Dolphins eyeing WVU's Pat White for Wildcat; plus Dawson snubbed, playoff picks, Pedro, Tebow & more

     [Blognote: About two-thirds of you (65.6%) voted in our poll in favor of the return of our "Ask the Blogmaster General" feature. Because the majority rules, ABG shall return. But for now we'll keep it as a monthly thing, not weekly, mainly because we'll continue to do the live online chats each Monday from 1-2 p.m., and partly because response was modest. "Ask the Blogmaster General," a blog-only Q&A, will re-debut in early February].

     A new mess o' miscellania, all free and just for you...

     The Dolphins are intrigued by West Virginia quarterback Pat White in the upcoming April NFL Draft with an eye on his having a major role in the team's Wildcat offensive variation next season. That's according to a source of ours who is privvy to personnel guru Bill Parcells telling an associate exactly that within the past few days.

     This is interesting on a couple of fronts. 1) It suggests Tuna is actively engaged in draft planning and has every intention of staying on despite recent speculation. 2) It indicates Miami feels there is much life left in the Wildcat and many ways to expand it.

      Most draft estimates have the 6-foot, 192-pound White as a 3rd or 4th round pick. NFLdraftscout.com rates him as the fifth best QB in the draft and 93rd overall. White would lend more of a passing threat to the Wildcat offense than current Wildcat hub Ronnie Brown. The Dolphins are intrigued by White's dual-threat possibilities and also see him as a winner, aware he has a 4-0 bowl record and was MVP in the past three of them.

Cooperstown rejects Dawson again: Leadoff-man extraordinaire Rickey Henderson (pictured) and slugger Jim Rice today became the newest inductees into Baseball Hall of Fame, Henderson easily, Rice barely. Third in the vote but denied again: Miamian Andre Dawson, the Bob Kuechenberg of baseball. For the record, Rice batted .298 for his career with 382 homers, 1,451 RBIs and eight All-Satr appearances. Dawson batted .279 with 438 HRs, 1,591 RBIs and eight All-Star appearances. Dawson had 361 votes, 44 short of what was required. He is deserving.

     Pedro Martinez to Marlins?: ESPNdeportes.com has reported talks are underway. Marlins sources deny any interest. I tend to believe the latter. Pedro-to-Marlins would have been pretty darned exciting even a couple of years ago. Now, by my view he's just 37, injury-marred and fading fast.

     NFL playoff predix results: Went only 2-2 overall in the divisional round but a perfect 4-0 against the spread. Picked Ravens' upset win outright, had Steelers covering, and had 'dog Cards and Eagles with the points.

     Happy days are here again!: UM men's basketball coming off a huge win at Boston College. Panthers only one point off playoff pace at the NHL all-star break. Heat on pace to make playoffs. Dolphins coming off a resurgent season. Geez, thank God for Canes football or we'd have nothing to complain about!

    Good for Tebow: Refreshing of Florida Gators QB TimTebow to announce he'll be back for his senior season. He has won a Heisman, has two national championship rings and had every reason to go chasing NFL dollars now, but opted for the collegiate experience full-term. How can you not root for this kid? (Although I can do without the "John 3:16" on the eye-black, Timmy. Don't like it when religion is worn on the sleeve like that. Separation of church and sports, por favor).

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     Click back. Will be adding more stuff to this post later.

Comments

[Greg Goatee]

A friend of a third cousin of a janitor who used to work for the Dolphins but no longer does told a girl who was in the same city as Bill Parcells once that this is stupid. And I believe them more than I believe you.

[cuban mence]

Cote, Make your pics, need to call my bookie.

[c]

how could you not root for tebow? easy... graduate from fsu or miami. there are a lot of good kids out there, myron rolle comes to mind. do you see any gators rooting for myron rolle? no, and they shouldn't. same with tebow. i understand hes a good kid and a great player, but enough with the media kissing his a$$ 24/7. it gets really annoying.

[mred]

....what's with that anti-religion rant? separation of church and sports???? where the heck is that found in the constitution? and isn't that just exactly what the constitution protects? wow, the devil and anti-christianity is creeping into everything....scary.

[Gabo]

How about signing Michael Vick to the league minimum to run the wildcat - Now THATS scary. Vick has something to prove and you gotta believe he's working out in jail.

[cuban menace]

I Bet a friend 50 bucks that tiny tim would go into his religous tandem after the game, and right on que" i want to thank jesus christ my god and savior" thanx timmy.

[cuban menace]

Where Was your god and savior vs mississippi, must had taken the day off huh?

[cuban menace]

Reminds me of the movie the ten commandments, with edward g. robinson playing the taskmaster (which was the greatest casting of a part) " Ahh where's your god now moses"

[THE DEVIL]

I HATE YOU TIM TEBOW.

