Crackerjacks

It's Opening Day for MLB, time for our annual roll call of ProUtes in the minors. Starting with the biggest name and news: Chris Shelton signed with the New York Mets and was assigned to the Buffalo Bisons (AAA). Ryan Khoury and Stephen Fife are teammates on the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox). Brian Budrow was re-assigned to the Visalia Rawhide (Diamondbacks). Jordan Whatcott will suit up for the Clearwater Threshers (Phillies), and Jay Brossman is still on the roster for the Arkansas Travelers (Angels). Jesse Shriner worked his way through the Giants organization last year, seeing time with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, Augusta GreenJackets, and the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA), but does not appear on an active roster this season.

Pro Day 2011

Utah held its Pro Day yesterday, with 18 former players participating and 20 coaches and scouts evaluating. Gil Brandt singled out Zane Taylor for his 41 reps of 225 pounds, an improvement over his top ten showing at the NFL Combine. Taylor also improved his other numbers from the combine, capitalizing on his chance to impress the offensive line coaches of the Patriots, Jets, and Seahawks. Brandon Burton improved his 40 times, running a 4.58 and a 4.50. Burton had an individual workout with the defensive backs coach of the Browns. Brandt made mention of Caleb Schlauderaff (limited by a calf strain), Sealver Siliga, and Matt Asiata, who caught the ball well. One player not invited to the combine who Brandt brought up was Eddie Wide.

Other reports have mentioned Justin Taplin-Ross, who was having a nice workout until he hurt his leg. Two players who seem to be overlooked are Jereme Brooks and Shaky Smithson. With the adjustment to the starting position of the kickoff imposed by the league kick return specialists like Brooks and Smithson may see their stock drop.

Double Take

Andre Miller followed this lob pass to Nicolas Batum to beat the Spurs with another fine performance against the same outfit. Miller scored 26 points, shooting 9 of 15 from the field and 8 of 10 from the line, to lead the Blazers past the depleted Spurs. It was Portland's second defeat of San Antonio in the past three days.

Andrew Bogut also scored 26 points last night, but he got his by different means (and with different results). Bogut was 13 of 19 from the field, a blistering 68%, but did not attempt a single free throw in the game. He also collected 9 rebounds and 2 blocks, but the Bucks were felled by the Bobcats. Milwaukee trails Charlotte in the Eastern Conference standings, two spots out of the playoffs with 9 games left to play. Portland is sitting at #6 in the Western Conference, with a game against #7 New Orleans on Wednesday.

Cage Match

The cage match between the NFL owners and the players' union might result in a lockout today, but the action in the arena is just getting started! The AFL season gets underway tonight with an in-state duel between the Philadelphia Soul and the Pittsburgh Power. The only ProUtes in the arena can be found in-state playing for the Utah Blaze. They are Jason Boone (OL), Tommy Grady (QB), and Gabe Long (DL). Corey Dodds (LB) is set to begin the season on injured reserve. The Blaze will play their season opener at home against the Tampa Bay Storm on March 17th.

NFL Combine 2011

Five ProUte hopefuls took part in drills at this year's NFL Combine: Matt Asiata (RB3), Brandon Burton (DB9), Caleb Schlauderaff (OL43), Sealver Siliga (DL47), and Zane Taylor (OL48). Of the five Taylor had the most notable performance, as his 33 reps on the bench press tied for 7th best. Burton did not distinguish himself in the individual drills, but he is listed in tier 8 of Gil Brandt's Hot 100 and will be the first Utah player drafted, possibly in the second round. Here is the breakdown of each player's prospects in the NFL:

Matt Asiata - potential back up/short yardage/goal line back; could go in the 7th round.
ProUte comparison: Quinton Ganther, Titans 7th round pick (246th)

Brandon Burton - "could become a great starting corner for a team with a press-heavy scheme."
ProUte comparison: Sean Smith, Dolphins 2nd round pick (61st)

Caleb Schlauderaff - may be picked on day three, may be a free agent signing.
ProUte comparison: Barry Sims, Raiders (free agent)

Sealver Siliga - "a future reserve in a 4-man front."
ProUte comparison: Kelly Talavou, Ravens (free agent)

Zane Taylor - a late round pick.
ProUte comparison: Zane Beadles is the obvious choice, although unfair to Taylor, who won't go in the second round and start as a rookie. Chris Kemoeatu, a 6th round pick (204th) by the Steelers who eventually became a starter is closer.

The University of Utah will hold its Pro Day workouts on March 29th, one month prior to the draft.