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Sports Future Uncertain

Written by Tucker Stephenson on . Posted in SPORTS NEWS.

It all started innocently enough on Thursday, March 11 with an announcement that the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments would continue with a limited number of spectators in attendance.

Sure, fans thought it would be a little odd to watch March Madness without the stands full of people cheering for their favorite underdog, but at least the sports world would go on. That was supposed to be the silver lining.

And then, one by one, the dominoes began to fall.

By that same night, it was discovered that Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert had tested positive for the coronavirus, which prompted the NBA’s decision to suspend the rest of the 2019-20 regular season, as well as the playoffs. It came as a shocking move at first, but as the days went on, the list of leagues following suit began to grow exponentially.

On March 12, the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments were canceled altogether, followed by the remainder of all remaining college winter and spring sports, including spring practices for the University of Texas football team. It was also announced that Major League Baseball had pushed back opening day at least two weeks, from March 26 to April 9.

The cancellations and postponements continued to sweep through the Lone Star State on March 13 as both the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) suspended their current high school sports seasons for a minimum of two weeks. In the case of TAPPS, the return of athletic activity was pushed past Easter Sunday (April 12).

The UIL state boys basketball tournament was put on hold literally while it was being played, as the announcement regarding the suspension of games came at halftime of the Class 3A semifinal between Dallas Madison and Coldspring-Oakhurst at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The UIL has since announced that it plans to complete the state tournament “at some point in the future.”

Even the XFL shuttered its doors by cutting the 2020 season short, much to the dismay of football enthusiasts craving their fix until August rolled around.

By March 14, it was apparent that the spreading COVID-19 pandemic wouldn’t be just a passing trend. With the exception of the UFC, every major athletic organization in the country had altered its plans due to the virus.

Perhaps the only fans relieved by the postponements were in Houston, as the coronavirus stole all the headlines away from the Astros’ recent sign stealing scandal and subsequent fallout.

The only question remaining is simple — now what?

As of right now, there doesn’t seem to be an answer other than wait and hope. Some have used their spare time to gather around the house with family and watch movies or play video games. Some rediscovered their rec rooms and have already played countless games of billiards or air hockey.

Others tried to see how much toilet paper they could cram into their carts during a single trip to the grocery store.

On a serious note, it’s no secret that sports are an integral part of the nation and can provide a much-needed distraction when times get tough. Here’s hoping they return as soon as possible, and that the precautionary measures taken by all of the leagues worldwide will pay off and help limit the impact of COVID-19.

In the meantime, we’ll be patiently waiting until the next tipoff, pitch or starter’s pistol. Until then, stay safe everyone.

Houston Roughnecks start XFL Perfect 4-0

Written by River Tompkins on . Posted in XFL.

The Texas XFL showdown took place in Globe Life Park as the Houston Roughnecks took on the Dallas Renegades in a game where two teams lock horns to become best in Texas. In a game full of relentless taunting by both sides, two top XFL offenses battled it out with the Roughnecks claiming victory over the Renegades 27-20.

A game with the highest predicted point total of the season was off to an unexpected start as defense rained superior through the opening minutes.

The Roughnecks were immediately put in a bad position after going three and out. The Renegades looked strong moving down the field until quarterback Landry Jones released the ball past the line of scrimmage. Jones’ throw was picked off by stud safety Cody Brown who brought it back to half field.



Capitalizing on the short field P.J. Walker led his team to score three points. History would soon repeat itself after piecing together a four-play drive, Landry Jones’ pass was tipped into the hands of Roughnecks safety Deatrick Nichols. The Roughnecks split the uprights once again boosting the score to 6-0.

Landry Jones was seeing ghosts at this point. The Roughnecks constantly shut his passing game down forcing him to throw yet another interception right after the other. This one picked off by Charles James II who perfectly read and jumped the curl route. Walker steadily moved the chains with gains of nine to both Cam Phillips and Nick Holley as well as a 14-yard pass to Kahlil Lewis. Coming out in five wide Walker split the cover 3 zone finding Nick Holley for 8-yards and the first TD of the game.



“P.J. walker has done a great job, I am not surprised by his play making ability, I witnessed it when he was an 18-year old freshman at Temple. He got my attention so much I introduced myself after the game. He’s a playmaker like you said and he is trying to stay inside the offense to make those plays too. The last two throws to get first downs to end the game, thats what the great ones do”, stated Roughnecks head coach June Jones.

The Roughnecks kicking woes were apparent as the kickoff soared out of bounds placing the Renegades at Houston’s 45-yard line. Landry Jones quickly turned things around completing the next six passes. Aided by Lance Dunbar who picked up a  fourth and one on a jet sweep and took it 20-yards setting up end zone threat Donald Pharam for an 8-yard TD.

