Podcast: Updating the Pelicans draft prospects

Michigan point guard Trey Burke gives a thumbs up during a pre-draft workout at the Sacramento Kings' practice facility in Sacramento, Calif., Friday, June 7, 2013.  Burke, who is expected to be one of the top picks in the upcoming NBA basketball draft, led the Wolverines to the NCAA championship game this spring and was the consensus national Player of the Year. The Kings have the seventh pick in the first round of the June 27th draft.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

With the No. 6 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, the New Orleans Pelicans have options. Should the team pick former Michigan guard Trey Burke, former Indiana guard Victor Oladipo, former UNLV forward Anthony Bennett or hope that centers Alex Len (Maryland) or Nerlins Noel (Kentucky)? Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate contributor Darrell Williams explore the draft in this "Advocate Sports: Pelicans" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU's Bill Franques remembers the 1993 championship baseball team

In this podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff, longtime LSU baseball sports information director Bill Franques talks about the Tigers' 1993 championship team. Franques said Brett Laxton's 16 strikeout game for the title was the best pitching performance he's seen at LSU. He also said Skip Bertman's legacy as a great coach at LSU didn't require him having to lead the Tigers to a second NCAA title. Continue reading →

Podcast: Todd Walker talks about the 1993 LSU baseball team

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- LSU-Ole Miss Baseball -- 1993 LSU baseball player Todd Walker speaks for the 1993 squad, behind, during the naming ceremony. Photo shot on Friday May 17, 2013, in Baton Rouge, La.

It's been 20 years since Todd Walker was named the Most Outstanding Player in the 1993 College World Series, and yet the memories of that season and his teammates still hold a special place in his heart. Walker remembered LSU's run to the 1993 College World Series title in this podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff Continue reading →

Podcast: S-curls, LSU, Saints and WWL-TV sports reporter Juan Kincaid?

Advocate staff photo by CATHERINE THRELKELD -- LSU's Brent Bonvillain dumps icy water on LSU coach Paul Mainieri after the game between LSU and Oklahoma on Saturday at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge.

In this "Advocate Sports: Podcast" Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff talks to WWL-TV sports reporter Juan Kincaid about LSU in the College World Series, the NBA Finals and Kincaid's S-curl and Kid 'n Play high fade haircut in the 1980's. They also have a brief Saints-Green Bay Packers debate and talk about the future of the Saints after the season-ending ACL injury to free-agent linebacker Victor Butler. Continue reading →

Podcast: The Saints after the Victor Butler injury

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton signs autographs for fans after NFL football practice at the team's training facility in Metairie, La. Wednesday, June 5, 2013. (AP Photo/Bill Haber)

The Saints and coach Sean Payton thought they could write down free agent Victor Butler as their linebacker all season long, but now Butler is out for the season with a torn ACL. How do the Saints respond without Butler? How is the roster shaping up? Those questions are answered in this "The Advocate: Saints" podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Ted Lewis. Continue reading →

Podcast: The LSU baseball team in the College World Series 

Advocate staff photo by CATHERINE THRELKELD -- LSU's Mark Laird and Jared Foster high-five their teammates after the game between LSU and Oklahoma on Friday at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge.

Can the LSU baseball team play the kind of small ball needed to win in the College World Series? How good is UCLA, who the Tigers play in the opening game on Sunday? Will an eight-day break between winning the super regional and playing in the College World Series be a factor? Those questions are answered in this "The Advocate Sports: LSU baseball" podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East. Continue reading →

Podcast: Saints OTA update for Thursday

Advocate staff photo by JOHN McCUSKER -- Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan coaches David Hawthorne during the final day of Saints minicamp Thursday, June 6, 2013, in Metairie.

