Filed under: BravesATLANTA -- Sorry, but I don't believe this is it for Bobby Cox. I've never believed it. I've been around the guy for much of his three decades managing in the major leagues that has included 25 years with the Atlanta Braves, and I know so many things to be true.
For instance: Baseball is Cox's oxygen.
Billy Martin. Sparky Anderson. Joe Torre. I've covered several managers of note through the years, but I've never seen anybody enjoy everything about managing more than this baseball lifer who isn't averse to arriving six, seven, eight hours before the first pitch. He spends that whole stretch in uniform just -- well, just because.
Not only that, there never has been anybody better than Cox at the combination of Xs and Os and inspiring players.
He's the all-time perfect manager.
Friday, October 1, 2010
As Rain Changes Schedule, Pavin Digs for New Strategy
Filed under: Ryder CupNEWPORT, Wales -- Strategies changed Friday at the Ryder Cup after a seven-plus hour rain delay scrambled the three-day schedule, leaving the opening best-ball incomplete and pushing the afternoon alternate-shot format into Saturday. And beyond?
In an attempt to at least hope to crown a winner on Sunday, U.S. captain Corey Pavin and European boss Colin Montgomerie agreed to alter the playing schedule.
Instead of a total of five session played over three days, there will be four. But to retain the total of 28 available points, the two remaining two-man team matches remaining before the singles competition, will be enlarged from four groups to six.
The second session -- Saturday morning -- will consist of six foursome matches while the third session -- Saturday afternoon -- will consist of two foursome and four four-ball matches.
The 12 singles matches will still take place as originally planned Sunday afternoon -- weather permitting.
The result is that every member of each 12-man team will see duty, forcing captains to depend on performances from four players in each group that he would have sat out.
More 2010 Ryder Cup
Elliott: Americans Overcome Weather, Wardrobe to Take Lead
Video: Day 1 Highlights: Key Match Moments
More: Rain Changes TV Schedule | Ryder Cup Scores | Photos
The alternate shot format is considered the most difficult for many players to play.
In an attempt to at least hope to crown a winner on Sunday, U.S. captain Corey Pavin and European boss Colin Montgomerie agreed to alter the playing schedule.
Instead of a total of five session played over three days, there will be four. But to retain the total of 28 available points, the two remaining two-man team matches remaining before the singles competition, will be enlarged from four groups to six.
The second session -- Saturday morning -- will consist of six foursome matches while the third session -- Saturday afternoon -- will consist of two foursome and four four-ball matches.
The 12 singles matches will still take place as originally planned Sunday afternoon -- weather permitting.
The result is that every member of each 12-man team will see duty, forcing captains to depend on performances from four players in each group that he would have sat out.
More 2010 Ryder Cup
Elliott: Americans Overcome Weather, Wardrobe to Take Lead
Video: Day 1 Highlights: Key Match Moments
More: Rain Changes TV Schedule | Ryder Cup Scores | Photos
The alternate shot format is considered the most difficult for many players to play.
Bobby Cox as Others See Him
Filed under: BravesThis is the final regular-season weekend for Bobby Cox, one of the most successful managers in major-league history. The Braves' manager since 1990, Cox is fourth all-time with 2,503 wins, tied for first all-time with six 100-win seasons and third all-time at 504 games over .500.
Cox, 69, managed the Braves from 1978 to 1981, then the Blue Jays from 1982 to 1985. He became general manager in Atlanta before moving back to the dugout in 1990. A year later he started a record streak of 14 straight postseason appearances, interrupted only by the 1994 strike.
What's remarkable is not only Cox's record but the respect he has earned throughout the game. Despite a record 158 ejections in his career -- if you look at it, fewer than six per 162 games -- he is admired for his handling of players, his humility and his class.
We asked people who interacted with Cox in different capacities what made him so good:
Cox, 69, managed the Braves from 1978 to 1981, then the Blue Jays from 1982 to 1985. He became general manager in Atlanta before moving back to the dugout in 1990. A year later he started a record streak of 14 straight postseason appearances, interrupted only by the 1994 strike.
