Vandy is going to look fresh, at least

Win or lose, the Vanderbilt football team is going to do it in style this fall.

We got a glimpse at the fresh-lookinguniforms that coaches, players and football staffers collaborated with Nike uniform experts to design. It features black, gold and white options for both jerseys and pants.

"The result of everybody's efforts and input is an extremely sharp looking uniform," said coach Bobby Johnson, "I think Commodore fans are really going to like this fresh new look."

I think so too. Some of the notable changes:

-The two-color stripe on the pants has been removed and replaced with a Nike swoosh and the team's official two-color "Star V" logo patch stitched on either hip.
-The two-color stripe on jersey sleeves has also been removed, replaced with a one-inch solid black stripe.
-A thin white or black piping extends from the front collar to the lower back of each jersey style.
-There's a color "Star V" logo into a "home plate" design in the front collar, and the same logo also has been added to the back of each jersey above the number, making Vanderbilt one of only a few teams nationally to feature such a design.

"All the guys are super excited about getting to see them," said co-captain Brad Vierling. "I know myself, George (Smith) and Reshard (Langford) were totally blown away when we saw them for the first time. It's subtle and not flashy, but it's sleek and fresh. The guys are going to love them."

Let's hope the new look translates into more victories on the field. You can check out the full gallery on VU Commodores right here.

Foster goes off for 17 in Mavs' win

Shan Foster made the most of his first start in the Las Vegas Summer League, scoring 17 points on 8-for-13 shooting as Dallas defeated Minnesota 88-74 Monday night.

Vanderbilt's all-time leading scorer has displayed a well-rounded game early on. Foster only attempted three 3-point field goals, making one, against the Timberwolves and added three rebounds. It also looks like he guarded former Gator Corey Brewer, who scored 11 points but needed 18 shots to do it.

Through three games, Foster is averaging 8.7 points on 53 percent shooting, 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists. While he hasn't solidified a roster spot quite yet, I'd imagine that the Mavs are pleased with his performance.

David Thorpe of Scouts Inc. has been grading the rookie class and ranks Foster 35th in his top 50. Thorpe said that Foster couldn't have landed in a better situation. "SEC Player of the Year lucked out in Round 2 -- he's on a team that needs young energy guys who can shoot."

Foster returns to action Wednesday night at 5 p.m. CT, while Matt Freije (Milwaukee) plays tonight at 5 p.m. CT and Derrick Byars (New Orleans) will follow at 7:30 p.m. CT.

Photo [NBA.com]

Vegas not liking Vandy this year

We will have more than enough preseason football coverage coming up later in the summer, but wanted to direct people over to Vegas Watch for some evidence that it could be a long year for the 2008 football Dores.

Vegas lists the over/under win totals for a number of teams as calculated by sports book The Greek. Out of the 48 Bowl Championship Subdvision (yeah I said it) teams that were listed, Vandy came in last at 3 wins. 3 wins. 3. Wins.

I'm not expecting much this year, but wow, even fellow SEC whipping boys Ole Miss and Mississippi State come in at 5.5 and 7 wins respectively. Take a look at his graphs to see how the juice affects these numbers and for his calculation of true expected wins (Vandy's is 3.1).

Hey at least Vandy got a special shout out, even though it was for its calculated probability of going winless, coming in at an alarmingly high 2.9%.

So let me pose the question to you...OVER or UNDER???

Commodore Banter (7/14)

Before we get into the Vanderbilt-related links, I have some very important news to pass along.

Billy Packer's streak of Final Fours is finally over after 34 years. Man, did it feel good typing that sentence.

Packer will be replaced by studio analyst Clark Kellogg, while Jim Nantz will remain in his Final Four play-by-play role. Packer will leave CBS after 28 years to pursue "other projects in basketball," according to The Miami Herald.

Moving on, the man charged in the 2004 shooting death of Vanderbilt running back Kwane Doster but later saw the charges dropped, has been arrested in Tampa, Fla., on drug trafficking, conspiracy and racketeering charges, The Tampa Tribune reported.

