2012 Notre Dame football: 37 days 'til Dublin!

This coming Saturday (July 28th) puts the 2012 Notre Dame football countdown at 35 days (five weeks) until the Fighting Irish clash with the Navy Midshipmen at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland. It will be a 9:00 a.m. EST start time, which is five hours later at 2:00 p.m. in Ireland.

Yes, there is quite a ways to go before all is settled at each position. The upperclassmen are having their own separate workouts sessions and most of the freshmen aren't even on campus just yet, but I can't help but think that the college football season is quickly approaching and will be here before we know it!

The biggest decision that Brian Kelly has to make to begin his 3rd season as head coach at Notre Dame is at the quarterback position. At this point in the summer, there are four quarterbacks that could possibly start when the Irish open vs. Navy on Saturday, September 1st in Dublin.

QUARTERBACK
Junior Tommy Rees (6'2, 210) seems to be the most logical choice, simply because of his experience as a starter thus far in his young collegiate career. His consistency is what most question when it comes to Rees being the leader of the Irish offense in 2012. Tossing 20 touchdowns, he did seem pretty faulty when it came to critics and alumni, as he threw 14 interceptions during his sophomore campaign. The third-year signal caller did complete 269 of 411 passes (65.2%) for 2,871 yards. Another reason why Rees might be in question is the off-season trouble that he had with the police. Rees was picked up one weekend night, receiving a DUI. He refused arrest initially by the South Bend police officer, which caused more media attention and questions about his status for the fall.

The only other quarterback on the Irish depth chart is junior Andrew Hendrix. Hendrix (6'2, 220) saw a decent amount of playing time, but it was mainly in mop-up duty or to bail Rees out of situations that the Irish shouldn't have been in. He is more dependable as a running quarterback, at least that's what he showed he does best. Throwing just 18-for-37 (48.6%) for 249 yards, one touchdown and two INT's, Hendrix has plenty to show in camp coming up soon. He ran the ball really well behind center last Fall, carrying it 25 times for 162 yards and a TD, a 78-yarder at Stanford.

Sophomore Everett Golson (6'0, 185) showed the in Blue-Gold Spring game that he's very capable of competing for the starting job. With his legs and arm, Golson was turning heads throughout Notre Dame Stadium. Freshman Gunner Kiel (6'4, 210) from Columbus East High School (Columbus, IN) was an early enrollment in January for the Spring semester and got an early edge in learning coach Kelly's offense. The fifth QB on ND's roster is sophomore Charlie Fiessinger (6'1, 185). More than likely, Tommy Rees will get the nod because of the experience factor, but don't be surprised to see both Andrew Hendrix and Everett Golson getting their due time, depending on the situation against certain opponents. Gunner Kiel could also see some time, but it's hard telling what Brian Kelly and his staff have in store for the 2011 indiana Mr. Football.

RUNNING BACK
In recent years, the Irish offense has had no problem finding receivers to contribute. This year, the backfield is catching up and will be just as stacked as there are four running backs that will all see an ample amount of time. Senior Cierre Wood comes back to lead the Notre Dame ball carriers, just as he did in 2011 with 1,102 yards on 217 carries (5.07 per carry) with 9 touchdowns. With the graduation of Jonas Gray, Wood made room for three teammates that will help share the load on the ground. Senior Theo Riddick is converting back to running back from wide receiver and he brings quite a bit of speed. Sophomore George Atkinson III adds a little more punch and will try to press the kickoff return records of yesteryear. GAIII returned 35 kicks for 915 total yards and a 26.1 yard average and also returned two for touchdowns and looks to be a lightning quick part of the ND backfield. A few newcomers are going to give it their best to make their presence known in South Bend. Incoming freshmen Will Mahone (Austintown, OH) and KeiVarae Russell (Everett, WA) will hit camp in August with thoughts of contributing right away. One newcomer that will have to wait until 2013 to put on his Notre Dame blue and gold is Amir Carlisle. Carlisle transferred from USC just before classes started in January. He got himself enrolled just in time for the spring term to start. Unfortunately for Carlisle, he saw action for the USC Trojans and carried the ball 19 times for 118 yards before knee and ankle injuries kept him off the field for the remainder of 2011.