In this "The Advocate: Saints" podcast, Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Ted Lewis talk about impressive rookie Kenny Vaccaro, a surprise running back who is turning heads, and how the team's left tackle situation could be resolved. Continue reading →

Podcast: Previewing Oklahoma vs. LSU in the Super Regional

Oklahoma's Max White, center, celebrates with teammates Kolbey Carpenter, left, and Colt Beckerstaff, right, during an NCAA college baseball tournament regional game at English Field in Blacksburg, Va., Sunday, June 2, 2013.  (AP Photo/Michael Shroyer)

How does LSU matchup against Oklahoma in the Super Regional? Will the Tigers have an answer for Sooners' aces Jonathan Gray (10-2) and Dillon Overton (9-2)? What kind of factor will reinstated left-hander Cody Glenn have on the LSU pitching staff? Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Scott Rabalais explore the matchups in this "Advocate Sports: LSU Baseball" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: Raph Rhymes' long wait for the playoffs is over 

LSU's Raph Rhymes bats in the tenth inning of the Southeastern Conference Tournament championship baseball game against Vanderbilt at the Hoover Met in Hoover, Ala., Sunday, May 26, 2013. LSU beat Vanderbilt 5-4 in eleven innings.(AP Photo/Dave Martin)

It's only been a year since the LSU baseball team last played in the postseason, but for outfielder Raph Rhymes it has seemed much longer. In this "Advocate Sports: LSU Baseball" podcast, Rhymes talks to Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff about finally returning to the NCAA regionals, his struggles in last weekend's SEC baseball tournament and his willingness to help the Tigers advance in the playoffs. Continue reading →

Podcast: The Saints wrap up this week's OTA's

Advocate staff photo by MATTHEW HINTONNew Orleans Saints starting quarterback Drew Brees, right, and backup Luke McCown practices at the Saints practice facility Thursday in Metairie.

Who was the rookie who got a chance to practice with the first team? What veteran defensive lineman is entrenched in his position? Now that Jimmy Graham is the best tight end in football, thanks to the injuries to New England's Rob Gronkowski, how did he look in practice. Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. huff and sportswriter Sheldon Mickles answer those questions in this podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU baseball weekend in review

LSU's Raph Rhymes slides safely home ahead of the tag by Arkansas catcher Jake Wise in the sixth inning of their Southeastern Conference Tournament baseball game at the Hoover Met in Hoover, Ala., Saturday, May 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

In this "The Advocate: LSU Baseball" podcast, Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East review the Tigers' triumphant SEC baseball tournament. Who were the unsung heroes for LSU? Could closer Chris Cotton have been any more dynamic? Was the speed of LSU's outfielders and its strong defense the key to victory. Continue reading →

Podcast: Russ Johnson talks LSU baseball, MLB

In this "The Advocate: Sports Report" podcast, former major leaguer Russ Johnson talks with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff about playing for legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman, being a member of the Tigers' 1993 NCAA championship team, changing his priorities in life and some of his former teammates like New York Yankees Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. Continue reading →

Podcast: Saints' Thursday OTA update

New Orleans Saints first round draft pick, safety Kenny Vaccaro(32),  goes through practice with cornerbacks Corey White (24) and Dion Turner (31) at their NFL football training facility in Metairie, La., Thursday, May 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The Saints opened their OTA to the media for the first time on Thursday. What happened? Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Sheldon Mickles talk about the storylines, what players are changing jerseys and what players were working out with the first time in this "Advocate Sports: Saints" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU baseball

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- LSU catcher Ty Ross, right, and first baseman Tyler Moore, right, watch as Christian Ibarra flexes after his solo home run in the fourth inning of Thursday's game against Ole Miss at Alex Box Stadium.

What will it take for LSU to win the SEC baseball tournament? Is a game against Vanderbilt for the SEC championship a foregone conclusion? What about the Tigers' pitching rotation? Adovcate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East answer those questions in this "The Advocate: LSU baseball" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: Can the Saints veterans handle their new positions on defense?

Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma looks on from the sidelines during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)

Linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive end Will Smith will have new positions in the Saints' new 3-4 scheme this season. How will they adjust? Is the Saints defense going to be athletic enough to contend against the better offenses in the NFC and NFC South this season. Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Sheldon Mickles tackle those questions in this "The Advocate Sports: Saints" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU baseball

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- LSU catcher Ty Ross, right, and first baseman Tyler Moore, right, watch as Christian Ibarra flexes after his solo home run in the fourth inning of Thursday's game against Ole Miss at Alex Box Stadium.

What will it take for LSU to win the SEC baseball tournament? Is a game against Vanderbilt for the SEC championship a foregone conclusion? What about the Tigers' pitching rotation? Adovcate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East answer those questions in this "The Advocate: LSU baseball" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: Bertman lights up before field dedication

LSU's Alex Box Stadium at night with new signage denoting Skip Bertman Field.

Legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman talks with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff about "Skip Bertman Field," his love for LSU, his legacy at the university and where he ranks among the greatest collegiate baseball coaches of all time. Continue reading →

Podcast: Ole Miss at LSU baseball preview

Advocate staff photo by ADAM LAULSU shortstop Alex Bregman gets high-fives in the dugout from teammates after scoring in a May 2 game against Florida at Alex Box Stadium. Bregman, who's batting a team-high .385 with six homers, 17 doubles and seven triples, was named National Freshman Player of the Year by Collegiate Baseball on Wednesday.

The LSU baseball team has won the SEC West division and now it wraps up its regular season with a three-game series against Ole Miss at Alex Box. What kind of changes will the team make in this series as it tries to prepare for the SEC tournament. How good is LSU? Listen to this "The Advocate: LSU Baseball" podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East. Continue reading →

Podcast: Even though the West is won, LSU's baseball team can't relax

Advocate staff photo by TRAVIS SPRADLING -- LSU's Alex Bregman sprints to second base on his double in the sixth inning Sunday against Florida at Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers scored eight runs in the sixth and won handily, 18-6.

The LSU baseball team showed a lot of poise and determination when it won two out of three games at Texas A&M last weekend to win the SEC Western Division. So, how do the Tigers treat their last weekend of the regular season? In this "The Advocate: LSU Baseball" podcast, Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East talk about the week that was and the week ahead for LSU. Continue reading →

Podcast: Saints rookie camp preview

In this "The Advocate: Saints Football" podcast, Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Sheldon Mickles preview the Saints rookie camp. How can the five draft picks make a good impression? Which picks have a legitimate chance at starting in the fall? Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU at Texas A&M baseball preview

Advocate staff photo by HEATHER McCLELLAND -- Florida's Harrison Bader is safe stealing third, beating the throw to LSU third baseman Christian Ibarra during Friday's game.

In this "The Advocate: LSU Baseball" podcast, Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East preview the LSU at Texas A&M series. The Tigers can win the SEC West with a sweep of the three-game series. Do the Aggies have what it takes to surprise LSU? Is it "Omaha or bust" for the LSU baseball team this season. Continue reading →

Podcast: What happens to Jeremy Hill now?

Advocate staff photo by TRAVIS SPRADLING -- Defensive back Matthew Gibson (27) gets a stiff arm from running back Jeremy Hill (33) at LSU's annual Spring Game at Tiger Stadium on April 20. Hill was suspended indefinitely on Monday, two days after his arrest for his role in a fight at an off-campus bar.

What is the future of LSU running back Jeremy Hill, who received further restrictions on his probation on Tuesday following an arrest in a bar fight on April 27? Is LSU football coach Les Miles doing the right thing by keeping Hill on an indefinite suspension? Listen to this "The Advocate: LSU football" podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Matthew Harris Continue reading →

The Gators were just what the Tigers baseball team ordered

Advocate staff photo by TRAVIS SPRADLING -- LSU's JaCoby Jones, left, slaps the hand of assistant coach Will Davis as Jones rounds third base on his sixth-inning grand slam Saturday, May 4, 2013, against Florida at Alex Box Stadium.

After losing its first SEC series two weeks ago, the LSU baseball team rebounded with an impressive three-game sweep of Florida last weekend, but where do the Tigers go from here? Is LSU back to being as dominant as it was at the beginning of the season? Have the pitching staff and batters finally found their grove? Listen to Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East in this "Final Score" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: The LSU baseball team has to win its series against Florida

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- LSU outfielder Sean McMullen connects for a double to lead off the first inning.

These Florida Gators may lack the bite of some of their predecessors, but they are still talented. That's why LSU can't take them lightly during a three-game series that starts at Alex Box. But anything less than a series win for LSU against Florida could spell trouble in the long run. In this "Final Score" podcast, Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East look at the Florida-LSU series. Continue reading →

Podcast: Has the LSU baseball team hit a wall?

