games at the Bradley Center.

And finally, Tom Izzo’s Spartans begin the 2010 run in Spokane.

Thanks for reading, and good luck with your bracket!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

2010-03-17T19:47:00.002-05:00

PGA Tour – The Florida Swing switches coasts to the Transitions Championship near Tampa this week. The Transitions is played at the beautifully wooded Innisbrook Copperhead course. Since Innisbrook is more of a shotmaker track, I will go with the world no. 2 in Steve Stricker. This Illini product is as good as it gets from 100 yards and in. He had a weak showing at Doral after winning the Northern Trust Open, but no one is better at bouncing back than this two-time Comeback Player of the Year. Stricker tied for fourth here last season. A darkhorse to keep an eye on is definitely rookie Matt Every. Every has been playing quite well for his first year on Tour. He tied for 8th in Phoenix, and he was in the hunt at the Honda before a final round 77. Other big names in the field include Padraig Harrington, Serigo Garcia, Ian Poulter, Vijay Singh, Tom Lehman, Jim Furyk, Retief Goosen, Stewart Cink, and Geoff Ogilvy. NBC will broadcast the weekend from Innisbrook.

Last Week’s Recap – The CA Championship at Doral was won by the Big Easy, Ernie Els. The three-time major champion had not won in the U.S. since the 2008 Honda Classic. At 40 years old, Els was becoming a little uneasy. He has seemed frustrated and uncertain the last few years. Last week, though, he defeated a very strong field at very difficult course. The wind was not blowing as strongly as it sometimes does. However, Els played good to great golf all week, and he beat out a streaking, young Charl Schwartzl who grew up idolizing Ernie back in their homeland of South Africa. Schwartzl had even been staying with Els and his family in Florida for the past two weeks. They entered Sunday tied for the lead, but Els won by three in the end. Every golf fan appreciates the large, smooth swing and laid back attitude Els possesses on the golf course, and I am sure that many are rejoicing that he is back in the winner’s circle with a game that was more reminiscent of the late ‘90’s and early ‘00’s when Els won with such frequency.

Another admirable aspect of this past weekend was that Els spearheaded a pro-am fundraiser of his own the very next day. On Monday March 15, the Els for Autism Pro-Am debuted at PGA National with the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Raymond Floyd, and Ian Baker-Finch appearing to raise money and awareness for organizations helping families with autistic children. Ernie’s son Ben has autism, and the Els family has become spokesmen for a charity called Autism Speaks. The event entertained golf fans as well as many autistic children.

The Puerto Rico Open was plagued by cloudy, soggy weather. The event did not hardly start until late Friday, and it concluded on Monday. The victor, though, was PGA Tour rookie Derek Lamely. Lamely was born in Belleville, Illinois. He shot a course record nineteen under par for the week on a track that measures over 7,500 yards. The opposite-field event is a great opportunity for a young player to gain a Tour win and secure a few years of eligibility.

Dan Jenkins on The Masters, Tiger and More

2010-03-16T15:47:00.009-05:00

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media
We’ve been hearing escalating rumors for the past couple weeks. Now we know the truth. Tiger will be in the hunt for The Masters. What better day to review a golf book? “Jenkins at the Majors” is a collection of stories by one of the sport’s great chroniclers, Dan Jenkins.

Read this book because:
1. Masters stories abound to get your blood pumping prior to Tiger’s return.
How about my namesake, “Slammin” Sam Snead, in 1954? “Among the sweltering crowd of 5,000, there were men who climbed trees and plumpish barefoot women,” Jenkins began a 1954 article. “… They all trudged in and around Augusta National’s pines and blossoms for three hours and 32 minutes to find out that perhaps Ben Hogan, the club maker, is not quite as good as Ben Hogan, the Bantam, Hawk Wee Icemon.” (Jenkins, 14)

Six years later, Arnold Palmer showed no mercy, Jenkins wrote. “When Arnold lifted the ball out of the cup, he may as well have been tearing [Ken] Venturi’s heart at the same time.” (35)

Palmer’s longtime adversary Jack Nicklaus set the precedent for Tiger in 1972. “Jack Nicklaus was a golfer playing against the record book, his own aspirations, immortality, eternity, the Grand Slam, his private ambitions, and even his own embarrassments.” (97) Sound familiar?

2. Every year from 1951 to 2008, Jenkins has it covered.
“Most of the week, the 1978 Masters sat quietly and drearily under peculiar clouds of pollen that turned everything from golf shoes to rental cars into the color of oatmeal,” Jenkins penned. “But … at the finish jaws dropped and eyes widened as Gary Player leaped out of an antique photo album to win.” (131)

Bernhard Langer earned his green jacket fitting in 1985. “How many times do you have to be reminded that the Masters doesn’t start until the back nine Sunday?” Jenkins asked. “Arnie’s charge was born back there. Sarazen double-eagled back there. And this time in the spring of 1985, Curtis Strange went back there with a four-stroke lead and, before he could get back up the hill to the umbrellas on the Augusta National veranda, he was nursing a two-stroke loss to – Gott in Himmel!-Bernhard Langer, the son of a Bavarian laborer.” (164)

3. Did I mention Tiger? Take a look at Jenkins’ writings on Woods’ golfing exploits, and you may be ready for the roar again.

After Tiger’s 12-stroke victory in 1997, Jenkins couldn’t help himself. “Going into the last 18 on Sunday, the nearest thing to Tiger on the scoreboard was Constantino Rocca, which contrary to reports, was not a forbidden dance. It was a man from Italy nine strokes back.” (223)

Of Tiger’s “slam” culminating in 2001, Jenkins found himself at a loss for words. “My efforts resulted in: Phi Granda Slamma. Thai Slamma Granda. The Tiger Slam. Four for the Road. The Mulligan Slam.” (251-2)

Will writers again fall over themselves (and rightly so) over Tiger’s dominance? Circle April 5-11 on your calendar. If you forget, I’m sure there will be incessant reminders before this year’s Masters (sponsored by companies banking on Tiger’s return to greatness.)

Meantime, if the weather’s still iffy where you are, get your hands on Dan Jenkins’ top-flight bucket of stories.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Join Our Bracket!!

2010-03-15T18:19:00.001-05:00

Bryce Drew wants you to join the official Free Keon March Madness Bracket Challenge. The winner will receive a free one week personal instructional camp at the Bryce Drew Center for Shooting Excellence*.

So if you are a free keon fan or writer or someone who hates free keon but really wants to be in our bracket challenge, go to the yahoo march madness page, and go to group name: Free Keon and password: keonclark , and group ID #125898

It should be a good time.

* not a real thing

And another thing...

2010-03-15T04:36:00.004-05:00

So far I've been able to rationalize most of the bubble teams that made it into the NCAA tournament ahead of Illinois, even the ones Josh pointed out. Still, there's at least one team whose presence I just can't come to terms with.

First, a defense of the teams Josh outlined.

In their our only matchup of the year, Minnesota beat Illinois in Champaign. Fine. If the committee wants to make it five Big Ten teams, then Minnesota over Illinois makes sense. They should know, though, that Bobby Jackson left the school long ago. Joel Pryzbilla, too.

California won the Pac-10. The league was awful this year but it's still one of the traditional power conferences. I understand letting them in. Same with Florida. As Josh said, they felt they needed to give the SEC more than three teams.

I don't know anything about Utah State or UTEP, except that both schools have quintessential mid-major names. You know, potential Cinderella teams casual college basketball fans can really get behind. My guess is, after last year's particularly low number of mid-major bids, the committee was under pressure to throw some more in this year. For whatever reason, people actually like watching George Mason play basketball.

Here's one I can't figure out: Wake Forest. Other than Houston (automatic bid) and the play-in game losers, the Demon Deacons are the only team in the field with less than 20 wins. Wake won 19 games. They lost four of their last five conference games. They have "quality wins" against Gonzaga (away), Xavier, Maryland and Clemson. (Think Wisconsin (away), Vanderbilt, Michigan State and Clemson.) They lost to William and Mary by 10 points. (Think Bradley.) Does this sound familiar?

Here's one difference I noticed: Wake Forest plays in the ACC. Illinois plays in the Big Ten.

The ACC received six bids. The Big Ten got five. Giving one more bid shows the committee thinks the ACC is stronger than the Big Ten. I took the liberty of looking up the latest Top 25 rankings. It turns out the ACC finished with two ranked teams (Duke and Maryland). The Big Ten had four (Ohio State, Michigan State, Purdue and Wisconsin.) I admit I'm not completely familiar with the rules of the committee and I don't know if they were allowed to look at such material.

In the end, Wake Forest is a No. 9 seed. Illinois is a No. 1 seed ... in the NIT. Georgia Tech, it should be noted, earned a No. 10 seed (in the real tournament) after going 7-9 in ACC play.

