torre

Great interview with Mary Iakopo. Lengthy, but well worth the read. In-depth. (excerpts) The Oklahoma State series is going to be a little weird this year with Miranda Elish now on that team. Your thoughts about facing off against a former teammate? I think it all comes down to not making the game bigger than what it is. At the end of the day, there's no bad blood between Lauren, Miranda and I. (Elish, Burke and Iakopo all transferred in from Oregon before the 2019 season). Just to see her on another team, as long as she's happy, we're happy for her. And it's a game. Obviously, we want to beat them, but not just because she saw a team, because they've handed us every L. I think we beat them once or twice in the four years that I've been here. I may be wrong. Oklahoma State is just one that you want to beat, just because they keep whooping your ass. It has nothing to do with Miranda, but more so to do with, like, I don't like to lose. At the end of the day, I'm just going to go out there and compete against whoever it is they throw. Since you played with coach White at Oregon, how has that relationship evolved? Over the years, I've definitely seen a change from Oregon to Texas. He was definitely comfortable in a sense to where his communication was there at Oregon, but he's developed a different coaching style at Texas to where he's not breathing down everyone's necks or demanding so many things out of you. He's allowing you to grow as a player, and I think my transition from Oregon to Texas, he's allowed for players like Lauren and I to really grow as people and also as players. If we ever needed help, he's still there, but he's never gonna micromanage you. I think that's what I appreciate the most out of him. To hear some of my friends at other schools, there's other things that their coaches expect out of them and that's what they signed up for, but my parents raised a good enough kid to where I don't need to be micromanaged to be a good person, to be a good human, to be a good teammate. Coach White really allows for that. https://www.hookem.com/story/sports/softball/2022/02/10/texas-softball-mary-iakopo-back-one-final-season-big-hits/6680680001/

https://texassports.com/sports/baseball/schedule @Lobo Finally have the times. 😊

WSJ article worth the read. (excerpts) Ford F -0.95% Motor Co. and General Motors Co. GM -2.46% are clamping down on dealerships that are trying to charge more than the sticker price, a tactic that has proliferated amid the car shortage. Ford F -0.95% Chief Executive Jim Farley said Thursday that dealers who engage in this practice will face consequences, including losing supplies of future models. Auto makers set a manufacturer’s suggested retail price, or MSRP, when they ship cars to dealerships. Dealers aren’t required to adhere to them, but under business norms that has been the general practice and expectation. Ford has determined that about 10% of the roughly 3,000 dealerships in its U.S. network are charging above the sticker price, Mr. Farley said. If they don’t stop, Ford plans to take punitive action by shipping them fewer sought-after models, he added. In a letter to its dealers last month, GM also said it could take action against “a small minority of bad actors” who were selling or leasing vehicles at rates “far in excess” of sticker prices set by the auto company. It said GM could decide to withhold some vehicle shipments to those dealerships. Traditional car companies operate through networks of franchise dealerships, which are independent businesses that purchase cars from the factory. While the auto maker controls supply and offers promotional programs, dealers generally have autonomy over the final transaction with the customer. Many dealers are tacking on what are known as market adjustments, which inform the buyer that the dealership is raising the price of the vehicle above the window sticker figure. In some cases, they are doing this by requiring that buyers accept added fees and warranty protection as part of the asking price. https://www.wsj.com/articles/ford-gm-warn-dealers-charge-above-sticker-price-and-face-repercussions-11644323580

What is your "best guess" on how MW will manage the pitching staff this weekend and early season ? When will he "baptize" Simpson ? 🙂

Box score. Larger print available in link. https://texassports.com/news/2022/2/5/no-1-baseball-falls-to-texas-exes-in-the-alumni-game.aspx

As ESPN's SVP would say "Best thing I saw today" The two transfer catchers (Hoffart, Blinn, and Schuessler, aggy) look pretty good. Hope Pierce will give them PT in midweek games to relieve Silas.