What's remarkable is not only Cox's record but the respect he has earned throughout the game. Despite a record 158 ejections in his career -- if you look at it, fewer than six per 162 games -- he is admired for his handling of players, his humility and his class.
We asked people who interacted with Cox in different capacities what made him so good:
David Stern Cliff Lee Shaun Rogers Michael Vick Terrell Owens
Oklahoma State Rallies Late to Thwart Texas A&M
Filed under: Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Big 12STILLWATER, Okla. -- The series between Texas A&M and Oklahoma State has been anything but predictable in recent years.
The two Big 12 South foes kept it going late Thursday night with OSU holding on for a wild 38-35 league-opening win that wasn't decided until place-kicker Dan Bailey's 40-yard field goal went through the uprights as time expired at Boone Pickens Stadium.
"It was intense," said Bailey. "It's one of those moments you practice for, and you jut approach it like it is any other kick and just put it through the uprights."
Bailey's game-winning field goal capped a night in which the Cowboys scored 28 unanswered points in the second half to rally from a 14-point halftime deficit only to allow A&M to score 14 straight late in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 35-35 with 2:54 remaining.
But the Cowboys were able to capitalize on Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson's fourth interception (his fifth turnover of the night) in the waning seconds of the game. Three plays after true freshman linebacker Shaun Lewis picked off Johnson with 16 seconds left, Bailey booted the game-winning field goal.
The two Big 12 South foes kept it going late Thursday night with OSU holding on for a wild 38-35 league-opening win that wasn't decided until place-kicker Dan Bailey's 40-yard field goal went through the uprights as time expired at Boone Pickens Stadium.
"It was intense," said Bailey. "It's one of those moments you practice for, and you jut approach it like it is any other kick and just put it through the uprights."
Bailey's game-winning field goal capped a night in which the Cowboys scored 28 unanswered points in the second half to rally from a 14-point halftime deficit only to allow A&M to score 14 straight late in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 35-35 with 2:54 remaining.
But the Cowboys were able to capitalize on Texas A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson's fourth interception (his fifth turnover of the night) in the waning seconds of the game. Three plays after true freshman linebacker Shaun Lewis picked off Johnson with 16 seconds left, Bailey booted the game-winning field goal.
Tyrone Prothro, Former Alabama Star Turned Bank Teller
Filed under: Alabama, Florida, SEC
Five years after his career ended on a pass play against Florida, former Alabama wide receiver Tyrone Prothro works as a Regions Bank teller across the street from the Alabama football complex. From 8:30 to 5 each day, one of the most exciting playmakers in Alabama history helps Crimson Tide fans make their checking and savings deposits and withdrawals.
"People don't believe it's me," said Prothro, "I've got a name tag and a nameplate. They look down, then they look back up, and I'm like, 'It's me.' "
Five years ago, no one could tackle Prothro.
The Crimson Tide led Florida, 31-3, and was in the process of delivering the worst beating of Urban Meyer's coaching career. As the Alabama faithful rose to their feet, it was fourth and 5 with just under nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Prothro was unstoppable that day, having already caught seven balls for 134 yards and two touchdowns. In fact, the only time Florida had stopped him was when officials threw a flag to call back his punt return for a touchdown. Now, on the snap, Prothro, the diminutive number four in the crimson jersey and white pants, streaked past his defender. "I had him beat by five yards," Prothro said, five years later, "It was going to be a touchdown."
Five years after his career ended on a pass play against Florida, former Alabama wide receiver Tyrone Prothro works as a Regions Bank teller across the street from the Alabama football complex. From 8:30 to 5 each day, one of the most exciting playmakers in Alabama history helps Crimson Tide fans make their checking and savings deposits and withdrawals.
"People don't believe it's me," said Prothro, "I've got a name tag and a nameplate. They look down, then they look back up, and I'm like, 'It's me.' "
Five years ago, no one could tackle Prothro.
The Crimson Tide led Florida, 31-3, and was in the process of delivering the worst beating of Urban Meyer's coaching career. As the Alabama faithful rose to their feet, it was fourth and 5 with just under nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Prothro was unstoppable that day, having already caught seven balls for 134 yards and two touchdowns. In fact, the only time Florida had stopped him was when officials threw a flag to call back his punt return for a touchdown. Now, on the snap, Prothro, the diminutive number four in the crimson jersey and white pants, streaked past his defender. "I had him beat by five yards," Prothro said, five years later, "It was going to be a touchdown."
