Live Chat: Friday sports talk

(06/20/2008)

12:01

Welcome to another chat session -- the legislative shenanigans are certainly the biggest story of the day, but some of us are still stuck on sports.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:01

12:02

And by "stuck", I mean hopelessly addicted.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:02

12:03

The bigger stories going into the weekend revolve around the Tigers. The baseball team, after being rained out last night, will have another crack at UNC tonight in the College World Series. Meanwhile, more news on Perrilloux has surfaced ... in the form of a videotape of his drunken brawl last fall.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:03

12:07

I've seen the footage, and I've got to say, it is a reminder to me that our profession can be incredibly silly. It's basically a blurry representation of some objects (perhaps people?) running around, doing some things (perhaps fighting?). That's it. Yet it's news.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:07

12:07

Still, you've got to give the people what they want, I suppose.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:07

12:08

http://blog.nola.com/gladow/2008/06/perrrilloux_fight_video_releas.html

Friday June 20, 2008 12:08

12:08

I'm much more enthused about the CWS.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:08

12:10

How the heck does a team like Fresno come out and do this well? I thought UNC was virtually unbeatable. Of course I also thought LSU wouldn't even make it this far. Yes, I have no clue.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:10

12:12

Does anyone even care about sports this time of year?
Yes, football is year round!

( 33% )

Yes, I'm a baseball nut!

( 11% )

Yes, the NBA Draft is coming!

( 22% )

No, look at this empty chat room.

( 33% )

Friday June 20, 2008 12:12

12:13

Anyhow, I see some lurkers voted at least, so feel free to jump in with some questions, people!

Friday June 20, 2008 12:13

12:13

[Comment From CaitCait: ]

Does LSU really have a shot at this thing?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:13 Cait

12:13

[Comment From MerMer: ]

Even roller derby is off season in New Orleans...

Friday June 20, 2008 12:13 Mer

12:14

[Comment From CaitCait: ]

Roller derby!

Friday June 20, 2008 12:14 Cait

12:14

[Comment From MerMer: ]

:-D Thanks, Cait!

Friday June 20, 2008 12:14 Mer

12:15

I think LSU is in for some tough times tonight against the Tarheels. It wouldn't surprise me to see the rain delay help the Tigers, but I'm not expecting that to be a significant factor. UNC is simply the better team.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:15

12:16

[Comment From Oh Might E OneOh Might E One: ]

I know it's a slow news cycle, I'm sleep deprived and the only word I can muster right now is Shockey. That being said, do you think the Hornets can find a quality backup center to fortify the frontcourt? Also, is there a chance the Hornets trade Bonzi Wells on draft day to alleviate the salary cap hit of the new CP3 deal and add another perimeter scorer?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:16 Oh Might E One

12:18

Does the Birdman count? Yeah, I didn't think so.

Lots of Hornets fans are a little anxious about the backup center position, and with good reason. Tyson Chandler has not exhibited an ability to consistently stay out of foul trouble. Not all his fault, as teams know his backup options aren't the best and consequently go at him, but still, he needs to get better at keeping himself on the court.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:18

12:19

That right there is the best kind of help the Hornets are liable to receive, as the market is pretty skimpy at center.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:19

12:21

As for Bonzi, if I remember correctly, his contract is up next offseason ... meaning he is a definite trade possibility for a team looking to clear cap room for '09. I wouldn't rule out a deal involving Bonzi at all, but it would have to be a move that clearly improves the roster ... not just a cap move.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:21

12:22

[Comment From CaitCait: ]

I reeeeeeeeally hope the Saints don't sign Shockey.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:22 Cait

12:24

That situation in New York sure looks ugly, doesn't it? Shockey sure would fit in this offense well, wouldn't he? These are the things that keep this rumor alive. Personally, I don't think he's worth the trouble, given his baggage, but if the Giants want to throw him on the scrap heap and either cut him or trade him away for basically nothing, then I can be persuaded. If we're talking second-round picks, then no way.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:24

12:25

[Comment From CaitCait: ]

And who do you think the Hornets will take as their first pick?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:25 Cait

12:30

Interestingly, just about every mock draft you see has the Hornets taking CDR, and yet the team has come out and said they aren't thinking small forward. I would think CDR would be a great fit, as he could add some scoring punch off the bench, but who really knows what the team is thinking right now. I will back off the Bill Walker bandwagon somewhat, due to his recent injury, but I'd still love to see him in teal.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:30

12:31

[Comment From CaitCait: ]

I think Walker has some growing up to do, still. He's miles in maturity from Paul.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:31 Cait

12:32

True, but remember Paul had his own on-court issues in college. Sometimes guys let their emotions get the better of them. Walker would be a good project, that is for sure. Do the Hornets have the luxury of taking a project though? Not sure on that one.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:32

12:32

[Comment From JIGGAJON33JIGGAJON33: ]

DO YOU THINK D HORNET WILL HAVE ENOUGH BIG MEN TO GO UP AGAINST UP AND COMING TEAMS LIKE LAKERS( ANDREW BYNUM PAUL GASOL) AND PORTLAND (GREG ODEN LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE) WHATS YOUR THOUGHT

Friday June 20, 2008 12:32 JIGGAJON33

12:35

The Hornets, as they're constructed now, have a team capable of winning a championship. I have no doubt about that whatsoever.

