So its not the one he probably had it mind...
The Worcester Tornadoes offered Manny Ramirez a two-year, $24,000 contract this week.
The deal would pay Ramirez $3,000 per month during the season; he earned $110,000 a day last season.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
What Happens If Ramirez Joins Pujols?
The biggest free agent left on the market is ready to pull out his dread locks if he does not find a suitor soon.
As of last week super agent Scott Boras came out and publicly stated that there are "multiple suitors" for his malcontent outfielder Manny Ramirez. Ramirez, Boras and the rest of the baseball universe is waiting patiently to see which pond the big fish lands in.
On January 29th, Albert Pujols admitted to speaking with Manny Ramirez a lot,
"I speak with Manny every three days and he tells me, 'Man, no one wants to sign me." When you have the backing of an Albert Pujols, that has to be a positive and nothing short of a formula for success. "I'm not an agent or general manager, but I can't understand how Manny has not signed" said Pujols.
Since "Phat Albert" has endorsed Manny Ramirez to wear red and white, maybe Ramirez finds it in his heart to not want 25+ million dollars and give St. Louis a break.
"Maybe St. Louis doesn't have the money to sign him, but he could give them a discount because St. Louis is a great city that supports its players," said Pujols.
Lets look at this from another stand point, Albert Pujols is the only thing relevant when associating with the Cardinals, bringing in Manny will bolster the lineup and make them a prime team to watch. A 1-2 punch of Manny and Albert in my opinion is 100 times more scarier and potent then Manny and David Ortiz. Pujols is a better overall hitter than David Ortiz, and just as clutch. Pujols has the ability to not just hit home runs but he has the capability to spread the ball around the field and launch the ball over the fence as well. With a 3-4 of Manny and Pujols, they will protect each other thus not allowing pitchers to shy away from one to get to the other. Each strike fear into the pitcher 66.6 feet away from him.
Although this is just a thought circulating through the baseball wire it is something to ponder, and should this magically happen, the Cardinals could have an offense to be reckoned with. The middle of their line up would look as such, Manny Ramirez, Albert Pujols, Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel. Not too shabby, especially in the National League.
Then again, Pujols is not the only one trying to court Manny to sign with his team. A mob of 40 or so Mets fans stood outside the teams network studio pleading for the Wilpon's and Omar Minaya to bring Manny to Queens.
"He's got the skill set we need, and the attitude and swagger to play in New York," said Justin Killian, a 36-year-old lawyer who helped organize the rally on nyfuturestars.com. "He'll be like the rain man, just go up and hit."
Personally I would like to see Manny Ramirez in Queens, playing for the Mets and helping that team not choke away a third season. But also I would like to see them win and maybe face the Yankees in the World Series. Then again I wouldn't mind watching the combo of Pujols and Ramirez on FOX every Sunday either. What will happen, lets wait and see.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Joe Torre Kept A-ROD From Being a Dodger
When Alex Rodriguez was a free agent last offseason, Joe Torre advised the Dodgers not to touch him. Could this have stemmed from the continuous beef Torre and Rodriguez had in the previous seasons? A-Rod has publicly said that he was personally offended when Torre dropped him to 8th in the lineup against the Tigers in the playoffs.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
1st NFL Mock Draft
Round 1
1. Detroit Lions: Andre Smith, T, Alabama
2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, T, Virginia
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
4. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
5. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Smith, T, Baylor
7. Oakland Raiders: BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
9. Green Bay Packers: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
10. San Francisco 49ers: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
11. Buffalo Bills: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
12. Denver Broncos: Brian Cushing, LB, USC
13. Washington Redskins: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
14. New Orleans Saints: Alex Mack, C, California
15. Houston Texans: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
16. San Diego Chargers: Michael Oher, T, Ole Miss
17. New York Jets: Jeremy Maclin, WR/KR, Missouri
18. Chicago Bears: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
20. Detroit Lions (from DAL): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
22. Minnesota Vikings: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
23. New England Patriots: Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
24. Atlanta Falcons: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
25. Miami Dolphins: Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois
26. Baltimore Ravens: Percy Harvin, ATH, Florida
27. Philadelphia Eagles (from CAR): Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
28. Indianapolis Colts: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
29. New York Giants: Clay Matthews, LB/DE, USC
30. Tennessee Titans: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
31. Arizona Cardinals: Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyson Jackson, DT, LSU
1. Detroit Lions: Andre Smith, T, Alabama
2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, T, Virginia
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
4. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
5. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Smith, T, Baylor
7. Oakland Raiders: BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
9. Green Bay Packers: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
10. San Francisco 49ers: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
11. Buffalo Bills: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
12. Denver Broncos: Brian Cushing, LB, USC
13. Washington Redskins: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
14. New Orleans Saints: Alex Mack, C, California
15. Houston Texans: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
16. San Diego Chargers: Michael Oher, T, Ole Miss
17. New York Jets: Jeremy Maclin, WR/KR, Missouri
18. Chicago Bears: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
20. Detroit Lions (from DAL): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
22. Minnesota Vikings: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
23. New England Patriots: Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
24. Atlanta Falcons: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
25. Miami Dolphins: Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois
26. Baltimore Ravens: Percy Harvin, ATH, Florida
27. Philadelphia Eagles (from CAR): Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
28. Indianapolis Colts: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
29. New York Giants: Clay Matthews, LB/DE, USC
30. Tennessee Titans: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
31. Arizona Cardinals: Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tyson Jackson, DT, LSU
Antonio Pierce Believe Burress Will Be Back
Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce believes that embattled wide receiver Plaxico Burress will return to the team next season.
"I think it comes down to how he goes about his business," said Pierce. "He holds the decision. If he does everything he needs to do, I don't think he's played his last game as a Giant. Mentally and demeanor-wise, if they thought he was so bad, they would've never signed him to that long-term contract. He's made some bad choices and that was a very bad incident. But once you get in trouble like that, everything else you've done gets magnified 100 percent.
"I know that Plaxico loves football. It's all he knows. Sometimes when it looks like you might lose that opportunity, it can have a powerful effect on a person."
"I think it comes down to how he goes about his business," said Pierce. "He holds the decision. If he does everything he needs to do, I don't think he's played his last game as a Giant. Mentally and demeanor-wise, if they thought he was so bad, they would've never signed him to that long-term contract. He's made some bad choices and that was a very bad incident. But once you get in trouble like that, everything else you've done gets magnified 100 percent.
"I know that Plaxico loves football. It's all he knows. Sometimes when it looks like you might lose that opportunity, it can have a powerful effect on a person."
Fitzgerald Willing To Be Ultimate Team Player
Larry Fitzgerald accepted a four-year, $40 million deal from Arizona last year when he could have made considerably more on the open market so he could leave the Cardinals cap space, and Fitzgerald would like to help the Cardinals again.
