Two things I want to mention:

1) I'm sorry I haven't been on the ball with my blog lately. I promise to keep it "fresh" from here on out.

2) WSU news is hard to come by these days...

With that said, here is a little something about everything (becoming a common title for my blog).

Short-season minor league baseball teams get started tonight (first pitch for the Indians is 6:30pm...it's KREM 2 Night at the ballpark...my shameless plug). That means Cougars who were picked in the MLB draft will start their pro careers...here's a look at where they'll be playing:

Third baseman Paul Gran, who will most likely turn into a utility man, (drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 7th Round) was assigned to the Jamestown Jammers of the New York-Penn League. I talked to a member of their staff today and they told me Paul got into Jamestown yesterday, so he probably won't play tonight.

Left-handed pitcher Jayson Miller (drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 30th Round) was assigned to the Orem Owlz of the Pioneer League.

As for Jim Murphy (drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 17th Round), I'm still not sure what his story is. As I mentioned in my previous blog (thanks for the question Jeff), Murphy told me that he wanted to sign quickly and would likely be assigned to the Willamsport Crosscutters of the New York-Penn League. He is not listed on Williamsport's roster and some of my other sources show that he may not have signed yet. I'm hoping I'll have an answer for you later today, so check back.

Moving on to the football field...here's the latest I could find on WSU rookies:

The quarterback situation is becoming more clear in Houston. The Texans released veteran Quinn Gray (apparently there was a deal in place that he would be cut if they were planning on making him the third QB so he could seek a better job). That means Alex Brink and Shane Boyd are left to fight for the final spot.

General Manager Rick Smith and head coach Gary Kubiak talked with the media about the two players after the team's final workout (courtesy houstontexans.com):

Gary Kubiak:

"Mainly at the quarterback positions, I made a decision to work with those two young players (Boyd and Brink). I watch Alex and I watch Shane and I think they have a chance to play in this league. It's really an excitement to work with those two young kids and see how they do."

Rick Smith:

"Shane is making progress. Alex Brink is making progress. We've got some young quarterbacks that we really like that are doing a decent job and we feel comfortable with those guys going into training camp."

According to one article I read, the Philadelphia Eagles haven't really been impressed with any of their free agent fullbacks, including Jed Collins...that's why they traded a draft pick to the Colts for FB Luke Lawton.

That means Collins, Lawton, Jason Davis and Dan Klecko are left fighting for playing time as training camp approaches.

Honestly, I don't see Lawton posing much of a threat to Collins. Lawton, 27, has played for five different teams (mostly practice squad only until last year with the Colts) in four years. Lawton is very versatile though...he can play full back, emergency running back, special teams, and can be a long snapper (not saying Collins isn't versatile as well...he played linebacker, tight end, fullback, and special teams at WSU).

According to an article I read about Charles Dillon (I'd add a link, but you need a membership to read it), who signed with Indianapolis after the draft, it sounds like the Colts like his "depth of skills" (especially as a return man).

That's all I could really find on the football side (even though I've read several Seahawks articles recently that have complimented Michael Bumpus, but I don't have any specifics).

I should probably get running...thanks for checking in.

Check back for a Jim Murphy update later today...hopefully!

UPDATE 12:20pm: OK...here's the deal on Jim Murphy.

He signed with the Phillies right after the draft and they assigned him to the Gulf Coast League (GCL Phillies...a really original name). It's not usual for college players to be sent to the GCL, but it sounds like the circumstances didn't stack up in Murphy's favor.

Here is how it was explained to me:

There is a logjam in Williamsport. The Phillies assigned their 5th Round selection, Jeremy Hamilton from Wright State (the team Phillies paid him a $164,000 signing bonus) to the Crosscutters. They also sent another first baseman (I don't know what his name is), who played for Williamsport last year, back to the Crosscutters this season.

The good news is Philadelphia wants Murphy to play everyday instead of sit on the bench...that's why he was assigned to Clearwater.

Case closed!

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