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
Chris
December 16th, 2009
12:22 pm
Mark,
I’m sure you saw where Alabama had six All-Americans. Were they all first team? That would be ’sick’ as the young kids say. It’s phenomenal what he’s achieved in three years. That was a serious football team all year. Not like Miami/FSU during the 90’s but just solid.
What would be your guess at Wood’s indefinite leave? Can you imagine him missing a major or being out an entire year? Guess it depends on whether he can or can’t salvage his marriage. Thanks for doing these. I’ve looked forward to your musings for some 20 years and while various media guys do these type live chats now, you seem to genuinely enjoy the exchange which is refreshing.
SadDawg
December 16th, 2009
12:22 pm
So, Mark, you’ll vote for Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens also?
Chief Nock A Homa
December 16th, 2009
12:23 pm
Mark:
Thanks for the input…
Don’t you think, though, that a legitimate bat puts them in play again with the elite teams??? I mean, especially with the pitching staff they’ve put together and the bats we currently have… It really seems we are only a big bat away from taking the step we all want to see…
Surely they have to recognize that…
Curt
December 16th, 2009
12:23 pm
MB unless Nady can be had for little money, I have my reservations.
He has had two Tommy John surgeries which makes him a risk ( I know 1st has less impact on the arm). I just dont think he plays enough games per year. (kind of like Chipper in that respect)
Nady does not really hit for average (I know he had a couple of decent years but his career average is not that great).
Like I said, he would be an option for a short term….if he didn’t cost much
Gwalk
December 16th, 2009
12:23 pm
Thanks Mark. Have a good hump-day!
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:24 pm
Oh, and now hockey! Yay!
My belief is that Atlanta has always had and will always have a core audience for the sport. Trouble is, the core hasn’t grown in the 10 years the Thrashers have been playing. This team has played very well and again appears onto something, but the whole franchise now hinges on Kovalchuk. If he stays, good things could transpire. If not, then not.
Dan the Nerd
December 16th, 2009
12:24 pm
the lack of productivity out of the falcons offense is directly related to the ‘curse of the 400′. Turner had too many touches last year and was not effective at all this season.
DJ
December 16th, 2009
12:26 pm
Mark – everyone is taking a bite at the Falcons. At 6-7, I still think you were correct earlier in the year that the 2009 product is better than the 2008.
My question is: Is there any indication of internal problems or are all hand still on deck concerning the “process” in Flowery Branch?
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:26 pm
I agree that Nady isn’t a true thumper, Curt, but he might be the best the Braves can get.
And Chief, anytime you have a rotation (which the Braves do), you’ve got a chance. The weird part of last season was that the Braves both outhit and outpitched Philadelphia statistically — hitting for average, I’m talking about — and still wound up third.
Curt
December 16th, 2009
12:26 pm
What do you see as the Falcon primary area of need and how do you see them addressing it next year?
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:26 pm
Cornerback and pass rusher. Take your pick.
Ricky
December 16th, 2009
12:27 pm
“Nobody has “really” pursued you”? As a member of the media you have to realize this opens you up to further scrutiny, possible paparazzi, TMZ on your doorstep. Admit nothing, deny everything. Nothing in writing, leave no voice mails. It is rumored you have been seen with Pandora on occasion.
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:27 pm
Everybody’s happier when a team is winning, DJ, but I don’t see anything that makes me think the Falcons have stopped playing for Mike Smith. If anything, Sunday’s game would indicate they’re still playing hard.
NOLA
December 16th, 2009
12:28 pm
Who dat? Who dat?
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:28 pm
I have a Pandora radio app on my iPhone. That much is true, Ricky.
kmilton
December 16th, 2009
12:28 pm
what do u think is the problem with the atlanta hawks fans, why don’t they come out until the playoffs, we have a very good team. tha crowd that comes is pretty vocal. we need to support this team
CJ
December 16th, 2009
12:28 pm
Mark, do the Saints go undefeated with the Falcons schedule? It seems we got the short end of the stick with our Home/Away games in the South. All of what I would call the Falcons tough games have been on the road while the Saints have had these teams at home. Last year our schedule was more favorable, hence a better record.
sidslid
December 16th, 2009
12:29 pm
Other than Matt Ryan, the current regime’s draft picks have been busts or injury prone.
As Josh Smith goes, so goes Woody. That is the barometer of his coaching prowess. Unfortunately, I have only watched one game this year and that was the Knick debacle when Smith went 18 year old on us for the umpteenth time.
Lowe will win 15 games the ugly way and Hudson will lose 10 the pretty way and have another six non-decision losses. I will take the wins.