I'm throwing my support behind Lon Kruger's Runnin' Rebels.

It Just Doesn’t Add Up

2010-03-15T00:03:00.002-05:00

I’m not shocked that Illinois was left out of the NCAA tournament; I’m simply very frustrated and a bit befuddled about how they were left out, and how other teams were chosen over them. All I ask for is consistency, logic, and honesty. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, however, as these three things are obviously lacking in every other facet of the NCAA (officiating, investigations, etc.) So in order to let off a little steam and see who beat us out and why, the following is a listing of the 5 teams that most likely stole our spot in the field of 65:

Minnesota (they are in because they beat Illinois and had a relatively easy schedule)
Good Wins: Butler, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Michigan St, Purdue (no Hummel)
Bad Losses: Portland, Miami (FL), Indiana
Notes: Played a week non-conference, played a week conference, beat Illinois by 2, made a tourney run against teams with suspensions or injuries and then got beat by 29against a team Illinois took to double overtime.

Florida (they are in because the SEC needed more than 3 teams)
Good Wins: Florida St, Michigan St, Tennessee
Bad Losses: South Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia
Notes: 9-7 in a mediocre SEC

California (the only explanation of why they are in, let alone an 8 seed (!!!!!), is that there were 2 powerful PAC-10 individuals on the committee)
Good Wins: Iowa St?, USC?, Washington?
Bad Losses: Oregon State, UCLA, Arizona
Notes: They lost to every quality opponent they played and won the worst PAC-10 ever with 5 losses

UTEP (In because of easy scheduling)
Good Wins: New Mexico St?, Oklahoma?, UAB (x2)?
Bad Losses: New Mexico St, Houston (x2)
Notes: Went on a long conference run in a very weak conference USA

Utah State (They are in because.. umm…. They beat 17 high school caliber teams in a row?)
Good Wins: BYU, New Mexico St.?
Bad Losses: Utah, Northeastern, St. Mary’s, Long Beach St, New Mexico St (x2), Louisiana Tech,
Notes: I don’t know what to say, there is really NO way this team should have gotten an at large bid… NONE!

I can understand how Minnesota got in over us; I don’t agree with it, but I understand it. I can maybe see how Florida and UTEP sneak in… MAYBE. I can not, in any way, see how California and UTEP deserve a spot in the dance before we do.

This leads me to believe that the selection process is either extremely political or it simply over favors the number of wins a team compiles. If the former is the case than I just give up, if the latter is the case then I say next year Illinois should try to avoid all top 25 competition until the Big 10 season. That way we can go 23-10 and get a nice comfy 10 seed.

PS. Don’t get me started about the BS that the committee chair espoused trying to explain how a few teams (including Illinois) were left out. Literally every point he made did not apply to Illinois (non-conference schedule strength, conference schedule strength, wins on the road, and quality wins)... wow, just wow!

Illini Player Rating: Vs. Wisconsin BTT

2010-03-13T11:39:00.002-06:00

Mike Davis: 6
He didn't piss me off as much as he normally does. He grabbed 10 solid boards and would have had at least 13 or so if he could bring the ball into his chest without someone knocking it out of his weak little arms.

His fast break lay-up was a great moment in the game. I think it took 3 years off of Bruce's life expectancy.
The truth is that it was not the right decision by D-mac. We were up by 6 with the ball and roughly 1:15 on the clock.
He should definitely have taken the ball up top and set up the offense.
Given the number of horrendous block/charge calls that have gone against the Illini this season, it was a huge relief to have a correct call in a crucial situation.

Demetri McCamey: 7
Even though he didn't shoot the ball well (6-15), I thought that he played a great game. D-Mac made shots when he needed too, especially with the shot clock winding down, and just made great decisions all game long.
The thing that stuck out about McCamey's game on Friday was his defense. He really got after it and shut down Jordan Taylor. It's frusterating because obviously he can D' it up, but he just doesn't.
For now it seems like the fallout from he and Bruce's dust-up on Sunday is nothing but good.

Mike Tisdale: 8
His two man game with D-mac was awesome. Another great development in the game was he and Davis deciding that they could now drive to the basket.
It was like Tisdale watched some Brad Miller video and modeled his pump fake and slow drive to the hoop.

His drive and running floater was just insane. I don't think we'll see that ever again.

DJ Richardson: 5
Played some great defense against Travon Hughes and hit his shots.
The one thing that is a pretty large negative for DJ was his 6 turnovers and 0 assists. For someone that we hope to be able to eventually take the reigns from Demetri that is pretty awful.

In DJ's last 4 games, he has 11 turnovers and 1 assist.
He is weak with ball under pressure, and seems to be unsure with his decisions and this gets him in trouble.

William Cole: 1
I was going to give Billy some props for his defense and unselfish play, but down the stretch he was just terrible. Somehow he just fell down and turned the ball over with 1 minute to play, and then on the very next play he falls down AGAIN when the ball is passed to him but somehow JJordan came up with the ball and disaster was avoided.

This coupled with the play where Jason Bohanan ripped him at the top of key, and Bill's repeated decision to throw the ball to our big men in the worst part of the floor, in the corner of the backcourt next to Wisky's bench off the inbounds (might be Bruce's fault as well), showcase Bill's shortcomings and creates a Russian Roulette situation with that 3 position in clutch time with Jeff, Brandon Paul, and Cole.

They are all EXTREMELY likely to turn the ball over or miss free throws, but right now I think the best option is the king of dribbling it off his own foot BP.

Brandon Paul: 2
Only got 13 minutes in the game, but why would he play more when we have the unstoppable force of awesome that is Bill Cole.

(Of all the players that I have ripped this season, the one I actually feel bad about is Bill Cole. I still think he is cool, and I root for him especially, but sometimes the truth must be told.)

Dominique Keller: -5
I've never gone in to the negative's for these ratings (though I've been tempted) but Dom really deserves it at this point.
Let's recap the situation with Keller in Friday's game.

He's a senior who has made so many bad decisions that display his lack of understanding of even the fundementals of the game that he has lost almost all of his playing time despite the fact that the Illini are dangerously thin on the bench.
Dom checks into the game, and as his custom immediately makes a mental error, and fails to rotate on help defense and picks up a foul.
Then Bruce, weary of Dom's constant mistakes, takes him out after just one possesion and attempts to show him his mistake. Of course Dom doesn't even give Bruce the courtesy of looking at him (it's probably not a good thing for the program that in consecutive games, ESPN shows a player openly disrespecting the coach) and Bruce goes back to coaching the game.

First it is just ridiculous that we have a senior who doesn't understand the proper help defense rotation, but the idea that he gets upset and doesn't pay any attention when the head coach tries to correct him is beyond stupid.
I loved it when Lavin tried to make the point that it is a teaching point for the future with Keller. What future?
The Illini's season is hanging in the balance with the NCAA birth at stake, and our senior is giving his coach the high hat, and is hosting his own little pity party on the bench

Give me a break, how about next time you listen and don't play defense like it's a YMCA pick-up game. What a dumbass. I sincerely hope that he doesn't see the floor for the remainder of the season.

Nick Schuyler: Not Without Hope

2010-03-11T20:37:00.001-06:00

Slammin Sam on Sports Media
“We almost sold out of that yesterday,” said one Barnes and Noble employee. That sure caught my attention. Let me tell you why “Not Without Hope” is flying off the shelves and sits No. 1 in its category.

1. We’ve all been there.
Few of us will ever experience a fight for survival like Nick Schuyler. We won’t come within an hour or less of death while we struggle to hang on. I’m not suggesting I know what Nick went through or anything like that, but I do think at least once in life, we all find ourselves thrashed about by life’s waves when we would give anything for dry land. Like Nick, if only we could have a do-over.

Nick Schuyler didn’t even like fishing. The thought of sea fare repulsed him. “I don’t know,” Schuyler said at the idea. But he could not resist a fishing trip and the surefire good times he found in the company of his new friends, Corey Smith and Marquis Cooper. “Any time I got to spend with those guys was fun,” Schuyler said.

No matter that he had only known the two workout buddies for a few months. In the pair of NFL up-and-comers, Schuyler, the fitness trainer, found the buddies he’d lacked his whole life.

The trio knew a storm was brewing, but with NFL workouts nearing, the friends did not want to forfeit a last chance (Not, 14). Schuyler hoped that his best friend could join them as well. It turned out a spot opened up, and Will Bleakley couldn’t wait to jump on board, texting his friend throughout the previous day.