The problem for them (and most contenders) is matchups. There are certain teams (like L.A., Detroit, and potentially Portland) who can be matchup nightmares for the Hornets. Now, should the team get lucky and not face a bad matchup in the playoffs, they can definitely win it all. But that takes some luck.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:35

12:35

If you can get quality depth down low, you do it.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:35

12:36

I'm just not convinced there's anyone out there better than what they already have.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:36

12:36

So we may be stuck cheering on a contender that needs a fortuitous bounce or two to win it all. I think I can live with that.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:36

12:37

[Comment From Oh Might E OneOh Might E One: ]

The Celtics looked as though they were built perfectly to stop the Lakers. I think they would have had more of a challenge with the Spurs or even the Hornets. Do you agree?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:37 Oh Might E One

12:39

I agree -- Boston was in my opinion the best team in the field, but the Celtics benefitted from facing a younger squad too reliant on a single player. That series may have gone seven against a more veteran, balanced opponent ... such as New Orleans or San Antonio.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:39

12:39

[Comment From CaitCait: ]

Why do you think Paul was just now named to the Olympic team? Old ACC rivalry with Coach K, perhaps?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:39 Cait

12:41

I've been scratching my head over that one for awhile. Utlimately, these things are very political, and it's not just about selecting the best players available. A lot goes on behind the scenes, with certain players lobbying for inclusion and others privately doing the opposite: telling 'em "No way!" I think that no matter how long it took, at least they eventually got it right and invited Paul.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:41

12:42

[Comment From JIGGAJON33JIGGAJON33: ]

IF D SAINTS CAN ESCAPE TRAINING CAMP AND REGULAR SEASON WITH NO MAJOR INJURIES WE ARE SUPERBOWL BOUND. BUT THERE PROBLEM IS STAYING HEALTHTY. DO U FEEL D SAME WAY. B\C INJURIES R D PROBLEMS WE HAVE. GEAUX

Friday June 20, 2008 12:42 JIGGAJON33

12:43

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

will the saints defense be any better this year

Friday June 20, 2008 12:43 Guest

12:43

[Comment From Oh Might E OneOh Might E One: ]

If Reggie Bush doesn't improve, can his contract be redone? haha, just joking. But for real, will he ever get on track or be worth the number two overall selection (not to mention 54 million)?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:43 Oh Might E One

12:46

Now the Saints questions are coming fast and furious!

Health is always underlooked when evaluating a team's championship opportunity. Look at your Super Bowl winners every year, and every year you'll see a team that is pretty darn healthy. Absolutely, a healthy training camp would be a huge help.

I like the additions on defense. The front seven will certainly be better than it was last year, and that will be a huge help for the entire squad. The corners and safeties still have to improve, and I'll be watching them this preseason (especially younger guys like Porter and Young), but the front seven at least gives the team some hope right out of the gate.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:46

12:50

Bush will probably never be "worth" the No. 2 overall pick, when you look at what he contributes for this team. In theory, the No. 2 pick should be a Marshall Faulk, not a Dave Meggett. Bush will probably never be a Marshall Faulk.

But I still think he can be a very effective player for the Saints, the kind of explosive weapon that keeps defenses honest. Realistically, I think if you're getting 800 and 800 (yards rushing and receiving) out of him, you're fielding a heck of an offense. And that makes him a valuable contributor.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:50

12:51

[Comment From DamienDamien: ]

Every time we ask you guys about the Saints, your answer (understandably) was always "we'll have to wait and see during training camp"...is there anything that you can give us now that may satisfy our hunger for information? Is there any news at all about the Saints worth noting?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:51 Damien

12:56

This time of year, most info you get is rumor and speculation. For instance, I recently heard from an outside source that Mike McKenzie is not expected to be ready to go by the beginning of the season ... meaning one of the younger kids is going to have to step up at cornerback. This reaffirms my own suspicions on the matter, but it is also far from being the absolute final word. I'd like to think McKenzie can still contribute. I don't think he will, but we just don't know for sure yet.

Friday June 20, 2008 12:56

12:57

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

why don't people talk about pierre thomas i mean he is a pretty damn good back the first saints player to rush for 100 and catch for 100 come on thats a pretty big deal right?

Friday June 20, 2008 12:57 Guest

1:01

Part of the reason Thomas was so effective last year, was his attitude and drive he brought to the position. Desperate to make the roster, he outworked everyone in front of him to make an impression ... and he did.

What I want to see is whether he brings the same hard-charging running style to the table in '08. And also, can his body withstand the type of punishment that going 100 percent will bring? I liken him to Dwayne Wade ... if you are flying around at full speed with no regard for your health, you're going to get hurt. Can he keep up the effort ... and stay healthy at the same time? I can't wait to find out.

Friday June 20, 2008 1:01

1:01

[Comment From JIGGAJON33JIGGAJON33: ]

THANX

Friday June 20, 2008 1:01 JIGGAJON33

1:01

[Comment From JIGGAJON33JIGGAJON33: ]

GEAUX SAINTS HORNETS AND ESPECIALLY LSU PLEASE BRING HOME A CHAMPIONSHIP.

Friday June 20, 2008 1:01 JIGGAJON33

1:02

Thanks to everyone for stopping by! The Times-Picayune Saints chat is next Wed. at noon, and I'l be back here next Friday at noon. Take care all!

Friday June 20, 2008 1:02