Commodore Banter (5/9)

I'm finally unpacked here at home in Boston, which means the posts should once again become daily. There are a bunch of good Vanderbilt-related stories to pass along so make sure to check them out.

Vanderbilt and league-leading Georgia begin their crucial three-game series tonight at Hawkins Field (6 p.m. CT). With a sweep, the Commodores would take over first place in the SEC East. Baseball America's Aaron Fitt has an in-depth preview of the matchup.

While the Commodores are looking to win the SEC title for the second straight year, coach Tim Corbin knows his squad is also playing for a chance to host another NCAA Regional.

"You want to be on top at the end,'' said All-American third baseman Pedro Alvarez in this feature story. Is he talking about being the No. 1 pick in the MLB Draft or winning the national title? Probably both.

Alvarez has a shot to be the top choice in the draft, but there's no clear-cut No. 1 like there was last year with David Price, according to MLB.com.

While Alvarez and junior Ryan Flaherty are the stars, imagine Vanderbilt without its four everyday seniors -- Dominic de la Osa, Shea Robin, David Macias and Alex Feinberg. You can't say enough about what they've meant to this program.

The New York Giants are already raving about their new linebacker Jonathan Goff, who is graduating from Vanderbilt today.

A.J. Ogilvy could have a new nickname soon: "The Olympian." The sophomore center is one of 35 players competing for 12 spots on the Australian Olympian basketball team this summer. Read all about in his Q & A with Brett Hait of The Nashville City Paper.

Former Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler is trying to raise his profile, as well as money, writes James Paton of the Rocky Mountain News.

Wide receiver Earl Bennett had a case of the jitters at his first practice with the Chicago Bears.

Vanderbilt senior Shan Foster is going to leave behind a whole lot more than shattered records.

Make sure to read this terrifc feature on one of the greatest student-athletes this school will ever see.

Would Foster be a good fit with the Denver Nuggets? At least one person thinks so.

Hope you all have a great weekend, and congratulations to all the Vanderbilt seniors. We wish you the best of luck in the future.