Pedro Update

by Barca Blog - Former Commodore Pedro Alvarez started his professional career with a bang last night in his debut for Class A Lynchburg. Pittsburgh's first-round pick went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer, a two-run double and four RBI in 6-5 win over Potomac. Read More

Risper and Wirth react to being drafted

Find out what Jennifer Risper and Christina Wirth had to say about being chosen in the 2009 WNBA Draft Thursday.
Click Here

Chicago takes Risper

by Barca Blog - Add Jennifer Risper to the list of Commodores taken in the 2009 WNBA Draft on Thursday. The Chicago Sky chose the Moreno Valley, Calif., native with the third pick in the third round (29th overall).

Risper won several awards during her senior year including the 2009 WBCA Defensive Player of the Year and Second Team All-SEC. Risper stands in eighth place at Vanderbilt with 221 career steals, including 81 this season, which was the second most in the SEC. The 5'9 guard shined in the NCAA Tournament and scored a personal best 27 points in the 'Dores second round win over Kansas State.

Risper's teammate, Christina Wirth, was also selected earlier today by Indiana. This marks the fourth year that two Commodores have been picked in the same draft. The last time that happened was in 2007 when Carla Thomas and Dee Davis were taken by Chicago and Houston.

Wirth drafted by Indiana

by Barca Blog - Christina Wirth was just selected by the Indiana Fever with the sixth pick in the second round (19th overall) of the 2009 WNBA Draft.

In her senior season, Wirth averaged 16.6 points per game and 5.7 rebounds for the Commodores. The Mesa, Ariz., native was even more spectacular in the postseason with 22.7 points per game and 6.5 rebounds in the SEC and NCAA Tournaments. She was a unanimous All-SEC selection by league coaches and finished in ninth place on Vanderbilt's career scoring list.

The Fever have a history of drafting Commodores including Zuzi Klimesova (2002), Jillian Danker (2002), Ashley McElhiney (2003), and Ashley Earley (2005). Also, Jenni Benningfield signed with Indiana as a free agent in 2004 and Sheri Sam played for the Fever in 2007.

The WNBA Draft is about to enter the third and final round. Fans can watch it on ESPNU and NBA-TV, or follow online at WNBA.com or ESPN360.com.

WBB ranked 8th in final poll

by Barca Blog - The Vanderbilt women's basketball team was ranked eighth in the final ESPN/USA Today poll released earlier this week. It's the second highest finish for the Commodores under head coach Melanie Balcomb (VU was seventh in the AP poll after the 2006-07 season).

NCAA Bowling Championship Underway

by Barca Blog - Vanderbilt's top-ranked women's bowling team highlighted Wednesday night's pre-tournament banquet of the 2009 NCAA Bowling Championship. Josie Earnest (on left) made history by becoming the first female bowler to win the Player of the Year award twice. Brittni Hamilton (center) and Michelle Peloquin (right) were also honored as First Team All-Americans.

Even with all the accolades, this team is "locked in" on the bigger prize... bringing home another national title to West End.

"I don't want to think about this award until after the tournament," Earnest said. "Brittni has a motto of 1 shot, 1 frame, 1 game and that serves us well. There will be time later to reflect of anything individual."

All eight teams will compete on Thursday for seeding purposes only, which will be based on total pinfall. The double-elimination bracket starts Friday and concludes Saturday night when the 2009 champion is crowned.

Follow Thursday's Qualifying Round

More Bowling Links:
VUcommodores' Tournament Preview
Bowling Trio Honored Wednesday
The City Paper: Josie Earnest Feature
Tennessean: Bowlers seek second national title

2009 WNBA Draft today

by Barca Blog -Vanderbilt fans can track the 2009 WNBA Draft this afternoon to see if seniors Jennifer Risper and Christina Wirth get selected by one of the league's 13 franchises.

ESPN2 will broadcast the first round at 2 p.m. CT, while ESPNU and NBA-TV will carry the second and third rounds.

Click here for official draft coverage and check out David Boclair's feature on the Commodore duo in today's edition of The City Paper.

Snedeker tees off today

by Barca Blog - Brandt Snedeker's quest for the Green Jacket will start today when the former Commodore tees off at the 2009 Masters at 12:19 p.m. CT today. Snedeker will be grouped with Jose Maria Olazabal and Martin Kaymer.