It’s funny what you think of first when the waters begin to swirl. Nick Schuyler recalled his sister Kristen’s goodbye as he and Will left the house on the morning of the expedition. “Have fun, see you later. Love you,” she said. All those things we take for granted as if we have an unlimited supply. Nick recalled his sister’s bargain that if she did well in her 5K race that day, her brother would join her in the next one (25).

2. We read tragic stories every day about what people would have done or said differently in hindsight.
This brings the question to light again: What should you act on today in case you or someone else doesn’t get another tomorrow? “Once, when it was quiet, knowing how desperate our situation was, I said, ‘I love you guys.’ I just wanted to let them know how I felt… In the middle of the Gulf, with our boat overturned and the four of us getting tossed about by waves in a storm, our priorities seemed to straighten. Little crap didn’t matter.” (53)

3. “In the hour of adversity, be not without hope.”
After more than 40 hours at sea, rescue crews found Schuyler alone. Who knows why Schuyler survived and his three friends did not, but he will always remember them with a Celtic cross bearing each man’s initials along with a Persian proverb. “In the hour of adversity, be not without hope.” That says it all. “There was no giving up, no quitting. We worked together. Never once did we say, ‘We’re done,” Schuyler recalls about the group’s commitment (225).

May each of us be so fortunate to form friendships like this band of brothers.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Mike Miller Hair update

2010-03-11T20:11:00.004-06:00

I wrote back in October about my concerns with Mike Miller and the direction his career has taken in terms of his haircut decisions.
The good news is that Mike took my advice (I'm gonna assume that he is a free keon fan) and has gone with the old school clean cut look.

It is just good to see Mike back with the semi-normal look. On behalf of the Kirk Hinrich White Shooting Guard Fan club, welcome back Mikey.

Hopefully the days of looking like Brad Pitts character in 12 Monkeys are over.

I will say that I do approve of the Antwan Jamison one sleeve look.

It allows Mike to show off his awesome shoulder tattoos, and I hope it catches on.

While we're on the subject of awesome under the jersey attire, I'm gonna rank some of them from favorite to least favorite.

1. Baggy t-shirt, I'm talking vintage Mo Ager-style. It is a classic look that skinny white folk can rock and it has a sweet urban feel.

I wear a white t-shirt, white sneakers, a hat, something cool on my wrist a nice piece to match.

2. The one sleeve. it's new and unconventional, but if other ballers pay as much attention to Mike Miller as I do, then it will catch on in no time.

3. The slightly oversize cut-off. Nitty Williams wore it well at the U of I, and it is a uncommon, but always stylish look. It lets the tri-ceps breathe but also provides many of the comforts that the baggy T offers.

Last. The under armor tight shirt. It is a awful look, Jordan Hill was one of the first and now it is especially common in college ball. It just looks awkward to have the tight t-shirt under the jersey. It is probably a result of the college tight-jersey trend (which is awful).

This Week in Golf

2010-03-09T20:32:00.003-06:00

PGA Tour – The CA Championship at Doral is being played this weekend near Miami with the strongest field we have seen this young season. All nine of the top ten active players in the world rankings are in the field to play the challenge that is known as the Blue Monster at Doral. The top ten players on this year’s money list will also be competing for the $1.4 million grand prize. My pick to win is Englishman Paul Casey. He has finished in the top ten in the three events he has entered this year. His history at Doral is not extraordinary with only one top ten in four attempts, but his strong iron play and demonstration last week of being able to putt on Florida greens in March makes him my favorite. Another international player will serve as my darkhorse this week. Charl Schwartzel from South Africa was on fire earlier in 2010 winning on the European Tour early and often. Schwartzel also manufactured a solid showing at the Accenture Match Play during one of his few, but increasing, visits to American soil. The Golf Channel’s Kelly Tilghman predicted back in the desert that Schwartzel is a name Americans will learn quickly. NBC will carry the weekend’s coverage from south Florida.

During each of the World Golf Championships, like the CA Championship, the PGA Tour offers players who do not make it into the limited fields an alternative. This week’s opposite event is the Puerto Rico Open. The young tournament is hosted by Trump International Golf Club in Rio Grande. The field is considerably weaker since all the top players will be at Doral. However, some intriguing names are making an appearance. Senior tour player Tom Kite, John Daly, Rocco Mediate, Mark Calcavecchia, Rory Sabbatini, Boo Weekley, and Camilo’s brother, Manuel, will all be teeing it up. I forecast the winner will be Chris DiMarco. His game has faltered lately, but he usually peaks around the Masters. And believe it or not that hallowed gathering is only four weeks away. DiMarco has been a bulldog on a few President’s Cup teams for the U.S., and I would love to see his golf game resurrected enough for him to earn a spot on this season’s Ryder Cup team. My sleeper pick will be Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Matt Weibring. Matt is D.A.’s son, and as a contributor to Illinois State University, I follow both Weibrings with a hopeful eye. Matt tied for eleventh in his last outing at the Mayakoba. The Golf Channel will broadcast the Puerto Rico Open.

Last Week’s Recap – The Honda Classic broke its previous attendance record. However, I was not that captivated by Camilo Villegas’s runaway victory. Villegas played fantastic golf at a bear of a course, but no one was standing up to the young Columbian. He was hitting aggressive shots, managing his game, and making some sweet putts all week. Nobody else was able to handle the pressure of the Bear Trap from hole 15 to 17. So Camilo ran away with it. I also enjoyed seeing Vijay Singh finish strong. Jack Nicklaus and the families at the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation were the real winners this week, though. Jack proved once again that his legend can be utilized to help hundreds of people in need. He stepped it up big time last week to raise money and support for his hospital, and while he was at it, he vastly improved the Honda Classic. This event has been floundering all over Florida for years, but with its new home at Jack’s PGA National course and its new unofficial host, the Honda was a testimony to what the PGA Tour can accomplish for charities.

Freddy Couples won yet again on the Champions Tour. In his three senior tour starts, he finished one shot beyond Tom Watson, won in Naples, and won again in Newport Beach. Couples has always thrived in low-pressure situations as exemplified by his record earnings in the silly season events. But no one predicted he would begin his Champions Tour career this incredibly. He is loaded with confidence now, and I bet he plays more senior events than he said he would back in January. Last week, Boom Boom led the field in driving distance with an average of 295 yards. He also hit 77% of the greens in regulation and averaged merely 1.6 putts per GIR for the week. His game is running on all cylinders. The four-stroke victory over victory over the likes of Ronnie Black, Tom Lehman, Tom Watson, and Loren Roberts should be another boost to his confidence. With a season scoring average of just under 65 and a half strokes, I think we will be seeing Freddy in the winner’s circle a lot more.

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

2010-03-09T12:25:00.005-06:00

Why, hello Everyone!

I flipped a coin today, and it turns out I’m going with links in this Tuesday Edition of Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media. Get ready, cause here comes a blitz of mostly football stories.

First, an update on Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. File this under the “not again” file. Take note, Big Ben hired the same legal council Ray Lewis used for his murder trial.

Talk about an impact! Let’s turn from a half-empty glass to an overflowing one. Read this interesting story about an altruistic young man picked to detonate the old home of the Dallas Cowboys.

While a new stadium excited Dallas fans, new digs have Anquan Boldin happy.

We’ve covered the rising stories for today. Unfortunately that leaves the falling column.

Nowadays, Manny Ramirez might not want to be Manny, T.J. Simers writes in the LA Times.

Like Manny feels about himself, Illini fans do not like where the basketball team’s sitting right now. Instead of finding itself among select company, Bruce Weber’s bunch lies with plenty of not-so hopeful college basketball programs, Loren Tate writes.

As always, thanks for spending part of your day with Slammin' Sam and Free Keon!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Illini Player Ratings: Vs. Wisconsin

2010-03-09T00:06:00.001-06:00

Mike Davis: 3
Now can we all agree that the "real" Mike Davis is just bad. He has officially regressed from last season.

Davis shot 53% from the field and 68% from the line and 11.3 pts last season. This year he is shooting 46% from the field, 6% in important clutch situations (I made that up but it's how I feel) and 60% from the line, along with 10.3 pts.
As Stacie King would say, 'Get in the weight room!'
Jon Leuer made him look like a fool.

Demitri McCamey: 2
Loren Tate wrote that D-mac is reminiscent of Frank Williams. He is right in the sense that there are peaks and valleys with both players.
It is difficult to define McCamey's season right now, (maybe I'll right about it once the season is over) but one
thing is clear; he has been the Illini's best player this season, and that has not always been a good thing.

D-mac had a pretty standard game on Sunday, with 11 pts and 4 dimes, but his meltdown with the intentional foul and blow-up with Bruce is obviously unacceptable.
Maybe what separates McCamey from being a great player is his mental make-up. There have been times where he has killed the team with his decision making.
His intentional foul was just one of those 'what in the name of perfect hell were you thinking?!?' moments.