Doster was killed in Tampa on Dec. 26, 2004, while home for Christmas break. Roman was arrested days after the shooting, but prosecutors dropped the first-degree murder charges against him in 2006, citing "adverse evidentiary developments."

In NBA summer league news, Derrick Byars has latched on with the New Orleans Hornets and had six points and two rebounds in 15 minutes in Sunday's 77-75 victory over Charlotte.

Meanwhile, Shan Foster had two points, four rebounds and four assists in nearly 20 minutes in the Mavs' 95-86 loss to Golden State. Foster missed his lone field-goal attempt, but hit both free throws and clearly contributed in other areas, which is an encouraging sign. Dallas returns to action tonight against Minnesota at 9 p.m. CT.

Within this Denver Post mailbag, it seems like Casey Weathers will be called up to the Rockies in late August or early September.

When do you think the Rockies will give Dexter Fowler and Casey Weathers a chance?

Dexter Fowler and Casey Weathers figure to be with the Rockies in either late August or early September. Fowler played in the Futures Game at Yankee Stadium and represents the future at center field. His athleticism intrigues me. He can run, and is growing into his power. Casey Weathers, surprisingly, has not been used as a minor-league closer this season. But he continues to show great power in his right arm. His September audition could determine whether he begins next season as a setup man.

In football recruiting news, linebacker Blake Southerland of Greater Atlanta Christian School verbally committed to Vanderbilt last week. He is the younger brother of Brannan Southerland, currently the starting fullback at Georgia.

Southerland is Vanderbilt’s fifth known commitment for the 2009 class, joining safety Jay Fullam, offensive lineman Justin Cabbagestalk, athlete Eric Samuels and defensive tackle Darrius McMullin.

Rivals.com college baseball editor Kendall Rogers took a look back at the 2008 season and gave the Commodores a "D." Given their expectations, can't say I disagree.

In SEC news, The Birmingham News notes that football ticket prices are soaring, while Mark Bradley of the AJC gives 10 reasons why Georgia will win the national title.

Minor leads Team USA to gold

Vanderbilt's Mike Minor and the rest of the United States national team made history Sunday, defeating Cuba in the championship game of the 24th Haarlem Baseball Week at Pim Mullier Stadium in the Netherlands.

It marked the first that time an American national team had defeated a Cuba Olympic in a tournament title game. The same Cuban squad that Minor handcuffed twice will compete in Beijing next month.

“What this team has accomplished is amazing,” said USA Baseball National Team coach Rob Walton. “These players may not realize the significance of this victory right now, but this was a big win. To beat a team with the history of success that Cuba has is something of which these guys should be proud.”

Minor gave up one unearned run on four hits and four walks with six strikeouts over six innings. He also pitched 6.1 scoreless innings in the Americans' 1-0 victory over Cuba last Sunday.

Team USA improved to 14-0 on the 2008 tour and finished 7-0 in the Haarlem Baseball Week.

“Winning an international competition and doing it against Cuba’s best team is an historic accomplish,” said USA Baseball National Team general manager Eric Campbell. “It really shows the quality of the college game in America. I’m happy for these players and this coaching staff, and I’m proud to put these men in USA Baseball uniforms.”

Minor has been terrific this summer, serving as Team USA's ace, and looks poised for a dominant junior season with the Commodores.

Photo [CSTV]

Rockies should have patience with Weathers

Pitching the eighth inning of the U.S. Future Games Sunday afternoon, Casey Weathers showed why he will be pitching for the Colorado Rockies in the near future, and perhaps why he's not there yet.

The former Vanderbilt closer displayed electric stuff and struck out the side thanks to a fastball that routinely clocked in at 96-97 mph and a slider that reached 88 mph and sat around 85 mph. However, after striking out the first hitter, Weathers walked two batters and gave up a single before buckling down to fan the next two to escape the inning unscathed.

The outing reaffirmed what we already knew about Weathers. He's a major-league talent with a truly power arm who has no difficulty missing bats. The fact that he could get out of the jam by recording back-to-back strikeouts (almost effortlessly, I might add) is what separates him from most relievers.

