Around the Web - Tuesday, June 30

by Barca Blog - I'm on the road today for an SEC meeting in Birmingham, so here are some quick links to articles from around the web... most deal with early looks at the 2009-10 SEC basketball season.
Bakich quickly settles in
SEC basketball revives itself
SEC coaches see progress coming
SEC MBB Coaches Press Conference
Positive buzz returns to SEC preseason

Around the Web - Monday, June 29

As posted below, VU pitcher Sonny Gray threw one inning of relief in USA's 20-3 romp over Canada last night.

Vanderbilt baseball assistant coach Erik Bakich is expected to be announced as Maryland's head coach on Monday.

Professional golfers Brandt Snedeker and Luke List both made the cut at the Travelers Championship. Snedeker finished tied for 47th while List ended up tied for 63th.

Mike Organ of The Tennessean looks at Christina Wirth's transition to the Indiana Fever and the WNBA.

Colorado Rockies pitcher Casey Weathers is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, but took the time to give an update on his health in an article by the Tri-City Herald. Weathers is expected to be sidelined for all of the 2009 season after suffering the injury in October 2008.

Pitcher David Price allowed only one run in 6.1 innings to to lead Tampa past Florida 5-2 Sunday. Price was coming off the worst outing of his young career a week earlier when he surrendered 10 runs, five earned, in 4.1 innings in a loss to Philadelphia.

"I just pitched better today (against Florida)," Price said. "I got runners on and I was able to pitch out of it. That's what you have to do. You have to be able to continue to throw up zeroes and get our offense back out there."

The New York Times College Sports Blog previews the Commodores' upcoming football season.

Finally, Mike Dodd and Nate Davis of USA Today give a position-by-position breakdown of the Chicago Bears roster, which features five former 'Dores.

Gray, Team USA Blast Canada, 20-3

By Travis Young - Team USA jumped out to an early 8-2 lead and never looked back as it defeated Team Canada, 20-3 Sunday night at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Eleven different players recorded a hit Sunday as Team USA improved to 4-0 this summer.

Vanderbilt's Sonny Gray allowed one run, zero earned, and one hit while striking out two in one-inning of relief.

In two appearances with Team USA this summer, Gray is 0-0, 0.00 ERA with five strikeouts and no walks in 2.2 innings of work.

Team USA and Team Canada will finish its five game series Monday, June 29 at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C. The game will start at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Around the Web - Saturday, June 27

Pitcher Jeremy Sowers had his best performance of the season Friday to lead Cleveland to a 9-2 win over Cincinnati. The former Commodore allowed only two runs and six hits while recording six strikeouts in seven-plus innings -his longest outing of the year. He was 0-5 with a 6.82 ERA in seven starts coming into the game.

"It's definitely a step in the right direction to work deep in the game and be efficient with my pitches," Sowers told MLB.com.

Indians reliever Jensen Lewis also pitched one scoreless inning, but was optioned to Class AAA Columbus after the game.

"Jensen has the heartbeat for this job, he has the guts for it, and he has the mind for it," Manager Eric Wedge told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. "He needs to go down and get more consistent with his command."

Dancing with the Stars

In early June, women's basketball guard Jence Rhoads traveled to Austria, Italy and the Czech Republic as part of Athletes International, a non-profit organization that gives American athletes in over a dozen different sports a chance to play around the world.

Click here to read David Rutz's article about the trip. And the picture above is of Jence dancing on the streets of Brno, Czech Republic (courtesy of IPFW).

Around the Web - Friday, June 26

Sonny Gray had a good outing last night against Canada in his first appearance since making Team USA's final roster. Gray was able to get USA out of a bases loaded jam when he entered the game in the eighth, and then retired the final three Canadian batters in the ninth to seal the 12-4 win. An interesting note -- Gray also came up to the plate in the eighth -- something he didn't do as a freshman last year -- but struck out swinging.

Last night was just the third time in 28 years that the SEC didn't have any players selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. Here's a list of SEC players that eventually went in the second round:

Jodie Meeks, Kentucky -- by Milwaukee
Marcus Thornton, LSU -- by Miami, traded to New Orleans
Nick Calathes, Florida -- by Minnesota, traded to Dallas

Other notable draftees: DeMarre Carroll (Missouri, former Vanderbilt) and Toney Douglas (Florida State, former Auburn) were chosen at the end of the first round, while Patrick Beverley (former Arkansas) went in the second round.

Pedro Alvarez homered in his second straight game for Double-A Altoona Thursday... and also received news that he will be playing in the MLB Futures Game during All-Star festivities in July.

Maurice Patton of The Tennessean reported that Chris Nickson was released by the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.

