THE CRANKSHAFT GAZETTE: Kentucky apologizes for poor showing in Columbia

THIS IS A "FAKE" STORY - DO NOT TAKE IT TOO SERIOUS!



AUTHOR: RUSTY CRANKSHAFT --

Humiliated and embarrassed, John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats left Columbia with their tails between their legs.  The Wildcats barely eeked out an 86-52 win over Carolina, but they are lucky it wasn’t much closer.  Calipari knew exactly where to place the blame for the bad day.  “Kentucky fans who live in South Carolina really dropped the ball today.  I only saw blue shirts in about 11,000 of the 18,000 seats.  That was barely a home game atmosphere.  Truthfully, we’re lucky that thing didn’t drop into the high 20s.  I know we have work to do and we’ll get to it.” 

Gamecock fans had to feel good about the close loss and they were actually heard cheering during introductions.  USC head coach Darrin Horn says even though it is technically a loss, there are many positives.  “They get the win, but they know they were in a fight today.  Sure, they have better players, better coaches and the bigger crowd in our arena, but I wouldn’t say they are a better program.  They don’t want to see us again, I will say that.  The gap may drop into the teens if they aren’t careful.”

When it was pointed out to Coach Horn that his Gamecocks only lost by 15 at Rupp Arena earlier this year, and that some would look at Saturday as a step backwards, Horn said that kind of thinking is just silly.  “Progress is sometimes tough to see and understand, especially for the lay-folk.  We know we’ve got a good thing going and to come out here today and face this kind of hostile crowd and hold it down to a 34 point deficit says worlds about our program and where we’re headed.  Eric Hyman gets the big picture.  Sure, some teams have wins, rankings and championships.  We leave all that to the baseball team.  Basketball is about something deeper and hidden in Columbia.” 

Baseball rivalry strikes the right tone!

There are many similarities between baseball and football in the Palmetto State.  In both sports, the Gamecocks and Tigers have nationally ranked programs.  Clemson has a national title in football, and Carolina has two in baseball.  Both consistently make each sport’s post-season and recruit well for the future.  In other words, both schools are good in both sports! 

The fan bases of garnet and orange seem to be comfortable with this notion in baseball.  My friends of orange ilk and I seem to talk differently in the spring to each other.  The tone is relaxed, enjoyable and we all seem to be secure enough in our own team to be objective about our rivals.  Unlike football, a positive comment about one team doesn’t automatically have to be answered by a similar comment about the other team. (A fun experiment I have done many times if you are skeptical) 

Don’t misunderstand, this doesn’t mean there is “no rivalry” in baseball.  The crowds are bigger and rowdier when the 2 teams meet and the players and coaches get after it as they should.  I just don’t see the “nastiness” in the spring that flows in the fall.  Baseball has it right. 

Granted, football is and always will be King in the South, so it’s not surprising that there is a higher level of passion on the gridiron.  College baseball has advanced light years in popularity in my lifetime, but it still is a distant 2^nd to football.  That is not going to change, and that’s fine.  But why is it just so ugly and nasty all the time in football?

If you don’t think this is true, just check Facebook or Twitter during football season.  When one team loses a game, here is what you’ll see lots of from the other fans:  “Where are all the ____ fans now?  They are sure quiet now.  HA HA HA!”  Then when their team loses, you see back the same thing in return.  Then the original person says something like, “I just don’t understand why ____ fans take such pleasure in my team losing!”  And let me clear up any doubt, both sides do it equally even though both fan bases believe that the other team’s fans do it more.  They’re both wrong!  (Side note:  You people who pull for your rival to lose more than for your team to win, seriously consider getting help or finding a new hobby!)

Seriously, if both teams stay consistently good in football, this problem may take care of itself.  Over time, the baseball rivalry tone may become the norm for kickoffs also.  I hope so.  There is just no need for it to be so dadgum personal.  I have seen friendships and families affected by it and that is just sad. 

When I started this blog, one of my goals was to illustrate through example how you can poke fun at your rival without getting all dark and mean about it.  I have my Moo U articles every week to do this, and they have been a big success with both sets of fans.  I have only had one “formal” negative complaint from a Tiger so far and it wasn’t even about a Moo U article.  Thanks to everyone, Garnet, Orange and other who read The Cockabooster!  I will continue to show you can have the passion and fun without the hate.  J

SPECIAL INTERVIEW: PART 4 - Scott Wingo

The Cock-A-Booster (Ted Felder) was fortunate to be able to sit down with former Two-Time National Champion USC Player - SCOTT WINGO.  This is PART FOUR of a multi-part interview with Scott.  We will release the remaining parts of this interview each week leading up to the 2012 Gamecock Baseball season.  The Cock-A-Booster would like to thank Scott Wingo for sitting down with us and talking about  the past, present, and future of the YARD COCKS!