Fans can follow the action live at Masters.org. ESPN and ESPN360.com will also provide first and second round coverage on Thursday and Friday at 3 p.m. CT.

This will be Snedeker's third appearance at Augusta. He finished in third place at Augusta last year, and 41st as an amateur in 2004.

USTA video of tennis signee Ryan Lipman

By Ryan Schulz - Vanderbilt signee and Nashville native Ryan Lipman was recently awarded the Bill Talbert Junior Sportsmanship Award from the United States Tennis Association. Linked below is a video the USTA put together about Lipman winning the award.

Lipman was one of just four recipients, male or female, to win the award, which is given to a junior player who exemplifies the finest qualities of sportsmanship in tournament play and of the great sportspersons of tennis past and present.

Lipman signed with Vanderbilt in November and will join the Commodores next fall.

Click here to view the video

Always ready to pitch

by Barca Blog - During last night's call-in show, Joe Fisher asked baseball head coach Tim Corbin about the Commodores' pitching situation for this coming weekend at No. 1 Arkansas. The focus of the discussion was on how freshman Sonny Gray will be utilized -- as a starter or reliever?

Corbin answered the question by elaborating on how he used Gray out of the bullpen against Florida last weekend and the scenarios that factored into that decision. He also offered some high praise for the Smyrna, Tenn., native.

Definitely take a few minutes to listen to this clip.
Audio: Corbin talks about Gray

Snedeker back at Augusta

by Barca Blog - Former Commodore Brandt Snedeker will return to the Masters this week, one year after his emotional four-day journey in Augusta captivated the golf world.

Playing in only his third major as a professional, Snedeker grabbed all the national headlines as he stood only two shots off the lead after three rounds, only to tumble on the final day with a five-over 77. As tears rolled down the his face in post-tournament interviews, Snedeker's anguish was shared by millions.

Snedeker will continue his quest for the Green Jacket starting with Thursday's opening round, but still hasn't taken the time to relive that memorable week in Augusta one year ago.

“Haven’t watched a shot,” he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Maybe I’ll watch Thursday, Friday and Saturday, then burn Sunday.”

“It was a different experience for me, being kind of new to this,” Snedeker said. “Hopefully, I’ll learn from it, and it will eventually make me a better player.”

Click Here to read Thomas Stinson's feature in the AJC.

Byars recognized by D-League

by Barca Blog - Former Commodore Derrick Byars was selected to the All-NBA D-League second team on Monday.

Byars is having a solid year for the Bakersfield Jam, averaging 18.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.0 steal per game while shooting 49 percent from the field and 39 percent from long range. In February, he scored a game-high 18 points in the D-League's All-Star Game.

With only two games left in the regular season, Byars and the Jam are battling to make the postseason and need a win at Idaho on Wednesday or Friday to clinch the team's first-ever playoff berth.

(Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE)

Gray named SEC Freshman of the Week

by Barca Blog - Pitcher Sonny Gray was just named SEC Freshman of the Week. Gray picked up a save and a win in relief to help Vanderbilt take the weekend series over No. 19 Florida. For more on his performance, see this week's baseball notebook in the blog below.

Week 7 Vanderbilt Baseball Notebook

Record Overall: 19-12; Record for the Week: 2-2

Last Week:
4/1 Belmont 15, Vanderbilt 6 (Greer Stadium)
4/3 Florida 8, Vanderbilt 4 (Hawkins Field)
4/4 Vanderbilt 4, Florida 3 (Hawkins Field)
4/5 Vanderbilt 16, Florida 9 (Hawkins Field)

This Week:
4/7 at Middle Tennessee 6 p.m. CT
4/10 at Arkansas 6:35 p.m. CT
4/11 at Arkansas 3:05 p.m. CT
4/12 at Arkansas 1:05 p.m. CT

Notes:
Vanderbilt went 2-2 on the week to move 19-12 on the season … The Commodores lost their first midweek game of the season, but rebounded to take their first Southeastern Conference series of the year against No. 19 Florida. The series win was the first in league action since sweeping Tennessee last year and the first home conference series win since defeating Auburn last year (April 18-20) … VU rallied back from a seven run deficit, 9-2, in the sixth inning on Sunday, scoring 14 unanswered to win 16-9. Till that point the team had just five hits and two runs, one unearned. They finished with 16 hits, 11 coming in final three innings.