Fitzgerald is willing to restructure his contract so that the Cardinals can redo Anquan Boldin’s and keep him in Arizona long-term. Boldin wants his deal redone and said during the season that he never would re-sign with Arizona again, but many around the league believe that as long as the Cardinals make a sufficient offer, then Boldin will agree to stay.
Fitzgerald is willing to restructure his contract so that the Cardinals can redo Anquan Boldin’s and keep him in Arizona long-term. Boldin wants his deal redone and said during the season that he never would re-sign with Arizona again, but many around the league believe that as long as the Cardinals make a sufficient offer, then Boldin will agree to stay.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Warner's Words Of Wisdom
Veteran quarterback Kurt Warner gave his Cardinals teammates some advice recently as they prepare for next weekend's Super Bowl.
"Enjoy the moment," said Warner, who has played in two Super Bowls.
"You don't want to shut yourself off and look at everything as a negative."
"Enjoy the moment," said Warner, who has played in two Super Bowls.
"You don't want to shut yourself off and look at everything as a negative."
Bill Cowher Turns Down Chiefs
Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher has reportedly turned down an offer to coach the Kansas City Chiefs.
"It's not going to happen," according to a source close to Cowher.
The same source said Cowher has reiterated over the past few months that he has no desire to coach in 2009
"It's not going to happen," according to a source close to Cowher.
The same source said Cowher has reiterated over the past few months that he has no desire to coach in 2009
Joe Torre Harsh Word on Yankees in New Book
Joe Torre didn't need "incentives" to lead the New York Yankees, so he left.
Torre's incentives to expose the salacious side of his former team are another story.
According to two newspaper reports, Torre blasts the team he managed to four World Series titles in a book set to be released Feb. 3.
Teammates frequently called Alex Rodriguez "A-Fraud," and the third baseman was obsessed over his rivalry with shortstop Derek Jeter, "The Yankee Years" reveals, according to the New York Daily News and New York Post.
In the book written by Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci and published by Doubleday, Torre also says Yankees general manager Brian Cashman "betrayed him on several fronts," the Daily News reports.
It's in stark contrast to Torre's former stance, in which he said Cashman supported him throughout 2007 negotiations, which ultimately failed.
And it goes beyond the widely reported 2007 meeting in which Cashman met with the Steinbrenners to discuss Torre's future with the team, a talk in which the GM was said to have remained neutral as the drawbacks to extending Torre's tenure were discussed.
In a later confrontation with Torre, Cashman confirmed he was quiet when the subject of offering Torre his desired two-year deal instead of one came up, the book says.
Cashman wouldn't comment on the book when contacted Sunday by ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
Cashman, who said he's in regular contact with Torre, told Olney he didn't know the context of the portrayal and didn't know if the reported comments were from Torre or Verducci.
"I think Brian Cashman wanted me back," Torre said in Oct. 2007, as he announced he wouldn't return for the Yankees. "We have a close relationship. We felt we worked hard at trying to get this thing straightened out."
After completing a three-year, $19.2 million contract with the Yankees, Torre signed a three-year, $13 million contract to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers in Nov. 2007, the same month the book deal with Verducci was announced.
His Dodgers deal came two weeks after having walked away from the Yankees when they offered a one-year contract worth $5 million plus $3 million in performance incentives he termed "an insult.''
"I don't think incentives are necessary," he said then. "I've been here a long time and I've never needed to be motivated. Plus, in my [previous] contract, I get a million-dollar bonus if we do win the World Series, so that's always been there."
One source familiar with the book told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that it's "inaccurate'' to suggest that Torre used it as a forum to get even with the Yankees or settle old scores.
The source said some of the controversial angles being reported in the New York tabloids have been taken out of context or "overblown.''
"Joe is very honest in the book,'' the source said, "but he doesn't make any personal attacks. In terms of him name-calling, that's not his style.''
The book is not a first-person tell-all, but rather, a third-person narrative by Verducci, who interviewed dozens of players and team personnel while researching for the book, the source said.
Torre is currently in Hawaii on vacation. According to the Daily News, he is scheduled for the "Late Show With David Letterman" on Feb. 3, as well as a book signing that day at the Yogi Berra Museum in New Jersey.
Torre's incentives to expose the salacious side of his former team are another story.
According to two newspaper reports, Torre blasts the team he managed to four World Series titles in a book set to be released Feb. 3.
Teammates frequently called Alex Rodriguez "A-Fraud," and the third baseman was obsessed over his rivalry with shortstop Derek Jeter, "The Yankee Years" reveals, according to the New York Daily News and New York Post.
In the book written by Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci and published by Doubleday, Torre also says Yankees general manager Brian Cashman "betrayed him on several fronts," the Daily News reports.
It's in stark contrast to Torre's former stance, in which he said Cashman supported him throughout 2007 negotiations, which ultimately failed.
And it goes beyond the widely reported 2007 meeting in which Cashman met with the Steinbrenners to discuss Torre's future with the team, a talk in which the GM was said to have remained neutral as the drawbacks to extending Torre's tenure were discussed.
In a later confrontation with Torre, Cashman confirmed he was quiet when the subject of offering Torre his desired two-year deal instead of one came up, the book says.
Cashman wouldn't comment on the book when contacted Sunday by ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
Cashman, who said he's in regular contact with Torre, told Olney he didn't know the context of the portrayal and didn't know if the reported comments were from Torre or Verducci.
"I think Brian Cashman wanted me back," Torre said in Oct. 2007, as he announced he wouldn't return for the Yankees. "We have a close relationship. We felt we worked hard at trying to get this thing straightened out."
After completing a three-year, $19.2 million contract with the Yankees, Torre signed a three-year, $13 million contract to manage the Los Angeles Dodgers in Nov. 2007, the same month the book deal with Verducci was announced.
His Dodgers deal came two weeks after having walked away from the Yankees when they offered a one-year contract worth $5 million plus $3 million in performance incentives he termed "an insult.''
"I don't think incentives are necessary," he said then. "I've been here a long time and I've never needed to be motivated. Plus, in my [previous] contract, I get a million-dollar bonus if we do win the World Series, so that's always been there."
One source familiar with the book told ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick that it's "inaccurate'' to suggest that Torre used it as a forum to get even with the Yankees or settle old scores.
The source said some of the controversial angles being reported in the New York tabloids have been taken out of context or "overblown.''
"Joe is very honest in the book,'' the source said, "but he doesn't make any personal attacks. In terms of him name-calling, that's not his style.''
The book is not a first-person tell-all, but rather, a third-person narrative by Verducci, who interviewed dozens of players and team personnel while researching for the book, the source said.
