Arkansas Expats

Is This Good News?

2010-03-17T03:09:19Z

Forbes magazine lists the University of Arkansas program as the 14th "most valuable" basketball program in the country. Among other things, that means we have fan support that is better than our actual performance on the court. We deserve better. Here's hoping John Pelphrey can turn it around before fan support falls off the chart.

How 'Bout Those Golden Lions!

2010-03-17T02:21:59Z

For only the second time since 1999, a team from Arkansas has won an NCAA Tournament game. Coach K, you're going down!

Rotnei to Stay

2010-03-16T04:38:50Z

Rotnei to Stay

A day of crazy rumors draws to a close with this bit of good news.

Diamond Hog Update: March 15

2010-03-15T21:09:13Z

This week saw the Diamond Hogs back at Baum for a mid-week series against South Dakota St. and a weekend series against Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In theory, these opponents should have been little more than warmup, but that wasn't necessarily the case, with plenty of tense situations and even a head-scratching loss.

The Hogs split the SDSU series 1-1, despite outscoring the Jackrabbits 23-5. The Hogs got on the board first in Game 1, when Collin Kuhn's single scored Matt Vinson in the second, that would be all the offensive production the Hogs could manage until the very end. Starting pitcher Sam Murphy would get into a major jam in the 4th, giving up a HBP, a single, and a 2-RBI double before being pulled for Jason Fuqua without recording an out. SDSU would add another run in the 6th. Down to their final 3 outs, the Hogs would attempt a rally, to no avail. A Zack Cox walk, a single by Tim Carver, and pinch-hitter Matt Reynolds getting plunked loaded the bases with no outs. Kuhn strikes out looking, PH Brett Eibner's pop-out drives in one run, and Jarrod McKinney strikes out swinging to end the Hog rally and seal the SDSU victory, 3-2.

The Hogs' offensive production returned in Game 2. Zack Cox knocks a 2-run shot in the first, and Kuhn added his own solo shot in the second. Starting pitcher Randall Fant did his job well through 3 innings, striking out 3 and giving up no runs or hits. Reliever woes reminiscient of the Cal series returned, as TJ Forrest allows 3 hits and 2 runs to score in the 4th before being pulled after only getting 2 outs. The Hogs started playing "small ball" in the 4th, with Bo Bigham's single scoring Kyle Robinson after Robinson advanced to second on Carver's ground out and then to third on a wild pitch. Kuhn would get his own RBI in the 6th, scoring Carver on a sacrifice groundout. Andy Wilkins kept the ball rolling with his own 2-RBI double two batters later. Bo Bigham came through again in the 7th, hitting a 3-run, bases-load double with no outs. Bigham scored on the next play with Matt Vinson's sac fly. Armed with a 11-run lead, the Hogs wouldn't let up and really sealed the deal in the 8th, which saw the Razorback offense torch SDSU reliever Spinar for 7 hits, 10 runs, 5 earned. You read that right: 10 runs. Hogs earn the series split, 23-2, with Fant taking the W and Baxendale the save.

Game 1 of the UWM series began to look like it was going to be a let down. Hogs and Panthers traded runs for most of the game and end up tied 6-6 at the end of the 6th. Starting pitcher Mike Bolsinger had a disappointing outing, giving up 8 hits, 6 runs, 5 earned, and only 4 Ks through 5.1 innings. Despite being tied, the Hogs had been unable to limit UWM's production, who took advantage of every opportunity they were given. Yet again, though, a late inning push blows the game open. Bo Bigham's single in the 7th plates Eibner and James McCann, Zach Cox's single plates Bigham and Carver, and after Andy Wilkins is walked to load the bases, McCann launches a grand slam to tear the game open and run UWM reliever Franzke off the mound. Through 1.1 innings, Franzke gave up 9 earned runs, single-handedly turning his 1.29 season ERA to 11.11. Ouch. UWM wouldn't score another run, and the Hogs win 14-6.