The score was 15-11 going into halftime. Through the first half both defenses had obviously shown up but what impacted the game more was field position. Houston had scored all 15 of their points off of a turnover and Dallas had their make-right drive after the penalty on the kickoff. Whichever team could manipulate the field position the best would win this game.

In the second drive of the new half, the Roughnecks threw being methodical out of the window. After an electric run by P.J. Walker, he hit the red hot Nick Holley over the top putting them in plus territory. Cam Phillips who could be seen limping at times was replaced by 6th string receiver Blake Jackson. Jackson made use of his minutes running a deep corner route, Walker stepped up in the pocket to find him for a 24-yard TD.

Dallas immediately responded with Landry Jones looking like a surgeon with a degree in defense exploitation and coverage dissection. Driving downfield the Renegades dialed up the same play from fourth and one handing the jet sweep off to Lance Dunbar who strutted into the endzone for a 1-yard touchdown.   

After a successful 3-point conversion the score was 21-20. With Dallas preparing to make another big drive the Roughnecks defense stepped up. Collapsing the pocket linebacker Edmond Robinson not only sacked Landry Jones, he stripped the ball then recovered it and brought it back into the endzone bolstering the Roughnecks lead.   

On fourth and one with the game on the line, Dallas needed some points – it was do or die. Renegade quarterback Landry Jones dove forward reaching the sticks but with a consequence. Jones who had missed the opening game of the season had reinjured his same knee and would not return.

Phillip Nelson came into the game and continued the trend Landry Jones had set. Nelson moved down to the Roughnecks 3-yard line trying to hit Flynn Nagel on a bubble screen, however the pass was bobbled. Linebacker DeMarquis Gates dove extending one hand and bringing the ball in for his second game-sealing interception.



The Renegades will face off against the New York Guardians in Arlington next Saturday, unfortunately without their starting quarterback Landry Jones who stated he suffered an MCL injury during the fourth quarter. Renegades head coach Bob Stoops had this to say about improvements that need to be made, “Being able to secure the ball. To catch the football, there are way too many drops or bobbles that lead to interceptions. Execution in our screen game and our run game on offense. Defensively too, we are never satisfied. I thought a couple of the touchdowns, if we had played a little better in some scenarios we could have forced another field goal as opposed to giving up a touchdown. So, I think a bright spot is our special teams have been awesome. You know Austin and Drew (kicker and punter) have been playing really well.”

The Roughnecks remain the only undefeated team in the XFL league and have control over the West division with at least two more wins than any other team in the west. The XFL has shown amazing growth with 1,500 more fans attending this game than the last. The Roughnecks will look to capitalize on a struggling D.C. Defenders team next week when they play in Houston on Saturday.

FANTASY BASEBALL: WINNING THE NUMBERS GAME

Written by Thomas L. Seltzer on . Posted in BASEBALL.

The 2020 MLB baseball season starts on March 26th, and the truth is we don’t know anything about where the 30 MLB teams will wind up. Many of the analysts and pundits will tell you the Dodgers are a lock to win the World Series this year, with the acquisition of Mookie Betts. If you want an even-money bet on the Dodgers, I’ll take your bet against the field.  

The fantasy baseball season also starts on March 26th. Fantasy baseball, like fantasy football, is a game within the game. Team owners manage rosters of players, using fictional team names. Scores are determined based on baseball statistics. If you ever wanted to own, or manage a baseball team, you will love playing fantasy baseball. Just like I do. 

In fantasy baseball, there are season-long leagues, keeper leagues and dynasty leagues. There is National League only, American League only and mixed (both leagues). There are points leagues and rotisserie, or “Roto.” I only play Roto because it is the one that requires the most skill in building and managing a roster. Your team must be balanced to win. 

Rotisserie scoring ranks your team against every other team in your league in 10 categories. For position players, the categories are runs, home runs, RBI, stolen bases and batting average. If there are 10 teams, and your team is first in home runs, you get 10 points. If your team is last in home runs, you get one point. Teams are ranked daily for the season. 

In pitching, you have starting pitchers and relief pitchers on your roster. In ESPN leagues, you have nine pitcher roster spots to fill. Keep in mind that the five categories for pitchers are wins, saves, strikeouts, ERA and WHIP. Starting pitchers can help you in four categories. Realistically, relief pitchers can only help you in three – saves, ERA and WHIP.

Head-to-head (H2H) scoring uses the same categories as Rotisserie, but your team plays each of the other teams in your league. At the end of each game or each week the wins/losses are tallied, and if you have more wins than losses you get one winning point for the game or week. If you have more losses than wins, you get one loss point for that game or week.

There is also daily fantasy baseball (DFS). I like season-long fantasy baseball better than daily because it’s more like managing a real baseball team. In the season-long version, you spend time pouring over player stats in preparation for the draft. In the draft, you meticulously fill your roster with hitters and pitchers. Then, you manage your team the season.  

