Commodore Banter (8/11)

A few links to pass along as everyone gets caught up in Michael Phelps fever...

Most of you probably don't know much about Vanderbilt linebacker Brandon Bryant. After reading this story by Brett Hait of The Nashville City Paper, you'll be blown away. The last year of his life has been the most trying one could ever imagine.

“It’s been quite eventful, to say the least,” he said. “At times it’s been very rough, but it’s been a positive experience. I wouldn’t ask for it to play out any different. Some say that’s strange, but we all have something in store for us.

“As long as we hold true to that, we realize that things happen in life for a reason. Just keep pressing forward.”

Meanwhile, another linebacker, redshirt freshman Chris Marve, looks to be a four-year stater for the Commodores, according to Mo Patton of The Tennessean.

"He's got an intensity about him that you really like," said Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson. "Every play, he seems to be going all-out, full speed, trying to get his job done.

"He's got a nasty attitude when he gets to the ball. He's going to finish plays."

Note that Marve had 178 tackles in just 14 games as a high school senior.

"Playing linebacker, you've got to love contact," he said. "That's one thing about me, I love to hit."

Commodore fans love to hear that.

In case you weren't sure that Vanderbilt is a linebacker factory, here's another story about former Commodore Marcus Buggs, who's been impressive at camp with the Buffalo Bills. With Marve set to take over for Jonathan Goff in the middle, I'd imagine that it will be harder for the Dores to replace the high-energy Buggs on the outside.

And, while this linebacker has yet to play a down in three years, it's hard not to root for walk-on Bo "Rudy" Baggerley. I made up the nickname, but I think it's appropriate...

In baseball news, David Price was promoted to Triple-A Durham and could be joining the big-league club soon.

"We have spoken about him in regard to him prior to September," said Rays manager Joe Maddon. "We've had a lot of discussions, and we just want to do the right thing as we perceive them to be the right things. ... His performance to this point has been spectacular."

Meanwhile, the Pirates are fed up with Pedro Alvarez, his agent Scott Boras in particular.

I'd be shocked if Alvarez doesn't sign, but I think the battle between Boras and the Pirates is a reflective of a larger problem in Major League Baseball.

"We need to put together a system that fairly compensates the highly talented players and at the same time makes it easier for the player and the club to get the player (signed)," said Pittsburgh team president Frank Coonelly.

Also, props to senior Andrew Giobbi, who won the Cape Cod Baseball League's Manny Robello 10th Player Award, given to a player who performs above and beyond expectations.