Torre is currently in Hawaii on vacation. According to the Daily News, he is scheduled for the "Late Show With David Letterman" on Feb. 3, as well as a book signing that day at the Yogi Berra Museum in New Jersey.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Steelers Advance to 7th Super Bowl
And then there is the Steelers who made Joe Flacco look like the Division I-A quarterback from Delaware that everyone thought he was going to be like when he was drafted. Flacco threw three interception the last of which was thrown to Troy Polamalu who promptly took the ball into the endzone and ended the game outright. The Ravens vs. Steelers game was nothing short of a hard hitting fiesta where it was more like human demolition derby than a football game.
Everyone on the defensive side of the ball played unbelievably well, but it was Joe Flacco's inability to make things happen for the Ravens that ultimately cost them the game. Ben Roethlisberger was able to escape out of the pocket and avoid pressure at all times and making plenty of plays with his feet. And when plays broke down his receivers were smart enough to get themselves open for a positive play. Roethlisberger has come a long was since entering the league and I feel it culminated yesterday the way he played, that he is now at the elite level of quarterbacks in the NFL.
We can not mention the Steelers and Ravens game without bringing up the vicious hit on Willis McGahee by Steelers safety Ryan Clark. The hit was a shoulder to the head and almost a helmet to helmet that left both players hurt, but left McGahee motionless on the field. When he was hit the ball was jarred and his right leg fell to the side of him as his arms were at a 90 degree angle as he lied on the floor. A hit that was like the one put on Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin earlier in the season against the Jets.
Cardinals Shock Eagles; Going to 1st Super Bowl
The Cinderella story that is the Arizona Cardinals continue their dance as there are still pages to be written. And the Steelers keep adding to their historic legacy, as they now will be attending their seventh Super Bowl.
Besides the fact that Kurt Warner is the face of the AARP and has been collecting social security for about 10 years, he still is one hell of a quarterback. And he showed us that yesterday by picking apart the Philadelphia's secondary and also being able to find Larry Fitzgerald any time he wanted in the first half.
All Fitzgerald did against the Eagles on Sunday was break the receiving record in a post season game, held by Jerry Rice, by getting a whopping 419 yards. Amazing.
Larry Fitzgerald became the fourth man in NFL history to record three consecutive 100-yard receiving games and the first to do it in the same postseason. He also was the third player to have three TD receptions in an NFL/conference championship game and the first to do it in the opening half.
And the defense for the Cardinals, where has this come from, in two game the Cardinals defense has stopped arguably the best running tandem in the league in Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, and then stop Brian Westbrook, and hold Donovan McNabb at bay and pick him off as well. Could this defense really be the defense that stops the all mighty powerful Steelers?
The biggest surprise of this game for me was the progression of the offense. Everyone knew that the Cardinals offense was lethal, but down the stretch everyone wanted to know how this team that hasn't made the playoffs in a long time and has been a bottom feeder was going to react to the pressure of the playoffs. Well Steven Breaston, and an injured Anquan Boldin fused with Larry Fitzgerald and old man river [Warner] and took the Cardinals to the Super Bowl.
The Cardinals advanced to the first Super Bowl in franchise history. They are the first team with nine wins or fewer in the regular season to reach the Super Bowl in a non-strike season since the 1979 Los Angeles Rams.
Who would have thought that 20 weeks ago we would be talking about the Steelers and the Cardinals in the Super Bowl? Steelers were a favorite but the Cardinals were still that team that I picked every year and always disappointed, well not this year. Could this really be a story book ending for the Cardinals?
They remind me of the New York Giants of last year, for the fact that they have been the under dog all playoff long and no one saw them coming much like the Giants of '07-'08. Can they end the way they did?
The Steelers are the big bad wrecking crew and are already a six point favorite in Las Vegas and have the defense to back it up. Time will tell...
Is there still time for Cinderella to finish her last dance, or has the clock already struck midnight?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Blockbuster NBA Trade Rumor
There was a rumor floating around today that a big 7 man blockbuster trade could be in the works. The details are as follows:
The Suns trade Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa, Robin Lopez to the Raptors for Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker, Jason Kapono, and maybe even Jamario Moon as cap filler.
Interesting, if I am the Raptors and this is true I pull the trigger immediately.
The Suns trade Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa, Robin Lopez to the Raptors for Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani, Anthony Parker, Jason Kapono, and maybe even Jamario Moon as cap filler.
Interesting, if I am the Raptors and this is true I pull the trigger immediately.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Cowboys to Release Owens?
Improving locker room chemistry will be the highest priority for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason and that will force serious discussions between Wade Phillips' coaching staff and owner Jerry Jones about whether to release controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens, according to team and league sources.
"I think we all know that chemistry is the problem with this team more than the schemes or anything else,'' a Cowboys source said. "Are we going to continue to allow talent to outweigh everything else in the decisions we make with players and putting the roster together? We're like the Redskins used to be when they signed every player they wanted. There's more to it than talent. It has to be more about the team.''
"The big one [Owens] didn't get discussed yet, but I'm sure it will and real hard.''
The Cowboys released twice-suspended cornerback Pacman Jones last week and Tank Johnson is expected to depart through free agency. Both decisions are at least partly related to the renewed emphasis on creating a different atmosphere in the locker room. The Cowboys began their ill-fated 2008 season with three players on the roster who had been suspended by the league or their previous teams -- Jones, Johnson and Owens.
At least two sources believe that vice president Stephen Jones will attempt to convince his father that Owens should be finished with the Cowboys. But Jerry Jones just last year invested a $12 million signing bonus in Owens, which means there would be salary-cap fallout. In fact, Jerry Jones has suggested that there might be enough damage that the team would find it difficult to sign NFL sack leader DeMarcus Ware to a new contract.
"I think we all know that chemistry is the problem with this team more than the schemes or anything else,'' a Cowboys source said. "Are we going to continue to allow talent to outweigh everything else in the decisions we make with players and putting the roster together? We're like the Redskins used to be when they signed every player they wanted. There's more to it than talent. It has to be more about the team.''
"The big one [Owens] didn't get discussed yet, but I'm sure it will and real hard.''
The Cowboys released twice-suspended cornerback Pacman Jones last week and Tank Johnson is expected to depart through free agency. Both decisions are at least partly related to the renewed emphasis on creating a different atmosphere in the locker room. The Cowboys began their ill-fated 2008 season with three players on the roster who had been suspended by the league or their previous teams -- Jones, Johnson and Owens.
At least two sources believe that vice president Stephen Jones will attempt to convince his father that Owens should be finished with the Cowboys. But Jerry Jones just last year invested a $12 million signing bonus in Owens, which means there would be salary-cap fallout. In fact, Jerry Jones has suggested that there might be enough damage that the team would find it difficult to sign NFL sack leader DeMarcus Ware to a new contract.
Eli to Cash In?
Eli Manning's contract is set to expire at the end of the 2009 season, and the Giants are expected to soon make a move to keep the quarterback in New York for the foreseeable future.