Game 2 was a decidely less nerve-wracking event, as the Hogs shutout the Panthers and scored much more consistently. Bo Bigham's double scored Monk Kreder, who had doubled himself 2 batters earlier, in the 2nd. Collin Kuhn's lead-off homer in the third would extend the lead to 2. A UWM error in the 7th puts Matt Vinson on third, and he scores on the next play with Kuhn's sac fly, running UWM starter Pierce off the mound; his reliever promptly gives up a single to Zack Cox and an Andy Wilkins homer to push the lead to 5-0. Later in the inning, Kreder's single plates McCann. After Tim Carver is plunked, loading the bases, UMW reliever Annen is shelved after giving up 4 unearned runs and not recording a single out. Bo Bigham's popout on the next play would end the damage for the Panthers. This game signaled Smyly's return to form, although against admittedly weak competition: 4 hits, no earned runs, and 11 Ks through 7 innings. The last of the Hog runs would come in the 8th, with Eibner driving a run home after reaching on an error. Despite the lopsided score , this game could have been a huge blowout. The Hogs left the bases loaded 3 times this game, in the 4th, 7th, and 8th innings. Smyly gets the win, Baxendale the save, and the Hogs clinch the series.

Game 3 was a tense one, again, and fairly uneventful until the late innings. Starting pitcher Eibner would get in a jam in the 4th, letting a run score and loading the bases before being replaced by Geoffry Davenport, who got quickly got the third out of the inning. Eibner ends a disappointing outing with 6 hits, 1 unearned run, and 2 Ks in 3.2 innings. The Hogs would fall behind 2-0 after Davenport gives up a solo shot in the 6th. Down to their final 2 outs, the Hogs rally to tie the game. Bigham's single scores Kuhn, and Zack Cox scores on a wild pitch to tie the game. McCann would ground out to end the inning, but not before the Hogs got new life for extra innings. With two outs in the bottom of the 10th, Matt Vinson hits a walkoff solo shot to clinch the series sweep. Hogs win 3-2 in 10 innings.

Summary:
Hogs have a minor set-back against SDSU, but I think it will be better in the long run. The out-of-conference schedule is for fixing kinks in the system before SEC play starts, and you can't fix kinks that aren't readily apparent. Hogs move to 12-3 on the season, and Rivals bumps the Razorbacks up to 13th. So far this season, Zack Cox is batting .410, and Andy Wilkins leads the team in homers with 6. Freshman Matt Vinson, who just earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors, is batting a paltry .188, but he's been incredibly clutch big hitter. Out of his 3 hits, he has mananged to hit 2 triples (one a game-tying triple) and a walk-off solo shot. Drew Smyly has been impressive, thus far, averaging over 1.5 Ks per inning. The relievers need to work on not giving up runs, and their "small ball" efforts are improving, but could still use some work. You can bet these will be points of emphasis this week.

This Week:
No mid-week series this week, but that's just as well, as the Hogs have to travel to the not-so-friendly confines of Alex Box Stadium this weekend for a series against (formerly #1, now #8) LSU to start SEC play, and perhaps get a little revenge for LSU's domination of the Diamond Hogs during the 2009 CWS. The Tigers were beaten convincingly by Kansas over the weekend. Wasn't that the same Kansas team that Arkansas blew out earlier in the season? Not really; that was a midweek game, and all it proved was that the Razorback mid-week staff is superior to Kansas'. LSU's performance against Kansas means two things: the Tigers aren't invincible... and they'll probably extra motivated to not drop two consecutive weekend series. It should be noted that the LSU is the run-away favorite to win the SEC this season, with Arkansas and Florida neck-and-neck for the second spot. A road win against the Bayou Bengals could easily put us in the driver's seat in the SEC. My "sources" (read: message boards) say that LSU ace Anthony Ranaudo, who's been injured and hasn't pitched at all this season, may still be out for this series. If you're interested, this series will be televised by CST. With basketball season over (though, the drama certainly isn't), and spring practice still a few weeks off, I think we can all muster up some LSU hate and get behind the Diamond Hogs for this series. Woo Pig Sooie!

Intriguing Tweets, Part Two

2010-03-15T18:34:24Z

A little more than half an hour ago, Pat Doney, sports anchor for KARK-TV, tweeted the following three items:

Sources tell me that fmr Bama head coach Mark Gottfried and Ok St asst James Dickey will be a part of Hog basketball coaching staff next year

Also hearing Rotnei Clarke is leaning toward coming back but it is NOT official yet. Clarke still weighing options, according to my sources.

The good news - I expect a decision from Rotnei as early as today. I'll get you the latest as I hear it.

Could we possibly see an assistant coaching staff of Rob Evans, Mark Gottfried and James Dickey? That would be pretty crazy.

Update (2:54 p.m. CDT): Robbie Neiswanger just tweeted the following: "Spoke to Gottfried a few minutes ago, who said it's not true: "I have absolutely no idea where that got started."