Duke guard Elliot Williams is transferring for family reasons, and the Memphis native has Vanderbilt listed as one of four schools he's interested in according to the Commercial Appeal.

Finally, I'll close with two videos in tribute of Michael Jackson. If you're around my age, you probably remember exactly where you were when you first saw the video/making of Thriller... or when he executed the Moonwalk during Motown's 25th Anniversary Special. Most of us have a connection with the King of Pop from our childhood that will live forever.

The first clip is of the Jackson 5 performing "Never Can Say Goodbye"



The next video features one of my favorite MJ songs called "Working Day and Night" from the Off the Wall album. Some YouTube wiz put together some of his greatest music video clips over this audio track.. good memories.

Lewis, Vierling going to media days

by Barca Blog - Head coach Bobby Johnson and seniors Myron Lewis and Bradley Vierling have been selected to represent Vanderbilt at 2009 Southeastern Conference Football Media Days in Hoover, Ala., the league office announced earlier today.

The Commodore trio will appear on July 22, the opening day, with representatives from Arkansas, Mississippi State and Kentucky. The three-day event will be held at the Wynfrey Hotel. (If you've never been to the event, it is a media frenzy with hundreds of radio, TV, web and print outlets from across the country.)

View a complete list of tentative attendees for each school by clicking here (yes, Tebow will be there).

White debuts with a bang

by Barca Blog - Jonathan White got off to a quick start in his rookie league debut for the San Francisco Giants Tuesday in Arizona. The former Commodore started in left field and went 1-3 with a solo homer and a walk in the lead-off position.

"It was a surreal experience rounding the bases after the home run," White told the Shelbyville Times Gazette. "It was good to get my feet wet and show them what I can do."

Read Jimmy Jones' full feature here, and follow White's progress at this link.

Around the Web - Thursday, June 25

Two articles about Sonny Gray making the USA Baseball National team:
Gray joins Team USA
USAB announces 2009 NT roster

Langford photo

by Barca Blog - Here's a picture of Reshard Langford during Philadelphia's OTAs a couple of weeks ago. (Courtesy of PhiladelphiaEagles.com)

Gray makes USA Baseball National Team

by SID - Right-hander Sonny Gray was one of 22 players named to the 2009 National Team by USA Baseball Wednesday evening. Gray's selection to the squad marks the sixth straight year Vanderbilt will have a representative on the top collegiate summer team in the country. The Smyrna, Tenn., product pitched in two intrasquad games and gave up three runs, one earned, on four hits in five innings with six strikeouts and a walk.

Familiar names on the roster to Commodore fans include first baseman Andy Wilkins (Arkansas; Broken Arrow, Ark.), outfielder Bryce Brentz (Middle Tennessee State; Crossville, Tenn.), pitchers Tony Zych (Louisville; Hazelcrest, Ill.) and Drew Pomeranz (Mississippi; Memphis, Tenn.) and catcher Blake Forsythe (Tennessee; Memphis, Tenn.).

The National Team begins its summer season Thursday, opening a five-game series against the Canadian National Team in Cary, N.C. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM ET at the National Training Complex, and Pomeranz will take the mound for the U.S.

Click here for a complete release and the roster for the 2009 USA Baseball National Team.

Around the Web - Wednesday, June 24

Women's basketball signee Stephanie Holzer is ready for college basketball. The McDonald's All-American had a decorated career at Cardinal O'Hara, but finished on a sour note after she broke her ankle in the Lions' state title game loss to Mount Lebanon in March. Holzer told the Daily Times she was cleared by doctors last week to return to the hardwood.

“The bone in my ankle is healed and I can put pressure on it. I can start running and jumping. I’m so happy to be getting back. I know I’ve got a long way to go, but I plan to be ready this fall when practice starts.”

Men's golfer Jon Curran is playing well in his first tournament as a professional at the 100th Massachusetts Open. The former Commodore is in 11th place at 1-under par going into Wednesday's final round. He will try to earn his PGA Tour card in the fall.

Pedro Alvarez, who was just promoted to Double-A Altoona, revealed to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that making the jump to a higher level of baseball is never easy.

"It's funny, when you're in high school, you think you have an idea, then you get to college and realize you have no idea. It's the same thing with college. You think you have things figured out, then you get to the pros and realize there's so much more to learn."

Alvarez was hitless in his debut with the Curve last night, going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.

David Price had a tough outing last night against Philadelphia. The former 'Dore was handed his second straight loss, surrendering 10 runs, five earned, in 4.1 innings of work.

"I put that one on me," Price said. "They're a good-hitting team, and that's what they do when you make an average pitch. They hit it to the wall or they hit it out.

"That's the best I've felt all year. ... I thought my stuff was the best, and I got hit around. I was around the zone. It's a tough way to go out, putting up six in the first. That's ridiculous."