Mike Tisdale: 6
Every game it seems more obvious that he needs more shots. He is shooting 56% from the field this year. And it's not a James Augustine-type 56%. The degree of difficulty on his shots is fairly high.

That said, he still needs to grab more rebounds than he did (4) when Wisconsin's 6' foot point guard grabbed 7 offensive boards (11 total).

DJ Richardson: 1
DJ may have hit the infamous freshman wall. His last really quality game was the Michigan State win.

DJ is 15 for his last 51 from the field.

William Cole: 7
Along with Tisdale, Leuer and the other Wisconsin players, it was quite a game for white people.

Due to poor games from Travon Hughes and players whose names rhyme with McBlamey, the whites outscored the blacks 70-59.
After the game Bill called it a "moral victory".

Brandon Paul: 3
It was a rough shooting night for Brandon, going 1-7. He did give the Illini some energy off the bench

Dom Keller: 0
I wonder when this years Seniors to Remember DVD goes on sale.
I hope it's in time for fathers day.

Illinois' daddy issues

2010-03-04T14:46:00.009-06:00

Somewhere between making off-the-wall analogies and praising Evan Turner, Steve Lavin commended his broadcast partner, Dave O'Brien, on the way he and his wife raised their kids.

Through the exchange he evoked the name of John Wooden (not the first time) and extolled the virtues of presenting an example of leadership as coach. The point, if I remember correctly, was that if you want to stymie your players' youthful immaturity, you must not be given to such fits yourself. Did the official send the other team to the line for the 24th time? Whining about it isn't going to help. Hustle back on defense. If your the coach, keep a cool head.

Lavin was speaking in general, but it didn't take much to connect his comment with his old colleague's behavior. Inadvertent or not, it may have been the best point Lavin made all night. Does Bruce Weber's courtside manner rub off on his players? Does it kill their desire to play for him?

Weber spent most of the game with his arms crossed tightly over his "Chicago gangster suit" (Lavin's words), pacing the sideline with his trademark scowl. At one point in the second half Ohio State applied full-court press (a fool-proof way to extend your lead against Illinois) and D.J. Richardson telegraphed a pass close to mid-court. Some Buckeye read it, intercepted the pass and took it back for a dunk. Somehow the ball ended up at Weber's feet. He picked it up and whipped it back at the basket in disgust. Like little kid at the playground. At a game earlier this season (Gonzaga?), the cameras caught Weber ramming his elbows into the backs of the chairs on either side of him. (Luckily Richard Semrau was sitting much farther down the bench.)

It's only a matter of time before he develops a comb-over, rips off his suit jacket and flails it behind the bench. He's that close to becoming Gene Keady.

How can he ask his players to maintain composure on the court when he reacts like this to mistakes? He's demanding 35 minutes apiece from four of his starters and freaks out like a pre-teen with delusions of entitlement when they make a bad pass. Can you imagine practice?

Of course it's difficult to say whether this matter would have an effect on actual production. Would Richardson make better passes? Would our defenders foul less? Would Mike Davis have put down either of his dunk attempts?

A fiery quality is great in a coach, maybe necessary. But does Tom Izzo need to be told to stay in his box every time down the court? I wonder if the example Weber is portraying is wearing on his team, especially this late in the season.

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

2010-03-04T11:55:00.008-06:00

Happy Thursday, Free Keon and Slammin' Sam Readers!

You would think with football fervor in full swing, according to the media, that is, that the NFL Draft is next weekend or something. Actually, it's April 22, but what's the difference? Plenty of football stories - We'll focus on Da' (Dud) Bears with these two local reports.

While Bears fans hope for their team's resurgence, Cubs fans are eager for Alfonso Soriano to come around.

Sticking with baseball, no need to wait for the Yankees to return to form. The Bombers won their first Spring Training contest yesterday. Here's an inpiring story about the man who connected on the walk-off winner vs. the Pirates. This story transcends baseball, whether or not you are a Yankees fan.

Next up, everybody seems to be talking about Manny Pacquiao, so here's a story about his upcoming fight that may be his last.

Finally, Hank Gathers' legacy continues to live on 20 years after his life was cut short.

Thanks for taking time out to visit Slammin' Sam's links today!

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Illini Player Ratings: @ Ohio State

2010-03-03T13:50:00.003-06:00

Mike Davis: 3
Mike spent most of the game watching David Lighty drive right past him. The Illini's lack of depth (we have one bench player) really hurt them in this game. They were not able to go to the bench to match up with the smaller Buckeyes.
And Davis not being able to post-up a 6-5 player (because he is weak) and take advantage on the other end compounded things.

Demitri McCamey: 7
D-mac came back after the Minnesota debacle and shot the ball well. Just in case you are wondering if he is important to his team, when he came out for 3 minutes after picking up his 2nd foul OSU went on a 10-0 run.

Had 7 assists and 0 turns, and did a pretty good job of running the team and getting people involved for the first 2/3 of the game.
D-mac did play worse defense than Soriano (it's almost that time of year) and was a main culprit in allowing Jon Diebler to go nutso.

Mike Tisdale: 5
Needs to get more shots. Tisdale is easily the most talented big we have had since Brian Cook, and he has taken fewer shots this season than Paul, DJ, Dmac, and Davis.

Tiszy has a lot of skills and can score in a lot of ways, but somehow he becomes the 4th or 5th option for the Illini. It is ridiculous because the Illini are not really blessed with a lot of offensive firepower and he serves no other purpose on the floor when he is not scoring.
He can't rebound (because he is weak), and has improved defensively, but is still limited and has trouble with movement.
When he fouled out, the game ended for the Illini. It is amazing how little depth the Illini have.

DJ Richardson: 3
DJ did a decent job hanging with Turner. Other than that he had some real trouble with the Buckeye ball pressure. 4 turnovers and 0 assists is not a good ratio.

William Cole: 2
Followed up the best game of his career with a pretty innocuous performance.

Brandon Paul: 6
Another classic Paul game, he took 12 shots in 18 minutes. He always has moments in games where he looks like an amazing scorer, and he also has moments where he looks like a basketball ruh-tard.

Jeff Jordan: 0
Bad

Dom Keller: 0
Bad

The natural reaction when things go bad for a team is to blame the coach. I could easily write a "fire Webber" post and talk about he has run a proud program that was a national contender into a team that is excited to just get into the NCAA tournament.
But I want something different, more peripheral, to be changed.

Fire the Strength and Conditioning Coach.

His name is Jimmy Price (I did a little research) and apparently he has been doing a horrible job.

Like there are Taco Bell employees who are better at their jobs than he is.

It is amazing to me that we can have players like Mike Davis and Bill Cole who have bodies like freakishly tall eighth graders. These are guys who have been here for 3 years and look like they have never seen the inside of the weight room.

We have a front line that goes 6'9, 6'9, and 7'1 and we can't rebound the ball.
We have problems against tough ball pressure because we are weak with the ball.
We don't play tough defense or force turnovers, because we have weak, timid defenders.

How many times did an Ohio State player take the ball into the chest an Illini defender and then have the strength to finish with the and 1? Illini players can't make those plays. How many and 1's does Mike Davis have this season?

I understand that we have guys with slender frames who have trouble putting on muscle mass. But that has not been a problem in the past.
I hate to be a guy who lives in the Bill Self/Lon Kruger era, but I remember Illini teams that bullied other teams.
We had guys like Robert Archibald who came as a skinny Scottish freak, and graduated as a solid Big Ten brusier. Or Brian Cook, who matured into a strong post player at the U of I. More recently, James Augustine came to school as a gawky teenager and graduated as the school's all-time leading rebounder.

So either there was a steroids era of Illini basketball, or Jimmy Price is doing an awful job.