Still, Weathers, a converted outfielder, remains somewhat unpolished. While Weathers (2-0, 2.29 ERA) has 40 strikeouts in 35.1 innings, he has also issued 19 walks, too many for a big-league closer. For example, the Red Sox's Jonathan Papelbon has just seven walks in 40.2 innings and the Yankees' Mariano Rivera has just four in 42.1 innings.

Of course, the Angels' Francisco Rodriguez leads the league with 38 saves and has 26 walks in 42 innings, but I'm sure Mike Scioscia wouldn't mind if K-Rod cut down on the number of free passes.

ESPN.com's David Kull suggests that Weathers will be the Rockies' closer in the very near future, but I'm not sure there's a rush.

Colorado is in fourth place in the NL West, eight games behind Arizona, and barring a 2007-like run in the second half, will miss out on the playoffs. As a result, it might make sense to be patient with Weathers and give him more time to develop. If he is called up, Weathers would be best served to pitch the seventh and eighth innings before making the jump to closer next season.

Once he's ready, good luck to the opposing hitters trying to hit that overpowering fastball or killer slider.

Photo [Day Life]

Commodore Banter (7/13)

We've got a bunch of links to pass along on this beautiful Sunday afternoon so take some time and click through them if you're not at the beach or out playing golf...

In just a few minutes, former Vanderbilt closer Casey Weathers will compete in the U.S. Futures Games at Yankee Stadium, which showcases the top prospects from all 30 MLB organizations.

Weathers, the No. 8 overall pick by the Colorado Rockies in 2007, also has a chance to earn a spot on the Olympic squad, which will be officially announced on July 16, the day after the Major League All-Star Game.

Vying for a spot in the Team USA bullpen is another 2007 first-round pick, Vanderbilt product Casey Weathers of the Colorado Rockies. Working in short relief as a setup man, though he profiles as a closer down the road, Weathers sported a 2.29 ERA in 35 games for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers and had fanned 40 in 35 1/3 innings while limiting Texas League batters to a .184 average.

The Sacramento Bee also has a cool feature on Weathers and former Sacramento City College teammate Ryan Mattheus. After a couple of years apart, both Weathers and Mattheus are pitching for Double-A Tulsa and will take the field today as teammates in the Futures Game.

"It's kind of crazy how our worlds have collided," Mattheus said. "We run together every day, we play catch together every day. He's a good friend of mine."

Speaking of old teammates, Weathers' former partner-in-crime David Price picked up another win on Saturday. He allowed one run on six hits, while walking three and fanning four in seven innings to improve to 4-0 since being promoted to Class AA.

Yesterday we took a look at Derrick Byars and Shan Foster's summer league performances, but don't forget about Matt Freije, who scored 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, including 3-for-4 from downtown, in 22 minutes off the bench for the Bucks. The former Commodore also had five fouls so stop hacking, Matt.

Also, in case you hadn't heard, former Vanderbilt forward Ross Neltner is off to Turkey, where he'll play for Bursa. Neltner said that the "money is good," and that he receives a furnished apartment and a car. Should be a blast.

Is one foot back on the 3-point line a step forward for NCAA hoops? ESPN.com's Andy Katz answers that question and draws some interesting conclusions. Since the women kept their line at 19 feet, 9 inches, there are going to be two 3-point lines on most courts, which could cause problems for players and officials alike.

ESPN.com's Chris Low takes a look at some of the Southeastern Conference freshmen (both true freshmen and redshirt freshmen) who could make the biggest impact this fall and has three Commodores on the list.

Brandon Barden, TE, Vanderbilt: Originally signed with Virginia Tech, but transferred after a semester there. A quarterback in high school, Barden was impressive as a scout team tight end a year ago.

Jamie Graham, WR, Vanderbilt: A redshirt freshman, Graham was a defensive stopper on the Commodores' basketball team last season. He'll move from defensive back to receiver in football and should be one of the most explosive athletes on the team.

Tristan Strong, LB, Vanderbilt: With Marcus Buggs now trying to make an NFL team, there could be a spot at outside linebacker for a freshman. The 220-pound Strong is a leading candidate.