Finally, Chris Low had some nice things to say about football head coach Bobby Johnson in his ESPN blog yesterday.

Gray finds out USA fate tonight

by Barca Blog - Vanderbilt pitcher Sonny Gray will find out if he makes the USA Baseball National team when the final 22-man roster is released this evening.

In two appearances during trials play, Gray has allowed three runs (one earned) and four hits with six strikeouts and one walk in five innings of work.

After the roster is announced, the squad will begin its month-long tour in the United States, Japan and Canada. For more info on USA Baseball, click here.

Is this legit? part 2

by Barca Blog - Follow up to the last post.. Harold sent me this video last week of minor leaguer Josh Womack and his amazing bat skills. What do you think... real or fake?

Is this legit? part 1

by Barca Blog - With high-tech video production accessible to pretty much anyone these days, I never know what to believe anymore on the world wide web. Watch this video... and let me know if you think it's legit.

Men's Basketball bios updated

Take a look at the 2009-10 roster... click here.

Around the Web - Tuesday, June 23

Congrats to Bobby Johnson and Des Kitchings. The duo will be inducted into the Furman Athletics Hall of Fame in July.

Pedro Alvarez commented on his promotion to Double-A: "It's an honor and a privilege to be anticipated in such a way," he told the Associated Press. "It's very flattering. It's just my first year and I still have a long way to go, a lot to learn. I'm excited that the people in Pittsburgh are excited. All I can promise is that I'm going to work as hard as I can and do the best I can for this organization."

Wide receiver Brandon Marshall recently announced he wanted to be traded from the Broncos. Quarterback Jay Cutler talked with the Daily Press about the possibility of reuniting with Marshall in Chicago. "I played with Brandon for three years and I think he's one of the best receivers in the NFL. I think he can be one of the greatest ever to play. He's big and fast, and can do everything you want him to do, on the field and in the meeting room. I don't know what we're going to do. That's up to the guys upstairs. If we make a run at him, we make a run at him."

Gray throws two-innings of relief Monday

By Travis Young -- Vanderbilt's Sonny Gray made his second appearance on the mound for USA Baseball Monday as the Blue team (5-1) defeated the Red team (1-5) for the fifth consecutive time, winning 8-5 Monday. Gray allowed two runs, one earned, while scattering three hits for the Red team in two innings of middle relief. He earned his first loss of the summer circuit despite striking out three and walking one.

The U.S. National Team Trials will continue Tuesday, June 23 at 8:00 PM (ET) with a Blue vs. Red intrasquad game at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C. Batting practice and pregame workouts will begin at 6:00 PM.

More football roster updates

by Barca Blog - I've been working on posting Vanderbilt's 2009 football roster on VUcommodores.com. The second batch of updates include tentative numbers, heights, weights and positions for the incoming freshmen class. I'll add bios for each player on the roster in the near future.

Tentative Freshmen Numbers:
Trey Wilson - 8
Charlie Goro - 17
Zac Stacy - 21
Wesley Tate - 24
Warren Norman - 27
Jay Fullam - 33
Blake Southerland - 35
Eric Samuels - 37
Javon Marshall - 41
Eddie Foster - 43
Mylon Brown - 50
Wesley Johnson - 67
Justin Cabbagestalk - 70
Mason Johnston - 85
Collin Ashley - 87
Brady Brown - 88
Charlie Bryge - 89
Walker May - 92
Thad McHaney - 99

In case you missed it in February, check out our 2009 National Signing Day central site.

Around the Web - Monday, June 22

Cape Update: Brian Harris pounded a grand slam with one out in the ninth to give Chatham a 10-7 comeback victory over Orleans. Taylor Hill (2-0) pitched two scoreless innings to pick up the win. Read More

Congrats to Pedro Alvarez... The former Commodore was called up to Altoona, Pittsburgh's Double-A affiliate, late Sunday night. Alvarez hit .247 at Single-A Lynchburg with 14 homers and 55 RBIs in 66 games. He'll make his debut with the Curve Friday night. Read More

Father's Day feature, part 2

by Ryan Schulz, Commodore Nation magazine

Around the Nashville metropolitan area, the surname Del Greco conjures up memories of made extra points and game-winning field goals, but on the west side of the city at Vanderbilt University, there is another Del Greco making a name for himself for an entirely different reason.

Trey Del Greco, son of former NFL kicker Al Del Greco, has returned to the city where his dad spent the final years of his professional career with the Tennessee Titans and is making an immediate impact as a freshman on Vanderbilt's golf team.

