5 For Friday

1) Tebow - Lot's of talk about where he's going to go in the NFL draft. Some project him late 1st, early 2nd, others think he won't go till 6th or 7th round. Has there been anyone in recent years who's ability has been so polarizing? I suppose if you like multi dimensional players who work hard, he's one of yours. If you go strictly by ability for a position, you want nothing to do with him. You know who he reminds me of? Tom Brady. Prior to the draft, his mechanics and physical tools didn't fit the stereotypical QB. The report on him was they thought he had the mental makeup and worked hard but was limited in arm strength and throwing ability. Sound familiar? Now I'm not saying Tebow will be the next Brady, but if someone takes him high, that's the comparison they're using and willing to risk a high pick for that upside.

2) CAPO Teachers Strike - Weird item for a sports write up isn't it? Well not really. The teachers union in the Capo Valley School District are threatening to go on strike (possibly as early as next week) and if it happens, all the sports programs will be shut down. Could raise heck when it comes to how league standings shake out. No one knows how they're going to count those missed games. Some say forfeit, some are saying they'll try to make them up (depending upon length of strike). As for baseball (which I mainly follow), schools affected would be Capo Valley, Tesoro, Dana Hills, San Clemente and Aliso Niguel. Those are some big Southern Cal baseball powers. Mission Viejo would be affected because they're in league with those schools (but otherwise wouldn't be affected by the strike). This is going to be interesting how it plays out. For more info, check out Steve Fryers's article in The Orange County Register.

3) College Hockey - I'm sure you've all been riveted about what's been going on in college hockey..... The Frozen Four started last night with Boston College ripping Miami 7-1 and Wisconsin beat up RIT 8-1. They'll face each other Saturday night in a rematch of the 06 finals when Wisconsin topped BC. Game time is 7pm Eastern.

4) Is Golf A Sport? - This came up multiple times in discussions yesterday and then I noticed SI posing that question on their website. With Fred Couples and Tom Watson both starting out hot in the Masters yesterday, it raised the question if a 50 and 60 year old man can challenge for a "major" championship, does that rule it out from being a sport? My answer is no it doesn't rule it out. Golf is so big mentally, it sets itself apart from the other more physical sports. You're just not running around and don't have to have the physical condition, but mentally, you lose it for 2 holes and you can forget about winning (or in a major, challenging).

5) Eri Yoshida - Who? She's the Japanese female knuckleball pitcher who became the Japanese leagues first female player last year. She just signed with the Chico Outlaws, an Independent league team. She becomes the first professional female player in the states since Ila Borders retired 10 years ago. Eri learned to throw a knuckleball by watching video of Tim Wakefield (and met him this spring). Not sure how long or where this is going to go, but from a marketing standpoint, it's already working as here I am linking to their team site (HERE). Being an Independent league, they're not paying her much and it'll certainly be a good draw for her 1st couple of outings.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Bill