This Week in Golf

2010-03-02T19:25:00.006-06:00

PGA Tour – The Florida Swing kicks off with the Honda Classic this week at Jack Nicklaus’s PGA National Champion Course in Palm Beach. The field is packed with elite international players including defending champion Y.E. Yang. Among the players in the top ten in the world are Lee Westwood, Paul Casey, Rory McIlrory, and Padraig Harrington. Yang was leading the Phoenix Open on Sunday until hooking his drive on 17 into the drink. The 2009 PGA champion is continuing to win over golf fans as he recently donated the shirt he wore during that famous Tiger-slaying Sunday and an autographed PGA Championship flag to his kids’s school fundraising auction in suburban Dallas. Other notable players in this week’s field include Ernie Els (2008 champ), Anthony Kim, Brandt Snedeker, Rickie Fowler, Vijay Singh (1999), Camilo Villegas, Sergio Garcia, Robert Allenby, Ryan Palmer, Mike Weir, Ben Crane, Justin Leonard (2003), and Matt Kuchar (2002). Since arriving at PGA National a few years ago, the Honda Classic has been drawing much stronger fields to play for their $1 million grand prize. To take the kitty this season, I will bet on Ryan Moore. I picked him to win earlier this season, and he let me down. But PGA National is a ball-strikers venue. It is not a putting contest here. The winner needs to be able to place the ball. Moore ranks 3rd in total driving (which takes into account both distance and accuracy off the tee) and 36th in greens in regulation (which calculates how often you are putting for birdie). He is coming off a strong T14 in Phoenix, where a third round 74, kept him from being right there on Sunday. For my sleeper pick, I have a good feeling about Tim Herron, aka “Lumpy.” He does not have status on Tour this year. I imagine he only got into this field by being a past champion in 1996. Lumpy tied for 21st at Mayakoba, and I believe the fond memories of his virgin win coupled with the desperation to regain his Tour card will catapult Herron to a solid showing. NBC will be carrying weekend coverage of PGA Tour events through the month of March.

Champions Tour – The senior men now take their turn out west in the Toshiba Classic at Newport Beach Country Club. As usual, the old guys will take on a lesser challenge in a course that can yield low scores. The Newport Beach 18-hole record of 60 was set by Tom Purtzer in 2004. The 54-hole total shouldn’t be as ridiculous as the twenty under pars accomplished by the first two winners this year, but depending on conditions, I wouldn’t put fifteen under over three rounds past the champion. Andres Romero is the defending champ, but all three winners of 2010 are also in the field. Watson, Couples, and Langer look to make it two this season, and they each have excellent chances. However, 2009 runner-up Mark O’Meara played Newport Beach in high school, and I think he will be itching to prove his worth in front of a hometown crowd. As always, watch for Tom Lehman. He played very well with the young boys in Phoenix finishing four strokes back, and he’ll bring his strong game into southern California hungry for his first solo senior victory. The Golf Channel will broadcast the Toshiba Classic.

Last Week’s Recap – The Phoenix Open did not disappoint. Many young guns and a few old vets were in contention to the end Sunday. Hunter Mahan ended up as king of the hill, but another OK State Cowboy, Rickie Fowler, had plenty of opportunities. All week we saw (in his choice of apparel) and heard (from the Brandel Chamblee) how bold and daring the 21-year-old Rickie Fowler is. Even in a recent Titleist commercial the one word he utters is “aggressive.” However when push came to shove, Rickie chose to lay up on the reachable par-5 15th hole at TPC Scottsdale. What!?!?!? Both his playing partners, Mark Calcavecchia and Camilo Villegas, reached the 15th’s green in two playing from farther back than Fowler’s 230 yards in the fairway. The pin was cut in front on the island green, but twenty yards of fairway stood between the cup and the water preceding it. Bunkers loomed on either side of the green, and there was lots of room beyond the hole before his ball could get wet. This is the same pusillanimity I was complaining about three weeks ago when young Michael Sim decided to lay up on the reachable par-5 18th at Torrey Pines while in the mix on Sunday. Maybe writers have defended Rickie’s choice to lay up to his ideal yardage and secure birdie. The problem is he flubbed the approach and made 5. Fowler went on to finish one stroke out of a playoff. On the week, Fowler went for the green a total of nine times, and he ended up seven under par for those nine holes. The champion, Mahan, went for 12 different greens, and he was eight under for those attempts. Why wouldn’t you take that opportunity? I want to see players go for it all the way. Play for the eagle on 15. Go pin hunting on 16. Drive the green on 17, and hit the approach on 18 over that front right bunker. I especially disapprove of Rickie’s lay up after he struck a beautiful shot next to the hole on the par-5 13th that yielded him a tap in birdie after nearly making an eagle 3. Fowler finished his final round with three more pars missing birdie putts of 14, 17, and 30 feet. I felt Mahan was overshadowed Sunday by the bright orange pants and stardom of his younger Cowboy. Mahan sank a clutch birdie putt on the rowdy par-3 16th to go along with great 3’s at both 13 and 14. Congratulations Hunter!

Ai Miyazato is a champion once again on the LPGA Tour. My pick, Cristie Kerr, finished runner-up two strokes back after making bogey on each of the final two holes. Miyazato also won the week before in Thailand. This victory was not as dramatic, though. She chipped in to win by a stroke at the Honda. However, the HSBC Champions win by two was consistent with a pair of 69’s on the weekend. All of the best women golfers in the world were present in Singapore, and the strength of the last two fields vaults the 24-year-old Miyazato into the ranks of the elite. The HSBC is her third LPGA Tour win. However, Miyazato also owns fifteen Japanese LPGA trophies. I do not suspect this name will fade any time soon. Expect to see Miyazato in the running for all the ladies majors. The Tour takes a few weeks off now before making their 2010 American debut the final weekend of March.

Lazenby Comes up Clutch with Jerry West

2010-03-02T13:43:00.007-06:00

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media
Jerry West is the epitome of the NBA. (You can change the tense of that statement if deemed necessary.) His silhouette remains the NBA logo – sewn, printed and emblazoned on every piece of official merchandise – but why West?

Chicago’s own, Red Kerr, explained the icon: When West would come down the floor, he’d really put it in second gear. All of a sudden, he’d put on the brakes, and he would go up and almost jump a little bit backward. He was just boom, the perfect shot. A quick hard dribble and up. That’s the NBA logo. (Jerry, 387)

OK, but how about the man who cast such a definitive shadow? That story is a little harder to figure, as you will read in “Jerry West: The Life and Legend of a Basketball Icon” by Roland Lazenby. Keep in mind, veteran LA writer Mark Heisler had this to say about “Mr. Clutch.” “Jerry West is one of the wackiest guys I’ve ever covered in sports, and I’ve covered [Raiders owner] Al Davis.” (287)

Like most people, West’s quirks seem to stem from his youth and family upbringing. West’s parents, Howard and Cecile, were not what you would call a loving couple. The result, Lazenby writes “… meant the primary bond between Howard and Cecile was their hope that they could climb back up [out of the Depression] together.” (30)

Their personalities could not have been more different, and of course inevitable strains came the family’s way. Then when Jerry was 13, his older brother David died in the Korean War. From that point on, no one could pry a basketball from Jerry’s hands. “The pressure I felt was to compensate, to account for my brother David’s death,” he realized years later (92).

A picture from his senior year taken on West’s signing day with the Mountaineers is telling. Lazenby writes, “This is no time to smile, not even a goofy 18-year-old, I-rule-the-world-in-this-moment sort of grin. For mother and son, the visages are fixed fiercely, because there are things to be done.” (xviii)

That mindset remained burned into West’s soul years later as the LA Lakers general manager. “Here was this great team he had put together, and he could barely even watch it. Here was the guy who was so cool under pressure, and yet in the stands he would crumble,” J.A. Adande said. (97)

With purple and gold coursing through his veins, it’s a wonder West didn’t miraculously suit up during recent years. If outcomes were predicated on will, few would surpass West’s. “The bottom line is, my number one priority in life is to see [the Lakers] prosper,” West said. “That’s my life. I do care about winning and the perpetuation of the franchise. That’s the one thing I care most about.” (381)

Case in point – West could not bear the sight of the color green. The forward-turned- guard refused to have anything to do with the Boston Celtics. “I don’t think people really understand the trauma associated with losing,” West said. “I don’t think people realize how miserable you can be, and me in particular. I was terrible.” (282)

Mr. Clutch says he’s softened, but only to a degree. One day Dennis Rodman showed up drunk to Lakers practice. West had seen enough and gave Rodman the boot. No matter that Phil Jackson had become accustomed, as much as that is possible, to Rodman’s ways (383).

Whereas “The Worm” would immediately toss his jersey into the crowd for a free-for-all, following games, you would have to cut the purple and gold off this Lakers lifer.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Maurice and Freddy: A Tale of Two du

2010-03-01T23:17:00.005-06:00

For the past two years I have patiently dreamed for a World Cup U.S. lineup that would include a diamond midfield formation with Maurice Edu as a defensive mid and Freddy Adu as an attacking mid. Aside from the marvelous surname aesthetics, I believe both players bring a youthful spark and imagination that the U.S. squad has been lacking of late (aside from the three confederations cup games where a temporary bliss was achieved and Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, and Charlie Davies all played to their potential).

Now I don’t want to go into all of the strategic ramifications of such a lineup (as I am sorely under qualified to discuss soccer logistics) nor do I want to talk about the actual plausibility of Adu and Edu ever taking the field together in the Red, White, and Blue (since the only way Michael Bradley is leaving his midfield spot is through seeing a red rectangle flashed in his direction). Instead what I’d like to do is provide a little background and then discuss the possibility of both Edu and Adu getting some playing time at the national level in the near future.