WIDE RECEIVER
Despite All-American Michael Floyd graduating and being drafted in the first round of the NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals, Notre Dame's receiving corp doesn't look as bleak as most would think. There are a few that are going to surprise people. Believe it or not, 5th year senior John Goodman (Dwenger HS) from Fort Wayne is said to be one that will be putting up big yards. He's 6'3 and 207 and has the similar build of former ND receiver Jeff Samardzija. Goodman wasn't even a second tier guy last year. He only caught seven balls for 65 yards (9.3 per catch). Robby Toma might become one of the key speedsters. Coming on more in the second half of 2011, Toma wound up with 19 receptions for 207 yards (10.9) and a TD. TJ Jones will catch a lot of eyes, but it's not like they haven't seen him in action prior to this fall. Jones pitched in with 38 grabs for 366 yards (9.6) and 3 TD's. Sophomore DeVaris Daniels could prove to be a guy to breakout and make some catches where needed. Two freshmen will cross the radar and try to move their way up the ladder for playing time. Chris Brown (Hanahan, SC) Davonte Neal (Paradise Valley, AZ) and Justin Ferguson (Pembroke Pines, FL) are said to be a steal at wideout for Brian Kelly.

TIGHT END
Hands down, Tyler Eifert is the best tight end in the nation, as long as he's thrown the ball consistently. He has the potential and athleticism to surpass the expectations and stats of former Irish TE and current Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph. Sophomore Ben Koyack will be one that will shock opponents, simply because he was holding a clipboard last season, for the most part. He bulked himself up over the winter months and is a stout 6'5 and 253 pounds. Jake Golic, Alex Welch and linebacker-turned-tight end Troy Niklas will all three be a big part of the tight end lineup, whether it be catching passes or being that TE that stays in and pass blocks.

OFFENSIVE LINE
The offensive line will be a very protective line for whichever QB lines up behind them. Here is the makeup of the 2012 offensive line:
Left Tackle:   Zach Martin
Left Guard:    Chris Watt
Center:           Braxton Cave
Right Guard:  Conor Hanratty
Right Tackle: Christian Lombard

Fellow fifth-year senior Mike Golic, Jr. will be Cave’s backup at Center and was a nice fill-in while Braxton was injured during part of 2011. Junior Tate Nichols, along with sophomores Jordan Prestwood and Brad Carrico will contribute to the depth on the o-line. There are a couple incoming freshmen that could possibly see some playing time as true freshmen. Mark Harrell (Charlotte) and Ronnie Stanley (Las Vegas) will more than likely see some solid time this fall during the first semester on campus.

DEFENSIVE LINE
Kapron Lewis-Moore has definitely put in his fair share of time on the Irish defensive line. The fifth-year defensive end will help anchor a three-man front in Kelly’s 3-4 scheme. He will do so along with junior Louis Nix III and sophomore Stephon Tuitt. The three combined for 97 total tackles (39 solo), 11.5 tackles for a loss and 4 sacks. They’ll be back and better than ever when camp opens up in the next couple weeks. True freshman Sheldon Day (Warren Central HS, Indianapolis) will be a key contributor right away, as he’s already ahead of schedule. Day played in the annual spring game in April and was enrolled in classes at Notre Dame in January. Senior Tyler Stockton, junior Kona Schwenke and another freshman in Jarron Jones (Rochester, NY) will look to spread their wealth and get some playing time.

LINEBACKER
It says quite a bit about the Notre Dame football program when a guy like Manti Te’o could have done two other things in life than come back to South Bend for his senior season. He could have gone on a mission trip as a part of his religious obligations or he could have entered the NFL draft and probably have a seven-figure income right about now. Instead, he’s back as a vital part of the defense for the Irish.  

