Rock Chalk Talk, a Kansas Jayhawks community

While Mike is clear that he doesn't want to frame this story as a battle between him and Jamie Moyer for a roster spot, it might come down to that. Regardless as to if he is on the opening day roster or not, clearly the Phillies are counting on Zagurski contributing at the MLB level this year. It is great to see he is finally healthy again. Here is a link to a very good interview Mike did with Rock Chalk Talk back in 2008.

Just a nice little bit of national attention for the KU baseball team. Hopefully the team can win another one tonight at LSU and work their way back into the top 25 next week.

I'll be here, if anyone else wants to chat away about the rubber match in the Sunflower Showdown between Kansas and K-State. It's Senior Day.

Kendall Rogers of Rivals thinks KU would make the NCAA tournament right now but the Jayhawks are still in the "danger zone." Kansas Record: 31-15 RPI: 67 This weekend’s opponent: at Oklahoma Analysis: After taking a step back two weekends ago at Texas Tech, the Jayhawks bounced back last weekend with a series win over Nebraska. KU, however, now has a less than stellar RPI with a 12-11 record against top-100 RPI teams. Though Kansas could be on the bad side of the bubble in the eyes of some, the fact it has a 10-8 conference record and a fifth place standing speaks volumes.

Kansas senior relief pitcher Paul Smyth has been named to the College Baseball Foundation’s National All-Star Lineup for the week of March 24. Smyth becomes the second Kansas pitcher – joining teammate Shaeffer Hall – to be named to the team this season. Smyth, a senior from Atascadero, Calif., collected three saves in KU’s sweep of No. 1 Texas – the first over a top-ranked team by the Jayhawks. He pitched the ninth inning in all three games and allowed no runs on two hits and did not walk anybody. He put the final exclamation point on the series sweep by striking out pinch hitter Tim Maitland Sunday to end the game. In seven home appearances this season, Smyth has not allowed a run or a walk. He is tied for the Big 12 lead with six saves this year. Each week the College Baseball Foundation and Diamond Sports put together a team of 10-12 baseball players and coaches who enjoyed standout performances over the previous week. Considering how much Paul struggled during the first month of the season this honor must mean the world to him. Congratulations to Paul.

KU is playing a three game series vs. #7 Arizona State in Suprise, AZ. ASU won Friday 9-4. Before game two KU visited with the Royals. They must have been inspired because they pulled off a 3-2 upset that night. I love this quote: "It was a great experience," senior relief pitcher Paul Smyth said of the morning with the Royals. "Being able to watch the big team work out was something not many people get to do. Every one there, from the players to the staff, treated us first class." "My favorite parts were talking with George Brett, and watching (Royals’ catcher) John Buck take BP in our pinwheel hat while he bet dinner with (former ASU standout) Willie Bloomquist on our game last night. Hope dinner was good." Bloomy bets against my beloved Jayhawks. One more mark against him. 1. Sucks at baseball. 2. Takes a roster spot away from Shealy. 3. Hates on KU. It might be a while before I learn to love this new Royal.

In addition to the three honors mentioned in the linked story Shaeffer Hall was also named National Player of the Week by collegebaseballinsider.com today. Hall pretty well was "the man" last week in the world of NCAA Hardball. He should pitch at least a few innings today at 3PM vs. Arkansas. The game is available via a free web cast so listen in if you can.