The Dores hit .263 on the week with four homers, two triples, six doubles and 30 runs scored (7.5 per game) … Curt Casali had big week going 7-for-15 (.467) with two doubles, a homer, six runs scored and four RBI … Andrew Giobbi continued to be on a tear since returning from a broken hand. He went 6-for-13 (.462) with a double, triple, five RBI and four runs scored. In the seven games he has been back in the starting lineup he is 12-for-27 with a double, triple, homer, eight RBI and six runs scored … Steven Liddle had a hit in all four games to extend his hitting streak to eight. He went 6-for-17 (.353) with two doubles, a homer and four RBI with six runs scored … Also extending a hit streak was Riley Reynolds who now has a 13 game skein. He was 6-for-19 (.316) with a double on the week.

The pitching staff sported a 7.97 ERA with 35 strikeouts and 14 walks in 35.0 innings … Caleb Cotham picked up his first SEC win of the year in Saturday’s 4-3 win. He gave up three runs, one earned, on four hits in eight innings with six strikeouts and five walks. He leads the SEC in opponents batting average at .188 … Sonny Gray played the key role on the mound in the series win over Florida. He picked up the save, his fourth of the year, with an inning of scoreless relief in Saturday’s. He then came on in the eighth in Sunday’s 9-9 tie game and held Florida in check, limiting them to just one hit in two innings with three strikeouts. He went 1-0 with a save in two appearances on the week with four strikeouts and one walk in three innings of work. He was the lone Commodore pitcher to not allow a run against the Gators … Freshman Grayson Garvin pitched two innings of scoreless relief against Belmont last Tuesday. He allowed just one single, while striking out three and walking one.

Live Scoring Available At Reunion

By Weinman - The folks down at Ole Miss have decided to do a bit of live scoring for the Reunion Intercollegiate being played today and tomorrow. They'll be updating scores at the ninth and 18th holes, and loading it on golfstatresults.com.

The Commodores teed off with Auburn and UAB this morning, leaving from holes 4-8 in a shotgun start. A complete release and results will be available tonight and again after tomorrow's third and final round.

Corbin's Call-In Show Tonight

By Barca Blog - Tim Corbin's Call-In Show airs live from 7-8 p.m. CT Monday night at the Commodore Grille. Listen locally on 104.5 the Zone or online on VUcommodores.com. For more info, Click Here.

Jenkins Named Tennessean High School Player Of The Year

By A. Boggs - Incoming men's hoops recruit John Jenkins was named the Tennessean Boys High School Player of the Year on Sunday after leading the nation in scoring at 42.3 points per game. Amazingly, he did not score below 30 points in a single game all year!

The accolades are piling up for the 6'4 shooting guard -Jenkins was named Gatorade's Tennessee player of the year, won his second Class AA Mr. Basketball award and accepted invitations to two national all-star events in Washington D.C.: the Capital Classic on April 9 and the Reebok All-American Game on April 18, according to Jeff Lockridge of the Tennessean.

Read more of his story from Sunday's Tennessean here.

Also found this highlight video of JJ on YouTube. Guy can shoot the lights out!

Big

by Barca Blog - With the team looking like "dead dogs" (as Coach Corbin termed it) for the first half of the game against Florida Sunday, the Commodores dug down deep to erase a seven-run deficit and pull off their most significant win of the year.

"For us it was really big," said Corbin. "These kids didn't have a whole lot of confidence collectively so just winning the game and winning the series was big particularly when you're down 9-2 in the sixth. It was really important for our confidence."

Before Saturday's 4-3 win over the Gators to even the series, Vanderbilt stood at 3-7 in the SEC standings and were riding a season-high four-game losing streak including a 15-6 midweek loss at Belmont. On top of that, they had lost their first three conference series, so a lot was on the line in Sunday's rubber game.

Corbin spoke with the squad earlier in the week about changing their mindset on the diamond with hopes of turning things around.

"I need some fighters. I think they're a good bunch of kids but in a lot of ways they're too nice. I told them they need to come out of their nature sometimes and be a little different. Sometimes your nature is ineffective. Today they had to come out of their nature and be a little bit more aggressive and boisterous."

No doubt about it... These "dead dogs" proved they have plenty of attack in them.

And since this was such a big win, I thought I'd post the video of the day from one of the best movies of the 80's, Big. This classic scene featured one of the greatest actors of all-time. No, not Tom Hanks. Robert Loggia! (And what kid didn't want this incredible walking piano after seeing this film?)