The reality is most people in the 21st century have short attention spans. They don’t want to manage a team for six months. That’s why more people are playing DFS. In fact, it has become one of the hottest trends in fantasy sports, largely because it’s fast, easy and gives you a chance to start over every day with a new team. If that sounds like you, play DFS. 

I don’t play DFS anymore. I’ve dabbled in it before, entering contests and even winning a couple. But I prefer season-long leagues. I play on ESPN, although Yahoo, CBS Sports and others offer leagues. You can play in private leagues, but I’ve always played fantasy baseball in public leagues because I can’t find enough players that want to commit to the season. 

I’ve won every public league I’ve entered in fantasy baseball. Before you think I’m too awesome, I’ll add this. My record is only 4-0. This is my third season playing fantasy baseball. I generally manage two teams per season. One rule is that I never use the same player on both teams. The reason for this is if a player gets injured, I only lose him in one league.

In ESPN leagues, there are 25 roster spots to fill. You have 13 position players, nine pitchers and three players on the bench. When I drafted my first team back in January, I was able to roster many of my favorite position players. However, my pitchers were not as strong as I would have liked – especially relievers. I actually only drafted one relief pitcher. 

On my second team, drafted in February, I felt like I was balanced. I got some solid position players, but I did much better with pitchers in this draft. My starting pitchers are Jack Flaherty, Patrick Corbin, Zack Greinke, Chris Paddack, Tyler Glasnow, Sonny Gray and Zac Gallen. My relief pitchers are Roberto Osuna, Taylor Rogers and Gio Gallegos. 

There is no such thing as a perfect draft. While I do recommend approaching the draft with a plan, your plan will change during the draft. Keep in mind that you have nine other team owners vying for the same players. You might think you’re going to get Bo Bichette in the ninth round, but then you see him taken in the eighth round by someone else.

Don’t lose heart if you miss out on several of the players you were hoping to get in the draft. You can attempt to trade for a player with one of the other owners. Look at the team rosters in your league and figure out what they need. If they are short on pitchers, and you have extra pitching, offer one of your pitchers for a position player you really want.

In my first draft, there was an early run on relief pitchers, and the best closers were gone by the eighth round. I picked up Brad Hand but never got another closer during the draft. When I looked at my team, I had a wealth of power hitters. So, I offered to trade Pete Alonso of the Mets for Josh Hader, the top reliever in baseball. My trade offer was accepted.

But don’t count on trades to fix your team. In public leagues, owners are reluctant to trade. I’m not sure why this is, but it probably has something to do with the fact that everyone in a public league is a stranger. People don’t trust strangers. There is another way to fix your team – utilizing the waiver wire. Undrafted players are listed on the waiver wire each day. 

Hader, the aforementioned player, was a waiver wire find for me in 2018 and helped me win a fantasy baseball championship on one of my teams. Last year, it was Alonso, the rookie sensation, who hit 53 home runs, scored 103 runs and drove in 120 more. Alonso went undrafted, but I picked him up off the wire after he proved himself in spring training.

If you love our national pastime, you may love fantasy baseball as much as I do. Start reading about it online, find a format, league and draft a team. If you don’t feel like you know enough to draft a team, you can simply but your team on “autopick.” Your team will be automatically drafted by the folks at ESPN, of whatever league sponsor you choose.  

For insight or feedback readers can email Thomas Seltzer with questions or comments at [email protected].

Horns upset #22 Tech

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL.

LUBBOCK, Texas — The Texas Longhorns have been on a tear giving a spark in recent weeks as the end of the regular season play nears. Shaka Smart’s young team is seeking a push for redemption and a NCAA Tournament bid. Tech has been a very stingy 13-2 at home coming into Saturday’s game against Texas. However, the Horns stayed the course out rebounding and out shooting the Red Raiders late in the 2nd half of Saturdays contest pulling away with a huge 68-58 win against No. 22 Texas Tech.

The Horns will have a chance at a third straight victory Tuesday night against Oklahoma. The Longhorns upset No. 20 West Virginia last Monday in Austin and have been playing injured and with sick players as of late, but have shown a lot of heart.

Texas is on the outside looking in as the season comes to a close in hopes for a bid in the NCAA Tournament in 2020. Missing out last year still bore the fruit of a NIT Title for the Shaka Smart lead team that has been largely viewed by most critics as mediocre at best.

Currently they are (18-11, 8-8 in Big 12). Texas will travel to Norman tomorrow night to face the Sooners and then will play their final game of the season at home against OSU. Game Airs on TV/ ESPN2 & Radio: Longhorn Radio Network, Sirius XM 385.

Jones, Ramey lead Texas past No. 20 West Virginia 67-57

Written by Charles Branch on . Posted in NCAA BASKETBALL.

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas got pummeled by West Virginia earlier this season. The Longhorns were anything but the same timid bunch in the rematch.