Several NFL sources say that Eli's next deal could be worth a league-high $15 million per season, which would be $1 million more annually than his brother, Peyton.
Peyton signed a seven-year, $98 million deal with the Colts in 2004.
Several agents and personnel people believe that Eli appears to be in line for a seven or eight-year contract worth $110 million-$120 million with $40 million in guarantees.
Several NFL sources say that Eli's next deal could be worth a league-high $15 million per season, which would be $1 million more annually than his brother, Peyton.
Peyton signed a seven-year, $98 million deal with the Colts in 2004.
Several agents and personnel people believe that Eli appears to be in line for a seven or eight-year contract worth $110 million-$120 million with $40 million in guarantees.
Monday, January 12, 2009
LeBron and Howard to Coach Rooks and Sophs
Dwight Howard and LeBron James have been asked by the NBA to coach the rookie-sophomore game during February's All-Star festivities.
The exhibition will be held on Friday night, the beginning of All-Star Weekend.
"That should be cool, a lot of fun," Howard said.
The exhibition will be held on Friday night, the beginning of All-Star Weekend.
"That should be cool, a lot of fun," Howard said.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Knicks Try To Pedal Off Curry
Marc Stein of ESPN has been told that the Knicks tried to sell the Heat on a trade for Shawn Marion that centered around Eddy Curry.
Curry will make $9.7 million this season, and his contract runs through the 2010-11 campaign.
Not surprisingly, Miami wasn't very interested in the deal.
Curry will make $9.7 million this season, and his contract runs through the 2010-11 campaign.
Not surprisingly, Miami wasn't very interested in the deal.
Texas Rangers Seeking Suitors for Michael Young?
FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports that Rangers shortstop Michael Young asked for a trade back in December when club officials requested that he play third base in the upcoming season.
According to Rosenthal, Young was "absolutely livid" that the Rangers would request such a move just months after he was awarded his first Gold Glove. The team was simply hoping to clear a spot for top prospect Elvis Andrus, but now they've got a real problem on thier hands. GM Jon Daniels is expected to explore trade opportunites, but a deal seems unlikely at this point. White Sox GM Ken Williams has already said that he "would not waste time" discussing the possibility. The asking price would be far too high for most clubs.
According to Rosenthal, Young was "absolutely livid" that the Rangers would request such a move just months after he was awarded his first Gold Glove. The team was simply hoping to clear a spot for top prospect Elvis Andrus, but now they've got a real problem on thier hands. GM Jon Daniels is expected to explore trade opportunites, but a deal seems unlikely at this point. White Sox GM Ken Williams has already said that he "would not waste time" discussing the possibility. The asking price would be far too high for most clubs.
Week In Review For MLB
Perhaps the best signing of the week, the Rays inked Pat Burrell to a two-year, $16MM contract. For a guy coming off four straight .875 or higher OPS seasons, that's a great deal, especially when you factor in that he won't have to play in the field. The Rays biggest problem in 2008 came against LHP, which Burrell absolutely crushes. Great signing for Tampa.
From the best signing to the longest: The Angels signed manager Mike Scioscia to an extension through the 2018 season! Talk about the organization putting faith in you...
More bargains this week, as the A's signed Jason Giambi to a one-year deal worth $4.5MM, with an option for 2010 at $5MM. Very affordable signing by Oakland; nice move.
The Cubs signed Milton Bradley to a three-year, $30MM contract this week. If Bradley can stay healthy, this move will likely work out just fine. However, given his injury history, it's a bit uncertain how he'll be able to handle playing in the outfield every day for the Cubs. Still, if he can come close to matching his ridiculous 2008 production (.999 OPS), he'll be a very welcome addition to the middle of the Cubs' order. The Cubs also completed their swap of Jason Marquis for Luis Vizcaino.
The Braves continued to improve their starting pitching when they signed Kenshin Kawakami to a three-year deal this week. The terms of the contract are still unknown, but given Kawakami's success in Japan, he'll be another big step up for the Braves' pitching staff.
Kawakami wasn't the only Japanese player to sign this week; the Orioles reached an agreement with Koji Uehara on a two-year, $10MM deal that could reach $16MM total with incentives. The Orioles are also on the verge of signing Gregg Zaun to a one-year contract.
Boston may have had the busiest week of all. They signed Rocco Baldelli and John Smoltz (yes, John Smoltz) to one-year deals, and did the same with Takashi Saito.
It's tough to imagine Smoltz outside of Atlanta, but he'll be calling a different city his home for the first time in 2009. Baldelli will receive a base salary of $500K, while Smoltz's base is $5MM and Saito's is believed to be $1.5-$2.5MM. I like all of these signings by Boston.
Another icon finding a new home will be Trevor Hoffman; he signed a one-year deal worth $6MM with the Brewers this week.
The Mets added to the back-end of their rotation, agreeing to terms with Tim Redding on a one-year, $2.25MM deal for the 2009 season. Nice, affordable signing for the Mets.
The Indians also made an inexpensive signing, when they inked Carl Pavano to a one-year, $1.5MM contract. If Pavano can remain healthy and have any sort of rebound, the Indians have a bargain on their hands. Nice low-risk, high-reward type signing.
One pitcher not attempting to make a comeback will be John Patterson; he retired this week after struggling with health issues ever since his strong 2005 campaign.
The Reds signed Jerry Hairston Jr. to a one-year, $2MM contract with another $2MM in incentives.
A couple of Yankees notes: They would like to move one of their corner players, but prefer to keep Nick Swisher over Xavier Nady. Also, Andy Pettitte rejected their offer of one year at $10MM. I'm surprised, because at this point I can't imagine him finding a better deal than that.
The Phillies found themselves with a sudden hole in the bullpen when J.C. Romero was suspended 50 games for testing positive for a banned substance. Romero claims he did nothing wrong. Sergio Mitre joined him the next day.
From the best signing to the longest: The Angels signed manager Mike Scioscia to an extension through the 2018 season! Talk about the organization putting faith in you...
More bargains this week, as the A's signed Jason Giambi to a one-year deal worth $4.5MM, with an option for 2010 at $5MM. Very affordable signing by Oakland; nice move.
The Cubs signed Milton Bradley to a three-year, $30MM contract this week. If Bradley can stay healthy, this move will likely work out just fine. However, given his injury history, it's a bit uncertain how he'll be able to handle playing in the outfield every day for the Cubs. Still, if he can come close to matching his ridiculous 2008 production (.999 OPS), he'll be a very welcome addition to the middle of the Cubs' order. The Cubs also completed their swap of Jason Marquis for Luis Vizcaino.
The Braves continued to improve their starting pitching when they signed Kenshin Kawakami to a three-year deal this week. The terms of the contract are still unknown, but given Kawakami's success in Japan, he'll be another big step up for the Braves' pitching staff.
