Graham Watson: Welcome to the chat. I'm going to do my best to get to as many questions as I can within the hour. Let's begin.

davedonnell: WOW!! Just read about MU linebacker with a gun. Is there possibly any good reason that a young student athlete should be carrying a gun? Also having attended college and being somewhat intelligent at that point I would have certainly known someone in my car had a gun as at that age it is something that would have been shared/bragged about. Oh wait, we didn't need guns as students and might have been afraid of being arrested. I hope we don't hear any excuses about his childhood environment as this behavior is not accapted anywhere. I also recall when I made choices to be with people who made bad choices I was held responsible for those choices by parents, coaches etc... All involved should admit to either being aware or just simply that STUPID!!! What should be done to deter this in the future regardless of the talent involved. And by the way, great example for the recruit as obviously alcohol was involved as well and I'm sure the recruit was not 21.

Vahe Gregorian: The recruit is a signee and I'm sure this wasn't the first time he's been around alcohol. He's a prep schooler, so he's a year removed from high school.

I don't know what can be done about something like this, but I will say that it's happening all over the country. There are several teams that have been having issues during the offseason. Mizzou is not unique.

tgraves707: Do you believe that sophomore cornerback Carl Gettis is as good as the hype?

Vahe Gregorian: Yes. CG has been all over the place this spring. He's making big hits. Picking off passes. He's been impressive. You can just tell he's comfortable with the starting role now. I think he could be a William Moore-type player as he continues to mature.

George: Seriously, the NCAA seems to have come down a lot harder on Mizzou after the Ricky Clemons flip-flops than on KU's academic integrity or USC and Reggie Bush's HOUSE!!!!! What gives?

Vahe Gregorian: Well, the Reggie Bush this isn't cleared up yet. I think that has the potential to be really bad for USC. As for KU academic stuff, they lost two scholarships just like Mizzou did. I don't know that the NCAA came down harder on Mizzou than either of those two schools at all.

cdt: Since you cover MU football so well, I wanted to ask your opinion. It seemed to me that in order to beat the best (Oklahoma, Texas) for the Big 12 title, MU needed to get bigger, faster, stronger and better and carry a little more intensity. Have you noticed any of these improvements during the first couple of practices? Is there a recruit coming in that is as talented as Maclin? Because I truly believe MU needs to have more athletes of his caliber to compete for a national title.
Thanks.

CDT.

Vahe Gregorian: I noticed those improvements last season. I think you left out the two things that make great teams - commitment and leadership. Missouri finally had both last year and I'm seeing that carry over to this season. there's no doubt that this team realizes what it takes to be one of the best teams in the country. Remember, this is uncharted territory for Mizzou. It's not going to happen overnight, but I do think this team is headed in the right direction.

It's going to be difficult to replicate Maclin's ability, so I'm leaning toward no on this question, but I do think Mizzou has a lot of talent coming in.

Kelly: I was wondering if you could provide a statistical analysis between the 2004 Football team and the 2007-08 men's basketball team. Conference records, percentages of wins, relative scoring... I remember the feelings around that football team seemed to almost mirror the feelings around the basketball team this year.

I'm really just getting tired of hearing these knuckleheads calling for CMA's job after just his second season. Personally I bought season tickets for the first time before the start of his first season because I liked everything I've read about him. I want to see the team produce as much as anyone, but people, you have to show some patience. Ms. Watson, you have the right of it. If in two years from now his team isn't showing significant improvement, then as fans we should be wondering if he is the right guy for the job. But I have seen nothing to this point that would indicate any real failings on his part.

Okay, that rant is over, now on to my next question. What's going on with the baseball and softball teams? I keep hearing from the local TV on how well they are doing but I love your insights. I know the pigskin's flying around again, but that is just practice. Pretty please, could you get us some more articles on the diamond bound teams? Thank you, ma'am.

Vahe Gregorian: OK. The top of this questions needs to be posed to me in an email because I don't have time to look all that stuff up in the hour I;m given here. Send me an email and I could probably help you out.

