Duck Baseball: A day of Firsts

Ducks win baseball debut at PK Park

Thanks to Molly Blue and the crew from the Oregonian for this little video.

The Ducks played their first home game in the new PK Park yesterday. Senior Andrew Schmidt hit a single with Eddy Rodriguez on base in the bottom of the ninth, which brought home the winning run. Oregon wins 1-0 against defending College World Series champion Fresno State. Good stuff.

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Duck Stuff: Evening Dirt

Lot of different stories circulating the blogs recently concerning Bryce Brown and his adviser/mentor Brian Butler.

Seems that the NCAA is now in the thick of things and are investigating Butler's role.

The N.Y. Times even has a story on the situation.

Evidently Miami has decided that enough is enough. I might be inclined to agree. The whole thing has a funny odor about it.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

There is a nice article by Aaron Fentress of the Oregononian which focuses on the results of players from the state of Oregon at the NFL combine.

Aaron had this to say about Patrick Chung. "Chung unofficially ran the 40 in 4.47 seconds, which originally ranked him ninth. But he did not show up among the top performers. Chung did demonstrate impressive strength, putting up 25 reps of 225 pounds. That placed him third among safeties early in the process. To put that in perspective, Jonathan Stewart put up 28 reps last year."

Check out the complete article which includes Max Unger and Jairus Byrd among others.

Andy Mac relays the news that receiver Drew Davis, who will be a junior in the fall, will be wearing #10 instead of #82 and would prefer to be known as D.J. Davis (?). Pretty big shoes to fill, wearing #10, Dennis Dixon's old number.

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Tiger's Triumphant Return

It didn't take too long for Tiger Woods to feel right at home on the competitive golf course.

On the first day of match play at the Accenture Match Play Championship in Marana, AZ, Tiger defeated Brendan Jones of Australia with a three-foot par on the 16th hole for a 3-and-2 victory.

It didn't surprise me a bit as the number one player in the world got back to his winning ways. You know you dominate your sport when you can take 10 months off and never lose your number one ranking in the world.

Can't wait for the Masters!

Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

The NFL combine is happening at Indianapolis this week and out of the 330 top prospects you would expect to find 2 time all Pac-10 lineman Nick Reed.

Reed kind of expected he wouldn't be invited but he was still "...upset, frustrated, confused and all of that." He has far from given up hope though.

Nick will get his chance on March 12th or 19th. That is when Oregon will hold it's pro day on campus for NFL scouts. "I think I'm going to test a lot better than people expect," Reed said. "In the end, all the [testing] numbers go to the same places. I think I'm going to surprise some people."

It won't be a surprise for Oregon fans, we've known all along what kind of heart Nick has and we wish him the best of luck. Some NFL team will be getting a fantastic player and a great guy.

Nothing new on the Tyrece Gaines watch. Rob Moseley speculates that "there’s still something hanging up the process." As soon as any word breaks I will post it here.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

The long streak of Pac-10 losses finally came to an end last night as the Ducks held on at Mac Court to beat Stanford 68-60 in men's basketball.

I primarily focus on football, but of course, I do pay attention to the other sports as well. It's nice to see the guys put a complete game together.

In other action, the newly born baseball team dropped a double-header to St. Mary's yesterday, 6-3 and 4-2. The team takes a break until next Friday when they take on Fresno St. at home.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Oregon hadn't played a baseball game in 28 years. In it's debut, the Ducks beat St. Mary's yesterday 5-3.

For a complete rundown on all of the stats visit GoDucks.com. They have a few pictures as well.

Oregon's first home game is Feb 27th at 2:00pm local time against Fresno St.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Former Sheldon, U of O and NFL quarterback Chris Miller is heading back to the NFL.

It was announced yesterday that he will be joining the staff with the Arizona Cardinals as the QB coach.

He was hired by former Atlanta teammate, and current head coach of the Cardinals, Ken Whisenhunt.

With only high school coaching experience, this is a huge step for Miller and a great opportunity. Best of luck Chris!