Kawakami wasn't the only Japanese player to sign this week; the Orioles reached an agreement with Koji Uehara on a two-year, $10MM deal that could reach $16MM total with incentives. The Orioles are also on the verge of signing Gregg Zaun to a one-year contract.
Boston may have had the busiest week of all. They signed Rocco Baldelli and John Smoltz (yes, John Smoltz) to one-year deals, and did the same with Takashi Saito.
It's tough to imagine Smoltz outside of Atlanta, but he'll be calling a different city his home for the first time in 2009. Baldelli will receive a base salary of $500K, while Smoltz's base is $5MM and Saito's is believed to be $1.5-$2.5MM. I like all of these signings by Boston.
Another icon finding a new home will be Trevor Hoffman; he signed a one-year deal worth $6MM with the Brewers this week.
The Mets added to the back-end of their rotation, agreeing to terms with Tim Redding on a one-year, $2.25MM deal for the 2009 season. Nice, affordable signing for the Mets.
The Indians also made an inexpensive signing, when they inked Carl Pavano to a one-year, $1.5MM contract. If Pavano can remain healthy and have any sort of rebound, the Indians have a bargain on their hands. Nice low-risk, high-reward type signing.
One pitcher not attempting to make a comeback will be John Patterson; he retired this week after struggling with health issues ever since his strong 2005 campaign.
The Reds signed Jerry Hairston Jr. to a one-year, $2MM contract with another $2MM in incentives.
A couple of Yankees notes: They would like to move one of their corner players, but prefer to keep Nick Swisher over Xavier Nady. Also, Andy Pettitte rejected their offer of one year at $10MM. I'm surprised, because at this point I can't imagine him finding a better deal than that.
The Phillies found themselves with a sudden hole in the bullpen when J.C. Romero was suspended 50 games for testing positive for a banned substance. Romero claims he did nothing wrong. Sergio Mitre joined him the next day.
More Than A Win Up For Grabs On Sunday
As the Giants and the Eagles prepare for their divisional playoff game, the mayor of each city placed a traditional wager on the outcome.
If the Giants win, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter will send five cheesesteaks from popular shops across Philadelphia.
If the Eagles win, New York City Mayor Bloomberg will send a giant, New York-style cheesecake from Manhattan's Carnegie Deli.
If the Giants win, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter will send five cheesesteaks from popular shops across Philadelphia.
If the Eagles win, New York City Mayor Bloomberg will send a giant, New York-style cheesecake from Manhattan's Carnegie Deli.
Call It Upset Saturday!
In case you have been trapped inside your room that has no television, radio, cell phone or window...the underdogs all won on Saturday.
The Cardinals of Arizona thumped the Panthers from Carolina, 33-13. Larry Fitzgerald has his way with the Panthers secondary making spectacular catch after spectacular catch. The defense of Arizona, that I "poo-pooed" in my last blog entry forced a mind boggling five interceptions by Jake Delhomme. The upset story of the year, I guess you can call them the Cinderella or George Mason of the NFL playoffs. They now await the victor of Sunday's epic show down of the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants.
The Ravens also took care of business and beat the Tennessee Titans 13-10 on a field goal by Matt Stover in the last minute of the game. The Defense came to play of the Ravens, (what else is new) and Ray Lewis put a hurting on plenty of Titans. The Ravens are now in the same boat as the Cardinals as they were under dogs and on the road for both of their games in which they have come out on top. They now wait for the winner of the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Cardinals of Arizona thumped the Panthers from Carolina, 33-13. Larry Fitzgerald has his way with the Panthers secondary making spectacular catch after spectacular catch. The defense of Arizona, that I "poo-pooed" in my last blog entry forced a mind boggling five interceptions by Jake Delhomme. The upset story of the year, I guess you can call them the Cinderella or George Mason of the NFL playoffs. They now await the victor of Sunday's epic show down of the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants.
The Ravens also took care of business and beat the Tennessee Titans 13-10 on a field goal by Matt Stover in the last minute of the game. The Defense came to play of the Ravens, (what else is new) and Ray Lewis put a hurting on plenty of Titans. The Ravens are now in the same boat as the Cardinals as they were under dogs and on the road for both of their games in which they have come out on top. They now wait for the winner of the San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
My Take On the Divisional Match-Up's
We first take a look at the battle of the NFC East where the Philadelphia Eagles who are coming off a playoff win against the Minnesota Vikings, take on the 12-4 and defending Super Bowl champions, the New York Giants.
After their win last week, the analysts and many fans have all come out in flocks and proclaimed the Eagles as the most dangerous team in the playoffs. And I simply ask why? What have the Eagles done this season and in the playoffs that have made them so ferocious? Their main weapon, Brian Westbrook is not 100% and after him their wide receivers fail to make me tremble. Westbrook has come out and said he is not practicing all week but he will start. Sure Donovan McNabb has played well over the last six weeks since he was benched but after the screen and check down to Westbrook he has nothing. Over the week already I have gotten many emails and text messages asking me how in the world the Giants are going to beat the Eagles, and I have said the same thing over and over. The running game for the New York Giants is second to none. Earth, Wind and Fire will torment the Eagles and their front line. In the first game against the Eagles the Giants running game ran for a modest 219 yards with a spiffy 4.9 yards per carry average. In the second game against the Eagles this season the Giants running game ran for a normal 88 yards. Besides the running game for the Giants the game plan will center around short passes to Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon. The gaping hole for the Giants will be that #1 wide-out they lack, Plaxico Burress. Then again as long as everything goes to plan Eli Manning will not have to throw the ball more than 25 times because the running game will pace and soften the Eagles. Therefore there is no reason to worry about the Eagles secondary that much. These teams know each other, maybe better than any two teams know each other in the NFL. Giants win in a run dominated game, 24-13.
The San Diego Chargers have their hands full with the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend as Troy Polamalu and defensive player of the year James Harrison will torment Phillip Rivers all day. The Steelers will have two concerns in this game, 1. Stop Darren Sproles. When you see #49 in the game put eight in the box and stop that man. He is the big threat as LT is hurt and most likely will not play or see very limited action in this contest. Sproles has become one of if not the biggest play maker in the NFL. The #2 concern for the Steelers will be how Big Ben Roethlisberger will fair coming off his concussion. Roethlisberger the last time he suffered a concussion back in 2006 in his first game back he played terrible. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has said that Big Ben will play and will start. This being the case, look for Willie Parker to have a huge game. The Chargers front four are not run stoppers as the Chargers allow over 102 yards per game this year. The defense for the Steelers I believe is superior to the Chargers. Yes, the Chargers held Peyton Manning and the Colts to only 17 points but I feel like their secondary this year has lacked play making ability as Antonio Cromartie has not played up to his expectations. Troy Polamalu is a huge play maker and I see him being a big factor in the outcome of this game. As will James Harrison. This is the big stage and its my gut feeling that Harrison wants to show everyone why he was the DPOY. And so I give the win to the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-17.
