Tales From the Pod: Quick Hits From Dolphins-Land

In my daily survey of the sports landscape, today I found four different stories relating to the Dolphins that were worth sharing.  Rather than post a story for each, burying the first two, I decided to write a bit on each in one entry.  Here we go!Dolphins name Former Red Sox executive Dee Dolphins CEODolphins owner Stephen Ross has made his first major move as majority owner of the team, hiring Red Sox COO Michael Dee as the Dolphins new CEO.  This position puts him in charge of all the non-football stuff, basically team marketing and the operations of Dolphin Stadium.  Dee spent 14 years in Major League Baseball, including the last 5 years with the Red Sox.  Ross conducted a months-long search to replace Joe Bailey, whose contract is expiring.  Ross spoke to candidates across the world of sports, including the NBA and NHL as well as other NFL people.  But Dee was the only person who was officially offered the position.  He will emphasize three fundamentals in his position that the Dolphins will focus on under him; generating enough revenue to keep the team a perennial contender, giving the fans a better experience at the stadium, and keeping the Dolphins active in community service.Ross was clear that Dee's hiring will in no way affect Bill Parcells' role as vice president of footbal operations.  Parcells will make all football decision and still report directly to Ross.John Beck signs with Baltimore Ravens, reunites with Cam CameronThe second chapter of QB John Beck's NFL career began today.  He has signed a 1-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, with the understanding that he will compete with Troy Smith for the back job behind starter Joe Flacco.  Beck is reunited with former coach Cam Cameron, who is now the Ravens offensive coordinator.  It was Cameron who drafted Beck, but after his firing Beck never clicked with the new regime.  Beck chose the Ravens over 5 other teams that showed interest.  At worst, Beck is said to have already secured the Ravens 3rd string job, likely leading to the release of current third-stringer Todd Bouman.We wish Beck the best as he moves on, but I don't feel this was the best fit for him.  I think he really does have what it takes to be a starter.  Maybe he just sees this as a 1-year tryout to get the attention of other NFL teams and get a real starting shot.Wake impressing Dolphins' coachesAt the Dolphins rookie minicamp, the one player turning a lot of heads isn't even a rookie.  There were questions as to whether Cameron Wake, a star CFL defensive end coming back to the NFL, would even be allowed to participate in this camp.  Players are normally only allowed to participate in one rookie minicamp, and Wake did so with the Giants in the past.  However, the league determined that since Wake had not yet accumulated one year towards his pension, he was still technically a rookie and allowed to participate in the Dolphins rookie camp.  It's a good thing he is, because he's getting lots of attention.  Wake has already developed a reputation as a "beast" in the weight room.  Coach Tony Sparano was interested to see if that translated to the field, and so far it has.  Sparano praised Wake's "explosiveness and...fast twitch".  Wake has a ways to go, because he's being swtiched from the end, where he excelled with the British Columbia Lions, to outside linebacker to help ease the Dolphins' shortage there.  Of course, anytime the Dolphins' coaches mention a shortage at linebacker, reporters bring up that Jason Taylor is still a free agent.  Sparano said that the Triforce has discussed the matter, but are waiting to see how the young players perform before deciding if an offer to Taylor is needed.  That, or they may just be trying to wait out his interest, making him sign with another team and publically being the one to nix a return.Dolphins wideouts also doing wellOther rookies drawing attention are the Dolphins two WR draft picks, Patrick Turner and Brian Hartline.  Sparano said the Dolphins have added depth at the position but is not sure who will be where on the depth chart.  Sparano compared Hartline's head for the game with Greg Camarillo's and said the rookie is flexible enough to be a special teamer.  Both draft picks excelled in drills against the two CBs the Dolphins drafted; Vontae Davis and Sean Smith.  Hartline made a beautiful catch right over Davis' head, and Turner laid out to catch a 40 yard pass despite skin-tight coverage by Smith.  Sparano also praised QB Pat White (who IS being treated solely as a QB right now), who made some great reads based on film room study.Finally, our thoughts are with those injured yesterday when the Dallas Cowboys' practice bubble collapsed during an intense storm.  12 people were injured, including 1 coach, but thankfully there were no fatalities.Keep it here for the latest on the Dolphins!