Freddy Adu started as a mythical 14 year old professional who year after year received limited playing time from coaches who doubted the maturity of the young phenom and instead decided that discipline and patience would prove more valuable then playing time for the youngster. Unfortunately, this pattern continued while Adu hopped around Europe and only received marginal playing time on various club and U.S. National squads. The trend, however, seems to have stopped in Greece where a now 20 year old Adu (still quite young in soccer years) is being consistently called upon to help a struggling Aris Thessaloniki team in the top Grecian league. The results thus far have been quite good as Adu has netted two goals and been involved in numerous other scoring situations. Yet, even with all of this improvement and increased playing time U.S. coach Bob Bradley decided against calling up Adu to the 20 man roster for an upcoming exhibition against the Netherlands on Wednesday. Although many have speculated that Bradley is concerned about over working a lingering ankle injury or that he desires to not mess up Adu's current routine with his club team, it still seems like an odd decision with the current form Adu has displayed.

After a stand out collegiate career at the University of Maryland, Maurice Edu spent some time with Toronto FC in the MLS and with U23 National team. His work with those squads was enough to garner attention from Scottish super-club Rangers FC. After signing with Rangers Edu performed very well and slowly gained recognition from Scottish fans and the U.S. coaching staff. Things looked very bright for Maurice until numerous consecutive small and moderate injuries sidelined him for much of last year's club season and the spectacular U.S. Confederation cup run -- of which he would have been included. Edu's injuries finally cleared up early this year and he has won significant playing time in the last few Rangers' matches. This return to form convinced Bradley to call up the young defensive mid for this week's friendly in Holland. Then just this weekend, Edu further proved that he deserves a spot on the U.S. National team by scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 defeat in Rangers' biggest game of the year against old firm rival Celtic.

While I realize that a few weeks of strong performances by two players who may have not originally been slated to start will not equal certain playing time, I do still take delight in knowing that my dream for a lineup featuring Edu and Adu is starting to move in the right direction. For now I’ll put the percentages as follows: 100% Edu makes the world cup roster, 50% Edu starts, 50% Adu makes the world cup roster, and 25% Adu comes on in the 75th minute of the U.S. England game (U.S. down 1-0) when Bob Bradley finally realizes that Conner Casey can barely score against Real Salt Lake let alone freaking England!

Illini Player Ratings: Vs. Minnesota

2010-02-28T18:37:00.001-06:00

Eff this game. That was not okay, you can't score 14 points in a half. Maybe this post will be a part of the healing process for me. Or maybe it will just remind me how pissed off I am.

Mike Davis: 5

Davis had a pretty standard game with 10 points and 12 boards. Did not shoot the ball well, but no one did. He also picked up an unexplained double technical with Minnesota's Joseph. You know it is a soft T if Davis is involved.

He left his man and allowed a free dunk with 30 seconds to play. Of course expecting Davis to not have defensive mental breakdowns is like expecting Sean Harrington to come to the game with ruffled hair.

Demitri McCamey: 3

The Illini just cannot win with McCamey going 4-18 from the field. It is not going to happen. McCamey did do some good things in the game, including his 10 assists and a clutch 3-pointer.

The downfall of the Illini was his decision making down the stretch. He almost turned the ball over on a pass to Davis that eventually was swung to DJ for the shot that cut the lead to 59-58. Then on the very next possession he makes the exact same drive to the other side of the lane and had his pass to Davis intercepted. Everyone on Minnesota was playing the pass and he needed to shoot it.

He missed a 3 with the Illini down 61-58 and 30 seconds to play. I can't begrudge him the shot because he got a good look, even though it was a quick shot, he just needed to hit it.

The decision that I found completely unacceptable was D-Mac fouling Ralph Sampson with 10 seconds left after Tisdale's lay-up cut the lead to 62-60. It was his 5th foul and he needed to let someone else make that foul. It forced Jeff Jordan to bring the ball up in the final possession for the Illini, not having Demetri on the floor killed any chance the Illini had.

Mike Tisdale: 3

Rough game for Tiszy. He did have some big rebounds and a nice basket late, but it was not the kind of performance that he is capable of. Mike had some big games here and there, but sometimes he seems content with not being a major part of the offense.

DJ Richardson: 4

Was a member of the 'too little too late' crew for the Illini. You cannot tank it for 36 minutes and then turn it on for 6 and expect to have a good outcome.

On the plus side, DJ hit two monster treys during clutch time, and has shown the ability this season to hit the big shot for the Illini (including the game-winner @Indiana).

This has to bode well for the future of the team. I remember a time not to long ago when the Illini's late game options involved playing hot potato with the ball until Chet Frazier took a horrible shot.

William Cole: 7

Clearly the player of the game for the Illini. His shooting got the Illini back into the game and allowed for the kick-in-the-nuts ending. The crowd chanting 'Billy Cole' after he fouled out was a nice moment.

Brandon Paul: 4

Another weird game for Paul. He only hit one of his six (waaay too many) threes, but it was a clutch shot.

Brandon did manage to grab 9 boards(4 offensive). He has shown the ability to hit the glass at times.

Jeff Jordan: 3

Pops was in the stands, which is always a thrill. I'll use this section to complain about the officiating. There was a stretch from the 7:00 mark of the second half to the 30 second mark, where Minnesota stopped playing basketball and only scored off of bad touch fouls with the Illini in the bonus.

First D-mac tied up the Minnesota player and they called a foul (2 pts for Minn), then they got DJ on a touch foul that you could call on Chris Kramer every second he is on the floor (2 more pts). Next they call Jeff for a foul in the backcourt that was simply not a foul (2 pts), and then to cap it off they get Cole on a clean block from behind (2 pts).

All together that was 8 points, the only points that Minnesota scored in that stretch were a gift from the officials.

Looking forward, the Illini have 2 games (@ OSU, and home against Wis) left in the regular season, then the Big Ten tournament. The loss puts them in a bad spot with regards to the NCAA's, but they still have a good shot.

If they win 3 games or more (either 2 in the tourney and split Wisky and OSU, or win the last two games and one or more in the tourney) then they will be in pretty good shape.

If they win just 2 games, they are at the mercy of the selection committee. Anything could happen.

If they win just 1 game, they can forget about getting in.

At least that's how I see it.

Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Links

2010-02-25T12:27:00.006-06:00

It’s Thursday, and of course that means Slammin’ Sam’s Links.

We start with a goodbye, followed by a hello.

Goodbye LT. LaDainian Tomlinson ranks eighth all-time in rushing yards and second in career rushing touchdowns. Not to mention he’s one of my favorites. Here’s hoping for a rebirth for No. 21.

Hello to Marlon Byrd. Most view him as Milton Bradley’s replacement with the Cubs, but don’t let Byrd hear disparaging words about his former Rangers teammate.

Staying in the Windy City, at least one Blackhawks player appears bound to receive a hero’s welcome after the Olympics.

As for the man who shot the Hawks’ Patrick Kane and his teammates past Switzerland on Wednesday, props to Zach Parise.

Last, boos for Jay McGwire. Predictably, he wants to capitalize on his brother’s re-entry into the spotlight.

Thanks for spending part of your Thursday here at Free Keon.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

Illini Player Ratings: @ Michigan

2010-02-24T22:19:00.000-06:00

Let's start this thing.

Mike Davis: 6
Grabbed 12 boards in a game where if you stood around the basket for two minutes 7 rebounds would hit you in the face. Both teams will be writing ESPN an apology letter today.

Davis took advantage of Michigan's lack of offensive rebounding and cherry-picked himself a couple dunks. I hope he realizes that he can't do that against teams with actual post players.

Demetri McCamey: 7
One of the only players in the game that actually shot the ball well. Might have had more than 4 assists if his teammates were hitting their shots.
As much of a downer as the game was, his alley-oop to Davis that clinched the game was pretty sweet.

Even with that play, the highlight of the night for D-Mac was being named to Steve Lavin's All-Big Ten team alongside Chris Kramer, Chris Kramer, Chris Kramer, and Chris Kramer's punchable face.

Mike Tisdale: 5
Only took 7 shots. I would have liked Mike to be more assertive against a team that started 4 guards and a 6'8 player.
At least he played good defense against DeShawn Sims and held him to 3-12 shooting.

DJ Richardson: 4
Played solid D but wasn't hitting his shot. So basically he played like everyone else on the team.

William Cole: 3
I don't have much to say about how Bill played. I don't really remember him doing anything other than miss a few shots.

Brandon Paul: 5
Was active in his 15 minutes of pt. Is the ultimate feast or famine player. He is either dunking on somebody
or dribbling the ball off of his foot. You always know when Brandon is in the game.

