They're Real? And We Haven't Been Scheduling Them?

The Columbus metro area had been inundated with this digital billboard, courtesy of some richer TCU alums.  Remember when Gordon Gee said that Boise St and TCU didn't deserve to play for a national championship because their resumes were built on whipping "the little sisters of the poor."  Personally, I feel that Gee is foolish for having made the statement and that the response is measured and appropriate.  I'm outspoken in my preference for a 16-team playoff, so let's hope that the Rose Bowl results helps to Gordon and other BCS proponents toward the realm of sanity.  I haven't found the boards yet, but I am a-lookin'.

Also...

The Cubs acquire Matt Garza from the Rays along with OF Fernando Perez and an unnamed minor league pitcher for (pause to take a breath) OF Sam Fuld, former Tribe prospect RHP Chris Archer (part of the Mark DeRosa trade), OF Brandon Guyer, SS Hak-Ju Lee, and IF Robinson Chirinos.  In the recently released 2011 Baseball America prospect ranking, Archer rated #1 (wish he was still in the Indians org), Lee #4, and Guyer #10.  That is a haul for Tampa Bay.  Garza will never be a #1 starter, but he does project as a strong #2 in the NL.  The thinking is that the Cubs made the move now because (a) comparable pitchers simply are not available this winter and (b) they would have had to pay more at the July deadline.  Yah, ok, Garza had better show up.

The Reds sign World Series MVP (and my personal least favorite person in the world; see 1997) Edgar Renteria to a 1-yr, $2.1mil contract.

The Orioles continue to add talent, inking righty closer Kevin Gregg to a 2-yr, $10mil deal.  I find it hard to believe that O's can climb above both Boston and New York, but they are certainly giving it their best shot.

Terrelle Pryor will have surgery today to stabilize a ligament in his right foot.  Assuming TP is true to his word about returning in the fall, he should have plenty of time to recover during his 5-game suspension.

Notable underclassmen declaring for the NFL draft: Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett and 3 Crimson Tide - RB Mark Ingram (former Heisman winner) along with WR Julio Jones and DE Marcell Dareus (both high on the Browns list).

Cheers.