Dolph Ziggler Looking Ahead to WWE SmackDown's Move to SyFy
Filed under: Pro WrestlingIn case you haven't heard, WWE "SmackDown" is on the move. Beginning on Friday night, the TV show will be airing on SyFy (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET) with the first program going live that night.
Among the wrestlers that will be featured is current WWE Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler, one of the younger superstars making his way up the ladder in the company. He'll tell you he deserves it, too, as he's doesn't lack for confidence. He also believes he has worked hard to earn the spot, with even more coming his way in the future.
Recently, FanHouse spoke with Ziggler about the move of "SmackDown" to SyFy, working in WWE after being a lifelong wrestling fan, being in the Spirit Squad, and more.
Brian Fritz: Lately, you've really been on a roll on SmackDown. When was the first time you thought I've really made it?
Dolph Ziggler: Honestly, I've had a lot of goals my entire career and just getting signed to the WWE and to developmental and then getting called up to the main roster, those were all big goals. Actually, getting an Intercontinental Title match with Rey Mysterio last year was a big step for me. Wow, they think I can go with some of the best in the world and I'm more than happy to hold my own and delivering in all those Pay-Per-View matches against Rey Mysterio really made me feel like I belong and I was one of the roster.
It funny you say that because I really thought that's when things really began to click for you, too. What did it do for you and your confidence after the matches with Rey?
Being in the ring with Rey, it's hard to explain. That's one of the coolest things ever. I grew up watching that guy. He's still just as fast, just as cool and just as amazing now and I get a chance to be in there and I have a shot at winning his title. For your confidence, that's unreal that the company believes that you can go in there with him and possibly steal the show at Summerslam. And that's what we tried to do. I'm a perfectionist, so when I come back one thing will sit on my mind like I could have been a little better here or here. But watching that back, I actually went I'm pretty damn happy with that. I can build from here. I think I can be the Intercontinental Champion and one day a world champion.
Among the wrestlers that will be featured is current WWE Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler, one of the younger superstars making his way up the ladder in the company. He'll tell you he deserves it, too, as he's doesn't lack for confidence. He also believes he has worked hard to earn the spot, with even more coming his way in the future.
Recently, FanHouse spoke with Ziggler about the move of "SmackDown" to SyFy, working in WWE after being a lifelong wrestling fan, being in the Spirit Squad, and more.
Brian Fritz: Lately, you've really been on a roll on SmackDown. When was the first time you thought I've really made it?
Dolph Ziggler: Honestly, I've had a lot of goals my entire career and just getting signed to the WWE and to developmental and then getting called up to the main roster, those were all big goals. Actually, getting an Intercontinental Title match with Rey Mysterio last year was a big step for me. Wow, they think I can go with some of the best in the world and I'm more than happy to hold my own and delivering in all those Pay-Per-View matches against Rey Mysterio really made me feel like I belong and I was one of the roster.
It funny you say that because I really thought that's when things really began to click for you, too. What did it do for you and your confidence after the matches with Rey?
Being in the ring with Rey, it's hard to explain. That's one of the coolest things ever. I grew up watching that guy. He's still just as fast, just as cool and just as amazing now and I get a chance to be in there and I have a shot at winning his title. For your confidence, that's unreal that the company believes that you can go in there with him and possibly steal the show at Summerslam. And that's what we tried to do. I'm a perfectionist, so when I come back one thing will sit on my mind like I could have been a little better here or here. But watching that back, I actually went I'm pretty damn happy with that. I can build from here. I think I can be the Intercontinental Champion and one day a world champion.
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Fernandez gets Spain into quarters (AP)
ISTANBUL (AP)?Juan Carlos Navarro(notes) scored 22 points for Spain in an 80-72
victory that eliminated Greece from the basketball world championships Saturday.
The Spaniards made 8 of 18 3-pointers and used a 13-3 run in the fourth
quarter to push ahead during the game in the round of 16.