Andrew Jones scored 22 points and Courtney Ramey added 21 to lead the surging Longhorns over the 20th-ranked Mountaineers 67-57 on Monday night as Texas won its third in a row with an injury-depleted lineup.

Texas (17-11, 7-8 Big 12) has its first three-game win streak in conference play since 2016. The Mountaineers (19-9, 7-8) have lost six straight on the road in the Big 12.

West Virginia beat Texas by 38 points back on Jan. 20, the worst loss of coach Shaka Smart’s five years with the Longhorns. But the Mountaineers came staggering into the rematch off a long road trip and Texas didn’t buckle in a physical matchup while Jones and Ramey poured in points from the outside.

Oscar Tshiebwe scored 14 points to lead West Virginia.

Jones scored 16 points in the first half on a barrage of 3-pointers, and the Longhorns shot 62% against one of the best defensive teams in the country to lead 34-28 at halftime. Texas trailed by 25 at halftime in the first meeting.

Texas is missing three starters or regular players with injuries and had another, forward Kamaka Hepa, knocked out with strep throat Monday night.

“Over the last couple of games, me and Courtney have just felt a chemistry. It’s beginning to click,” Jones said. “With guys out, it’s forcing me to step up. When two players are in sync, you can do great things and lead a team to victory.”

West Virginia cut the Texas lead to three early in the second half before Ramey drilled a 3-pointer from the left wing, then made another to push the lead to nine.

The Mountaineers’ last real chance to push for the lead came when Smart was called for a technical foul and Sean McNeil made both free throws to get West Virginia within 54-47. But Texas’ Matt Coleman III made a quick jumper on the other end and any momentum quickly died.

“I did not try to get that. When you are playing (West Virginia), it’s hand-to-hand combat,” Smart said. “It’s a very challenging game to officiate. I imagine I just got caught up standing up for our guys.”

BIG PICTURE

West Virginia: The Mountaineers have been woeful on the road and terrible free-throw shooting doomed them Monday night. They were 10 of 21 on a night they got to the shooting bonus early in the second half. Just a few made shots would have kept the game close.

The Mountaineers are also just 7 of 44 shooting 3-pointers over the the last three games. West Virginia made three against Texas, none in the second half.

“This game is about making shots. They made shots and we can’t,” West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said. “They continue to clank off the rim and its demoralizing. It zaps your enthusiasm.”

Texas: The Longhorns are playing with the desperation they needed a month ago. They have clawed back from the bottom third of the league in a season of open speculation on Smart’s future. Texas hasn’t finished at .500 or better in the Big 12 since Smart’s first season in 2015-2016.

“Our guys really exemplify Texas fight,” Smart said. “We haven’t talked to the guys about the negative stuff people say about us. … What you are seeing the last few games is the back against the wall and still fighting.”

BIG PLAY SUB

Texas freshman guard Brock Cunningham barely played much of this season but has taken on a much bigger role as injuries decimated the lineup and has delivered some big and timely plays.

Cunningham had two key offensive rebounds in the final three minutes, then came flying down the baseline to block a shot by Jermaine Haley, protecting a 62-54 lead with 1:44 left.

“That’s just what I bring to the team,” said Cunningham, whose defensive intensity has sparked similar efforts from teammates.

Cunningham didn’t even play in 15 games this season, but has logged at least 15 minutes in each of the last four.

“We’re at a point of this season where if we had lost any of these last three games, our postseason dreams would have been shattered,” he said.

UP NEXT

West Virginia hosts Oklahoma on Saturday.

Texas plays at Texas Tech on Saturday.

—

More AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25

XFL Roughnecks Survive BattleHawks 28-24

Written by River Tompkins on . Posted in XFL.

After a full-throttle week one of the XFL, fans were clamoring for more football. This week the 5-point home favorites, Houston Roughnecks who boasted the leagues number one offense took on the Saint Louis BattleHawks who had already upset the Dallas Renegades the week before. With an Over/Under of 47.5, this game was sure to thrill.

This matchup was one of conflicting styles, on one side you have the high powered Roughneck offense in which June Jones’ montra is: the pass sets up the run. On the other, you have the ground and pound, run heavy BattleHawks that look for the run to set up the pass. The more explosive offense prevailed as the Roughnecks remained on top of the West Division beating the BattleHawks 28-24.

The Roughnecks received the ball (XFL rules allow the home team to choose whether they start with the ball as well as which side of the field to start on). The Roughnecks utilized their Taysom Hill-esk player immediately, Nick Holley who was officially listed as a running back also plays slot receiver and tight end. After Holley picked up 11-yards on a run, P.J. Walker hit Cam Phillips for the second time on the drive. Last week we saw Walker and Phillips establish a shining connection after they connected for 67-yards and a touchdown in the opening game against the L.A. Wildcats. The drive stalled after multiple incompletions, however the Roughnecks still salvaged three points after a Sergio Castillo field goal from 45-yards out.

