Morning Jolt: April 21, 2011

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Apr 21, 2011

Thursday, April 21

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Nets GM Billy King will be a busy man. [King's] off-season to-do list includes locking up Deron Williams long term, re-signing Kris Humphries and finding athletic, versatile wing players. Nothing can happen with Williams or Humphries until July, or until a new collective bargaining agreement is hammered out. In the meantime, King will work on trying to make the Nets a playoff team because that's what he wants and is paid to do. He's not working just to keep Williams happy and with the organization. ... He doesn't like missing the playoffs. No one does, which makes this another important off-season. The Nets will be active and make a play for Dwight Howard. If he's unavailable, the Nets will try to become a playoff team by building around Williams and Brook Lopez. (The Record)Comment

Seattle eyes Dalton or Ponder

Seattle's would be one of the more interesting war rooms to follow at the draft. There is no more pressing question in Seattle where an aging Matt Hasselbeck is unsigned for 2011, and backup Charlie Whitehurst is the only quarterback under contract. Top prospects Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert will be long gone by the time Seattle chooses in the first round, but while TCU's Andy Dalton lacks elite arm strength, he could be a good fit for Seattle's West Coast offense. Same for Florida State's Christian Ponder, who has some health concerns but is also set up for the West Coast offense. (Sporting News)Comment

Franklins blasts Cards fans

Yes, demoted closer Ryan Franklin is frustrated, too, but he doesn't appreciate the treatment he's receiving from his home fans: boos. Although he insisted he wasn't bothered by the boos, Franklin clearly was disappointed by the fans' behavior. "Sure, I hear it," said Franklin, who has permitted four homers in 6 2/3 innings this season. ... "You don't boo your own team. I don't care who you are or what you say. Just because you spent your money to come here and watch us play and somebody happens to make one bad pitch and gives up a homer, you don't start booing them? I've been here for five years and four years, I've been pretty good. You should go write stories about the fans booing. They're supposed to be the best fans in baseball. Yeah, right." (News-Democrat)Comment

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Damien Hobgood of the USA surfs during round 2 of the Rip Curl Pro in Bells Beach, Australia.

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Lip-synching internet phenom Keenan Cahill 'performs' Dynamite with Brian Wilson and Cody Ross of the San Francisco Giants.

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