The day's events are winding down, and it will be onto the tournament action on Thursday. I love the anticipation of the PGA Tour teeing it up in my backyard. It's going to be a great weekend, provided the weather holds.
-Tiger Woods looked very relaxed during his round, and very focused. Had a chance to follow him on his back nine as he played alongside Peyton manning (yes, THAT Peyton Manning). The two sports stars exchanged playful verbal jabs all the way around the course. While Manning was signing plenty of hats, pictures, and cards, Tiger was in his office. He didn't sign one item until his round was complete. Then he likely burned up 2 Sharpies signing the items placed into his hands. It was quite the sight. Glad some lucky fans got the ink from the Man.
-Pairings notes for the first two days....Want international players? Your group goes off at 12:40 on hole #1 on Thursday. The players: Camilo Villegas (Colombia), Vijay Singh (Fiji Islands), and Padraig Harrington (Ireland). You have a past champ, the 2008 Player of the Year, and one of the guys the ladies seem to fawn over. I think you can figure out who I am talking about.
The 12:50 Thursday group off the first includes Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, and Anthony Kim. You could do worse to follow that group.
The big name threesome goes off number 10 at 7:40. Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk and David Toms. 3 past champions of this event, and Sergio Garcia goes in the group in front of them at 7:30. It's a star-studded field, and there will be plenty to see.
Enjoy your week!
Mike Solarte
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Panthers don't need Vick, so shhhhhhhh!!!
While walking the course at Wednesday’s Quail Hollow pro-am event, I couldn’t help but overhear a number of conversations from the thousands of attendees on hand. And, though I tried to tell myself I was just imagining things, I heard lots of people talking about how they believe the Carolina Panthers should go after Michael Vick.
These people were displeased with the Panthers and their recent contract moves with current quarterback Jake Delhomme. They felt that Vick, fresh out of prison and no longer fighting dogs, would be the best bet to lead the team forward after their unceremonious departure from the NFC playoffs last year.
Let me tell you why that is a stupid idea.
First of all, despite one of the worst playoff performances I’ve ever seen, Jake isn’t a bad quarterback. He helped led the team to a great record last year before falling apart in that last game. And even then, how much of that was his fault? How much fault lies on the coaching staff from going away from the ground game that much of the year had been hammering teams? Despite their increased defensive abilities in the playoffs, Arizona could be ran on.
But Delhomme isn’t the questionable part of the (Carolina +Vick) – Delhomme = Super Bowl formula. The stupid part is the section of that formula where we bring in a quarterback that, at his best, was just a rich man’s Kordell Stewart. Vick is not a good quarterback. In fact, he’s a terrible quarterback, and that was before he spent time in the slammer. I doubt he learned how to throw accurately while lifting weights in prison.
Vick is a running back who for some reason likes to throw a lot. The Panthers don’t need another running back. And they don’t need a new quarterback. People need to chill. Peyton Manning had some bad playoff games, but you don’t hear people calling for his head. And, he got over those problems and won a Super Bowl.
The Panthers, despite the pain many people are still feeling from last year, still have Steve Smith and a dynamic running game. Hopefully we can still get something out of Peppers. Matt Ryan is due for his sophomore slump, New Orleans can’t play defense and Tampa Bay is rebuilding. The Panthers ought to still win this division and make another run at the Super Bowl with Jake leading the way.
Michael Parks ~News14.com
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Quail Hollow quick hit
Running out the door to head to the Tuesday activities at the Quail Hollow Championship. Couple things:
PGA Tour player Webb Simpson will be stopping by the studio for a visit. Had the chance to chat with him on Monday, but looking forward to a few minutes with him. This is a guy IO covered when he was 9 years old. Now, to quote Vince Vaughn in Swingers, he's "all growns up." Great kid. You can see what I'm talking about at news14.com. Check out the Monday Quail Hollow wrap up.