Iowa St basketball game at 1PM. Sunny, mid to low 40's but no wind. AUSTIN, Texas – No. 1 Texas Baseball is set to host its annual Alumni Game at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. An autograph session with the baseball team will take place from noon to 1 p.m. inside the Frank Erwin Center prior to the Men's Basketball game. Before heading to UFCU Disch-Falk Field, fans attending the Men's Basketball vs. Iowa State game can catch Texas Baseball at the Frank Erwin Center beginning at noon. A poster will be available for autographs (while supplies last). Tickets for the basketball game may be purchased online at TexasSports.com/tickets. Following the basketball game, fans can head across I-35 to UFCU Disch-Falk Field for a free commemorative event poster, a pennant giveaway courtesy of UFCU, and photo ops with Bevo XV and Smokey the Cannon before first pitch at 4 p.m. Kids are welcomed to run the bases following the game. Admission and parking to the annual Alumni Game are free and the game will be televised by Longhorn Network beginning at 4 p.m. Longhorn legend Huston Street will officially be recognized at UFCU Disch-Falk Field as his No. 25 was set to be retired during the 2020 season. Street, who was a three-time All-American and the 2002 College World Series Most Outstanding Player, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Happy Hour All Game! Fans attending the 2022 Alumni game will have access to happy hour pricing all game long with $5 domestic/$6 premium beers available at UFCU Disch-Falk Field. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS (subject to change) Noon-1 p.m. Autograph session (at Erwin center) 3:00 p.m. Gates Open 3:20 p.m. Texas & Alumni infield 3:30 p.m. Alumni infield 3:45 p.m. Introductions 3:55 p.m. National anthem 3:58 p.m. Umpire meeting 4:00 p.m. Huston Street recognition 4:03 p.m. First pitch Postgame Kids run the bases ACTIVE ALUMNI IN ATTENDANCE (subject to change)
 Player, Pos., Organization (Seasons at Texas) Mike Antico, OF, St. Louis Cardinals ('21) Kody Clemens, INF, Detroit Tigers ('16-18) Bryce Elder, P, Atlanta Braves ('18-20) Duke Ellis, OF, Chicago White Sox ('18-20) David Hamilton, MIF, Boston Red Sox ('17-19) Blair Henley, P, Houston Astros ('17-19) C.J Hinojosa, INF, free agent ('13-15) Kyle Johnston, P, Toronto Blue Jays ('15-17) Nick Kennedy, P, Colorado Rockies ('16-17) Nolan Kingham, P, Atlanta Braves ('16-18) Ty Madden, P, Detroit Tigers ('19-21) Mark Payton, OF, free agent ('11-14) Chase Shugart, P, Boston Red Sox ('16-18) Cam Williams, INF, Kansas City Royals ('20-21) Zach Zubia, INF, Miami Marlins ('17-21) Manager: Brooks Kieschnick ('91-93) Assistant coaches: Roger Clemens ('82-83), Cameron Rupp ('08-10), Kacy Clemens ('14-17) RELATED NEWS No. 1 Baseball picked first in Big 12 Preseason Poll No. 1 Baseball lands seven on Preseason All-Big 12 team UT places 369 student-athletes on Fall 2021 Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll Baseball Alumni Game set for Feb. 5 Baseball lands seven on Preseason All-American team Baseball announces 2022 signing class https://texassports.com/news/2022/2/2/no-1-baseball-alumni-game-set-for-saturday.aspx

I have no experience in the current market except reading the articles and talking to friends. Did the salesman say that for this purchase or previous purchases ? The Ca market and the individual dealer's need for preowned inventory may affect the trade value. Depending on the market and vehicle type, some dealers are offering prime value for trades. If the option exists since you have already ordered the vehicle, another angle would be to negotiate down the price of the new vehicle before the trade. You are likely paying more than MSRP for the new vehicle in today's market. So any amount equal or below MSRP would be a saving. The key is does the dealer need preowned vehicles. I would encourage you to check Edmunds.com, kbb.com, and other sites to get the true value of your Mercedes and the vehicle you are purchasing. Edmunds seems to account for the current climate. That said, many dealers today are not willing to negotiate due to demand vs low inventory. But you can counter with a private sell. Good Luck !

