Bishop Media Sports Network
Braving Joey Bats
By: TJ Hartnett
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Even two years ago, the signing of Jose Bautista would have come with tremendous fanfare along with a hefty price and immediate placement in the Major League lineup of any team; but in 2018, none of those things happened.
The Braves have quietly signed Bautista to a minor league contract that cost $1 million with no incentives.
What a difference two years make. The signing of Bautista, who is 37 years old, weirdly only seems noteworthy because he is Jose Bautista and he’s famous. This shouldn’t be.
In the last seven years, the guy was in the top 10 in MVP votes four times, including 2015 when he slugged 40 home runs and drove in 114 along with a league leading 110 walks. He hit 22 and 23 bombs in 2016 and 2017. He’s Jose Bautista. So, why isn’t this a bigger deal?
I wonder if people have always been waiting for the other foot to drop on Bautista. He was a late bloomer and with the exception of hitting .302 in 2011 his game was always power. That was bound to fade past the prime years of a ballplayer’s career, which he already had in his rearview.
Still, there’s a lot to be excited about with this signing. Especially, given that he costs pennies on the dollar to what he would cost any other year. The Braves have certainly taken advantage of a bizarre offseason with this acquisition.
Another bonus is that Bautista signed a minor league deal, which means there’s no actual pressure to put him on the 25-man roster if it looks like he won’t contribute.
Think back to the signing of Ryan Howard just one year ago. The similarities are plenty, including their age at the time. Howard signed for low money and when he didn’t hit in Gwinnett, he was released and there was no skin off the Braves’ nose.
The same will apply to Joey Bats. Once he finishes up his extended spring training run he’ll head to the Stripers and try to earn his way onto the big-league club.
If he does, then the Braves have a power-hitting righty to man third base in 2018; if he doesn’t, then no harm no foul. It’s the epitome of a no-risk move for Atlanta.
The appetizing part of this whole deal of course is the potential for fireworks if this plays out incredibly well. Bautista isn’t going to knock out 50 four-baggers this season even if he finds the fountain of youth. However, if he can turn back the clock and end the year with 20-25 dingers and can hit for at least a reasonable average (looking for around .250) the difference he’d make in the Braves’ lineup is massive.
Think about what Matt Kemp did in late 2016 when he slotted into the cleanup role and lengthened the batting order. The offense took off. There’s a chance Bautista could have that same effect. Plus, his presence as that right-handed power bat would take the pressure off Ronald Acuna, Jr. when he inevitably makes his debut this year.
So, at the end of the day, Bautista is all upside. He could show off and smash the ball, and that would improve the club. Or he could prove his doubters right and continue his decline, and in that case the Braves would be no worse off than they are now.
That’s what we call a win-win.
No Magic In Orlando
By: JJ Lanier
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
I’m starting to think the Orlando Magic hate me.
It’s nothing I can physically prove, but there have been signs. For instance, three years ago I wrote very favorably about the hiring of Scott Skiles. After one year, no more Skiles. (Yes, I know he resigned, but you don’t leave a job like that if you’re happy).
Then, following the Skiles resignation, I thought Orlando made a great decision bringing in Frank Vogel. Two years later, bon voyage, Frank. At this point I’m so hesitant to write anything positive about whomever they hire next, it could be Gregg Popovich and my reaction would be, “Eh, is that really the right move?”
I understand letting Vogel go, even if I don’t necessarily agree with it. Not only has it been six years since Orlando made the playoffs- only Phoenix and Sacramento have longer droughts- but until this past season they had finished dead last in the Eastern Conference each of the previous five.
Oh, and just to be clear, the only reason the Magic weren’t last this season is because they finished one game ahead of an Atlanta Hawks team trying to tank so badly I’m pretty sure they would’ve started Jackie Moon, if he were an actual person.
Plus, Vogel was hired by the previous regime and I’m sure Jeff Weltman (President is Basketball Operations) and John Hammond (General Manager)- both hired prior to this past season- want to bring in their own guy.
So, with Orlando on the verge of hiring their fifth head coach since 2012, how attractive is the job?
Talent wise, it’s kind of mixed bag. There is enough young talent- Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon, and Jonathan Isaac are all 25 or younger- for it to be appealing, but none of those look to be a bonafide star.
In a league that is predicated on stars, that’s a bit of a problem. Depending on who Orlando is able to get in the upcoming draft that stigma could change.
Still it’s hard to get too excited about a roster that was one game away from finishing in last place for the sixth straight year. Basically, Orlando has just enough talent to have expectations that could get you fired.
The additions of Weltman and Hammond do bring some cache, which I imagine would be appealing to a potential candidate. Both gentlemen are coming off successful rebuilds (Toronto and Milwaukee, respectively) and have good reputations around the league.
That alone may allow the franchise to get a higher caliber of coach than they would have, otherwise.