The BattleHawks who had a slow and more defensive game against the Dallas Renegades (final score 15-9) came out firing. After five consecutive runs, the BattleHawks effectively set up the play-action, springing the linebackers in order for quarterback Jordan Ta’Amu to find Keith Mumphery for 27-yards. Running back Matt Jones followed with an electric play out of the backfield catching a screen pass and taking it 25-yards to the house.

Nick Holley’s name was called once again after a remarkable diving one-handed catch moving the chains. P.J. Walker, explosive as always, picked apart the defense with a pump fake or two finding Khalil Lewis wide open for a 33-yard pickup. Walker finished off the drive throwing a sidearm laser through hoards of defenders to Cam Phillips for an 8-yard TD.

After four consecutive punts, somebody needed to make a play for either team. Jordan Ta’Amu looked to his deep corner route, once he threw it he knew it was too late, Roughnecks defensive back Cody Brown jumped the route and finished in form bringing it back 50-yards to the 1-yard line. James Butler easily reached the pylon bolstering the Roughnecks lead to 15-6.

After a fourth down stop by the Roughnecks’ defense, the offense seized momentum by the throat and crippled the BattleHawks defense. Walker found Nick Holley for 20-yards, Phillips for 8 and added 12 on the ground. The connection now shining brighter than ever as P.J. Walker rolled out to his right, finding Cam Phillips in the back of the endzone for yet another touchdown.

Heading into halftime both teams had played respectably and the stats reflected that. For the Hawks, there was a simple fix to their offensive woes: Jordan Ta’Amu. He is a great running quarterback. Saint Louis won last week due to his legs, this week should’ve been no different.

Coming out of halftime the BattleHawks needed a score and though they did not follow my advice, another playmaker entered the picture. De’Mornay Pierson-El is a dangerous kick returner and now slot receiver. After taking a quick slant 23-yards he finished the drive off with a 1-yard TD reception.

The tides had turned as the BattleHawks now had old Moe by the throat once again stringing together a plentiful drive. With only one play over 10-yards, they just focused on moving the chains. Ta’Amu put his talent to work capping the 13-play drive off with a 4-yard QB keeper TD.

Even with the scores recently put up by the BattleHawks the game looked almost out of sight after Ta’Amu threw his second interception, this one picked off by Jeremiah Johnson who returned it to the six-yard line. At this point you have to know what’s coming, P.J. Walker found non-other than Cam Phillips in the back of the endzone for both of their third touchdowns and the game sealer.

“I played against him [Walker] in college and then followed him when he went to the pros. He was a dynamic player in college. I knew he could make all the throws and is a competitive leader”, said Roughnecks head coach June Jones.

Throughout the game, you would hear the familiar “MVP, MVP, MVP.” chant from the Houston crowd whenever or wherever P.J. Walker made a play. Right now the Houston Roughnecks are looking good, tied with the DC Defenders for top record. The Roughnecks will play the Tampa Bay Vipers and with how it is going right now you can expect a large turnout.

Lake Travis to Replace Two Draft Picks Look to Make Another Round Rock Run

Written by Greg Sherman on . Posted in High School Baseball.

AUSTIN – In the 2019 6A semifinals against Southlake Carroll, Lake Travis was able to do what few teams did in the knockout rounds: force Southlake Carroll to work hard to win.  Future MLB draft pick Brett Baty kept the Cavaliers in the match until the 6th inning when his pitch count went over.  Once that happened and he had to leave, the Dragons scored 4 runs late to beat the Cavs and went on to win their 2nd straight 6A title.  With Baty (New York Mets), and Jimmy Lewis (Dodgers) now in the minors, the Cavs will look to their pitching depth to make another run to Round Rock.

Mike Rogers begins his 7th year as manager at Lake Travis and his 39th season overall with a good chance to hit 750 wins in his career and will have 7 starters returning from that 2019 squad.

“You cant replace a Brett Baty or a Jimmy Lewis but the kids are accustomed to pressure,” said Lewis.  Their returnees include shortstop Parker Guerin, and pitchers Storm Hierholzer, Kal Edmunson and Alec Grossman.  Those 3 along with 4 others are already committed to play college ball with many at the D1 level.  The first order of business will be to defend their 25-6A title against tough competition headed up by friendly rival Austin Westlake who almost upset 2-time defending finalist San Antonio Reagan in round 3.

“J.T. (Blair) is an outstanding coach and has done a good job building the program,” said Rogers.  “They made a big jump last year and with J.T. at the helm, it will be a dog fight for the district championship this year.”

Region 4 is filled with top teams such as LT, Reagan, San Antonio Johnson, and Laredo Alexander.  They combined for 4 finals appearances and 7 semifinals.  Though none won the golden trapezoid.

“Region 4 has lots of top teams and are as good as anyone with outstanding pitching staffs,” said Lewis who has 722 career wins.