[gafinfan]

You would do well to stay off the the anti-christian rant, por favor. The kid has more class in his little pinky than you have in your whole body. Por-favor, are you kidding me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[anti christ]

I Am looking for dark side members. any takers

[the shadow knows]

men,

pat white has a very nice arm, but drafting him to play in spot situations doesn't make sense when the dolphins need line help on both sides of the ball. later round draft i'm all for him, but near the top i would take the three draft choices the dolphins have under the 50th player to be taken and get some help up front.

[Ram]

Pat White...do we need another QB this off-season? If we make him the #3 then Penny and Henne can't come in. You gonna make Henne #3? I'm a gator fan but by no means am I religious. Tebow said a lot before the Jesus thing and then he left it at one brief statement. How much would you have railed on him if he didn't thank Jesus? He needs to work on his release and footwork to be an NFL QB so he's staying one more year. Probably wants to get his degree too (wow what a jerk huh?)

[cuban menace]

You mean he shows up to class?

[Polo]

It's amazing that you bash him for the "John 3:16" on the eye-black. I ignored your writings for many years but recently came back but I guess I'll go back to ignoring it. I wont miss anything of value.

[cuban menace]

Timmy Tebow, Will be a star no mater what he decides to do, but its got nothing to do with any god.

[r. duke]

I can't say White looks like Parcell's kind of guy but so long as Parcell's stays and is treated well by owner it's all good.

[naplesjackpatsfan]

After watching Eli Manning yesterday, the Giants should send him to Cuba. I am sure he could over throw CASTRO!!!!!

[Jersey Cane]

Pat White would be a good pick if late in the 4th round (or beyond). We have too many needs than a QB to run some Gimmick Plays for us (last time I checked we were not the Gators). About the only difference between him and Ronnie Brown is a slightly more accurate arm...

The wildcat at this point is only run 5 - 6 plays a game (if that). We need to bolster our lines, get some depth at DB and see about getting a speed receiver. Bess did well, Ginn is still a project, we need a solid third / fourth receiver (I am not sold on Camarillo).

[anti christ]

Me and the 18 thousand that attends marlin games would love to see pedro a marlin.

[wabe001]

If a player wore eye black that said "There is no God" or began a post game press conference by thanking the Devil for his success, the outcry would be deafening. But when Timmy or those such as him who feel the need to shove their religiosity in other people's faces do it, they get defended by the God Squadders. Why is a person's religious convictions, or lack thereof, of any relevance in a sports arena? Just shut up and play the game. Congrats to Tebow and the Goobers, but this whole Father, Son, and Timmy holy trinity thing is getting tiresome.

[OC Dolphin]

Boy, talk about a non story! What possible reason would Parcells have for floating that one? Even if true, does anyone actually believe that the Tuna would toss that one out there for rival consumption? To what advantage?

File that one under throwing the hounds off the scent - at best!

[Gregorick Cotite]

Flipperwald is all over the place. Doesn't this guy ever stay still around here.

[Stav]

On the 3:16...it was brought into football 30 years ago by a maniac who is now serving three life terms!

The NFL was right to try and keep that rainbow nut out then and I agree with Cote that it was really off-putting (not to say demeaning to Christianity) to have Tebow wear it as part of his eyeblack.

[the shadow knows]

Stav,

that guy in the rainbow afro wig was a hoot!! ray was his first name, if memory serves. what was he sent up for- kiddie rape?

[Dr. Phil]

Gabo are you serious. Vick is a thug and a loser. Period. He stunk up Atlanta first with his erractic injury prone play and then with his lack of humanity. Forget Vick.

[OC Dolphin]

shadow,

Rollen Stewart is his name. Here's his story:

http://articles.latimes.com/2008/may/19/sports/sp-crowe19

[the shadow knows]

OC Dolphin,

thanx for the information; the guy was a pain in the derriere.

[Jimbo]

got that right OC. Tuna is outstanding at throw misinformation out before draft day. Jeeze,,, this is still January, the draft isn't till April. Right now every eligible kid is being looked at.
NaplesJack.. Great pun,, Eli Manning overthrowing Castro regime... good one Jack.
What do you guys think of Colts coach Dungy retiring? Could be doom for Peyton and Company.
I don't think Tebow crossed any boundaries. His religous convictions are refreshing considering all the trash talk, violence in today's world. If you gotta problem with it maybe you out to start working for straight time on Christmas Day since you don't believe. Athiest already have a federally recognized holiday... April 1.

[Jimbo]

OC, thanx for the info on Stewart, forgot all about that guy for quite awhile. Sounds like some of the nuts I deal with at work.

[mike1]

ESPN lists the draft order and this years' opponents record (schedule strength).

The draft order is done strictly by record, not by who made/didn't make playoffs. For example, San Diego has the #16 pick while New England has the #24.

Miami did not have the weakest schedule. They were 6th. Their opponents' records were 118-138-0, or .461. Tennessee was 117-138-1. No excuse for San Fran with the easiest at .447.