Ah, baseball. I'll be covering those young men today and tomorrow as they open their Big 12 season against Baylor. I'm looking forward to it (even if it's in the middle of the NCAA Tournament). I'm not sure we're going to have many articles about softball. That's a readership thing and there's only one of me to go around. I;m happy we're covering baseball this year because we haven't in the past.

Bucknell: Alright Graham...Final Four, who you got? And who cuts down the nets?

Vahe Gregorian: I have Texas, Kansas, North Carolina and UCLA. I like Texas to take down KU in the final. I took a couple hits in my bracket yesterday (freakin' Kent State), but I'm looking to rebound today.

Love the nick, by the way.

Truman: The reports I've read from spring practice are not making me feel too good about our punting situation. What's the saying...if you have four punters, then you don't have one. Do you think someone will emerge who can get the job done well? Why is it so hard for us to recruit a good punter...especially given the soccer hotbed that St. Louis is, you would think we could find someone who could just blast it.

Vahe Gregorian: You shouldn't feel good about punting. There's nothing to feel good about. It's bad. I've noticed during my time covering this school that I'm a little more critical of kicking than most. Perhaps that's the soccer coming out in me.

Jake Harry is the punter, but he's really inconsistent. I like John Clark, but I don't think the coaches like him. Rock Bridge's Tanner Mills might be the guy, but I haven't seen anything dynamic out of him either. Now there's a whole summer before this becomes an issue and there could be another walk-on to help. But right now, I'd say the punting situation is in bad shape.

By the way, the punter that plays on the baseball team had two doubles against Toledo last weekend. I heard he kicked the ball to the outfield wall.

OK, I made that last part up.

Sean: Does Mizzou have the best baseball/softball team combination in the country? Softball just had their 19 game win streak snapped yesterday, and baseball has now won 10 straight. Have they yet to face real competition or are both of these teams really that dominant? I know baseball's goal is Omaha, but what is the softball team hoping for as far as the B12 and postseason?

Vahe Gregorian: They might indeed. I'd liken it to Tennessee men's and women's basketball this season.

I know baseball hasn't faced the greatest competition and we'll see their mettle when the Big 12 starts tonight. I think the same can be said about softball, but 19 straight is still something to behold.

I would assume the softball team's goal is to get to Oklahoma City.

Gary: Other than the football players involved, do you think Mike Anderson might be the next biggest loser in the Booker incident? Pinkel gets to come off as the strong disciplinarian, which contrasts with CMA's "zero tolerance...sometimes" policy.

Vahe Gregorian: That's a good point. Pinkel's swift justice did raise some questions about Anderson's "zero tolerance" and I think Bernie wrote a good column about it the other day. You gotta think, though, Pinkel's had a lot more practice at this. There were a lot of boneheads on this team during his early years. And Pinkel has yet to have to deal with a starter getting into trouble. Anderson had to kick off his starting PG. That's tough. I think it's pretty safe to say that Booker wasn't even going to see the field this year. It will be interesting to see what Pinkel does if a starter ever gets caught in a similar situation.

Dale: I think comparing anderson to pinkel is comparing apples and oranges. If anderson's pressure defense doesnt steal the ball he has no idea what to do. His timeouts to set up an offense for end of half or end of game shots have been pathetic.

Vahe Gregorian: I'm not sure I understand this question. Comparing them in what? Coaching? I think those same comments were made about Pinkel in 2004. Pinkel can't make adjustments, right? Coaches grow just like players. I think Anderson will learn how to adjust to his personnel.

Rickstir: Thank you for your excellent coverage of Tiger athletics. It is just amazing the depth of your reports. My question is, where is your base of operations? Do you live in Columbia (or does it just seem like it)?

Vahe Gregorian: I live in Columbia. Always have. That way I have easy access to the police department.