May not be appropriate for this thread, but some may have interest. ABC interviewed Michael Center this week and DMN previously published an article. Center seems to be seeking publicity to throw shade to The University. Per articles, he received 100K, gave 40K to LHF and kept 60K, but blames the review process. Sad, feel bad for his family. (excerpts) In a 4,200-word story in Sports Illustrated, Center recounts the fundraising pressure that led him to accept a $100,000 bribe, his six-month sentence in federal prison where he was under suicide watch and his questions about why the punishment at Texas stopped with him. He said he still suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the investigation. In the SI story, Center disputed the internal Texas report compiled under former President Greg Fenves and released in September 2019. “There’s no college coach in America — much less at a state school, much less a coach of a nonrevenue sport— who can admit an athlete without consulting other people in the athletic department,” Center told SI. “What they were asking people to believe, it’s just impossible.” “I was no rogue actor, and this wasn’t my word against their word,” Center told SI. “There were signatures that went along with it. That’s the system. ... There wasn’t one point in the process where I thought people wanted to learn the whole truth.” Former coach Michael Center asks why punishment at Texas for Varsity Blues scandal stopped with him (dallasnews.com) ABC interview (can't embed vid) Video Coach speaks out in exclusive interview on Varsity Blues scandal - ABC News (go.com)

The oft criticized Marcus Carr gave it his all last night. Hook 'Em, Marcus ! siap For Tech fans, this was ecstasy. Texas fans better get ready to go through all this again at the Erwin Center on Feb. 19. Tech fans have gobbled up most, if not all, of the extra tickets in the return match. https://www.hookem.com/story/sports/mens-basketball/2022/02/02/texas-longhorns-basketball-at-texas-tech-big-12-conference/9285169002/

Always go thru discovery. The Broncos said five executives traveled to Providence, R.I., for the interview and it started “promptly at the scheduled time of 7:30 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2019,” and lasted the “fully allotted time” of 3 1/2 hours. “Pages of detailed notes, analysis and evaluations from our interview demonstrate the depth of our conversation and sincere interest in Mr. Flores as a head coaching candidate,” the Broncos said. “Our process was thorough and fair to determine the most qualified candidate for our head coaching position. The Broncos will vigorously defend the integrity and values of our organization — and its employees — from such baseless and disparaging claims.” In November 2020, ahead of the Dolphins’ visit to the play the Broncos, Flores participated in a conference call with the Denver media. He said he remembered his interview with the Broncos “vividly.” “It was just great, for me, doing my own background work and learning more about the Denver Broncos and their history, the Bowlen family and the great history that they have there as an organization,” Flores said. “I was excited to interview with them. I thought it went well. … I think Vic is a great coach. They got the right coach and the right people in place. … It was a good experience for me personally.” https://www.denverpost.com/2022/02/01/brian-flores-lawsuit-nfl-broncos-dolphins-giants/

A strong conference commissioner would have informed Hocutt and Tech to control the situation. And failure to do so could result in reprimand, fines, etc. Has Hocutt made any statement to control the fans ? And the Bowlsby animosity toward Texas after the SEC departure likely means he will covertly enjoy the possible havoc. Very sad for the B12 and college athletics if there are serious issues.