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Did You Know?

A philosophical look at the progression of information technology researched by Karl Fisch, Scott McLeod, and Jeff Bronman.

This one should make you do some thinking. Quite a few amazing facts and predictions for what is to come.

Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Were you getting used to Jeremiah Masoli wearing number 2? Better get over it, Andy Mac reports that Masoli will inherit Terrence Scott's number 8 for this season.

No news on Tyrece Gaines yesterday but I'm betting we should hear something today.

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Picture courtesy of Eric Evans, photoshoped by Joe Waltasti.

Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

A source of Rob Moseley's at Butler Community College says that standout wide receiver Tyrece Gaines completed paperwork yesterday that will make him the next Duck.

This won't be official until the U of O receives the letter of intent and the paperwork gets approved. An announcement could come as early as today. Big news if it happens.

Another recruit who hasn't signed yet is running back Bryce Brown. A report out of the Miami Herald indicates that Miami's offer to Brown will expire today and will not be renewed. Brown's handler said that he will not sign until March 16th. One less school on the list, breaks my heart.

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Amelia's Birthday Video

Amelia's 1st Birthday from DuckStud on Vimeo.

Yes, the singing is terrible but we all had a good time. Enjoy!

Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Rob Moseley attended Saturday's UO women’s basketball game at Mac Court and ran into LeGarrette Blount.

When asked about his suspension Blount said “School is not it,” “I am academically eligible.”

“They were just thinking I was not going and not participating in team activities, when that wasn’t the reasoning,” Blount said. “They don’t know how I feel. They don’t know if I’m hurting or not. But they’re just doing what they think is the best thing to do in that situation they’re in. So I respect their decision and I’ll be back in the spring.”

So in my opinion, it looks like the coaches are just sending a message to the rest of the team. Even though Blount was a big part of our success last year, nobody gets preferential treatment when it comes to preparation and workouts.

At least from Blount's perspective, it looks like a non-issue as he continues workouts on his own in preparation for spring practice.

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Amelia's 1st Birthday

We had Amelia's 1st Birthday Party at Chuck & Suzi's place this afternoon and here is one of the pictures. The rest are available for your viewing pleasure at my Flickr site. I did take a little movie of the celebration and will put it up tomorrow. Good times indeed!

Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

George Schroeder got an interview with Oregon AD Pat Kilkenny that offers some subtle clues to Mike Bellotti's succession plan. Here are the pertinent quotes.

Q: If Mike Bellotti decides he wants to keep coaching, are you going to last two more years?

A: Well, I’ll last another year, for sure.

Q: What is your sense of Mike Bellotti’s status?

A: I hope he does it sooner as opposed to later. It’s a selfish answer. You know, I don’t think he really knows — which I find a little curious. But everybody operates at a different speed. Maybe he’s going to go off to the top of the mountain and have an epiphany. …I almost think he’s ready to leave coaching but not ready to take this job on. I think maybe he’s struggling a little bit with that, given the uncertain times and so on and so on.

There are a lot more topics discussed in the article, many to do with the different sports programs at Oregon. Check it out if you get a chance. I think Bellotti will coach one more year myself.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Nick Daschel, at Buster Sports, feels that it would not be a big deal if LeGarrette Blount's suspension were to become permanent.

Personally, I feel that he would be damn hard to replace. Blount has proven himself in action as the single season rushing record holder at the U of O with 17 tocuhdowns. And that was splitting time with JJ and seeing limited action in the first few games.

But according to Daschel, and his inside sources at eDuck, the suspension was more of a “preemptive strike designed to return Blount’s attention to school and voluntary workouts."

If motivation is Blount's weak point, hopefully this suspension will have the desired effect. Blount's football future depends on it.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Here is another video of one of the recent recruits. This time it is linebacker Michael Clay out of Bellarmine College Prep school in California. This video showcases Clay during the 2007 season. He also was a MVP at Oregon's football camp.

