I'm not sure how many of you get the Big Ten Network since I now live outside of Indiana, but I had a chance to watch their coverage of Indiana as part of their Football Tour last night. There was some nice footage of the new stadium addition, including a shot of Bill Lynch's new office. Let's just say that if Lynch ever gets fired IU should have no problem finding a new coach because that office alone would be worth taking the job for. There was also footage from practice and interviews with coaches as well as some players. They spent a lot of time talking about the new pistol offense and how it could potentially improve IU's running game. They also believe that practicing against the pistol offense should help the run defense improve. If you didn't get a chance to see it or you don't have the BTN, you can see the footage on their website at this link: http://www.bigtennetwork.com/videos/indiana.asp.

The thing that struck me most about the program was how positive the BTN guys seemed to be about IU's chances. Don't get me wrong, they weren't predicting that Indiana was going to a bowl game or anything (although they didn't rule it out). However, they did seem to think that IU should be much more competitive this year compared to last year. It was a far cry from the 1 or 2 win predictions I've seen most places. All in all it's worth checking out

Apparently those rumors about the Rays reaquiring Delmon Young still have some merit, per jayson Stark today:

Stuff can change fast at the winter meetings. Contrary to what I reported Monday morning on this very blog, there were indications Monday night that Tampa Bay was still talking to the Twins about a deal that would bring outfielder Delmon Young back to the Rays.

Tampa Bay likely would deal away either Andy Sonnanstine or Edwin Jackson. But the trade could also involve a third team, because the Twins aren't looking to add starting pitching.

With the Twins on the verge of losing out on their pursuit of Casey Blake, Colorado could provide an interesting alternative. The Twins have had interest all winter in acquiring Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins, but haven't been able to find a package that would motivate the Rockies to move him. But Colorado is looking to add pitching, so the presence of Sonnanstine or Jackson could change the equation.

I had never heard of Dirk Hayhurst (AAA Portland Beavers of the San Diego Padres system) before reading the Non-Prospect Blog over at Baseball America. I don't know if he'll ever become a big league pitcher, but he can sure tell a story. I laughed so hard that I cried. It was a nice diversion from dwelling on the Rays recent offensive struggles, which also make me cry but for very different reasons.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/prospect-diary/2008/266553.html