But all roads go through Southlake Carroll.  The Dragons have won the last 2 titles and if not for a balk call in the 2017 semifinal loss against Deer Park, they might be going for a 4-peat.

“Southlake Carroll is very talented.  Winning it back to back is super impressive and I think they are the favorites.  When you face that situation you have to rely on pitching.  It is unusual at the high school level to have 9 batters you have to game plan for.  They have power and they have pitching and they stress your pitching.”

While the season wont start until late February, Lake Travis and Reagan will scrimmage February 15th at Wolff Stadium in San Antonio.  The UIL baseball semis and finals are scheduled for June 10-13 in Round Rock and Austin.

Greg Sherman is a freelance writer for Texas Sports Monthly.  Check out his Youtube channel youtube.com/user/buckeyesooner82

Here’s Your Sign.

Written by James Bills on . Posted in MLB.


The night that AJ Hinch didn’t send Gerrit Cole out in game 7 of the World Series to close out the game when the Astros had the lead gave me a gut feeling a loss would be an easier pill to swallow for Hinch. Then the Nats pulled off the comeback and went on to be the 2019 World Series Champs. Behind the scenes, many of us knew that the MLB had the ball rolling already and soon the hammer would drop on that mouse trap. The one sign that the Astros couldn’t read was how the baseball world would receive a team that was on the verge of a dynasty in baseball that was caught red handed illegally stealing signs since 2017.


With coaches being fired, Managers removed, fines dished out and the biggest black cloud in Houston’s sports history surpassing Bud Adams taking the Oilers away, the internet is still in a state of denial, frustration, hate, sadness, non-understanding, and just flat out disgust about the 2019 Astros sign stealing scandal. Why? Who? How long? Who else? These are all questions of people everywhere.


From die hard fans to other teams’ fans, from bookies to loan sharks, from owners to coaches, and from players to facility personnel, everyone wants to know the truth. Not just did the sign stealing help for one swing against one of the greatest closers in the game right now with Aroldis Chapman and not do they want to know about just was it whistles or trashcans being used to beat on. No, they want to know how long has it been going on and who else is doing it.


The truth is, all teams steal signs. From baserunners at second, to base coaches, they all have simple tip offs at sometime. Hitters and players in the dugouts watch pitchers and they try to read simple tipoffs to see what pitch is coming next. A hitter often can pick up things himself and never needs a tip from his teammates.


Even catchers can read hitters and see tendencies. But more than that, they often call signs in the big leagues now with a coach looking up stats based on pitch locations using an ipad. Yes a computer in the dugout.
We can sit here and talk until we are blue in the face about all the different ways to pickup signs watching the other team. The truth is, since the game of baseball started, using signs from catchers to call pitches, base coaches to tell runners when to steal on bases, or any other detail shown by hands that are quickly swatted around like someone being attacked by a bee, sign stealing has been an art. A true part of the game.


Just like the player follows every move of each hand or finger that the person delivering the sign intentionally gives, so does the opponent’s coaches, players, or sometimes secret little spy.


Anyone that says different is either bitter that their team lost or never played the game with any real intent. Or, like many of the stunned and shocked fans stuffing their face week to week with $20 hot dogs and cokes while wearing the $75 jerseys and paying $124 a seat to sit right behind the dugouts, they have never really been baseball players, just baseball fans. A lot of those are the fans that Rob Manfred believes he is helping to enjoy the game more by speeding up the game.


Rob Manfred? You know, the commissioner of Major League Baseball. You know, the guy that single handedly is driving away the traditionalist fan from enjoying the game with over talking analytics, throwing time clocks on parts of the game, not knowing what part of the season he should allow teams to use loaded baseballs or not, drastically changing ERA’s worse than a pitcher just hollering out, “Hey! I am throwing you the ole numero uno right now!” Or, “Hey bro! Here comes the deuce!” Yah, pitchers have been run out of a job after giving up tape measure home runs off of that decision by ole’ Rob when it probably would have been a warning track fly ball out but that’s for another write up.

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone, left, yells at umpire Jerry Meals after being ejected from a baseball game for arguing a strike-out by Giancarlo Stanton during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians, Saturday, July 14, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)


Anyways, all of this write up brings me to this, regardless of who your favorite team is, how long sign stealing has gone on in the baseball, who knew about it, or why it was happening, the Astros by all behind the scenes standards cheated. PERIOD!!! In 1961 MLB banned the use of a “mechanical device” to steal signs, binoculars, telescopes, etc. It does not specifically say electronics in the rule book, but in 2001, Sandy Alderson, then executive vice president for baseball operations of MLB, issued a memorandum stating that, “Teams cannot use electronic equipment to communicate with each other during games, especially for the purpose of stealing signs.” Before the 2019 season, Rob Manfred specifically reassured in a memorandum to the league after the Red Sox was caught using electronic watches that it was illegal to position cameras in outfield to be used to communicate with managers in an effort to reduce illicit sign stealing.
Therefore, the Astros were warned like all the others before the 2019 season and knew what they were doing was wrong. Pretty sure that MLB is overlooking the 2017 season a little bit more than the 2019 season for the simple fact of most of these players may not have even been playing Little League in 2001 when the last memorandum went out.