Kid takes good angles, makes open field tackles and has decent speed. Easy to see why the coaches were impressed. The music in the video isn't too bad either.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Here are the highlights from Boseko lokombo's 2006 season high school season. He was recruited as a linebacker but you will get an idea of his speed and athleticism in this video even though he is playing on the offense. Good stuff.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

AMP: Bryce Brown breaks it down @ Rivals Video

The big news from Duck Camp yesterday, courtesy of Rob Moseley, was the indefinite suspension of LeGarrette Blount and Terrance Pritchett for “failure to fulfill team obligations,” announced by coach Bellotti.

This is not very good news to say the least. There is no word on exactly why but Pritchett had issues last fall too. My guess is something not related to class work.

On a brighter note, Rivals posted this interview yesterday with Bryce Brown. He talks quite awhile (around the 55 second mark) about Oregon and coach Kelly. I came away with the feeling that he is leaning towards Oregon more than any of the other schools. What do you think?

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Here is a short clip of Lavasier Tuinei (closest to camera) that will give you an idea of his speed and ability to adjust to the ball. This was taken last year when he was playing for Golden West CC. This is a big kid with a ton of talent.

Rob Moseley reports that Jerry Azzinaro from Marshall University has been officially hired as the new Ducks defensive line coach.

Coach Bellotti said, “I’m very excited,” “One because of his experience, two because of his enthusiasm. He’s got a great teaching background. ...“And he’s an Italian, so he’s close to my heart.”

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Lamichael James Highlight Video

Highlights from his Liberty-Eylau High School playing days, where he ran for 26 touchdowns and over 2,000 yards. Last year on the scout team for the Ducks he was player of the week 4 times. Can't help but get a little excited about the possibilities.

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Lavasier Tuinei Sends Letter of Intent

JC recruit, Lavasier Tuinei has sent in his LOI and will join the U of O in time for spring practice it was announced this morning.

The 6'6", 195 lbs., 4.5/40, wide receiver from Golden West C.C. in California is a three star addition to an already impressive 2009 recruiting class.

He will have four years to play three (like Masoli.) Now it's time for WR Tyrece Gaines to send in his letter.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Perhaps as a backup plan in case Tyrece Gaines doesn't work out, there is speculation that Oregon is actively looking to sign Santa Ana College (CA) WR Matt Cardenas.

Scout has him listed at 6'1", 195 lbs. with 4.55/40 speed. Cardenas set reception records at Santa Ana with over 2000 yards.

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Coach Bellotti on the 2009 Signees Video

Mike Bellotti talks Ducks' 2009 signees

Courtesy of Joel Odom at Behind the Ducks Beat.

Coach Bellotti seems pretty happy with this class but hopes they aren't quite done yet.

Here is another video (link only) that Rob Moseley and crew put together with video of each player. Be sure to check it out.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

It was quite a ride yesterday watching all of the posts come in to the different Duck blogs but here it is in a nutshell, the full list. What we didn't get? Bryce Brown, which was expected but also Tyrece Gaines, who is still undecided.

How did this class rate nationally? Depends on the rating service but it is somewhere around 25th in the country, not bad at all. If you would like to see a complete run down on each of the signees Goducks.com is the place to go.

JUNIOR COLLEGE
1. Clark, Zac DL: 6-2, 256 - Wichita, Kan. (Wichita North HS/Butler County C.C. (Kan.))
2. Iupati, Andrew DL: 6-1, 299 - Anaheim, Calif. (Western HS/Golden West C.C. (Calif.))
3. Littlejohn, Bryson LB: 6-1, 227 - Elk Grove, Calif. (Laguna Creek HS/Sierra C.C. (Calif.))
4. Montgomery, Terrance DL: 6-2, 291 - Pittsburgh, Pa. (East Allegheny HS/Reedley C.C. (Calif.))


