Live Blog Q&A No. 4 / Next one Oct. 15

[1) It is MONDAY, OCTOBER 8]

LIVE BLOG Q&A IN COMMENTS SECTION: Thanks to all who joined us for Live Blog Chat No. 4. Another raucous crowd and jam-packed hour. Thanks again. Transcript of today's chat is below in the Comments section.

See you right back here next Monday, Oct. 15, 1-2 p.m.

Comments

[Greg Cote]

Hello prospective Chatees. Greg here. Hope you'll be joining us today at 1 for our hour-long Q&A/Chat. See you then...

[T-Bone]

Will the Marlins sign Stanton to long term contract or trade him to get back other players so they donot have to pay him ?

[T-Bone]

Will Loria fire entire front office & Guillen including his outspoken step son in law and bring in a good baseball
executive to run the organization or will the Zoo continue with Guillen and Loria calling the shots ?

[2 watt]

looks like the phinz have a qb.

[uglyaqua]

Hello Cote, please offer an opinion on how much you think Golden is or is not involved in the UM scandal.

[Tim]

I'm still not drinking the Tannehill Kool-Aid. It'll take a lot more than that. Anyway, I won't bother with the weekly Dan Crapenter update. I know, 53 yards is long. Tell that to Janikowski, Zeuerlein from St. Louis, etc. Damn near cost us another game. I don't know how he is still employed, nor do I know how Jorvorski Lane is still employed after yesterday. I know. That was Lane's first bad game, but there's a reason this is his first NFL job after being out of college for four years. The margin of error for kickers (regardless of whether or not their contract is guaranteed) and free agents off the street should be less than none. One mistake is two too many. (That's the Tom Coughlin style of thinking, which I like.) And what a franchise this is, that Dan Crapenter may still be around next year because his contract is guaranteed, but Reggie Bush? Well, that's up in the air. Anyway, I'd say I hate to be negative after a nice road win against a respectable team, but I'd be lying. I love being negative. Gets my juices flowing. Wait until I get to the Hurrican'ts.

[Greg Cote]

Sorry for the wee-bit-late start, folks. T-Bone, Marlins are committed to resign Stanton long-term from what I am hearing. Stanton and Reyes are about the only two guys on the entire roster with that status/priority.

[Greg Cote]

T-Bone, Loria still deciding on Guillen. Think everybody else of note looks safe, including Samson and Beinfest. But that could change. Loria a mercurial fella.

[Greg Cote]

2 watt, could not agree more on Tannehill. This kid is good right now and could be special. Proud to say I was first in local media to say/write he should start right away.

[I am Kazaam]

Hey Cote - two programming questions:

#1, is Edwin Pope officially retired?

And #2, who is Jay Weaver and why is the Miami Herald putting a story about Pee Wee Allen, with 'new revelations' that were published on Yahoo Sports! 10 months ago on the front page of their website on the Monday after a blowout loss to Notre Dame?

[FZB]

all-righty Cote, Let's talk Dolphins ..

I heard in the Joe Rose show this morning the surprising turn-around the team has made under Philbin and the new coaching staff and how much improvement the team has shown in just 5 weeks since the end of the pre season.

Joe was saying the team is really only lacking a big play WR,TE on offense and a shut down corner,safety and another stud pass rusher on defense to challenge for a playoff spot as early as next year, is it possible that coaching can make such a difference?

[Greg Cote]

Uglyaqua, I think Golden's direct involvement is very minimal, if any. I don't wanna sound like an Obama apologist on the economy, but Golden inherited this mess.

[Greg Cote]

Tim, your negativity is fine as long as it continues to spawn inventive nicknames like "Crapenter" and "Hurrican'ts." We sure disagree on Tannehill, though. I'm saying he'll be Marino 2.0, but you can win with this kid.

[Greg Cote]

I Am..., the great Edwin Pope has been essentially retired for awhile but I think you'll see a few columns from him during football season, maybe even one from the next Dolphins home game. Jay Weaver is a news reporter and I see your point on the substance and timing of that Sunday piece. My bosses may not like my saying it, but I think we overplayed that piece.

[Greg Cote]

FZB, yeah I think this staff is coaching better as in TEACHING more than Team Sparano did. Agree WR, CB and pass rush are essential needs. I wrote even after the blowout opener at Houston that there is a lot to like about this team. And Tannehill emerging ramps everything up, accelerates the pace of contention.

[OC Dolphin]

FZB, you and Joe Rose forgot to mention the additional need of a top-notch GM.

[Greg Cote]

OC, yeah although in fairness, Ireland's past two drafts are seeming OK, and if Tannehill hits big (as appears quite possible), that's a career-saver for Jeff.

[T-Bone]

Marlins biggest need is a third baseman that can hit who do you think they will go after in FA or trade ? What about Josh Johnson will they keep or trade. Will
Ruggiano and Solano be on team next year as starters or
bench players ?

[Greg Cote]

Glad to hear nobody in hear panicking about Heat after one exhibition loss, by the way.