PARTS 1, 2, and 3 are available by clicking on "SCOTT WINGO INTERVIEWS" tab above.






NOTE:  If you are unable to hear this interview or it will not download on your computer, please email us and we will send you the file via email.

SPECIAL INTERVIEW: PART 3 - Scott Wingo

The Cock-A-Booster (Ted Felder) was fortunate to be able to sit down with former Two-Time National Champion USC Player - SCOTT WINGO.  This is PART THREE of a multi-part interview with Scott.  We will release the remaining parts of this interview each week leading up to the 2012 Gamecock Baseball season.  The Cock-A-Booster would like to thank Scott Wingo for sitting down with us and talking about  the past, present, and future of the YARD COCKS!

PARTS 1, and 2 are available by clicking on "SCOTT WINGO INTERVIEWS" tab above.





NOTE:  If you are unable to hear this interview or it will not download on your computer, please email us and we will send you the file via email.

SPECIAL INTERVIEW: PART 2 - Scott Wingo

The Cock-A-Booster (Ted Felder) was fortunate to be able to sit down with former Two-Time National Champion USC Player - SCOTT WINGO.  This is PART TWO of a multi-part interview with Scott.  We will release the remaining parts of this interview each week leading up to the 2012 Gamecock Baseball season.  The Cock-A-Booster would like to thank Scott Wingo for sitting down with us and talking about  the past, present, and future of the YARD COCKS!

PARTS 1 is available by clicking on "SCOTT WINGO INTERVIEWS" tab above.





NOTE:  If you are unable to hear this interview or it will not download on your computer, please email us and we will send you the file via email.

SPECIAL INTERVIEW: PART 1 - Scott Wingo

The Cock-A-Booster (Ted Felder) was fortunate to be able to sit down with former Two-Time National Champion USC Player - SCOTT WINGO.  This is part one of a  multi-part interview with Scott.  We will release the remaining parts of this interview each week leading up to the 2012 Gamecock Baseball season.  The Cock-A-Booster would like to thank Scott Wingo for sitting down with us and talking about  the past, present, and future of the YARD COCKS!








NOTE:  If you are unable to hear this interview or it will not download on your computer, please email us and we will send you the file via email.

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Here are some other Wingo video clips you may enjoy...

MOO U News: Incoming Moo U quarterback already acting like Dabo

THIS IS A "FAKE" STORY - DO NOT TAKE IT TOO SERIOUS!

AUTHOR: RUSTY CRANKSHAFT --

I want to be the backup!  Watch out Cole Stoudt.

A northeast quarterback recruit with NFL lineage who committed to Moo U is already showing signs that he will fit right into the program.  Chad Kelly is NFL QB Jim Kelly’s nephew, but his behavior indicates that he could be Dabo Swinney’s son.  The St. Joseph’s standout attacked his future teammate and backup Tiger QB Cole Stoudt via social media this week, letting Stoudt know that there was a reason Stoudt was on the bench at Clemson and that he was coming to town to take over as the #2 QB.  

When it was pointed out that most people who pull the “cowboy” routine actually say they are coming to be the #1 QB, he wouldn’t directly attack starter Tajh Boyd.  Instead he pointed out that he has a rap song about him already, and that Boyd needed pushing every day. 

Attributing all of the quotes to Steve Spurrier and then going on a patented Swinney rant, Dabo said that Kelly’s antics show that he loves his new coach and that he just showing he is all in all the freaking time.  “Yes, we believe the best way you can show how much you love your new Clemson family is to attack your future teammates personally through social media.  If Steve Spurrier doesn’t like it he can tweet that!” 

Tajh Boyd was asked his thoughts on the matter.  After making sure that Jadeveon Clowney and Devin Taylor were not about to sack him again, Boyd says Kelly’s comments do not bother him.  “Like Quarterback, like Coach.  It’s all good here man.” 

The “Price” will always be right!

Has there ever been a more intimidating figure at South Carolina than Matt Price?  I have only followed Gamecock sports since the mid-70s, but in that time only a few other names even compete.  (And let’s remember I am talking about intimidation as opposed to results or raw numbers)  He doesn’t do much talking or self-promotion, and neither is necessary.  His chilling presence, timely strikeouts and fierce “holler” as he closes out big innings are more than enough.  As my Father of 67 years likes to say, “he’s a man’s man in a time when there aren’t many left.” 

I believe it was Gamecock Central’s Scott Hood who tipped his cap to Ozzy Osbourne’s 1997 compilation album and coined the phrase “The Priceman Cometh” to describe when #22 enters a game from the bullpen.  That’s an accurate way to describe it.  Whether you think of Price as the intimidating force that eliminates all hope for Gamecock opponents, as a magician working his team out of impossible situations, or just the USC version of “Rick Vaughn,” Sumter’s shut-down save King has been incredible to watch.