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- LSU-South Carolina baseball in Alex Box Stadium. LSU infielder Christian Ibarra (14) connects for a leadoff single in the bottom of the 4th inning. Photo shot on Saturday April 27, 2013, in Baton Rouge, La.. MAGS OUT / INTERNET OUT / ONLINE OUT / NO SALES / TV OUT / FOREIGN OUT / LOUISIANA BUSINESS INC. OUT / GREATER BATON ROUGE BUSINESS REPORT OUT / 225 OUT / 10/12 OUT / IN REGISTER OUT / LBI CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS OUT / MANDATORY CREDIT : THE ADVOCATE/BILL FEIG /

The LSU baseball team lost its first SEC series of the year when South Carolina won two out of three games at Alex Box last weekend. Was the lost weekend an aberration or something that could be a sign of things to come? Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East answer those questions in this "Final Score" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: South Carolina at LSU baseball preview

Advocate staff photo by CATHERINE THRELKELDLSU's Cody Glenn delivers a pitch against Kentucky last month.

South Carolina plays in the new Alex Box for the first time, and its reward is a good LSU team that is playing a SEC series at home for the first time in three weeks. Will LSU win yet another SEC series or does South Carolina have what it takes to slow down the Tigers? Listen to today's "Final Score" with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East Continue reading →

Podcast: Zurich Classic preview

Associated Press photo by Gerald HerbertJason Dufner tees off on the eighth hole during the second round of the Zurich Classic last year.

The Zurich Classic is known for having fantastic finishes on the last day. What's going to happen this weekend on the TPC Louisiana course? Who are the top golfers to watch? What will be the keys to winning the tournament? Listen to this "Final Score" podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Scott Rabalais. Continue reading →

Podcast: How many former LSU players will go in the first round of the NFL draft?

LSU defensive lineman Barkevious Mingo runs a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

By all accounts and various reports, there is a very good chance that former LSU defensive end Barkevious Mingo will selected in the first round of today's NFL draft, but else from the Tigers will join him? Could it be safety Eric Reid, linebacker Kevin Minter or defensive back Tyrann Mathieu. Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Scott Rabalais look at LSU players going in the first round on the "Final Score" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: What are the Saints thinking with their first-round pick?

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis smiles during a media availability about the NFL draft at the team's training facility in Metairie, La., Thursday, April 26, 2012. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

It's less than a week before the first round of the NFL draft, and no one has a clue what the Saints are going to do with the No. 15 selection. Then, there are a lot of factors that could impact what the Saints do, like the New York Jets having first-round picks at No. 9 and No. 13 after their trade of cornerback Darrelle Revis. In this "Final Score" Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Sheldon Mickles go over the Saints' options. Continue reading →

Podcast: Did the Tide expose some things about the LSU baseball team?

Photo by NWA Media's Andy Shupe -- LSU starter Aaron Nola delivers a pitch with Arkansas right fielder Tyler Spoon leading off of first base April 12, 2013, during the fourth inning against Arkansas at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark.

The LSU baseball team (37-4) made some uncharacteristic fielding errors in its weekend series at Alabama. Are those errors just a blip on the radar screen or something to really be concerned about? Are opposing hitters starting to get a good read on how to hit LSU right-hander Ryan Eades? Listen to the "Final Score" podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East. Continue reading →

Audio from LSU coach Les Miles postgame press conference

Advocate staff photo by BILL FEIG -- LSU coach Les Miles leads the team in singing the alma mater after LSU beat Texas A&M 24-19 on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in College Station, Texas.

LSU football coach Les Miles was happy with just about everything in his postgame press conference after the White team defeated the Purple team 37-0 in the Tigers' annual spring game. Miles was especially pleased with the offensive players on LSU's White team, which were the starters. Quarterback Zach Mettenberger completed 12 of 19 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns. … Continue reading →

Audio of the postgame comments of LSU QB Zach Mettenberger

LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger talks to reporters during NCAA college football media day at LSU in Baton Rouge Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011.

