East Tennessee Media Archives

November 15, 2009

We all knew it was just a matter of time before the New York Yankees brought home a world championship. Some say the Yankees bought the World Series. Here are my thoughts on that: The Yankees had 12 players on their rosters that were brought through their own minor league system. The Phillies had only eight players on their roster that came up through their system. Looks to me as the Yankees had more home-grown players than many people realize. Also, there are plenty of owners who have more money than George Steinbrenner, but the Steinbrenner clan seems to be willing to shell out the money to please the fans and to win baseball games. Most of the owners in the MLB or professional sports are business minded people first and sports fans second. Congrads to the Yankees for capturing a World Series they deserve all the recognition. New York manager Joe Girardi was able to keep his clubhouse at bay and bring out the best in his star players.

Congrads goes out to Morristown West cross-country coach Raymond Farmer and the Morristown West High boy’s cross-country team. The Trojans captured the first-ever state championship in any boys’ team sport for the school this past weekend in Middle Tennessee. Usually all the credit goes to the girls’ cross-country team at Morristown West, but not this year.

So, Morristown West drew Knoxville Catholic in the first round of the football playoffs. Um, ok. Like that stinks. What happened to the Johnson County/Unicoi County of the world? Oh yeah, it’s the new classification in the TSSAA. I heard that one school in West Tennessee traveled over three hours for their first round game. I thought this was supposed to save money for economic reasons. I guess members of the TSSAA board did not take Economics that was approved or credited. Where I am from traveling over three hours for a first-round playoff game is not what I call a money saver.

Speaking of Morristown West High it should be an exciting year for the Lady Trojans and coach Johnny Galyon. Galyon’s Lady Trojans are to be considered as the best ever in the school’s history. Can they make it to the state tournament? Only time will tell, but if they stay healthy look for Galyon’s Gals to be state bound. Sidney Goins recently signed with Southern Illinois. For those who do not know…Southern Illinois is coached by formerTusculum coach Missy Tiber. I always called Tiber a mini Pat Summitt. Also, Lady Trojan Taylor Hall has signed with UTC.

On a final note, I would like to address the recent robbery incident at the University of Tennessee. Tennesseecoach Lane Kiffin only has one option in my eyes…all three should be kicked off the team. You just have to be smarter than that. It is just that plain and simple. I understand everyone deserves a second chance, but in some cases too much is simply too much. 

September 7, 2009

Congrads goes out to former Morristown West High Trojan Jamere Hogue. The former Trojan great is currently playing tight end for Tennessee Tech in Cookeville. A few weeks ago against powerful Kansas State….Hogue caught the lone touchdown in the game for Tech in Manhattan, KS.

On another Hogue note…his grandfather passed away a few months ago. His grandfather, who was known as ‘The Duke’ was a former star for the New York Knicks and Cincinnati Bearcats. He was the second overall pick in the 1962 NBA draft. Also, the word on the street is that Jamere’s father Eric is debating on returning to the basketball sidelines to be an assistant coach at Morristown West. Eric has been offered numerous coaching jobs throughout the Lakeway Area, but his devotion still remains to Morristown West.

Ok, here is the deal. If I was Lane Kiffin I would cut Jonathan Crompton from the team. Or, I would at least do the right thing and let him walk on at some Division IIIIIIII school. I have never witnessed a Division I quarterback who is lucky to complete a 25-yard pass. Make the switch Lane or the fans will be making the switch back to their couches to watch the games. Could you imagine if we had a decent quarterback to go along with those running backs? Tennessee would be sitting at 4-1 right now.

Speaking of Crompton, I heard a rumor that Peyton Manning met with him before the Western Kentucky game to give him advice and to inform him of some of his mistakes. Well, Crompton met with Manning and told him to wait a second and he would be right back. Crompton failed to come back to Manning and left him sitting. Talk about cutting your own throat. I guess Manning is no Sam Wyche. As you might know it was Crompton who met with Wyche during the off season hoping to improve his game. I believe if Peyton Manning was willing to give me advice I would take it.

The Twins/Tigers one-playoff game was one of the best baseball games I have seen in a long time. I still feel as if the better team failed to move on. I told one of my colleagues Dustin Barrett that the Twins would win the game because it is very hard to win in the Metrodome with all of those Twinkie fans there. Look for the Yankees to blast the Twins in this series.

My final four predictions in the playoffs will be the Phillies/Dodgers and Yankees/Red Sox. I will pull for a Dodger/Yankees Joe Torre World Series, but I still feel like Philadelphia is the team to beat in the majors this year. 

September 5, 2009

KNOXVILLE - I have said it since the end of last season. Do not underestimate the man known as Jonathan Crompton. This summer, I was approached by a group of Tennessee Vol fans. They said…Chris, how do you think the Vols will do this season? I responded with this answer…The Vols will have a great season because we still have Jonathan Crompton.

Well, to make a long story short…the group of Tennessee fans quickly regarded me as an unreliable Tennessee football source from that day forward. But, oh not so fast as Lee Corso would say. Let’s not forget…Crompton is the quarterback that we all heard about from the mouth of Heath Shuler. Shuler once proclaimed that Crompton of Waynesville, NC would go down in the history books at the University of Tennessee.

On Saturday against Western Kentucky, Crompton brought his game back to the level that we all expected with a five touchdown performance. Who cares if it was Western Kentucky…it takes a heck of a player to throw five touchdowns against any opponent.

I was really impressed by the Volunteers on Saturday…and especially the young freshmen. Let’s all hope the new freshmen phenoms can carry Tennessee to many victories in the near future. David Oku, Bryce Brown, and Nu ‘Keese Richardson all look as strong as the days of Jamal Lewis, Travis Henry, and Peerless Price. Brown looked like a man facing a group of 11-year olds. His style reminds me of a Hershel Walker in his Georgia days. I will admit though, it was odd seeing a new group of coaches on the sideline for Tennessee, but a 63-7 victory will cure any vision problems.