Like Rees, Te’o’s inside linebacker partner Carlo Calabrese got into some of the same trouble, but not as hefty as Rees. Calabrese’s fate is still yet to be determined in a court of law. Senior Dan Fox, junior Kendall Moore, junior Prince Shembo and sophomore Ishaq Williams are all combining to be one of the better line backing corps in the country. They’ll be a lot quicker than last season. Freshman Romeo Okwara (Charlotte) will be another key addition that could also step in right away.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Harrison Smith is now a Minnesota Viking after they took him with the 29^th overall pick in this past April’s draft. There will be plenty of experience back at the Cornerback and Safety positions, which will be a blessing in disguise from the lackluster play by some DB’s from the past couple seasons.

Fifth-year seniors Dan McCarthy, Chris Salvi and Jamoris Slaughter are three veterans along with senior Zeke Motta that will all patrol “center field” in the defensive backfield. Juniors Lo Wood and Bennett Jackson bring back minimal experience at each cornerback position. Five incoming freshmen might get to see what they’re made of right away. Tee Shepard (Fresno, CA), Nick Baratti (Tomball, TX), C.J. Prosise (Petersburg, VA), Elijah Shumate (East Orange, NJ) and John Turner (Indianapolis) might all be thrown into the fire, just to see who’s got what it takes to stop the big plays and prevent the long ball.

It’s almost scary to think that so many things about this Notre Dame Football squad can be looked at as unknowns and it’s almost August! Now that this will be Brian Kelly’s third year in South Bend, he’s well aware that the stakes are much higher and expectations are through the roof from alumni and all fans across the country. Kelly has gone 8-5 in each of his first two seasons for the Irish. Notre Dame already has been said to have the toughest schedule in the country and they haven’t played a down yet.  

The pressure is always on and the spotlight is always going to shine directly on the head coach at the University of Notre Dame. Brian Kelly knows the task at hand and how he can accomplish what needs to be done to get Notre Dame Football back to the prominence that it was once known. The first thing on Kelly’s 2012 agenda will be quite the trip to open up the season and could help springboard his Irish in the right direction right away. Every college football eye will be watching on Saturday, September 1^st as Notre Dame opens up shop against one of their bigger rivals in Navy. They’ve played at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, NJ. Notre Dame has played Army at Yankee Stadium. Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland is going to be such a different experience for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. They will kick off 2012 playing in the motherland of the Irish. There’s no better way to begin a season than that!

Cubs sweep Diamondbacks: Things are looking up, but Dempster/Garza on trading block...

Current state of the Chicago Cubs...
For too many realists, it's hard to admit. But for optimistic people like myself, I see things turning around on the north side of Chicago. It's not happening at a rapid rate like all the die-hard Cubs fans would like, but it is in fact happening.

This weekend's first series back from the All-Star break was a big first step in the right direction. The Cubs swept the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-1, 4-1 and 3-1 Friday through Sunday to give itself a 3 game cushion between themselves (36-52) and Houston (33-55), last place in the NL Central. With a 12-4 record since starting their home series with the Mets, the Cubs have caught the eyes of everyone in the rest of the league.

They're getting contributions from everyone in the lineup and intrical parts off the bench. Reed Johnson has started some games in CF in place of David DeJesus because of pitching matchups. Tony Campana gets into a game and steals at least one base, if not more, being one of the fastest in the league. Steve Clevenger gives Geovany Soto a day off here and there or if he's a better bat against a particular pitcher. Jeff Baker is another situational substitution, no matter where it is on the diamond. He's been on a hot streak lately when he appears in the lineup. Since June 25th, Baker is 9-for-25 (.360) with two home runs, six RBI's, four doubles and five runs scored. Luis Valbuena might be what the Cubs need at third base with Ian Stewart on the DL for at least another six weeks and the fact that there have been questions at the hot corner all season. Joe Mather has had streaks of promise and has contributed as expected, a bench type player.

President Theo Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer are putting together what they think will be a winner. Building around players like Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo, Darwin Barney and Bryan LaHair is probably a good thing. None of those players are going anywhere, no matter what rumors have circulated during this 2012 season.

Pitchers Ryan Dempster (5-3, 1.68 ERA this season) and Matt Garza (5-7, 4.02 ERA) are both rumored to be the talks of possibly being traded. It's hard telling which of these two will be sent to another squad for prospects, yes I said prospects. In the end, the Cubs normally wind up trading any prospects that they receive in a trade. There are a few exceptions, like Anthony Rizzo. He's a keeper for quite a while at first base.