Say Hey to Willie Mays

2010-02-23T20:08:00.000-06:00

Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media

Pound for pound James S. Hirsch’s “Willie Mays: The Life, The Legend” rivals Bill Simmons' The Book of Basketball, and boy, does the baseball book pack a punch.

The brand new 628-page offering (a mere 566 pgs. if you exclude the bibliography and index) maintains for the most part the mystique surrounding the greatest living ballplayer. That’s some of what allows Mays to endure in the sports fan’s consciousness. But finally, with Mays’ support, Hirsch permits some light to shine through a window.

Read this book because:

1. It’s hard to believe, but there was a time when Mays wasn’t a sure thing, at least as far as he was concerned.

“What if- What if I don’t make it,” Mays’ voice cracked upon meeting the man responsible for his first big league checks. “I hope I can get into a few games, get a few chances to help. I hope you won’t be sorry.” (2-3, Willie) You mean the Willie Mays doubted himself? He sure did, starting with a 1-26 clip. No matter, the Giants needed him.

While the Dodgers headlined Jackie Robinson, the Yankees countered with Mickey Mantle. Where exactly was the third New York ballclub? In Mays it had better not be left with the likes of Johnny Rucker – the team labeled him as “the new Ty Cobb” – and Clint Hartung, the hurler New Yorkers harangued about like he was Ruth himself. (81)

2. Mays’ biographer Hirsch contextualizes the star in his day, including insights into where he fit in with his hero, Jackie Robinson.

Similarities between the two ballplayers extended little farther than the era they played in and the focused lifestyle they led. Mays could be described as reserved and deliberately distant from controversy; While Robinson demonstrated courage and restraint in terms of his personal life, he refused to be subservient. Mays conversed with umpires; Robinson “was the most difficult ballplayer I had to deal with,” said one umpire.

3. You will get the story behind one of baseball’s most famous plays and so much more.

Long known around the sport for “…throwing long balls that spell OUT for the surprised runner,” (55) the fact that Mays came up with “The Catch” did not seem all together unusual to his family. His cousin Loretta saw the play on TV and recalled Willie making sensational plays washing dishes. “He would throw them up and reach out for them and dive and catch them. That’s where he got that catch from.” (202)

Keep your eye on “Willie Mays: The Life, The Legend,” and make sure to snag it when you can.

Sam Miller/Free Keon

This Week in Golf

2010-02-23T17:00:00.005-06:00

PGA Tour – The Waste Management Phoenix Open will be held this week at the TPC of Scottsdale. The loudest hole in golf is Scottdale’s famed par-3 16th where some very raucous crowds will be cheering on a very competitive field. Most of the top young player contingency is showing up this week along with many successful veterans. Rickie Fowler, Martin Kaymer, Kevin Na, Michael Sim, Webb Simpson, Alvaro Quiros, and Brandt Snedeker will all be vying for a solid win on short Tour resumes while Tom Lehman, Davis Love III, Fred Couples, Kenny Perry (defending champ), and Rocco Mediate are all looking to cap off their regular Tour careers with yet another glorious Sunday run. Two-time Phoenix Open champions Phil Mickelson and J.B. Holmes, last week’s winner, Ian Poulter, and major champions Geoff Ogilvy and Zach Johnson are also in the field. My pick to win in the desert this week is Camilo Villegas. The Match Play was a great set-up for him. He could be his natural aggressive self and not get penalized for it. He played very well in Tucson, and I believe it will carry over to Phoenix. He did not get a W last year, and a victory early on in 2010 would bode well for this young Columbian’s confidence. On Sunday, look for Villegas to have a good shot at eagle on the par-5 15th, feed off the gallery’s energy on 16, and drive the green on the short par-4 17th. Watch my boy, Tom Lehman, as a sleeper pick. He played solid golf for 50 straight holes last week at the ACE Group Classic. His double bogey on 15 while tied for the lead took him out of the running, but he has lived in Scottsdale for quite some time now. Tom will have a large local following that he will aim to please just as he did during his win in 2000. CBS typically covers the Phoenix Open, but I am not seeing anything online that says it will this year. So to my knowledge, the Golf Channel will broadcast all four rounds in an unusually suspicious case.

LPGA Tour – The ladies stay in southeast Asia this week to play the third annual HSBC Women’s Champions in Singapore. Another star-studded field will play Tanah Merah Country Club. 54 of the top 55 women players in the world are scheduled to tee off. The men hardly ever get that kind of strength in their fields outside the major championships. Cristie Kerr is my pick to win in Singapore. She shot thirteen under par last week in Thailand which I am taking as a sign her game is put together. Momoko Ueda is a young player that won the Japanese ladies tour money list in 2007, and her iron play looked very impressive the little I saw of her on Saturday. Ueda is my sleeper to watch in Singapore. The Golf Channel will bring all the action from the LPGA Tour.

Last Week’s Recap – I enjoyed the Accenture Match Play Championship more this year than in years past for some reason. I believe the event is a strong testament to golf’s talent and depth that virtually anyone in the field of 64 could win the tournament. The four one seeds were all knocked out by the third round for a second consecutive year. However, Woods and Mickelson were not in the field. I predicted quite a few Englishmen would advance to the final four, and two of them even advanced to the finals. Ian Poulter had a spectacular week, and his stock definitely went up in my book. I hate his clothes (boy, I sound more like a fashion critic every week), but his game was stellar this week. He hit a great putt to put Paul Casey away on the 16th. Despite Casey’s loss in the championship match, I thought he also proved he is back from his injury of late last summer. They called him Mr. 5&4 on the weekend since his first three matches ended with that result. Congrats to Poulter!

The Mayakoba Golf Classic brought back some mediocre player names from a few years ago. Joe Durant, who won twice in 2001, led the tournament in Mexico for the first three rounds. He faltered a little on Sunday as he shot a 72, and Minnesotan Cam Beckman came from behind with a final round 67 to beat the likes of J.P. Hayes, Briny Baird, and Skip Kendall. Surprisingly, the Mayakoba was Cameron’s third PGA Tour victory.

The Champions Tour hosted a great event this week in Boca Raton, Florida. Most of the big names showed up, and they played a compelling tournament. My boys, Tom Lehman and Tommy Armour III, both finished in the top ten, but disappointingly, neither won. Bernhard Langer held the lead most of the final round. However, his missed five-foot par putt on 17 in association with John Cook’s birdie on 18 shortly thereafter allowed Cook to take a one stroke lead as the final group teed off on the par-5 18th. Langer drove his tee shot into a seashell waste area to the right. With immature pines blocking his approach, Langer played a big hook around the trees to about 25 feet from the hole on the fringe. Bernhard two putted to force the playoff. In sudden-death, Langer and Cook replayed 18. Langer found trouble again as his second shot plugged into the bunker in front of the green while Cook’s second gave him a 30+ foot eagle try. Cook looked to be in charge. Langer's ball was buried, but he was able to land his shot halfway between him and the pin. The ball rolled calmly into the hole for an eagle 3 that sent the little German bounding out of the bunker celebrating with straight up and down leaps of joy. Cook proceeded to miss his eagle putt, and Langer, seemingly embarrassed by his premature celebration, humbly congratulated his fellow competitor on a good week. About six other guys were right there down the stretch with strong chances to win. If the Golf Channel’s coverage was better, I think more people would thoroughly enjoy watching the Champions Tour. The events are always fun.

The LPGA Tour’s 72-hole kickoff had a surprise ending. Swedish golfing star Suzann Pettersen was near or holding the lead the entire tournament, but her final round of 70 concluding with a 23-foot missed eagle putt that would have forced a playoff allowed Ai Miyazato to capture her second LPGA title. Miyazato shot a 9-under par 63 on Sunday with a final hole chip-in for her one stroke victory in Thailand.

Goodbye and Good Riddance

2010-02-23T11:56:00.004-06:00

It's all over. The Tyrus Thomas era of Chicago basketball is over. Thanks for the memories. Go Rockies.

The Bulls accomplished two things on Thursday when they traded Ty Thomas and John Salmons' beard for similar players with expiring contracts.

First of all they ridded themselves of the walking, breathing bad jumpshot/poor decision-waiting-to-happen known as ~~Larry Hughes~~ Tyrus.
Secondly, and most importantly, the Bulls have cleared up the cap space neccesary to re-sign Ben Wallace or possibly some other big-time player in this summer's free-agent madness.

Looking back on Tyrus's time in Chicago, he has been a tease. The NBA is full of guys like Tyrus, who have tremendous upside, but just skate by on their raw ability.