I really don’t like our bullpen. Thought they might sign Rodney who did a decent job in Detroit.
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:29 pm
It will be interesting to see if the Hawks’ crowds increase in the new year. No more football then.
Chief Nock A Homa
December 16th, 2009
12:29 pm
Mark:
Thanks again…
If then, the Braves aren’t going to pour the available money into a big bat, what do you see them doing with the additional freed up cash from a Lowe trade???
cattle dawg
December 16th, 2009
12:30 pm
Whatever happened to terrance Moore? Why is Reggie Herring so popular? Does he want to get back to the college ranks?
Curt
December 16th, 2009
12:30 pm
I really like the Braves rotation and wish they could keep everyone they have now. At the same time Hudson is somewhat a lttle risk in that he has not gone a full season on the repaired arm. Also I am not sold on Kawakami as a starter. Maybe 5th starter will suit him.
Too bad they cant raise the budget a little more and keep the rotation and still get a bat
NCFalconFan
December 16th, 2009
12:31 pm
Your killing me over you comments regarding Ryan….Maybe we were overly optimistic coming into the season, but 4 years down the road, he will be a GREAT QB? Right? I hope? I pray?
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:31 pm
Curtis Lofton isn’t a bust, sidslid.
Yoda
December 16th, 2009
12:31 pm
Hey 14 Mill…does the name Reggie Ball ring your doorbell?
Curt
December 16th, 2009
12:31 pm
most pressing, I agree with you but I see the need for a solid number two reciever and to bolster their offense line
Chris
December 16th, 2009
12:31 pm
Mark…..I’ve heard Brown got a 7 year extension at Texas. I would imagine that would not be great news for Will Muschamp. If Damon Evans was serious that he would pay to get the right guy….Any chance Muschamp leaves and won’t wait 7 years for the door to open at Texas???
DJ
December 16th, 2009
12:32 pm
Corner / pass rusher eh? What realistic prospects are out there either in the draft or FA?
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:32 pm
I can’t imagine Muschamp would walk away from Texas.
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:34 pm
Haven’t checked the free agents lately. But this draft appears to be loaded with defensive linemen.
CJ
December 16th, 2009
12:34 pm
No More First Round Defensive Linemen!
Opie
December 16th, 2009
12:34 pm
Okay, I was willing to give in on the name thing until I looked up Tommy West. He’s not exactly a stellar candidate. His 2 years as USC coordinator, he didn’t exactly light it up. So, he’s had one good year as a coordinator. Was pretty much a bad head coach and you’re saying “he has a chance?!?”
Gotta poo-poo on that one, Mark! I think it would be a mistake not to look at some more qualified candidates or, at least, some folks that are rising up the food chain. West is the salad you don’t eat after your meal….
uga121
December 16th, 2009
12:35 pm
Winderdawg….Junior is living off his name and will have next year to prove he’s worth a crap (which he is not) before rick hendrick sends his sorry can packing.
Hillbilly Deluxe
December 16th, 2009
12:35 pm
No on Mark McGuire in the Hall of Fame. I do hope you see fit to vote for Andre Dawson and Bert Blyleven. Both are way overdue for induction in my view.
Barry
December 16th, 2009
12:35 pm
Mark:
Unfortunately, you were accurate in your pre-seson predictions regarding Tech and UGA (although 30-24 does help assuage the pain). I know it’s early but considering that Tech will lose up to four juniors and UGA two, what are your thoughts regarding next year’s teams? What will happen to Rodney Garner (in your opinion)? And will m ever shut up about Chan Gailey and Greyhounds?
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:35 pm
I vote for both, Hillbilly.
Ricky
December 16th, 2009
12:36 pm
Sidslid, would you please elaborate on the draft picks from this (Dimitroff’s) regime that you consider busts.
I am not challenging you (actually running a 101 fever and can’t really think straight) but am curious to get yours and MB’s take on this year and last year draft pick results.
Leave out those on IR, jury is still out.
Barry
December 16th, 2009
12:36 pm
oops – season. I hate typos.
SadDawg
December 16th, 2009
12:36 pm
Mark, some guy n ESPN (maybe John Clayton) said this weekend that if the Colts don’t win the Super Bowl this season, “they risk becoming the Atlanta Braves of the NFL.” I know you’re a Bobby Cox fan, but do you agree that the Braves under Cox underachieved in the post-season many times? Don’t we have to assign most of the blame to Bobby?