You all know the great moments for Price.  Among them are the bases loaded, no out appearance against Coastal in the Supers of 2010, shutting down UCLA in the finals from that year, neutering the UConn pups in 2011, his epic performance against Virginia at the CWS and closing out the Gators to win title #2.  Yes, there are 100 others but you get the idea.  He’s awesome.  

Because of this deep legacy of success, Matt’s move to the starting rotation for 2012 is in the spotlight.  Now I have no doubt that he will be just fine starting on the weekend.  If his 5 2/3 innings scoreless innings against Virginia in Omaha are any indication, we’re in for a treat. 

But what about the bullpen?  You’re only being honest by admitting there is some concern about it without him.  Don’t misunderstand, he has earned the right to be a starter and improve his draft stock.  I’d rather have him there than not in Columbia.  And the truth is that even if Price was still in the closer role this spring, replacing John Taylor alone was going to be a significant task.  So just like in the batting lineup, a new look and feel to the bullpen is the reality we face as USC defends its national titles. 

The good news is that Ray Tanner is a wizard at reloading instead of rebuilding.  Gamecock fans can also take comfort in the fact that there are many experienced arms on the roster, and this depth will help the transition take place.  In the meantime, it has been fun to make the fans of our opponents wince just by mentioning our weekend rotation.  I’ll take Roth and Price against any other pair in college baseball. 

If a few other questions get answered the right way, we could be talking about three titles when “The Priceman Leaveth.” 

The COCK-A-BOOSTER welcomes a new sponsor...

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Baseball faces tough road back to Omaha, but Trust in Tanner!

"In Tanner We Trust!"

I plan to do a more “in-depth” preview of the upcoming baseball season in the next few weeks, but the national media has FINALLY agreed that Ray Tanner’s club is one of the Top 5 in the country going into a season.  Even though we’ve won the last two national championships, they stubbornly refuse to make USC a preseason #1 and that suits me just fine.  The Gamecocks are #2 behind an SEC East Rival. 

According to Collegiate Baseball, the Citrus Lizards from Gainesville have been declared the team that will win it all at the College World Series.  Frankly, you can see why folks are high on Florida.  Hudson Randall is the ace of an outstanding Gator pitching staff that includes Karsten Whitson and consistent hitting throughout the lineup.   Is it any accident that ESPN’s first Thursday night national matchup centers on the #1 Gators coming to Columbia to face the Gamecocks? 

It’s not just Florida we have to worry about either.  The SEC has 4 SEC East teams and 6 total teams in the top 23 in the aforementioned poll, and all 12 SEC teams received votes!  Add in that we have our normal oddly arranged 3 games with Clemson on top of that and USC will face another brutal slate of games in the spring. 

Matt Price

Several other questions must be addressed as well.  First, can we adequately replace some big names that have gone including Scott Wingo, Robert Beary, Adrian Morales, John Taylor and Jackie Bradley, Jr.? Next, how will Matt Price do moving into a starting role?  We know what an absolute intimidating force he has been as a closer.  As a great Gamecock fan told me once, “When he (Price) comes in, he has to have a wheelbarrow with him.”  Hopefully he will be just as effective as a starter.  Finally, there is that always crucial intangible factor of chemistry.  Our national title teams clearly had it and any winning baseball team will.  

At the center of all of this is the heart and soul of our University’s athletic family, the great Ray Tanner.  I have no idea if he is a technical baseball genius or not, but he has leadership and guts, and sometimes that’s enough.  He has made us an elite program at a time when College Baseball is enjoying a meteoric rise in popularity.  He also has the entire Gamecock Nation in his corner, and not just for the last two years. 

Due to that recent success, history revisionists may have forgotten all about what the 2000 baseball team did for the University.  Why do I say that about a team that didn’t even make it to Omaha?  Because of the context of where the men’s major sports were at the time.  We had just finished the 1-21 stretch in football.  Basketball was going nowhere.  We had losing streaks to the Tigers in all three sports.  The State ran an April Fools headline that year saying we had eliminated the football program.  I am telling you…things were BAD! 

Gators picked to unseat the Gamecocks

Then comes Ray Tanner’s 2000 club.  We won two HUGE games over Clemson when they were needed the most.  We rolled to a 25-5 mark in the SEC and won the conference title.  We won 56 games and started a five-year stretch where we were the winningest baseball program in the nation.  In short, it gave Carolina hope and a big shot in the arm.  And it laid the foundation for the YardCocks explosion in 2010 and 2011. 

So bring it on Tigers, Gators, Commodores, and Bulldogs.  I Trust in Tanner!  Win or lose, I’m on the YardCock Express and the 2012 Train is about to leave the station bound for Omaha!