All the right moves

by Barca Blog - With Vanderbilt on the verge of losing their fourth straight series to open SEC play, head coach Tim Corbin decided to roll the dice.

Down 9-2 in the sixth inning to No. 19 Florida, Corbin inserted Alex McClure into the lineup for the 'Dores leading hitter Aaron Westlake, and also substituted in Jonathan White for Alex Hilliard.

"I didn't care what the matchups were," Corbin remarked. "I just knew that the guy that sits next to me everyday that just punches me in the gut and says, 'Come on, come on, come on,' needed to get out there in the game."

The moves paid off. McClure and White each played a key role in the comeback as the Commodores scored 14 unanswered runs to defeat the Gators, 16-9, and take the critical series.

In his first plate appearance in the bottom of the sixth, McClure moved two runners into scoring position on a ground out to third, and Joe Loftus eventually knocked them in to start the rally. McClure also had a RBI single in the seventh and later scored, and walked and scored in the eight.

White grounded out to end the sixth, but responded with one of the biggest hits of the game in the seventh when he hit the first pitch fastball from Gators reliever Billy Bullock into center field to tie the contest at 9-9. White also got on by error in the eighth and scored on Brian Harris' three-run homer to put the game out of reach.

"I thought bringing Johnny White and Alex McClure into the game injected more energy into us," Corbin added. "That's what you want to do when you get put into the game and that was good for those two kids."

(photo by Steve Green)

A dream come true

by Barca Blog - Jay Cutler was formally introduced as a Chicago Bear for the first time during the team's official press conference earlier today... and the former Commodore couldn't be more excited.

"I grew up watching this organization, grew up watching these games. I love being a Chicago Bear. It’s always been something that I’ve dreamed of doing.”

The Santa Claus, Ind., native is looking forward to moving past what happened in Denver and opening a new chapter to his career.

“I loved my time there. There’s been a lot said on my part and the Broncos’ part over the last couple of months. I think both sides would possibly do a few things different. But everything happens for a reason."

So what will be one of his initial priorities in the Windy City?

“I’m going to be a great teammate first. That’s one of the first things I try to do is earn the trust and respect of my teammates. If you can’t respect your teammates or you can’t trust them, you don’t have a chance on the field. That’s one of the first things I want to get across to these guys is I’m going to do everything possible to help us win ballgames.

Click here to read a full report on ChicagoBears.com.

And speaking of dreams... here's the video of the day. Van Halen's Dreams!

ChicagoBears.com Video Features

by Barca Blog - Here are links to two good Jay Cutler video features on ChicagoBears.com:

1. One on One with Cutler: Larry Mayer interviews the team's newest quarterback, Jay Cutler - Watch Video

2. Vanderbilt Connection: Former Commodore Chris Williams talks about his former college teammate joining the Bears - Watch Video

Bennett weighs in on Cutler

by Barca Blog - Chicago Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett talked with the Chicago Tribune and The Tennessean about his reaction to reuniting with former Commodore teammate Jay Cutler. Here are a few quotes with links to the full article:

Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune
On what Jay told him after the trade
"Jay just asked me if I was ready. He is going to be a great asset to our offense, and I think we're going to get things rolling. He is a great guy. He's going to do a great job for our organization.''

Jim Wyatt, The Tennessean
On getting on the same page with Cutler again
“We’ll get back in sync quick. It means a whole lot, having the chemistry we have from playing at Vandy, and it means a lot because I know what kind of person he is, I know his character and what kind of leader he is. Just being around him and playing with him again will be great. He’ll fit in real well."

Watch Cutler's press conference

ChicagoBears.com will be streaming Jay Cutler's press conference Friday at 5 p.m. CT. There will be a banner in the upper right corner of the main page which will link directly to the event. Watch

More blogs from ESPN.com's Low

by Barca Blog - ESPN.com's Chris Low has posted two more pieces on the Commodore football program after visiting practice yesterday. Check them out:
Commitment unwavering for Johnson and staff
Vierling: We underachieved in 2008

To follow Low's SEC blog, click here.

Johnson comments on trade

by Barca Blog - A short time ago, Vanderbilt head coach Bobby Johnson reacted to the news that former Commodore Jay Cutler had been traded to the Chicago Bears.

“I’m very happy for Jay,” Johnson said. “I’m confident that Jay will do a great job for the Chicago Bears and I wish him the very best.”

Reunited...

by Barca Blog - The Jay and Earl Show is back.