ProScout
December 16th, 2009
12:37 pm
Chief- yes, the Braves are one big legitimate bat away. They are a Matt Holliday or Jason Bay (Adrian Gonzalez is more realstic) away. They have the pitching but Chipper (probably getting to old to carry this team)and McCann (doesn’t play every day and plays the most physically demanding position) can’t continue to be the only offensive producers.
Not Disappointed
December 16th, 2009
12:37 pm
Any chance for Paul Johnson hiring a Defensive Cord.?
Orange Bowl bound and glad to be back from a Pneumonia. Ramblin Wreck!
Mr. Thomas Anthony "The taxman Cometh" Jones, SR, (Waf-SS, ret.)
December 16th, 2009
12:38 pm
The Falcons lose all three games and we know that 2008 was not real! Coaches do not fight players, (Smith ambushing our man , Mr. Hall.)
UGA should have kept Mr. Martinez who is one of the wisest DCs in the college game today. UGA problem is the fan base which is insane!!!!!
Mr. Mike Wooson is one of the best coaches in the NBA. The Hawks show everyone how good they are in 2009-2010.
I am not a fan of Mr. mark McGwire, but I would vote for him. He’s a great home run hitter. Look at the Income Tax records of all the people who oppose Mr. McGwire. I see many who have not filed their Federal Internal Revenue Service and State Income Taxes. (A few up North have not filed their local Incoem taxes also.) if you have not filed your taxes you are a felon, Mr. Sportswriter and Sport Broaacaster. Enough ASaid!!!!!
Dump Lowe. He’s washed up. And dump Frank Wren. Helied to Smoltz and Glavine. Never trust a LIAR!!!!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:38 pm
I’m thinking Tech needs to find some defenders, Barry, if it’s going to go higher than 11-2. Can’t simply outscore everybody every game of every year, can you?
Georgia is intriguing. It will have a new quarterback yet again, which never helps, but most of the best players should be back. I could see Georgia having a bounceback year. And there won’t be a Tim Tebow in the way, as I’m guessing you know.
Not Disappointed
December 16th, 2009
12:38 pm
Barry, you’re too funny….
Hillbilly Deluxe
December 16th, 2009
12:39 pm
Who else are you voting to put in the Hall, Mark?
Supersize that order, mutt
December 16th, 2009
12:39 pm
Mark, what is your personal take on Dave Wommack? Do you think CPJ will keep him for another year? I know that consistency in the coaching staff is a plus, but in 2 years, Wommack hasn’t produced a creditable defense, and, from what I gather, CPJ more-or-less took command over him after mid-season this year. I personally think Tech needs someone different, consistency or not. What do you think, and have you heard any rumors one way or the other regarding it?
Chris
December 16th, 2009
12:39 pm
Mark…..I know the Braves need another big bat to add to Chipper in the lineup. However, when the Braves were really good we had a true Leadoff man like Otis Nixon, Marquis Grisom, etc….. We is it the Braves never take about getting a guy that can steal bases and put pressure on other teams and set the table for the big bats?
Mark Bradley
December 16th, 2009
12:40 pm
The baseball postseason is a different animal, SadDawg. The team with the best record usually doesn’t win, which makes no sense until you realize that the wild card changed everything.
And I believe I’d rather be the Atlanta Braves than, say, the Pittsburgh Pirates.
ProScout
December 16th, 2009
12:40 pm
They won 1 WS in 14 tries, you do the Math. Lost one after being up 2-0. You would think the law of averages would dictate at least 2 maybe 3 more than they won.
Bdawg
December 16th, 2009
12:41 pm
Yo Mark! I just got this info on UGA’s D coordinator position.
I’ve gotten word from a VERY credible source that Kirby Smart is very intrested in the job and there is more than a good chance that he could end up in Athens. A friend of mine who is a High School coach and former player of the 2000 Valdosta State football team in which Will Muschamp coached defense, said that after mingling with Muschamp and Smart at the Georgia State Championships this weekend at the Georgia Dome, Smart said he was interested in the possibilities of coaching in his home state. And get this Dawg fans, it is a better chance of him coming if Bama wins the NC. It would give him even more leverage when it comes to salary negotiations. He also said that he and Saban have had talks about the posibility of UGA coming after him and plan to match whatever offer UGA throws his way. It was also said that from this source that Smart said Saban although a great coach, is a work-a-holic and he didn’t have as much time with his family as he would like. This bodes well for Richt and his more family orientated coaching style. To draw my conclusion from this exchange, is that Bama is gonna try and match whatever UGA does, but in the end it’s gonna come down to where Smart wants to be, and from this info UGA could have their next DC. He also said discussions wouldn’t really start til after the title game.