Of course, you can’t discount the fact that it’s Orlando and there is no state tax, either. The sunshine and extra money in the pocket is never a bad thing.
Overall, the Magic job isn’t a bad one, as long as management makes some smart personnel decisions and allows the head coach time to succeed; neither of which has been taking place recently.
If I had to guess, Orlando will hire a current NBA assistant coach, with no head coaching experience, who has a reputation for developing young talent. It’s a cheaper avenue to take as opposed to rehiring someone that has NBA head coaching experience or going after a highly touted college coach. At this point, coaching isn’t as much of a concern as bringing in talent.
That said, regardless of what direction they decide to take, there’s one thing for certain- whatever I think of the hire, the exact opposite will happen. Here’s hoping for my disapproval.
Atlanta Hawks Rebuild
By: TJ Hartnett
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
It was ugly. We can say that without hesitation. The Atlanta Hawks had an ugly season – but not one without lessons learned.
The team is now clearly leaning into a rebuilding stage, which means there are better days ahead, but they may be a bit further ahead than fans would like.
Still, there were positives from the season; like the emergence of John Collins, who at the age of 20 and in his first season after being drafted 19th in 2017 immediately made an impact on the Hawks.
He wasn’t seen as an immediate starter and indeed began the year on the bench but his quality play forced the Hawks’ hand (wing?) and put up numbers that surpassed the top of his draft class (looking at you, Lonzo Ball). He’s young but he’s already proven to be ready to contribute in a big way.
That being said, the Hawks were a pretty terrible offensive team this past season, coming in at 25th in points per game. All but one player on the team shot for an average of less than 15 points per game, something that needs to change as quickly as possible – possibly in the draft, which we’ll get to.
Schroder is the only player on the Hawks that can score the ball consistently. He averaged 19.4 points per game in 67 games this season. However, it is obvious that he is not a future superstar and number-one option for an NBA team. He would complement a superstar very well, but he cannot carry a franchise on his own.
He is, however, not the LeBron of Atlanta. He’s a good player, but his talents should be used to supplement someone who can be counted on as the number one go-to guy on the court. It doesn’t have to be a big-name star.
The Hawks succeeded in a big way without one just a few short years ago but they need someone in the role of shot maker.
That guy exists someone in the draft, the Hawks just need to be savvy enough to find him and snatch him up.
Now we look ahead to the offseason, which brings with it plenty of intrigue and promise. With three first-round picks in the draft and a fourth waiting at the top of the second round, there is a very good chance (barring some pick-trading) that the Atlanta roster will look mightily different come the start of next season later this year.
There are returning players who may serve as the foundation for these picks to build around: Schroder, Kent Bazemore, Taruean Prince and Collins.
Bazmore will look to return to the court healthy after being shut down in March.
There also might be potential changes on the sidelines, as the Hawks have granted head coach Mike Budenholzer permission to interview with the Milwaukee Bucks for their open coaching position. He could be potentially be competing for the job with Doc Rivers, so nothing is certain at this point despite his impressive resume.
In addition to the four top-level picks coming their way, the Hawks also have some financial freedom this offseason. They only have $56 million in guaranteed dollars on the books for 2018-2019, not including Dewayne Dedmon’s player option, among others.
After a tough season, the Hawks need changes fast and changes they are going to get.
This is only the beginning of the rebuild and while that signals lean times ahead, it also means lots to look forward to in Atlanta.
The Jason Bishop Show w Kipp Branch April 14
Where Will They Go?
By: Kipp Branch
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The NFL Draft is upon us. I have had so many people ask me where Sony Michel and Nick Chubb will go in this draft.
The most prolific running back duo in UGA history will make a couple of teams very happy in this draft. So, let us take a look at where these two may be selected.
Nick Chubb: Chubb suffered a major knee injury as a sophomore. However, it looks like he’s moved past that setback.
Chubb is a Frank Gore or Ray Rice type of back who can get you 4-5 yards per carry and then break the 25-yard run in the 4th quarter when a defense is getting worn down.
Chubb is rated in the top 5 in every scout’s review of the RB position. This is a deep draft class at running back. Chubb is the #2 rusher all time in the SEC, which has a rich draft history of churning out elite defensive line talent. Chubb’s game will translate well to the NFL. Look for Chubb to go in the second or third round.
Sony Michel: To me, Sony Michel was the most valuable player on the 2017 Georgia Bulldogs.
Michel made big play after big play in crunch time for the Dawgs magical run in 2017. He can catch out of the backfield, he can make people miss in space, and while he only ran a 4.54 at the combine he plays much faster than that.
Many are saying Michel could be the second back off the board after Saquon Barkley, who many feel is the best prospect in the draft.
Sony Michel is a big-play back and will be a three down back in the NFL. Michel has bulked up and can handle 20 carries per game. Sony Michel could end up being a Pro Bowl type player in the NFL. Look for Sony to be off the board by the mid-second round.
