Hodgepodge

As I mentioned in my first post, what this blog is and will become has yet to fully be determined. I've tried a few things here and, as I've said before, I welcome any and all suggestions for what you, the reader, would like to see from quotes to commentary to predictions to rumors concerning the Atlanta Falcons. But I also said I would use this space to comment on a wide array of topics facing the pro sports world and I have neglected to do so thus far. But, let's face it, there are certainly plenty of things in the world of the Falcons to write about.

So, since my fingers can't bear to write the word "Harrington" today, this will be the first blog that will reach beyond the realm of the Falcons in a quick-hitting sort of way. Let's see how it goes. Feel free to add your thoughts.

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Atlanta Braves general manager John Schuerholz stepped down Thursday afternoon, and I have to admit it was a surprise. Schuerholz is regarded as one of the better GMs in MLB. He turned the Braves into what they were from the 1990s to now. The Braves have obviously fallen on some difficult times, what with missing the postseason again this year due to a bad pitching situation and a lack of offensive production. Maybe, at 67 years old, it was just time for him to step away and say, "Hey, there's nothing more I can do as a GM," but no matter what team you support, you have to have a ton of respect for Schuerholz and what he did for the Braves. With the recent shortcomings of the team, however, maybe something like this is what the Braves need. Maybe they need a shake-up in the front office to get something going again. The only thing you can do at this point is wish the Schuerholz well - although he is sticking around with the organization - and hope that Frank Wren has half the baseball prowess Schuerholz does.

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Prediction: The Red Sox and Rockies will meet in the World Series (like you haven't heard that before). I've got the Red Sox in 7, but you have to give it up to the Rockies. They've won 18 of their past 19. Wow. Just wow. Boston is a tough place to play in October and I think the Red Sox are the only team that can take Colorado down, but I see the Rockies taking the Sox the distance.

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By now you've surely heard of the note Terrell Owens left members of the media earlier this week. I don't care how you feel about TO, that was funny, although there are probably a few very upset sports writers who will be without more substantial quotes than, "Getcha popcorn" this week. The move was probably wise on TO's part; not because of the questions about Randy Moss and the unbeaten Patriots, but rather Owens getting completely shut down against Buffalo. Ouch.

Also in the hilarious category, Cleveland tight end Kellen Winslow said Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter needs a hug. Hilarious!

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Speaking of the League, Vinny Testaverde will likely start for the Carolina Panthers this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals. By now, we've all heard the talk of him being old and all and I don't want to pile on. But I did hear part of his physical before signing with the Panthers included carbon dating. Thank you, thank you. I'll be here all week.

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UFC mega-god Randy Couture shockingly has busted his final skull in the octagon. He has walked away completely from UFC, meaning he will no longer be heavyweight champion, a commentator or a poster boy for what is a surging, yet still fairly underground sport. His resignation could spell disaster for UFC in the sense that it is down one recognizable name and there don't seem to be too many more waiting in the wings. It seems to be Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell, Quinton Jackson and everyone else at this point. Couture's resignation won't be the downfall, but he certainly didn't leave on good terms, which makes any sort of return doubtful. UFC will survive and thrive. But it's sad. He was great for the sport.

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Some random thoughts/predictions/hot air:

NFL coaches on the hot seat, in my humble opinion: Buffalo's Dick Jauron, Carolina's John Fox and, yes, San Diego's Norv Turner (although expect the turnaround to really get going soon, which will exclude him from this category). ... Pick the Arizona Cardinals in your office or survivor/suicide pool this week. ... Andruw Jones will end up in either Boston or Minnesota. ... The Thrashers stink right now. They will likely continue to do so unless they somehow get a little younger. ... Don't let the Atlanta Hawks fool you in the preseason. ... Joe Torre will not be fired. ... The New England Patriots will beat up on the Dallas Cowboys. Badly. ... The over/under on how many times Michael Vick's name is mentioned in the Monday Night Football pre-game show currently stands at 82. Place your bets.