Watching him play on a regular basis is maddening. When Ty comes into the game you know it will be less than 5 possesions before he does something abjectly retarded. Like not hustle back on defense and allow his slower whiter opponent to beat him down the floor for a lay-up, or inexplicably decide to take a jab step and throw up a bad fade-away jumper.

Enough on Ty, I wish him the best with the Bobcats. I'm sure that he'll get along great with Larry Brown.

Looking forward, the Bulls have cleared enough cap space to sign one max contract this summer. That means that they can hopefully sign one top-flight player to compliment what they already have.

Here is a list of the Bull's top free agent options, starting with the worst option and ending with LeBron.

6. Amare' Stoudamire: Fear the Goggles

I'm really hoping we don't get Amare. He has been in the perfect situation for him in Phoenix and failed to become an elite player.
The Suns just ask him to run around with the perfect PG for him in Nash, not play defense, and dunk on people, but somehow he has become unwelcome there to the point where they have tried to trade for the past two years.
Also, I'm gonna propose a Kevin Gregg Rule to not bring in any more players who wear odd sport goggles.

5. Dwyane Wade: The band-aid is symbolic
It may seem wrong to have Wade below Boozer and Joe Johnson because he much better player (and will always be), but he is not a good fit for the Bulls.

My first concern is that he will be an awkward fit with D-Rose. They are both players who base their games almost entirely off of penetration and need to have the ball in their hands to be effective.

The second worry about Wade is his age. He is 28 years old this season, and has likely peaked as a basketball player. Wing players who go to the basket hard are like NFL running backs or milk from Aldi, they tend to expire quickly.
Their bodies can only take so much abuse before they begin to deteriorate. To stay successful after their late 20's they need to change their game and become more perimeter-oriented, like MJ did and Kobe is doing now.
I hope Dwyane keeps his play up, because I love watching him, but for now it's not worth the risk for the Bulls.

4. Carlos Boozer: Spanish for Charles Drinksalot
A solid player and he fills a need for the Bulls as a low post scorer. The problem is that Boozer is not the kind of player that you can base a championship team around. I feel like he would take the Bulls from a slighty above mediocre team to a good team that can't quite contend for a championship (like Utah now).

You would need to sign one more good player to be a contender with Boozer, and with the money that they would need to pay him, that doesn't seem possible.

3. Joe Johnson: Loves angry old white men. Possible future best friend of Lou P.
Another guy whose age is a concern, as documented by Blogabull blog. The post gets into what happens to shooting guards after they hit 30 (Johnson is 28). JJ isn't quite as much of risk for drop-off as Wade due to the perimeter nature of his game, as well as his health to this point in his career.

The key with Johnson is how seamlessly he would fit in with the Bulls. He is a guy who could come right in and spread the defense with his shooting, and provide a consistent scoring threat. Johnson would allow Kirk to come off the bench and be the 6th man.
He would be able to make the Bulls a very interesting team (if not a contender) right away.

2. Chris Bosh: Gets a second paycheck for being team mascot
Bosh would be quite a haul for the Bulls. Right now he is rivaling Dwight Howard as the best big man in the league. He is putting up 24 and 11 a night compared to Howard's 18 and 13.

Bosh is another guy who would fit perfectly with the Bulls. He would be great for the high pick and roll with Rose, with his ability to knock down the jumper. Bosh can also give the Bulls the low-post scoring that they sorely lack.
Bosh is a must have if the Bulls hope to be a championship team soon.

1. LeBron: We would like to be witnesses
Only because he will likely end up as the greatest to ever play the game. The Bulls needed to deal Deng or Kirk in order to free up the cap space to sign two monster free agents.
LeBron has repeatedly said that he would love to play with Bosh someday, and there is a shot that they might sign with the same team this off-season.
It would obviously be a long shot, but if you have a chance to bring in LeBron and then as a bonus Bosh, you need to take that shot.
I'm sorry Kirk, it's not because I don't love you.

Illini Player Ratings: @ Purdue

2010-02-21T15:08:00.002-06:00

I think I am going to start giving individual player ratings after every Illini game. They do it in soccer, and I like it. We'll see how it goes.

Mike Davis: 7 (out of 10)
Bruce said "I thought Mike Davis was finally Mike Davis," after the game.
I kind of agree, but only in the sense that his jump shot came back. I guess that is all I am going to ask of Davis for now, because the Illini are a much better team when Davis is shooting well.
Unfortunately, when it mattered Davis missed a bunny around the 2:00 mark off a McCamey dish that would have cut the deficit to 3.

Amazing stat - Davis had 5 blocks in the game, in his previous 15 games (going back to the Missouri loss) he has 5 total blocks. Do I think that Davis is a inconsistent headcase? Yes, yes I do.

Demitri McCamey: 6
The 16 dimes clearly jump out at you. DMac did a great job of distributing the basketball, as he has done all season long. The problem is that he only scored 6 points. For the Illini to be a good team, he needs to be a scorer as well. Deron had the advantage of only needing to be a distributer, with the great teammates he had around him. Demitri does not have that advantage.
The 6 turns also hurt.

Mike Tisdale: 4
It could be 2, because that is how many rebounds that Tisdale grabbed.
The Illini allowed Purdue to grab 12 O-rebounds, and Tisdale was the primary culprit. He had a nice game on offense, hitting his jumper consistently. But if you are 7-feet tall, you cannot get away with only 2 boards.

DJ Ricardson: 5
A pretty forgettable game for DJ. He shot the ball pretty well, but only took 7 shots. DJ played solid D against E'Twaun Moore, but was ultimately too small to stop him.

Bill Cole: 5
Made both of his shots, but battled foul trouble and fouled out. Had a couple of blocking calls go against him that would have been a big lift.

Brandon Paul: 6
Gave the Illini a big lift off the bench scoring 13 points in 18 minutes. Hit some big shots going 3-7 from downtown. Had no real impact on the game outside of his scoring.

Dominique Keller: 0
You cannot put him in the game at this point. He fouled Robbie Hummel 30 feet from the basket while the Illini were in the double bonus. I'm not sure that Dom had ever played organized basketball before he came to the U of I.

Jeff Jordan: 0
The underrated story line of this season's Illini team is the deterioration of the depth at the guard position. With Legion transferring and Bertrand's injury, they are forced to have Jeff and his ability to pick up his dribble at inopportune times as the only back-up option at PG and Paul the only back-up at the 2 and the 3.

Tyler Griffey: 2
That is the number of points he had and the number of minutes he played. With Davis going the full 40 minutes, it wasn't really a game for Griffey.

Sour Grapes

2010-02-21T13:54:00.001-06:00

This will be my first ever 'we got screwed' post not involving Mexico. I'm upset about a lot of things that happened in yesterday's game.
First of all the officiating. Anytime the free throw advantage is 28 to 5 in favor of the home team, you can just assume that someone is getting screwed.
Specifically, the thing that killed the Illini was the backcourt illegal screen call on Mike Davis, followed by the blocking call against Bill Cole.

It happened with 3:00 to play and the Illini down 3 with the ball. The screen that Davis was legal. He slid into position and was established when Kramer (more on him in a moment) ran into him and dropped like Jason Bourne had sniped him from the nosebleed section.
Then on the ensuing Purdue possesion, Keaton Grant drove the lane and trucked Cole to draw a blocking foul. In a game where literally every block/charge call went against the Illini, this one was the most egregious and it turned the game.

The most frustrating part of the game not involving officiating or rebounding was Chris Kramer. The quest is over, we have found the biggest prick in college basketball.
I'll break it down. First you have the constant flopping. I already talked about the screen (I don't think Mike Davis could knock my 9-year old brother down on a screen), and there were two instances where DJ Richardson drove the lane and kicked it, but Kramer flopped and drew the charge.

Also, when he blocked DJ's shot on a drive, he gave him the Dikembe finger wave. Umm Chris, you're a 6'2 white guy who probably gets his shot munched more often then anybody else in the conference, is that something you want to be doing? Really cool.

The worst part of the Kramer experience was the over-hype and undue praise from Steve Lavin. It reached new levels when Lavin suggested that Kramer 'could play defensive back in the NFL'. I would like to counter - HELL NO!! Are you high Steve? Just because someone can benchpress a little and fouls a lot, doesn't mean he can play professional football.
It's just my opinion, but if you are't quick enough to take Mike Tisdale off the dribble, then you are not quick enough to cover Reggie Wayne.

If Kramer was good at football, then he would play football, because he is horrible at basketball.

It was an interesting strategy cosmically to ignore Kramer and have Tisdale cover him from inside the free throw line. I remember in Chester Frazier's sophomore year, Purdue employed the same strategy and ignored Chester and sunk off him below the free throw area. The strategy proved effective against Chester, and now 3 years later, it worked again against Kramer. Turnabout is fair play I guess.