Intriguing Tweets

2010-03-15T14:08:05Z

From Mark Lericos, sports anchor for KHOG-TV in northwest Arkansas: "There is a lot happening behind the scenes with Hog basketball. Some if it would blow your mind. not good."

And from Wally Hall: "Wow, things are moving and shaking late into the night. Nothing is certain right now for UA basketball. Nothing. Other than Rotnei returns."

Stay tuned.

Assistant Brown Has Been "Reassigned"

2010-03-15T03:16:06Z

Assistant Brown Has Been "Reassigned"

Not clear what that means. Click here to read about the murky situation.

The Spring of Hog Fans' Discontent

2010-03-14T17:58:48Z

Sitting in our inbox this morning was a scan of an ad that ran in today's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. The advertisement urges Hog hoop fans to write U of A officials to voice whatever concerns they have about the state of the basketball program.

The ad was paid for by a "G. Cluck" of Niceville, Fla., and strikes a remarkably civil tone, saying, "This voicing of concerns is not intended to become a name calling contest or an attack upon anyone personally." At another point, the ad urges letter writers to "make this effort one of respect for all parties concerned!" Given the famously level-headed nature of the Razorback fanbase, we have no idea why Mr. Cluck felt it necessary to include such a request.

The entire ad is posted after the jump.

Yes, Arkansas, You Do Have an NCAA Team

2010-03-14T03:50:31Z

Yes, Arkansas, You Do Have an NCAA Team

It's Arkansas-Pine Bluff. A hearty congrats to the Golden Lions and their fans.

Report: Clarke May Transfer

2010-03-14T03:34:46Z

Report: Clarke May Transfer

Pelphrey declines to comment.

Friday Hodge Podge

2010-03-12T22:52:11Z

It's a short hodge podge, but here goes:

• Pulling No Punches. AS360's Jim Harris seems, oh, just a wee bit frustrated with the state of the basketball program. A sample of the column that he published earlier this afternoon:

The program's slogan of "40 Minutes of Hell," which morphed into "40 Minutes of Pel" when John Pelphrey took over, is now "40 Minutes of Fail."

More of the same next year, folks. Pelphrey's not going anywhere, UA athletic director Jeff Long insists, and the coaching staff is all returning. The speculation for some time was that Rob Evans, the former Ole Miss head coach, was riding out this season and would retire. But seriously, if Evans were to be the only coach leaving this staff, that would be a disgrace - he's the only one of the group we're sure can coach.

And another:

For John Pelphrey to keep trotting out the "we're just not playing well" line to explain a six-game collapse shows just how in over his head he apparently is with this job.

Programming note: You'll get a chance to hear more of Jim's blunt opinions on our site next week when we publish a Q&A with him.

• Color Him Unimpressed. I hope John Pelphrey's family is steering clear of the Internet today. It's rough out there. Consider this tweet from noted SEC blogger and author Clay Travis, who's attending the SEC Tournament:

"Most disappointing? How apathetic the Arkansas fans are under Pelphrey. They used to be awesome at SEC Tourney. Now? Pelphrey has to go."

Big Nasty to Become Head Coach at UCA

2010-03-12T19:48:25Z

Big Nasty to Become Head Coach at UCA

Hope he kicks butt.

Poll: Better Off with or without Fortson?

2010-03-12T18:17:35Z

This morning, the Old Graybeard tweeted the following:

"After the game, former college coach came up and says he'd send Fortson packing today, that he divides the team."

Strong words. And so, we ask you the following (and, as always, please pipe up in the comments thread):

Poll

Would the team be better off without Fortson?

The Fat Lady Has Sung: Georgia 77, Arkansas 64

2010-03-12T05:26:18Z

More photos » Dave Martin - AP

Browse more photos »

The 2010 season has come to an end, as has Mike Nail's 29-year career as the Hogs' radio play-by-play man.

Thanks for the great calls, Mike. You will be missed. The 2010 season, on the other hand, not so much.

It's late here in the Eastern time zone, so we're going to sign off for the evening. We'll be back with some postseason analysis in the days ahead. Until then ...

Thursday Hodge Podge

2010-03-11T21:07:49Z

• Time Flies. It's hard to believe, but it was 10 years ago this month that the Hogs shocked us all by winning the 2000 SEC Tournament in Atlanta. After finishing the regular season at 15-14, Arkansas had no hope of snagging an at-large bid to the NCAA and seemingly no hope of securing the conference's automatic bid. But secure that automatic bid they did, by doing what only three other teams have done: win the SEC Tournament by winning four games.