This is audio of the postgame comments when LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger talked to reporters on the field of Tiger Stadium after the Tigers' spring game. Mettenberger was 12 of 19 for 236 yards and two touchdowns to lead the White team to a 37-0 victory against the Purple team. Mettenberger talked to the media about the LSU quarterbacks being allowed to … Continue reading →

Podcast: This is LSU versus Alabama (and it's baseball)

Advocate staff photo by HEATHER MCCLELLAND --  LSU's Russell Reynolds is the starting pitcher for the game against Grambling  in Alex Box Stadium Wednesday, April 17, 2013.  MAGS OUT / INTERNET OUT/ONLINE OUT/NO SALES/TV OUT/FOREIGN OUT/LOUISIANA BUSINESS INC. OUT/GREATER BATON ROUGE BUSINESS REPORT OUT/225 OUT/10/12 OUT/IN REGISTER OUT/LBI CUSTOM PUBLICATIONS OUT/MANDATORY CREDIT THE ADVOCATE/ Heather McClelland

The LSU baseball team (35-3, 13-2) faces another tough road series, this time at Alabama (23-16, 8-7). Can the Tigers avoid a series upset against the Tide? Will the Alabama pitching staff, which has a 3.00 ERA, slow down LSU's hard-hitting offense. Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East talk about the series in this "Final Score." Continue reading →

Podcast: Are the Hornets/Pelicans headed in the right direction?

Associated Press photo by /Reed SaxonHornetscoach Monty Williams directs his team against the Los Angeles Lakers last week.

The Hornets finished the regular season with a 27-55, but was the season as bad as the record suggests? Can the team make a marked improvement next season as the "Pelicans"? What players let the team down? What players should not be back with the team next season? Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate contributor Darrell Williams recap the season in this "Final Score" podcast. Continue reading →

Podcast: Should the Saints keep Chris Ivory?

Advocate staff photo by PATRICK DENNISNew Orleans Saints running back Chris Ivory breaks free for a first down during Monday's game against Philadelphia. Ivory, who had 10 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles, said he hopes for more playing time.

Chris Ivory is the Saints best running back when healthy, but that hasn't been the case often. Now, Ivory is a restricted free agent, and there is talk about the Jets possibly making a run at him. Can the Saints afford to lose Ivory? And what about the Saints' offensive line? Should the team draft a left tackle in the first round or should they use that pick only on a defensive player? Listen to the "Final Score" with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Sheldon Mickles. Continue reading →

Podcast: Adam Scott wins a questionable Masters

Adam Scott, of Australia, celebrates with his  green jacket after winning the Masters golf tournament Sunday, April 14, 2013, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Adam Scott deserves credit for winning the Masters in a thrilling playoff against Angel Cabrera, but questions remain from the tournament. Should anchored putting be outlawed immediately? Are the conspiracy theories involving Tiger Woods legit? Did the tournament really have to penalize 14-year-old Tianlang Guan for slow play on Friday? Listen to this "Final Score" with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Scott Rabalais. Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU baseball weekend review

NWA Media photo by Jason Ivester -- LSU pitcher Cody Glenn is back on the roster and ready for the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional against Oklahoma that begins Friday at Alex Box Stadium.

The LSU baseball team showed a lot of heart and moxie taking a three-game series at Arkansas last weekend. In this "Final Score" podcast, Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East talk about the Tigers' thrilling 5-3 10 inning win at Arkansas on Sunday, which gave them the win in the three-game series, and the other weekend heroes for LSU. Continue reading →

Podcast: LSU at Arkansas baseball preview 

Advocate staff photo by SCOTT THRELKELD -- LSU's Mason Katz hits a two-run single in the first inning against Southern on Tuesday, Apr. 9, 2013, during the Wally Pontiff Classic at Zephyr Field in Metairie.

LSU leads the SEC with a .322 team batting average. Arkansas leads the nation with a 1.56 team earned run average. Will LSU's bats prevail or will Arkansas's arms be the deciding factor in a three-game series in Fayetteville? Listen to this "Final Score" podcast with Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff and Advocate sportswriter Les East. Continue reading →

Podcast: The Advocate covers The Masters

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, speaks with tennis player Caroline Wozniacki who caddied for him during the par three competition before the Masters golf tournament Wednesday, April 10, 2013, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

The Masters starts today, and Advocate sportswriter Scott Rabalais is there. In this "Final Score" podcast, Rabalais talks to Advocate Online Sports Editor Pierce W. Huff about how the course is playing and the golfers to watch. He gives his predictions on two players who could win the tournament. Continue reading →