Got an e-mail from a viewer asking if I was blind or insane (or something to that effect), when I said during Monday's Sports Night, the catch fence at Talladega did it's job on Sunday. So how am I blind or insane? Carl Edwards car ended up back on the race track. The fence is designed to do that. The 7 fans that suffered injuries, didn't get hit with the car. They got hit by pieces of debris from the car and fence. If the fence had failed, we wouldn't have had 7 injuries. We likely would have had double digit deaths. The fence did it's job. Next subject.
Don't know if I will get NFL Draft post-mortem thoughts out this week, as I will be basically living at the golf course. Mini-camp is this weekend for the Panthers. Hopefully, we'll get to hear some of their thoughts, in between birdies and bunker shots.
Mike Solarte
PGA Tour player Webb Simpson will be stopping by the studio for a visit. Had the chance to chat with him on Monday, but looking forward to a few minutes with him. This is a guy IO covered when he was 9 years old. Now, to quote Vince Vaughn in Swingers, he's "all growns up." Great kid. You can see what I'm talking about at news14.com. Check out the Monday Quail Hollow wrap up.
Got an e-mail from a viewer asking if I was blind or insane (or something to that effect), when I said during Monday's Sports Night, the catch fence at Talladega did it's job on Sunday. So how am I blind or insane? Carl Edwards car ended up back on the race track. The fence is designed to do that. The 7 fans that suffered injuries, didn't get hit with the car. They got hit by pieces of debris from the car and fence. If the fence had failed, we wouldn't have had 7 injuries. We likely would have had double digit deaths. The fence did it's job. Next subject.
Don't know if I will get NFL Draft post-mortem thoughts out this week, as I will be basically living at the golf course. Mini-camp is this weekend for the Panthers. Hopefully, we'll get to hear some of their thoughts, in between birdies and bunker shots.
Mike Solarte
Friday, April 24, 2009
Tiger coming to Charlotte
Tiger Woods is coming back to Charlotte, to play in the Quail Hollow Championship. His website posting that just after 10 a.m. on Friday, although no official word from the tournament directors (but we expect that to come sometime this afternoon).
The tournament is now in a unique position of having 2 current defending champions in their field. Tiger did not have a chance to defend his 2007 title, due to resting his knee after the Masters, and 2008 champ Anthony Kim will be back to defend his crown. Kinda cool.
Much more on this as the day goes on, but if there was any thought that this event would not be a sellout (and it's close to that now), this news should put them over the top. It's the first time the tournament hasn't been sold out this late in the month. Usually, it's a sellout before April begins (or at least it seems that way).
Tiger is coming off of a top 10 finish at the Masters, and a win at Bay Hill before that. The week just got more interesting.
Mike Solarte
The tournament is now in a unique position of having 2 current defending champions in their field. Tiger did not have a chance to defend his 2007 title, due to resting his knee after the Masters, and 2008 champ Anthony Kim will be back to defend his crown. Kinda cool.
Much more on this as the day goes on, but if there was any thought that this event would not be a sellout (and it's close to that now), this news should put them over the top. It's the first time the tournament hasn't been sold out this late in the month. Usually, it's a sellout before April begins (or at least it seems that way).
Tiger is coming off of a top 10 finish at the Masters, and a win at Bay Hill before that. The week just got more interesting.
Mike Solarte
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Curry, Lawson & Ellington jump to NBA
Thursday went from being a seemingly serene and calm day, to being a wild and crazy one.
Davidson guard Stephen Curry bucked my opinion, as well as a Wednesday night AP report, and chose to enter the NBA Draft. That was at 11:30 in the morning. 3 hours later, as expected, UNC standouts Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington followed suit.
Wow.
I wish all 3 good luck, and hope they find what they are looking for at the next level. Personally, I'm not sure Curry is physically ready for the next level, but his father Dell says that Steph's game is in better shape than his way when he came out of Virginia Tech. Steph is realizing his dream, and he'll be paid handsomely for it, if he is a first rounder, which I think he will be.
