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Hochuli blown call could alter replay rule next season

Thanks to Ed Hochuli’s blown call during a Chargers-Broncos game last season, the NFL is considering implementing a change in the replay system that would allow an official to determine whether or not a fumble or incomplete pass occurred on a given play.

Ed HochuliThe competition committee will propose that when the ball comes loose when a quarterback is throwing, replay can be used to determine if it is a fumble or an incomplete pass. Such a change would resemble the rules alteration made for down-by-contact plays two years ago.

In the final minute of a game at Denver in Week 2, Hochuli ruled a ball that slipped from Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler’s grasp was an incomplete pass instead of a fumble. The ball was recovered by the Chargers and Hochuli later acknowledged his decision was wrong.

It would be a great change to the rule, although I’m sure Ed Hochuli is saying, “WTF? If the NFL had this rule in place last year, then I wouldn’t have been showered with an enormous amount of hate mail…so thanks NFL.”

2009 MLB Preview: #23 Texas Rangers

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Offseason Movement: The Rangers signed a bunch of used-to-be’s to minor league contracts, including OF Andruw Jones, SS Omar Vizquel and pitchers Kris Benson, Derrick Turnbow and Brendan Donnelly. Truth be told, all of these players could wind up helping Texas in some way this season save for Jones, who has had a brutal spring and most likely won’t be kept.

Top Prospect: Derek Holland, LHP
Neftali Feliz, who the Rangers got from the Braves in the Mark Teixeira trade a couple years ago, deserves mention here as well. But Holland’s dazzling 2008 season in the minors (14-2, 2.05 ERA in 29 starts) gives him the nod over the 19-year old Feliz. Holland, who is Texas’s Nolan Ryan Minor League Pitcher of the Year, probably won’t make the Opening Day roster this season, but he could be called up by mid-summer if he continues to dominate the minor league hitters.

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Kurt Warner has surgery on his hip

Cardinals’ quarterback Kurt Warner underwent arthoscopic surgery on his left hip to repair a torn labrum.

Kurt WarnerKurt Warner had surgery Tuesday to repair a labrum tear in his left hip, but the Cardinals quarterback is expected to recover quickly enough to return for most of the team’s offseason workouts.

Warner played with the injury most of the 2008 season. The arthroscopic surgery, performed by Dr. Marc Philippon of the Steadman Hawkins clinic in Vail, Co., also allowed for the cleaning out of loose fragments in the area.

Dr. Philippon called the surgery a success and Warner’s range of motion in the hip was immediately improved. Warner’s rehabilitation began quickly in Colorado.

Warner will likely sit out the team’s mandatory minicamp May 1-3. The hope is he can begin on-field work when the Cardinals begin their voluntary organized team activities beginning May 19.

Cardinal fans can breathe easy because this was a minor surgery. It’s actually good that Warner got it out of the way now so he has plenty of time to recover before next season.

Granted, this surgery could hinder his blazing speed next season…now that would be a shame.

2009 MLB Preview: #24 Houston Astros

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Offseason Movement: The ‘Stros signed Aaron Boone in the offseason, but he recently announced that he’s scheduled to undergo open heart surgery and therefore his season, if not his career, is over. Houston also added pitchers Mike Hampton and Clay Hensley, as well as outfielder Jason Michaels and shortstop Jason Smith.

Top Prospect: Jason Castro, C
The 21-year old catcher was the first of five draft selections for Houston in 2008. Castro has flashed good plate discipline and if he develops, could add power to an already above-average bat. He probably won’t blow anyone away defensively, but he’s more than adequate behind the dish and should make a solid overall player in the future.

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Blogging March Madness

Just a heads up for anyone that plans to watch the tournament in front of a computer (or with one nearby) — I’m planning to write a running diary of the first two days (at least) as I try to catch all of the games. I’ll start with the first game tomorrow and hopefully keep the diary going through Friday evening. Joining me will be my college buddy Dan (a.k.a. LaRusso, after the Karate Kid) and semi-retired ne’erdowell, JC.

Feel free to post your questions, comments or just bitch at me for screwing up your bracket picks. I don’t care. It’ll be fun. It’s March Madness, right?

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