Paddy's Day

Sure, everyone in Iowa would have loved to see Paddy O'Prado win the Kentucky Derby, but a third place finish is incredible.  Perspective helps.  Just a few months ago, Paddy was a long-shot just to qualify for the Derby.  Jerry Crawford, one of the owner's with Donegal Racing, said Paddy was knocked off his stride in the final turn, which may have prevented the horse from winning.  Either way, the Central Iowans that make up Donegal Racing made millions on Saturday.  Paddy won't run the Preakness, and the Belmont remains up in the air.  But at the very least, he'll command a sizeable stud fee for the rest of his life.  It's a charmed life (I'm talking about the horse, of course).

Fran McCaffrey landed a recruit on Saturday...again.  According to Hawkeyenation.com, Meslahn Basabe will sign with Iowa.  Basabe is a 6'7" forward out of New York.  He originally signed on to play for McCaffery at Siena, but was released from his letter of intent when McCaffery left for Iowa.

I'm headed to Kansas City on Monday to see Pearl Jam at the Sprint Center, and I'm bringing Mark Meisenheimer with me.  Mark has never seen PJ live, so I'm interested to see his reaction.  This will be my 18th show, for those of you scoring at home.  I can't wait to hear some of the songs off the new album live for the first time, and to hear "Even Flow" for the 18th time.

Peace out,

Shawn