Houston Astros pitcher Justin Verlander works against the Oakland Athletics in the first inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)


For me, the most frustrating thing about baseball in the last 10 years is that there is no clarity. The traditions have gone away. With so many changes due to money hungry businesses feeding the giant and so many technological advances that can be used in the sport, I think that the words “electronic devices” should have been put in the rulebook a long time ago. I know that not everyone in my business reads my memorandums. Or at least they say they don’t. You are required to read my businesses’ rule book.

Good luck to you all you baseball players out there this spring. Will be interesting to see what kind of protective gear the many sports businesses will come up with this year for players. I’m sure your parents will get to follow the Astros this year to see what gear actually works for protecting you at the plate.

Coach James Bills is a former high school and college coach. Coach Bills has been a professional scout for 8 years as well as has trained 100’s of college and professional athletes. He is also the owner of The University of Baseball located in Leander Texas and a managing partner with Silverstone Sports Management out of LA. Podcast: In Your Face Sports Email: [email protected]

The Baseball Recruiting Game

Written by Aaron Puffer on . Posted in High School Baseball.

With the cost of college only going up and the value of a sports scholarship becoming ever increasingly more valued and important for some, I’ve noticed many obvious trends over the past 25 years. 

Ill start by pointing out the largest “excuses or misconceptions” voiced by high school ball players who end up getting overlooked or severely undervalued each season.  The biggest misconception is, “It’s the High School coaches’ job to promote the players on the team to colleges all over the country”.  Next, “You must play for the best and most expensive travel ball club in the area and attend National Baseball Tournaments and events”.  Also, I hear, “When it comes to baseball size and strength are not all that important, it’s not like football”.  This is followed by, “I received a camp invitation, so they must be recruiting me, then not to hear from that school again, and I don’t know what happened”.  Lastly many believe and state, “You must pay thousands of dollars to a National Recruiting Service to match you and represent you to colleges around the country”.  Enjoy your last days of playing High School Baseball if you are among those who believe these common untruths.  

From left to right, prospects Brett Baty, Brennan Malone, Daniel Espino and Jackson Rutledge pose for photos after the first round of the Major League Baseball draft, Monday, June 3, 2019, in Secaucus, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

One must be unbiased and realistic about their abilities when targeting colleges that will be a good fit for them.  There are industry “standards of measurements” that come before all else when playing this game of recruiting.  Starting with arm strength, most right-handed players especially pitchers need to have a minimum velocity of 85 for infielders and 90 MPH for pitchers at a major division one program.  Left-handed outfielders and pitchers can play at 85 MPH, all of which must be verified on a Jugs radar gun or the likes.  When it comes to hitting, most major division one players have an exit velocity of 95 MPH off the tee with an aluminum bat, while 3, 4, and some 5-hole hitters are consistently in the 96-100 MPH range.  The standard Speed measurement of a ball player is still the 60-yard dash and the slower runners can post in 7.0 seconds, while the sought-after CF or MI players run 6.7 or better times consistently.  With 80% of the college outs per year coming from pitches on the low and away location in the strike zone, a good hitter can control the outer third.  Measuring ability to hit is not based on a High School batting average, rather on the ability of the player to “Square the Baseball up to all fields”, and having the skills to drive the low and away pitch consistently with equal power as the others.  Defensive ability is measured, more particular as a catcher and infielder, than a good offensive outfielder.  A Good division one catcher can block and pop a 1.9 or better, and a good Middle infielder will field 90% of the routine plays.  Major division one players have more than just one above mentioned skill, usually they have at least 2 or more.  Last, the mental status of a player is added with potential and player makeup, to be one of the few chosen to play Major division one ball. 

There are many recruiting companies that try and match players to any opportunity they can find and can cost a bundle.  Many teams travel the entire US with similar lack in results of finding good matches for all the players.  Many “showcases” lack college recruiters on hand to find a good match for each student athlete either.  Many “resume builders” leave you high and dry after building your profile with no one to share it with.  However, there are more open spots in college than student athletes available, just be realistic and “There is a college for everyone”

My honest unbiased FREE ADVICE is to be proactive in the recruiting process from the beginning.  As a freshman start your path to becoming a stronger bigger player and allow maturity to kick in.  As a sophomore and junior, be proactive and get quality exposure.  Start by making a “Top 10” list of schools you could attend based on academics and socio economics of your family, that offer the degree in which you want to pursue.  Make sure your good enough to play these schools physically first, don’t waste time feeding your ego.  Find out which ones even need your position the year you graduate. Then attend those specific college camps hosted by that particular school’s baseball coaching staff.  Go each season, see all the facilities, narrow down your list, and make it known you want to go to school there, once you have decided.  If they need your position, and your as good as they are looking for, because you were honest about your abilities, they will surely want to talk to you about attending school there. 