Jmbaba: With the dismissal of a player from the football team this week, how many scholorships are still available, and is there anyone of interest outside the program that is still available to offer them to?
What are the reactions of some of the recruits that were brought in to observe spring practices. Other than Dalton, have any verbally committed?
Thanks for you insights and observations. They are much enjoyed.

March madness just isn't the same. I miss that!

Vahe Gregorian: I don't think Mizzou had anyone hanging because there wasn't a scholarship to give. However, Pinkel made mention of a walk-on long snapper that was supposed to join the team. Pinkel never mentions walk-ons. So for him to mention this guy - he didn't say his name - makes me think the coaching staff thinks he has the potential to make a difference. So perhaps the scholly goes to him. Also, every year Pinkel gives remaining scholarships to deserving senior walk-ons.

Dalton, DT Sheldon Richardson, WR Kerwin Stricker and LB Andrew Wilson have all committed to Mizzou.

March Madness is very much the same for me. I'm still losing my bracket pool.

George Limpert: I have a football question and haven't been following spring practice too closely. I'm curious as to what is actually being done about improving the running game in short yardage situations. In particular, is it in the plans to use the pistol formation more frequently, especially in short yardage situations? I don't think we'll ever see Daniel line up under center, but the pistol formation was used with some success last season.

Vahe Gregorian: I haven't seen any changes to the scheme that Mizzou ran last year, and OC Dave Christensen said there wouldn't be many changes to the offense. They use the pistol, but I haven't seen it more than last year. BUT they haven't done a lot of goal line stuff either.

CJ: Graham, why couldn't Mike Anderson drop the hammer like Pinkel did this week?

Vahe Gregorian: Starter vs. non-starter in Booker. I think Pinkel takes a little more time if it's Daniel or Maclin with the gun. It wasn't. It was an inconsequential linebacker that might have never played at Mizzou. That's any easy one. Anderson removed his best defender and, at the time, his best 3-point shooter. That's a much more difficult decision.

Richard Price: How will Booker's deserved exit affect the depth chart and projected playing time at all linebacker spots?

Vahe Gregorian: He was the No. 3 linebacker behind Redmond, who is hurt this spring. Booker wasn't going to play and Mizzou has a couple linebackers coming in. I don't think it will affect the depth too much.

Snake: Graham, thanks again. Cloudson is excited that, after this week's legal news, the Tigers are now #1 in the Fulmer Cup standings at www.edsbs.com. If the Tigers take home the Cup, will the athletic department hype it up as much as they did when the football team was named #1 by the Anderson & Hester College Football Computer Rankings?

Vahe Gregorian: Ha! I saw that as well. T-shorts will be made. I think Mizzou will tour the police stations around the state claiming that they have college football's most nefarious team.

Mike Anderson: Graham,

Am I a bad coach or do I just have knucklehead players right now? Is my job in jeopardy? Any advise?

Vahe Gregorian: I don't think your job is in jeopardy this year, but next year you could be in trouble if your team doesn't show improvement. I will say that I really like your incoming class. All of them are going to be on campus in June and all are eager to help. I think Kimmie English is going to be the guy who keeps everyone's head right. He's the Chase Daniel-type kid that can change a program.

Pete: Hi Graham,

Any thoughts about which, if any, of the incoming recruits will see playing time this fall?

Also, who do you think is likely to get some situational snaps during the season at QB, in preparation for Daniel's eventual graduation? Would it be someone already on the roster (if so, who?), or do you anticipate Gabbert jumping straight into that role?

Thanks!

Vahe Gregorian: Well, considering the lack of depth at wide receiver, I'd say all of the WR's have a shot, as does Andrew Jones at TE. At the very least, he'll play on special team. I also like Dan Hoch. I'm watching the offensive line and I'm staying with my theory that Hoch could challenge for a spot.

I think Patton will get time when Daniel comes out next year. I don't think any of the younger guys will see the field. I'm thinking Gabbert, unless he's just awesome in camp, redshirts next year.