Teams that are in need of help at the running back position:
1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs cut Doug Martin loose this offseason and now they need someone who can handle 20-25 carries a game to take some pressure off of Jameis Winston who needs to develop into the QB Tampa invested millions in.
2) New York Giants: This team needs help everywhere and I mean everywhere.
3) Carolina Panthers: Christian McCaffrey is a playmaker in space, but a strong, consistent power back is needed.
4) Miami Dolphins: Signing Frank Gore is great short term. Dolphins need to address the position.
5) Detroit Lions: The Lions have not had a running back rush for over 100 yards in a single game since 2013. Ouch!! Even with signing LeGarrette Blount the Lions need major help at the position.
Who will end up taking this UGA dynamic duo?
The Detroit Lions have pick 51 in the second round and I think the Lions will take Sony Michel. Michel will be the long-term solution at RB in Detroit. The Colts have pick 36 and 37 and could take Michel, but I think the Lions snatch him up at pick 51.
Nick Chubb: The Bucs have pick 38, but I don’t think they select a RB with that pick. The Panthers have pick 55 and 85 and I think if Chubb is still on the board at 85 the Panthers take him.
The New York football Giants have pick 69 and if there was ever a player that fit the traditional mold of a New York Giant it would be Nick Chubb. I think Chubb ends up being in the Big Apple and a year one starter in New York.
One thing is for certain with these two and that is they will bring their lunch to work daily and never cause an organization any trouble.
This duo will be greatly missed in Athens, Georgia.
Auburn Spring Game
By: Kenneth Harrison Jr.
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Auburn is one of the traditional powers in college football. The Tigers had a great 2017 finishing 10-4 and 7-1 in the SEC. They beat both teams that played in the national championship game, Georgia and Alabama. They did lose the rematch with UGA in the SEC Championship. They also lost the Peach Bowl to UCF.
Star running back Kerryon Johnson declared for the NFL Draft after the season. Auburn will have to replace his 1,391 yards and 18 touchdowns.
One positive going into the 2018 season is they have finally found another quality quarterback to run Gus Malzahn’s offense in Jarrett Stidham. Stidham completed 66% of his passes for 3,158 yards and 18 TD’s. He did not play in the spring game.
In the A-Day game defense dominated. Auburn’s first-team defense held the second-team offense to minus-five yards in the first half and the quarterbacks combined to go 15 of 39 for 90 yards.
“We’re going to be top 10 this year,” defensive end Marlon Davidson said. “We’re going to be top 5; maybe even top 1. That’s how we feel. That’s how we’re going to carry it.”
I’m trying to not believe the hype. I think the defense can be very good but defense typically dominates the offense in spring or early in the season. It is worth noting that the Tigers have vastly improved over the past two years under defensive coordinator Kevin Steele.
In 2017 they had their best year in pass and total defense since 2008. Auburn ranked 12th in scoring defense and 14th in total defense last season and has ample depth returning, particularly in the front seven.
“Our pillars for success is that we want to be relentless in pursuit,” Steele said. “Effort is being coached at a high level on every day, on every play. Effort is an eraser. When somebody makes a mistake, effort will erase a mistake. Then we’ve worked really hard on physical fundamentals, being physical with your fundamentals. So, really, really good in fundamentals. And then, of course, tackling. We’ve done a lot within the framework of how much you can tackle. So, the proper tackling technique.”
The defense constantly pressured Auburn’s two younger quarterbacks, forcing several interceptions from Malik Willis and Joey Gatewood. They also forced fumbles from several players.
On A-Day, Nick Coe led a defensive line unit that combined for 6.5 of 11 tackles for loss, including two sacks, one from Coe, which led to a safety.
“Our defense has a chance to be really good,” Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. “… I think we’ve got some quality depth upfront. We’ve got quality depth at the linebacker position too. I know coach Steele’s focus was on the backend, putting all the pieces to the puzzle. I think overall they’ve done a very solid job.”
The final score was Orange: 18, Blue: 10. My takeaway is that Auburn is expecting to have a great defense in 2018 and I think that is realistic. I don’t put a lot of stock in the A-Day defensive performance though because they did not face their first team quarterback.
We will see if they can live up to their potential when the season begins September 1st versus Washington in Atlanta.
Paul Johnson Still Buzzing
By: JJ Lanier
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
It seems like nowadays, coaches in general, are relieved of their duties for various reasons- not winning enough games; thinking the university or franchise can find someone better; arguing that Creed is the greatest rock band of all time- you know, the normal.
So, it’s nice to see a program like Georgia Tech reward head coach Paul Johnson with a contract extension, when he could just as easily have been fired for two of the reasons I just mentioned. (I admit I am unfamiliar with Johnson’s stance on Creed)
On the surface, when most athletic directors don’t care about anything a coach has accomplished outside of the past 3 years, it’s a little perplexing to hear of a director actually extending the contract of a coach whose record over the past three seasons has been 17-19.
