Vols Practice & Manny Trade

The Vols start practice Saturday.  Two weeks ago I asked new offensive coordinator Dave Clawson if he expects a learning curve from his players-- at least until mid-August. 

Funny thing is, I can't even explain what a learning curve is, but it sounded good for a question.  

Clawson told me, "The learning curve is over."  Players should be up to speed with what his offense is all about-- and how to implement it on the field. We'll find out this weekend.

By the way, Clawson is already a cover boy.  He's on the front of Knoxville magazine.  I think he beat Bruce Pearl by three months on the magazine cover thing.

As a Red Sox fan, I'm sad to see Manny leave.  Say what you want about his recent antics, not only did he help the Sox win two World Series, but he also helped change the mindset of Sox fans.   The only era of Boston baseball that comes close to the personality of this one-- were the Yaz-Fisk-Tiant-Lee teams of the 1970s.  

The difference?  Back them, we hoped to win.  Now, we expect to win.  Manny may be wacky, but at his best, his bat helped make the Sox winners, and his enthusiasm helped make it fun.