For the time being, Dale Sveum has figured out a starting lineup that is working pretty darn well.

CF: David DeJesus (or Reed Johnson)
SS: Starlin Castro
1B: Anthony Rizzo (or Jeff Baker)
LF: Alfonso Soriano
RF: Bryan LaHair
C:  Geovany Soto (or Steve Clevenger)
2B: Darwin Barney
3B: Luis Valbuena 
SP: Ryan Dempster, Matt Garza, Travis Wood, Jeff Samardzija, Paul Maholm

The bullpen is really becoming a dependable asset to this ball club. James Russell, Shawn Camp, Jairo Ascencio, Manny Corpas, Scott Maine and believe it or not, Carlos Marmol are beginning to gel with each other and compliment the starting rotation like a bullpen should do.

Yes indeed, things are looking up for the Chicago Cubs. Through 88 games, they're 36-52 (.409) but are playing the best baseball in the major leagues. They are 13.5 games behind the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central on July 15th. There are 74 games left in the regular season and there is plenty of room for much needed improvement throughout the rest of 2012.

We know the middle infield (Castro and Barney) aren't going anywhere. Rizzo should be a Cub for as long as he's got the ability to be on the field everyday. Soto really hasn't had a great season since his Rookie of the Year campaign in 2008. Valbuena is at third for the time being and he's producing like he was brought in to do. He's a spark plug for Sveum's crew and you never know exactly when his bat will show up for a multi-hit game. David DeJesus and/or Reed Johnson can platoon center field, as far as I'm concerned. Play them situationally with the opposing pitcher and they'll both be great in the field with their stellar defensive play. LaHair has made a comfortable transition from first base to right field with ease. He's hitting well still and when Rizzo was called up for his bat, LaHair welcomed him to play first and he gladly took up right field. Alfonso Soriano is now hitting with a lighter bat and leading the Cubs hitting attack.

The second half could bring surprises and it could turn out good for our beloved Cubs. They could overtake Milwaukee to at least finish in fourth place in the Central. That wouldn't be a bad thing in year one of the Epstein/Hoyer era. After all, they didn't help guide the Boston Red Sox to a World Series title their first season...

This may not have the star-powered names that the Yankees, Cardinals, Red Sox and other teams that have recently won World Series titles, but they're playing great as of late. These guys are doing what it takes to win ball games at any cost.

The National League won the 83rd Annual All-Star game Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City 8-0 over the American League, winning their 3rd straight "summer classic." It makes a big statement that they came to play and they were once again bound and determined to have home field advantage in the World Series.

During the first half of the 2012 season, the New York Yankees (52-33) and Texas Rangers (52-24) hold the best records in the Major Leagues thus far. The Washington Nationals (49-34) are surprising all in the National League, but the Pittsburgh Pirates (48-37) and right on their heels to lead the NL. These surprises bring up a lot of loaded questions of the could, will, won't, might variety. From the looks of it, if they can sustain their leads, there may be a "changing of the guard" in a couple of divisions.

NL EAST
Are the Nationals going to be able to hold onto their current 4 game lead over the Atlanta Braves (46-39)? Is a rotation with Stephen Strausburg, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmerman, Edwin Jackson and Ross Detwiler tops in the East? The Braves have what it takes with their experience. This is Chipper Jones' last go-around before he retires and he's been hitting the ball pretty well leading up to the All-Star break, not to mention guys like Freddie Freeman, Dan Uggla and Michael Bourn helping Chipper provide leadership and production. The N.Y. Mets (46-40) are just half a game behind Atlanta and 4.5 games back of Washington. Dillon Gee possibly being shelved for the remainder of the year won't help the Mets' rotation. It might be tough for Johan Santana, R.A. Dickey, Jonathon Niese and Chris Young to take the boys from Flushing to the playoffs. 
  