July 24, 2009

By Chris Ayers

EastTennesseeMedia.com

KODAK – When I hear the name Dale Murphy I think of the pre-steroid era of baseball. You know…the one when 35 home runs would lead the league and shortstops where only known for their defense. On Thursday at Smokies Park, the former Atlanta Braves great addressed the media with a meet, greet, and answering session. Murphy is promoting his iWontCheat Foundation in the area.

The major issue addressed by the media was Murphy’s views on steroids in baseball.

“It totally changed the game,” said Murphy. “Anytime you take an illegal substance to get an edge, then it is cheating. Many people say “Well, what if I wear glasses or have lasik eye surgery…is that still cheating? No, it is not. Those two things are not illegal.”

Murphy also said that Major League Baseball should have much harsher punishments when it comes to steroids.

Murphy is also known to be a devout Mormon. This side of Murphy would be the angle I would take in the question session.

My lone question in the session was…“How were you able to maintain your faith during your professional baseball days?” Dale responded, “Professional baseball is just like an everyday walk in life. You have the choice to go into any direction you want. No one is stopping you from making your choices. It is up to you to go in the right direction. I was always the type of person who kept myself in the right environment and chose not to put myself in those types of situations.”

Murphy said that by no means was he perfect, but he also said his teammates respected his stance when it came to his religious beliefs.

Murphy also mentioned that Joe Torre and Bobby Cox were his two favorite coaches that he played for. He said J.R. Richard, Orel Hershisher, and Randy Johnson were the toughest pitchers he faced.

When Murphy was traded to the Phillies in the latter part of his career, he said that new teammate John Kruk was asked about his arrival to Philadelphia. Kruk said, “Well, now we have 24 morons and one Mormon in this clubhouse.”

More information about Murphy’s life and charities can be found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dale_Murphy

July 21, 2009

Don’t get me wrong, I love a dog, but the Michael Vick saga was totally unfair. Yes, I understand that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was trying to make a strong stand in his newly acquired positions and there are laws against dog fighting, but I do not consider Vick a villain. Let’s take a look into the NFL past… Ray Lewis, OJ Simpson, Leonard Little, and Donte Stallworth all received a slap on the wrist when it came to their actions of the taking the life of another human being. Yes, OJ and Ray Lewis were found innocent, but I’m not going to give them the benefit of the doubt. Both Stallworth and Little chose to drink and drive in their endeavors of taking the life of another. Do not tell anyone, but they do kill pigs and cows for food! But, do you see the police chasing down Ronald McDonald and treating him like he is Suspect Zero. I do not condone what Michael Vick did. Yes, the man should be taken behind the woodshed and be forced to fight Brock Lesnar, Hulk Hogan, and John Cena at the same time, but Vick has paid his dues to society. The man spent time in a federal prison for fighting dogs. OJ Simpson spent his time on the Florida golf courses and Little is back in the league sacking quarterbacks. Something just does not add up…ya know!

It is a touchy situation, but let’s give Vick a break. We all make mistakes in life and I hope to see him back in the NFL. Heck, I understand we all have pets, but rent Charlotte’s Web…those pigs are important too.

 The Roy Halladay Saga

 Ok, let’s take a look at Toronto pitcher Roy Halladay. Halladay, who is on the Toronto trading black is currently 11-3 in the American League and is considered the best pitcher in baseball. To be or not to be is the question…should a title contender trade away valuable prospect or two in order to win a world series? My answer is a quick YES!

They say in the business world that 80 percent of your production comes from 20 percent of your people. Well, that alone tells me that if I can make the World Series and have this stud of a pitcher on the mound then I have a very good chance of winning the title. If I am a title contender such as Philadelphia I would give Toronto a complete list of my minor league players and let them circle their favorite three players and call it a day. Then, I would sign Halladay to a four-year extension. Case closed. Toronto catcher Rod Barajas recently said that Halladay is the best pitcher he has ever caught. Barajas is the same catcher who caught Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson during the Arizona Diamondbacks’ mini dynasty run. Toronto GM JP Ricciardi made a huge mistake with the signings of AJ Burnett and BJ Ryan and I think he is doing the same with the trading of Roy Halladay. Toronto should sign him to an extension and build around his talents.

 University of Tennessee Football

 Are you not like totally excited about the upcoming football season at the University of Tennessee? I sure am. My co-worker in the school system, Dustin ‘Slim’ Barrett told me today that he believes the Volunteers can win the SEC this season. And I agree with him. It may be a long shot, but they can do it.  I can see it now…Ed Orgeron telling the defensive line to go straight after Tim Tebow this year in the swamp and Monte Kiffin adjusting his tie after a win on the road. I loved some Phil Fulmer, but I love the new attitude of the UT Volunteer coaching staff.

June 21, 2009

By Chris Ayers

EastTennesseeMedia.com

KODAK-In honor of my favorite ESPN.com sports writer Bill Simmons, I will conduct a running diary of the Tennessee Smokies versus the Carolina Mudcats game on Fathers Day. Simmons usually writes a running diary about anything from professional wrestlin’ to the NBA championship. I feel like I am better-looking than Simmons so I qualify to do this also. By the way, the Mudcats are the Double-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.

Without further notice here is the first-ever East Tennessee Media Smokies running diary…

4:30-5:00: Rain, rain go away come back another day. You know…that used to be the chant for various field days across the nation when it rained. But, on today it results into a rain delay for the Tennessee Smokies. As I watch the grounds crew work on the field, I get to ‘shoot-the-bull’ with an old buddy; Citizen Tribune Sports Editor Brian Trent is sitting beside me in the press box. Trent and I go way back…he covered me as a player over a decade ago. He was also the first to introduce me into the coaching bug, which I still carry over today. Trentdoes an excellent job at the paper. He is the man with the master plan.

5:00-5:30: As Trent and I continue to talk we are joined in the press box by two professional scouts. One scout is with the Tampa Bay Rays, while the other is with the Minnesota Twins. I have spent time with scouts in the past during the Matt Spencer draft race at Morristown West. Some of the scouts I dealt with in the past were arrogant and cocky, but these two scouts were class acts. It is neat talking to someone who has strong knowledge and inside scoops in baseball. He gave Trent and I two fantasy names to watch out for…Josh Johnson and Jordan Zimmerman, so take it for what its worth.

I think I may dress up in Los Angeles Dodgers gear and walk around random high schools next year and tell everyone I am a scout. I wonder if someone would give me a free coke or something.

5:30-6:00:  I just ate a big piece of chicken with corn and a Sierra Mist. Colonel Sanders’ secret is still safe. By the way, I ate some grilled chicken at KFC the other day. It was ok; I am not big on chicken unless it is connected to a nugget.

6:00-6:01.18: Some chick just sang the national anthem. I timed her and it took one minute and 18 seconds. I wonder if she could join the rap group Bone. She was fast and I mean fast. Oh Jose and the ramparts we watch were like 10 seconds apart.

6:01-6:02: Tennessee Smokies media guru Rennie Leon looks like he should be kin to former New York Mets closer John Franco. Maybe Rennie should shake things up and tell everyone that he is Rennie Leon Franco. Or, what would be better if he greeted everyone at the door with a chocolate valentine heart and said “Would you like to be my bambino” in an Italian accent.

Leon is a super nice guy he has done an excellent job since the departure of Jon Zeitz. Zeitz left before this season due to an alien abduction.

6:03-6:15: It looks like tonight’s game is going to be a pitcher's duel between Carolina starter Alexander Smit and Tennessee starter Casey Lambert. Both looked strong after one inning, but hey who doesn’t. After one piece of chicken earlier I still look strong after one inning.

6:16-6:30: Wait…never mind…The Smokies’ Lambert was just roughed up for two runs. I guess it didn’t have any pre-game chicken. Mudcats 2, Smokies 0.

6:35: The Smokies’ Marquez Smith just hit a line-drive homer over the left field wall to cut the Tennessee deficit to 2-1. Word on the street is that Smith did eat chicken before the game tonight.  6:40: Moments later Tennessee catcher Welington Castillo blasts a three-run homer off of Smit. So…it’s not a pitchers’ duel. Ok. Lambert is chased before the end of the second inning. Ok, you can really scratch that pitchers’ duel statement. I may have a master’s degree in baseball knowledge, but I do not claim to have a doctorate. So…forgive me father for I have baseball sinned. Smokies 4, Mudcats 2 after two innings.

7:00: Something is wrong with the first base bag and it is taking, let me count…eight different people to fix the problem and this includes HOF Ryne Sandberg. This reminds me…have you ever seen a group of construction workers dig a hole? It is weird…seven people will stand around and talk while one person does the digging. This base-fixing thingy thing that just went down reminded me of that. 7:04: Thank God that the base is fixed. My ADD was kicking in like it was a soccer game in Europe.

7:05: The diabetic Trent just got up to check his blood sugar. I think that I should start selling sugar blood…just a thought. Maybe I could sell some to Trent. 7:10: In between the top and the bottom of the third the Smokies let some kids play toilet bowl hula hoop toss. I think I used to play that game with my friends in Newport. 7:15:Smith hits his second homer of the game for Tennessee. It was an uppercut swing…reminded me of myself when I play whiffle ball in the back yard. I am a man among men in the whiffle ball leagues of East Tennessee. 7:18:Tennessee’s Russ Canzler nails the scoreboard with a monster homer. Good stuff right there…Trent says following the home run, “It’s the bomb show.”

7:19-7:32: I got bored and walked down to the gift shop. I also walked among the commoners. Glad I made it back to the press box alive. For some odd reason…baseball is my favorite sport, but I get extremely bored watching it. I guess this is why the Lord gave us thumbs…so we can twiddle them in between pitches.

7:33-8:17: I got lazy and quit writing. In this time lapse…the Mudcats came back and made some scoring noise, but the Smokies still manage to grab a 7-5 lead after six complete innings.

8:25: Chris Helsey’s foul ball straight back through the press box just about takes my head and Trent’s head off. Leon Franco asks “Did the ball hit the wall,” I responded. “I have no clue, I was ducking.” Imagine a 100-mph ball coming at your head and you have only seconds to duck. Well…that’s what happened. Trent’s response “That should make the running diary for sure.” For the rest of the night Trent and I flinch at every foul ball.

8:30: The umpire gets hurt by a foul ball to the chest…he almost passes out. On the next pitch, he is hit again by a foul ball. Sometimes it may be best just to stay in bed that day.

Quick umpire joke…One Day the Devil challenged the Lord to a baseball game.
Smiling the Lord proclaimed, "You don't have a chance; I've got Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and all the greatest players up here." "Yes", laughed the devil, "but I have all the umpires!"

8:50-9:05: Tennessee chooses reliever Brian Schlitter to hold onto an 8-5 Smokies’ lead. He eventually allows one run and closes out an 8-6 win. Great win for the Smokies on Father’s Day. I guess it was Tennessee who made Carolina their daddy on Father’s Day. 

May 31, 2009

My name is Chris Ayers and I am considered a superhero of a sports writer. Well, I admit I am no fellow EastTennessee Media stud Kevin ‘Biff’ Barnard, but I can carry my own. Let’s see...if we were to compare Ayers and Barnard, I would be a backup catcher for the San Diego Padres, while Barnard would be a five-time all-star pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Speaking of comparing, let’s compare some NBA greats.

1. Who is better…Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, or LeBron James? Let the great debate begin. If I had to pick one of these players in their prime I would go with Michael Jordan, then Kobe, and finally LeBron. If I had to pick one player to run my team, I would go with LeBron. If I had to have one of these three take a final shot, I would pickKobe over Jordan. This great debate could go one forever, but I will look at it this way. Whenever Michael Jordan left the Chicago Bulls to play baseball, they still won 55 games. If you took Kobe or LeBron away from their teams they would be in the 40-win range. Jordan never won during the Bird-Magic-Isaiah era until he got help. LeBron and Kobe have already reached the playoffs without much help. My final verdict is Jordan because of the hand-check rule. When Jordan played, the Knicks’ John Starks could lay that forearm all over Jordan on the perimeter.Jordan averaged over 40 a night with this; players are no longer allowed to hand-check and thus gives LeBron and Kobe a better angle of attacking the basket. I also think Kobe is still better than LeBron, but not by much. Can you imagine if LeBron flew the coop after his free-agent year next season and went to the Lakers? It would be Team USA all over again. Too bad that Kobe is the most ego-laced player in the NBA and would not allow this to happen.

2. Tiger Woods returned from his injury way too soon. I believe that his ego, competitive nature, and eagerness of the spotlight caused him to do this. Woods is not the same golfer before his injury. Will Woods ever return to his old form? I will tell you what I think…I don’t think so. Something is up with him. He has not fully recovered and does not look like the same golfer. I understand that the man is hurt, but you know when your dog gets run over by a car and has that limp for life…well, I feel like Woods has that ‘ran-over’ look going. His 90 percent is still better than anyone else’s 200 percent though.

3. What is a good scary movie? Is it blood, guts, and gore? Or is it the jump factor? I think a good scary movie combines the both. Well, on Saturday night I saw one that combined the both to perfection. The new movie…Drag Me to Hell is a scary movie that has the jump factor of 100 percent. I have never witnessed so many people jump and react to the scary scenes. I would also suggest watching the movie in a newer theatre with great surround sound.

4. I was asked an excellent question the other day by Professor Theran Narkawitz. The question was, “Who would you get to play your life story in a movie.” I will tell you what I think; I would select Matt Damon, Justin Timberlake, or Leonardo DiCaprio. If I had to lean with one of those, I would go with Leonardo. Professor Narkawitz also asked me if I had to choose one professional athlete dead or alive to eat lunch with who would I pick. That was a very good question, but my answer was simple: Tiger Woods.

Why Tiger Woods? I will tell you what I think…this generation is witnessing the greatest athlete at his sport in all time. He is Muhammad Ali and Babe Ruth rolled into one. 

May 24, 2009

Yes, Rick O’Reilly of ESPN.com and the artist formerly known as Sports Illustrated’s go-to man is funny, but his writings are not all that.

So what does that tell me? It tells me if you can write a sentence, have an imagination, and add humor then in life you are a prospective journalism money-maker.

People say to me all the time… “There is no way I could write like you. There is no way I could put all that information together and so many people read it.” Anyone can do it. You just have to follow these 10 simple rules.

Ok…for you up and coming journalists…relax and take notes.

1. The more information you write down the better off you will be when you try to write your story.
2. Try to think outside the box (score).
3. The more people you interview the better the story will be. Get off your lazy butt and talk to more people than just the winning coach.
4. The lead is the key. It’s been said that over 70 percent of all stories are only read for the first 100 words.
5. Never start a story with…The Cincinnati Reds…or The Chicago Bulls. Be creative. Don’t be lazy. Instead of The Cincinnati Reds are on a roll. Be like …It’s getting hot in here, Ramon Hernandez take off your catching gear…because you’re on FIRE!! Hernandez stroked a two-run homer on Wednesday night leading the Reds to their fifth consecutive win over the hapless Atlanta Braves.
6. Do not be intimidated by anyone. Go straight to the source and if he turns you down…go to someone who will talk about that person.
7. Stay positive. Don’t hold grudges. Many coaches will talk on emotion. Even if they give you a money quote that could ruin their career…overlook it. This will build trust.
8. Do not overanalyze. Write your story without stopping. Take a break… go watch Spencer for Hire and then come back and continue.
9. Always be on time. I never missed a deadline. Ever.
10. People love columns. This is where the fame is.

Who knows…with these tips you could become the next Kevin ‘Biff’ Barnard”. Well…probably not. He is a man among men. I heard that the tears of Kevin ‘Biff’ Barnard would cure the Swine Flu, but since he has never cried we will never get a cure.

May 10, 2009

For those who missed the ceremonies last night in Los Angeles, California, I will give you the recap of the Chris Ayers Random Awards that was presented. To help visualization purposes I wore a pink suit ala ‘Dumb and Dumber’ and my date was Rihanna and Chris Brown.

Baseball MVP Thus Far (Presented by Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake): Winner – Evan Longoria, TampaBay Devil Rays. Runner Up- Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals.

(Longoria is the man so far this season. His power along with the power of Carlos Pena is a deadly combination against American League pitchers this season. Longoria is hitting .367 with 11 home runs.)

Cy Young Thus Far (Presented by Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Jackson): Winner - Zack Greinke, KansasCity Royals. Runner Up- Dan Haren, Arizona Diamondbacks. (Greinke did suffer his first loss, but he is still the man with the master plan so far this season. Look for him to keep up the goods. He is 6-1 with a 0.51 ERA)

Goat of the Year Thus Far (John Daly and Gary Busey): Winner – Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles Dodgers. Runner Up – NASCAR’s Jeremy Mayfield. (Note to Manny: Please Check Banned Substance List. And Mayfield, please do the same.)

Tease of the Year (Presented by Ron Jeremy and Joan Rivers): Winner – The Atlanta Hawks. Runner Up – TheChicago Bulls.

(The Hawks teased us with a strong first round win over the Miami Heat, but LeBron and company showedAtlanta that their team is for the birds. The Bulls had their chance to dethrone the defending champs Boston, but it was not meant to be.)

Biggest Disappointment (Presented by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck): Winner – Yao Ming, Houston Rockets. Runner Up – Ricky Hatton, boxer. (The injury to Ming is like Boston losing Kevin Garnett. The Rockets had a real chance to defeat the Lakers, but now it will be Andrew Bynum time. Hatton…you cost a lot of people a lot of money for not a lot of boxing.)

Biggest Fantasy Chokes Thus Far (Presented by Carrot Top and Tom Cruise): Winner- Josh Beckett, BostonRed Sox. Runner Up – Magglio Ordonez. (Many owners are still waiting for these two to show up to the ball park sooner or later).

During this time of the ceremonies…former Detroit Pistons coach Chuck Daly was honored for the memories he left millions of basketball fans. Mr. Daly will be sorely missed.

To close out the ceremonies, the final presentations were presented by the lovely Vanna White and Jeopardy host Alex Trebek.

If the Season Ended Today Award Winners: World Series Champions – The Boston Red Sox (Despite Toronto’s record, the Sox are the team to beat.) NBA Champions - The Cleveland Cavaliers. (The Lakers and Cavs…the NBA Dream series.) Pre-season NFL Super Bowl Champs – The Chicago Bears (Jay Cutler in the house…give them the trophy.) NHL Hockey – No one cares so it was one of those off-the-air awards given.

And finally…the Athlete of the Year Award Thus Far: Winner – Kevin (Biff) Barnard of Cincinnati, Ohio formerly of Rutledge. Barnard is the Kobayashi of the Skyline Chili Eating Contest of Cincinnati. Not only is he a popular East Tennessee Media Writer…he is a physical specimen. Heard he’s been around Manny Ramirez lately.

April 30, 2009

Well, as I recover in my bed from what feels like the swine flu, I will do some random writing for all of my fans (all three of them).

Utt Sighting

     Little did I know that when I went to the doctor twice this week that I would come into the company of former sports writer extraordinaire Kevin Utt.

The former sports editor has switched his journalism tools for those of a nurse. I admit Utt did inject me with steroids. Wow!! I never thought I would write a sentence like that. Too bad that it is not the same steroids that Jose Canseco injected into Mark McGwire.

Utt is still the same. His witty humor and philosophical views is what makes him a man among men. Well, that and his numerous coffee breaks. I worked with Utt for a long time and one thing I learned from him was “Ego will lead you to the top of the mountain, but it will eventually make you fall off the cliff.”

It was good to see Utt. He has finally found his calling.

Matt Attack

     Former Morristown West High Trojan Matt Spencer hit his fifth home run and had 5 RBI’s last night for the Stockton Ports against Visalia. Look for the Spencer to continue his strong hitting display and a move to Double-A Midland will be on the horizon. Stockton is the high Single-A team for the Oakland A’s.

Fantasy Baseball

     The man of the hour in baseball thus far belongs to Kansas City pitcher Zach Greinke. The Royals starting pitcher finally allowed a run last night, but still stands at 5-0. I remember when Greinke used to rely heavily on his 50 mph curveball, but it seems like his velocity is up. He tipped the radar in the mid-90’s and looks to be this year’s version of Cliff Lee.

He currently has 44 strikeouts in only 36 innings pitched, while putting together a 0.50 era. Greinke used to suffer from an anxiety disorder, but gladly he has overcome his problems.

      Hopefully Citizen Tribune Sports Editor Brian Trent will trade Greinke to me in our fantasy league. Greinke would look great on my team…A-Roid’s Asteriods.

Also, it looks as if Ian Kinsler of Texas, Raul Ibanez of Philadelphia, and Adrian Gonzalez of San Diego will be a force all season long. Ibanez is tearing the National League up after his stint in the American League withSeattle.

Speaking of Seattle, I was able to watch Wednesday’s game between the Chicago White Sox and the Mariners. Ken Griffey Jr. still has his sweet swing, but the game in Chicago was so quiet that I thought I was watching a funeral. I guess the good times of the ‘tomahawk chop’ in Atlanta is a thing of the past. Things such as the chop need to be brought back into the game.

Alex Rodriguez will be making his seasonal debut soon, which will affect the entire lineup of the Yankees. Look for Mark Teixera and Hideki ‘Godzilla’ Matsui to be the gainers in this situation. 

April 15, 2009

Folks...listen up. Your first priority in the sports world should be to visit Smokies Park in Sevierville and watch new skipper Ryne Sandberg do his thing.

The Smokies opened up their home season on Wednesday night, so be sure to take the trek to exit 407. The buzz is out and it’s baseball time in Tennessee.

Many of the players are ready to start their new baseball careers in Sevierville and begin their crusade to the majors under the tutelage of Sandberg.

Infielder Darwin Barney is extremely excited about spending time with the HOF coach.

“Sandberg is probably the most approachable coach that I have ever had,” said Barney. “He is so laid back, but he works his butt off. It’s easy to see why he was a hall-of-famer. When he talks you definitely listen.”

Barney also says that Sandberg’s minor league flight gives each member of the Smokies the encouragement to possibly reach the majors.

“Coach Sandberg was like a .270 hitter in the minors,” said Barney. “One thing we have learned from him is that it’s all about how bad you want it or how hard you are willing to work. We all know that we could be cut at any time, so we treat each day like it could be our last.”

Bad news for a former Smokies player…St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter injured his left rib cage and will be out four-to-eight weeks. Carpenter looked to be back to his old self after a strong seven inning and seven strikeout performance against Pittsburgh. Carpenter was injured against the Diamondbacks.

Current East Tennessee Media Writer Kevin Barnard of Cincinnati and formerly of Rutledge will be inducted into the Hair Club for Men Hall of Fame this Saturday in San Francisco. Kudos to Kevin…he is well deserving of the honor.

Inducting Barnard will be his former co-worker Michael J. Fox of Back to the Future franchise.

Isaiah Thomas has been hired to coach the basketball program at Florida International University. The kicker is…he is giving his first year salary back to the program. Should we crown him a Saint? Well, since he is already clearing over 10 million from the New York Knicks without even coaching them…I will not crown him Saint Isaiah. This is a very interesting hire. I guess everyone in life deserves a second chance. 

March 23, 2009

The University of Tennessee surely had a basketball season to forget. Despite a pretty strong win-loss record…both the Lady Volunteers and the man-Vols had early exits in the NCAA tournament. The losses of Candace Parker, Chris Lofton, and JaJuan Smith were surely a major contributor into dismal seasons. Well, those players along with the fact that defense is usually a pre-requisite when it comes to winning. The leadership went to the tanks this year. If both Tennessee teams can find leadership and a point guard…the tide will turn next year.

Congratulations to the Walters State Lady Senators and coach Dave Kragel for a fifth-place finish during the national tournament in Salina, Kansas. The fifth place finish was the highest ever for the Lady Senators.

I have covered the national tournament in Salina and one thing is for certain…the referees definitely believe in the term ‘no harm, no foul’. I remember hearing slaps on the forearms of players while I was seated on press row. Be proud of the Lady Senators because it is definitely a tough tournament to win.

March Madness is full of madness...that is for sure. After the first 16 games I only missed one game. I choseMississippi State in the first round, but they lost. The current Yahoo Pick ‘Em league that I play in is hosted by KIL soccer POY Andy Chesney of Morristown. I have Oklahoma winning it all. Hopefully Chesney will present me with the grand prize of nothing after the tournament.

For those who have yet to have their fantasy baseball draft…I will give you a few pointers heading into the big day.

1. The shortstop position is weak. Do not be afraid to pull the trigger on acquiring Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, or Jimmy Rollins with your first-round pick. It is pretty much down hill from that point on.
2. Starting pitching is deep. Yes…you heard that correctly starting pitching is deep. It is as deep as a well. I did the exact opposite, though. My staff looks like a star-studded affair, but I took too much pitching. My rotation is Tim Lincecum, Dan Haren, Josh Beckett, Rich Harden, Scott Kazmir, Carlos Zambrano, and Erik Bedard.
3. Where should you take A-Rod in the draft? Experts are saying he should be taken in the top 20 or so. My belief on A-Rod is that I would rather take a second round pick and use that month worth of stats than wait on A-Rod to come around to his old ways. I took David Wright with the No. 4 pick, while Citizen Tribune star Carla Cody took A-Rod at No. 9.

I watched a movie the other night…Slumdog Millionaire. How brilliant! I have watched ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ religiously and I am often asked by people “How did you know that answer?” I just wish I would have been smart enough to take it to the next level and make a movie out of it.

March 1, 2009

After some interesting research…here are 16 things that you may or may have not known.

1. The hottest chick on Earth...Megan Fox of Transformers is an East Tennessee girl. She was born in Rockwood and raised in Oak Ridge. She attended drama classes in Kingston before moving to theTampa, Florida area when she was 10.
2. Tennessee is bordered by more states than any other. The eight states are Kentucky, Missouri,Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.
3. The silhouette on the NBA logo is Jerry West
4. The silhouette on the Major League Baseball logo is Harmon Killebrew.
5. Former major league infielder Will Clark of the San Francisco Giants is a direct descendant of William Clark of Lewis and Clark.
6. Many Japanese golfers carry "hole-in-one" insurance, because it is traditional in Japan to share one's good luck by sending gifts to all your friends when you get an "ace." The price for what the Japanese term an "albatross" can often reach $10,000.
7. Joe DiMaggio had more home runs than strikeouts during his career.
8. Former baseball coach Connie Mack's real name was Cornelius McGilicuddy.
9. The home team must provide the referee with 24 footballs for each National Football League game
10. Al Capone's business card said he was a used furniture dealer.
11. John Larroquette of "Night Court" and "The John Larroquette Show" was the narrator of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre."
12. Alan Thicke, the father in the TV show Growing Pains wrote the theme songs for The Facts of Life and Diff'rent Strokes.
13. Lynyrd Skynyrd was the name of the gym teacher of the boys who went on to form that band. He once told them, "You boys ain't never gonna do nothin'."
14. The pitches that Babe Ruth hit for his last-ever home run and that Joe DiMaggio hit for his first-ever home run where thrown by the same man.
15. Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history: Spades - King David, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Hearts - Charlemagne, and Diamonds - Julius Caesar.
16. East Tennessee Media writer Kevin Barnard played the part of Biff in the Back to the Future movies.

February 19, 2009

n Jimmy Buffett once wrote a song “Everybody’s Got a Cousin in Miami.” Well, it looks as if Alex Rodriguez does also. On Thursday morning…the infamous cousin that injected Rodriguez is his cousin Yuri Sucart of Miami.

My first reaction to this news…Who cares? It is irrelevant who injected who with steroids. Jose Canseco used to inject ‘roids into the arse of Mark McGwire. Is this resume material or something? I can see Sucart’s next job interview…Well Yuri, it says here that you are a master injector. Good Grief! 

n The University of Tennessee baseball squad is retiring the number of former Rutledge and Knox Bearden standout Phil Garner. I wonder when the Pride of the Southland Band is going to retire the trumpet of former Rutledge great Kevin Barnard.

n The Atlanta Braves lost out on the signing of Ken Griffey Jr. I have the answer for Atlanta…they need to resign Ron Gant, Dave Justice, Sid Bream, Terry Pendelton, Otis Nixon, Steve Avery, Charlie Leibrandt, and Jeff Blauser. I would pay to see all of these guys play once again. They may lose 100 games this season, but it is not like that isn’t going to happen anyways. At least make it fun. They could rename the team to the Atlanta Legends. Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan, and Hacksaw Jim Duggan could throw out the first pitch on opening day.

You ask…what has happened to Atlanta? Why doesn’t anyone want to play in Atlanta? I will tell you why…because the lack of veteran leadership. Atlanta has turned into a young man’s team. The success of Atlanta was always built around veteran pitchers, outfielders, and corner infielders. The signing of Griffey Jr. would have been great for Atlanta. They needed this.

n Reports on Thursday morning talk about Shaquille O’Neal joining Lebron James in Cleveland. I like this move. The Cavaliers could use Shaq and I know Lebron would welcome this move. It would also be nice to seeCleveland pick up another sleeper before the trading deadline. A scorer such as Richard Jefferson would be a nice pick-up. If Cleveland can pull the trigger before the deadline they will be the team to represent the east in the NBA finals. Boston is overrated.

February 8, 2009

I knew it all along, but I was simply in denial.

You see…I once met Alex Rodriguez. I had a 30-minute conversation with him. After that day I have followed him every step of the way. When the Yankee fans booed him…I was pissed. When everyone called him out on his big contract…I said “He deserves the money.”

Alex Rodriguez is the best baseball player I have ever seen. Hands down…he is the man.

From now on, though…he will be labeled as a cheater.

On Saturday, the world woke up to the news that A-Rod tested positive for steroids in 2003… his final season with the Texas Rangers.

Who knows how long A-Rod has been on steroids? I know one thing…when I met him in 1994…the guy was as skinny as a rail. I always thought something was up with his physique, but I thought…no way he is on steroids.

Despite being a tall, skinny player…A-Rod was still the overall first pick in the nation in the amateur draft out of high school. He still had the skills to be that good without the steroids.

I am disappointed in A-Rod for his positive results, but I also know how well the guy played when he was not on steroids. The big question is why? He did not need them.

A-Rod made the choice to keep up with everyone else. He is a player who always respected the game…but he also knew what he had to do to be among the immortals of the game.

I can remember plenty of advice A-Rod gave me in 1994. I was sitting in the stands of Bill Meyer Stadium. A-Rod came through with the Jacksonville Suns and had a series against the Knoxville Smokies. Well…the game rained out and everyone went home. Citizen Tribune writer Carla Cody and I decided to stay over and try to get his autograph. Many of the autograph seekers could not find him, but I happened to discover him sitting in the stands. Well…for the next 30 minutes I picked his brain. I was a sophomore in high school. I played shortstop…just like A-Rod did at that time. He said “You never know who is watching you…so play you’re hardest at all times. Attend every baseball camp around.” He also mentioned that when he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners that they even called his elementary school teachers to check on his background.

If a background check to that extent was conducted on him…then you know he was full-proof. He did not need the steroids, but it is too little too late.

Life is all about decisions. A-Rod decided to go astray.

Rodriguez will now be considered a tainted player…and that is sad. He…along with Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were all-stars way before they ever took steroids. They never needed steroids…but the win at all costs attitude ruined their reputations.

Saturday was a sad day for baseball!

Manager Ryan Sandberg and the Tennessee Smokies open Southern League play on April 9 at Jacksonville.

©2009 EastTennesseeMedia.com Photo by Chris Ayers

January 20, 2009

By Chris Ayers

EastTennesseeMedia.com

KODAK - Every time I see Citizen Tribune writer Carla Cody she tells me I am the coolest person around. Well…Carla…I now relinquish my crown as the coolest guy after Tuesday. My crown has been taken away and folks…wait until you meet the new king of cool…Ryne Sandberg.

On Tuesday, Sandberg was introduced as the Tennessee Smokies’ newest baseball manager. And believe me when I say it…Sandberg is as cool as ice.

After a long speech telling the crowd and media about his upcoming tenure for the Smokies…Sandberg gave a quote that will be remember for a long time.

“If any of your family or friends want to know something or want to talk…just give me a shout,” said Sandberg. “We’re all in this together. Hopefully we can prepare these guys to become major league baseball players and have a lot of fun this summer doing that.”

Sandberg’s coaching philosophy is simple: “I analyze my players and then go from there,” said Sandberg. “If we have a fast team…then we will steal bases. If we have a power team, we will hit for power.”

The Hall of Famer Sandberg hopes that his days as a player will rub off on his new players.

“I went about the game with essence and tried to do things as professional as possible,” added Sandberg. “Our players will be prepared and we will go about it with a lot of class.”

The Smokies will open their season on April 9^th against Jacksonville. Their first home game will be April 15^thagainst Birmingham.

Here is what other media members are saying about Sandberg:

“I was surprised with how down-to-earth he was,” said Citizen Tribune Sports Editor Brian Trent. “His expertise and knowledge will help Tennessee tremendously this season.”

“Well, this guy is definitely going to fill up the seats this season,” said Nick Gates of the Knoxville News Sentinel.

“I grew up watching Sandberg,” said Darren Reese of the Standard Banner. “He played the game with heart of a champion. It should be an interesting season at Smokies Park.”

"I love baseball and I love Ryne Sandberg," said Matt Daniels of the Citizen Tribune. "Go Cubbies and Go Smokies." 

February 2, 2009

Well, the Super Bowl is over and I am happy. I had no clue that Arizona even had a football team. Big Ben Rothersnapperhamburger once again showed the world that it is ok to draft a small-college quarterback. Santonio Holmes really made his father, John, happy by being named the Super Bowl MVP.

It would be easy to rant about the referees and their horrible calls, but once again, I am pleased that the Butterfly Effect season is over.

For instance, the season-ending injury to Tom Brady; this season-ending injury catapulted the Steelers to the Super Bowl. There is no way in the world that the Patriots would not have avenged last year’s loss to the New York Giants. They were on a mission this year.

Also, the same can be said about the NFC. The New York Giants were 10-1 with Plaxico Burress this season. Well, once he decided to play GI Joe with his leg, the Giants’ season went to the tank with four losses without their stud receiver. I think Bon Jovi should capitalize on this with a new version of one of his biggest songs; Shot to the Leg, and you’re to blame…you give the NFC and the NFL a Bad Name.

Ok, that was cheesy, but brilliant on my part.

Well, let’s see…Manny Ramirez is still unemployed, but is still demanding a lot of money. I think Manny will be in for a big surprise. The Barry Bonds boycott is pure proof that the MLB teams talk to each other. I still believe Manny will sign with the Dodgers or Yankees, but it will probably be a short-term deal instead of the long-term contract that he is wanting. Do not forget…Manny played high school baseball in New York.

Shout out to my former all-star teammate Andy Chesney. The 6’2, 175 lb midfielder was named the Knoxville Indoor Soccer League Player of the Year by the ISL voters. Chesney is the step-brother of Oakland A’s minor leaguer Matt Spencer and the son of former voice of the East High Hurricanes Gary Chesney.

The Los Angeles Lakers found out on Monday that center Andrew Bynum will be lost for 8-12 weeks with a torn ACL. Look for the Lakers to make a move and bring in a big man. I wonder if Kareem Abdul-Jabbar still has any eligibility left?

January 20, 2009

Got to get this off my chest.

To Boldin Go Where...

What in the world was Anquan Boldin thinking? I mean, I understand that you did not get your touches, but come on. Enjoy your trip to the Super Bowl. It will probably be the last one that you will ever attend. A lot of teams will look at this and say...WOW!

This guy can't be pleased. If the number of 'touches' is better than a trip to the Super Bowl then Mr. Boldin can stay off my team. I guess he thinks he is still playing fantasy football and he needs catches to help his adoring managers.

I will tell you what is going on. The man is jealous. He is jealous that the world loves Larry Fitzgerald right now.

I sometimes get jealous that Brad Pitt is sleeping with Angelina Jolie, but that doesn't make me boycott 'Benjamin Button' or "Fight Club'. It is the Super Bowl for God's sake. The most important game in sports.

An individual is never bigger than the Super Bowl.

I Don't Get It

Once thing that I will never understand...it is general managers in baseball. Ok...Year-after-year your team continues to fail. And guess what...you and the owner are always afraid to full the trigger and sign help.

Take for instance the Cincinnati Reds. Each and every season it is the same old crap. A 72-win season and the hopes of a fruitful off-season. Well...just like old times...They go and do nothing to improve their team. The acquistions of Willy Tavaras and Ramon Hernandez will not lead your team to the Promised Land. Baseball is a a long season and the worst thing in the world is waiting until the seaon is over in hopes of signing a big free-agent. Heck, take a chance on Andruw Jones...Sign Manny Ramirez. Do something, right?

The rule goes with so many sports franchises. Pull the trigger. Bring in the big names. Chicks did the long-ball. Let me be in charge for a while...I'll change it. Kudos to the New York Yankees...At least they go after what they want.

January 4, 2009

As midnight passes and 2009 arises...lets take a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of 2008.

Morristown West

Johnny Galyon said before the season that this year's version of the Lady Trojans is the best that he has ever had. Well, he surely wasn't lying as the Lady Trojans jumped out to a 11-1 start and are currently ranked No. 1 in the state.

Holt's New Boat

Current Citizen Tribune Assistant Sports Editor Justin Holt will take over as assistant SID at Carson-Newman College in mid-January.

He did an excellent job for the Tribune and will be missed. If you see him covering a random elementary school basketball game...give him a pat on the back before his departure to the college ranks.

Godfather Wilhoit

Congrats to East Tennessee Media Godfather Steve Wilhoit. EastTennesseeMedia.com proved to be a favorite amongst sports fans this year. Look for many awards to follow as EastTennesseeMedia was approved for TSWA status. Congrats for receiving over 11,000 hits this season.

Kevin Barnard

This East Tennessee Media writer is in a league of his own. I was walking down the street in Knoxville with him and it took forever to get through the crowd. His nice gestures to signing autographs for his fans should be commended. I made this up, but this would have happened if we were walking on Gay Street. 

Football Time In Tennessee

Vanderbilt, MTSU, and Memphis were all bowl eligible this season. Guess who was not? The Tennessee Vols. Yes, Tennessee there is a Santa Claus and his name is Lane Kiffin. Peace out, Phil. The time was coming. Good move for the Vols. 

Karma Chameleon

O.J. Simpson's decision to 'take back' his stolen goods proved to be the wrong decision. His act resulted into a long jail term. Hopefully we will see Simpson, Michael Vick, and Travis Henry in the second version of The Longest Yard.

WWE

Chris Jericho received the "Slammy Award" for the WWE 2008 Entertainer of the Year. In my eyes, the 2008 year belonged to John Cena. Look for 2009 to belong to Randy Orton and his RKO.

January 3, 2009

The first annual 2008 Ayers Awards. Congrats to all the winners and be sure to add this prestigious awards to your resumes.
(National news first and local second)

National Awards

Coach of the Year: Jeff Fisher (Tennessee Titans) - Who would have thought the Titans were the team to beat before the season? Jeff Fisher did.

Team of the Year: The Boston Celtics - The Big Three (Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett) was too much for anyone to handle. Can a repeat happen in '09?

Hire of the Year: Lane Kiffin (University of Tennessee) a move had to be made and AD Mike Hamilton found the perfect puzzle piece.

Fire of the Year: (Tie) Phil Fulmer (University of Tennessee) and Mike Shanahan (Denver Broncos). Fulmer's days were numbered years ago. The same could be said for Shanahan's multi-multiple-multiply-multitude backfield switch each season.

Most Overrated:(Tie) Nick Saban and those Alabama Boys. Mark Richt and those Georgia Boys. Great season for Alabama, but too bad they couldn't win any game that counted. What a tease. 
For the Bulldogs...preseason No. 1? Wow. Great example of why preseason polls are irrelevant.

What Happened Award: Andruw Jones (Los Angeles Dodgers) From sure lock Hall-of-Famer to looking for a spot on my rec league softball team.

Local Awards

Team of the Year: Knox Catholic Football

Coach of the Year: Dwayne Dewayne Dee-Wayne Hatcher of Morristown East

Sports Writer of the Year: Ron Bliss of Tri-Cities Sports

Website of the Year: www.tricitiessports.com

Middle School Golf Reporter of the Year: Darren Reese of the Standard Banner

Surprise of the Year: Don D. Woods leaving Morristown West