Some may be seeking parallels between that squad and this year's team, which can make the NCAA only by doing exactly what the 2000 Hogs did. But that team was more talented than this year's Razorback squad (it had Joe Johnson), and it compiled its lackluster record against much better competition (the Hogs' last six regular-season games that year, of which they won two, were against teams ranked in the Top 25). Still, where there's a game, there's hope.

• Speaking of Feel-Good Stories. After starting the season with 14 consecutive road games and 11 straight losses, the Golden Lions of the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, who have won nine of their last 11 games and now have a 15-15 record, are two wins away from snagging an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. Go Golden Lions!

• Cuckoo for Cal. Saying John Calipari has been well-received by the Wildcat faithful is like saying ... like saying ... uh ... uh, Wally, could you finish this sentence?

Anyway, the point is that Kentucky fans are enthusiastic about their new coach. Case in point: Maker's Mark has issued a limited-edition bottle bearing His Holiness' likeness. Second case in point: a Kentucky Ford dealership is offering five "Coach Cal" editions of the 2010 Roush Mustang. Hurry, supplies are limited.

• Wanted: improved Anger Management Skills. It appears that Ky Madden, one of several Arkansas high-school hoopsters that Hog fans are hoping will lead the program back to the Promised Land, has a bit of a temper.

• At Least He Got to See How Much He's Needed. Power forward Ricardo Ratliffe, ranked the No. 1 junior college player in the whole U.S. of A, was in Bud Walton last weekend to observe the Hogs' late-game meltdown against Ole Miss. According to this article, Arkansas is one of seven teams Ratliffe is considering. The others? Alabama, LSU, Florida, Missouri, South Carolina and Clemson.

Poll: The Hogs and the SEC Tournament

2010-03-10T21:21:06Z

The SEC Tournament starts tomorrow, and you can just feel the excitement in the air. How do you think the Hogs will fare in Nashville?

Poll

What's your prediction on how the Hogs will fare in the SEC Tournament?

One and done - this team is toast

52 votes

They will beat Georgia and then lose on Friday

35 votes

They won't win the whole thing, but they will make it to Saturday or Sunday

9 votes

We're gonna shock the world - Hogs win the tourney and advance to the NCAAs

12 votes

108 votes | Poll has closed

Powell: Hogs Are "My Team"

2010-03-10T16:22:49Z

Powell: Hogs Are "My Team"

I'm not quite sure that the 2010 bball Hogs are much of a prize to claim, but props to the big freshman for his take-charge attitude.

Diamond Hog Update: March 8

2010-03-08T23:17:35Z

This weekend saw the Hogs far from home, in the decidely anti-Ozarks of Berkeley California. This series was the Diamond Hogs' first "real" test of the season, and they didn't disappoint, taking 2 of 3 from those pot-smoking hippies (present company excluded, John).

Hogs fell behind 2-3 late in Game 1, until blowing the game open with a 5-run 8th inning, headlined Zack Cox's 2-RBI single and James McCann's 3-run homer. Starting pitcher Mike Bolsinger had a workman-like performance, pitching a career-high 7 innings, with 6 Ks and only 1 ER. However, his performance was marred by 2 ERRs. Unfortunately, errors would become all-too-common throughout the series. Hogs win 7-3, with DJ Baxendale notching his third save of the season.

Game 2 saw the return of 2009's "cardiac Hogs", with multiple clutch situations. Zack Cox got the Hogs on the board with a 2-RBI single in the 3rd, with 2 outs. Tim Carver kept the theme going by hitting 2 HRs, headlined by his 3 run shot in the 5th, again with 2 outs. Starting pitcher Drew Smyly got into a jam early in the third inning, but managed to pitch his way out, escaping with only 1 unearned run. Smyly ended the day with 7 Ks and no earned runs through 5 innings. The Razorback bullpen let the Bears get back into the game, with reliever TJ Forrest immediately giving up a 3-run homer in the 6th. Cal attempted a rally in the bottom of the 9th, but came up far short, scoring only 1 run. Hogs take the series with the 9-5 win, with Smyly moving to 1-0 on the season. For an excellent eye-witness account by John Expat, see here.