Upstatetoday.com analyzes the Vanderbilt-South Carolina match-up in week two and makes the following prediction: Gamecocks 28, Commodores 10.

Chicago Bears coach Darryl Drake said rookie wide receiver Earl Bennett has been impressive (scroll down to the bottom of the interview).

Vanderbilt outfielder Alex Hilliard has some pretty cool parents. The Hilliards recently spent 26 days vacationing in New England, attending every one of Alex's games for the Holyoke Blue Sox in the NECBL.

"Before the Hilliards left for home, they hosted a Louisiana-style dinner for both teams after one of our games. It was a wonderful time. In this business, you get attached to the parents as much as you do to the kids," said Barry Wadsworth, general manager and chief operating officer of the Blue Sox.

SI.com's Seth Davis shares some SEC thoughts, including Arkansas' Patrick Beverley's trash-talking with LeBron James.

With football players, commitments come earlier than ever, writes The Tennessean's Maurice Patton.

NBA summer league update

Derrick Byars capped a solid, yet unspectacular week at the Orlando Pro Summer League with an 11-point, 6-rebound effort in almost 32 minutes as the Magic defeated Michael Beasley's Miami Heat 74-69 on Friday.

In five games, the Vanderbilt alum averaged 8.4 points (behind only first-round pick Courtney Lee and center Marcin Gortat), 4.0 rebounds and 0.8 assists in nearly 26 minutes per game. Byars' shooting stroke abandoned him, as he shot 38 percent (16-for-42) from the field, including 4-for-18 from 3-point range, and made just six of 12 foul shots.

However, the fact that he played the third-most minutes and that Orlando assistant coach Patrick Ewing had him on the floor during crunch time, means there is a chance Byars sticks with the Magic. Teams don't look strictly at numbers during these summer leagues, which could bode well for DeeBee.

There is no question that Byars possesses a number of characteristics that make him an attractive 11th or 12th man. He's got a high basketball IQ, plays with great intensity every night, can score in a number of ways, is an above-average defender willing to take charges and he's unselfish, sometimes to a fault. Of course, he has his weaknesses and does not have as much upside as many of the younger players.

But, teams know what they're getting with Byars, and hopefully he showed enough this week to warrant consideration. We're certainly pulling for him.

In other summer league news, Byars' former teammate Shan Foster scored seven points off the bench in Dallas' 86-69 loss to the Clippers on Friday.

Foster was 2-for-5 from the field, including 1-for-4 from 3-point range, and 2-for-2 from the foul line. He added two rebounds and two assists without committing a turnover in a little over 15 minutes. Not a bad effort considering the opening-game jitters he must have played with.

The Mavs return to action Sunday night (9 p.m. CT) against the Timberwolves and you can check out the full schedule here.

Here's a look at how some former Southeastern Conference players are faring early on:

Jamont Gordon (Mississippi State): After the junior went undrafted, Gordon signed with Philadelphia and is averaging 11.5 points, 5.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 1 steal through two games. Teams were skeptical of Gordon because they couldn't tell whether he'd have a position (is he a point guard or shooting guard?), but the bottom line is that Gordon can play and he's proving that now.

Anthony Randolph (LSU): After one year in Baton Rouge, Randolph went off in his pro debut with Golden State, scoring 30 points and grabbing eight rebounds. (It's worth noting that Nashville native Brandon Wright added 17 points, seven rebounds and four blocks for the Warriors, which have quite the athletic front court).

Marresse Speights (Florida): Looks like Speights made the right move to jump to the NBA as he's averaging 18 points, nine rebounds and 1.5 blocks in two games for Philadelphia. He's got an NBA-ready body and should be able to contribute immediately for the new-look Sixers.

Sonny Weems (Arkansas): The former Razorback scored 17 points and grabbed three rebounds in 21 minutes for the Nuggets.

Charles Rhodes (Mississippi State): Gordon's college teammate had 10 points and six rebounds for Dallas.