Greece closed within 72-68 on Vasileios Spanoulis? layup with 1:01 left in
the game, but Ricky Rubio(notes) answered with two free throws.
?It was very a tough game for us,? Rubio said of a game which drew 15,000
to Sinan Erdem Dome. ?Obviously it was not easy. We have faced some similar
problems before with teams like Lithuania because they play very physically and
tough.?
Rudy Fernandez(notes) of the Portland Trailblazers scored 14 for Spain.
Dimitrios Dimantidis and Nikolaos Zisis each had 16 points for the Greeks,
which has lost to Spain seven straight times. Sofoklis Schortsanitis added 13
points.
Spain built a 37-31 going into halftime as Greece missed all three of its
3-point attempts.
?We had trouble attacking their zone,? Greek coach Jonas Kazlauskas said.
?Our shooting from outside was not strong enough to beat a team like Spain.?
In the second half, Greece made seven of 20 3-point attempts.
Still, Greece opened the second half with a 7-0 run keyed by turnovers
caused by Schortsanitis, who finished with 13 points.
First, the Greek center ripped the ball from guard Spanish guard Juan Carlos
Navarro.
After a jumper by Zisis, the 6-9 center stayed on his feet to easily block a
running layup attempt by 7-1 Marc Gasol(notes). Antonios Fotsis then hit a corner three
to put Greece up 38-37 two minutes into the half.
Greece built its lead to as much as 51-45 with 2:45 left in the third
quarter, but Spain scored six straight points to end the quarter.
The Greeks struggled to shoot over Spain?s zone in the last quarter, making
only seven of 18 field goal attempts.
And when they did get to the free throw line, the struggles didn?t end:
Greece missed nine of 16 free throw attempts in the game.
?We wanted to play zone because some matchups on the pick and roll were
giving up problems,? Scariolo said.
Spain will play Serbia on Wednesday in the quarterfinals. Serbia beat
Croatia 73-72 earlier Saturday.
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victory that eliminated Greece from the basketball world championships Saturday.
The Spaniards made 8 of 18 3-pointers and used a 13-3 run in the fourth
quarter to push ahead during the game in the round of 16.
Greece closed within 72-68 on Vasileios Spanoulis? layup with 1:01 left in
the game, but Ricky Rubio(notes) answered with two free throws.
?It was very a tough game for us,? Rubio said of a game which drew 15,000
to Sinan Erdem Dome. ?Obviously it was not easy. We have faced some similar
problems before with teams like Lithuania because they play very physically and
tough.?
Rudy Fernandez(notes) of the Portland Trailblazers scored 14 for Spain.
Dimitrios Dimantidis and Nikolaos Zisis each had 16 points for the Greeks,
which has lost to Spain seven straight times. Sofoklis Schortsanitis added 13
points.
Spain built a 37-31 going into halftime as Greece missed all three of its
3-point attempts.
?We had trouble attacking their zone,? Greek coach Jonas Kazlauskas said.
?Our shooting from outside was not strong enough to beat a team like Spain.?
In the second half, Greece made seven of 20 3-point attempts.
Still, Greece opened the second half with a 7-0 run keyed by turnovers
caused by Schortsanitis, who finished with 13 points.
First, the Greek center ripped the ball from guard Spanish guard Juan Carlos
Navarro.
After a jumper by Zisis, the 6-9 center stayed on his feet to easily block a
running layup attempt by 7-1 Marc Gasol(notes). Antonios Fotsis then hit a corner three
to put Greece up 38-37 two minutes into the half.
Greece built its lead to as much as 51-45 with 2:45 left in the third
quarter, but Spain scored six straight points to end the quarter.
The Greeks struggled to shoot over Spain?s zone in the last quarter, making
only seven of 18 field goal attempts.
And when they did get to the free throw line, the struggles didn?t end:
Greece missed nine of 16 free throw attempts in the game.
?We wanted to play zone because some matchups on the pick and roll were
giving up problems,? Scariolo said.
Spain will play Serbia on Wednesday in the quarterfinals. Serbia beat
Croatia 73-72 earlier Saturday.
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