Starting centerfielder Brett Eibner took the mound for Game 3, requiring significant shuffling of both the outfield and infield to accomodate him. Eibner will remain in the rotation throughout the season, which is a testament to the teamwork and flexibility this club is capable of. Eibner had a good showing, with 5 Ks, 1 ER, and only 3 hits through 5 innings. Unfortuately, the bullpen slipped up again, with Geoffry Davenport immediately giving up a 3-run shot with no out in the 6th. Cal would add 2 more in the 7th to pad their lead. The Hogs fall 0-6, snapping their 7 game win streak, with Eibner picking up the L. It was the first time the Hogs have been shutout since April 10, 2009, against Vandy. 8 runners get stranded on base, many in scoring position.

Arkansas delivers on its first real test of the season: on the road, 2000 miles from home, against a relative powerhouse in the baseball-heavy state of California. The Razorback offense has proven to be potent, but their defense needs a little work. They just seemed unable to not give up runs. Of course, the best defense if a good offense, but without some defensive improvement, they'll be unable to win those games where the offense just isn't "clicking". Also, errors are a concern, with the Hogs committing 9 over the weekend.

This week, the Hogs return to Baum for a mid-week series against South Dakota State on Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by a weekend series against Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Neither squad seems to be much to worry about, but should serve as a nice warm up for a HUGE series with #2 LSU down in Baton Rogue the following weekend. Hogs move up the rankings to #14, per Rivals, with a record of 8-2.

Baseball in Berkeley: An Eyewitness Account

2010-03-08T17:38:30Z

Extensive archival research shows that, until last weekend, the fine city of Berkeley, California had never been treated to the majesty of a Hog call. But, I'm pleased to say that this is no longer the case.

I've been a Bay Area-based Arkansas Expat since the mid-90s (first in San Francisco, then Oakland, now Berkeley), and one of the only significant drawbacks about living here is that it's not the world's easiest place to follow the Hogs. So, even though I've never been much of a college baseball fan, when I realized the Razorbacks would be playing locally I had to check them out.

I went to the game fully expecting to be one of the only people wearing red in the whole place, but was pleasantly surprised to find a very solid contingent of Hog fans waiting there. In fact, I'd guess that a good 25-30% of the people there were on the Arkansas side. It was pretty awesome to see, and even more awesome to hear: as noted above, the sonorous sounds of Woo Pig Sooie rang out loud and clear several times.

As for the game itself, you can probably find better accounts elsewhere. I was chasing around my two small boys for most of the time, and although it was excellent father-son bonding it didn't make for the most blogging-friendly situation. But, I can report that the Hogs are as good as advertised. They jumped on the Bears early and never really looked back, particularly during a big five run 5th inning (the highlight of which was Tim Carver's three run HR - very nice). Fun times.

Besides the home run and Hog calls, the other highlight was that we were able to sit ridiculously close to the Razorback dugout (which was really more of a bench). The Cal stadium is what I'd call pleasantly intimate - definitely not the SEC here, folks - and we were right in the thick of things. After the jump, check out some firsthand photos and videos (including the Hog call!):

Photo slideshow (view the full-size pictures here):

Calling the Hogs in Berkeley:

Celebrating Carver's 2nd Home Run:

Requiem for a Dream: Ole Miss 68, Arkansas 66

2010-03-06T23:49:15Z

Way back in January (given all the ups and downs of this season, it seems like several years ago by now) I unveiled an oh-so-stirring dream of mine: to see the Hogs finish with an 8-8 record in SEC play. I first articulated this on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, and like Dr. King's soaring vision of an America rooted in racial equality, my wish of a .500 conference record no doubt inspired millions and brought tears to many an eye.

With about five minutes to go in the second half, I felt certain my dream would shortly become a reality. In fact, I was preparing for a lucrative career as a corporate motivational speaker. My eyes kept glancing at the phone, certain that Jeff Long would be calling to thank me for my inspirational words.

And then, well ... the Hogs proceeded to score one point over the final 5 minutes and 22 seconds of play, and allowed the Rebels to rally from a 64-53 deficit during that time. Ole Miss took its first lead of the game with 53 seconds left to play. To quote The Walrus:

"And so dear friends,
you'll just have to carry on,
the dream is over."

It's hard to feel this way now, but the Hogs made some progress this year. Going from 2 wins in the SEC to 7 may not be cause for a ticker-tape parade, but it shouldn't be entirely dismissed, either. Having said all that, the regular-season-ending, five-game losing streak has done a good job of reviving the bad vibes that have surrounded this program for too much of the recent past.