BCC: Will the football team get some new uniforms this season? I would love to see an all gold uni in the fall. Also, why is the football teams gold a different color than the basketball teams gold? Seems kind of odd to me!

Vahe Gregorian: I don't think you'll see an all-gold uniform this year. That's not Pinkel's style.

And I can't tell you why the gold's are different. That's on Nike.

Barry In OK: Graham-What is your opinion on the Tigers not wanting to play in the new post season tourney? Most of these players have never played in a post season tourney...and I would think some experience in any post season tournament would be better than none especially if they improve enough next year to go to the NCAA's.

Vahe Gregorian: I think the problem was the lack of organization and communication by the CBI and the fact that you had to pay the tournament to play. The minimum to get in the tournament was $65,000, and that didn't include travel, meals, hotel, etc.

Also, I don't think they would have gotten in after the loss to Nebraska.

And really, did you want to continue to watch this team this year?

Bewildered fan: What did you think of Bernie's article today (Thursday). This implies CMA should have suspended all of the Athena 5 indefinitely since they were warned to stay out of bars and had curfew(compared to Pinkel what zero tolerance really means). How are you supposed to do that? Forfeit the season or play with 6?

Vahe Gregorian: Play with six, I guess. The team would have been dead by the end of the year, but you would have made a powerful statement.

I thought the article was good. But again, I'd like to see GP's swift justice when Chase Daniel gets into a legal scrape. I'm thinking it's not going to happen.

Brett G.: Alright, thank god basketball is finally over. With the baseball team rocking and the football team starting spring practices, we finally got some good athletic news. But, any word on defections or recruits jumping ship, basketball-wise? Thanks for the time.

Vahe Gregorian: Nope. I talked to all the recruits this week and they're excited to come in and change this thing around. I'll have a story next week.

atphysics: I read that there were some former Tigers working out for the NFL scouts yesterday. Do any of these guys improve on their numbers and times from the previous year? What have they been up to since then? Do you think any of them turned any heads?

Vahe Gregorian: James Kinney, Joel Clinger and Dedrick Harrington were there. I didn't get to talk to them, though. I will say that Deke looked like he should be on someone's football field.

Matthew: Hey Graham,

Are the coaches open to having Tanner Mills kickoff if he doesn't win the punting job? I hear he consistently banged his kickoffs through the uprights in high school.

One of the unwritten aspects of how well the defense played last season was how often it stopped opposing offenses even though drives began at the 35-40 yard lines.

Wolfert appears to have great accuracy as a placekicker but not great distance for kickoffs -- or is this by plan that Pinkel trusts Wolfert to "place" his kickoffs in a certain location where the coverage team attacks?

Thanks,
Matthew

Vahe Gregorian: Mizzou hasn't practiced kickoffs this spring, so I can't answer that question. Wolfert is working hard on his kickoffs. He stays after practice and works. He was injured last year, so I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt and I think it's his job to lose.

Peter: Titus Wonsey... more Titus Wonsey!

Where's he from? What did he play in HS? Any chance the he'll stick? What's Pinkel's policy re: dwarf tossing?

Vahe Gregorian: He's from Illinois. Uh, hold on. He's from Neuqua Valley, Illinois. He was an RB in high school. I don't think he'll "stick' with the depth at RB, which is too bad because I think the players like having him around. After the spring, we probably won't see him until after the first couple weeks of fall practice when school starts.

Jeff: I know it is early but what is the football recruitung class shaping up like for 09. I think they have four commitments now, what about the STL area top players? Sounds like the Tigers need some special team help also.
Great job

Vahe Gregorian: I think it's too early to tell. As the summer starts and guys get into their workouts, I'll have a better idea. I know there's a lot of interest in Mizzou by the kids around the state. I think we'll see a lot of them at the spring game.

Nick: Hey Graham,

Who are MU Basketball's best recruits next year? What positives does the team have to look forward to?