Jared Southard of Rouse poses for a Texas Sports Monthly photo shoot in 2019 at the Dell Diamond. One of our Top 20 recruits of 2019, Southard is now at The University of Texas.

Do this, and this way you will have landed one of your top ten choices in schools, and have a much better chance of it being a good fit for you.  The chance of your dream school, seeing you play the best game of your summer, at a huge event halfway across the United States, are much, much, less than being pro active and going to them.  Saving money for training and conditioning and advanced skill rehearsal to gain the strength and skills required for division one athletes. 

Fall into the hype and you could miss your goal entirely of getting a good college education while playing the favorite sport in your life.  You may end up at the wrong college academically or physically, or worse miss out entirely on any opportunity to play in the NCAA all together.  Only then look back and seeing how much you invested and see your “all in” and missed the river card.  However, if you play it smart, there is a college for everyone. If your honest about your skill ability and match them to the needs & requirements of the program you are seeking, your odds of success are very good.

Aaron Puffer, of College Recruiting Consultants, has over 25 years of recruiting experience seen both as a player and professional consultant and event host.  He has guided 300+ student athletes over the years in finding a good fit for them, to continue their baseball career while pursuing a college degree.  Over the years he has built a large network of college contacts and stays up needs of said programs.  If you have any questions, comments, or great thoughts he would surely like to hear from you and he can be reached at [email protected]

We May Both Be Wrong

Written by James Bills on . Posted in High School Baseball.

I called time out and walked out to the mound. Kid had walked the first 3 batters. My first question to him was “Why are you struggling to throw strikes so bad? You dominated this summer and have numerous colleges interested in you,” which means they saw how good he was too. His answer,“My high school coach has told me he doesn’t want me to pitch the way you told me.”

Never-mind that I have coached at a higher level. Never-mind that I have scouted or played for a pro team. Never-mind that I have multiple pro and D1 pitchers that I work with. Never-mind that 4-6 guys on that varsity team is guys that I work with that he hasn’t changed. Never-mind that dozens before this year have gone thru that coaches program and was their top players and went on to play college baseball and eventually graduate college. No credit given outside of his program what so ever.

This is a very common thought process among select baseball programs now days. One reason is there are more travel ball programs than ever before. Many ex-pros and college players see an opportunity at $60-$100 an hour doing something they love to do as a great way to feed their family. I mean, many of them made pennies on the dollar in the minor leagues eating ramen noodles. Why not be able to make money at something that they did professionally and were trained by some of the best of the best go do at that level? I mean, we are all taught that a Baylor, Harvard or Rice education is better than a community college education. I am sure those teachers are on a better pay scale at the better schools too. So why does a high school coach that didn’t play pro ball or didn’t even play in college get to override our training?

I myself can be guilty sometimes of it too. But then I remember how many kids have came thru my door and their dad is standing beside them throwing in his 2 cents which often is where those kids get a lot of their training from. Which in turn that means that the high school head coach more often than not has a higher training level than the parent and more often than not has more kids on the team that dont play select baseball year round.

More often than not we as trainers tell these kids to ignore their high school coach. Could you imagine a superior of a first responder telling someone after a training session to ignore their captain if he says different? Someone gets hurt or worse killed. Baseball is not that big. Yes, I just said that and it goes for all sports!

We are here to develop good young men. We are not here to develop stubborn, hardheaded kids. That goes for all coaches, little league, select, high school and college. To find a common ground as coaches should be what we do so that these kids can grow from that. We must understand how to work with each other better.

It starts with knowing what season it is. If a high school coach doesn’t want their kids trained in spring than that select coach needs to respect that. But at the same time he needs to prep him in fall or winter to be ready for spring. I have coaches that allow their high school players to come to me in spring if they struggle. But its rare. I have high school coaches that also recommend our program in summer and fall. I also have coaches that I would like to tell them they need to find another job because they aren’t good at the one they are doing. I am sure they have select coaches, maybe even me, that they think the same about.

Ultimately, we have to remember we are mentors as coaches in any sport. We spend more time with the kids than most of their parents do. The impact we make on their lives sometimes can be more or less productive than their parents. Remember why you started coaching. Most of us started to make a difference. If you are doing it for a check than I am sure all of us other coaches can agree that you are one of the ones that need to find another job.

Coach James Bills, President of WeR Athletics and Texas Pitching Coaches Association, is a former high school and college coach. Coach Bills has been a professional scout for 8 years as well as has trained 100’s of college and professional athletes. He is also the owner of The University of Baseball located in Bertram, Texas and a managing partner with Silverstone Sports Management out of LA. Podcast: In Your Face Sports
Email: [email protected]
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