Interestingly, the lowest teams had tougher schedules than the highest teams. Pittsburgh and Baltimore did the best among playoff teams with .525 and .521 opponents' schedules.

Guess who had the 2nd toughest schedule?:

Yep, Detroit. Opponents' record 143-113-0 or .559.

Cleveland gets tops honors, 145-108-3, or .572

[mike1]

Actually, upon further review. Playoffs are a factor in the draft order, but it's not clear to me from the list if New England can move up past San Diego or not.

[Jimbo]

Gabo, don't smoke anymore...
1. Vick was the reason Atl wasn't making the playoffs. Below average NFL QB, oh yeah, he can run, wow that fooled people his first 2 yrs in league.
2. Saw Parcells on NFL network when Vick was sentenced. Tuna was occasional commentator/opinionator. His tone toward Vick was one of "guy flushed his golden goose down the shitter". Refering to comments such as "Playing QB in the Nfl, you have to mentally prepare and Vick doesn't have the facilities to improve his study of the game while incarcerated". Everyone else was all supportive and saying Vick will get a change as a slash type or even backup QB somewhere,,, Tuna didn't.
Vick is now a "Side Show Bob" not an intelligent NFL QB who can read D's and lead his team to win.

[anti christ]

Webe01, Is Right, i think id like a guy to say"i want to thank the prince of darkness(kurt) my lord and destroyer" that would put him on sportscenter i bet.

[anti christ]

Good old " rocken rollen" he thought the rapture was to occur in a few days so he took a couple people hostage for some reason, so i guess god drove him insane huh?

[Jimbo]

Pedro Martinez is washed up. If he were still servicable the Mets would have kept him. Mets signed another free agent starting pitcher and are looking for another.
Pedro has had a great career, HOF worthy

[r. duke]

I always thought Dungy was ok HC. I think Shanahan is better and if he took Colts job I could see them improving significantly. Provided Polian continues to supply talent.

[anti christ]

Id just like to see pedro with that little midget he had with him a few years ago, wasnt it his rally midget or something it was classic.

[Tom]

r duke

Dungy was a great HC. He won at Tampa and Indy. Football will miss him. He is the anti-Bellicheat, a winner with class. Colts HC job is already taken. don't remember the guys name, but my guess it's a two year temporary thing and then they'll go find themselves a real HC.

[stone cold]

AUSTON 3:16. And Thats The Bottom Line!

[stone cold]

That should be AUSTIN 3:16

[COTEX]

What a bunch of God-phobes? Leave the kid alone. The truth is, that a LARGE majority of this country believe in God. For those of you that don't and do not like his eye black messages, USE YOUR REMOTE CONTROL!

[Tom]

I agree leave Tebow alone on the religion stuff. I'd rather see John 3:16 under his eyes than a Nike swoosh. He has convictions. Good for him.

[madgreek]

Pat White ? Are, is this total B.S. or a April fools prank 4 months early.We need playas, more now, not an experiment. Triumvirate too wise to fall for this idea. Tebow available yeah duh ! But not this year. Hey Ronnie, play a lot of catch during the off-season, but don't use a good pick on such a situational spot. a big good MLB would do the trick, or a big tall stand-out WR, even more DB's, we're not loaded enough yet for the luxury of a glamor wildcat dude. Armando you stink, Pennington is our townie and you of all writers should have voted him MVP. Look at Payton now, he got cranky cause he didn't get the ball back, he shoulda played 4 quarters instead of needing 5. How could you turn your back on the value CP was to our team this year, Payton didn't do as much for his under-achieving team, heck his coach even said adios. Please don't be dissin no mo Dolphins on a vote. Is it a personal thing or do you consider the true sentiment of your readers ? Marlins are crazy if they even seriously consider Pedro, and Vick can go scramble to the prison gedunk machines for all we care. Happy New Year ! Go Dolphins 09 !!!

[david in los angeles]

it's got nothing to do with god, you morons.. someone's personal beliefs are just that; anything else is proselytizing. keep your relationship with YOUR god to yourself. no one else really cares. and all you jesus weirdos would be the first to come down on an athlete if they openly declared homosexuality, or they advocated smoking marijuana, ( a sacrament in those other "strange" non-'christian religions).. take your hypocritical self-righteous god babble and stick it up your holy a.s.s.e.s.s...

[r. duke]

Tom I guess I wonder if certain other coaches like a Parcell's for example would have gotten at least 2-3 SB's with that Colt team.

[wabe001]

I'd rather hear trash talk than God talk, and I don't at all like trash talk. That's my personal preference, and I don't try to convert anybody else to the way I think. Nothing like turning on SportsCenter and hearing a player thanking his Lord and Savior for his success. Doesn't the other team have any believers as well?

[hedley lamar]

HAAARRUUMMPPHHH!!!

[hedley lamar]

HAAARRUUMMPPHHH!!!

[Hedley Lamarr]

" I Didnt get a hurmph from that guy"