Good info, worth the entire read. Props to Danny Davis, AAS. With the first pitch of the 2022 baseball season just three weeks away, Texas held its first practice this past Friday. Expectations at UFCU Disch-Falk Field couldn't be much higher. The Longhorns have been ranked first in the preseason polls compiled by D1Baseball and Baseball America. Texas also topped the Big 12's preseason rankings. Texas is not lacking in talented arms. There are also plenty of experienced bats in the team's lineup. The Longhorns, however, do need to replace the six Texas Exes who signed professional contracts after being selected in the 2021 MLB Draft. One of those draftees was Mike Antico, who was an eighth-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals. A graduate transfer this past season, Antico had a big impact during his only year in Austin. A solid center fielder, Antico hit .273 and he led the nation with his 63 walks. Antico's 41 stolen bases were the most for a Longhorn since 1996. While speaking to the media last week, Texas coach David Pierce didn't seem overly concerned about remaking the look of his outfield. Eric Kennedy will remain in left field this year. Douglas Hodo III will scoot over to center field after serving at UT's primary right fielder in 2021. Austin Todd will then return to right field after receiving a medical redshirt this past spring. This will be Todd's sixth year at Texas and Kennedy has been his teammate for four of those seasons. Hodo is a redshirt sophomore. Combined, those three outfielders have appeared in 368 games and recorded 1,240 at-bats. "(This) may be the best outfield I've ever had," Pierce said. Health issues have plagued Todd in the past and his 2021 season was shortened by a shoulder surgery. In order to preserve Todd's body, Pierce won't play him every day. Pierce said Dylan Campbell and Murphy Stehly have both been working out in right field and are options to back Todd up on the depth chart. Both Campbell and Stehly can play multiple positions in the infield. They will be used as utility players this season. Added to the arsenal: After making 28 relief appearances last year, Tanner Witt will likely join UT's weekend rotation this season. Pierce said that if the Longhorns had their first game instead of their first practice last weekend, Witt would be his Sunday starter. As a true freshman, Witt went 5-0 with a 3.16 ERA. At the College World Series, Witt threw 5 2/3 innings of three-hit relief in an elimination game against Tennessee. Witt told reporters that since he was working out of the bullpen in 2021, he relied mainly on his fastball and curveball. He started throwing a change-up more in the Tennessee game and Witt said that catcher Silas Ardoin has insisted that his change-up is currently his best pitch. Witt is also working on a cutter that "looks good so far. It's still a work in progress." New kid on the block: Fans won't see too many unfamiliar faces in the Texas lineup this season. Six of UT's returnees had at least 180 at-bats for the team last year. Skyler Messinger may need to introduce himself, though. A transfer from Kansas, Messinger will likely be UT's third baseman when it plays Rice on Feb. 18. (Campbell and Stehly could also contend for playing time at a position vacated by the drafted Cam Williams.) Over four seasons and 186 games at Kansas, Messinger posted a .280 batting average. He is coming off a season in which he was an all-Big 12 honoree who hit .324. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound Messinger had 46 doubles fly off his bat at Kansas but he only hit six home runs. That last number surprised Pierce, who believes his newcomer could display more power this season. "(He's) made some adjustments with his swing, maybe to drive a few more balls in the gap and maybe hit a few more home runs," Pierce said. "He's only hit six home runs in his career at KU, which is a little shocking when you look at the numbers with his stature." Alumni and Augie: Texas will host its alumni game at 4 p.m. this Saturday. Admission to the alumni game will be free. Speaking of alumni games, Cal State Fullerton held theirs last weekend. At the event, the Titans unveiled a statue of former coach Augie Garrido. https://www.hookem.com/story/sports/baseball/2022/01/31/texas-baseball-no-1-longhorns-return-practice-season-nears/9273750002/

Any idea what earlier play he is referring ? Kobe (RIP) couldn't have made that shot. Someone needs to ask him about the "T". “We had a specific play that we were going to we're going to try to run, get a good look,” Texas coach Vic Schaefer said. “We had gotten it twice during the game. For whatever reason, we just didn't execute. “It's the difference in having a veteran (team like Oklahoma) and having a young team. I beat my head in the wall all day trying to get our kids to attack and get the ball inside and get the ball in the paint. I just — I lost the battle. We really settled a lot for jump shots. I really had a hard time trying to get my team to play the way we practiced for two days.” https://www.hookem.com/story/sports/college/sooners/2022/01/29/ou-vs-texas-womens-basketball-score-recap-sooners-win-over-longhorns/9262870002/

No little about wbb, but OU seems to very aggressive, No ?

Nice story on Aaliyah Moore that will get you "pumped" before the game. (excerpts) So when Moore was asked last week whether she thought the state of Oklahoma would even allow its prodigal daughter to cross back over the Red River for this game, she just laughed. But Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer interrupted with an assurance. "They're gonna let her in the state, that ain't going to be an issue." Schaefer said. "They can boo and hiss all they want." "I wanted to win," Moore said. "When I found out it was going to be coach Schaefer that was coming here, I was like, 'Oh yeah, he knows how to win.' I mean, that's perfect." Oklahoma is allowing 74.8 points per game, but that conference-worst mark hasn't slowed the Sooners. DePaul is the only team in the country that's scoring more than Oklahoma, which averages 87 points. "Offensively, they're just a machine," Schaefer said. "(Baranczyk) does a great job and they're really talented. Obviously, there's some kids there that can really play and they're really fitting into her system." https://www.hookem.com/story/sports/womens-basketball/2022/01/29/texas-basketball-freshman-aaliyah-moore-ready-oklahoma-homecoming/6615343001/

Single game and miniplan tickets now on sale. LSU (Mar 18, 19 (DH) and OU (14-16 Apr, Thurs-Sat, Easter) worth the price of admission.