In this particular case, I applaud Tech’s athletic director, Todd Stansbury, with looking past just the last three years when making this decision.
For one, while Johnson’s teams have struggled in 2 of the past 3 seasons- his 2 worst seasons he’s had at Georgia Tech- overall, he has been very successful.
Since arriving in Atlanta in 2008, the Yellow Jackets have finished either 1st or 2nd in the Coastal Division six times. Yes, those happened during the first seven years, but combine that with Johnson’s history before arriving at Tech and it’s clear the ‘15 and ‘17 seasons were the aberrations.
With the exception of those two seasons- those teams only won 3 and 5 games, respectively- Johnson has also led Georgia Tech to a Bowl game every other year, including the Orange Bowl, twice.
I realize if you’re a fan of a team like Georgia or Florida State, you would have a different view of that “success”, but at Georgia Tech that should be acceptable.
I don’t mean that as an insult to Yellow Jacket fans, but as long as your team is competing for divisional titles, with the occasional shot at a playoff appearance, you should feel good about where your program is at.
I also like the extension for financial reasons. I don’t know what his salary will be for those extra two years, but Johnson is scheduled to make a little over $3 million in 2020 and I can’t imagine it would be much higher than that.
That’s not chump change by any stretch but there are plenty of coaches making at least that if not more, many within the ACC alone who don’t have nearly the accolades Johnson has. So far, Tech has gotten a pretty good return on their investment.
Plus, and I realize this only really matters when teams are winning, it seems like Johnson runs a fairly clean program. Very rarely do you hear of his players getting into trouble. And even the one time I do remember (Demaryius Thomas receiving impermissible benefits totaling $312) it was more of a bad look on the NCAA than it was GT.
Again, I know this type of integrity isn’t important with all coaches (hey Hugh Freeze, what have you been up to?), but it does seem like it legitimately matters to Johnson and the university.
This could all change if the Yellow Jackets stumble to a 4-8 record this upcoming season. But for now, it’s nice to see a coach be rewarded for his entire tenure and not just the last few years, regardless of what his musical tastes may or may not be.
Jason Bishop Show w Kipp Branch April 7
SSE Minute April 6
Tiger On The Prowl
By: Kipp Branch
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Azaleas are blooming which means one thing to golf fans. Masters week is upon us.
So far in 2018 it has been a crazy sports year. I just watched Kentucky lose in the NCAA tourney to continue to throw it into utter chaos.
Ronald Acuna will start the season in Gwinnett, which is all about money and makes no sense at all. So, the theme in sports this year is to expect the unexpected so I ask this question:
Can Tiger Woods win the 2018 Masters? I’ll get back to that in a few paragraphs.
Here are my favorites in the 2018 Masters:
Phil Mickelson: Lefty just won in Mexico for the first time in five years and looked like the old Phil in doing so. The three-time champion loves Augusta and will contend this year.
Sergio Garcia: The defending champ is starting to round into form and has been near the top of leaderboards lately. Look for Sergio to be in one of the final groups on Sunday now that he knows how to win a major.
Rickie Fowler: He is overdue to win a major and his time in nearing if not the Masters then you have to think he will get one in 2018. This kid is just too good not have a green jacket in his closet one day. Fowler is going to be leading this tournament sometime on Sunday, but can he hold on is the question?
Jordan Spieth: Spieth is the best putter in the world and that makes him dangerous in Augusta and he will contend.
Justin Rose: Rose has the all-around game to compete for the green jacket and lost in a playoff to Sergio last year and that will be a huge motivator for Rose in 2018.
Now back to Tiger. Just a few months ago Tiger was ranked about 600 in the world in the World Golf Rankings maybe even higher. The golfing world left him for dead and Woods recovering from another back injury finally got back on the course. Then he started to contend in tournaments and now the Masters is here and Tiger is a betting favorite.
When Tiger contends people tune in and that is great for the game. Tiger will contend and the 2018 Masters will have record viewership.
I like Rose to win, but with all of the madness going on in March with the Loyola- Chicago’s of the world makes you think some special is in the works for Augusta.
Tiger won his first Masters in grand fashion at 21 years of age in 1997 and now 21 years later in 2018 the comeback will be complete as Tiger roars to another Green Jacket.
Better tune in folks because the 2018 Masters will be special.
Tiger Woods your 2018 Masters Champion. That would be great for sports. This would mark a historic comeback of a sports icon that everyone wrote.
I remember when I was a kid the experts wrote off Jack Nicklaus in 1980 and he finished off his career with three more majors with the 1980 US Open, and PGA Championship and of course the 1986 Masters.
Tiger Woods is great for professional golf.
