tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:44:43 +0000http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/index.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Brian Shoemaker)Blogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-1267220349443341001Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:27:00 +00002010-03-04T22:44:44.111-05:00 <!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2010/03/dabblin-with-cockspur-pitching.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-1291481379464693466Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:13:00 +00002010-03-04T01:21:01.240-05:00<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2010/03/dabblin-with-cockspur-damned-east.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-8557054181299095430Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:16:00 +00002010-02-23T12:20:30.588-05:00The last two days I bored you with individual stats diced up in ways you’d probably never wanted to see them again. For those sick people (like me) who actually enjoyed it, let’s look at the collective stats.OffenseThe team hit .330 for the series, scored 28 runs (9.33 per game) and rang up 34 hits (11.33 per game). Is this what we should expect all season? No way. If they kept up these numbers http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2010/02/dabblin-with-cockspur-collective.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-330398074312065Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:20:00 +00002010-02-22T23:32:04.492-05:00<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2010/02/dabblin-with-cockspur-baseball-junkie_22.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-8563489627014415Mon, 22 Feb 2010 05:36:00 +00002010-02-22T00:42:03.170-05:00Here we are, three games in and the Gamecocks have yet to lose. Was it done against a program on the brink of destruction? Yes (literally, as Duquesne has decided to cut baseball altogether in 2011). Was the sweep against a team that would rank last in the SEC? Absolutely.That being said, it’s the norm for opening weekend. Get a lead, empty the bench, extend the pitching staff and get an overall http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2010/02/dabblin-with-cockspur-baseball-junkie.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-5992408699011582837Sat, 02 Jan 2010 06:18:00 +00002010-01-02T01:22:40.199-05:00Every now and again I like to explore those little voices in my head. In my three days here in Birmingham attending all practices, luncheons, press conferences and more, I’ve been tormented by the voices.One paces with anticipation for the blowout that will surely occur Saturday. The other tip toes around my brain afraid of the unknown – after all, anything could happen. The third voice is http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2010/01/dabblin-with-cockspur-me-myself-and-i.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-7091544368226888905Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:33:00 +00002009-12-02T15:36:25.671-05:00So much has been made lately of the disconnect between sport and children. Sure you’ve heard the arguments why soccer has become so popular with American children in recent years. Baseball has gotten rid of day games and/or the day-night double-header. World Series games go deep into the night beyond bedtimes. The Super Bowl has become about the commercials more than the game. The NBA has become http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/12/dabblin-with-cockspur-filling-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-6985104356087605239Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:43:00 +00002009-11-19T13:45:08.178-05:00This one is short and simple. I did three video sessions yesterday:Women’s BasketballMen’s BasketballFootballTwenty four hours later, the most viewed are listed in this order: Women’s Basketball, Football, Men’s Basketball.A year ago, women’s basketball would have been viewed about one tenth as much as the others. Nothing negative towards the other sports – they are both respectable at the very http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/11/dabblin-with-cockspur-very-interesting.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-1709207838460572946Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:03:00 +00002009-11-07T12:05:06.504-05:00Forty nine minutes until kickoff with nothing to do. Why not crunch some numbers? Common opponents: Georgia, Alabama and MississippiThe Razorbacks gave up 117 points, while the Gamecocks allowed 71. Arkansas scored 65 while South Carolina scored 59. EDGE: Gamecock Defense.What does this mean? In my opinion – nothing. No Cliff Matthews could be the single biggest impact on this game, unless Devinhttp://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/11/dabblin-with-cockspur-i-got-ya-stats.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-3845751018611489241Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:12:00 +00002009-11-02T08:13:10.523-05:00A certain player on the Gamecock football team received this message via Facebook the other day. I thought it was an interesting facet of society to diagnose – the complete jackass of a fan…Subject: You sorry son of a b**** "u need to worry about catchin d*** passes before u talk about scoring td's. u aint worth a f***!!!!!!!!! you used to be good. when u get good i will apologize!!!!!!"Please http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/11/dabblin-with-cockspur-fans-like-this.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-1106284559757956189Sun, 18 Oct 2009 15:53:00 +00002009-10-18T13:23:22.199-04:00Before I get started, I feel compelled to mention the class portrayed by Alabama fan along with those traveling Gamecocks – something I’m not sure I’ve ever witnessed. With Moe Brown lying motionless at the five yard line the 92,012 fans in attendance began chanting, “Let’s go Moe! Let’s go Moe!”Sure, we’ve all seen an opponent cheer when a hurt player walks off the field. Tuscaloosa took it a http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/10/dabblin-with-cockspur-even-saban.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-793423496438556837Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:12:00 +00002009-09-29T13:49:27.847-04:00When Darin Horn took over the South Carolina program he said the goal was to “build of fence” around the state of South Carolina and make sure that the best players in South Carolina came to the University OF South Carolina.Apparently, he forgot to tell the neighboring states he’d be pulling off a heist rivaling that of Danny Ocean and his shifty friends.In the state of North Carolina, of the tophttp://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/09/dabblin-with-cockspur-i-got-ya-tobacco.