The Ravens and the Titans will square off as the once undefeated Titans will look to get that running game off the ground and dominate like they once did. But the way the Titans went into the playoffs losing the last two out of three games makes me a bit worried. Albert Haynesworth returned to practice as did Kyle Vanden Bosch. The Ravens played great against the Miami Dolphins and dismantled them 27-9. Ed Reed had two interceptions, one which he took to the house. He has cemented himself as the best defensive play maker in the league. Ray Lewis and the rest of that Ravens defense will be hunting to get to Kerry Collins as well as stopping the run as they have done so well all year. The Titans will look to give the ball to Chris Johnson and Lendale White more than they will pass unless this game gets out of hand quickly. That being the case I feel the defense that has carried the Ravens all year will be top notch and will provide enough cushion for the Ravens to make plays on offense. Joe Flacco has played great and has found his guy Derrick Mason in plenty of key situations. Think about this when the Titans will need to make a play and the run game hasn't been working, Kerry Collins has only thrown for 12 touchdowns all year. My upset pick of the week is this, the Baltimore Ravens beat the Tennessee Titans 24-10.
The Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers will be the blow out game of the weekend. The Panthers high powered offense will have the Cardinals defense spinning. Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will have huge games. I see over 200 yards for them combined as well as three touchdowns. Then there is Steve Smith, the little wide receiver that catches everything, anytime the Panthers need a big play he somehow gets open and makes a 50 yard catch. The Cardinals are feeling good for making the playoffs and winning a game, but now have their hands full. Kurt Warner will have to try and pick apart a secondary that has been outstanding all year. There has only been one pass interference call all year on the Panthers secondary. Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston will have to carry the reigns as Anquan Boldin is hurt and wont be 100% for the game. He has said that he will take injections to numb the pain and then try and play. I cant see how the Cardinals have this game close. The Panthers have too many weapons. Carolina destroys the Cardinals of Arizona 38-17.
An exciting week of football is ahead, can the Ravens and their defense win again and prove to everyone that defense really does win games? Can the New York Giants continue to win and try to repeat as champions? Will the Chargers shock the world again? and will Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart continue to show everyone how great they really are and run their Panthers further into the playoffs? All these questions will be answer this Saturday and Sunday. Stay Tuned!
After their win last week, the analysts and many fans have all come out in flocks and proclaimed the Eagles as the most dangerous team in the playoffs. And I simply ask why? What have the Eagles done this season and in the playoffs that have made them so ferocious? Their main weapon, Brian Westbrook is not 100% and after him their wide receivers fail to make me tremble. Westbrook has come out and said he is not practicing all week but he will start. Sure Donovan McNabb has played well over the last six weeks since he was benched but after the screen and check down to Westbrook he has nothing. Over the week already I have gotten many emails and text messages asking me how in the world the Giants are going to beat the Eagles, and I have said the same thing over and over. The running game for the New York Giants is second to none. Earth, Wind and Fire will torment the Eagles and their front line. In the first game against the Eagles the Giants running game ran for a modest 219 yards with a spiffy 4.9 yards per carry average. In the second game against the Eagles this season the Giants running game ran for a normal 88 yards. Besides the running game for the Giants the game plan will center around short passes to Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon. The gaping hole for the Giants will be that #1 wide-out they lack, Plaxico Burress. Then again as long as everything goes to plan Eli Manning will not have to throw the ball more than 25 times because the running game will pace and soften the Eagles. Therefore there is no reason to worry about the Eagles secondary that much. These teams know each other, maybe better than any two teams know each other in the NFL. Giants win in a run dominated game, 24-13.
The San Diego Chargers have their hands full with the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend as Troy Polamalu and defensive player of the year James Harrison will torment Phillip Rivers all day. The Steelers will have two concerns in this game, 1. Stop Darren Sproles. When you see #49 in the game put eight in the box and stop that man. He is the big threat as LT is hurt and most likely will not play or see very limited action in this contest. Sproles has become one of if not the biggest play maker in the NFL. The #2 concern for the Steelers will be how Big Ben Roethlisberger will fair coming off his concussion. Roethlisberger the last time he suffered a concussion back in 2006 in his first game back he played terrible. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has said that Big Ben will play and will start. This being the case, look for Willie Parker to have a huge game. The Chargers front four are not run stoppers as the Chargers allow over 102 yards per game this year. The defense for the Steelers I believe is superior to the Chargers. Yes, the Chargers held Peyton Manning and the Colts to only 17 points but I feel like their secondary this year has lacked play making ability as Antonio Cromartie has not played up to his expectations. Troy Polamalu is a huge play maker and I see him being a big factor in the outcome of this game. As will James Harrison. This is the big stage and its my gut feeling that Harrison wants to show everyone why he was the DPOY. And so I give the win to the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-17.
The Ravens and the Titans will square off as the once undefeated Titans will look to get that running game off the ground and dominate like they once did. But the way the Titans went into the playoffs losing the last two out of three games makes me a bit worried. Albert Haynesworth returned to practice as did Kyle Vanden Bosch. The Ravens played great against the Miami Dolphins and dismantled them 27-9. Ed Reed had two interceptions, one which he took to the house. He has cemented himself as the best defensive play maker in the league. Ray Lewis and the rest of that Ravens defense will be hunting to get to Kerry Collins as well as stopping the run as they have done so well all year. The Titans will look to give the ball to Chris Johnson and Lendale White more than they will pass unless this game gets out of hand quickly. That being the case I feel the defense that has carried the Ravens all year will be top notch and will provide enough cushion for the Ravens to make plays on offense. Joe Flacco has played great and has found his guy Derrick Mason in plenty of key situations. Think about this when the Titans will need to make a play and the run game hasn't been working, Kerry Collins has only thrown for 12 touchdowns all year. My upset pick of the week is this, the Baltimore Ravens beat the Tennessee Titans 24-10.
The Arizona Cardinals and the Carolina Panthers will be the blow out game of the weekend. The Panthers high powered offense will have the Cardinals defense spinning. Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will have huge games. I see over 200 yards for them combined as well as three touchdowns. Then there is Steve Smith, the little wide receiver that catches everything, anytime the Panthers need a big play he somehow gets open and makes a 50 yard catch. The Cardinals are feeling good for making the playoffs and winning a game, but now have their hands full. Kurt Warner will have to try and pick apart a secondary that has been outstanding all year. There has only been one pass interference call all year on the Panthers secondary. Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston will have to carry the reigns as Anquan Boldin is hurt and wont be 100% for the game. He has said that he will take injections to numb the pain and then try and play. I cant see how the Cardinals have this game close. The Panthers have too many weapons. Carolina destroys the Cardinals of Arizona 38-17.