🙂 Interesting on Wells. Smithson Valley is a suburb of San Antonio. SV has an excellent high school program. JD Reininger alum. Alot of their former players have gone to Baylor or aggy. Wells just entered his freshman year at SV.

Saw this in today's AAS. Cooper and Caleb on the way. Heard from John Danks that son Jordan, the former Texas outfielder who played 184 games with the White Sox, is a realtor, a baseball coach and a cadet in the Pflugerville Fire Department, a lifelong goal of his. Jordan lives near Taylor with wife Ashley and sons Cooper, 8, and Caleb, 6, along with horses, donkeys and chickens https://www.statesman.com/story/sports/2022/01/26/cowboys-should-pull-off-big-trade-lure-sean-payton-dallas/9215770002/

Former OUsux player Tillman may be referring to this. He and Brando should be banned by Fox from doing our games. TCU coach Gary Patterson apologized Tuesday for repeating a racial slur when instructing a player to stop using the word in team meetings, which led to a group of players to skip practice Monday. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/29594841/tcu-coach-gary-patterson-apologizes-repeating-racial-slur

Check me, I count 42. So with the Covid waiver (40 man/32 scholarships) only have to cut 2. Problem may be next year if the NCAA returns to the 35 with 27 scholarships and with the incoming recruiting class. Not sure if below commit roster (14) is current. It does not include Silas' brother Sam who has committed. Will also be interesting to see how the transfer portal affects college baseball. https://www.perfectgame.org/College/CollegeCommitments.aspx?college=1829

RIP, Great One ! Below vid filmed in Denton. Such great lyrics to all his songs. "And if life is just a highway, then the soul is just a car"

True. Junior this year - draft year. Looking at Ark schedule, parallels aggy - all non-conf home games against patsies except the Round Rock Classic. Gives them time to audition a replacement. Thanks for the info @Don Johnson https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/sport/m-basebl/schedule/

RIP Ron ! Thanks for the great memories. Excerpts from AAS story. ESPN taking the low road. As all know, normally ESPN makes mention of a former colleague's passing and has a photo and moment of silence. Some so obscure no one knows them Perhaps they will tonight on the SVP show which is very late due to the NBA game. Franklin died Tuesday in Austin due to what doctors termed COVID-19 related pneumonia, his wife Bonnie told the American-Statesman on Wednesday. He was 79. “He was maybe the best radio football guy I’ve ever heard,” said Tom Dorr, who was an analyst alongside Franklin for one season in the 1980s. “But he really knew the game of football exceptionally well and he was able to tell that story. “I thought he was able to paint that picture, tell that story so well on radio and give you a real sense of what was going on,” Dorr added. “Man, he loved Texas. Absolutely to the top of his lungs, Ron loved UT and UT sports.” “Ron Franklin was a longtime partner of mine at ESPN, and we ended our time there as good friends and colleagues,” Rowe said Wednesday. “He was a unique talent and made college football better for viewers.” Said Bonnie Franklin: “He really respected her. He used to say Holly really does her homework.” But Franklin was fired just before the Fiesta Bowl in January 2011 for allegedly calling sideline reporter Jeannine Edwards a “sweet baby” and using an expletive. Franklin later sued the network for wrongful termination in Travis County. His lawyer said Franklin’s comments were the result of Edwards cutting into a private conversation. Franklin issued a statement on Jan. 3, 2011. “I said some things I shouldn't have and am sorry. I deserved to be taken off the Fiesta Bowl.” Franklin and the network agreed to an out-of-court settlement. Reached on Wednesday, an ESPN spokesman said the network had no comment about Franklin’s passing “So sorry to hear of the death of Ron Franklin,” Edwards tweeted Wednesday. “He had some quirks, but loved sports, talking sports, living sports. He was a pro.... prepared meticulously and was great at what he did. RIP Ron.” https://www.hookem.com/story/sports/football/2022/01/19/ron-franklin-obituary-texas-longhorns-radio-sports-announcer-dies-covid/6584061001/

https://texaslonghorns.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=BBST&linkID=tex-ath&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode= For those interested/need, GA Season Tickets are available for $99. Limited regular priced season tickets also available especially in the upper reserved sections. For the aggy game on 29 March, one would likely pay close or above $99 for GA. (from a scalper or StubHub). Call UT Tickets, 512-471-3333, M-F, 9-4. They should also have info on availability of single game tickets.