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-5477530475005929600Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:58:00 +00002009-09-25T09:17:18.795-04:00Remember the long haired kid from Florida who had the town oozing with Steve Taneyhill expectations? Faster than a covert hike up the Appalachian Trail, though, he was in trouble. Then, even faster, he was in trouble again. Before you knew it, he was out of spring drills, then in trouble again, and then suspended for another spring. Within twelve months the ridiculous comparisons to Steve http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/09/dabblin-with-cockspur-growin-up-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-3804251444850641914Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:42:00 +00002009-09-19T17:45:20.841-04:00Maybe I’m writing this hoping it’s something I erase in disgust. After all, the media writes thousands of articles you and I never read. I get to see the first paragraph or two – you don’t, but in an attempt to cut down the ridiculous time we spend in the press box, we’ll begin to project, guess and rest our laurels on assumptions. When the score is 31- 7 at the beginning of the fourth, most http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/09/dabblin-with-cockspur-cant-believe-im.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-5701394096486380009Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:27:00 +00002009-09-16T21:09:16.864-04:00If you clicked on the link ready to annihilate the Gamecock defense after allowing 41 points, shame on you. If you were one of the many to throw up your hands in disgust towards the defense, shame on you.The backbone of this team for years and one of the top units in the nation gave up 41 points this past weekend and everyone quivered, but some went a step further – some complained.Again, shame http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/09/dabblin-with-cockspur-crushing-gamecock.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-9175875757684144923Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:49:00 +00002009-07-29T09:54:00.546-04:00Some stats I happened to notice from last night. The statistics to the left are from last night while the statistics to the right are season totals. You may recognize some of these names from either in-state, SEC competition or Carolina baseball. It does not mean these are the only ones; it’s simply who had a big game last night and how they are doing this season in certain categories. Read it http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/07/recognizable-minor-league-stars-from.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-2843166174980680652Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:00:00 +00002009-07-28T10:40:50.159-04:00I’ve done this once before and it was sort of fun. I’m unsure if the medical field refers to it as bi-polar, multiple personality disorder, schizophrenia or just plain weird, but I may feel passionately about one thing now and the complete opposite two hours later.Either way, in full football mode, here goes:Optimistic Me:Stephen Garcia has finally made it through a spring practice and, accordinghttp://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/07/dabblin-with-cockspur-me-myself-and-i.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-8552429370767962564Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:18:00 +00002009-07-26T08:19:25.949-04:00The VirginLet’s start here. So what if Tim Tebow is a virgin. What you or I would do in his “situation” warrants no merit – none.After all, maybe the guy hasn’t been in that situation yet where he was with a woman who was willing. My buddy Dennis is probably still a virgin and he’s 39. Aside from the fact that Tebow is in great shape, a handsome kid, two-time national champion, possible two-time http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/07/dabblin-with-cockspur-virgin-man-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-6172339515226058535Fri, 24 Jul 2009 03:04:00 +00002009-07-23T23:23:54.824-04:00Tis’ the Season!I grew up a Yankee. Like any kid from any walk of life should be, I am proud of my heritage, upbringing, and geographical derivation. My entire family still lives in or around New York so I do get to visit whenever I want. All my fond memories notwithstanding, thank God I moved south 20 years ago next month.Gushing with pride and ne’er an ugly memory about The Big Apple, why the http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/07/dabblin-with-cockspur-holy-sht-im.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-2492150661157532794Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:37:00 +00002009-06-03T16:41:28.369-04:00Look, I hate it as much as you do! Going into the bottom of the ninth, I knew… Why? Hell, you know why. I just knew something wasn’t going to go to plan. When I’d heard that Clemson had come back to win their regional – that was the proverbial icing on the cake. Like some of you had said on the message boards – after the first walk you turned the television off. Same here! I had to stay because Ihttp://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/06/dabblin-with-cockspur-damn-those.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-7431802955507155034Sat, 23 May 2009 19:42:00 +00002009-05-23T15:55:07.078-04:00<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/05/dabblin-with-cockspur-grading-them.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-3762741741677409424Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:13:00 +00002009-04-27T15:08:07.667-04:00Somewhere around the third round, Eric Norwood’s “little voice” – the one we all have – probably said, “Damn, Jared is freaking rich.”At some point in the Gamecock-rich fifth round, Norwood’s little voice spoke up again, “Kenny’s gonna’ be rich. Jasper – rich. Jamon – rich.”Around the seventh round, Norwood’s voice probably spewed in anger, “Munnerlyn. Rich!”He had to think to himself at least http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/04/dabblin-with-cockspur-eric-norwood.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-6543651916485167198Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:51:00 +00002009-04-14T21:00:02.427-04:00Yeah, so, I took a little hiatus from writing my stupid BLOG, what's it to ya'?Which reminds me, does anyone know what “BLOG” stands for? Is it an abbreviation, an acronym, just some new word that Webster’s deemed worthy? Either way, please clue me in.Like I was saying, I took a little hiatus from the ol’ BLOG because March and April in this business are absolute insanity. It gets to the point http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/04/dabblin-with-cockspur-baseball.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-2602361939758114071Mon, 16 Mar 2009 21:51:00 +00002009-03-16T17:59:58.124-04:00Here’s the deal. Whether “the world outside the southeast” is wrong or not, the Gamecocks stand a much better chance in the National Invitational Tournament than they do in its bigger brother – the NCAA. Not just in placement, either, but in long-term health as well.When the Garnet Nation collectively agreed to take a step back and oust Dave Odom, whether they like it or not, they also agreed to http://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/03/dabblin-with-cockspur-ncaa-vs-nit.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2180834053466110480.post-1675052061480249559Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:17:00 +00002009-03-13T11:20:23.722-04:00An Open Letter to The Garnet Army:English 101, in some obscure Gambrell Hall classroom, the professors preached the importance of business letters. That being said, let the record show, today, at the spry age of 37, is the first time I’ll need to enact this very important life skill.The prof would stare down at us tugging gingerly on his pointed goatee before muttering, “One must always start thehttp://roger.gamecockcentral.com/2009/03/dabblin-with-cockspur-garnet-army-i.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Roger Olivieri)