I couldn't help but think that after NFL.com announced that Jay Cutler had been dealt to the Chicago Bears to join three other former Commodores including wide receiver Earl Bennett.

Just flashback to 2005 for a moment when Cutler (a senior at the time) and Bennett (a freshman) rewrote the Commodore record books in the only year they played together at Vanderbilt. Cutler broke numerous school marks throughout the season and was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year after throwing for 3,073 yards and 21 touchdowns, while Bennett set the conference record for most receptions by a freshman (79). The tandem especially caught fire in the final four games that year, hooking up for 49 receptions, 545 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.

And they had many memorable plays, too.

Remember Cutler hitting Bennett for the first time on the final drive of the season-opening win at Wake Forest?

Or the 16 times they played catch (for 204 yards) at South Carolina?

Or maybe the five touchdowns they combined for in a rally that fell short against Kentucky?

Of course, no one will forget when Cutler guided the Commodores to a historic comeback win at Tennessee with his last collegiate pass resulting in a game-winning touchdown pass to Bennett.

Overall, the duo connected 79 times for 876 receiving yards in 11 games.

And even after their college careers were over, the combo got together one more time last March when Cutler came back to campus to throw to Bennett at the receiver's NFL Pro Day workout (pictured above).

But did we ever imagine the pair would be reunited on the professional playing field?

This fall it will become a reality.

Broncos agree to trade Cutler to Bears

by Barca Blog - Breaking News on Jay Cutler.

According to NFL.com: The Denver Broncos announced Thursday that they have agreed in principle to trade QB Jay Cutler to the Chicago Bears. Terms of the deal have not been announced.

ESPN.com gives specifics on the deal: To acquire Cutler, the Bears had to give up quarterback Kyle Orton and first-round picks in 2009 and 2010, a source said. To complete the trade, the Broncos had to give back a third-round pick in 2009.

Cutler will join three other former Commodores in Chicago -- Earl Bennett, Hunter Hillenmeyer and Chris Williams.

Johnson: 'Cutler is a team guy'

by Barca Blog - What does Vanderbilt football head coach Bobby Johnson think of the situation between former Commodore quarterback Jay Cutler and the Denver Broncos? Johnson made his stance clear during an interview with George Plaster and the 104.5 Sports Zone Wednesday.

“I’m just surprised by some of the things you see and read," Johnson said. "Jay Cutler is not a whiner.

“He was here for four years and he did everything we asked him to do every time we asked him. He went beyond that, and was loyal to a fault. He could have left here for the draft before his senior year but he stayed here and he stayed over the summers. He’d keep guys in his apartment so they could stay here over the summers to work. He is a team guy.”

To listen to the entire 104.5 interview, click here.

ESPN.com's Low visits campus

by Barca Blog - With Vanderbilt's spring football practice ending this week, ESPN.com's Chris Low made a trip to West End to catch up with Commodores. Low met with several players including cornerback Casey Hayward, safety Sean Richardson, center Bradley Vierling and wide receiver Alex Washington.

Here are a couple of Low's latest entries:
Vanderbilt speeds it up with no-huddle attack
Big shoes to fill for Hayward, Richardson
Looking for more consistency up front

To follow Low's SEC blog, click here.

Baseball canned food drive this weekend against Florida

by SID - Got this email from Katie Feyes, ace academic counselor for baseball:

For the past month, a group of baseball guys have been planning and organizing a food drive for this weekend's series vs. Florida to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank. It started as a PHIL 105 class project for six of the guys, but after watching the planning process more guys have asked to help.

They are very excited about their project and are very hopeful about the amount of food they can collect. They even took up a collection amongst the team and are buying food with their own money to start filling up the boxes.

Therefore, if you would like, please bring food for the Vanderbilt Baseball Food Drive this weekend. A bin will be placed at the front gates. The guys came up with the following slogan for their project: "Help the 'Dores Take a Bite Out of Hunger and the Florida Gators!"

- Vanderbilt Baseball Food Drive for Second Harvest Food Bank in Middle Tennessee.

- During the Florida series April 3-5 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) at the games at Hawkins Field.

-Food bins will be located at the front gates to the baseball stadium. Baseball student-athletes will be collecting the food.

- Most needed items according to Second Harvest:
Peanut Butter
Canned Meats
Canned Fruits
Canned Vegetables
Rice and Beans
Macaroni and Cheese
Pasta