[Tim]

I read something this weekend about how Stanton may not be so quick to sign a long-term contract with the Marlins. I can't say I blame him. Loria's governing style reminds me of the banana republic dictators lampooned by Woody Allen in "Bananas". The Marlins really are a clown show. A sad clown show.

On the subject of Edwin Pope being essentially retired, where is Bob Rubin nowadays? I don't remember when he left the Herald (long, long time ago), but I do remember always enjoying his work. I hope he's still with us and I hope he is well.

[uglyaqua]

Cote, I think there are more people panicking over not getting LB's shoes then the Heats exhibition loss.......

[OC Dolphin]

Greg, is it:

a. chocolate or vanilla
b. Beatles or Stones
c. Wasserman Schultz or Palin in a bikini

[Jimbo]

Tally Ho Chaps! Happy Christopher Columbus Day!

I am 1/32 native american, one of my great great grandpappies hailed from the Slappaho tribe located just between New Mexico & New Jersey.

[T-Bone]

What are they going to do with Heath Bell & Buck with those contracts and both of them under performing big time for the $ they are now paid ?

[Greg Cote]

T-Bone, assuming Mets re-sign David Wright the 3B options are not great. Maybe a veteran clubhouse guy like Kevin Youkilis? See Ruggiano as a fourth outfielder. Solano with a chance to start at second or be a prominent reserve. Think they could package J.Johnson in a trade IF they can get somebody to take Heath Bell along with him.

[OC Dolphin]

Jimbo, did you act on getting free government education aid for that?

[Jimbo]

Greg...
1. What Dolphins came away from Cinci injured, who & whats their status?
2. Is Reggie Bush's running style regressing? I've seen him less agressive & attempting to bounce outside too many runs last 2 games. penny for your thought.

[Tim]

OK, on to the Hurrican'ts. In two games against good (not great) competition, they've lost by an aggregate score of 93-16. For all the talk about how rotten the defense is -- and it is rotten, they couldn't stop a team comprised of Long John Silver impersonators and the thought of them going up against an Oregon or a West Virginia is just laugh-out-loud funny -- how about how overrated this offense is? One touchdown in two games against good defenses, and that was a garbage-time touchdown against Kansas State with the backup quarterback. You can point to the drops by Dorsett and say it's not on Morris, and that's fine, but it's still a failure. At some point, this isn't an issue of youth and it's an issue of not being good enough physically and/or not being strong enough mentally. I'm not impressed by what was done against rotten teams. (And, even though they beat FSU, which we will not do, N.C. State is a rotten team. Make no mistake.) Against the quality teams, Stephen Morris has been more like Stephen Morrissey from The Smiths, and Duke Johnson has proven to be Fluke Johnson. For as much heat as Mark D'Onofrio (Ohnofrio? D'OH'nofrio?) is rightfully taking, Jedd Fisch is just as culpable. This team is far, far away. And the major sanctions - and they WILL be major sanctions - haven't even hit yet. We need to look back and enjoy 1982-2002. Because we may never be relevant again.

[Greg Cote]

Tim, all I know right now is Marlins want to have Stanton and Reyes long term and build around them. Played golf a few years ago with Bob Rubin but not seen him lately. Was alive and well and happily retired. He was a terrific sports columnist.

[FZB]

OC, you have turned to the dark side..Come back into the light brother..

Cote, just like you stated Ireland has done a very credible job the last two years since been Han Solo but these guys just won't give him any credit but he has not signed any big prized free agents that almost never pan out and his drafts have been solid plus he hit on a young stud at QB..sorry guys but you're wrong about him.

Let's talk Canes, why do you think its taken the NCAA so long to come down on a ruling, do you think the longer the better for UM or worse?

[Jimbo]

OC, yep, they called it Special Education, came with a free ride on a short bus. Got to perfect the 12th 3 times. Damn sbelling tests!

[Greg Cote]

Uglyaqua, who can afford those shoes?

[Tim]

Also, while Notre Dame is excellent defensively, they are offensively limited and still put up 41 points. 41-3, and the game was nowhere as close as that score indicated. Crucial penalties on offense, defense and special teams. Dropped passes. More missed tackles and blown assignments defensively. Jedd Fisch was unable to come up with anything once Notre Dame adjusted defensively to take away the deep pass. Basically, the second game this year against a good team and the second game this year where the players flat-out quit on the corching staff. Unprepared, undisciplined, unfocused and unmotivated. Not good. And not going to get any better.

[Jimbo]

Greg, we were both wrong on the ND- the U game. U predicted a U win if my memory serves correct.

[Greg Cote]

OC, it's chocolate (close call), Beatles (even closer call) and Wasserman Schultz because, beyond the bikini, a reasonably intellectual conversation would be nice...

[uglyaqua]

Cote, Don't really know who can afford those shoes, but people are hanging out @ the stores days in advance at the opportunity...........

[Greg Cote]

Jimbo, it is awfully politically incorrect of me, not to mention immature, but I smiled at Slappaho.

[OC Dolphin]

hahahaha, funny guy, Greg!