An exciting week of football is ahead, can the Ravens and their defense win again and prove to everyone that defense really does win games? Can the New York Giants continue to win and try to repeat as champions? Will the Chargers shock the world again? and will Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart continue to show everyone how great they really are and run their Panthers further into the playoffs? All these questions will be answer this Saturday and Sunday. Stay Tuned!
Why Indy and Atlanta Lost Last Weekend
Well after a crazy wild card weekend, where I went 2-2 we will look at the next week as the divisions are up for grabs. I want to look at the wild card games and discuss why my two picks of Atlanta and Indianapolis were wrong.
Now besides the fact that they lost the games, certain things happened in each of these games that caused these surprising loses. Both of these teams going into the weekend were the Las Vegas favorites. Atlanta had certain things going for them, a top three running back in Michael Turner was ready to carry the load, but somehow the Cardinals were able to keep him at bay and hold him to just 42 yards on 18 carries with one score. Matt Ryan, the rookie of the year was tossed into the fire and saw how different the playoffs were. His first pass in the playoffs was intercepted and it all went downhill from there. Ryan threw two interceptions and 199 yards, as his rookie stature came out. On the other side the Cardinals played better than I thought they would. The catch by Larry Fitzgerald was phenomenal. Fitz caught a 42 yard touchdown pass jumping over two defenders and flopping to the ground with the ball. But what happened with Arizona? The disgruntled Edge, threw up 73 yards along with Tim Hightower who contributed with 23 yards and a score. The defense for the Cardinals played great, three sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Kurt Warner played like a veteran, two touchdowns only one interception and over 270 yards through the air. So now the Cardinals move on and play the Carolina Panthers.
The shocking loss to the San Diego Chargers by MVP Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts was ridiculous. Darren Sproles had himself a field day racking up 328 all purpose yards tied for third all time in a playoff game. Ladainan Tomlinson scored a touchdown in the first quarter but then passed the ball off Sproles who carried the load the rest of the way. Tomlinson's injury seems to be much more serious than it originally was made out to be. Phillip Rivers had a bad game, no touchdowns, one interception and 217 yards threw the air. It was all Sproles all the time. For the Colts Manning did what he could 310 yards and a touchdown and no turnovers but the running game was not there and in the end it just was not enough. Norv Turner and his Chargers now face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now besides the fact that they lost the games, certain things happened in each of these games that caused these surprising loses. Both of these teams going into the weekend were the Las Vegas favorites. Atlanta had certain things going for them, a top three running back in Michael Turner was ready to carry the load, but somehow the Cardinals were able to keep him at bay and hold him to just 42 yards on 18 carries with one score. Matt Ryan, the rookie of the year was tossed into the fire and saw how different the playoffs were. His first pass in the playoffs was intercepted and it all went downhill from there. Ryan threw two interceptions and 199 yards, as his rookie stature came out. On the other side the Cardinals played better than I thought they would. The catch by Larry Fitzgerald was phenomenal. Fitz caught a 42 yard touchdown pass jumping over two defenders and flopping to the ground with the ball. But what happened with Arizona? The disgruntled Edge, threw up 73 yards along with Tim Hightower who contributed with 23 yards and a score. The defense for the Cardinals played great, three sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble. Kurt Warner played like a veteran, two touchdowns only one interception and over 270 yards through the air. So now the Cardinals move on and play the Carolina Panthers.
The shocking loss to the San Diego Chargers by MVP Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts was ridiculous. Darren Sproles had himself a field day racking up 328 all purpose yards tied for third all time in a playoff game. Ladainan Tomlinson scored a touchdown in the first quarter but then passed the ball off Sproles who carried the load the rest of the way. Tomlinson's injury seems to be much more serious than it originally was made out to be. Phillip Rivers had a bad game, no touchdowns, one interception and 217 yards threw the air. It was all Sproles all the time. For the Colts Manning did what he could 310 yards and a touchdown and no turnovers but the running game was not there and in the end it just was not enough. Norv Turner and his Chargers now face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Recent Tid Bits From the MLB
- The Giants may be considering two offers for Manny Ramirez. One for two years "with vesting and club options that could make it a four-year, $100MM contract." The other for 3 years, $63MM, with no options.
- Derek Lowe has not given up on a 5 year, $80MM offer, although that remains doubtful.
Barry Bonds had hip surgery and wants to return in 2009. Some still speculate he will pursue collusion charges.
- Tony La Russa is considering using Chris Carpenter as a closer.
- The Braves, Phillies, and Red Sox and perhaps the Brewers and Angels are all expressing interest in Derek Lowe. Lowe is still looking for $16MM per year and rejected the Mets offer of 3 years, $36MM, his highest offer to date.
Buster Olney feels Lowe may have missed out on the big money when the Yankees signed A.J. Burnett for 5 years, $82.5MM over him; however, as Heyman points out, Lowe has been far more consistent and durable: "He's won at least 12 games each of the past seven seasons and thrown at least 199 innings in six of those seven (he threw 182 innings the one year he didn't reach 199."
- Five teams have expressed interest in Ken Griffey Jr., according to Jon Heyman who confirms the Rays and Mariners are two of them. One other AL team and two NL clubs comprise the five.
For Griffey, Seattle would be a nostalgic return; however, the Rays would provide the convenience of playing two hours from his Orlando home.
- Derek Lowe has not given up on a 5 year, $80MM offer, although that remains doubtful.
Barry Bonds had hip surgery and wants to return in 2009. Some still speculate he will pursue collusion charges.
- Tony La Russa is considering using Chris Carpenter as a closer.
- The Braves, Phillies, and Red Sox and perhaps the Brewers and Angels are all expressing interest in Derek Lowe. Lowe is still looking for $16MM per year and rejected the Mets offer of 3 years, $36MM, his highest offer to date.
Buster Olney feels Lowe may have missed out on the big money when the Yankees signed A.J. Burnett for 5 years, $82.5MM over him; however, as Heyman points out, Lowe has been far more consistent and durable: "He's won at least 12 games each of the past seven seasons and thrown at least 199 innings in six of those seven (he threw 182 innings the one year he didn't reach 199."
- Five teams have expressed interest in Ken Griffey Jr., according to Jon Heyman who confirms the Rays and Mariners are two of them. One other AL team and two NL clubs comprise the five.
For Griffey, Seattle would be a nostalgic return; however, the Rays would provide the convenience of playing two hours from his Orlando home.
Here We Go Again: Favre Edition
The NFL regular season has been over for less than a week but the speculation over New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre's future has already begun.
Favre said when he spoke to Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum on Monday, he told him "it may be time to look in a different direction" at the quarterback, Peter King of SI.com reported. King spoke to Favre on Friday about his plans.