Joe Crawford (Kentucky): The former Wildcat had nine points and two rebounds but committed four turnovers in his debut with the Lakers.

And isn't that a cool photo? [Vanderbilt]

IMG preparing to help continue torturing us with the BCS

I think most college football fans will agree with me when I say that I am sick and tired of the BCS. According to the biased yet informative website College Football Playoffs, the number is actually 4 out of 5.

Not that we as Vanderbilt fans have much to worry about in the way of our team being left out of the big game, but come on, I know you want to see a playoff anyway. That's not really the point though. There are plenty of places for you to read about the whole BCS vs. Playoffs debate with people that know a lot more about the situation than I do.

What I do know, however, is that IMG's recent deal to negotiate the rights to the BCS TV package when it expires this fall means that we won't be getting rid of the flawed system anytime soon.

Read about the deal here, courtesy of AOL Fanhouse.

Let the "Bring Back George" campaign begin

Dixie Fried Sports recently suggested that Vanderbilt bring back George. Who? Those were my thoughts exactly, until DFS provided me with a very valuable history lesson.

According to the story, while Vanderbilt's nickname has always been the Commodores, its mascot during the 1960's was indeed a basset hound named George. Toby Wilt, a Vanderbilt student, routinely brought George to football games and on November 28, 1964, he became a legend by chasing a Tennessee Volunteer mascot, which was a horse at the time, out of the stadium. The Vanderbilt crowd understandably went wild and the Dores went on to win the game 7-0.

George's popularity grew exponentially following his heroic performance. The student booster organization approved George, the fan-favorite who attended all of the Commodore football and basketball games.

The story has it that George actually lived with Wilt at the Sigma Chi house. However, once George became more well-known, he was removed from the house by the Metropolitan Health Department, which didn't approve of a dog living in a fraternity house.

George ended up living in a $300 doghouse after the proposal to build him an elaborate $2,000 home was rejected. Then, in November 1966, George was killed in a tragic accident after chasing an ice truck. He was given a coffin by a local funeral home and supposedly buried in a small plot just north of Dudley Field, which still exists today.

George was replaced by another basset hound, Samantha, but she apparently did not have the "it" factor and Vanderbilt decided to put the basset hound mascot to rest.

Now, here's where the story gets relevant. I think DFS sums it up best so read carefully:

The Dores haven't been to a bowl in over 25 years now. The crowds at Vanderbilt Stadium are less than impressive and many times the average attendance numbers are helped by teams like Alabama or Tennessee's fans making the short trip to Nashville. The program tries to bring in some bit of tradition. After each TD you have a foghorn go off and during the pregame you even have some TNT(For Vandy's fight song "Dynamite"). Still the program is lacking a good representative, someone the student body can rally around.

Bring back George!! Those three words should be on every Vandy fans lips. Not only would the school be celebrating a hero of the past that once chased a Tennessee mascot out of the stadium, but it would also be making a smart marketing decision. Basset Hounds have always been one of the most marketable dogs in the United States. For years the shoe company that made Hush Puppies used the basset hound as a mascot. In the Maytag commercials there was often seen a basset hound as a companion of the lonely Maytag Man.

Basset Hounds are also popular figures in pop culture and TV. Who hasn't seen Hazard County's most lovable pup on The Duke's of Hazard, Flash? In "Smokey and the Bandit" the trucker Snowman is seen with a basset hound friend Fred while driving on the road. The cartoon character "Droopy Dog" was a basset hound. Chips, Columbo, Coach, and even the People's Court have featured the breed at various times.

What better way to bring in new revenue to Vandy. Look at all the money Georgia makes off of UGA t-shirts, hats, and stuffed animals. Smokey has made Tennessee plenty of money over the years. The basset is kid friendly and family friendly. The dog has marketing powers unlike most breeds.

Come on Vandy, pay respect to your past and give all of us in the south a new mascot to love. Become the only major university with a basset hound mascot. Only this time go ahead and build the new George that $2000 doghouse he deserves.

Joseph Williams, Vanderbilt Student Government President, I'm counting on you here. Make this happen. Let's bring back George!