As for Lawson, this was a no-brainer. he was almost gone a year ago. Now that he has slipped a national championship ring on his finger, he can only repeat that performance. If he were to do that, he would go another year without NBA money. His stock rose (as if it needed to), during the NCAA tournament, when he basically played on one foot.
Ellington is a different story. I'm not sure there is one thing that sets him apart from other guard/forwards in this draft, other than his Final Four MVP award. He's not flashy, he's not overpowering, but he is consistent. That could lead to a long NBA career, although it could also be a journeyman type of career as well. In his case, time will tell, but he will be a viable pro.
Once upon a time, I had been against guys leaving school early to chase pro dreams, but I have seen the light. The window is so small for players to grab that brass ring, they have to strike when the iron is hot. Such is the case for all 3. Again, I wish them all well, and nothing but success.
The Carolina Panthers found themselves some salary cap room, by re-signing Jake Delhomme to a 5-year extension, worth $42.5 million dollars, and $20 of that is guaranteed. Anyone that didn't think this was coming was misguided. Anyone thinking this is a bad move is also misguided. Delhomme has been the best QB in franchise history, and his new deal rewards him for his entire body of work with the team, and certainly does not punish him for his abysmal performance in the playoff game with Arizona last year. Drink the hater-ade elsewhere, Delhomme is Carolina's guy for at least the next 2 seasons minimum.
Still no movement in the Julius Peppers saga. There's still a day and a half to go before the draft, though. We'll stay on top of it.
Mike Solarte
Davidson guard Stephen Curry bucked my opinion, as well as a Wednesday night AP report, and chose to enter the NBA Draft. That was at 11:30 in the morning. 3 hours later, as expected, UNC standouts Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington followed suit.
Wow.
I wish all 3 good luck, and hope they find what they are looking for at the next level. Personally, I'm not sure Curry is physically ready for the next level, but his father Dell says that Steph's game is in better shape than his way when he came out of Virginia Tech. Steph is realizing his dream, and he'll be paid handsomely for it, if he is a first rounder, which I think he will be.
As for Lawson, this was a no-brainer. he was almost gone a year ago. Now that he has slipped a national championship ring on his finger, he can only repeat that performance. If he were to do that, he would go another year without NBA money. His stock rose (as if it needed to), during the NCAA tournament, when he basically played on one foot.
Ellington is a different story. I'm not sure there is one thing that sets him apart from other guard/forwards in this draft, other than his Final Four MVP award. He's not flashy, he's not overpowering, but he is consistent. That could lead to a long NBA career, although it could also be a journeyman type of career as well. In his case, time will tell, but he will be a viable pro.
Once upon a time, I had been against guys leaving school early to chase pro dreams, but I have seen the light. The window is so small for players to grab that brass ring, they have to strike when the iron is hot. Such is the case for all 3. Again, I wish them all well, and nothing but success.
The Carolina Panthers found themselves some salary cap room, by re-signing Jake Delhomme to a 5-year extension, worth $42.5 million dollars, and $20 of that is guaranteed. Anyone that didn't think this was coming was misguided. Anyone thinking this is a bad move is also misguided. Delhomme has been the best QB in franchise history, and his new deal rewards him for his entire body of work with the team, and certainly does not punish him for his abysmal performance in the playoff game with Arizona last year. Drink the hater-ade elsewhere, Delhomme is Carolina's guy for at least the next 2 seasons minimum.
Still no movement in the Julius Peppers saga. There's still a day and a half to go before the draft, though. We'll stay on top of it.
Mike Solarte
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Still not into the NHL Playoffs?
It's getting too late for you to jump on the bandwagon.
True, it's only the first round, but already, the NHL has begun to reach back into the days of yore, and bring back that true essence of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
There have been exciting finishes (like the Hurricanes win in game 4 on Tuesday-more on that in a minute), wonderful performances by individuals, and most of all, hatred.
I know hate is an ugly word, but it is appropriate and pure in the playoffs. It just is. There are those that don't like it, but it's part of the game. Best of all, the ugliness translates into bone-crushing hits, nose-t0-nose discussions after whistles, and remarkably, very few actual fights.