Favre and the Jets finished the season by losing four of their last five. The skid cost coach Eric Mangini his job.
King said Tannenbaum asked Favre to take his time in thinking about the future.
"I'm going to do like Mike [Tannenbaum] says -- give it a few weeks and make a decision,'' Favre told King.
Favre told King that the Jets' doctors recommended he have arthroscopic surgery to repair his damaged right biceps if he plans to play next season. Favre declined.
Sorry NFL, Cowher Not Coming Back in 09
Bill Cowher doesn't plan to coach in the NFL next year, and will stay with CBS Sports as a studio analyst.
Cowher was recently wooed by the New York Jets, but said during "The NFL Today" on Sunday that he's taking it "year to year."
"It's a privilege and an honor to be a head coach in the National Football League," Cowher said. "And I have been flattered about the attention, but the timing right now is not right. I don't plan on coaching next year."
The Super Bowl winning coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2006, Cowher took himself out of the running as a candidate for the Jets job on Dec. 30. He also was a candidate for the vacant Cleveland job, but asked to be taken off the list.
CBS Sports will broadcast the 2010 Super Bowl in Miami.
Cassel Gets The Tag?
The New England Patriots have decided to ensure that quarterback Matt Cassel won't be an unrestricted free agent, as scheduled in March.
Sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen that the Patriots will use a franchise tag on Cassel that will give the team two options: Trade him if all goes well with Tom Brady's rehabilitation from a knee injury or keep him because all is not well with Brady.
The Patriots' intention to franchise Cassel was first reported by the National Football Post.
That would mean the Patriots would have about $29 million in salary cap space tied up in two quarterbacks, with Brady earning almost $15 million and Cassel guaranteed over $14 million.
However, the cap jumps to $123 million per team, which gives the Patriots $94 million to manage the rest of their roster.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Peyton Manning Wins MVP
AP just reported that Peyton Manning has won the MVP. Just like I said in my post right below with the breakdown of the SD vs IND game. Congrats Peyton.
Wild Card Weekend Breakdown
Well we enter a new year with some delightful football, a massive weekend of wild card action.
First of all we need to mention a couple things. Congrats to the Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons for proving the entire world wrong and playing well beyond anyone’s imagination, even their own. The Dolphins went from a laughing stock that was 1-15 last year, to a playoff team and AFC East champions, way to "stick it to the man" Miami. Also the Falcons went from losers to winners, from Vick to Ryan, from dog fighting to playoff hopes. On the shoulders of rookie Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and wide out Roddy White the Falcons may make some noise this playoff season.
On to the breakdown of Wild Card weekend. The first game this weekend will be the Atlanta Falcons traveling to Arizona to face the Cardinals. This is the first time the Cardinals have hosted a playoff game since 1947. This game will turn out either of two ways, either we will see an epic shootout where the point total will be close to 75 or a blow out, where one team wins by 21 or more. The Falcons will try and do what they have done all year, surprise the NFL and use Michael "The Burner" Turner as much as possible. Turner is arguably the best off season move by any team and has played like a man possesed, especially last week when he finished the regular season with a 208 yard game. Both teams have a suspect defense but if you have to chose, you have to go with the Atlanta defense, lead by John Abraham. The offense as long as its not snowing favors Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals. The weapons for Warner are massive, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald and booming onto the scene this year Steve Breaston. The Cardinals at home are always good, while the Falcons on the road are .500 at 4-4. Picking this game was tough for me as I have loved what Atlanta did this season and calling for them being a playoff team before the midway point this season. I have also at one point this season hailed Kurt Warner as the MVP around week 10. But this time I will go with the upset and pick the Atlanta Falcons to win in a shootout. Ryan is on a tear and no one of the Cardinals defense scares me enough to stop Turner and Michael Jenkins and Roddy White. Falcons win 35-28
Next we look at the Philadelphia Eagles at the Minnesota Vikings. I think the Vikings have no chance. Unless Donovan McNabb looks like he did the game he got benched the Eagles should cruise to victory. They are riding a high right now after spanking the Dallas Cowboys by a million the final game of the season, while the Vikings are gaining solace from beating a New York Giants team that played all back ups by two points. We know and the Eagles know how good Adrian Peterson is. He will be a factor but if the Eagles can stop him the Vikings will struggle to put up 14 points. The passing game along with the defense of the Eagles lately will prove to be a huge hill to over come. The key factor for the Eagles will be to hold Adrian Peterson to a modest game and making sure they get enough plays for Brian Westbrook. Westbrook is the key to that offense, as Westbrook goes, the Eagles go. I have the Eagles winning this game, much to the chagrin of us Giants fans, 24-13.
Moving on to the Miami Dolphins at the Baltimore Ravens. The fish from the sunshine state who have swam up the stream to success under the tutelage of Bill Parcells and Tony Sparano will find themselves in a defensive struggle in this one. The Ravens defense is fantastic, (what else is new) and rookie Joe Flacco is playing better than the Ravens could imagine. The running game from the Ravens has been surprising, as Willis McGhee, Leron McClain and Ray Rice have all contributed nicely this year. But it is the defense that paces the Ravens and I just do not see the Dolphins and comeback player of the year Chad Pennington able to beat this defense. However, if Sparano makes some adjustments and fires out the Wildcat version 5.403 they might have a chance. Otherwise I see the Ravens beating the Phins 17-6.
We now transition to the best game of the weekend, the Indianapolis Colts at the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers are feeling good, crushing the now coach-less Denver Broncos in the final game of the season to clinch the division and being the first team ever in the NFL to make it to the playoffs after starting the season 4-8. On the other hand Peyton Manning and the Colts are feeling better, winning the wild card and finishing the season 8-0. Some positive things to note, Ladanian Tomlinson looked like the LT of old in the last game scoring three touchdowns. Phillip Rivers rounded off a solid season and found Antonio Gates in the end zone several times. For the Colts it is still all about Peyton Manning and after the stretch of games he has played over the last two months it is my judgment that he is the MVP of the 2008 season. As far as this game goes, the Colts will know what they are facing as this will be the second time they are facing the Chargers this season. Their previous meeting in week 12 the Colts edged the Chargers 23-20. I foresee another huge game for Manning 300+ yards as the Chargers defense has been horrible all year and ranked in the bottom 10 all year. Rivers and company will be able to keep up offense wise but I think the defense for the Colts will win it. I see at least one touchdown coming from the defense of the Colts and that being the primary reason for the Chargers downfall. This will be a really close game until late I feel, a defensive touchdown by the Colts and late turnovers by Rivers lead to a Colts victory. Indianapolis beats San Diego one more time 27-20.
We now get to see NFL football on Saturday and Sunday so enjoy the games and get ready for some crazy-ness. Those on the bye weeks, New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans will all be watching intensely...will you?
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