Vahe Gregorian: I think Kimmie English, Marcus Denmon, Bowers and Ramsey could be the recruits with the most impact, but we'll see. I think the best thing these kids bring is the energy and the desire to make things better.

Nick: How high do you see Aaron Crow going in MLB's draft?

Vahe Gregorian: He's a top 5 pick, in my humble opinion.

Richard Price: Submitted this a couple of days ago - maybe did it wrong - sorry if it duplicates.

With Booker's deserved absence, what does the depth chart at all linebacker positions look like now? Any possible position changes to add depth in one area or another?

Vahe Gregorian: Yep. Answered this one earlier.

Nick: You wrote in your blog yesterday that the football teams' 2nd was dominated by the 1st string...Is this good or bad?

Would that mean that Mizzou lacks depth, or just a testament to their starters?

Thanks

Vahe Gregorian: It's good because the first string is freakin' good. It's bad because there is a lack of depth. However, it's early and I think the depth will come along through the summer. I wouldn't be too worried.

NE: Why can't the football team and the baseball team work something out? Or it this guy not interested in playing footbal?

Vahe Gregorian: I was told football wouldn't give up the scholarship for him with Jake Harry already on scholarship. because football's the bigger sport, they'd need to give him the full scholly for him to play both.

We're talking about my favorite baseball playing punter.

Nick: I know it is still early in their careers, but how do Maclin and C Gettis project as Pro prospects?

I expect Maclin would be more hyped, and I expect him to leave early, but what about Gettis...he intrigues me. It has been a while since MU has been able to churn out this kind of talent in trems of the draft.

I think that its awesome that we could have two players chosen pretty high next year. Coffman And Willy MO

Vahe Gregorian: Uh, Maclin's going to be one of the top picks whenever he wants to come out. There's no doubt about that. Gettis, I'm not sure. I need to see him another year before I feel like I can answer that question.

Maclin will also be chosen high if he decides to come out next year.

MizzoufaninCali: Graham,
Thanks for all your coverage as it is the only way I get any Mizzou news in San Diego. Do you think it is easier to "drop the hammer" for GP when he has a multitude of players compared to MA's relative few?

Vahe Gregorian: Yeah, I think that's part of it, too. It;s pretty easy to replace a third-string LB. Or even a second-string DE in John Stull. Mizzou didn't really have another PG to replace Hannah. Keon Lawrence and J.T. Tiller had to learn on the fly.

Hoosier Boy: It's nice growing up in Indiana and seeing all the teams from the state in the big dance this year. As it is common place year in and year out. People here in Missouree don't like hoosiers at all? I think it's because we know basketball, you know the whole jealously thing, do you agree? Mike Anderson would kill to have some Indiana boys on his squad. D-1 talent here in the state is very small. Everyone here thinks there is plenty of D-1 talent, I think that is hogwash.
Do you think you could take Jenny Finch yard?

Vahe Gregorian: I don't know that it's a basketball jealousy thing. I would hope Missouri people are a little deeper than that.

I think I'd be lucky to foul tip a Jenny Finch fastball. If she told me she was going to throw the heat, I might be able to hit her, but if she changed things up, I'd look foolish.

Cards Love Roids: I would encourage Kelly to see a good eye doctor. Clown Mike Anderson was totally inept as a a floor coach this season, and player incidents are far more frequent than even in the Quin Snyder error. My question is this: why didn't the Post-Dispatch ever run any post-mortem columns on Mizzou after the end of such an embarrassing season. The only columns I read on the Tigers all year was Burwell raving about Anderson's "tough love" (insert eye roll) after the Athena incident. I think this program has descended into total irrelevance, and the Post's coverage is evidence of that.

Vahe Gregorian: ow much more can we say about this season? It seemed like every story I wrote was some sort of obituary. I will be writing about the future of this program for next week. That story should close the book on this season and open another for something new.

Graham Watson: OK. Thanks all. We probably won;t have a chat next week because I'll be out of town, but I'll talk to ya'll in a couple weeks.