NL CENTRAL
Can this be the year the Pirates keep the ship on track and fend off the feisty Cincinnati Reds (47-38) and defending World Champions in the St. Louis Cardinals (46-40)? The Reds are just one game behind Pittsburgh and St. Louis is trailing by only 2.5 games. Cincinnati has just a .248 team batting average. Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Brandon Phillips and company might be able to hit the long ball, but that's not going to get them back to the postseason. The Cardinals, might be in some trouble, but they're within striking distance of Pittsburgh and we all saw them overcome trailing by 8 games last season to win the Wild Card and eventually won the franchise's 11th World Series. Lance Berkman should return from his DL stint when play resumes from the All-Star break this Friday. Clint Hurdle's Pirates hold the best home record in the major leagues at 29-14 so far at PNC Park this season. Playing this well at home is one thing, but tightening up on the road, where they're 19-23, might get the Pirates over the hump and back to being a playoff team.

NL WEST
The West will be won by either Los Angeles or San Francisco, unless Arizona decides it wants to be a dog in this Divisional or perhaps the Wild Card hunt. Matt Kemp comes off the DL on Friday to help aid a fading Dodger offense that's missing another outfielder currently on the DL in Andre Ethier. Pitching depth in the Giants' rotation with Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum, Madison Bumgarner, Barry Zito and Ryan Vogelsong providing Bruce Boche with a solid 1-5 lineup that can match up with any lineup. It's tough to say how the Arizona Diamondbacks will respond in the 2nd half of the season. Jason Kubel led the desert dwellers with 60 RBIs. Outfielder Justin Upton could possibly be dealt to Atlanta any day now.

AL EAST
The Yankees will more than likely take the East crown with ease, despite having LF Brett Gardner and Closer Mariano Rivera on the DL. Raul Ibanez is a nice fit in left and Rafael Soriano has settled into the closer role pretty comfortably. The Bronx Bombers were 20-7 in June and are 5-3 to start July and have a 7 game cushion on the Baltimore Orioles for the East division lead. This is the tightest division in baseball. Each team is .500 and above and with Boston and Toronto tied for last (43-43), the two are just 9.5 games back  from the 1st place Yankees. Tampa Bay usually makes a surge in the 2nd half and I honestly wouldn't put it past Joe Maddon's crew. Evan Longoria should be back at 3B sometime soon, but he's no savior, even though he could help the Rays out on the left side of their infield. Buck Showalter has his Orioles believing that they can catch the Yankees or at least vie for one of the now two Wild Card spots, which isn't totally out of the relm of possibility.

AL CENTRAL
Robin Ventura has the Chicago White Sox (47-38) are coming into their own, now that they gained an extra power bat in the lineup with Kevin Youkilis starting at third base, recently acquired from the Boston Red Sox. I honestly see GM Kenny Williams making a move for a starting pitcher before the July 31 trade deadline. It would be smart on his part, anyway, if he wants his White Sox to be more than just a division winner this year. The Cleveland Indians are the squad that's really surprised most in the AL, but the Tribe just doesn't have enough power across the board to keep up with the White Sox or even keep the Detroit Tigers from overtaking them for second place in the Central. Detroit has a lot of youth, but Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera are ready to take things upon themselves to possibly lead Detroit on a second half push.

AL WEST
The Texas Rangers couldn't be hungrier than they were after losing the 2011 World Series to St. Louis. Losing their second consecutive World Series makes them want to break out of that spell and win the ultimate prize of that World Title. They've made due with the great talent that they have, even with pitchers Colby Lewis, Derek Holland, Neftali Feliz and Alexi Ogando all injured at some point this season. Texas signed veteran right-hander Roy Oswalt to help with the absence of those arms. The only competition in the West for Texas are the LA Angels. It took Albert Pujols quite a while to get adjusted to American League pitching and overall style of play. The Angels more than likely won't catch the Rangers if they keep up with a 4-man rotation. It's too long of a season to try to win a lot of baseball games with just four starters. Mike Scioscia is a great manager, but they surely need a fifth starting arm to get back to the playoffs.

Teams have played between 83 and 87 games in the first half. That puts them just a little over the halfway point in their seasons. There's obviously room for a lot of teams to improve on what they've already done and also plenty of time for seasons to implode. I'm a superstitious person, so I won't drop any names to possibly jinx their season(s) and send them down the tubes.