HIGH SCHOOL
1. Anderson, Anthony DL: 6-4, 222 - La Mesa, Calif. (Helix HS)
2. Arden, Keaton DL: 6-5, 225 - Piedmont, Calif. (Piedmont HS)
3. Armstrong, Karrington OL: 6-2, 296 - Reno, Nev. (McQueen HS)
4. Benyard III, Everett OL: 6-7, 315 - San Diego, Calif. (Cathedral Catholic HS)
5. Bowlin, Mike K: 6-3, 192 - Aliso Viejo, Calif. (Aliso Niguel HS)
6. Brown, Justin DL: 6-2, 268 - Compton, Calif. (Compton HS)
7. Burrell, Jamaal OL: 6-4, 276 - Compton, Calif. (Dominguez HS)
8. Clay, Michael LB: 5-11, 220 - San Jose, Calif. (Bellarmine College Prep)
9. Cole, Nick WR/S: 6-3, 185 - Concord, Calif. (Clayton Valley HS)
10. Fox, Trevor OL: 6-5, 287 - Temecula, Calif. (Chaparral HS)
11. Harris, Cliff CB/S: 5-11, 168 - Fresno, Calif. (Edison HS)
12. Hart, Taylor DL: 6-6, 256 - Tualatin, Ore. (Tualatin HS)
13. Hawkins, Daryle ATH: 6-4, 190 - Omaha, Neb. (Omaha Central HS)
14. Jackson, Brian CB/S: 5-10, 193 - Hoover, Ala. (Hoover HS)
15. Jackson, Diante WR: 6-2, 200 - Walnut Creek, Calif. (Las Lomas HS)
16. Keliikipi, Wade DL: 6-3, 285 - Wai’anae, Hawaii (Wai’anae HS)
17. Lane, Braxton WR: 5-11, 192 - Tyrone, Ga. (Sandy Creek HS)
18. Lokombo, Boseko LB: 6-3, 226 - Abbotsford, British Columbia (W.J. Mouat Secondary)
19. Patterson, Avery CB/S: 5-10, 171 - Pittsburg, Calif. (Pittsburg Senior HS)
20. Rice, Jackson P: 6-3, 225 - Moraga, Calif. (Campolindo HS)

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Another day, another Duck. Nick Cole of Clayton Valley High School (Bay area, CA) verbally committed yesterday according to Rob Moseley. Evidently he was recruited as a receiver but in his senior year played not only that position but also safety and kick returner.

He is another speed guy with 4.52 40 times, 6'2" and a 190 lbs. Welcome aboard Nick.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Oregon got commits from a trio of players yesterday. Up first is Braxton Lane. A 5-10, 195-pound receiver from Atlanta. He has been electronically timed in the 40 at 4.31 seconds, which is damn quick. He didn't look quite that fast in the video but I'm not going to complain too much.

Next up is three star Justin Brown. A 6-2, 256-pound defensive tackle from Compton, CA. He had offers from ASU and Washington among others.

Last but not least is Daryle Hawkins. A prep QB from Omaha, NE. A 6'4", 190lb speedster (4.5-40) who brings dual threat capability to the position. He is a very good student as well with a 3.8 GPA. He was set to go to Northern Iowa (receivers coach Scott Frost's old school) but changed his mind.

Sounds like a good group of players.

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Super Bowl XLIII Best Commercial

Duck football news is pretty scarce with the recruiting on hold until signing day which is this coming Wednesday. So here is my favorite commercial from the big game yesterday.

It was actually a very entertaining game with the outcome up for grabs until the last minute. The commercials this year didn't measure up to previous Super Bowls but this was my favorite.

If it wasn't your too, leave a comment with the one you liked the best.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

It was announced yesterday that the U of O is altering the general admission seating arrangement at Autzen stadium.

Starting with this season, seats will no longer be on first come, first seated basis. All seats will be reserved and the new name on the tickets will be "End Zone Reserved" instead of GA.

While it will be nice to hang out at tailgaters longer, I think it will severely impact large groups who try to sit together at the home games.

Think about your reaction if a person/group who sits really close to you and is totally obnoxious. Won't it be fun to have that to look forward to for the whole season?

Personally I think the negatives outweigh the positives. I guess I'll find out first hand because that is where we sit.

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