And that's ok.
People who do not understand the game should not try and change it. Fighting has always been, and likely always be, and accepted part of the game. Believe it or not, fighting is actually far safer than the alternative. If fighting is banished from the game, then players will find other ways of retaliation. The end result will be stick infractions--and that's more of a crime than a penalty in a game. I would prefer to guys who are in a "disagreement", to drop the gloves, and settle it with bare hands, than have those same two using their sticks like axes. My NHL has grit, toughness, and fights. It also has speed, agility, grace and skill. I hope it stays that way forever.
Davidson guard Stephen Curry will announce his decision to stay in school or turn professional on Thursday morning. I don't have any info on this, but my hunch is that he will return to school. My reasons: 1) He wants to earn his degree, something which his family does support. Doing so at Davidson will be impossible if he goes pro, because Davidson does not have summer classes. 2) He loves the college game right now. He has enjoyed taking that program to new heights, and there is still more room under that ceiling. 3) He doesn't need the money, as his father's NBA career has more than provided for him, and his brother Seth. And 4), he's not physically ready. Sure he can bulk up, and learn on the job if he goes pro, but Curry wants to play. His body is not NBA ready right now, and while his jumpshot may be, other NBA guards might be able to wear him down, even in limited minutes.
Selfishly, I want him to stay, and if he decides to go pro, I will certainly wish him the best. Stephen Curry is the kind of player any coach would want, and the kind of kid any parent would be proud to call their own. Personally, I like Steph, and hope he makes the decision that is best for him.
We'll have a one-on-one chat with Sprint Cup driver Jimmie Johnson on Thursday night's show. I had the chance to sit down with him on Wednesday, and as always, he's engaging and fun to talk with. Be on the lookout for that on Sports Night!
Mike Solarte
True, it's only the first round, but already, the NHL has begun to reach back into the days of yore, and bring back that true essence of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
There have been exciting finishes (like the Hurricanes win in game 4 on Tuesday-more on that in a minute), wonderful performances by individuals, and most of all, hatred.
I know hate is an ugly word, but it is appropriate and pure in the playoffs. It just is. There are those that don't like it, but it's part of the game. Best of all, the ugliness translates into bone-crushing hits, nose-t0-nose discussions after whistles, and remarkably, very few actual fights.
And that's ok.
People who do not understand the game should not try and change it. Fighting has always been, and likely always be, and accepted part of the game. Believe it or not, fighting is actually far safer than the alternative. If fighting is banished from the game, then players will find other ways of retaliation. The end result will be stick infractions--and that's more of a crime than a penalty in a game. I would prefer to guys who are in a "disagreement", to drop the gloves, and settle it with bare hands, than have those same two using their sticks like axes. My NHL has grit, toughness, and fights. It also has speed, agility, grace and skill. I hope it stays that way forever.
Davidson guard Stephen Curry will announce his decision to stay in school or turn professional on Thursday morning. I don't have any info on this, but my hunch is that he will return to school. My reasons: 1) He wants to earn his degree, something which his family does support. Doing so at Davidson will be impossible if he goes pro, because Davidson does not have summer classes. 2) He loves the college game right now. He has enjoyed taking that program to new heights, and there is still more room under that ceiling. 3) He doesn't need the money, as his father's NBA career has more than provided for him, and his brother Seth. And 4), he's not physically ready. Sure he can bulk up, and learn on the job if he goes pro, but Curry wants to play. His body is not NBA ready right now, and while his jumpshot may be, other NBA guards might be able to wear him down, even in limited minutes.
Selfishly, I want him to stay, and if he decides to go pro, I will certainly wish him the best. Stephen Curry is the kind of player any coach would want, and the kind of kid any parent would be proud to call their own. Personally, I like Steph, and hope he makes the decision that is best for him.
We'll have a one-on-one chat with Sprint Cup driver Jimmie Johnson on Thursday night's show. I had the chance to sit down with him on Wednesday, and as always, he's engaging and fun to talk with. Be on the lookout for that on Sports Night!
Mike Solarte
Monday, April 20, 2009
Father Casts Long Shadow
Driving around Charlotte I noticed a few billboards that made me take pause. They were ads for next month's NASCAR Sprint Cup All-Star Race featuring a picture of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. It's smart advertising. Dale Jr., likely will be voted NASCAR's Most Popular Driver for the 7th consecutive year. And what better way to sell tickets in this economy than by featuring the sports most prominent driver. But I have to wonder if Rick Hendrick regrets booting Kyle Busch in favor of Dale Jr.?
In nearly half as many seasons, Kyle Busch has 14 cup victories to Dale Jr.'s 18. Coming off an 8-win season, Busch already has two wins and six top 10s this year and is 7th in the point standings. By comparison, Dale Jr. has two top 10s and no victories so far this season.
My point being, Dale Jr., hasn't yet lived up to the hype. After winning back-to-back Busch Series (now Nationwide) titles in 1998 & '99, he's won no championships in the Sprint Cup Series. Yes, he's won races at NASCAR's fabled tracks in Daytona and Talladega, but he's yet to take the checkered flag at Bristol, Indianapolis or here at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord (not counting the 2000 All-Star race).
When is father, Dale Sr., passed away on that fateful day in February at the Daytona 500 in 2001, the Earnhardt legacy was thrust upon Dale Jr., and I think unfairly so. The Intimidator's fans became his fans and being an Earnhardt, they --and even many us in the media-- expected him to take up the mantle by winning races and championships. His move last year to Hendrick Motor Sports was seen as the opportunity he needed to achieve those goals. But in a stable that includes 3-time champ Jimmie Johnson, 4-time champ Jeff Gordon, the competition is pretty steep.
Dale Jr., may still find glory at Hendrick Motor Sports, but for now, maybe NASCAR should do more to promote Johnson, Gordon, and; yes, even Kyle Busch. Drivers who frequent victory lane. Maybe if the spotlight became a little less intense for Dale Jr. will flourish. Unfortunately, unless he starts winning, Dale Jr. will be viewed no different than Kyle Petty. A capable driver who found it wasn't easy being a chip off the old block.
Jason Brown
In nearly half as many seasons, Kyle Busch has 14 cup victories to Dale Jr.'s 18. Coming off an 8-win season, Busch already has two wins and six top 10s this year and is 7th in the point standings. By comparison, Dale Jr. has two top 10s and no victories so far this season.
My point being, Dale Jr., hasn't yet lived up to the hype. After winning back-to-back Busch Series (now Nationwide) titles in 1998 & '99, he's won no championships in the Sprint Cup Series. Yes, he's won races at NASCAR's fabled tracks in Daytona and Talladega, but he's yet to take the checkered flag at Bristol, Indianapolis or here at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord (not counting the 2000 All-Star race).
When is father, Dale Sr., passed away on that fateful day in February at the Daytona 500 in 2001, the Earnhardt legacy was thrust upon Dale Jr., and I think unfairly so. The Intimidator's fans became his fans and being an Earnhardt, they --and even many us in the media-- expected him to take up the mantle by winning races and championships. His move last year to Hendrick Motor Sports was seen as the opportunity he needed to achieve those goals. But in a stable that includes 3-time champ Jimmie Johnson, 4-time champ Jeff Gordon, the competition is pretty steep.
Dale Jr., may still find glory at Hendrick Motor Sports, but for now, maybe NASCAR should do more to promote Johnson, Gordon, and; yes, even Kyle Busch. Drivers who frequent victory lane. Maybe if the spotlight became a little less intense for Dale Jr. will flourish. Unfortunately, unless he starts winning, Dale Jr. will be viewed no different than Kyle Petty. A capable driver who found it wasn't easy being a chip off the old block.
Jason Brown
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