[Jimbo]

Had anyone else noted on how ND implement their 2 devasting TE's in the run game?
85 layed out Miami's 44 multiple times, when he wasn't on his butt, he was driven 10 yards downfield.

[Jimbo]

Greg, people of the Slappaho tribe blend in with all of America, no matter what shape, size, color of skin U R.

[Greg Cote]

T-Bone, they'll try to package Bell with somebody another team wants, like Josh Johnson. Worst case scenario he comes back and is the closer they wanted all along. Buck will be unloadable but will be a pretty mentor/backup for Brantly.

[FZB]

OC,

I don't know who Cote is going to pick but here are mine.

a-chocolate
b-Beatles
c-Palin

[Greg Cote]

FZB, longer probably means worse for Canes. Likely means NCAA continuing to try to get people to talk.

[Jimbo]

Greg, can you throw us Fins fan a bone? Tell us some insightful useful stuff that were not reading from the media. Like, ?

[Greg Cote]

Jimbo, think Daniel Thomas might have another concussion that's about it.

[Tim]

For your edification, another classic own goal from the world of international soccer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0ly9hC1kO8

[T-Bone]

Who do you like in college football to go up against Bama the Ducks,Gamecocks or Mountaineers ? Hopefully this year the BCS game will have a team with some offense and not just two SEC Teams playing re-match in a defensive game and no scoring.

[Jimbo]

see yah next week, don't let your meat loaf

[Greg Cote]

Jimbo, I don't see RBush running style. Just thought O-line didn't have particularly strong game yesterday.

[RastaJew]

Who is Jeffy Ireland going to call an a$$hole this week?

[Greg Cote]

Tim, I still think the UM offense is pretty good, but not the D. Games vs. FSU and Va Tech will answer both and shape entire season.

[Tim]

Also, what does it say that Floria Atlantic University currently has more quarterbacks on NFL rosters than the college known as Quarterback U? (Rusty Smith, Tennessee.) Also, I'd say that FAU's Alfred Morris has already proven to be a better NFL running back than anyone Miami has put into the league in the last five or six years. This shouldn't happen. The amazing thing is, apparently, with Nevin Shapiro, we've been cheating our butts off and still have been completely incompetent on the field. Whatever penalty the NCAA gives us for cheating should be doubled for still being incompetent. Not that I'm disgusted or anything, but I am.

[Greg Cote]

Jimbo, asking a lot for me to be insightful in a Q&A chat format. It's like elaborating in a Tweet.

[T-Bone]

Greg,I am big Hokies fan but they are way down this year. So is the ACC except maybe Clemson.

[Greg Cote]

T-Bone, think I might be chewing over BCS title game stuff in a column today for tomorrow. Watch for it. Weekend results made things very interesting.

[OC Dolphin]

Concussions seem to be the hot sports topic concern now. Unfortunate to both the athlete and to the sport itself. Measures and restrictions will no doubt continue to be placed, which translates to even more televised time for referees and officials. Yuk!

[Greg Cote]

RastaJew? Can you say that in a blog chat? I guess you can.

[Greg Cote]

Tim, keep that sour attitude coming. Too damned much hope in the world!

[Tim]

Greg, my motto in life is, "Every silver lining has a cloud." :-)

I also go by this rule of life:
The optimist says the glass of milk is half-full.
The pessimist says the glass of milk is half-empty.
I say it's sour.

[Greg Cote]

OC, no way to eliminate concussions in football. Zero. Nada. Zilch.

[T-Bone]

Greg it was my first time in chat with you and thanks for the info good job ! My one last thought I think it was an infield fly rule by the rules but maybe they need to tweek the infield fly rule a tad ?

[OC Dolphin]

No, they can't eliminate them completely. But I fear the game will continue to deteriorate to flag football (legal hits only in the midsection).

[Greg Cote]

Tim, ha. :) :D

[FZB]

Cote,

Please explain "por favor" why anyone would defend Obama's record on the economy for the last four years?

unemployment-Bush (8 yrs) 3.8 low to 7.3% high
Obama (4 yrs) 7.8 low to 10.1 high

federal debt-Bush-(8 yrs) rose from 5.6T to 9.9T
Obama (4 yrs)rose from 11.8T to 15.1T

everything else from the size of the goverment, to welfare to spending is out of control, Obama is in charge he he to blame, what say you???

[Greg Cote]

T-Bone, yeah it seems like it was an infield fly rule thing based on letter of rule but also still feels like Braves got screwed. No easy answer.

[Greg Cote]

FZB, we could discuss for hours but I do think what Obama inherited was no easy fix to say the least.

[Greg Cote]

OK all, nothing answered below this. We done for today. Thanks to all. Another great, jam-packed hour. See y'all next Monday at 1. Meantime visit my blog religiously, maybe 45 to 47 times daily. Thank you.

[Jimbo]

Tim, If you don't mind me jumping in....
If the U keeps the coach & lets him get rolling the recruits will be coming back to Miami. The reason South Florida & FAU 's other historically lower teams are rising is because the U lost it's glamour. Golden will do great things at the U but it won't happen over night.

[Gator]

Please keep picking against the Gators Cote. Thank you.