Click Here to Read More

Father's Day feature, part 1

by Ryan Schulz, Commodore Nation magazine

Alex McClure may have just finished his first year at Vanderbilt, but he is far from new to the Vanderbilt campus. A sophomore transfer from Walters State Community College, McClure spent many days of his youth making the trek between his hometown of Clarksville, Tenn., and Vanderbilt's campus to watch from the visiting dugout as his father, Gary McClure, coached Austin Peay State University's baseball team against the Commodores.

However, the frequency of McClure's trips to Nashville increased unexpectedly at the age of 15.

Click Here to Read More

Around the Web - Saturday, June 20

VU, MTSU stars share USA tryout

First look at WBB incoming frosh

By Weinman - Stopped by Memorial Gymnasium yesterday to say hello to the newest group of Commodores -- the incoming freshmen class for the women's basketball team. The ladies posed for a few smiling pictures (see the VandyWBB Twitter feed) before they decided to get serious (above). From left to right, welcome Gabby Smith, Elan Brown, Tiffany Clarke and Stephanie Holzer! You'll hear more from them next month once everyone is on campus for the second summer semester.

Pics from WBB Camp Spirit Day

By Weinman - Thursday was "Spirit Day" at the Vanderbilt girls' basketball day camp, and campers and counselors alike brought out their best black and gold ensembles. Alumni Liz Sherwood and Jen Risper both donned mascot uniforms (Sherwood was Mr. C, right, while Risper played the inflatable Big C), but rising senior Merideth Marsh was named the Most Spirited Coach. Click here for a photo gallery from Thursday morning.

Around the Web - Thursday, June 18

Links to today's articles on the Commodores from around the web.
Nashville is now 'String Music City'
He's walked in their spikes
Cutler readies for camp, critics

Sonny starts in USA Trials opener

View Box Score

by SID - Sonny Gray got the start for the Blue team in the first intrasquad contest of USA National Team Trials. He allowed one unearned run in three innings of work with three strikeouts and no walks. Gray did not factor in the decision as his squad fell 2-1 in eight innings.

Some familiar names on his team include Tennessee catcher Blake Forsythe who went 1-for-3 with a solo homer and Louisville pitcher/utility man Tony Zych who went 0-for-3 as the designated hitter/left fielder. Familiar names on the Red team include Middle Tennessee outfielder/pitcher Bryce Brentz who went 0-for-4, Florida first baseman Preston Tucker who was 0-for-2 and Alabama second baseman Ross Wilson who was 1-for-3.

The trials continues Thursday, June 18 as the second intrasquad, Blue vs. Red game will begin at 5:30 p.m. CT at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.

Players will participate in daily practices and drills at the trials, as well as in modified intrasquad Blue vs. Red games. The final 22-man roster will be announced on June 24.

Once the official roster has been announced, the National Team will stay in Durham and Cary, N.C. as it competes in two international friendship series against Canada and Guatemala from June 25-29 and July 1-4, respectively.

Team USA will then travel to Japan to participate in the 37th annual USA vs. Japan Collegiate Championships before traveling to Prince George, British Columbia, Canada for the 2009 Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline World Baseball Challenge.

The 2009 team will be coached by Tulane University head coach Rick Jones, who previously served as an assistant coach for Team USA on the 1989 Presidential Cup Team and 1990 Collegiate National Team. Jones is joined by pitching coach Mike Kennedy (head coach, Elon University) and assistant coaches Dan McDonnell (head coach, Louisville University) and Rob Cooper (head coach, Wright State University; 2007 National Team assistant coach).

Construction Zone Flags

by Rocket - It happens many times a year and I once had the same misconception years ago.

Someone notices an orange flag flying from high atop a construction crane on our campus and jumps to the quick and easy conclusion that the construction crew has a Big Orange sports allegiance. Why on earth is Vanderbilt letting this happen?

The fact is that these orange flags have nothing to do with universities or sports; they are state mandated and must be flown at any and all construction sites that fit into certain parameters. We had so many irate Commodore fans complain about this that we once had a detailed description on our web site. The exact details of that state law are foggy to me at this moment but you now have the general theme next time you see orange flying high above Vanderbilt University.

Around the Web - Wednesday, June 17

Links to today's articles on the Commodores from around the web.
Stability makes Vanderbilt a contender
Wide receivers impress Angelo
Thayer impressed with Bennett

Video: EA Sports Band of the Day

by Barca Blog - I can't wait much longer for September 5th to get here.

Check out this video game clip (below) of EASports.com's Band of the Day -- none other than Vanderbilt's Spirit of Gold. Ahh.... there's nothing like the sound of Dynamite at Dudley Field to get your adrenaline flowing. I'm aching for Saturdays this fall on West End... everything from Vandyville to the Victory Flag!

Remember, season tickets are still available and can be purchased online. Here's the video: