Chattin’ live! Babineaux, coordinators, Woodson, Wren!
It’s live chat time, and we’ll keep going until 1 p.m. You’re free to ask anything and everything, but I thought I’d start the festivities with a few topic suggestions, some of which came from you. (Thanks!)
• Would Georgia be better served hiring a Big Name defensive coordinator or looking for a guy from a smaller school whose profile is substantially lower? Brian VanGorder came from Central Michigan, did he not? (Then again, so did Willie Martinez.)
• The Hawks are 17-6. Mike Woodson is a lame duck, at least at the moment. Should that be remedied soon, or would Rick Sund be better off waiting until May/June to work a new deal? (But what if Woodson becomes a hot commodity after leading the Hawks to the Eastern Conference finals — don’t laugh — and leaves to take another job?)
• Can the Falcons win these final three games? Can they win another game? And if they end up 8-8 or worse, is the season a refutation of the Dimitroff/Smith Method? (I say no, but maybe that’s just me.)
• I have a Hall of Fame ballot. Should I vote for Mark McGwire? Should I write in Greg Norton’s name?
• Bobby Cox is approaching his final season. Will he work extra hard on nicknames for this last go-around?
• Tech basketball: Like what you’ve see so far?
• A submission from Daniel: Does playing Jonathan Babineaux the same week he was arrested give lie to the Falcons’ claims of being a character-first organization?
• A submission from Heath: Kennesaw State football — great idea or non-starter?
• Does Frank Wren know what he’s doing? Will Derek Lowe be traded? Should Derek Lowe be traded?
• Will it get even better for Paul Johnson and Tech, or is 11-2 the summit?
OK, there’s 10 ideas. We can discuss all, some or none. But I will make one request: Having said that you’re free to ask anything/everything, I’ll affix one asterisk. I’d rather not talk about Michael Vick. I’m tired of that one. I expect you are, too.
And with that, the figuarative microphone is open. I’m listening, Seattle Atlanta. (Sorry. Watched “Frasier” one time too many.)
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457 comments Add your comment
wxwax
December 16th, 2009
11:59 am
Thanks for answering, Mark. I haven’t studied the issue, but I wonder what the trend is for players who have an early history of injuries in college football?
Are persistent injuries early in his career a sign that the player is injury-prone? Or have a significant number of players changed once they reached the pros, and stayed healthy?
My gut instinct is that it’s a body-type thing. Some players just have bodies that can’t take the stress, no matter how good they look in the gym. And so they get a variety of injuries throughout their careers.
Given the thoroughness with which he does his job, I’m sure it’s something that Dimitroff has considered. I’d sure like to hear his thoughts not just on the specific players he’s drafted, but also on the concept that some players, for reasons unknown, really are injury-prone.
BK - Macon
December 16th, 2009
11:59 am
I like Ellis Johnson. Think he will leave SC for UGA?
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
11:59 am
McLouth in center, Heyward in right, Diaz in left. At the moment.
dobearsbare
December 16th, 2009
12:00 pm
Wasn’t part of the reason UGA’s defensive coaches were fired when they were to get the jump on everyone else who had openings? I’m not saying Richt should be hasty in this decision, but now Florida has an opening and other openings are popping up all over the country. Meanwhile Georgia is getting turned down by Bud Foster.
Which brings me to another point — isn’t it weird that coaches keep using teams here as levers for raises or bargaining ploys for other jobs?
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:01 pm
No, Opie, I was just asking.
And I don’t think the Falcons ended up with Marion Campbell (the second time) because he was popular; they ended up with him because nobody else would say yes. (Parcells, Donahue and Vermeil turned it down.)
Curt
December 16th, 2009
12:02 pm
then do you see the “big bat” player coming at first?
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:02 pm
I don’t know whether Ellis Johnson will leave Columbia. But I’d ask if I had an opening for a defensive coordinator.
ProScout
December 16th, 2009
12:03 pm
Steroids is the only reason you shouldn’t vote for Palmeiro Mark! MM,SS,BB and RP all should be black balled, along with A-Rod. You have to set an example. There are many more and in time they will be exposed. You are naive if you don’t think the other names won’t come out eventually.
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:04 pm
I’m not insulted, DaWg. (And thanks for the kind words.) I haven’t pursued a job since 1984 and, to be fair, nobody has really pursued me. Which might make me sad if I didn’t like what I do. But I like what I do a lot.
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:05 pm
Oh, and about the Adrian Gonzalez/Freddie Freeman thing: It would take at least Freddie Freeman to get Gonzalez. Were I Wren, I might do that deal.
exNFLplayer
December 16th, 2009
12:05 pm
Mark the best DC candidate out there just might be Tommy West. He’s tough, mature, no nonsense, has the defensive pedigree, and is unemployed. This guy took a Memphis D that teams ran through like water through a net and in 1 year took it to #5 in total D and #1 in the nation against the rush. Have you heard anything at all about what’s up with him be it UGA or anywhere else for that matter?
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:06 pm
I think this Kentucky team could stay on the floor with Memphis of 2007 and the other clubs, JSS, but I don’t know if it would win. Wall’s a great player and Patterson is very good, but I don’t think Kentucky’s talent level beyond that would match, say, Carolina’s of last season’s.
Jeremy
December 16th, 2009
12:07 pm
What about trading Lowe and some others for Adrian Gonzalez out of San Diego? That would be a big bat…
wxwax
December 16th, 2009
12:08 pm
Good point, Russ4Heisman.
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:08 pm
Tommy West could end up factoring in this discussion, exNFLplayer. He surely could. Wasn’t much of a head coach, but he’s a good defensive guy.
ProScout
December 16th, 2009
12:08 pm
Curt, until the Braves dump some money there won’t be a “big bat” at 1b. Personally would love to see Adrian Gonzalez there but I don’t think it will happen.
Mark- an OF of Diaz, McClouth, and Heyward isn’t going to give the Braves what they need to contend.
Carlos
December 16th, 2009
12:08 pm
Mark, Do you think M. Woodson deserves a contract extension or are they wining in spite of him?
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:09 pm
San Diego wouldn’t take Lowe, Jeremy. The Padres have no need for an old pitcher, and they’re trying to cut salary. They’d only want a young guy — Jurrjens or Hanson.
stephen
December 16th, 2009
12:09 pm
I disagree that the hawks are doing fine regarding big men. I agree Horford is having a terrific year. I also agree that the hawks starting 5 are fine in regards to big men as well. I think the hawks only problem lies in not having a true big man coming off the bench with any weight on him. I think as the season goes on you’ll start to see the hawks struggle late in games against the “beast in the east” teams which have big bodied center’s such as howard and shaq. I liked the thought behind adding collins but he just hasn’t seemed very sharp to me in his limited playing time this season. I think adding a bigger body to the bench will immensely help them down the road, especially in the playoffs.
Brooking 56
December 16th, 2009
12:09 pm
Who has the stonger arm right now? Bartkowski or Ryan?
PLEASE HELP!!
December 16th, 2009
12:09 pm
Mark,
how does the Matt Ryan Michael Turner situation look? Do you think we will at least get Ryan back this week???
Dan the Nerd
December 16th, 2009
12:10 pm
Let me start by saying I did not like the Gailey hiring and I do not like him as a coach. With that said, I do not agree that Gailey maintained the GT program: He vastly improved it. The problem is that he couldn’t beat UGA – he is hardly alone there (UGA is a fine football program – there is no shame in losing to them).
Look at the facts: During his tenure the stadium was expanded and the facilities were upgraded. The talent level at GT has never been higher – compare the talent when CPJ took over to when CCG took over – it isn’t even close. Plus, he addressed the problems with academics. Also, GT has never placed more players in the NFL than they did during CCG’s tenure – this is a double edged sword because now people know GT should have been beating UGA.
All in all, CCG was a mediocre coach but was able to build a very solid football program.
Another way to look at it: If CPJ had followed O’leary – does anyone think he would have had GT in the Orange Bowl his second season? Not a chance.
WinderDogg
December 16th, 2009
12:10 pm
Heyward – right field…Braves trade Lowe for ANOTHER 1st baseman…!
Chief Nock A Homa
December 16th, 2009
12:11 pm
Mark:
If the Braves are making it known that they will consider taking prospects for Lowe, and not the bat we need necessarily, why would they not be in the mix, or at least discussion, for an expensive bat like Bay or Holliday??
If the money is going to be freed up, or becomes freed up, that would give them the flexibility payroll-wise to sign someone like that wouldn’t you think???
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:11 pm
Carlos, I do think Woodson deserves an extension. A couple of years ago I thought the team was tuning him out, but it seems to have listened to its coach more closely over time. Which almost never happens in the NBA.
Steady GT Fan
December 16th, 2009
12:11 pm
Why does GT only have 13 scholarships to give this year? How is that number determined?
Jeremy
December 16th, 2009
12:12 pm
thats why I’m not a GM. ha.
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:12 pm
I just don’t think the Braves see themselves as real players for the top-tier free agents, Chief. Their body language — if an organization can be said to have a body — tells us as much. They spent big on Derek Lowe and have had buyer’s remorse ever since.
SadDawg
December 16th, 2009
12:12 pm
Mark, do you think the perceived, off-the-field, lack-of-discipline, problems at UGA will be a detriment to hiring a DC? I say “perceived” because most of the problems are minor traffic tickets. I wonder, though, how many minor events finally = a major problem?
Walt
December 16th, 2009
12:12 pm
Mark,
Whats your thoughts on the upcoming Georgia State football team? Do you think Curry will do well? Also what do you think are the odds that 10 years down the road they play in a FBS conference?
Thanks
Walt
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:13 pm
I don’t think the off-the-field incidents will dissuade anyone from taking the job, SadDawg. It’s still Georgia, and Georgia is a big-time program.
Cameron
December 16th, 2009
12:14 pm
Couple of things about UGA’s DC opening.
UGA never offered Koenning the job, he wouldn’t have chosen Illinois over UGA. He wouldn’t have chosen Illinois if he thought he would be offered by UGA. Illinois’ staff is in a win-or-you-done year. Besides all of the common sensical reasons, better talent, get paid more, etc.
UGA contacted Bud Foster last week and offered the job, it just now came out this week. UGA is veing very mum. Word got out on the VT side.
UGA has led recruits to believe that a new DC will not be announced until after the bowl or after whatever team the coach is coaching for season is over. Which would tell me that it is either going to be a NFL guy or a guy coaching in an elite (BCS) bowl.
UGA is not leaking anything, not even to “insiders.” Whoever claims to have insider information may have gotten information from an insider, but it is pure speculation.
jerry
December 16th, 2009
12:14 pm
I question the Falcons keeping three quarterbacks on the roster, especially with all the injuries. John Parker Wilson has been absolutely no use, has not played a single play all year. And just what are the odds that two quarterbacks will go down in the same game and so what. You will probably lose the game anyway with a back up.
WinderDogg
December 16th, 2009
12:14 pm
Mark –
Will Junior win a race next season!
Curt
December 16th, 2009
12:14 pm
MB agreed on the “dumping” salary.
If the Braves can not trade Lowe (assuming that is who they trade) who do you see starting at first for the Braves? Do you see them going after Nady?
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:15 pm
I think Georgia State will have a tough road, Walt. Not so much on the field — there are a lot of players in this state, and not all go to Tech or UGA — but in the marketplace. I see them facing the same struggles as UAB: A big-city program in a state where almost everyone has already picked his/her favorite team.
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:16 pm
Oh, a racin’ question! Thanks, WinderDogg.
I do think Dale Earnhardt Jr. will win next year. Blind squirrel, acorn, yada yada yada …
Opie
December 16th, 2009
12:17 pm
My point w/Falcons was that they didn’t go for someone that was “new, fresh, or up & coming” is all. He was more popular, if you want to stretch the definition, due to the fact he was a known NFL coach who wanted the job. Different era, for sure.
MTSU is in a bowl game (9-3) this year and did a great job, defensively, vs. Clemson. I’ve got no dawg in the fight for him, but my point is that he fits your previous description of having experience at D-I level, has Richt connections, and, at least on the surface, seems like a pretty good coach.
Other than “name recognition” he passes the smell test. I guess, in the end, I’m just trying to get a feel for why he hasn’t been mentioned and, from what I gather from you, it’s a big name factor. I’m cool with that.
kmilton
December 16th, 2009
12:17 pm
why do think the hawks are nor getting any national love. is the history, also are we in the market for any big blockbluster trades. for the hawks, tracy mcgrady perhaps.
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:17 pm
We’ve been talking so long about Nady and the Braves — for what, five years? — that it would be a shame if he didn’t finally land here, Curt.
O'Brien
December 16th, 2009
12:17 pm
Mark,
Just to change it up a bit, what do you think of the Thrashers so far? Do you think Teflon Don is the right man to run the operation?
Chris
December 16th, 2009
12:18 pm
Mark, the Thrashers are currently in the playoffs after what was an absolutely pathetic season last year. Attendance is still awful. How many more years will this team stay in Atlanta? Personally I hope many.
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:18 pm
I disagree, KMilton. I think the national media is coming around regarding the Hawks. Didn’t always think so, but I’ve been encouraged lately.
Gwalk
December 16th, 2009
12:18 pm
Are we going to get Ryan Back this week? Your thoughts?
kmilton
December 16th, 2009
12:18 pm
not getting any nationwide love is it the team history.
Tampa
December 16th, 2009
12:19 pm
When the Braves signed Wagner, there was never any talk about having to give up a #1 draft choice as a big deal. When Gonzalez signs with one of the high spending teams, I guarantee that giving up a #1 draft pick will not be a big deal to them. So why couldn’t the Braves get a #1 draft choice for Soriano? What’s the difference in giving up a draft choice with free agency versus the reported line by Sportswriters that nobody would give up their #1 choice for Soriano?
Chris
December 16th, 2009
12:20 pm
Mark…In reality were the Falcons even a playoff team before Ryan and Turner got hurt??? I mean if you look previous to their injuries, all the Falcons wins were against teams with .500 records or worse. All the teams with winning records (NE, Dallas, New Orleans) that we played prior to the injuries we came out on the losing end.
So I think if we finish 8-8 we will be lucky.
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:20 pm
I don’t know the answer, Gwalk. Let’s see if Ryan practices today. If he does, I’d expect him to go Sunday.
I do know that the Falcons were adamant that reports of Ryan being out for the season were erroneous. They do expect him back before this is over.
kmilton
December 16th, 2009
12:21 pm
thnks mark
love the hawks, just hope they will be there in the end, and give woody a new contract, and bring joe back.
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:22 pm
That’s a good question, Chris. I tried to write a little about that the other day. Maybe we were overly optimistic in thinking a remade defense could hold up over four months? (But I have been underwhelmed by the offense. That should have been more productive even before guys got hurt.)