Former Husker hurler Shane Komine made his big league debut with the Oakland A’s today going a solid 6 innings with a no-decision in the A’s win over Toronto.

Komine gave up 4 hits, including a first-inning homerun, but left the game with a 2-1 lead. A’s reliever Houston Street gave up 3 in the ninth in what looked to be blown save opportunity until Oakland rallied for 3 in the bottom half for the win.

Before being called up, Komine had won his last six starts for Triple A Sacramento.

Names are being thrown around left and right for potential coaching candidates and when we heard Nevada’s Mark Fox mentioned, we went to our friends in Reno for the scoop. Sure enough, they led off Saturday’s sports section with a coaching list outside of the Big Red Reality Distortion Field.

1. Jim Christian – Kent State
2. Mark Fox – Nevada
3. Scott Spinelli – Assistant at Wichita State
4. Randy Ayers – former coach Philadelphia 76ers & Ohio State
5. Rick Majerus – former coach Utah
6. Steve McClain – Wyoming

And as the couple of email’s we’ve received since Friday afternoon have mentioned, add a seventh to the list with Creighton assistant and former UNO head coach:

7. Kevin Mckenna.

Common sense debunking of the list, Mark Fox just received a contract extension and he walks on water in Northern Nevada, so we’d be surprised to see him jump into the frying pan. Scott Spinelli was on Collier’s staff and we think Steve Pederson past actions indicate he’d rather sever ties to previous coaching staffs with new hires.

Majerus is comfy in his ESPN gig and while he may have a friendship with Pederson, we doubt he’s ready to jump back into coaching.

Why do Wyoming coaches always get mentioned with Husker coaching vacancies?

Thus, our short list would be:
1. Jim Christian – consensus leader by the “The Media.”
2. Randy Ayers – Pro experience which Pederson equates to the golden ring.
3. Kevin McKenna – Strong Booster connections and a great recruiter.

The candidates for the Butler Athletic Director Position has been whittled to two. According to the Jeff Rabjons of the Indy Star, Ralph Reiff has withdrawn his name from consideration for the position citing his love for his current gig as director of St. Vincent Sports Medicine. Or as we translate “I knew after the interview I didn’t have a hell’s chance of getting the job so I’m saving face and withdrawing.”

As for who will end up with job? We expect an announcement at tonight’s Butler Hall of Fame induction at which Barry Collier will present (and inducted).